{\rtf1{\info{\title Summoner 20}{\author Eric

Vall}}\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang1033
{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fprq2\fcharset128 Times New Roman;}
{\f1\froman\fprq2\fcharset128 Times New Roman;}{\f2\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset128
Arial;}{\f3\fnil\fprq2\fcharset128 Arial;}{\f4\fnil\fprq2\fcharset128 MS Mincho;}
{\f5\fnil\fprq2\fcharset128 Tahoma;}{\f6\fnil\fprq0\fcharset128 Tahoma;}}
{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0
\rtlch\fcs1 \af25\afs24\alang1033 \ltrch\fcs0
\fs24\lang1033\langfe255\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp255 \snext0 Normal;}
{\s1\ql
\li0\ri0\sb240\sa120\keepn\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin0\i
tap0 \rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs32\alang1033 \ltrch\fcs0
\b\fs32\lang1033\langfe255\loch\f1\hich\af1\dbch\af26\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp255
\sbasedon15 \snext16 \slink21 heading 1;}
{\s2\ql
\li0\ri0\sb240\sa120\keepn\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\outlinelevel1\rin0\lin0\i
tap0 \rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af0\afs28\alang1033 \ltrch\fcs0
\b\i\fs28\lang1033\langfe255\loch\f1\hich\af1\dbch\af26\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp25
5 \sbasedon15 \snext16 \slink22 heading 2;}
{\s3\ql
\li0\ri0\sb240\sa120\keepn\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\outlinelevel2\rin0\lin0\i
tap0 \rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs28\alang1033 \ltrch\fcs0
\b\fs28\lang1033\langfe255\loch\f1\hich\af1\dbch\af26\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp255
\sbasedon15 \snext16 \slink23 heading 3;}
{\s4\ql
\li0\ri0\sb240\sa120\keepn\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\outlinelevel3\rin0\lin0\i
tap0 \rtlch\fcs1 \ab\ai\af0\afs23\alang1033
\ltrch\fcs0\b\i\fs23\lang1033\langfe255\loch\f1\hich\af1\dbch\af26\cgrid\langnp1033
\langfenp255 \sbasedon15 \snext16 \slink24 heading 4;}
{\s5\ql
\li0\ri0\sb240\sa120\keepn\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\outlinelevel4\rin0\lin0\i
tap0 \rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs23\alang1033 \ltrch\fcs0
\b\fs23\lang1033\langfe255\loch\f1\hich\af1\dbch\af26\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp255
\sbasedon15 \snext16 \slink25 heading 5;}
{\s6\ql
\li0\ri0\sb240\sa120\keepn\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\outlinelevel5\rin0\lin0\i
tap0 \rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs21\alang1033 \ltrch\fcs0
\b\fs21\lang1033\langfe255\loch\f1\hich\af1\dbch\af26\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp255
\sbasedon15 \snext16 \slink26 heading 6;}}
{\qc
}{\par\pard\hyphpar }{\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc

{\*\shppict{\pict\jpegblip\picw1237\pich1978
ffd8ffe000104a4649460001010100dc00dc0000ffdb00430006040506050406060506070706080a100
a0a09090a140e0f0c1017141818171416161a1d251f1a
1b231c1616202c20232627292a29191f2d302d283025282928ffdb0043010707070a080a130a0a13281
a161a2828282828282828282828282828282828282828
282828282828282828282828282828282828282828282828282828282828ffc000110807ba04d503012
200021101031101ffc4001f0000010501010101010100
000000000000000102030405060708090a0bffc400b5100002010303020403050504040000017d01020
300041105122131410613516107227114328191a10823
42b1c11552d1f02433627282090a161718191a25262728292a3435363738393a434445464748494a535
455565758595a636465666768696a737475767778797a
838485868788898a92939495969798999aa2a3a4a5a6a7a8a9aab2b3b4b5b6b7b8b9bac2c3c4c5c6c7c
8c9cad2d3d4d5d6d7d8d9dae1e2e3e4e5e6e7e8e9eaf1
f2f3f4f5f6f7f8f9faffc4001f0100030101010101010101010000000000000102030405060708090a0
bffc400b5110002010204040304070504040001027700
0102031104052131061241510761711322328108144291a1b1c109233352f0156272d10a162434e125f
11718191a262728292a35363738393a43444546474849
4a535455565758595a636465666768696a737475767778797a82838485868788898a929394959697989
99aa2a3a4a5a6a7a8a9aab2b3b4b5b6b7b8b9bac2c3c4
c5c6c7c8c9cad2d3d4d5d6d7d8d9dae2e3e4e5e6e7e8e9eaf2f3f4f5f6f7f8f9faffda000c030100021
10311003f00faa68a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028acbd67c45a2688cabad6b1a6e9c586545ddd2439
1ea371159d078ff00c1d70e12dfc59e1f95cff0a6a50b
1fd1a803a5a29b1c892c6b244eae8c32aca7208f5069d40051451400514514005145140051451400514
5140051593abf89742d16411eb1ad699a7b919db75751
c471f4622b3e1f881e0d9dc241e2df0f48e7f85352849fd1a803a6a29b1489344b242eb246e32aca720
8f5069d40051451400514514005145140051451400514
5140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005148eeb1a33bb0
545192c4e001ea6bc97c65fb41f807c34cd145a8c9acd
d03831696a2551c673e612108edc313cf4a00f5ba2be45f107ed65aaca157c3de19b1b5218e5efa779f
72f6f95366d3f89ae5eebf69df1fcce5a31a3db8feec7
6848ff00c7989a00fb8a8af882cff6a1f1ec07f7b0e8773ff5d6d5c7fe82e2baad0bf6b3bf8e154d7bc
2d6b712eef9a5b2ba68540f6460f93ff02a00fad68af1
3f0efed2de00d572b7f36a1a3c800ff8fcb62eac4fa188bf03d580af51f0ef8b7c3de2407fb035bd375
16550ec96d728ee80f4dca0e57f1028036e8a28a0028a
28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a
28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a
28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a
28a002a2bbb982cad66babc9a2b7b6850c92cb2b854450325989e0003b9ac0f1f78d744f026812eade2
1baf2605cac5120dd2cef8c8445ee4fe0075240e6be18
f8b9f17fc43f11eecc77521b1d111b30e9b039d9d78690f1e6370393c0ec064e403de3e25fed41a7699
2cd63e05b24d52e10ed37f7595b7078fb8830cfdc6495
19191b857cf5e26f8bbe3cf11cacda8789b508e36057c9b493ecd1ed24f0563c06ebdf27deb83aea7c1
7f0ff00c55e35761e19d16eaf635255a7c08e15231906
4621738238ce7da803972492493927bd257d23a27ec9fe209d73ad788b4cb2cf416d13dc11f5cec19fc
eb4eebf648b858c9b5f18c523f61269c507e6243fca80
3e6ed135ed5f419de6d0f55bfd3a57c067b4b8788b01d8ed2335eafe0cfda43c73a0c9147aa4f06bb64
bb54c77681640a3aed9540393eac1be94789ff66bf1f6
8d0f9d650d86b31fcc48b19f0ea0772b205c93e8bb8d78fea56179a5decb67a9da5c59ddc4712417119
8dd0fa152011401fa07f0a7e30f86be2345e4d84ad65a
c2ae64d3ae48121e324c67a3af5e472319206457a3d7e58da5ccf67750dcda4d241730b892396262ae8
c0e43291c820f715f627ece7f1d1bc51343e18f18caa3
5b231677b80ab7600fb8f8e049e87a374e0fde00fa2a8a28a0028a28a002a8eb9abe9fa0e9571a96b37
90d9585baee96799b6aa8e83ea49c000724900735cf7c
4ff881a3fc3bf0e3ea9acc85e57ca5ada211e65c49fdd5f403bb7403dc807e0ff89ff1235ef88bac9bc
d6ae0a5a464fd9ac6262218179e83bb73cb9e4fd00000
3dd3e227ed4ec2696d3c05a6a18d495fed0d414fcdd465220463b1058fd545784f88fe2878dfc46d27f
6b789f539239176bc314de444c318c18e3dabfa57195d
cf823e14f8cfc691c73e85a1dc358b918bc9c886123382559b1bc020e76e4f1d280386a2be94d27f64e
d7655ff0089bf8974cb539e96b0c971ff00a16cad1b9f
d922758c9b6f1945249d849a6941f9894ff2a00f9b344d7b57d06779b43d56ff004e95c00cf6970f116
03b12a466bd6fc15fb4978df419228f57960d7ac57682
974a1250a3aed9546727d5c3d33c53fb36f8f74484cd65058eb310dc48b19bf78a07728e14927d1771a
f1dd42caeb4ebc96d350b69ed6ee16db2433c651d0fa1
53c83401fa13f0b7e2ef863e22c223d32e0daeacabba4d3ae485947a94ecebee391dc0cd7a1d7e58d9d
d5c595d4375673cb6f730b8923962728e8c0e41523904
7a8afb07f67bf8f9ff000925c41e1af1b4b1c5acc84259df60225d1ed1b8e8b21ec460374e1b1b803e8
da28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a
2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800af35f8bdf18740f86f6c22b93fda1ad4833169d
0380c0638691b9d8bee4127b03838e6bf687f8d51780a
d5b44f0f3c73f8a674c96203258a11c3b0e85cf5553fef37180df10df5ddc5fde4f777d3cb71753b992
59a562ceec4e4b1279249a00ed7e247c56f157c409d86
b57e63d3c36534fb5cc702fa6573963eec491938c74ae0eb5fc2fe1cd5fc55ac45a5f87ec26bebe9391
1c43ee8c81b989e15464649200cd7d53f0e7f65cd2aca
286efc7778da95d725ac6d1da3817a8c338c3bf63c6cc1e3e61d403e40032703ad5e4d1b53923f323d3
6f593fbcb0311f9e2bf4abc37e13f0ff8662f2fc3fa2e
9fa702a159ade0547703a6e6032df524d6dd007e574b1490b94991e371d55860d32bf53af6d2dafad9e
def6de1b88241b5e39903ab0f420f06b81d7fe0a7c3cd
6f9b9f0bd8dbb85c2b58eeb5c7be232a09fa83401f9df4aa4ab0652411c823b57d7baf7ec9ba34d83a0
789750b42072b7b0a5c6e3ec57cbc7eb5e59af7ecd1f1
074cc1b2b7d3b5653ff3e77614a8f71284fd33401c6786fe2c78efc3981a5f89f52118508b15c49f688
d54765493705fc00af53f0dfed57e25b3da9afe8ba6ea
71aa81be066b6958fab1f997f00a2bc375ef0b6bfe1ec7f6ee89a969c09daad756cf1ab1f62460fe158
d401f6ef86bf69ff046a4234d5e1d4b4698ae5da587ce
881f40d192c7ea5057a9f86bc77e15f13088685e20d32f6591772c0970a26c7bc670e3f102bf33e8a00
fd54a2bcfbe02f862f3c29f0bb46b0d526b97bf953ed5
324ecc4c0cfc88806fbbb4601038dc18f7af41a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002b98f88de35d2bc03e18b8d6b5a93089f2430a9f9e79483b517dce3af6
009ed5b1afeb161e1fd16f356d5ee52dac2d2332cd2bf
4007a7a9270001c92401c9afcf7f8c9f11affe2478b25d42e1a58f4c80b47a7da31e208f3d481c6f6c0
2c79ec3380300199f123c75ac7c40f11cbab6b7313d56
dedd4feeede3cf08a3f99ea7bd7356d04d757115bdb4524d3cae1238e352ccec4e000072493da96d2da
7bcba86dad21927b999c4714512967762701540e4924e
0015f707ecf7f052dbc076716b5e208e2b8f154c9d3874b15239443d0b9070ce3dd578c9600e33e0c7e
cd90c31c3ac7c458c4b3e43c5a4a3fc883b19987de39f
e0071c724e4a8fa6ecad2dec6d21b5b2822b6b58542470c2811114740aa3803d854d45001451450015c
a7c41f87fe1df1f699f63f11d82caea0886ea3c2cf013
dd1ff5c1ca9c0c835d5d1401f9d1f17be19eadf0d75f167a81fb4e9f3e5acef9170b328ea08fe161919
5cf7ee0e6b86b69e5b6b88a7b69648678983c7246c559
181c8208e4107bd7e95fc45f0769de3bf095ee85ab22f9732ee866dbb9ade500ed917a7209f5190483c
135f9c5e23d1af7c3baf5fe8faa47e55ed94cd04abdb2
a71907b83d41ee083401f797ecfbf1297e22f8304978ca35dd3f6c37ea001bc9076ca00e30c01e3b10c
318c57a857e7a7ecf7e337f05fc4fd2ee659bcbd3af5c
595e82405f2dc801893d02b6d6cf5c023b9afd0ba002b37c4badd8786f41bed63579d60b0b388cb2b9f
41d00f524e001dc902b4abe34fdaefe2336b5e225f086
973ffc4b74b7dd78548c4b738fbb9f440718e3e62d91f28a00f28f8ade3ed4be22f8b27d5f51fdd403f
77696aad95b7887451ea4f527b93d8600e52c6cee750b
d82cec6096e2ea7711c50c4a59dd89c0000e4935057daffb2ffc248fc2ba343e28d7ed7fe2a1be8f741
1ca39b38587181d9d81e4f500ede3e604020f82bfb3b6
99e1fb7b7d5bc710c1a9eb2cbbd6c9c07b7b5cf623a48e3b93f283d3380d5f42280a0050001c003b515
4b5ad56c743d26eb53d5ae63b5b0b58cc934d21e1547f
33d801c938039a00bb457c7bf113f6a2d66f2ee7b5f03da43a7588f952f2ea312dc3f3f7829f9141e98
21bd723a0e4348fda43e23d8deacd75a9da6a510041b7
bab28950fbe6308dfad007de35c97c43f879e1cf1fe9bf65f1158ac92a8221bb8b093c079fbaf8e9ce7
69ca938c838ae7be0b7c5fd23e2658c91247fd9faedb2
eeb8b077dd95ce3cc8db8dcbc8cf00a9383d89f4ea00fcebf8bdf0b759f86bac086fc7dab4b9d8fd96f
e35c24bfecb0e76be3aae7e848ae00120820e08e8457e
9d78c7c33a678bfc3b79a2eb9079d6572b838e191bb3a9ecc0f20ff4afceef89be0ad43c01e2fbcd0b5
2cc9e59df6f7014aadc4273b5c0f7c10464e082327140
1f5cfecc7f15dbc71a1b687ae4ccde22d36304cae726ee018024ce725c1c06cf5ca9c9c9c7b8d7e61f8
43c437fe13f12e9fae691204bdb294489bb3b5874656c
104ab02548cf426bf483c11e25b2f1878534dd7b4c27ecd7b109029eb1b74643eeac0a9fa71401b9451
450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001
4514500145145001451450015e7bf1c3e235bfc37f06c97e3ca9756b9261b0b773f7e4c72e47528a393
f80c8dc0d7a157e7afed01e3d6f1f7c43bcbab694be91
644da58007e531a9e64fab9cb74ce3683d2803cfb52bebad4f50b9bed4277b8bcb991a59a5739677639
24fe26b77e1df82f55f1ef8a2db44d16306593e796660
764118fbcec7d0640f7240ea6b99afd07fd9ff00e1d45f0f7c0f0457310fedcbf0b717ee40cab63e58b
23b2038ea792c7bd006ff00c34f00689f0f3405d37438
3f78f86b9bb703cdb971dd8fa0c9c2f4193ea49eba8ae3fe2af8eec3e1df83ee35bd411a6937086d6d9
4e0cf31076ae7b0e0927b007009c0201b5e26f11e8de1
7d31b50f10ea56da7da2f1be77c6e38276a8eacd8078009af24d4bf69ef005a5db436ebacdf460f135b
da2846fa091d5bf315f1ef8e7c61ad78df5f9b57f10dd
b5c5cbf088388e14ec91aff0a8fccf5249249e7a803f473e1f7c54f08f8f4f95a06a8a6f82ee6b2b853
14ca3d94f0d8ee54903bd7715f967a7dedd69d7d05e58
5c4b6d770389229a262ae8c3a104720d7dfdfb3f7c491f11bc1627bd641ae583082fd14050c4fdc9401
d03007d3e65600600a00f4ea28a65c4d15b4124f71224
50c4a5de4760aa8a064924f0001de803e73fdb33c6bfd9be19b1f09594d8b9d5185c5da8c645ba37ca0
e471ba419c8ff009e647435f1d575ff00167c5f2f8e7c
7fabeb8e5becf34bb2d50e46c817e58c60938240c9c71b893deb90a002bd43f672f050f1afc4ed3e1ba
8c3e99a7ffa75d86190ca846d439183b9ca823fbbbbd2
bcbebeeafd93fc17ff0008c7c358f53ba4dba86bacb76f9182b080442bd79e097cf1feb31da803daa8a
28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a00
28a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a
28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a00
28a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a
28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a00
28a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a2bc5ff69df8987c0
fe12fecbd267d9e20d595922646c35bc3d1e5e3907f85
4f1ce48fbb401e2bfb55fc533e26d6cf85742b92745d3a43f6a74e05cdc0383cf744e83a02d93ce14d7
cfb457bbfecb7f0b17c63afb78875c8164d034b90058a
4195bab8182148eeaa30581eb9518209c007a97ecb5f083fe11fb187c5fe24b75fed7ba8f3636ee326d
6261f7cfa3b03d3aaa9c1e4903e8ba2bcd3e37fc57d3f
e1a6860811ddebd74a7ec7644f1e9e6c98e4203f8b1e0772a01bbf11fe21f87be1ee94b7be21bb2b249
9105a42034f391d76ae4703bb1200e39c919f943c69fb
4d78cb58b865f0eadb681660fca23459e6618c619dc11eff002aa91ea6bc7bc51e21d57c53ad5c6adaf
5e4b797d39cb48e7a0ecaa3a2a8ec0702b3ad6de6bbb9
8aded62926b895c471c51a966762701401c924f6a00f45b3f8e5f122cdd9a2f14dd313d7cd862947e4c
840af6df84bfb4d2ea5a8dbe93e3eb7b6b36998471ea7
6f9488370079aa49da09ce5c1c0c8c803247cdbaff0080fc57e1ed396ff5bf0f6a76364481e74f6ecaa
a4f404e383ec6b9aa00fd54a2bc4ff64ef1ac9e29f872
74dbe94c9a8686eb6a49392d0119898f1e8193e91827ad7b650015f1ff00eda7e135b2f11e93e28b58f
09a8c66d6e8aae079b181b189ee590e3e9157d815e41f
b5768f1eabf05f549995da6d3a686f220a7bef11b13ec12473401f0557e95fc2df107fc253f0ebc3bac
bcbe6cd7567199df18ccca36c9c7fbead5f9a95f6efec
6dac3dff00c2a9ec25910b69b7f2c51a0eab1b859013f56693f2a00f4bf8abe2d8fc11e00d635d7da66
b784adb2119df337cb18c64646e209f604f6afcdcbbb8
9af2ea6b9bb9649ae267692496462ccec4e4b127a924e735f507edb5e2876bad07c2b0484468a751b95
c0c331cc7173d41004bc7fb43dabe5aa00f62fd983e1f
45e37f1efdab528965d1b460b73711ba8659a424f971907b120b1e0821083d6bef2af35fd9dfc1ff00f
0867c2dd2eda642b7f7c3edf76082087900c2907a1540
8a47a83eb5e9540057c7dfb627c4096ff5f87c19a74e458d8059ef82f1e64ec32aa4e390aa41e0e32e7
232a31f5aeb5a941a3e8d7fa9de12b6b656f25cca40c9
088a59bf406bf31b5ed56e75cd6f50d56fd835ddf4ef73315181bdd8b1c0ec327a50050ab7a869d7da6
b40ba8d9dcda34f12cf109e268cc91b7dd75c8e54e0e0
8e0d7a57ecd7e098bc6bf132d12fe25974bd357edd748c32b26d20221c82082e5720f550d5f4afed59e
078fc4ff0e27d5ade31fda9a183748c179783fe5aa139
e001f3f7fb98ee6803e2bf0a6bf7fe16f11e9fade912f957b6528950f386ec55b1d5581208ee09afd26
f077886cfc57e16d335dd349fb2df42b2aa939287a321
f756054fb835f9875f60fec53e267bcf0ceb5e1cb8977369f3add5b867c9f2e5c86551e81973f593de8
03e93af1efda77e1f0f1a78065beb18b76b5a306b9b7d
a096963c7ef22e3ae40c8e09ca803a9af61a2803f2aebe9dfd8bfc6ad6faaea5e0ebd9bf7374a6f2c83
11c4aa31220eff32e1b1d0796deb5e4ff001fbc1abe08
f89faa69f6d184d3ee48bdb3006008a424ed03d1583a0f65cd729e0cd7ee7c2de2bd275cb227ceb0b84
9b686237a83f32123b32e54fb13401fa754541a7de5be
a3616d7b652acd6b7312cd0ca872ae8c01561ec4106a7a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a
28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a00f31fda43c56de12f
84bab4f6efb2f6ff001a75b9c1e1a407710411822312107d40afcf9afa73f6ded71a4d6fc35a0a348a9
05bc97d22e4ed73236c42474c8f2dff00efa3eb5f31d0
07affecb5e125f13fc56b29ee17367a3aff6848083f33a902319f5de55bdc21afbd6be73fd89f454b6f
04ebbac90c27bebe16fc9e0c7120208ff00814ae3f015
f4650015f087ed55e337f13fc4eb9d3a1933a76879b28941e0cbc79cd8f5dc36fd2315f746a17496361
737737faa822695be8a093fcabf2e6faea7bebdb8bbbb
95e5b99e4696591ce59d98e4927d49268020a28a5009e83340095ddfc17f1ecff0f3c7567ab0def6127
fa3df42bc9921623381fde52030e9cae33826b84a2803
f53acaea0beb382eece68e7b59e3596296360cb2230cab023a820839af17fdacfc687c33f0e0e936921
4d435d66b618eab00c194f4c720aa63d1c91d2b90fd8f
7e247daece4f03eaf3e67b70d3e98ce47cd1f578bd4953961d4e0b740a2bc4ff00686f1a0f1bfc4ed46
eada55934db2ff41b328c0ab4684e5c11c10cc5981f42
3d2803cd28a28a00ecfe0ff83a4f1dfc42d2744dadf64793cdbb6191b604e5f900e091f283fde615fa3
f146914691c48a91a00aaaa30140e800af803e077c52b
2f85f3ea976fe1dfed5bfbd5489673762130c6092547eed8fcc704f3fc2be95eb3ff000d70bff42537f
e0d3ffb4d007d51457cafff000d70bff42537fe0d3ffb
4d1ff0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d007d51457caff00f0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d1ff000d70b
ff42537fe0d3ffb4d007d51457cafff000d70bff42537
fe0d3ffb4d1ff0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d007d51457caff00f0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d1f
f000d70bff42537fe0d3ffb4d007d51457cafff000d70
bff42537fe0d3ffb4d1ff0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d007d51457caff00f0d70bff0042537fe0d3f
f00b4d1ff000d70bff42537fe0d3ffb4d007d51457caf
ff000d70bff42537fe0d3ffb4d1ff0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d007d51457caff00f0d70bff00425
37fe0d3ff00b4d7befc2ef1ada7c40f05d96bf6709b6f
38ba4b6c640e61915882a48c67b11c0e181c0a00eae8a28a0028a28a0028af0bf8bbfb41dafc3ef194b
e1f83413aacb0431bcf2fdb3c8f2ddc6e098f2db3f294
39cff163b5717ff0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d007d51457caff00f0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d
1ff000d70bff42537fe0d3ffb4d007d51457cafff000d
70bff42537fe0d3ffb4d1ff0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d007d51457caff00f0d70bff0042537fe0d
3ff00b4d1ff000d70bff42537fe0d3ffb4d007d51457c
afff000d70bff42537fe0d3ffb4d1ff0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d007d51457caff00f0d70bff004
2537fe0d3ff00b4d7bc7c28f1cdafc44f065b6bd6900b
57791e19ed7cdf30c1229fba5b03aa956e83861401d85145140051451400515e1ff183f680b4f879e2e
3a041a27f6bcf1c092dc38bcf27ca76c9098f2db276ed
6ce7f88570ff00f0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d007d51457caff00f0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d
1ff000d70bff42537fe0d3ffb4d007d51457cafff000d
70bff42537fe0d3ffb4d1ff0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d007d51457caff00f0d70bff0042537fe0d
3ff00b4d1ff000d70bff42537fe0d3ffb4d007d514572
5f0bbc557fe34f08db6bba8e86fa2add12d6f03ce656922e36c8728b80dc91c723073822a97c44f8abe
12f00294d77520d7fb772d85a8f3676e9d57385ce782e
541e706803baa2be3ff15fed5bad5cc9247e16d0ecac60f9944d7acd3c84766014aaa9f63b87d6bcdf5
0f8ebf122fc112f8a2e2353da0862871f8a203401fa11
457e72dbfc5cf8816f28923f176ae58769272e3f26c8aea343fda3be2369b3abdcea569a9c4011e4de5
a26dfae6308dfad007de5457cdde07fdaa345bf74b7f1
8695369521c0fb5da933c39e7259701d474c01bcf35f41685ace9bafe9916a1a25f5bdf594bf7668240
ea7d471d08ee0f23bd005fa2bc37e2d7c74d47e1b789d
b4ad47c1a6e2da45f36d2f5751da9709dce3ca3860782b9e38ec413c4ffc35c2ff00d094dff834ff00e
d3401f54515f2bffc35c2ff00d094dff834ff00ed347f
c35c2ffd094dff00834ffed3401f54515f2bff00c35c2ffd094dff00834ffed347fc35c2ff00d094dff
834ff00ed3401f54515f2bffc35c2ff00d094dff834ff
00ed347fc35c2ffd094dff00834ffed3401f54515f396a9fb4c4b65e1fd2b5b8bc1c2e34dbfdf1f989a
a0cc33a1f9e171e51c360ab0f55707d40c4ff0086b85f
fa129bff00069ffda6803ea8a2be57ff0086b85ffa129bff00069ffda68ff86b85ff00a129bff069ff0
0da6803ea8a2be57ff86b85ff00a129bff069ff00da68
ff0086b85ffa129bff00069ffda6803ea8a2be57ff0086b85ffa129bff00069ffda68ff86b85ff00a12
9bff069ff00da6803ea8a2be57ff86b85ff00a129bff0
69ff00da68ff0086b85ffa129bff00069ffda6803ea8a2be57ff0086b85ffa129bff00069ffda68ff86
b85ff00a129bff069ff00da6803ea8a2be57ff86b85ff
00a129bff069ff00da68ff0086b85ffa129bff00069ffda6803ea8a2be57ff0086b85ffa129bff00069
ffda68ff86b85ff00a129bff069ff00da6803ea8a2be5
7ff86b85ff00a129bff069ff00da68ff0086b85ffa129bff00069ffda6803ea8a2be57ff0086b85ffa1
29bff00069ffda68ff86b85ff00a129bff069ff00da68
03ea8a2be57ff86b85ff00a129bff069ff00da68ff0086b85ffa129bff00069ffda6803ea8a2be57ff0
086b85ffa129bff00069ffda68ff86b85ff00a129bff0
69ff00da6803ea8a2be585fdae23cfcde0b703db54cffed2aeaf45fda93c1378d0c7a8d96b3a73b0f9d
de1496243f5562c7fef9a00f7ca2b99f08f8f7c2be308
d5bc37aed95f3904f90afb26001c12626c381ee4574d400514514005145140057e72fc6ff124be29f8a
7e22bf79c4d04774f6b6c5589510c64a26df4040ddf56
27bd7e8d57e73fc72f0d4de16f8a7e21b2960f26de6ba7bbb5010aa186462cbb7d40c95e3ba91da8030
fc07e15bff1a78b34ed074a5ff48bb936b4847cb120e5
dcfb2a827df181c915fa3de12f0f587857c37a7e87a3c663b1b288471838dcddcb3600059892c4e3924
d7e6a786f5dd4bc35adda6afa25d49697f6afbe3950fe
608e84119041e08241afbdfe0e7c59d27e2178624bc96482c354b18f76a16cefb56200732a93ff002cc
f5c9e9d0fa900dff89be37d3be1ff00846ef5cd4ff785
3f776f6e1b6b5c4c41da80f6e8493838009c1c62bf3c3c65e26d4fc61e23bcd6f5c9fcebdb96c9c0c2a
28e0228eca07007e793935d8fc7bf89337c46f19c93c0
ccba1d896834f8893ca6799483d19f00f4e0051db27ceaced67bebc82d2ce1927b99e458a28a352cd23
b1c0500752490314017fc2fe1fd4fc51aedae91a1dabd
d5fdcb6d445edeac4f6503924f415f78fc17f843a3fc37d2d64d915ef882651f69bf65c95ff622cf2a9
cfd5ba9e8008be01fc29b4f86fe1d12dd224de24bd406
f6e33bbcb1d44287b28e33fde3cf40a07a9d0065f8a743b4f12f87352d17515dd697d03c0f80095dc38
619ee0e083ea057e61dc4325bdc4b04cbb65898a3afa1
070457ea857e677c49805b7c45f14c0a30b16ab7483f09985007b07ec59aabdafc46d534d69b6c17ba7
33f97fdf923910afe4ad257da35f02fecad214f8e5a02
8ff968972a7ff01e43fd2befaa002b91f8bd0a4ff0a7c60920ca8d22e9c7d562623f502baeae5be2aff
c92ef187fd81af3ff00443d007e6a57d57fb0d4c71e33
809f947d8dc0ff00bfc0ff004af952be84fd96b5a3e1cf0afc4fd655915ecb4d8a68f79c032059b62fe
2d81f8d007997c6bf100f13fc55f12ea71c89240f76d0
c2f19cabc51011a303e85501fc699f06bc32be2ff89be1fd1e64592d65b912dc2b670d0c60bba9c74ca
a95fa915c657d33fb11e85e76bfe23d7e40c05adbc767
1e57863236e620fa811aff00df7401f5d51451401e4bfb536b7fd8df067574499a29f5078aca32a705b
736e75fa18d2407dabe05afaebf6e0d5248b40f0b692a
57c9b9b99ae9c77dd122aaff00e8e6af916803ed2fd8c7c3c34ef87ba86b72c4cb36ad76551c9e1e188
6d5c0ff007da515eff710c57104905c4692c322947471
9565230411dc115c37c07d2d347f83de12b64ce1ec52e4e7d66cca7f5735de5007e6178bf476f0f78af
59d1998b9d3ef26b5de46378472a1bf1033f8d7a6fec9
7abb697f19ec2dc1511ea56d3d9b96ec36f9a31ee5a251f8d41fb55e9cd61f1b35990a6d8ef2282e138
c64794a84ff00df48d5c17c3dd45348f1ef86f5194911
5a6a56f33e0e3e559149fd01a00fd34a28a2803e72fdb4bc2ff6ef08695e23b788b4da65c18276551c4
32f42c7ae03aa803d6435f1c57e96fc4ff0f7fc255f0f
7c41a2ac6b24d776722c0ac703ce0374649f40e14d7e695007df5fb2d7887fe120f83ba5a4923c971a6
3be9d2961fdc21900f502378c7e15eb55f25fec41ae04
d4fc4da048d2169a18efa15c7caa118a487ea7cc8bf2afad2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a280
0a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2803e05fda9efe4b
df8ddaea3cad2456a905bc40f4402146207fc0998fe26bc96bb6f8db74d77f177c5f231c95d4e78bf04
6283ff41ae26803efefd96a158be067870840ad21b976
e3ef1fb44801fc80af56af36fd9c591be09f854c7d3c871f8895c1fd735e934018de35824baf06ebd6f
0e7cd96c278d31ea63602bf312bf55080c0820107820d
7e64f8ef4093c2be33d6b439779fb0dd490a33aed2e80fc8f8ff006976b7e3401835ef7fb1ef866cb5d
f1dead77aa5a43776d65a7bc62395772969bf7672bd18
18fcd520823e6af04afa17f62dd6e2b2f883aa6953c888752b2cc418f2f246c1b68f7d8643f453401e7
5f1bbe1fcdf0efc7575a62891f4b9ff00d22c2661f7e2
27ee93fde53953eb8070030af3fafd08fda07e1dafc43f024d05ac6a75bb0cdce9edc02cf8f9a2c9e81
c0c750370527a57e7cba346ec8ea55d4e0a91820fa1a0
09f4fbebad36f62bcd3ee25b6ba88ee8e689cab29f622ab51450015d7f81fe1bf8abc736d753f8574d8
efd2d9c24c05e411b2123232aee1b079c1c60e0fa1ae4
2badf85de38d43e1f78bed35bd3819117f77736c5b6adc4248dc84f6e8083ce08070718a00ea3fe19f3
e27ff00d0b3ff0093f6bffc728ff867cf89ff00f42cff
00e4fdafff001cafbabc2bafe9fe29f0f58eb5a34de758de46248dbb8ec548ecc08208ec41ad5a00f80
3fe19f3e27ffd0b3ff93f6bff00c72b3f5ff82be3ef0f
68d77ab6b5a1c769a7da279934cf7f6d851f412649270001924900649afd0faf887f6a1f8ac3c63aeff
c23da15c2bf87b4e932d2c6722ee71c16cf745e42e383
f31c9057001e13451450015de7847e1278dbc5fa2c7ab7873474beb07664122dedba90ca70432b48194
fb103820f420d7075eaff00b3dfc5197e1df8a962bf99
8f86f506097b1e0b7947a09940e72bdc0ce573c1217000dff867cf89ff00f42cff00e4fdafff001ca3f
e19f3e27ffd0b3ff93f6bff00c72befcb79a2b88239ed
e449619143a488c195948c8208ea08ef4fa00fcfcb9f809f126d6da5b8b9f0f470c1121924924d46d55
5140c9249970001ce6bcbabea7fdad3e2bef793c0fe1d
ba0517fe42d3479c96ed003edd5b1ecb918615f2c500779e11f849e36f17e8b1eade1cd1d2fac1d9904
8b7b6ea4329c1055a40ca7d881c107a106b67fe19f3e2
7ffd0b3ff93f6bff00c729ff00b3d7c5197e1df8a961d42663e1bd41c25ea60b7927a09940e72bdf19c
ae78242e3ef98268ae208e6b7912586450e9223065652
320823a823bd007c07ff000cf9f13ffe859ffc9fb5ff00e394cb8f805f132de092693c30e52352edb2f
6dddb00678512124fb01935fa0545007e55d7d29fb177
8c3ec5e22d4fc27773620d453ed768ac78f3d07ce00f5641939ed157997ed05e0eff00842fe28eab650
4423d3eedbedd661542a88a424ed00740ac1d07b28f5a
e37c2bae5d7867c4ba66b5a791f6ab0b849d012406da7254e307691907d89a00fd3fa2a9689a95b6b5a
3586a960c5ed2f608ee6162304a3a865c8edc11576800
acef11eb16be1ed0351d63502c2d2c6ddee25db8dc55549c0c919271803b922b46be71fdb3bc6034ff0
00ae9fe15b5940b8d52417172a304882339504751ba4c
1047fcf322803e4af116af75afebda8eaf7ec0dddf5c3dc4b8e819989207b0ce00f4ae83c11f0d3c5de
38b3b9bbf0be8cf7d6d6f208a494cd144a1f19da0bb2e
4e082719c6467a8ae3c72702bf46be09f83c781fe1b691a4c9184be31fda2f0ed0099df96071d76f099
ee105007c73ff000cf9f13ffe859ffc9fb5ff00e3947f
c33e7c4fff00a167ff0027ed7ff8e57dff004d91d638d9e465445059998e0003a926803f3b3c53f07fc
73e14d167d5bc41a2a5969f0901e56beb76e49c001564
249cf600d7015ec3fb47fc536f881e27fb169533ff00c235a6b95b65e82e24e8d311efd173d179e0b11
5e3d401ddf843e1378d3c63a32eabe1bd223beb06768f
cc5bdb752aebd5595a40ca7a1c103820f422b6bfe19f3e27ff00d0b3ff0093f6bffc72a3f801f13a6f8
71e2c06e999f40bf2b15f44064a01f7655ff697278ee0
91d7047dfd697305e5ac375693473db4c8b2452c4c191d18643291c1041041a00f817fe19f3e27ff00d
0b3ff0093f6bffc7291ff0067ef89c88cc7c3070064e2
fad89fc849cd7e8051401f9575f467ec65e303a778b6ff00c2d7321fb3eab199edc1270b3c609200e9f
326e24ffd33515c17ed1fe101e0ff008abaa436e9b2c3
50ff008985b0e385909dca0000001c3803d00ae07c3babdd681af69dabe9ec16eec6e12e2227a6e5604
03ea0e3047a5007ea1d159de1bd66d7c43e1fd3b58d3d
89b4beb74b88b763700c01c1c138233823b106b46800aa5ae6a96ba268d7faa6a0e52ceca07b89980c9
088a58e077381d2aed7cf3fb64f8c0695e0ab3f0d5ac8
3ed5ac4be64e0104ac11907ea373edc1ee1585007c8fe2cd76ebc4fe26d4f5bd40ff00a55fdc3cee012
426e3c28cf3b54600f602b67c0ff0dfc59e39b7ba9fc2
da43df436aca92b99a289558824005d972703b671c67a8ae42bf44fe03f83bfe108f863a4e9b3c3e56a
132fdb2f41186f3a400953eeaa1538fee5007c83ff0cf
9f13ff00e859ff00c9fb5ffe3947fc33e7c4ff00fa167ff27ed7ff008e57dff4138193d2803f3b7c4df
06fc77e18d12e757d77444b3d3ad8032ccd7d6ed8c900
00048492490300135e7b5ecffb4a7c553e3df118d2f4895bfe11cd32422221b8ba979066c7a63217d89
3c6e2078c50015ec3fb397c2f1e3bf10bea7ad2327863
4a6125cbb70b7120e443b8f6c72c4745c0e37035c1fc3cf07ea5e3af1659685a421f3666dd2cbb72b04
43ef48dec01fc490072457a97c6cf88161a3e8b1fc33f
878ef0f87f4e061bebb56f9af651f7d723195dd9dc7a31e00da06e00eb3e377ed15279971e1ff8732a4
56c8be54baba7527a158074000e37f7c9db8c063f305c
4f2dcdc4b3dccaf34f2b17924918b33b1392493c924f7ab3a2e957dadeab6ba6e936b2dddfdcb88e186
3196663fc87724f00024d7db9f04be04693e07860d535
e8e1d4fc4bc389186e8ad0e738881fe2071f39e78e31ce403e70f027c01f1c78b214ba6b28f47b16e56
6d4898cb8ff0066300bf4e412003d8d7b1e91fb2668f1
03fdb1e27d42e8e78fb2dba418ff00be8bd7d2f58fe20f13e83e1c58db5fd674ed37cc04c62eee5222e
075da18e4e323a500787ddfeca3e136888b4d6f5d8a4c
70d2b4320fc822ff003af3ff0016fecade22b085a6f0d6b165ac0552c61990daca4f655c9653f52cb5f
4ce9bf133c11a95c2c167e2bd16499d82aa1bb456624e
00009193f4aebe803f2ffc45a06ade1ad4e4d3b5ed3ee6c2f539314e85491923729e8cbc1c11907b1ad
2f01f8e7c41e04d5c6a1e1bbf92dd89533407e686e00c
e1644e8c393cf5193820f35fa1de37f07685e36d19f4cf11d8477501c98dfa490b7f791faa9e074ebd0
e4715f0cfc6ef849a9fc34d5d5f2f79e1fba722d2fb6f
43c9f2a4c701c007d980c8e8c1403dfed75ff0dfed21f0f6e745b95874cf175a219a189dbfd54a38124
6dd5a26e8c3048cf4c8463f20eb9a4df685ac5de97ab5
b3db5fda48629a27eaac3f423b8238208229ba2eab7da26ab6ba96937525a5fdab89219a3386561fcc7
620f04706bde7c651dafc72f02378af44b38e1f1de891
04d5ec62ce6f200389631fc58c1207dec654eec26403e79adef06f84b5af19eacda6786ed12f2f84666
f29ae23889504024176507a8e073dfb1ac1ad1f0f6b37
fe1ed6ecb57d1ee5edafed2412c52a7623b1f5046410782090783401e89ff0cf9f13ff00e859ff00c9f
b5ffe3947fc33e7c4ff00fa167ff27ed7ff008e57d97f
093c7d61f117c1f6fabd9622ba5fdd5e5b778260391eea7a83dc1f5040ed2803e00ff867cf89dff42cf
f00e4fdafff001caf2d96378a578e546491095656182a
4750457ea8d7c35fb597823fe119f888758b48f6e9dae86b918e8b7008f3475cf24abe7d5c81d280333
e00dd699adddea7f0ff00c4c631a578853fd16673cdad
f203e5488490012095c7563b17a120f9ef8c7c37a8f843c4b7fa1eb3188ef6ce4d8c5492ae3aaba938c
ab0208e0707b74accb2ba9ec6f20bbb395e1b98245962
910e191d4e4303ea0806bebcf88be1a83e3afc1fd27c65a14517fc251696c77c512f3295ff005b6f8e4
f0db99339ebfede6803e3cadaf08785f56f17eb29a4f8
7ade3bad45d19d217b88e12e1793b4c8ca09039c0e7009c601ac5ab5a56a177a4ea56ba869d3bdbde5a
c8b2c32a1e51d4e411401e97ff0cf9f13ff00e859ff00
c9fb5ffe3947fc33e7c4ff00fa167ff27ed7ff008e57d83f05be225a7c47f06c3a8a18a3d520c43a85b
21ff552e3a8079d8dd475ee324a9aefa803e00ff867cf
89ff00f42cff00e4fdafff001cae1bc61e15d63c1dac1d2bc456d1daea023591a15b88e62aadd3718d9
8027ae0f3820f422befaf8cff0011acbe1bf8465d4253
14baa5c662b0b563feb64c752073b1720b1e3b0c82c2bf3d758d4ef75ad56ef52d52e1ee6faea469669
5fabb139278e07d0702802c786740d47c4faddb691a24
0971a85c922289a648b79009203390338078cf35e83ff0cf9f13ff00e859ff00c9fb5ffe395e6169733
d9dd43736934905cc2eb2452c6c559181c86047208233
9afbfbe00fc4e87e23f84835d32a6bf60162bf88000393f765503f85b078ec411d304807ca1ff0cf9f1
3ff00e859ff00c9fb5ffe3947fc33e7c4ff00fa167ff2
7ed7ff008e57dff45007c01ff0cf9f13ff00e859ff00c9fb5ffe3947fc33e7c4ff00fa167ff27ed7ff0
08e57dff45007c01ff0cf9f13ff00e859ff00c9fb5ffe
3947fc33e7c4ff00fa167ff27ed7ff008e57dff45007c01ff0cf9f13ff00e859ff00c9fb5ffe395c878
e3c0be23f035cdadbf8a74efb0cb7485e15f3e3977283
827e466c7e35fa5d5f21fedc1ff232785ffebd26ff00d0c5007ccf5ea169f017e245e5ac37369e1e8e7
b7991648a58f51b5657523218112e0820e735e5f5f51f
ec99f1605bc91781bc4372ab0bb1feca9e438dac4e4c04fb9395cf72579ca8001e63ff000cf9f13ffe8
59ffc9fb5ff00e3947fc33e7c4fff00a167ff0027ed7f
f8e57dff0045007c01ff000cf9f13ffe859ffc9fb5ff00e3947fc33e7c4fff00a167ff0027ed7ff8e57
dff0045007e7fbfecfdf1391198f860e00c9c5f5b13f9
0939ae23c41e10f11f87177ebda16a7a7465b6092e6d9d118fa062307f035fa6f4d911648d924557460
5595864107a822803f2be391e291648999244219594e0
823a106bdcfe17fed1de26f0d4f0da78a1e4d7f48c856695bfd2a25cf25643f7fae70f9ce00dcb5ee9f
137f678f0af8aade5b9d0618f40d631957b64c5bc878e
1e21c01c1e53072727774af8e3c77e0ed6bc0dafcba4788ad0c1729f346ea774732678746eea7f31d08
0411401fa27e09f17e89e36d0e3d57c3b7a9756cdf2ba
f49216ee8ebd55bf9f519041adfafcd2f87be37d6bc05e208b55d06e4a38204d031262b84fee3af71ef
d4751835fa07f0d3c71a67c40f0adbeb5a436d0df24f6
ecc0bdbca3ef237e7907b820d00755451450015e73f1b3e16e9ff133c3c21765b5d66d03358dd91c293
d51f1d50e07b8ea3b83e8d45007e5ef88f44d47c37add
e691ad5abdaea168fb2589fb1ea083d08208208e08208aab677b7564d29b3b99a032c6d0c86272bbe36
186438eaa4751d0d7e81fc65f849a37c4cd3e26b96365
ad5b295b6bf8d7242f5d8ebfc49939c7041ce08c907e5ad73f66df88ba74e91d9d858eaa8c3265b4bc4
555e7a112ec39fa022803c66beacfd903e19e01f1d6b3
0f27743a5a37a72af363f345ff00819c7dd3597f0eff0065bd567d42daebc75796d6ba7001decace52f
3b9fee33636a8f52a5bd063391f5b59dac1656705a59c
31c16d046b145146bb5511460281d80000c5004d451450015f9a3f13a513fc49f164ca72b26ad76e3f1
99cd7e9648eb1c6cf230545059998e0003b9afcb5bfba
92fafae6ee63996791a57fab124ff3a00f51fd9610bfc73f0eb0fe05b963ff0080f20feb5f7dd7c47fb
1a5825dfc58b9b99158fd8f4c96546c701cbc69ff00a0
b357db94005715f1b2fa3d3be11f8be79880ada64f00cff7a4431afeac2bb5af0cfdb135cfecdf84e34
d43199356bc8a0656fbde5a7ef4b0fa32463fe05401f0
f57a3f866e65d2be06f8d65f2d8c5ac6a5a7e9cafe86312cedff00a0a8ff00810af38af44f16db8d2fe
0ef812d5657dfa95cdfea93444f4f9a382338ff007626
23ea6803ceebee9fd90b47fecdf83b6f765959b54bc9eeb81ca8522200ff00dfa27f1af85abf4a3e126
9e34bf85fe14b411989934cb72e84608768c33647aee2
6803aca28a2803e36fdb6afa493c7ba1581ff550699e7aff00bd24aea7ff0045ad7ce95ecffb5c5fc97
9f1a2fa07395b2b5b7b74f6053ccfe721af2ef0958aea
7e2bd16c1c652eaf61808f50d205feb401fa63a269d1691a2e9fa6dbe4c3676f1dba67fba8a147e82ae
d145007c6ff00b6de9f2c7e3bd07516c79371a6fd9d7f
de8e5763fa4ab5f39d7d5dfb72c19b7f06dc0e8ad7687f11091fc8d7ca3401fa8da06a70eb5a169daa5
b0220beb68ee63cff0075d430fd0d5eae3be0d5c2dd7c
26f07c89d06956d1fe2b1aa9fd4576340057e6b7c55d13fe11df893e25d2c43e4c56f7f2f9299ce2266
2d1ff00e38ca6bf4a6be16fdaf74a1a7fc649ee4107fb
4aca0bac0ed8062ffda5fad0063feccbadae89f19f4169a6f2adef59eca4e3ef1910845fc64f2ebf406
bf2fbc31aa3689e24d27554197b1bb8ae80f7470dfd2b
f506800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2803f36fe3144d0f
c58f182b704ead74ff834ac47f3ae3ebd3bf695b4167f
1bbc511af4796297fefb86363fa935e63401f7c7eca7770dcfc0fd0e289b2f6b2dcc328f4633bbe3fef
975fcebd72be64fd88f5f59742f117879ca892dee12fa
3cb7cceb22ec6c0f4531a7fdf75f4dd0015f277ed97e0278eeecfc6da74398a50b69a8ed5e8e388e43f
51f2127a6d41debeb1aa3aee9363af68d79a56ad6e973
6177118a689ba329f7ec7b823904022803f2e6b4fc35addef86fc41a7eb3a5c9e5ded94cb3444e70483
d0e3aa9190477048ae9be2ffc3bd47e1c78ae5d36f15e
5b0973258dde3e59e2cfe8eb9018763cf4209e1a803f4bbe1cf8cb4df1e784ecf5cd25c6c946d9a1dd9
6b79401ba36f7191db9041e8457cb3fb5d7c381a17885
3c5da543b74dd564db76aa0622bac13bb1e8e013dfe60c49f980af32f843f12b55f86be23fb75866e2c
27c25ed933616741d0e7b30c9c376c91d0907ee0b6bef
0bfc64f871751da4ff0069d2b5188c32a7026b69382032f3b6453861d47008c820900fce4a2b6fc69e1
bbef0878a751d07555517765298d8afdd75c655d7d994
861ec6b12800a2bd6fe0afc3187c69e1cf196b5aa89a3b1d334f905ac89919ba0bbc107a30555f997fe
9a2f4eb5e49401f4c7ec4daedf8f126b9a0198b696f68
6f84479db2aba26e5f4cab60faed5f4afaf2be30fd89ff00e4a56b3ff6087ffd1d157d9f401e65fb49e
ad7ba37c19f105ce993b5bdc3ac501917ef0492554703
d32a48cfbf1cd7e7c57df3fb55ff00c90fd77feba5b7fe8f4af81a801d1a348ea91a9676202aa8c927d
057dabf0afe00e9565f0cafb4ff0017daa49ad6b5129b
8917fd65901f32246dd995b0cd8e188c1dca067c9ff63bf0a69baef8e2ff0055d4e213c9a3451cd6d1b
0ca895988121f75da71e8483d40afb56803f337c7fe11
d4fc0fe29bcd0f5988acf03663900c24f19fbb221eea47e4720f208ae76bee0fdaefc29a66a9f0cae3c
43345b754d1da2f2665e0b2492a46d1b7aafcdb87a11c
7539f87e803ee3fd8f757bed53e134b16a170f3ad86a325a5b6fe4a442389c267a900bb633d06074005
7a8fc43d42e749f00789b51b093cabcb3d32e6e209300
ec7489994e0f07040eb5e41fb14ffc92cd57fec352ff00e8882bd57e2c7fc92cf197fd816f7ff443d00
7e6ccf2c93cd24d3c8f24d23177776259989c9249ea4d
4745140057dc7fb1eeaf7daa7c26962d42e1e75b0d464b4b6dfc9488471384cf520176c67a0c0e800af
872bed5fd8a7fe4966abff61a97ff004441401eff0045
32596385434aea8a595416381924003ea49007b9a7d007cfff00b63783ff00b63c0b6be22b58f377a34
b89481c9b790856f7386d87d81635f15d7ea4eb1a6dae
b1a45ee99a847e6d9de42f6f32671b91d4ab0cf6e09afccef17e8375e17f146a9a1df86fb4585c3c058
a95de01f95c03d986187b11401f5bfec6be2f1aaf822f
3c3572e3ed3a3cbbe11c0dd04a4b7ae490fbf3e819457d0b5f9ddf00fc603c15f14349d42797cbb0b86
fb15e1270045210371f6560afff0001afd11a002bf397
e3678c0f8e3e24eafabc7217b1127d9ecbae0409c2900f23772f8f5635f63fed2de2f3e11f853a9181f
6dfea7ff12eb7f6f301dedc1046103e0f66db5f9fd401
eabfb34f83ff00e12ef8a9a709e30fa7e99ff130b9ddd0ec2362f4c1cb95c83d5437a57dff005e1bfb2
3783bfe11ef870758ba85a3bfd76413fcc18116eb9110
c1e39cbb823a871e82bdc37a79863dc3781b8ae79c7ad003abc4ff006bcd66ff0048f84be5e9d70f00d
42fa3b3b828705a1292332e7b025003ea323a135ed95e
05fb69ff00c92ad3bfec3117fe899a803e28a28a2800afb67f636d66ff0052f86b7b677d399a1d3af4c
16c18731c6515f6e7b8dccc467a671d0003e26afb23f6
24ff0091135fff00b097fed24a00fa328a47758c02ecaa090b9271c93803f1240a5a00f08fdaff00c20
75df8770eb76c85aef4397cc603249824c2c9c0f42236
cf60ad5f1157ea5ea5636fa9e9d75617d12cd697513c1346dd1d1815607ea09afcd1f1cf872e7c23e2f
d5b41bcc996c6e1a20e463cc4ea8f8ec194ab7e3401f5
57ec65e31fed1f0a5ff856ee65373a54867b55254136f2125801d4ed932493ff003d147a57d1b5f9cff
03fc607c11f12f48d56593658bc9f66bcc9c0f224e189
ff0074e1f1ea82bf462800afcecf8f3e311e37f89dab6a5049e669f037d8ec886dc0c3192030e070cdb
9f1db7d7d91fb44f8c3fe10df859aa5c413345a8df0fb
0599524307901cb023952a81d81f503d6bf3da803d33f676f082f8cbe2a6976b709bec2c73a85d0e394
8c8c2907a86728a47a135fa115e0bfb1f7840e87f0f67
d76e536ddeb92ef5073c411e5538238258c8dee0ad7bcef5dfb32376338f6a005af16fdadf5dbfd13e1
2ba69b3187fb4af12c6761f78c2c9233283db3b003ea0
91debda6bc0bf6d3ff009255a77fd8622ffd1335007c5152dadbcd757315bdac524d713388e38e352cc
ec4e028039249e315157d0dfb1ee85a2cfad788fc51ae
601f0fc11c90bc87f770ef1297948f5558ce3b0c938ce0800bbe2348fe037c278f47b37d9e3ff1345ba
f6749016b383a15523a6325411d5b7b03f2a81f365757
f143c6173e3af1c6a7af5c990473c9b6da273fea605e11319c0e3938e0b163debbbfd96bc029e32f880
2ff00508c3e93a205ba9958644b2927ca43cf4ca963c1
04260f5a00f7dfd993e13a782f405d7b5b83fe2a3d46307648b836709e4201d439eade9c2e3839f71a2
b9cf88be29b7f05782b56d7eec075b384b47192479921
3b5138e9962a33db39ed401e53fb46fc6b6f038ff847fc31244fe239503cd3101c59211c654f05c8e40
3d060907233f16ea37d77a9decb79a95d4f777731dd24
f3c864773ea58f26a4d6b53bcd6b56bcd4f539da7bebb95a69a56006e7639270381f41c0aa540057b0f
c14f8dfacf80af6db4fd5269b51f0c16db25b39dcf6ea
78dd093d31d767dd3cf42735e3d45007ea669d7b6da969f6d7d61324f69731acd0ca872ae8c3208f620
d54f12e85a7789742bdd1f59b64b9b0bb8cc7246c3f22
3d181c107a820115f377ec67e3d79a1bdf04ea32e7c956bcd38b1fe1cfef631cfa90e001ddcf615f525
007e6dfc56f02df7c3cf195d6897cde6c40096d6e00c0
9e124ed6c763c1047620f51826b7c38f18ea1e03f17d8ebba6166681b6cd007dab7109fbf1b75e08e84
838201c640afb3ff69cf008f1a7c3d9aeece2ddac68c1
aeedb03974c7ef63fc54640eecaa3b9af826803da7e3f780ec6da3b2f1f782d524f08eba04c562e9693
3725081f74139e3f85832f18507c5abe96fd947c4563a
f697adfc34f13a25d69b7d13cf6914a78ffa691af3907a48bb7a1576eb5f3ef8a34d4d1bc4dabe971c8
d2a595e4d6caec3058239504fd71401ea7fb25eb57fa7
fc62d3b4eb4b874b2d5239a2bb87aac8121924438f50cbc1eb82c3b9afbb6be00fd973fe4bb7867fede
bff004965afbfe800af3cf8f5e08ff84f3e1b6a3a7411
efd4adc7db2c71d4cc80e17a81f32964e781b81ed5e8745007e561e0e0f5afa37f635f1b9d33c4d79e1
2bd9716baa0371680f45b845f987fc090753de351deb9
1fda87c0ff00f0887c4ab8bbb58b6695aceebd831d16427f7a9f831dd81c00ea2bcab49d42eb49d52cf
51d3e530de5a4c93c32019daea4153cfb81401f427ed6
3f0ace8ba949e34d0a06fecdbd93fe261122e45bcec7fd671d15c9e73d18f5f9801f3857e94f86355d2
be257c39b4be96dd26d3358b429716cc49009cac91e78
3f2b061918e9915f9e1e36d2a1d07c67af6916af2496fa7ea171691bc98dccb1c8ca09c719c0a00f46f
d94b57bed3fe32e93676970d1daea2934175175591562
775c8f50ca083d7a8e84e7ef4afcfcfd98ff00e4b9f863fdeb8ffd2796bf40e803e00fda6f5abfd5be3
0eb70df4e64874f65b5b68f1858e30a0e07b924927dfd
0003caabd0ff00684ff92cfe2bff00afbffd916bcf2800aef7e056b77fa1fc59f0c49a65c3426eefe0b
29c0e92432c8a8eac3b8c1c8f4201ea057055d5fc27ff
0092a7e0dffb0d597fe8f4a00fd29a28a2803f3dbfe17a7c49ff00a1a6e7fefc43ff00c451ff000bd3e
24ffd0d373ff7e21ffe22bcd28a00f4bff85e9f127fe8
69b9ff00bf10ff00f115634ff8f9f11ad2fedee24f10bdd47148aed04d045b2500f2ad850707a7041f4
22bcb28a00fd32f87fe2fd37c73e15b2d77479018675c
49113968241f7a36f707f31823822be65fdb83fe464f0bff00d7a4dffa18af3efd9efe28cbf0ebc5222
bf919bc39a832a5ec782de51e8b3281ce573c81d573c1
2171defedb134573ae784e7b79125865b291d24460caea5948208e0823bd007cd74f86478654961768e
5460caea70548e841ec69945007e977c31d56ef5cf877
e1bd5352904b7b77a7c334f2050bbdca025b038193cf1c574d5c5fc16ff9249e10ff00b05dbffe802bb
4a00f8b3f69cf19f8a346f8bda95968fe23d66c2cd208
0ac16b7d2c48a4c609215580e4d7957fc2c8f1c7fd0e5e24ff00c19cff00fc5576dfb59ffc96bd53feb
dedff00f452d78ed0077fa07c62f881a1defda6dbc55a
9dc1380d1df4c6e9186738db26ec7d460fbd7d6bf02be3658fc4746d3751863d3bc470c7bda0527cab8
51f79a2cf231dd0e480720b738f82eb4340d5efb40d6a
cb56d2a76b7beb395668645ecc0f71dc1e84742091401fa895c7fc52f00e95f113c2f3693aa288e600b
da5d85cbdb4b8e1874c8f55cf23d0e08d2f027896dbc6
1e0fd275fb20161be8048501cf96fd1d33df6b065cfb56f5007e60f8af40bff0b788aff44d5e2f2afac
a531c806707b865cf5520820f7045765f01be22cdf0ef
c7105d4d239d16f08b7d4220c71b09e24c0ce5909c8e338dca31bb35edbfb68f82d25d3b4cf18d9c589
a061637a541f9a36c98dcf6e1b72e7a9dea3b57c95401
faa51c892c6b244caf1b80caca72083d0834eaf17fd943c60de26f861169f75287bfd11fec6d96058c3
8cc4c4761b7283feb9d7b450014514500145145001451
450014514500705f1e75c4f0ff00c21f145dbfdf92cdad2300e0ef9bf7408fa6fddf406bf3a2beaefdb
6bc50a20d07c2b0b02ecc752b818e4001a38b9f7ccb91
ec2be51a00fadff620d1de3d1fc51ad3aaf973cf159c673c831a977fc3f7a9f957d3b5e73fb3d7874f8
67e10f87ad65455b9b987edb3614825a53bc06cff0010
52aa7fddaf46a002be2afdb2bc4dfdabf112cf4289f3068d6c378db8c4d361db9ee3608bf1cd7d87e26
d6ad3c39e1ed4759d458ada58c0f3c98c648519c0cf73
d00ee48afccdf106ad73af6bba8ead7e54dddf5c49732ed181b9d8b103d073c50053b7825b9b88a0b78
da49a560888a325989c0007ae6bd7bf69fb58349f1968
1e1fb590c8ba1e8369a7bb74dccbbdb763d4865355ff0065ff000b37897e2de992c91eeb3d273a8cc49
230508f2f07d7cc2871e8a7d2a1fda7e7f3fe397894e7
8436e83f0b78f3fae6803ccf4fb492fefedace01996e2558907fb4c401fcebf53140550140007000ed5
f9abf0aa259fe27f842271946d5ed030f51e7266bf4aa
800a28a2803f3f3f69c97cef8e5e276f47813f2b78c7f4ae6fe1226ff8a9e0e53c8fed8b43f94cb57be
3b5d7dafe30f8b64273b750922ffbe3e4ff00d96a6fd9
fecfeddf19bc271119db7826ff00be14bffecb401fa2745145007ceffb6cdaabfc3cd12ecfdf8b54110
fa3c3213ffa00af8cebed7fdb4a367f855a7328c84d62
266f61e4cc3f9915f145007e837eccf70d73f03fc2f23f511cd1fe0b3c8a3f415e9d5e4ffb2c48b27c0
cf0eaa9c98dae55bd8fda653fc88af58a002be4afdb8b
4f8e3d5fc27a92a7efa782e2dddbd56364651f9c8d5f5ad7ce3fb6e69eb27827c3da893f35bea06dc0f
6923663ff00a285007c735fa67f0eb509b55f87fe19d4
2ea4f32e2eb4cb69a57fef3b44a58fe64d7e6657e867ece57ada87c13f0accf9cac0f07e11caf18fd16
803d228a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a00
28a28a0028a28a0028a28a00f8cbf6d5d18da78ff48d5922548750b0f2d980e5e589cee27fe02f18fc2
be78afb97f6bbf0b1d77e171d4ede1f32f3459d6e772a
167f25be4900c741ca393e91d7c35401e8dfb3f78c57c13f1434bbfb99445a75d13657acc405114847c
c49e815c2393e8a7d6bf43abf2aebee8fd973e24a78c7
c1c9a2ea5386d7b478d637dedf34f00e124f7238563cf3824fcd401ed94514500733f10fc15a478f7c3
53e8dae45ba26f9e1997efc120040743ea33f42320f06
be05f8a7f0e75bf871af9b0d623f32d65cb5a5f46a7cab941dc7a30e32a791ee0827f482b17c5fe18d2
3c5fa14fa47882ce3bbb2979c30f9a36c101d0f556193
823d4f626803f316babf875e3cd73e1febaba968172537102e2d9f98ae101fbaebf89c1ea32706ba4f8
d9f08b55f86baa7983ccbdf0f5c362dafc2f43d7cb900
fbae3d7a30e4770be61401f4f7c606d17e35fc398bc6fe161e5f88b42876ea7a733e6548392ddbe6552
4b2b8c02a5f3f30da3e648a379a548e246791c8554519
2c4f4007735a7e17f10ea9e16d660d5343bb7b5bc8b80cbc8753d5581e194f707835eaff00b35681a6f
8b7e3425fc90dbd959e9eada94763e66419411b563c9d
db558ef1f7b010024e72403e99f0cf8393c09f01eef44da3ed69a55c4b76c30774ef1b33f200c807e50
7fbaa2bf3e6bf4e7c75ff00224f887fec1d71ff00a2da
bf31a803e85fd89ffe4a56b3ff006087ff00d1d157d9f5f187ec4fff00252b59ff00b043ff00e8e8abe
cfa00f24fdaaffe487ebbff005d2dbff47a57c0d5f7cf
ed57ff00243f5dff00ae96dffa3d2be06a00fa7bf61dff0090cf8b3febdedfff00427afadabe49fd877
fe433e2cffaf7b7ff00d09ebeb6a00f2afda8ff00e484
f89bfedd7ff4aa2af802beff00fda8ff00e484f89bfedd7ff4aa2af802803ed5fd8a7fe4966abff61a9
7ff0044415eabf163fe49678cbfec0b7bff00a21ebcab
f629ff009259aaff00d86a5ffd11057aafc58ff9259e32ff00b02deffe887a00fcd5a28a2800afb57f6
29ff9259aaffd86a5ff00d11057c555f6afec53ff0024
b355ff00b0d4bffa220a00edff0068abeb8d33e0f6bb7f63298aeed5ed678641d51d6ea2653f8102bac
f03788edbc5de10d275eb30ab15fdbaca5036ef2dfa3a
6703255832e71dab8afda77fe486789ffddb7ffd288abcc3f62bf1899ec356f085e4accf6e7edf64189
388c90b2a8ec0062ad81d4bb1f5a00fa82be43fdb4bc1
c2cf5cd2bc5b691e22bf5fb1dd955c0f3906636273c964c8e9c0887ad7d795c6fc5ff08af8dfe1deb3a
22a235dc91799685b1f2ce9f32727eee48da4fa31a00f
cddafd0cfd9efc607c69f0b74abc9e5326a1663ec1784e493246061893d4b214627d58fa57e7abab23b
2ba956538208c106bd7ff00677f8a31fc3ab9f11477e4
359de58bcb0210c775dc40989723ee86cb2938ebb7a01401a3fb5d78c07887e242e8f6afbacb428cdbe
410419df0d291f4c2211ea86bcbbe1f786a6f18f8d747
d02d8b2b5f5c2c6eea32638c7ccef8efb5031c7b562df5ddc5fdedc5e5eccf3dd5c48d2cb2b9cb3bb1c
b313dc9249afa87f629f086e7d67c5f74830bff0012fb
4cfaf0f2b631ff005cc020f771401f52d8da4161656f676712c36b6f1ac5146bd11146140f600015e47
f083c603c67f167e245ddbc9bec2cc59585a118c18e36
b8cb023a8672ec0fa30ae83e3e78c7fe109f861ab6a104de56a170bf62b22320f9d2023703d8aa877e7
fb95e2bfb0cff00aff19ffbb67fce7a00fab6bc0bf6d3
ff009255a77fd8622ffd13357bed7817eda7ff0024ab4eff00b0c45ffa266a00f8a28a28a002bec8fd8
93fe444d7ff00ec25ff00b492be37afb23f624ff91135
ff00fb097fed24a00f54f8df773d87c28f125e59cad0dd5bdb79b14887051d594861ee0806b5fe1ef89
a0f18f82b47d7edb685bdb70eeab9c2483e591067fbae
1867dab07e3eff00c91bf167fd7937f315e2dfb14f8bf29acf842e9c7cbff131b4cf5c7092ae73ff005
cc8007773401f5457c95fb6a783841a8691e2fb48804b
91f60bc2303f78a0b44c7b92543827b08d457d6b5ca7c54f0a278dbc01ad682d8135cc04dbb138db329
dd19271c0dc067d89a00fcd6afd04fd9bbc5fff00097f
c2ad3249dcb5fe9dff0012fb927a968c0dadd727285093ebbabf3fa58de195e2951924462acac30548e
a08f5af5cfd9cbe2645f0ef59d73fb4017b0bdb091c47
90a1ae215678816edbbe74e33cbafa5006e7ed83e30fedcf8810e836b287b2d122d8fb4820dc49867e4
75c008b8ec435790781fc3b73e2df17693a0d9644d7d7
0b116033e5a7577c7a2a8663f4acdd52fee754d4aef50bf94cd77752bcf3487abbb12cc7f124d7d2dfb
15f83c4fa86afe2fbb8814b61f60b32707f78c034ac3b
8214a0cf70ec2803eabd32c6db4bd36d2c2c62115a5ac2904318e888aa1547e000af2cf85be30ff84bf
e2efc44682457d3f4d4b3d3ed8af4608d3ef6ce7072e5
f04755dbe95d0fc70f188f03fc35d5f558a4097ce9f65b2f9b07cf9385238392a32f8ee10d7867ec35f
f001f3e32ff0072d3f9cd401f5757817eda7ff24ab4ef
fb0c45ff00a266af7daf02fdb4ff00e49569dff6188bff0044cd401f14576fe13f17b787fe1c78cf48b
599a3bdd725b283e52ca7c84f3da5208e39ca2107a890
f5e6b88a2800afd04fd9bbc243c25f09f49491717ba90fed1b8ff7a400a8e7a6102023d41af88be1978
74f8b3e20683a198de48af2ed16654383e483ba420fb2
063f857e96d0015f2cfedb5e27290e81e16824c6f2da8dca639c0ca45cfa67cde3d857d4d5f9f3fb49e
b835df8cbe21923959e0b3916c630dfc1e5285703dbcc
0e7f1a00f31af4efd9ff00e1c1f88de365b7bc571a258a8b8bf75c8dcb9f96204742e41ee3e50c4722b
cc6bef0fd94bc2cbe1ef851697b2c7b6f75991af642ca
0109f76219ee3680c3fdf340137c4ef817e16f12f8464b3f0fe91a768fabdb465acee2da15883381c24
a546594e00c9c91d47707e0ebab79ad2ea6b6ba89e1b8
85cc7246e30c8c0e0823b106bf53ebe15fdad3c2abe1ff008a72dfdb43e5d9eb508bc05536a79c3e594
03dc92039f792803cdfe1df8925f0878e345d7a1671f6
2b957902632f11e245e7fbc8597f1afd31465750c8432b0c823a115f9595fa29f007576d6fe0e7852ed
d76b2598b53efe4b1873f8f979fc6803d02bf3afe3b78
407827e27eb1a6411ecb095fed76602ed510c9f3055193c29dc99efb2bf452be5ffdb77c3d1be99e1df
124688b2c73369d337f13ab032463e8bb25ff00bee803
e65f067882ebc2be2bd2b5cb127cfb0b85982e71bd41f9909f465ca9f6268f1b5e41a8f8cf5fbdb37f3
2dae750b89a27c6372348c41fc88ac5a2803d57f65cff
0092ede19ffb7aff00d2596beffaf803f65cff0092ede19ffb7aff00d2596beffa00e53c05e2f83c52f
e20b6cc4b7da36a971a7cf121e42ac8de5be324e1931c
f42caf8e95d5d7c6de06f1cffc21bfb50f89e1bb9847a4eafab5cd95d6e3854633379527500618e093c
0576afb26803cb7f68ff037fc26df0d6f52d2159356d3
737b6671f33151f3c630093b97381dd8267a57e7ed7eaa57e7dfed19e071e07f8957b15a44b1e95a8ff
a6d9845c2a2b13ba3000006d6c800745dbeb401e9bfb1
878dfecda9ea1e0dbd9008eef37b63b8ff00cb551fbc41eb9501bdb637ad786fc58ff92a7e32ff00b0d
5effe8f7ac6f0deb377e1dd7f4fd634d70979633a4f11
39c12a73838c641e847704d58f1aead16bde31d7b57b7478e1d42fe7bb447fbcab248cc01f7c1a00edf
f00663ff92e7e18ff007ae3ff0049e5afd03afcfcfd98
ff00e4b9f863fdeb8ffd2796bf40e803f3bbf684ff0092cfe2bffafbff00d916bcf2bd0ff684ff0092c
fe2bffafbff00d916bcf2800aeafe13ff00c953f06ffd
86acbff47a57295d5fc27ff92a7e0dff00b0d597fe8f4a00fd29a28a2803f2aeb77c0ba07fc255e30d2
342fb4fd93fb42e160f3fcbf33cbcf7db919fa6456157
75f02ffe4b07847fec2117f3a00f70ff008646ff00a9dbff00293ffdbabe78f881e10d4fc0de2abcd0b
598f6cf01cc7281f24f19fbb221ee08fc8820f208afd3
1af887f6b7f1be9de28f1bdb695a5451bae8824b79af028ccb2b11b901eea8571fef17ed82403c26b63
57f11ea5ac68fa469ba8ce67834a478ad59f9648d883b
33dc020e3d01c74000c7a2800a28a2803f483e0b7fc924f087fd82edff00f4015da5717f05bfe492784
3fec176ff00fa00aed2803e0dfdacff00e4b5ea9ff5ef
6fff00a296bc76bd8bf6b3ff0092d7aa7fd7bdbffe8a5af1da00f4cf895f0b67f097827c25e29b4b87b
ad335ab38249b7800dbdc49109367ba91bb07fd939ed9
f33afba3c51a247af7ec956b6f2b0436fe1ab5bd47db921a18125c0f4c842b9f4635f0bd007d93fb14e
ba6f3c11ad68b2348cfa6de2ccbbbeeac732f0a3fe051
c87fe055f45d7c89fb0fdd3a788bc536809f2e5b586523dd1d80ff00d0cd7d77401c7fc61d153c43f0b
bc51a73c6d2b49612c91229c132c63cc8ff00f1f45afc
dbafd52963596278dc651c1523d41afcae23048a00f7efd8cb5e3a7fc49bed2249b641aa5936d8ff00b
f344432fe4865fcebed5afceffd9eb503a67c68f0a4e0
677dd1b7ff00bfa8d1ff00ecf5fa214005145140051451400514514005365912189e495d5234059998e
0281d493d853abc4bf6b0f1c0f0c7c3a7d22d2629a9eb
a5ad976f558063cd6e98e4109d8fce48e9401f237c58f16378dbe20eb3aee5becf3cc56d95811b6141b
6318ec76804fb934df855e173e33f887a16844130dd5c
037186da442a0bc983d8ec56c7be2b93afad7f62cf06bdbd8eade30bb42a6ebfd02cf39198d48695bd0
82c1003ea8d401f4f2a8550aa00503000e82968acbf14
6bb63e19f0f6a1ad6ad288acaca169a46c804e3a28c919627000ee481de803e76fdb3bc73f66d36c3c1
76321f36eb6de5f153d23527cb43eb9605bdb62fad7c9
15b5e33f115ef8b7c53a9ebda99cdd5f4c65650721074541ecaa028f602b6be0ff0082a5f1f78ff4dd1
14482d19bcebc913ac702e0b9ce0e09e141e9b996803e
affd923c167c39f0e8eb377114d435d7171f30208b75c88863df2cf91d438f4af943e345dbdefc5bf17
cb27de5d52e211f447283f4515fa396f0456d6f1416f1
a450c4a1123418555030001d8015f9b3f159837c51f18b29c83acde107fedbbd00743fb37d947a87c6d
f0b432fdd59a49c7d6385e41faa8afd09af807f65b04f
c75f0d103a7da89ffc0696befea0028a28a00fcd6f8b3cfc54f1967fe83379ff00a3debaafd9739f8ed
e19cffd3cff00e92cb5cafc58ff0092a7e32ffb0d5eff
00e8f7aeabf65cff0092ede19ffb7aff00d2596803effa28a2803c5ff6bb83cdf83376ff00f3c6f2ddf
f00f1edbffb357c275f7c7ed5833f03f5c3e92db1ff00
c8e95f03d007dc9fb1e5c79ff07fcbff009e1a84f1fe611bff0066af70af02fd8b3fe4956a3ff61897f
f0044c35efb4005784fed9568d71f092de55ce2db5486
53f429227fece2bddabc8bf6ad4dff000435b6fee4b6cdff0091d07f5a00f822bef4fd93af56ebe0969
30ae33693dc42df532b3ff2715f05d7db3fb17367e14d
f8feeeaf30ff00c850d007bdd1451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400514
514015f52b2b7d4b4ebab1be8966b4ba89e09a36e8e8c
0ab03f5048afcd6f889e15b9f0578cf55d02f0977b398ac72918f3633ca3e32719520e33c671dabf4c6
bc0ff006b1f86ade28f0caf89b4984beb1a3c67ce45eb
35af2cc3dca125874e0bf5381401f13d6df837c4da9783fc4965ae689288ef6d5f7286195753c3230ee
a4641faf183cd6251401fa47f0b3e20e93f117c331ea9
a4b7973a612eecd98192da4fee9f5538255bb8f42081d8d7e67f803c69acf813c450eb1a05c797327cb
244f931ce9dd1d7b83f98ea082335f7bfc27f897a2fc4
9d085e696fe45f4400bbb091b325bb1ffd094f661d7be0e4000ee68a28a00a9ab69b65abe9b71a7ea96
b0ddd95c2ec96199432b8f715f137c7df81d77e049a5d
6bc3cb2de785ddb2d9f9a4b224f0afea849e1ff06e705bee4a6cd1a4d13c5322c913a95646190c0f504
771401f95b56b4dbfbbd2efe0bed3ae66b5bc81c3c534
2e55d18770457d0dfb46fc09fec05b8f14f82edd9b48e64bdb041936bdcc918ff9e5ea3f87afddcedf9
be803eccf86df1aedfc7df0ff005ed175f78adbc530e9
9724630a97ca22725e31d9c01965ff00810e3217e33a7c32c90c8b242ed1c8a72ac87047d0d32803e85
fd89ffe4a56b3ff006087ff00d1d157d9f5f187ec4fff
00252b59ff00b043ff00e8e8abecfa00f24fdaaffe487ebbff005d2dbff47a57c0d5f7cfed57ff00243
f5dff00ae96dffa3d2be06a00fa7bf61dff0090cf8b3f
ebdedfff00427afadabe49fd877fe433e2cffaf7b7ff00d09ebeb6a00f2afda8ff00e484f89bfedd7ff
4aa2af802beff00fda8ff00e484f89bfedd7ff4aa2af8
02803ed5fd8a7fe4966abff61a97ff0044415eabf163fe49678cbfec0b7bff00a21ebcabf629ff00925
9aaff00d86a5ffd11057aafc58ff9259e32ff00b02def
fe887a00fcd5a28a2800afb57f629ff9259aaffd86a5ff00d11057c555f6afec53ff0024b355ff00b0d
4bffa220a00ebbf69dff9219e27ff0076dfff004a22af
89be17f8ae5f0578f746d7a32c63b59c79eaa325e16f964503d76938f7c1ed5f6cfed3bff2433c4ffee
dbffe94455f9f9401faa36f345730473dbc892c32a874
911832ba9190411d411de9f5e31fb28f8c7fe126f8630e9d73287d43436166e0b02c61c6616c6381b72
83feb9935ecf401f03fed41e0ff00f8453e29df4f6f11
4d3f571f6f8080701d89f357278c87c9c0e81d6bc8ebee8fdad3c1dff0927c337d52da22f7fa1b9ba5d
aa4b180e04a3af000dae4fa47ef5f0bd004d696d35e5d
c36b6b13cd7133ac71c6832cecc70001ea49afd2af871e188bc19e06d1b4084ab1b2802caea490f29f9
a4619e705d98fe35f1efec95e0eff00848fe252eab731
6fb0d0905cb64020ced9110f5c8219c1f58ebecff17ebf6be16f0bea9ae5ff00fc7bd85bbcecbb802e4
0e1013dd8e147b91401f237ed91e2f3ab78e6d3c376ce
0da68d16e940c8dd71280c73ce0809b31c6416715d1fec33febfc67feed9ff0039ebe64d6751b9d6357
bed4ef9c3ddde4ef7133018cbbb16638fa935f4dfec33
febfc67feed9ff0039e803eadaf02fdb4ffe49569dff006188bff44cd5efb5e05fb69ffc92ad3bfec31
17fe899a803e28a28a2800afb23f624ff0091135fff00
b097fed24af8debec8fd893fe444d7ff00ec25ff00b492803d37e3effc91bf167fd7937f315f06fc3af
13cbe0df1c68de208559fec3701e445c65e339591467a
128cc33ef5f797c7dff9237e2cff00af26fe62bf3aa803f53aceea0bdb382ead2559ada78d658a44390
eac3208f6208a9abc43f648f18ffc245f0d4693753192
ff0042905b1dc49630364c47278c0c32003a08c7a8af6fa00f843f6aaf079f0c7c51b9be813161ada9b
e8c8070252712ae7b9ddf3fd2415e355f787ed57e0fff
00849fe175cdf5b421f50d11bedb19006e3101899727a0dbf391dcc62be0fa007c31493cd1c50a3492c
8c1111064b13c0007735fa4ff000b7c291f82bc03a368
29832db400cec0e774cdf34841f4dc4e3db02be3cfd94bc1c7c4df1420d42e23dd61a1a8bd9095c832e
7112e73c1dd971ff5cc8afb6bc4dad5af873c3da96b3a
836db4b1b77b8930402c146768cf73d00ee48a00f92bf6ccf18ff6978b6c3c2d692b1b6d2a3f3ae5431
01a79002011d0ed4c60ff00d34615b5fb0d7fc7cf8cbf
dcb3fe7357cd3e21d5eeb5fd7750d5b507df777d3bdc4a474dccc4903d00ce00ec2be96fd86bfe3e7c6
5fee59ff39a803eaeaf02fdb4ff00e49569dff6188bff
0044cd5efb5e05fb69ff00c92ad3bfec3117fe899a803e28a28a2803df3f633d185ffc4fbbd4a584bc7
a6d83b2498e125919507e250c9fad7db15f337ec3fa69
8bc3de29d53276dcdd436c07bc48cdff00b5857d334008c42a92c7000c935f975aeea32eb1adea1a9dc
1267bdb892e6427bb3b163fa9afd25f88d7b369df0f7c
517d6adb6e2db4bba9a36f46589883f98afccca009ec2d66bebeb7b4b65df3dc48b146beacc7007e66b
f50746d3adf47d22c74cb152b69650476d0a939211142
a827bf0057e79fc09d29f59f8c1e12b588a8297e97477742b0e6561f888c8afd18a002be75fdb5f4517
5e05d1758447696c2f8c2481c2c72a1c93ff028e31f8d
7d155e6dfb4769efa9fc14f144312e5e3812e38ec2391243fa29a00fcf4afb43f62ad404ff000e757b1
6919a4b5d4d9c2939088f1a600f41b95cfe26be2fafa9
bf61ab945b8f18dab3fef1d2d2544f6533063ff8f2d007d5d5e73fb44e8ffdb7f067c4f02aa1920b617
8acc01dbe4b09188f43b5587e26bd1aaa6b1a7dbeafa4
5f69b7abbed6f207b7957d51d4ab0fc89a00fcb6a29cea518ab02181c107b1a6d007aafecb9ff25dbc3
3ff006f5ffa4b2d7dff005f007ecb9ff25dbc33ff006f
5ffa4b2d7dff00401f9b7f187fe4ac78c3fec2d75ffa35abeddfd9ff00c6ff00f09d7c36d3ef6e65f33
54b4ff43becf532201873fef2956f4c923b57c45f18bf
e4ac78c7fec2d75ffa35abb9fd94fc6fff0008afc478f4cbb90ae9baeedb471d967cfee5ba67a929d87
ef327a5007dd75e3dfb52782078b7e1adc5edac61b53d
1375ec271cb4607ef533eea377b94515ec341e473401f957457a0fc76f04ff00c207f12352d3208cae9
d39fb5d8fa792e4e14727eeb064e793b73debcfa803d4
7f663ff92e7e18ff007ae3ff0049e5afd03afcfcfd98ff00e4b9f863fdeb8ffd2796bf40e803f3bbf68
4ff0092cfe2bffafbff00d916bcf2bd0ff684ff0092cf
e2bffafbff00d916bcf2800aeafe13ff00c953f06ffd86acbff47a57295d5fc27ff92a7e0dff00b0d59
7fe8f4a00fd29a28a2803f2aebbaf817ff2583c23ff00
6108bf9d70b5bfe03d7d7c2de32d1f5d7b7372b6170b39843ec2f8ed9c1c7e5401f647ed39f14bfe107
f0d8d1b4798af887558c84746c35ac3d0cbea18f2abee
18e7e5c1f862b67c61e23d43c5be25bfd735890497b7926f7da30a83a2aa8ecaa0003d857a7fecf3f0b
bfe12e7d4bc47ac42ada16951c9b237e973701372ae3b
aaf0cd9eb951820b6003c5e8a28a0028a28a00fd20f82dff002493c21ff60bb7ff00d0057695c5fc16f
f009249e10ffb05dbff00e802bb4a00f837f6b3ff0092
d7aa7fd7bdbffe8a5af1daf62fdacffe4b5ea9ff005ef6ff00fa296bc76803f416c9913f66481a4fb83
c20a5be9f62e6bf3eabed5f885e275f0d7ec9ba2aa48a
b77aa68965a742acbbb779902093e9fbb1273d8e2be2aa00fa7ff61db30fab78b6f72330c16d0e3fdf6
90ffed3afad6bc43f643f0dbe89f0ac6a173104b8d62e
5ee94952ade5280880e7b7cacc3b61f3debdbe802aead7b1e9ba55e5fce42c36b0bcee4f40aaa58fe82
bf2d8f26bf407f698f120f0dfc1ed68a385b9d49469b0
82b90de6e438f6fdd890e7d40afcfda00ec7e0d827e2cf83f6f5fed6b63ff9116bf48ebf3eff00667d3
46a7f1b3c388f1b3c503cb72e40fbbb2276527db7851f
8d7e8250014514500145145001451450047713c56d6f2cf712245044a5e491ce15540c924f60057e75f
c6cf1cc9f103e205feacaedfd9f19fb358230c6d8149d
a71d72c49739e85b1d00afa47f6bff00882da2786a1f09699314d43564df74c8c43476a0e36f1fdf605
7dd55c11cd7c65401abe15d0af7c4fe23d3b44d2d03de
5f4cb0c79ced5c9e59b0090a064938e0026bf4a7c27a0d9f85fc35a6e89a6204b4b181614c2805b0397
38e3731cb13dc926be74fd8dfe1f086d2e7c6fa9c20cb
36eb5d3430076a0389251ee48d80f0701fb357d4340057c8ff00b62fc43179a85bf8274b9f305a15b8d
44a1386948ca447d4283b8f51965e856be83f8c1e3883
e1f7812ff5a9363dde3c8b289b912cec0ed07d860b1e7a29ef5f9cf7d77717f7b71797b33cf7571234b
2cb21cb3bb1cb313dc9249a0082bee4fd947c01ff0008
af8146b7a8401357d6c2cdf360b476dd635f6dd9de7fde50795af9bff674f8787c7fe3c885ec45f43d3
76dcdf123e57e7e48bfe0441c8feeab77afd001c0c0a0
02bf32fe20b993c7be2573d5b53b96fce56afd34afcc8f1e0dbe38f112fa6a3703ff0022b5007a0feca
2bbbe37e8a7fbb15c9ffc82e3fad7ded5f05fec9e71f1
b7481eb0dc0ffc82d5f7a500145145007e6b7c58ff0092a7e32ffb0d5eff00e8f7aeabf65cff0092ede
19ffb7aff00d2596b95f8b1ff00254fc65ff61abdff00
d1ef5d57ecb9ff0025dbc33ff6f5ff00a4b2d007dff4514500792fed55ff00243b5fff007edbff004a2
3af816befafdaa7fe486ebffefdb7fe94475f02d007da
ff00b167fc92ad4bfec312ff00e8982bdf6bc07f62bff9255a97fd8665ff00d13057bf50015e53fb528
cfc0af121f436c7ff002662af56af2afda90ffc58af13
7fdbaffe9545401f0057dadfb151ff008b57aa7b6b32ff00e8882be29afb57f62aff009257aa7fd8665
ffd1105007bfd14514005145140051451400514514005
145140051451400514514005145140051451401f137ed35f07dfc21aa4be25f0eda8ff00846eedff007
b144bc594ac7a63b46c7ee9e809dbc7cb9f04afd4dd42
cadb51b1b8b3bf823b8b4b8431cb0caa195d48c1041ea315f0dfc7ef82b79e00bc9357d1125baf0b4cf
c3f2cf66c4f0927fb39e15fe80f38dc01e2d5abe18f10
6a9e17d6adf56d0af25b3bf80e52443d477523a329ee0f06b2a8a00fd01f823f1874bf891a6adbcfe55
8f89204cdcd9670b263fe5a459392bea3aaf4391863ea
75f969a6df5d6997f6f7ba75c4b6d796ee248a6898ab230e84115f6bfc01f8e769e37821d13c4d24569
e2645da8fc2477c0775ec24f54efd578caa807ba51451
4008caaea55c06523041190457c39fb4c7c261e06d6c6b7a244078735194811a8c7d92639263ff00748
04afa608ec09fb92b23c5de1eb0f15f86b51d0f568cbd
95ec4627c63729eaacb9c8dca40607d40a00fcc2a2b67c63e1ebdf09f8a353d0b535c5d58cc62638203
8eaae33d994861ec45635007d0bfb13ff00c94ad67fec
10ff00fa3a2afb3ebe30fd89ff00e4a56b3ff6087ffd1d157d9f401e49fb55ff00c90fd77feba5b7fe8
f4af81abef9fdaaff00e487ebbff5d2dbff0047a57c0d
401f4f7ec3bff219f167fd7bdbff00e84f5f5b57c93fb0effc867c59ff005ef6ff00fa13d7d6d401e55
fb51ffc909f137fdbaffe95455f0057dfff00b51ffc90
9f137fdbaffe95455f005007dabfb14ffc92cd57fec352ff00e8882bd57e2c7fc92cf197fd816f7ff44
3d7957ec53ff24b355ffb0d4bff00a220af55f8b1ff00
24b3c65ff605bdff00d10f401f9ab451450015f6afec53ff0024b355ff00b0d4bffa220af8aabed5fd8
a7fe4966abff61a97ff004441401d77ed3bff002433c4
ff00eedbff00e94455f9f95fa07fb4effc90cf13ff00bb6fff00a51157e7e5007b07ecb7e303e16f8a7
676b3b9161ac816128c9c0918fee9b1ebbf0b9ec1dabe
f4afcad4664756462aca72083820d7e917c22f17278dfe1e68dae6e06e658447743006d9d3e59380780
581603fbac2803abbbb786f2d66b6ba8926b7991a3923
719575230411dc106bf357e23f8625f0678e759d0262cc2ca72b13b75788fcd1b1f72854fe35fa5f5e1
7f1cbe11ffc26ff00117c1baac310368d37d9356233fe
a1374aa781c64091371eed18a00dbfd98bc203c29f0ab4f9664c5feaff00f1319c9c1c2b81e5a8e3380
814e0f4666ae03f6d2f18fd9345d2fc23692912df37db
6f02923f728711a91d086704fb1887ad7d2d23ac71b3c8ca88a0b3331c0007524d7e6efc5cf173f8dfe
216b1ae6e636d34c63b55391b604f963e0f4240048f52
68038fafa9ff00619ff5fe33ff0076cff9cf5f2c57d4ff00b0cffaff0019ff00bb67fce7a00fab6bc0b
f6d3ff9255a77fd8622ff00d13357bed7817eda7ff24a
b4effb0c45ff00a266a00f8a28a28a002bec8fd893fe444d7ffec25ffb492be37afb23f624ff0091135
fff00b097fed24a00f4df8fbff246fc59ff005e4dfcc5
7e7557e8afc7dff9237e2cff00af26fe62bf3aa803d5ff00666f187fc225f1534f59e4d9a7eabff12fb
8c9e01723cb6eb81870bc9e8a5abefdafcac048208382
3bd7e8e7c16f180f1c7c37d1f587915ef7cbfb3de00412274f958903a6ee1c0f471401da4d1473c3245
322c9148a51d1c64303c1047715f9b3f14bc28fe0af1f
eb3a0b07f26d6726dd98e4b42df34649ee76919f7cd7e94d7867c7df84c7c77e34f066a36f1b18cdc7d
875365c822d86e9436470b8db22e4f56910500697ecb3
e0e1e16f85d69777112a6a3ad117d2b6d1b84646225c8ea367cd83d0c8d5c87ed9fe31fb078674ef0a5
a4a04fa93fda6e9430c88233f2823ae1a4e41ff00a644
57d1d1a24512c71aaa46802aaa8c0503a003b0afce4f8cfe306f1c7c47d6358472d6664f22cc64e0409
f2a100f4ddcb11eac680388afa9bf61aff8f9f197fb96
7fce6af966bea6fd86bfe3e7c65fee59ff0039a803eaeaf02fdb4ffe49569dff006188bff44cd5efb5e
05fb69ffc92ad3bfec3117fe899a803e28a28a2803edf
fd8dad1edbe11cd2b8c2dd6a734c9ee02469fcd0d7bad794fecb4a17e05786c800163724fb9fb4ca3fa
57ab500705f1eae9acfe0e78b655382d62f17e0e421ff
00d0abf3a2bf41ff006956dbf043c5047fcf2887e73c62bf3e2803d8ff0064bb2fb57c6bd326ff009f4
b7b89bf38ca7fecf5f78d7c51fb1646aff15751661ca6
8f2b0faf9d08fea6bed7a002b9cf8936b25f7c3af14da42332cfa55d449f568580fe75d1d4578825b49
e3232191971f51401f9615f417ec52e47c4fd5d32769d
1e4247b89e1ff135f3ed7bf7ec5871f157521eba3ca3ff002343401f6b51451401f997f106cd74ef1ef
896c931b2db53b98463d16561fd2b9faeafe2c7fc953f
197fd86af7ff0047bd729401eabfb2e7fc976f0cff00dbd7fe92cb5f7fd7c01fb2e7fc976f0cff00dbd
7fe92cb5f7fd007e6dfc62ff92b1e31ff00b0b5d7fe8d
6ae41599183212ac0e4107041aebfe317fc958f18ffd85aebff46b571f401fa31f043c6abe3df873a66
ad2386d4231f65be1e93a01b8f0001b8157c0e81c0ed5
de57c43fb23f8e07873c7cda15eca134ed700894b1c04b95cf9679fef659303a965f4afb7a803c3ff6b
4f041f137c3cfed9b38cb6a3a116b8e3ab5b9c79a3f00
15f3e8871d6be1bafd519a28e785e2991248a452ae8e32ac0f04107a8afce3f8c5e0c93c07f10754d14
ab7d903f9f66e7277dbbf29c9ea472a4ff794d006e7ec
c7ff0025cfc31fef5c7fe93cb5fa075f9f9fb31ffc973f0c7fbd71ff00a4f2d7e81d007e777ed09ff25
9fc57ff005f7ffb22d79e57a1fed09ff259fc57ff005f
7ffb22d79e50015d5fc27ff92a7e0dff00b0d597fe8f4ae52babf84fff00254fc1bff61ab2ff00d1e94
01fa5345145007e7fff00c33f7c4eff00a160ff00e07d
b7ff001ca3fe19fbe277fd0b07ff0003edbff8e57e8051401f07685fb3a7c42bdd66cedb53d2174db19
240b3ddbdd4120853bb6d57258e3a01d4e391d6becd83
41d3fc31e009345d1e110d859d8c91c6bdcfca4963eac49249ee4935d2550f10ff00c80353ff00af597
ff403401f9755d6fc2af0e5b78bbc7fa4e837b23c505f
19223227543e5b9561eb8201c77c57255e91fb397fc96bf0affd7c3ffe8a7a00e4fc6be18d4bc1de26b
ed0f5a8825e5abed254e56453caba9eea4608efcf3839
15875f527edcb6d025e783ae9618c5ccb1ddc4f2851bd914c25549ea402ee40edb8fad7cb7401fa41f0
5bfe4927843fec176ff00fa00aed2b8bf82dff2493c21
ff0060bb7ffd005769401f06fed67ff25af54ffaf7b7ff00d14b5e3b5f6dfc59fd9eff00e160f8daebc
41ff093ff0067f9f1c69f67fb079bb76285ceef35739c
7a571dff000c8dff0053b7fe527ffb75007ce3e23f15eb7e23b3d22d359bf7b9b5d26d96ceca2daaab0
c6a00000503270aa0b1c938193c0ae83e0dfc39d43e23
f8b21d3edd258f4b85964d42ed7810c59e809046f6c10a39e72718048fa0343fd9374982eb7eb7e27bd
bdb71d23b5b55b627eacccfc7e02be81f0af86b46f09e
909a5f8774f82c2c50eef2e207e66c005998e4b360019249e07a5006869f676fa7585b595944b0da5b4
4b0c312f4445002a8f6000153d15f37fed1ff001ce1d1
adaefc2de0dbb126b0e0c5797d0b71683a32230ff969d891f73fdefba01e53fb55fc418bc61e384d274
c9564d2744df0ac8a7896724798c3d40da147fba48386
af11a2a4b7865b89e382de3796691822468a599989c0000ea49a00fa73f624f0dbc9aa7883c4d2ab08a
18974f84e06d76621e4fc542c7ff7dd7d695c5fc1cf06
a780fe1e695a2955fb62a79d78eb8f9a77e5f91d40e141f4515da50014514500145145001599e27d72c
7c35e1ed4359d56511595942d348d9009c74519eac4e0
01dc902b4ebe48fdb17e219bad420f04e9739f22d8adc6a250e03c846638cfa8507711c8c95eeb401f3
ff8e3c4d7be31f166a5af6a647da6f652fb0748d7a2a0
f655007e157be177836ebc79e37d3b42b4deb1ccfbee66519f2615e5dfd3a7033c162a3bd7295f717ec
a3f0f57c2de095d7afe151ac6b68b282ca37436dd6340
7b6efbe7a75504656803da34ad3ed749d32d34ed3a1582ced225821897242228c01cf3d055aa2bc33f6
acf88c3c27e0efec0d366035ad651a33b586e82dba3b9
1d46ee507fc088395a00f9e3f691f88dff0009ef8e5e2b0977685a516b7b3c6312b67f792fbee2063fd
955e0126bcaed2da6bcbb86d6d2279ae26758e28a35cb
3b1380a077249c5435f4b7ec81f0dffb475493c6babc19b3b263169c9227124dfc528cf641c0e0fcc4f
20a5007d07f05bc050fc3cf0259e95846d464ff0048bf
954e77cec06403fdd50028e9c2e71926bbba28a002bf34be28c621f899e2e8c744d5eed47e133d7e96d
7e6c7c5c468fe2af8c438209d62edb9f433391fa1a00e
aff658729f1d3c3a3fbeb72bff0092d29fe95f7e57e7f7ecc122c7f1d3c30cec141370b93ea6da503f5
22bf406800a28a2803f35be2c7fc953f197fd86af7ff4
7bd755fb2e7fc976f0cffdbd7fe92cb5cafc58ff0092a7e32ffb0d5eff00e8f7aeabf65cff0092ede19
ffb7aff00d2596803effa28a2803c93f6ab38f81faefb
c96dff00a3d2be06afbcbf6b49847f0535353d65b8b741ff007f037f4af836803ed7fd8b3fe4956a5ff
61897ff0044c35efb5e11fb19c262f84b72e7a4baacce
3fefdc4bff00b2d7bbd0015e4bfb54bedf81baf8fef3db0ffc988cff004af5aaf13fdafef05b7c1c9a2
240fb55f4108f7c12ff00fb25007c2f5f6bfec5831f0a
b513ebac4a7ff20c35f1457dd1fb20589b4f8390cc4102f2fa79c7be088fff0069d007b651451400514
514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400
5145140051451400572be0af15e87f11bc337777a684bbd39a79ec678a640cac14904329e08642ad8f4
700f7ae53f697f187fc223f0ab51f21cadfea9ff12fb7
c751bc1dedd411840d823a315af973f669f887ff00082f8f6382fe611e89ab15b6bb2c40589b27cb949
3d0292413d36b31ec2803a9f8fdf00e7f0b2dd788bc1d
1c973a0ae64b8b319692cd7a961dda31ebd5475c8048f9eabf553ad7caff001f7f67bddf69f11fc3eb4
f9b992e748897af72d001ff00a2c7fc07b2d007ca74e8
dde291648d991d48656538208e841a4e9d692803ebefd9dbe3d7f6c35af85bc6f718d4d888acb5273c5
cf658e4f493b06fe2e87e6e5be96afcabafb8ff0065cf
8a0fe34f0d3e87ad5c34bafe9518cc92365eea0ce1643dcb29c2b1f752492c6803dc68a28a00f943f6d
7f09a453e89e2db64da66274ebae4005802f11c6324e0
480927a2a8af96abf43ff686d186b9f06fc5106137dbda9bd4660095f24890e3d095561f89afcf0a00f
a17f627ff009295acff00d821ff00f47455f67d7c61fb
13ff00c94ad67fec10ff00fa3a2afb3e803c93f6abff00921faeff00d74b6ffd1e95f0357df3fb55ff0
0c90fd77feba5b7fe8f4af81a803e9efd877fe433e2cf
faf7b7ff00d09ebeb6af927f61dff90cf8b3febdedff00f427afada803cabf6a3ff9213e26ff00b75ff
d2a8abe00afbfff006a3ff9213e26ff00b75ffd2a8abe
00a00fb57f629ff9259aaffd86a5ff00d11057aafc58ff009259e32ffb02deff00e887af2afd8a7fe49
66abff61a97ff0044415eabf163fe49678cbfec0b7bff
00a21e803f3568a28a002bed5fd8a7fe4966abff0061a97ff44415f1557dabfb14ff00c92cd57fec352
ffe8882803aefda77fe486789ff00ddb7ff00d288abf3
f2bf40ff0069dff9219e27ff0076dfff004a22afcfca002be98fd8b7c63f64d7354f095dcc0437cbf6c
b356207ef9062451dc96400fb088d7ccf5afe11d7aebc
2fe27d2f5cd3ff00e3e6c2e127552480e01e54e39c30c83ec4d007e9ed154f46d46db58d22c753b172f
697b025c42c46094750ca71db822ae50078ff00ed4be3
11e16f85d77696f2aaea3ad136312ee1b84647ef5b07a8d9f2e4742eb5f05d7b3fed5be31ff849be27c
fa7dbc85ac34353648036419b3999b18e0eec21ebfeac
1af18a002bea7fd867fd7f8cff00ddb3fe73d7cb15f53fec33febfc67feed9ff0039e803eadaf02fdb4
ffe49569dff006188bff44cd5efb5e05fb69ffc92ad3b
fec3117fe899a803e28a28a2800afb23f624ff0091135fff00b097fed24af8debec8fd893fe444d7ff0
0ec25ff00b492803d37e3effc91bf167fd7937f315f9d
55fa2bf1f7fe48df8b3febc9bf98afceaa002be90fd8c3c626c3c4fa8f852ea43f67d4d0dcda82c7027
8c7cc00f564c927fe99015f37d69f86b59baf0ef8874e
d634f6db7563709711f240254e7071d8f423b826803f5068acff000f6af6bafe83a7eafa7316b3be812
e2227aed650403e8467047635a1401e4ffb4e78c0784f
e156a11c0e56ff0056ff00897c18c120383e6375040081864670ccb5f01d7b7fed6be31ff848fe251d2
6d650f61a121b65030419db0653eb9042a11eb19f5af1
0a002bea6fd86bfe3e7c65fee59ff39abe59afa9bf61aff8f9f197fb967fce6a00fababc0bf6d3ff009
255a77fd8622ffd13357bed7817eda7ff0024ab4eff00
b0c45ffa266a00f8a28a28a00fbfff0065cff9213e19ff00b7affd2a96bd56bc53f641d40defc1c8203
9ff0041be9edc7e2449ff00b52bdae803cc7f6981bbe0
7f8a07fd3384ff00e478ebf3e6bf443f68680dc7c17f15a28c916a1ff057563fcabf3be803e80fd8a7f
e4a9eabff0060597ff47c15f6a57c57fb157fc953d53f
ec0d2ffe8f82bed4a00291b953f4a5a64edb2191bd149fd2803f2babdf7f62d19f8ada8fb68f2ffe8e8
6bc0abe80fd8a47fc5d2d54ff00d41a5ffd1f05007da9
45145007e6b7c59ff92a9e32ff00b0cde7fe8f7ae52ba6f89f325cfc4bf16cf11cc72eaf76ea7d4199c
8ae66803d57f65cff0092ede19ffb7aff00d2596beffa
f803f65cff0092ede19ffb7aff00d2596beffa00fcdbf8c5ff002563c63ff616baff00d1ad5c7d761f1
8bfe4ac78c7fec2d75ffa35ab8fa0092de696da78e7b7
91e29a260e8e870cac0e4107b106bf47fe11f8ce2f1e78034bd714c62ea44f2aee342311cebc38c64e0
13f30079dacbeb5f9b95f427ec7be39fec5f18dc7862f
a60b61ac0dd06f380972a380327037ae47a92a805007da15f3ff00ed81e061ae782e1f1358c2a750d18
fefcaafcd25b31c1e83276361b93800c86be80a86f6d6
0beb2b8b4bc8527b5b88da296290655d1861948ee08245007c05fb31ff00c973f0c7fbd71ffa4f2d7e8
1d7c4bf0c3c253f81ff006acd3b409c975b5b8b830487
fe5a42d6d2346df52a467d0e476afb6a803f3bbf684ff92cfe2bff00afbffd916bcf2bd0ff00684ff92
cfe2bff00afbffd916bcf2800aeafe13ffc953f06ff00
d86acbff0047a57295d5fc27ff0092a7e0dffb0d597fe8f4a00fd29a28a2803f3b3fe173fc44ff00a1b
351fcd7fc28ff0085cff113fe86cd47f35ff0af3ea280
3d4342f8ebe3fd3359b3bdb9d7eeafe08640f25ace5764cbdd0f1c646467a8eb5f6de9fe24d3fc5df0e
9f5dd1e467b2bcb291d438c321da432301d194820f246
4704d7e6a57acfc07f8a12781eeb51d2352791bc3fab44e9200722de62bb56503d3a06f6c1e7680403c
9abd23f672ff92d7e15ff00af87ff00d14f5e6f5e91fb
397fc96bf0affd7c3ffe8a7a00f62fdb9faf827fedf7ff006857cab5f557edcfd7c13ff6fbff00b42be
55a00fd20f82dff002493c21ff60bb7ff00d0057695c5
fc16ff009249e10ffb05dbff00e802bb4a00c2d57c63e19d22f5ecf55f1168d6378801782e6fa28a45c
8c8cab30232083553fe161f82bfe86ff0e7fe0ce0ff00
e2abe30fdab7fe4b7eb7ff005cadbff44257915007ea2e8dace97ae5ab5ce8ba9596a36c8e63696d275
990300095254919c1071ee2afd7c75fb17f8b7ec1e2ad
4fc2f72f883538bed16c0b1e268c7cca07fb484927fe998afb16803e7afdb075cf15683e1dd264d0752
96cb46bc91ed6f7c801242f80c837fde00857e063a739
ce2be30afd24f8b9e131e36f877ad686a8ad753425ed4b606274f9a3e4f4058004fa135f9baeac8c55c
156070411820d0036be97fd923e16b6a3a8a78df5c83f
d06d188d362913226987066e7b21e071f7b9c829cf937c0cf0c68fe30f899a4e8be229a68ec67dede5c
5c19d914b08cb67e50769c91cf6182723f446ceda0b2b
486d6ce18adeda0411c5144a152340301540e000060014012d14514005145140051451401c8fc57f1a5
b7807c0da8eb9706369e35f2ed2173feba76cec5c6412
3a938e76ab1ed5f9c3a8dedc6a5a85cdf5f4cd3dddccad34d2b7577624b31f724935ec9fb547c423e2f
f001cb691a7cdbf46d159a04da7e5967e923fbe08da3a
8f9491f7abc5638de591238959e4721555464927a002803d43f676f87dff0009f78fe08ef6167d134ec
5d5f1c7cae01f9222718f9c8e9c7ca1f1c8afd02af3bf
813e014f87de00b3b09a351ab5ce2e75071827cd61f73393c20c2f1c1209fe235e894019fe21d66cbc3
da1df6afaacc21b1b389a695cfa01d00ee4f403b92057
e707c45f175f78e3c61a8ebda9121ee5ff00751672218870918e9d0639c72727a935eedfb60fc47fb6d
fc7e08d227ff46b5659b5274638797aa447d428c31ea3
715e852be64a00e87c01e14bef1af8bb4ed074c189aee4c3c98c88a31cbc87d954138efd072457e90f8
6b44b1f0de8161a36930886c6ca210c4bc6703a93eac4
e493dc926bc6bf64ff008723c2fe113e23d4e1c6b1acc61a30c0661b5ea8a3b82fc39e7a6ce0106bdde
800a28a2800afcf6fda4ad96d3e3778a634180d3472e3
dde1473fab57e84d7c2bfb5e69ad63f196e6e1b18bfb282e57e814c5fce23401c37c1bb87b6f8b3e0f7
89b6b1d5ada327d9a45523f226bf48ebf2fbc31a87f64
789749d48e7167770dc71fec386fe95fa8340051451401f9bdf19edcdafc5af18467beab7127fdf5216
feb5b1fb36dd0b3f8dde1690f469a48bfefb85d3ff66a
5fda4a1107c6ef14a018ccd13ffdf50a37f5ac3f83b2345f163c1eca704ead6abf819541fe7401fa494
514500783fed9b7061f84d6b18ff96faac319ff00bf72
b7fecb5f11d7da7fb6b3a8f85fa4a1237b6b11b01ea041367f98af8b2803ef6fd946d841f043459075b
896e653f84ce9ff00b2d7af57967ecbcac9f02bc30186
0e2e4fe06e6522bd4e800af9eff6d79e35f86ba3db96fdebeae9228f50b0ca09ff00c787e75f4257caf
f00b725cfc9e0eb507a9bb9187fdfa03f99a00f94ebf4
0ff66285e0f819e18490618adc38fa35c4ac3f422bf3f2bf497e0f5b2da7c29f08448303fb2ad9cfd5a
3563fa93401d7d1451400514514005145140051451400
514514005145140051451400514514005145739f11bc4f0f833c0facebf3853f6280b468c090f29f963
538e705ca8cf6cd007c7ffb5bf8c7fe122f891fd916b2
87b0d090db8c60833b60ca73d78c22107a143eb5e1d535e5d4f7b793dd5dcaf35ccf234b2c8e72ceec7
2493ea49350d007dd7fb2dfc443e32f040d2f529b7eb5
a3058242ed969a1e91c9ee70369ea72a093f357b4d7e6d7c2af1addf803c6f61aeda6e78a33e55d4009
1e740d8debd473d08cf01954f38afd1bd2efed755d32d
350d3e659eceea259e1957a3a30c83f91a00f08f8fbf012dfc566ebc41e108e3b6f101cc93dae42477a
7b91d9643ebd18f5c125abe32bbb69eceea6b6bc86582
e61731cb14a855d181c156079041ec6bf53abc17f6a1f8516be26f0eddf8a7478047e20d3a232cde5a8
ff4c8547cc1bfdb5519079240dbcfcbb403e25aeafe16
78b26f0478f748d7622de55bcc16e1073be16f9645c773b49c7b807b572945007ea9a32ba2b23065619
041c82296bcfbf67ed55b59f833e14ba75da52cfecb8f
6859a107f1f2f35e83401475fd3e1d5f42d474db91982f2da4b7907aaba953fa1afcb9afd50b99161b6
9649182a2216627b002bf2be803e85fd89ffe4a56b3ff
006087ff00d1d157d9f5f187ec4fff00252b59ff00b043ff00e8e8abecfa00f24fdaaffe487ebbff005
d2dbff47a57c0d5f7cfed57ff00243f5dff00ae96dffa
3d2be06a00fa7bf61dff0090cf8b3febdedfff00427afadabe49fd877fe433e2cffaf7b7ff00d09ebeb
6a00f2afda8ff00e484f89bfedd7ff4aa2af802beff00
fda8ff00e484f89bfedd7ff4aa2af802803ed5fd8a7fe4966abff61a97ff0044415eabf163fe49678cb
fec0b7bff00a21ebcabf629ff009259aaff00d86a5ffd
11057aafc58ff9259e32ff00b02deffe887a00fcd5a28a2800afb57f629ff9259aaffd86a5ff00d1105
7c555f6afec53ff0024b355ff00b0d4bffa220a00ebbf
69dff9219e27ff0076dfff004a22afcfcafd03fda77fe486789ffddb7ffd288abf3f2800a2bb4f867e1
06f197fc2516b6e8cf7d65a34ba85aaa824b491cb0e54
01d4b217503d585717401f687ec6de2f1ab781eefc3772ff00e95a34bbe1e83741292c3be490fbf3e81
9457ad7c52f15c7e09f00eb3af3e0cb6d0116ea46774c
df2c631dc6e233ed93dabe18f809e311e09f89fa4ea13cbe5e9f70df63bc24e00864206e3ecac15ffe0
35eb9fb6a78c04fa8e91e11b49418ed87dbef154a9fde
302b1a9ee0852e71dc48a7d2803e639a59279a49a791e496462eeee496662724927a9a6515dffc2af07
ffc24769e2fd52e63dd61a1e8b7574d9190663138887b
104338ff00ae7401c057d4ff00b0cffaff0019ff00bb67fce7af962bea7fd867fd7f8cff00ddb3fe73d
007d5b5e05fb69ffc92ad3bfec3117fe899abdf6bc0bf
6d3ff9255a77fd8622ff00d1335007c51451450015f647ec49ff002226bfff00612ffda495f1bd7d91f
b127fc889afff00d84bff006925007a6fc7dff9237e2c
ff00af26fe62bf3aabf457e3effc91bf167fd7937f315f9d5400515de7c26f071f1b49e2ad3e08bccd4
2df4496f6cc0c92668e684ed03d594ba7fc0ab83a00fb
23f632f18ff69784affc2d77329b9d2a4f3ed949504dbc849200ea76c9b8927a798a3d2bda3e23f8a22
f06781b59d7e60ac6ca02d1230243ca70b1a9c7382eca
0fd6be0bf821e313e07f895a46ab249b2c5dfecd7bce0791270c4faed387c7aa0af6bfdb5bc5e1a4d1b
c216ae084ff008985de3d79489739f4f309047743401f
2f5ddccd797735d5d4af2dc4ced249239cb3b31c924fa926a1a2bbbf859e0e3e264f155fdc47bac344d
12f2f64241c197c9710ae7b1ddf3ffdb33401c257d4df
b0d7fc7cf8cbfdcb3fe7357cb35f537ec35ff1f3e32ff72cff009cd401f5757817eda7ff0024ab4eff0
0b0c45ffa266af7daf02fdb4ffe49569dff006188bff4
4cd401f1451451401f63fec49a8a4be07d7f4d0c0cb6fa88b823d1648d547eb1357d1b5f1dfec49ac35
bf8cbc41a39da23bdb14b9c9ebba27da00fc2663f857d
89401ca7c598bcff0085be308f6172747bbdaa06493e4b11fae2bf35abf542ea04b9b69a09943472a14
60464104608afcb4b985edae258265db2c4e5187a1070
6803da7f63ebb16df18a3889c7daac27847be36bff00ec95f7357e7afecdfa8c1a67c6cf0b4f74c5637
9e4b70477796278d07fdf4eb5fa15400563f8cf501a4f
83f5dd44f4b4b09ee3fef88d9bfa56c570bf1d7525d2be0ff8bae1c643e9f25b7e328f287eaf401f9cb
5f4e7ec3da7472ebbe2bd4cff00adb6b682d97e9233b1
ff00d122be63afb0bf622d3445e10f11ea9c6eb9be4b63f48a30dffb58d007d254d91d628da49182a28
2ccc4e0003bd3ab88f8dfaaa68df08fc59772332e74f9
6dd594e08794794a73fef38a00fce8bcb87bbbb9ee253992676918fb939350d145007aafecb9ff0025d
bc33ff6f5ff00a4b2d7dff5f007ecb9ff0025dbc33ff6
f5ff00a4b2d7dff401f9b7f18bfe4ac78c7fec2d75ff00a35ab8faec3e317fc958f18ffd85aebff46b5
71f401a3e22d1ef3c3daedfe91a9c7e5de594cd0c839c
120e3233d41ea0f7041aada7de5c69d7f6d7b652b43756d22cd0cabd51d482ac3dc100d7d2bfb65781f
ecf79a678cec62fdddcaad9df951d2455fdd39efca82a
4f41b17d6be62a00fd2df869e2cb7f1bf81f49d7edb606ba8879f1af48a65e244e79c060719ea307bd7
4f5f1e7ec6be38fecef115ef842fa5c5b6a60dcd98238
5b845f9d7a7f122e7938fdd803935f61d00701e2ff00048d47e27f82bc5d6883ed3a64935b5de072d03
c32ed39cff0b9c631ff002d09ed5dfd145007e777ed09
ff00259fc57ff5f7ff00b22d79e57a1fed09ff00259fc57ff5f7ff00b22d79e50015d5fc27ff0092a7e
0dffb0d597fe8f4ae52babf84ff00f254fc1bff0061ab
2ffd1e9401fa5345145007e55d6f7813401e2af18e91a11b9fb28bfb8583ced9bf667bedc8cfe62b06b
baf817ff2583c23ff006108bf9d0073de31f0dea3e11f
12dfe87acc623bdb393636d39571d55d4f7560411ec6b1abeebfda5fe158f1df8706ada4459f11e9919
312aae4dd43d4c5eb91c95f7247f1647c2940057a1fec
fb73059fc61f0ddd5dcd1c16d0cb2492cb2b0548d042e4b313c000024935e794a091d0e2803d37e3efc
4b97e2478bfcdb7f9344d3f7c3a7c6460b292374ad9e7
2fb41c7601475049f31a28a00fd20f82dff2493c21ff0060bb7ffd0057695c5fc16ff9249e10ff00b05
dbffe802bb4a00f823f6adff92dfadffd72b6ff00d109
5e455ebbfb56ff00c96fd6ff00eb95b7fe884af22a00d7f08ebb73e18f14697add896fb4585c24eaa1c
aef0a794247661953ec4d7e99e93a85b6ada5d9ea3612
79b67770a5c432608de8ea194e0f23208eb5f96b5f6ffec83e2c3aefc369346b87dd77a1cde48ea4982
4cb46493efe62803a041401eeb5f01fed39e111e14f8a
fa8b5bc656c7551fda307700b93e62fa70e18e3b02b5f7e5785fed7be113af7c374d66d9375e6872f9c
70092607c2c800f6211b3d821a00f8af46d4ae747d5ec
753b070977653a5c42c46407460ca71df902bf4cfc29ae5af89bc35a66b7619fb35fdba5c2292094dc3
254e38c83907dc1afcc0afb17f62ff17fdbfc2da9785a
ea6067d324fb4daa310098243f3051d48593249ffa6a07a5007d1f45145001451450015e53fb47fc42f
f00840bc0328b198a6b7aa6eb6b2da70d1f1f3ca39fe1
0460ff007996bd4e79a2b78249ae2448a18d4bbc8ec155540c9249e800ef5f9dbf1bfc76ff00107e205
f6a91b37f66c3fe8d60846310a9386c601cb1258e791b
b1d85007015f40fec8bf0f47883c57278a75287769ba338fb3861f2c9758caf6e76021bb10c50d78778
7b47bdf106b963a4695099afaf26586241dd89c649ec0
7527b004d7e927803c2b65e0bf0869ba069a0186d220ad26306590f2f21e4f2cc49c678ce0700500741
5c47c64f1dc1f0f7c097bac3ed7bd6fdc58c2c32249d8
1db9f6182c7a70a47522bb72400493802be00fda33e227fc27fe3b93ec52efd0f4cdd6d638e9273f3cb
ff022063a7caabc673401e637d753dfdedc5dde4cf3dd
5c48d2cb2b9cb3bb1c9627b924935e9dfb3a7c3a3f103c771fdb62dda1e99b6e6fb3d24e4ec8ba7f110
73d3e556e738af30b3b59ef6f20b4b38649ee6791628a
28d4b33bb1c0500752490315fa2df067c0b0fc3df01d8e8e36b5f37fa45f4aa721e7603763d8001474e
141ea4d007700000003005145140051515e5cc1656935
d5e4d15bdb4286496595c2a228192cc4f0001ce4d7cd9e35fdaab4eb1d427b5f09688753850612fae66
30a3364f48f6ee2b8c724a9ebc0ee01f4c57c85fb6fe9
6b17897c31ab0ceeb9b496d4fa62270c3ff471abfe18fdac66f3608bc4fe1a88a33625b9d3e72bb17d4
44e0e4ffc0c56d7ed5b3697e31f83da1f8abc3f325fda
c17cbb6e63c80b148acac083c83bd63041e41a00f8febf4efc15aabebbe0dd0b569b6896fac20b970bd
033c6ac47e66bf312beff00fd983581abfc16d0b74c25
9ecbcdb397fd8d9236c5ff00bf663fce803d568a28a00f81ff006ab81a2f8e3aeb90409a3b671ee3c88
d7ff6535c27c3ab9165f107c3174c7020d52d6427d312
a9fe95ebdfb69db88fe28e9932c7b565d222cb7f7984b303fa6dfd2bc0e291a291248d8aba10ca47622
803f5468a6c5224d124913068dd432b0e841e869d401f
317edc5745347f095a67e5967b8948ff0071507fecf5f2457d33fb706a31cbe21f0b6980fef6ded66b9
6ff007647551ffa29abe66a00fd1af81767f61f83fe11
8b18dda7c737fdf637ff00ecd5dd561f8134d9b46f03f8774cbac7da2cb4eb7b6931fde48954fea2b72
800af89ff006ced456ebe29595a472965b2d323474ec9
233c8c7f35295f6c57e767ed01ab8d6fe3278aae9559563bc3680139ff0052a2227e84a13f8d0070965
6d2de5e416b6ebba69e458d17d598e00fccd7ea55b411
5adb456f6e823862411a22f45503000fc2bf3b3e03e8edaefc60f0a59a3a26cbd5ba62e320ac20cc47e
22323f1afd17a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002be53fdb57c61b9f47f085ab8217fe261798f5e5625ce7d37
9208ee86bea5d42f2df4fb0b9bdbd9561b5b68da69a56
e888a09663ec0026bf34be2078967f18f8d358d7ee432bdf5c348a8c72638c70899efb502ae7da8039f
a2ac585ac97d7b05ac18f326708a58e00c9ea7d07a9ab
576afa8bdddc5a412186d5549c460797082b1a33ed00672514b1ea58773c8066d7d65fb1d7c45f3ade6
f036ab37ef220d71a63360653ac917a92092e3af05f90
0015f26d68787f58bdf0feb763ab6973186face659a271d981ce08ee0f423b8245007ea2515cdfc3bf1
758f8e7c1fa76bda76152e53f7b0eedc609470f19381c
839e7032307a115d25007e6cfc5af0e8f09fc49f1168c88b1c16f76c60456c8585fe78c67d7632d7235
ea3fb4dcf1dc7c72f143c2eaea1e04254e7e65b78d587
e0411f857975007dedfb28b4a7e08e8a25cec12dc88ffddf39ff00aeeaf5eafcb2171711aaa4734caa0
7003100679a5fb5dd7fcfc4dff7d9a00fd22f8af77f61
f861e2db912f94e9a55d6c7f4731305fd48afcd5a9dee6e1d4abcf2b29ea0b920d41401f417ec52c47c
50d597b1d1e43f94f0ff8d7da55f95f0c8f192d13ba36
319538a93ed775ff003de7ff00becd007de9fb53c7bfe067889b3f71ad9bff0026231fd6be03a9de7b8
914a3cb2ba9fe12c483505007d3dfb0effc867c59ff00
5ef6ff00fa13d7d6d5f19fec4f7ad17c42d6ecb2024fa619793d59258c01f93b7e55f665007957ed47f
f002427c4dff6ebff00a55157c015f75fed79a97d87e0
d5cdbffd042f20b6fc98cbff00b4abe14a00fb57f629ff009259aaff00d86a5ffd11057a97c5e9562f8
53e3167380747bb5fc4c2c07ea457e71b5c4b1c502432
491e13e60a4af2589cfbf0473513dcdc3a9579e5653d417241a00868a28a002bed5fd8a7fe4966abff0
061a97ff44415f1554b15c4f126d8a6911739c2b10334
01f7f7ed3bff002433c4ff00eedbff00e94455f9f9533dcdc3a159269594f50cc48a86803dff00f62bf
f0092a9a9ff00d81a5ffd1f05705f1e7c1dff000847c4
ed5b4e863d9a7cedf6cb20176a886424850327856dc9efb335defec57ff255353ffb034bff00a3e0af5
0fdb27c1dfdade0ab3f12da44a6eb479364ec0005ade4
2073dced7db81d8339a00f8c2aeeb1aa5f6b5a8497faadd4b7779205579a56dccc1542ae4f7c0503f0a
a5450015f66f807c1e3c29fb2a788649d00bfd5b48bad
4273dc2bc07cb5ce33c20538ec59abe68f835e0f6f1c7c46d1f46742d66d2f9d787900409f3382474c8
1b41f5615f787c5e007c28f180030069175ff00a29a80
3f366bea7fd867fd7f8cff00ddb3fe73d7cb153c334d144fe4c8e80b0ced6233d6803f536bc0bf6d3ff
9255a77fd8622ff00d13357c61f6bbaff009f89bfefb3
4c9279a55db2cb23af5c331228022a28a2800afb23f624ff0091135fff00b097fed24af8deae2cf3456
112c52c88be6b9c2b11d92803f427e3effc91bf167fd7
937f315f9d553bdcdc3a9579a5653d417241a82803e80fd8a7fe4a9eabff0060597ff47c15c47ed0be0
f1e0cf8a5aada5bc623d3ef0fdbed00c0023909ca803a
0570ea07a28aedff00629ff92a7aaffd8165ff00d1f057abfed87e0ffedaf005bf882d909bbd125cbe3
f8a090856e31c90c10fa01ba803e28ab9ab6a779abde9
bbd4ae1ee6e4c71c4647e58aa22a283f45551f8553a2800afb23e18f838785bf65af13de5c441350d6b
47bcbe949009119b77f29723b6cc360f432357ccdf09b
c24de37f885a3685b5fecd3cc1ee590e0ac0bf348738383b41009ee457df3f151122f851e308e355445
d12f155546000207c002803f35ebea6fd86bfe3e7c65f
ee59ff0039abe59ab304f710dacab0cb2a46ce85823100901b19fccfeb401fa975e05fb69ffc92ad3bf
ec3117fe899abe30fb5dd7fcfc4dff7d9a6c93cf2aed9
6591d4738662450043451450077ff0175f1e1bf8b9e1abe73885ee45acb96daa12606324fb2ef0dff01
afd15afcabab1f6cbaff9f89bfefb3401fa995f9cff00
1d7476d0be2ff8aecd8a90f7cf74bb460059b12a81f40e07e15c5fdaeebfe7e26ffbecd31fcd955a67f
31c02159ce4e09ce067f03f9500687857553a178a347d
5d54b1b0bc86e828efb1c363f4afd3f0410083906bf2aebf44be00f88a3f137c24f0edd870d3dbdb8b2
9c6fdcc1e2f93e6f42c155b9ecc2803d0abc3bf6c2d60
e9df08cd926c2daa5f436ec09e422e652c077e6351ff0002af71af8e7f6d5f11adf78c346f0fc2cacba
65b34f3156e449311f291eca8a47fbf401f38d7e807ec
c5a28d17e0be85ba010dc5e892f6623ac9bdcec63ff6cc463f015f025b446e2e62854806470809ed938
a965bdb8795da392489092563476da83b0193d074a00f
d4aaf9ebf6d1f10369fe00d2f45865749355bcdf228e924308dc41ff0081b447f0af8e3ed775ff003f1
37fdf66a396592523cd91dc8e9b989c5004745145007a
afecb9ff0025dbc33ff6f5ff00a4b2d7dff5f95b1bb46e1a366561d0a9c1a9bed775ff003f137fdf668
03a8f8c5ff2563c63ff00616baffd1ad5c7d39cb33167
24b1e493d4d36803f4d3c6de1ab4f18783352d02ff00886fadcc61f9fddb8c147ea325582b63be2bf35
f59d36ef46d5ef74cd4a230ded9ccf04d1e41daea4823
2383c8ea38afd468bfd5a7d057c7dfb65f81ff00b3bc4365e2fb18716da9016d7841e05c2afc8dc9fe2
45c7031fbb24f27900f9eb47d4aef46d5acf53d3a530d
ed9cc93c32000ed75208383c1e4743c57e95780fc4d69e31f07e95afd860437d0890a73fbb71c3a7206
76b065cf7c57e64d4c9733a20449e5551d007200a00fd
4ea2bf2cfed775ff003f137fdf668fb5dd7fcfc4dff7d9a00eeff684ff0092cfe2bffafbff00d916bcf
29d233b39690b163c92dd4d36800aeafe13ff00c953f0
6ffd86acbff47a57294aa4ab0652430390476a00fd53a2bf2cfed775ff003f137fdf668fb5dd7fcfc4d
ff7d9a00af5dd7c0bff0092c1e11ffb0845fceb85aeeb
e05ffc960f08ff00d8422fe7401fa355f1dfed65f0ace8daa4be35d0e263a75f4bff001308d464413b1
ff59c74573d73d1cf5f9801f625729f14b5cd0bc3fe03
d5ef3c56a93694d0342f6c7adc97040897be5ba67b7278009001f9ad4539ca97628085cf009ce0539a1
9160499a37113b145723e562304807d46e1f98a008e8a
28a00fd20f82dff2493c21ff0060bb7ffd0057695f96f717572ae816798011a00039e06d151fdaeebfe
7e26ffbecd007aafed5bff25bf5bffae56dff00a212bc
8a9f23bbb6e919998f7639269940057ae7ecbbe2cff8463e2c69f0cefb6cb57074f97af0ce418ce3d77
8519ec18d7996b5a55c68f7715bdd85df25b4174bb4e4
149a24953ff1d719f7cd528dda37578d8aba905594e083ea2803f54aab6a7636fa9e9d75617d109ad2e
a278268dba3a302ac0fd4135f979f6cbaff009f89bfef
b347daeebfe7e26ffbecd0069f8dbc3d73e14f16eada15ee4cd6370d0ee231bd41f95c0f4652187b1ae
8fe0678bcf827e26e8fa9cb26cb1924fb2de65b6af932
7ca59b8e8a76be3fd815c33f9b2ab4cfbdc02159ce4f273804fe07f2a8a803f5528af36fd9e7c5ff00f
0997c2bd26ee694c97f66bf60bb2c4b31923000624f52
c85189f5635e93400514566789f5cb1f0cf87eff0059d5a610d8d944659189009c74519eac4e001dc90
3bd007867ed7df104e85e1987c27a6ccc9a86ae9bee99
49063b5048c67fdb6057bfcaae0f515f18d6f78ebc4d79e32f16ea7afea581717b297d80e446838441e
caa00cf7c55df85fe0dbbf1e78d74ed0acc3aa4cfbee6
655cf910af2ee7b74e067ab151de803e86fd8dfe1f08edee3c71a9c2a5e5dd6ba68600ed50712ca3d09
20a0230701c7435f51d55d2b4fb5d274cb4d3b4f88436
76912410c60e4222801473ec0557f12eb763e1bd06ff0058d5a610d8d9446695cf5c0e807ab13800772
40a00f19fdabfe23ffc22de121e1cd326dbac6b31b2b9
5c661b5e8edec5f941c74de720815f11d745f103c577be36f17ea5af6a4712ddc9948f39114638441ec
14019efc9ea6b9f8c2191448595323715192077c0c8cf
e7401f4cfec7bf0e3edb7f2f8df578336f6acd0e9aae0e1e5e8f28f50a0951d464b74282beb9af95fc3
bfb4cf863c3ba158e91a5784afe1b1b289618905c2740
3a9e3927a93dc926b4bfe1acf46ffa16350ffc084ff0a00fa5a8af9a7fe1acf46ffa16350ffc084ff0a
c6f187ed502fbc377d69e1bd12e6c3549e3f2e2ba9a65
610e782c001cb019c760704e7182014bf6b4f8aa352bb93c0fa14a0d9db480ea73237fad954f108f652
32dfed0038da73f33d2b12cc5989249c927bd7b0fecdf
f0adbe207898df6ad0c9ff0008d69ae1ae0e302e24eab083f916c745c0e0b03401e3b5eb5f06ef27d63
c1fe3ff00054d337d96f3499354b6881c93756ec8e151
7d5c2e0f7c20f4ae13e2022c7e3cf122228545d4ae40503000f35b815de7ecacaaff001bb44570195a2
b90411904790f401e495f5afec43af07d2fc4be1f91d0
3433477d0ae7e660ebb2438f41b23ffbeabe66f1c684fe18f18eb5a23976fb05dcb6eaeebb4ba2b10ad
8f75c1fc6bbbfd987c483c39f1834912b84b6d4c369d2
9c673e663cb03feda2c7cfa66803efda28a2803e53fdb8ecb12f842f950e48ba85db1e9e51519fc5abe
57afb93f6c3d25f50f843f6b8f1ff0012dbf86e5ce39d
ac1a2c7e7229fc2be1ba00fd28f84b7a350f85fe13b90fbcbe976c19b39cb08d437ea0d7595e33fb246
b09a9fc1ab1b5507ccd32ea7b4724e724bf9a0fd31281
f857b35007c31fb606a62ffe314b6c00074fb182d8fb93ba5ffdab5e47e1dd35f59f10699a5c59f32f6
ea2b65c7abb851fceba1f8c7ae7fc247f14bc4fa98912
58a4be9238644e8d1467cb8cfe288b5b1fb3968c9adfc67f0cc332b986de737ac54e369850c884fb6f5
41f8d007e85514514019fe22d561d0bc3fa9ead7618db
d85b49752051925514b103df02bf302eae25baba9ae2e1cbcd33991d8f5662724fe75f72fed6fe255d1
3e13cfa7c6dfe95ac4e968b87c15407cc76c771850a7f
dfaf856803e87fd8af436bdf1f6afacbc68d069d63e50627e6596561b481feea4a3f1afb36bc1bf637f
0f9d33e18dc6ad2a289757bc791181e4c51feed41fa38
97f022bde6800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2803c2bf6b
cf18ff607c3a4d12d6664bfd724f24ec2548b74c34872
3d494420f50edef5f1057a87ed1fe31ff84c7e29ea52dbca24d3b4e3f60b52a4152a84ee60470433972
0f71b7d2bcbe803aef04dedf7862dae7c55a6ee8f50b7
916d34f9b606f2e6704bc8032957db186520f433237615b9abfc66f887ad69775a6eadacb5de9f75198
a7824b1802ba9ea3223047d410475041afb2fe04f83bf
e108f865a4e99347e5dfca9f6bbdcae0f9d2004a919eaa36a7fc02bbfa00fcb7d4ec27d3e78d2e219a2
59a359e2f350a978d8655864723dc71c1c553afb77f6b
0f8743c51e0fff00848b4d873ac68b1b3bed03335af5753dc94e5c73d378c12c2be22a00f7afd933e22
7fc233e2f3e1bd4a62ba4eb4eab1124e22bae887d83f0
878ebb3a006bed1d52fedb4ad32ef50bf944367690bcf34841211141663c73c006bf2d4120820e08ef5
eb7e3df8f1e26f18f822d7c35731c16d0f971a5f5ca12
65bc298e4f6504804803923ae322803cdbc4dab49af789355d5e6411cba85dcb76c83a2991cb103f3aa
36f119a65419c1e58852db54724e0760013f85455f507
ec75f0ee49af67f1beab0116f12bdb69caea7f78e46d9251ea00ca0ea0966eeb401e53a7fc71f887a6e
9f6d63a7f883ecf656b12c1042b676e4471a801546509
c0000e4d58ff0085fdf137fe8677ff00c02b6ffe375f7efd96dffe7845ff007c0ac3f1b6b7a57843c2b
a9ebda9c317d9aca132150a0191ba2a0f7662147b9a00
fcf8f1bfc44f1578e22b48bc53ab3dfc76accd0a98638c296c64e11467a0eb9c76ea6b93ad0d7f55b9d
775cbfd56fca9babd9de79368c28662490076033803b0
acfa00d5f0bf88353f0b6bb6dac68573f65d46db7f9536c57dbb90a1e18107863d4577bff0bfbe26ff0
0d0ceff00f8056dff00c6ebcb6bef4fd99bc6169e32f8
6d696f3ac6dab68eab65741946e6503f7527727728c127ab2bd007cb371f1e3e245cdbcb05c788fcd86
5528f1bd8db156523041063e4115e692c6f110244642c
a186e18c82320fd2bf533ecb6fff003c22ff00be0578b7ed1bf077fe13dd322d5bc3e889e23b18fcb48
b2156ee2c93e59278560492a7a7241ea0a807c97f07fc
5cbe07f88ba36bb32b35a41298ee557a989d4a3903b901b701dc815fa3761796da8594179633c5716b3
a09229a260c8ea4641047041afcb9beb3b9b0bc9ad2fa
de6b6ba858a4b0cc851d18750ca7907d8d69697e29f10691612d8e95aeeab636529264b7b6bc9228df2
3072aa40391c5007bafed8fe3ab6d675ed3fc2da5dc89
a1d299e5bd31b653ed07809d3ef22eece0f5720f20d7cf9a5585c6a9a95ad859aab5c5cc8b1461982ae
49c64b1e00f5278039355a347964548d59e4721555464
927b015f62fecc5f062e3c358f15f8b2dcc5abcb195b2b2917e6b546186771da46048dbfc209cf270a0
1e0f07c6df1ce8f0a69be1ef104b6fa35a0f22ca27b3b
72c90af0818ec393b40c9c9c9cd6378c7e2978cfc65a4ae99e24d6def6c5651308bc88a31bc02012514
13d4f078fc857e8b4b0da4513c92c7024680b33328014
0ea49ec2bf3bfe36f8c93c73f11752d56d401a74645ad92818fdca1386e808dc4b3e0f4dd8ed401c1d1
4514005769e0cf8a1e30f05693269be18d60d8d9c93b5
c3c62de29374855549cba93d1178f6ae2ebed2fd8ba08e4f85baa3491231fed99705941e3c882803e6c
f137c60f1df89f43b9d1f5cd79aeb4eb90a2584dac09b
b6b061caa023950783dab80afd01fda5ed10fc10f13f916ea5c242df2272009e324f1ed9afcfea00f7f
f00d8affe4aa6a7ff0060697ff47c15f646b7a5daeb7a
35f697a8c7e659dec0f6f32038251d4a9c1ec707ad7c69fb174b1c7f15afd5dd55a4d2265404e0b1f36
1381ea7009fa035f6c5007e60f8b742baf0c789b53d13
50522e6c2e1e06254a87c1e1c03ced618607b820d64d7d2dfb68f83bec5af699e2db48f10ea0bf63bb2
1781320ca3139eac808c7a45ef5f3c681a55cebbae69f
a4d8286bbbeb84b6881381b9d828c9ec39eb401f5a7ec61e0efb0786f51f165dc589f52736b68c71910
21f9c8f66906083ff003c857b1fc5ff00f9253e31ff00
b045dffe8a6adbf0be896be1bf0ee9ba2e9e1bec9616e96f196c6e60a31b9b000dc7a938ea4d60fc649
122f84de30695d514e9372a0b1c0c98d801f524803dcd
007e6e5757e07f1f7897c0c97cde16d48d835e18c4e4431c9bc26edbf7d4e3ef1e95ca57d4bfb0ec292
4be333246ae02d9e0b2e7fe7b5007967fc2fef89bff00
433bff00e015b7ff001bac1f19fc50f18f8d34a8f4df136b2d7d651cc2e16336f1478700a8394407a33
77c735fa37f65b7ff009e117fdf02bc17f6ceb744f855
60d142ab8d5e2c955c60795375fc71401f1551451400576de0cf893e2cf0468cf6be17d54d8417170d2
caa208a4dcdb500397538e3d2b89afb1bf6298124f01e
baf244ac3fb4b019973ff2c938fd45007cf9af7c67f1febfa3dde95ab7881ae2c2e90c7345f648177af
a655011f81af3cafd12f8f36b1ffc29ef1618a04de2c5
8fca832002093f957e76d007d01fb14ffc953d57fec0b2ff00e8f82becad56c2df55d32f34fbe8c4b69
770bc1321fe24752ac3f104d7c61fb17cf0c3f15efd25
9638de6d2268e256600c8de6c2db54773b558e07604f6afb66803f31bc6de1db9f09f8b755d06f7266b
0b8687795dbe62f55703b0652187b1ac4afa7bf6d3f07
0b7d4b49f17d9c2ab1dd0fb0deb28519914168d8f7625432e7b08d47a57cdba3e9b75ac6af65a669f1f
9b7979325bc299c6e7760aa33db93401f57fec5be0e36
9a36abe2eba8c896f5bec5684a91fba420c8c0f70ce00f6311f5af6ff8b1ff0024b3c65ff605bdff00d
10f5a5e0ed02d7c2be16d2f43b00bf67b0b75843050bb
c81f33903bb3658fb93597f171d23f855e313232a83a3de2e58e3930b803f1240a00fcd7aebbc0be3ef
12781adb516f0b6a1f6192f1e2134821490b0512607ce
081f78f6ae46bea3fd87a2496e3c64648d5c05b3fbcb9c7335007977fc2fef89bff433bffe015b7ff1b
ac1f19fc50f18f8d34a8f4df136b2d7d651cc2e16336f
1478700a8394407a31ef8e6bf46fecb6ff00f3c22ffbe057837ed996a07c29b27820184d5a12ec89f75
7ca9464e3a0c903ea45007c535af65a15cde786354d6e
1f9adf4eb8b7826500923ce12956f40018b1f5615915f44feca7a058f8bbc2ff00127c377ef1a8d46da
d550139652a662b2019e763943e99c67ad007ced5da78
33e27f8c3c17a5cba77867596b1b292633b45e445202e4004e5d491c28fcab97d634dbbd1b56bcd3352
88c37b6733c1346483b5d49046470791d47151e9f7971
a75fdb5ed94ad0dd5b48b34522f54753907f0205007a57fc2fef89bff433bffe015b7ff1bac5f15fc4b
f1a78eec60d23c43aabea56fe7acb1402d6253e6e0aa9
1b101cfcc463debedcf837e39d2be23783e0d4e08ada3d461022bfb55500c32e39201e7637553cf1c67
20e3bb16d003910459ff705007e58918383d6be8cfd8e
fc7d0e8dafde784f549d62b4d5584d66ced855b903053eaea00193d5140e5a97f6a5f84371a4eaf75e3
1f0edb3cba55db1975089067ecd29396931d7631e4fa1
cf40401f392b32306425581c820e083401fa7fe29d7ac3c2fe1ebfd6b5898436365119646e327b055cf
562480077240afcd9f1a788aefc59e2bd535dd409fb45
f4ed295ddb822f45404f6550147b01573c51e3cf14f8aac2d2cbc45ae5eea1696b8f2a299f232060337
f79b04fccd93c9e7934cf00f83758f1d788a0d1f40b63
2cf21cc92b0223813bbc8dd947e64e00c9205004be10bfbdf0bc6de29b094dbdfc327d9f4e94c61b131
00c8e0329460b19c10790658c8aeabfe17f7c4dff00a1
9dff00f00adbff008dd7dbbe03f06e97e0cf09d8685a6c28f0db2fcd2ba8dd34879791bdc9fc8600e00
ade782d6346778a1545192c540007a9a00f813fe17f7c
4dff00a19dff00f00adbff008dd7984d2c93ccf2ccef24b231677739662792493d4d7acfed1df1221f1
df8bc5be8e40f0fe99ba2b62aa009dcfdf9b8ec7002e7
b0cf0588af23a009ad2da6bcbb86dad6279ae26758e38d0659d89c00077249ab3e20d35b46d7b52d324
9048f657325b338180c518a938fc2bd8bf64af057fc24
9f1146b377186d3f425170772821a76c8887e0433e7b141eb5e5bf10268ae7c79e249ede449619752b9
74911832ba99588208e0823bd0055f0bf88353f0b6bb6
dac683746d352b6dde54c115f6ee528dc3020fcac4723bd77bff000bfbe26ffd0cefff008056dffc6e9
ffb2ec7e6fc73f0d864de805c96046401f6697afe38af
bebecb6fff003c22ff00be05007e5e6b1a8ddeb1aade6a5a94a66bdbb95a79e42a177bb1c9380001927
b0aa75d97c6489a0f8b1e2f478cc7ff00135b8214ae3e
532120fd08208f635c6d007ea945fead3e82b9bf897e13b7f1bf82356d02e7606ba88f932367114c398
df8e70180ce3a8c8ef5d0da4b1cf690cd0489245222ba
3a302aca4641047506a5a00fcb3d42cee34ebfb9b2be89a1bbb695a19a26ea8ea48653ee0822a6d1355
bed0f57b4d5349b97b5bfb4904b0cc98cab0f63c11ea0
f047078af76fdb0fc0ff00d8be30b7f1458c216c3581b27d83012e54724f181bd707d495726be7ba00f
52ff85fdf137fe8677ffc02b6ff00e3747fc2fef89bff
00433bff00e015b7ff001baf56fd8cfc6314a351f06ea5e5b30cded819304e3812c6327e8e001ff3d0d
7d4ff0065b7ff009e117fdf02803f307c41acea1e20d6
6eb55d627371a85d379934a515779c019c280070074159d5e85fb41285f8cde2a550028bae001fec2d7
9ed00156f49d42eb49d52cf51d3e5f26f6ce64b8824da
1b6488c194e0e41c10383c554aeafe132193e29f8394297ceb16648c678f3933fa50074fff000bfbe26
ffd0cefff008056dffc6e8ff85fdf137fe8677ffc02b6
ff00e375f7efd96dff00e7845ff7c0a3ecb6ff00f3c22ffbe05007e585763f076fad74cf8a3e18bdd42
e22b6b482fa379669582aa283c924f415c751401fa41f
f0b53c05ff00437e87ff008189fe35f1cfed0ff14a5f889e2836fa74ae3c37a7b94b34c15f39ba19981
e727f841e8bd812d9f25a9ad2da7bcba86dad21927b99
9c471451a966762701401c9249c62801218249848d1c6ecb12ef90a8ced5c8193f8903f1abfaa6b7a86
a7a76996579221b3d3a3686d23485230809dcdca80589
27249c9e6bef2f80ff000c2dbe1df83c4176892eb77e165d424382030fbb12ff00b2b93cf7249e8401e
1ff00b6e4691f88fc302345406d26fba31fc62803e69a
28a2803d2b4ef8d5f10343d36cb4cd2bc40d6f63696f1c30c42d206d8a1060659093f89ab1ff000bfbe
26ffd0cefff008056dffc6ebecaf8336b17fc2a6f0819
204dc74bb73f320c9f905767f65b7ff9e117fdf02803f31fc55e22d57c57adcdabf882e8ddea33850f3
18d5370550a38500740074ac8af5dfdab22f2be366b20
47b11a1b72b818047928323f106bc8a803e83fda03c285be13fc31f16dba67668d67a6dd1c9ce0c01e2
38c6319f3413eea2be7cafbff004ef0edbf8ebf66cd27
44478e4375a05b470b87f95278e2429923fbb220c8f620d7c072c6f0caf1ca8c92212acac30548ea08e
c6803b2f06fc52f1978334a7d37c35ad3d958b4a67317
9114837900120ba923851c0e3f3addff0085fdf137fe8677ff00c02b6ffe375cb7c2ef12af83fe20687
ae4abbaded6e07da1420726160524c03d4ec66c7be2bf
492382d644578e28191802acaa0820f71401f9dbe29f8ade36f18e92da3f8835837f652bab7926d2153
bc1f9482a8181fa1ee477ae17a75afd4efb341ff3c22f
fbe057c07fb4af844f84fe2bea8218c258ea67fb46db1d00909debe831207c0ec36d00763fb1af8b4e9
5e39bcf0e5cc98b6d621df0839389e205863b0ca6fcfa
95515f6857e5d683aadd685ade9fab58305bbb19d2e222c32372306191dc71c8afd34f0deb16de21f0f
e9bac58926d6fadd2e2307a80ca0e0fb8ce0fb8a00d1a
f927f6c7f885f6abfb7f04e9739f26d8adcea254901a42331c47d4283b8f51965eeb5f497c47f132783
bc0bad6beeaaed656ecf1a374690fcb1a9f62e541fad7
e6c6a57d73a9ea3757d7f334f77752b4d34add5dd892c4fd4934015abee1fd943e1f0f0b7827fb7b508
42eafadaaca3701ba2b6eb1ae7b6efbe7eaa08cad7cdd
fb3c7c3e3e3ef1fdbc777097d134ec5d5f31076b007e4889c632e4631c7ca1c8e95fa0940057c83fb60
7c473a86ab1f82b499ffd0ec984da83237124d8f9633e
a101c9e48dc4700a57d7d5c1ddfc20f00de5dcd7577e19b29ae67769259642eccecc725892dc924939a
00fce7a2bf44bfe14bfc3bffa1534ff00fc7bfc68ff00
852ff0effe854d3fff001eff001a00fceda2bf44bfe14bfc3bff00a1534fff00c7bfc68ff852ff000ef
f00e854d3ff00f1eff1a00fceda2bf44bfe14bfc3bffa
1534ff00fc7bfc68ff00852ff0effe854d3fff001eff001a00f843e1ff0084752f1c78aecb42d1e3266
9db324a465608c7de91bd80fcce00e48afd15f04f85f4
df067866cb43d16229696a98dcc72f231e59d8f762724f6ec3000155fc27e05f0c78467b89bc37a2da6
9f35c28491e253b9941c81924f19fe9e95d25007e65fc
43ff0091ff00c4dff613b9ff00d1ad5de7eca7ff0025c342ff00ae773ffa21eb83f887ff0023ff0089b
fec2773ff00a35abbcfd94ffe4b8685ff005cee7ff443
d00745fb657868695f116cf5b85088759b505c96ce668b08d81d86c317e39af05b79e5b6b88a7b791e2
9e260f1c88c559181c8208e841afbe7f69af079f16fc2
bd40db461f50d2cff6841eac101f317a64e50b600eac16be02a00fd31f873e2787c65e07d1b5f8368fb
6dbabc8aa080928f964519e701c30f7c57475f23fec67
e3b5b4d46fbc17a84b88ef09bbb027fe7a85fde27e2aa18741f237735f5c500739f11bc3ebe2af01ebd
a218d2492f6ce48e10fd04b8cc6df83853f857e679183
83d6bf54ebe03fda67c192784be28ea13471e34ed5d8dfdb30ce32c7f789d00043eee0670acbeb401d8
7ec67e2c4d2fc69a87872ea4db0eaf089200727f7f102
703b0ca1724f7d8a3d2be95f8d1e2f5f047c37d675759962bdf28c165caee370e36a601e1b6f2e47a21
afcedd2751bbd2354b4d474e99a0bdb49567865500947
539070783c8ef5e83f187e2feb1f1363d320bfb686c2cec9771b781d8ac93118690e7f251ced04f2726
803ccebe9dfd88fc3ad2eb3e21f11ca1c25bc0961092b
f2b33b077e7d54227e0f5f31a82c4050493c003bd7e8a7c0af061f02fc35d2f4bb88847a8ca0dd5e81d
7ce7c120e0904a80a991d7650077f4515c97c55f195bf
80bc0ba9ebb3988cf126cb58a43feba76e11719048cf271ced563da803e4afdae7c603c43f1246916b3
092c74388dbfca5597cf6c34a411ce4611083d0c67deb
c4eceda6bdbc82d6d22696e2791628a34192ecc7000f724d179753dede4f75772bcd733c8d2cb239cb3
b31c924fa926bd9ff0064df061f127c4a4d56e620fa7e
84a2e98b00419ce4443ea086707fe99fbd007d9de0bd061f0bf84b48d0edcab47616b1c05c2eddecaa3
73e3d58e4fe35b3451400514514005145140051451400
514514005145140051451400514514005703f1d3c63ff083fc33d5f54865f2efe54fb2591dd83e74990
187072546e7c77d86bbeaf8cff6caf181d53c6565e18b
673f66d22312ce012034f20079ec76a6dc1f5761401f3bd7a7fece3e0f1e31f8a9a6437081ec34ff00f
8985d038c32c646d5c1e082e5011e84d79857d0dfb30f
c4cf05f8034ed4adbc42d7d6ba96a138692f04064816245f917e525b3b9a43c2f71e9401f67515c9f86
fe23f83bc4ad0268be24d2ee679ce23b73388e663e823
6c3e7f0aeb28002010410083c106be23f8d3f007c41a06b97da9784b4d9352f0f4d2196286d3324d6a0
e0ec31fde2a092015ddc0f9b15f6e51401f95d3452432
bc5323472a12ac8e30548ea08ec69d6d04d75711c16d14934f230548e352ccc4f4000e49afd40d5746d
33588d5356d3acaf917955b9816503e8181a5d2b47d33
488da3d274eb3b18db965b6816207ea140a00f8efe0e7ece9ac6bf796fa9f8de09b49d154eff00b23e5
2e6e707ee95eb1a9e724e1b8e073b87d9761696fa7d95
bd9d9431c16b6f1ac51451aed5445180a076000a9eb3bc41ae697e1dd2e6d4b5cbfb7b1b1887cd34ee1
467d07a93d80c93da80341dd63467760a8a32589c003d
4d7c39fb4d7c585f1ceb6ba2689203e1dd3652565539fb5cd8c193fdd0090beb927b802e7c77f8f977e
315b9d07c2be6d978789d92ce72b35e0ee08fe18cff00
77a91d7192a3c0e800a28a550598050493c003bd002575ff000b3c77a87c3bf175beb7a6a2cca14c573
6ce70b3c471b909ec78041ec40e08c82df885f0ff005e
f00dce9d0f886dbcafb75b2dc44cbcae481be327a6f4270c3e87a106b92a00fd35f0378bb47f1bf87ad
f59f0fdc89ed65f9595b892171d6375fe161faf041208
277ebf33bc0de35d7bc0fac2ea3e1bbf92d65e04b1fde8a751fc2e87861c9f719c820f35f51f817f6a6
d0afe386dfc65a7cfa55d1c2bdd5aa99adcf1cb15fbeb
cf601feb401ec9e33f87be14f1a146f136876b7d3200ab39cc73050490be6210db7249c671c9af329ff
65cf01c974d2a5d6bd1465b2214ba8ca01e8098cb63f1
cd7a1697f15bc05a9dbacf6de2ed15518640b8ba581ffef990ab0fcaae3fc45f04a292de30f0e003fea
270ff00f154014fc17f0b3c19e0cb95baf0fe856d0dea
f4ba94b4d2a9dbb4956724ae4120edc03935dad79278a3f685f87ba1472087559356b9520791a7c25f3
efbdb6a63e8d9f6af9c3e2afed09e24f1a5bcfa6e9483
43d165051e285f74d329ea1e4c0e0ff7540e0904b0a00eff00f6a0f8d104f6b71e0df08de79824cc7a9
de42d952bde0461d73fc64718f979cb01f2b514500145
14500753f0d3c17a878fbc5f65a1698193cd3be7b8d8596de11f7a461c74ce00c8c920679afd14f0978
7b4ff000a7872c744d1a2f2ac6ce311a03d58f52cc7bb
124927d49af8afe0c7c68d33e18e833da5bf848df6a37526fb9be6bf119900cec50be51c2a83d327924
f7c0f43ff0086b85ffa129bff00069ffda6803ea4bab7
86eeda6b6ba8a39ade6431c9148a195d48c1520f0411c62be02fda07e18cdf0ebc5ae6ce327c3d7ecd2
d84992de5ff007a16279cae78c9395c1ce7207acffc35
c2ff00d094dff834ff00ed35cdfc43fda234bf1d784ef742d5fc0e7ca9977452ff0069e5a0947dd917f
73d41fcc120f04d00783e83ac5fe81acda6aba3dcbdad
fda48258664eaa47b1e083d083c10483c1afd0ff00847e3fb0f88be0fb7d5accac776b88af6d7bc1301
c8f753d54f707d4103f382bbdf831f112f3e1c78c21d4
6232c9a64f88b50b54c7efa2cf500f1bd73953c7719018d007dcbf17fc22be37f877ace88154dd49179
b684e06d9d3e64e7b0246d27d18d7cd3fb1af839eff00
c637fe27bb8d960d223304190466790107fef94dc08ff6d6bebdd2352b3d634bb5d474cb84b9b2ba8d6
58654e8ea4641ff00eb556f0fe81a7787e2bd8f4ab758
16f2ee5be9f1d649a46dccc7f403d0003b5006a57c65fb56fc553e20d61fc23a15c37f63d8498bd7438
1733a9fbbee8847d0b64f3b54d7affed3bf150f823c3c
344d1a565f10ea911db22360dac1c8327a863c85c770c73f2807e19a00d2f0e6897fe23d76cb47d1edd
ae2fef2411451af727a93e800c927a00093d2bf457e16
781ec7e1ef836d343b03e6bafef6e6e08c19e660373e3b0e0003b280327ad7c51f04fe26697f0ceeaf6
fe4f0d36adab5c0f292e5af442218b825557cb6e49ead
9e80000739f5cff86b85ff00a129bff069ff00da6803ea8accf13687a7f89740bed1b58816e2c2f2331
ca847e208f4604020f6201ed5f357fc35c2ff00d094df
f834ff00ed347fc35c2ffd094dff00834ffed3401e05f153c0b7ff000f7c6175a26a07cd8c7ef6d6e00
c09e124ed7c763c1047620f5182790af6ff008c7f1b74
cf89be1c8f4fbbf089b3beb693ccb4bd1a8091a1271b863ca1956039191c853dabc42803a5f879e0fd4
bc75e2bb3d0b4843e6cc774b291958221f7a46f61fa92
00e48afd15f06786b4ef07f866c342d1a364b3b38f629739673d59d8f7662493d073c0038af8abe0b7c
63d2fe1868f730c1e136d4353bb7dd717cda87965947d
d455f28ed51927a924927d00f47ff86b85ff00a129bff069ff00da6803ea5b8862b882482e234961914
a3c6ea195d48c1041e0823b57c11fb43fc2d93e1df8a7
cfd3a273e1bd4199ecdf3bbc96ead0b1eb91d89eabdc90d8f52ff86b85ff00a129bff069ff00da6b9ff
1e7ed17a4f8dfc2f79a1eb5e0567b69d72b22ea837c32
0fbb221f278607f319072091401e01a2eab7ba26ad69a9e9570f6d7d6b20961953aab0fd08f50782383
5fa19f06fe21d97c47f07c3a9c0638b5187115fdaae7f
732e3a8079d8dd54f3dc6720e3f39abb8f841f106ffe1cf8be0d52d4bc9632622beb51d268b3ce3fda1
d54faf1d090403ef1f8a9e148fc6de00d674270be75c4
24dbb138d932fcd19cf61b8007d891debe5bfd8ffc1326a3e3fbed7751b7748742431a2c8a54fda5f2b
8c11fc2a1f23a8254d7d83a1ead63aee8f67aa6917297
561771896199338653ec7907b10790720f350e83a069ba0ff68ff655b083fb42f24bfb9c1277ccf8dcd
cf4ce07038a00d4af8ebf6b3f8a7fdb3a9bf833429cff
0066d9499d42546e2e270788f8eaa87afab76f9013ebdfb4c7c521e04f0c8d2b48980f11ea919588abe
1ad61e8d371ce7aaaf4e7279da41f84c924924e49a00b
fa068f7fe20d6acf49d22ddee6feee41143127727d7d00ea49e00049e057e887c24f0158fc3bf075b68
f67896e9bf7b7973de7988193eca30001e8077c93f157
c14f88fa5fc35d4aef549fc34758d5254f2a09daf3c916e87ef055d8df337196eb81818c9cfb0ffc35c
2ff00d094dff834ff00ed3401f54550d7f47b0f1068d7
9a4eb16c975a7ddc6629a27e8c0fb8e411c104720804722be66ff86b85ff00a129bff069ff00da68ff0
086b85ffa129bff00069ffda6803c1fe2d780350f875e
2fb8d22f7325ab665b3b9c713c24f07d987461d88ee304e67807c5ba9f823c5365aee8d2959eddbe78c
9f9668cfde8d87a11f88382304035ea5f17fe38e97f12
bc31fd997de0efb2de42fe6da5e8d437b40dfc5c79432ac382b9c743d40af0ca00fa13f68ed134ef176
89a6fc55f08664d3af9520d4e3c1df04a30aace390a78
119ed908467766be7baf53f813f10adfc2baa5de87e2606e3c1bada9b7d42ddb25622c3689401c8c0e1
b1c91cf2556b2be327c3bbaf879e26fb3076b9d16f019
b4dbde0acd17a161c165c8ce3d41e8450051f85de3ed57e1df89e2d5b492248cfc97568ed84b88f3ca9
f43dc3763ea320fdf9f0f3c75a1f8fb424d4fc3f721c0
004f6ef812dbb1fe175edd0e0f438e09afcd3ad7f0b789358f0aeaf1ea7e1ed427b0be41812447ef2e4
1dac0f0cb903e520838e9401fa7a4060430041e0835e3
1e32fd9c3c0de21bb7bbb386eb449db25974f7558589efe5b0217e89b4570de04fdaaad248a3b7f1be9
124338c0379a70dc8dcf568d8e5703d0b67d057b168ff
0018fe1eeac9bad7c59a646338ff004b736c7f2942d0079b69ff00b29f85219c3df6b5acdcc6083e5a1
8e307d89da4e3e98af6cf09785343f0869634ff000de9
b069f6b9dccb18259cfab31cb31f7249acbb9f89be05b78cbc9e30f0f951da3d42273f92b135e7de2cf
da5fc0da442c3477bcd72eb6b6d5b785a28c30e819e40
0807d555a803dba5912189e495d5234059998e0281d493d857c85fb487c755d6d2e7c29e0ab93fd9673
1dfea119c7dabb18a33ff003cfd5bf8fa0f973bfce7e2
a7c6af147c42f32d2e655d3b442d91a7da9215c0391e637573d3d172010a0d798500153d95adc5f5e41
69650c93dd4f22c51451a96691d8e02803a924818a82b
defe1b68f69f0abc127e24f8a2146d76ed1a2f0e69b303f3332ffaf651cedc1cf61b7be5d3001b7f11b
5e8fe0e7c2cb2f86fa05cc6de24bf8cdc6b5730b1261f
300dca0f6660020ee1141c02c0d7cd4a0b305504b1380077ab9acea77bad6ab77a96a970f737d752196
695fab313c9f6fa0e05741f0bfc4fa7783bc5f6baeea9
a2ff006cfd9017b7b733889526e36c84946cede48181ce0e78a00fb03f66af8563c07e1a3aa6af12ff0
0c247a9c60cc197e6b58b8221cfaf42dd39c0e76827d9
ebe57ff86b85ff00a129bff069ff00da68ff0086b85ffa129bff00069ffda6803a5fdaa7e147fc24ba4
1f15f87ed54eb7609fe971a6775d4007503a174eddcae
464e1457c5d5f567fc35c2ff00d094dff834ff00ed35f38f8e356d335df13df6a7a2691fd8d6974fe67
d884de6ac6e7ef6d3b570a4e485c6067038c0a00fa3bf
64bf8ae0ac7e06f115d1dc3fe413349e9de02dfaa67dd73f7457d515f95f6d3cb6b7115c5b4af0cf138
78e48d8ab230390411c820f7afbf3f67df8a10fc45f0a
2a5f4aa3c4760a23be8f017cdec265038c37703186c8c01b7201d1fc5cf06c5e3cf00ea9a1b08c5d489
e6da48e07eee75e50e707009f9491ced66f5afce0b886
5b6b8960b88de29a2628f1b8c32b038208ec41afd50af88bf6b9f03ffc23be3d5d7aca209a76b80cadb
46025cae3cc1c7f7b2af93d4b3fa500790f83bc4379e1
4f14e99aee9a7175633accaa4901c7f121c7665254fb135fa57e1ed5ecfc41a1586afa649e6595ec293
c4ddf6b0ce08ec47423b10457e5dd7d75fb18f8e3ed5a
55ff00836fa6ccd679bcb107bc4c7f78838c7cae437a9f30f61c007847ed09ff00259fc57ff5f7ff00b
22d79e57a1fed09ff00259fc57ff5f7ff00b22d79e500
15f63feca1f0abfb134c8fc65af40bfda97b1ffc4be275e6de061feb39e8ce0f1e8bdfe6207ca3e0fd4
b4ed1fc4b61a86b5a5ff6bd8db49e6bd919446b311f74
312adf2e7048c1c818ef5f49ff00c35c27fd0947ff00069ffda6803ea8a2be57ff0086b85ffa129bff0
0069ffda68ff86b85ff00a129bff069ff00da6803e93f
f846f43ffa0369bff80a9fe147fc237a1ffd01b4dffc054ff0af9b3fe1ae17fe84a6ff00c1a7ff0069a
3fe1ae17fe84a6ffc1a7ff69a00fa4ffe11bd0ffe80da
6ffe02a7f85496fa1e936d3a4d6da5d843321cabc76e8aca7d8815f347fc35c2ff00d094dff834ff00e
d347fc35c2ffd094dff00834ffed3401f5457c87fb707
fc8c9e17ff00af49bff4315a9ff0d70bff0042537fe0d3ff00b4d7907c71f8a43e28ea5a5dd8d1ce97f
6285e2da6e7cedfb8839cec5c74f7a00f32af62fd9bfe
15b7c40f12fdbf5589c786f4d70d707181732755841f4e85b1d178e0b035e3b5f497833f692d2fc1fe1
9b1d0f46f033a59da26d05b55059dbab3b1f279662493
f5e3038a00fb0800a0050001c0028af95ffe1ae17fe84a6ffc1a7ff69a3fe1ae17fe84a6ff00c1a7ff0
069a00f4cfda23e1545f10fc346ef4c8231e26b0426d6
4e14ce9d4c0cde8792b9e031ea03357c153c52413490cf1bc72c6c51d1c619581c1041e86bea9ff86b8
5ff00a129bff069ff00da6bc27e2d78bf4af1cf8a1b5c
d33c3e744b9b85cddc6b75e724d27fcf40362ed623afaf5eb92403d27f65df8b47c2bac27863c4377b7
c3f7cf8b79653f2d9ce4faf6463c1ec0e1b81b89e7bf6
a4f09ffc231f162fe7853165ac0fed08b19e198912027d77866c760cb5e435eb7ab78b4fc42f8430e97
acca24f13f859bceb395cb17bbb2601645f42e984624f
3b2327b31a00f24afbf3f662f161f14fc26d35279035ee944e9d3700708079671ff5cca0cf721abe03a
f79fd8f7c56345f88d3e8970d8b5d6e0f2d7a604f1e5d
0927b6d322fb965a00fb6ebc17f6c2f08ff6dfc3d835db78cb5e68936f623249824215f81d70c236cf6
01abdeaaaeada7db6ada55e69d7c9e65a5e42f6f32671
b91d4ab0fc89a00fcb5afb2bf631f170d47c1da87862e1ff00d234a97ce801c0cc1292481dce1f7127f
db5af937c61a0dcf85fc51aa6877d93716170f016da54
38078700f661861ec45757f00fc5ff00f085fc51d1f509a610e9f70ff62bd2c42af9321037313d02b6c
7ff00805007d4ff00b5edccb07c1bb88e27da9717b047
20c7de504b63f3553f857c2b5f727ed89ff2483fee2307f27af86e803ee4fd8fac2dadbe11add410aa5
c5ddeccd349ddca90ab93e800e9d3afa9af70af18fd91
bfe48c597fd7ddc7fe875ecf4005145140051451400514514005145140051451401f997f10ff00e47ff
137fd84ee7ff46b5779fb29ff00c970d0bfeb9dcffe88
7ae0fe21ff00c8ff00e26ffb09dcff00e8d6aef3f653ff0092e1a17fd73b9ffd10f401f7c57e7c7ed07
f0fdfc01e3fb986da22ba35f96bab060a76aa13f345f5
42718c9f94a93d6bf41eb84f8cdf0fad7e23782ee34b93cb8b518bf7d6370f9fdd4a070091ced6e87af
5ce3205007e78e95a85d693a9da6a3a74cd05edacab3c
32ae328ea720f3c751debf447e0ffc41b0f88de108354b5648efe3022beb51c1826c73819fb87aa9ee3
8ea081f9ddab69d77a46a775a7ea56ef6d7b6d2345344
e39460704574bf0bfc7dab7c3bf1345ab690de646d84bab476c25c479e54fa1ee1bb1f5190403f492b8
3f8c9f0e6c7e24f84e4d3ae3643a8c04cb63765726193
1d09ebb1b80c3e87a815a1f0e3c7da17c41d0c6a3a05c8664005c5ac8409add8f675f7c1c1e87070783
5d65007e65f8d7c1faef82f587d37c47a7cb693827639
198e603f8a37e8c391d3a74383c560282c4050493c003bd7ea5ea16369a8da3daea16b05ddb49f7e19e
312237d54f06b3b49f0a787747bafb4e91a0e93617382
3cdb5b38e27c1ea32a01a00f99bf66af81d7e9ab5af8bbc6769259c56ae25b0b09976c8f20e92c8a795
553ca838248078006efaca8a64f2c704324d3c891c51a
977776015540c9249e805003999514b390aa064927000af83ff695f89fff0009ef8b058e95331f0ee96
cd1dbe0fcb7127469b8ec7a2e73c0cf1b88aecbf68ef8
ecbae4573e15f04dc1fecb6cc77da821c7da8778e33ff3cfb16fe2e83e5ceff9aa801d1a3cb22c71ab3
c8e42aaa8c924f40057e877c06f018f87ff000f6cf4fb
840355b93f6bbe239c4ac07c99f4550178e0904f7af03fd92be169d53518fc6dadc27ec167211a6c6eb
c4d329c1979fe143c0c7f10ea36f3f605001451450014
5145001451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145006578b35db5f0c786b53d6f5027ecb
616ef3ba82017da38519e3713803dc8afcced7354bad6
f5abfd575070f797b3bdc4cc06017762c703b0c9e95f58feda3e31fb1683a6784ad26c4d7edf6cbb51d
7c9438453c746704fd62f7af902800a28a2800ae8fc3b
e38f14f86fca1a1788354b28a260cb0c572de5647ac64ed23d8822b9ca2803dcb40fda73c7ba7055d44
e99aba6e059ae6dbcb7db9e40311503ea54d7a4e91fb5
9e952be358f0b5f5aa7adadd24e7f2654fe75f2251401f6aff00c355f81ffe815e24ff00c0783ff8f54
375fb56f83960636ba3788249bf85648a1453f52246c7
e55f1851401f47f8abf6acd7ef6331786b43b2d2c10c1a6b990dcc9eccbc2aa9f621abc2fc57e2bd77c
5da81bdf126a975a85c73b4ccff002c79ea1107ca83d9
40158945001451450015f487ec9ff0a9f57d522f1a6bb030d36cdf3a746ebc5c4ca71e673fc28471ead
dfe520f3dfb3ffc11bbf1d5dc5ad7886296d7c2d13646
72af7c41fb89dc276671f45e7257ee0b3b582cad20b5b386382da0458a28a350aa88a301401c0000c62
8039df88fe0ad2bc7de17b8d175943b1fe786651f3c12
8076bafb8c918ee091debe02f89bf0f75cf877ae9d3f5b80986424dade203e55ca0eea7d464654f2323
b104fe92565f893c3fa5789b489b4cd7ec20beb1947cd
14ab9c1c63729eaac33c30208ec6803f2fe8afa6be247ecb9a85ac935e7806f56f6dcfcc34fbc70932f
4e124e15bbfdedb803ab1af9fbc49e17d77c317260f10
6917da749b8aafda216457c1c12ac7861c75048a00c6a28a2800a28af40f057c1ff1bf8c248ce9ba1dc
5bda3ed3f6cbe536f0853fc40b72e38e76063ed401e7f
52c96f3c70453c90c8b0ca584723290ae463383d0e3233f5afb33c07fb3bf87bc1da6c9abf8a2093c53
ab4119956ce38f30ee033b1232479849c8cb90a7232ab
8cd78978f3c03f14fc67e25b9d6352f0a5f217c2416e9b0476d0afdc8906701547e6724f24d0078dd15
e87ff000a5be22ffd0a9a87fe39ff00c551ff000a5be2
2ffd0a9a87fe39ff00c550079e515e87ff000a5be22ffd0a9a87fe39ff00c551ff000a5be22ffd0a9a8
7fe39ff00c550079e515e87ff000a5be22ffd0a9a87fe
39ff00c551ff000a5be22ffd0a9a87fe39ff00c550079e515e87ff000a5be22ffd0a9a87fe39ff00c55
1ff000a5be22ffd0a9a87fe39ff00c55007a3feca5f15
bfe11fd513c21afdc37f64df49fe832b9cadb4ec7ee7b239fc03738f998d7d47f127c67a7780bc2379a
eeaa432c43641006dad7129076c6bee70493838009ed5
f0affc296f88bff42a6a1ff8e7ff00155d678dfc2df197c6b65a2daf88340d42e23d2adfc884fcbb9ce
7991c963b9c80a0b77da3b92480793f8b3c41a878abc4
77fadeb12896faf6432484676af60aa0e70a00000ec00ac8af43ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e
2a8ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a803cf28af
43ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a8ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a803cf28af43ff0
0852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a8ff00852df117fe
854d43ff001cff00e2a803cf28af43ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a8ff00852df117fe854d4
3ff001cff00e2a803cf28af43ff00852df117fe854d43
ff001cff00e2a8ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a803cf28af43ff00852df117fe854d43ff001
cff00e2a8ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a803
cf28af43ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a8ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a803bffd9
63e2b9f0c6b29e15d7ee76e857f27fa3492722d676e83
3d91cf07b06c1e01635f57fc42f17e9be06f09deebbabb81140b88a2dd869e53f7635f727f20093c035
f08ff00c296f88bff0042a6a1ff008e7ff155d6f8cfc3
1f19fc63a4689a76bda0ea3716da4c3e545f77321cff00ac90eef99f6ed5c9ec3d4b1201e53e32f12ea
5e2ff0012df6b9ad4a24bdbb7dcc146150745451d9400
00fa7393cd62d7a1ff00c296f88bff0042a6a1ff008e7ff1547fc296f88bff0042a6a1ff008e7ff1540
1e79457a1ff00c296f88bff0042a6a1ff008e7ff1547f
c296f88bff0042a6a1ff008e7ff15401e79457a1ff00c296f88bff0042a6a1ff008e7ff1547fc296f88
bff0042a6a1ff008e7ff15401e79457a1ff00c296f88b
ff0042a6a1ff008e7ff1547fc296f88bff0042a6a1ff008e7ff15401e795f49fc06f1468ff00103c2af
f000b3e206e9d082da45d330f323da32111c83b5d792a
4e415ca1e30a7cbffe14b7c45ffa15350ffc73ff008aa96d3e0ffc4cb3ba86e6d3c35aa41730b892296
275578d81c86521b20823208a00adf167e166bdf0df54
31ea519b9d2a572b6ba8c4a4472f701bfb8f807e53e8704819ae02bf47bc093ea1e2ff0000c76bf107c
3c6dafcafd9efad2f22568ee08c7ef147230dc1c76208
ec09f11f897fb2e473492df7c3fbd5833963a6deb92bdce239793e8006cfbb0a00f93e8ae9bc59e03f1
4f846574f116857d648a42f9cd1ee849c670b2ae51bf0
26b99a0028a29f0c524d2ac70a349231c2aa0c927d850032940c9c0e4d7aa7823e02f8efc53246eda53
691644e1ae353cc38fa478de7d8edc1f5afa9be14fc0b
f0cf805a2be914eb1aea722f6e500588ff00d328f909d072496ebc8071401e31f077e09db68d61278df
e2c22d8e93609f698f4eb95e5b1c87997ae3d22c658e0
118f95bc8be2efc40bff0088de2fb8d56ecb4766998acad7b41083c03eac7ab1ee7d8003e86fda72d3e
2078d2fe2f0ff00867c3da849e1cb522496640aa2ee6f
5e4e762f41d327279c29af05ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a803cf28af43ff00852df117fe8
54d43ff001cff00e2a8ff00852df117fe854d43ff001c
ff00e2a803cf28af43ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a8ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e
2a803cf28af43ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2
a8ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a803cf2ba4f87be2fd4bc0de2bb2d7748722681b12444e167
88fde8dbd88fc8e08e40adfff00852df117fe854d43ff
001cff00e2a8ff00852df117fe854d43ff001cff00e2a803ef5f04f8a34df197866c75cd165325a5d26
76b70d1b0e19187660720fe99183581f1bbc14be3df87
3a9e931a06d4117ed5624f69d01da39200dc0b264f40e4d784fece3a57c46f87be25365ab7867543e1a
d4582dc2e548b793a0980cfe0d8e48c752a057d63401f
95aeac8ecaea5594e0823041adff0087fe28baf0678cb4ad7ec7264b2983b271fbc8cfcae9c838dca58
67b6723915e93fb567823fe115f88f26a769195d335dd
d7687b2cf9fdf2f5cf521fb0fde6074af15a00ee7e376a16bab7c53f106a3a74c26b2bb95278640080e
8d1a95383c8e08eb5c35145001457a0c5f06be214b124
91f856fd91c065236720fe34eff852df117fe854d43ff1cffe2a803cf28af43ff852df117fe854d43ff
1cffe2a8ff852df117fe854d43ff1cffe2a803cf28af4
3ff852df117fe854d43ff1cffe2a8ff852df117fe854d43ff1cffe2a803cf28af43ff852df117fe854d
43ff1cffe2a8ff852df117fe854d43ff1cffe2a803cf2
8af43ff852df117fe854d43ff1cffe2a8ff852df117fe854d43ff1cffe2a803cf28af43ff852df117fe
854d43ff1cffe2a8ff852df117fe854d43ff1cffe2a80
3cf28af43ff852df117fe854d43ff1cffe2a8ff852df117fe854d43ff1cffe2a803cf28af43ff852df1
17fe854d43ff1cffe2a8ff852df117fe854d43ff1cffe
2a803cf29d1c8f1b6e8d995b04641c704608fc4122bd07fe14b7c45ffa15350ffc73ff008aa3fe14b7c
45ffa15350ffc73ff008aa00f3cab9a3ea373a3eaf65a
9d83f9779673a5c42e403b5d18329c1ebc815b7e2bf0178a3c256b0dcf88f45bad3ede67f2e3925036b
36338c8279c03f91ae62803f4ff00c29ae5af897c35a6
6b5607fd1afedd2e106e04a6e192a71c641c83ee0d6ad7ce9fb1878b7fb47c1fa8f866e64067d2a6f3a
dc1232609492401d4ed70c49ffa68057d17401f1ffeda
3e10fb1788f4bf15dac5887508fec974cabff2d907c849f564e07b455f35d7e8d7c6df080f1b7c34d67
498a2f32f847f68b3c01bbcf8fe65033d377299f4635f
9cb401f5b78a7596f893fb22b6a2ccf2ea7a49896e82b6e26485d5599b8ef1b7987d3757c935f41fec7
fe24823f12eade0ed59526d375db66db04a3723c88a77
215e9868cbe73d7628acff008aff00b3c7897c39a9dcdd7856d26d6f4376678d6dc6eb88173c2327de7
2338dcb9ce3240e9401cbf817e3578bbc11e1e8f45d0a
5b15b28dda4512db876cb1c9e735d0ff00c34c7c42ff009efa67fe018ff1af27bbf0f6b56770f6f77a3
ea304f19c3c72db3ab29f4208c8a8bfb1f53ffa075e7f
df86ff000a00f5dff8698f885ff3df4cff00c031fe347fc34c7c42ff009efa67fe018ff1af22fec7d4f
f00e81d79ff007e1bfc28fec7d4ff00e81d79ff007e1b
fc2803d77fe1a63e217fcf7d33ff0000c7f8d1ff000d31f10bfe7be99ff8063fc6bc8bfb1f53ff00a07
5e7fdf86ff0a3fb1f53ff00a075e7fdf86ff0a00f5dff
008698f885ff003df4cffc031fe347fc34c7c42ff9efa67fe018ff001af22fec7d4ffe81d79ff7e1bfc
28fec7d4ffe81d79ff7e1bfc2803d77fe1a63e217fcf7
d33ff00c7f8d1ff0d31f10bfe7be99ff008063fc6bc8bfb1f53ffa075e7fdf86ff000a3fb1f53ffa075
e7fdf86ff000a00f5dff8698f885ff3df4cff00c031fe
347fc34c7c42ff009efa67fe018ff1af22fec7d4ff00e81d79ff007e1bfc28fec7d4ff00e81d79ff007
e1bfc28023d56fa6d5354bcd42e8a9b8bb99e790a8c0d
ccc58e07d4d7b3fec79a436a1f16fedb9758f4db19a7c85c82cd88c293db8763ff0001ae13c2df0abc6
fe279e14d33c39a88865008b9b984c10edce376f7c03f
4193ed5f6bfc0ff8636bf0cfc30f6be6a5d6af76c24beba55c06233b5173cec5c9c6792493c670003d1
a8a28a00f0dfda33e0ba78eed4ebbe1c8a38bc4f6e987
4c855be41d1589e0381c2b1ea3e527182bf11de5adc58ddcf6b7b04b6f750398e586552af1b8382ac0f
2083c62bf53abccfe2f7c1df0ff00c48b7f3ae07f67eb
68b88b5181016231c2c8bc6f5fc411d88e4100f82bc39af6abe1ad5a1d4f41bf9ec2fa120acb0b60919
07691d194e0654e41ee0d7d21e05fdaae78214b7f1be8
c6e4af06f34d215c8c0c662620124e49219473c2d78cfc43f84de2ef01caedac69af3580e97f6999602
38ead8ca75e8c013db35c15007dfba67ed07f0dafa18d
9b5f6b491d41315c5a4cac87d090a573f426af5c7c73f86f02177f14da91fec432b9fc9509afcf4a280
3ed6f15fed47e0fd30491e8167a86b73800ab84fb342d
ea373fce08ff0072be70f89df18fc57f10b75bea574b67a4e7234fb3ca4479c82e73973c0ea7008c802
bce2b4344d1b53d7afd2c745d3eeafef1f910db44d236
3d703a0f7e94019f5ec5f013e0d5f7c41d462d4b548e4b6f0bc0ff00bd98fcad7441e638ff00916edcf
7af4af841fb3318e58755f88c51b6fcc9a44326467b79
b229fafcaa7d32dd56bea3b4b682ced61b6b486382da1411c7144a151140c055038000ec2801b61696f
a7d8dbd9d942905adbc6b14514630a88a30aa07600002
a7a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a00a9aa69961ab
59bda6ab656b7d6aff7a1b9896546faab020d79cf893e
02fc3bd756766d0534fb894604da7c8d07967d5501f2ff003535ea345007cbfe21fd936c9fcc7f0e789
ee21c29d90dfdbacbb9bb032215c0f7d86bcc35ff00d9
bfe22695936d6365aaa052ccd6374bc607a49b189f600d7ddf45007e60eb9e1bd73402835cd1b52d377
f0bf6bb678777d37019ac9afd54601810c0107820f7ae
175ef845e01d747fc4c3c2ba606cee2f6b19b6627dda22a4fe26803f3968afb2bc43fb2a7866ed5db42
d6b54d36566c813aa5cc6a3d02fcadf9b1af3ed5bf652
f15433c834ad6f46bb801f95a73240ec3dd42b01ff007d5007ced457b0ea1fb38fc48b590ac1a4dade8
cfde82f6200ff00df6ca6a3b3fd9d7e25cf285974386d
97fbf2df4047fe3ae4fe9401e45457d0fa4feca9e2c9e78ffb5359d16cedc9f9da26926751ecbb541ff
be857a6f84ff65bf09698d1cbe21bebfd6e55cee8f3f6
685bd3e5525f8ff7e803e3ef0ee83aaf893548f4ed074fb9bfbd93a45021620640dc4f455191963803b
9afa9be107ecd10584b6fab7c4268aeae10878f4a89b7
44a71ff2d9bf8c83fc2bf2f1c96048afa23c3de1fd23c39602cb41d36d34eb5cee31db441033600dcd8
ea7007279e2b4e801b0c690c491428b1c48a155146028
1d001d853ab97f1f78f3c3be03d2cdef88f508e02ca4c36ebf34d391d913a9ec33c0191922be61d73f6
adf12beab70742d1347874ddd8852f125965c7ab32c8a
327ae00e3a64e32403ec6a2be2bff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea3fe1aafc71ff40af0dffe03c
fff00c7a803ed4a4745910a48a1948c104641af8b3fe1
aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fa96fbe19781af43
0b8f08e839624964b18d1893df72806b3e1f837f0f219
37a784f4c27d1d0b0fc8922be6aff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea3fe1aafc71ff40af0dffe03c
fff00c7a803ebad13c27e1dd0a769b44d0349d3a661b5
a4b4b38e2623d095009adaaf8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37
ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af
0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0
dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff
001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff0
01ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03c
ff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cf
f00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb5
28af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb52
8af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8f
f86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff
86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00
e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e
1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7f
d02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd
02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff
0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0
040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff8
0f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80
f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff
00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff0
0e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001e
a00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea
00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00
fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00f
c7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb528af
8aff00e1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7a8ff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea00fb53af5a
e7751f02f84b52ba92e751f0be857573272f34da7c4ee
c7dd8ae6be4dff0086abf1c7fd02bc37ff0080f3ff00f1ea3fe1aafc71ff0040af0dff00e03cff00fc7
a803ea58be18f81636dcbe0ef0f93fed69f130fc8ad6f
68da1e93a1c0d0e89a5d869d0b1c98ed2dd21527d70a057c79ff000d57e38ffa05786fff0001e7ff00e
3d47fc355f8e3fe815e1bff00c079ff00f8f5007da945
7c57ff000d57e38ffa05786fff0001e7ff00e3d47fc355f8e3fe815e1bff00c079ff00f8f5007da9457
c57ff000d57e38ffa05786fff0001e7ff00e3d47fc355
f8e3fe815e1bff00c079ff00f8f5007da9457c57ff000d57e38ffa05786fff0001e7ff00e3d47fc355f
8e3fe815e1bff00c079ff00f8f5007da9457c57ff000d
57e38ffa05786fff0001e7ff00e3d47fc355f8e3fe815e1bff00c079ff00f8f5007da9457c57ff000d5
7e38ffa05786fff0001e7ff00e3d47fc355f8e3fe815e
1bff00c079ff00f8f5007da9457c57ff000d57e38ffa05786fff0001e7ff00e3d47fc355f8e3fe815e1
bff00c079ff00f8f5007da9457c57ff000d57e38ffa05
786fff0001e7ff00e3d47fc355f8e3fe815e1bff00c079ff00f8f5007d1bf1ff00c0ff00f09dfc36d42
cada2f3354b4ff4cb1c7532a03941fef2965e78c907b5
7e7957e957c2ff00195a78f3c13a76bd67b51e64d971086cf9332f0e9f9f233c952a7bd7c63fb4df81b
fe10df893733da4223d2757cdedb6d1854627f7b1f4c0
c31c80380aeb401e4745145007ea4e8fff00208b1ffae09ffa08ab755347ff0090458ffd704ffd04579
2fed1df14b5bf8676da0c9a0dae9d70d7ef32cbf6d8dd
f1b02636ed75fef1eb9a00f65a2be2bff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea3fe1aafc71ff40af0dff
e03cfff00c7a803ed4a2be2bff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff8
0f3fff001ea3fe1aafc71ff40af0dffe03cfff00c7a803ed4a2be2bff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff0
01ea3fe1aafc71ff40af0dffe03cfff00c7a803ed4a2b
e2bff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea3fe1aafc71ff40af0dffe03cfff00c7a803ed4a2be2bff86
abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea3fe1aafc71ff40af0
dffe03cfff00c7a803ed4a2be2bff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea3fe1aafc71ff40af0dffe03c
fff00c7a803ed4a2be2bff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3f
ff001ea3fe1aafc71ff40af0dffe03cfff00c7a803ed4a2be2bff86abf1c7fd02bc37ff80f3fff001ea
3fe1aafc71ff40af0dffe03cfff00c7a803e92f8f7e11
ff0084cfe16eb3a7c3099afe08fed966154b379d1e485503a965dc9ff03afcedafd0bf807f1166f893e
097d4b5086da0d52dae5edee63b704276656556248055
80e49e55be95f1afc78f08ff00c217f14359d3a18f658cd27db2cf09b57c993e60aa327853b933df650
04dfb3ef8b7fe10ef8a9a3decd26cb1ba7fb0dd9c803c
b9081924f656d8e7fddafd0dafcabafd18f81de2eff84d7e18e8baa4b3096f962fb35e1dc0b79f1fcac
5b1d0b0c3e3d1c5007795f9f1fb4678487843e2b6ad6f
0a6db2bf3fda16c38e1242770007401c3a81e8057e83d7807ed8de123ac7806d7c416c80dce8b37ef3d
4c1290adc639218467d86e3401f1e786f58baf0f78834
ed634f602eac6e12e23ce704ab03838ec71823b826bf4cf40d5ad75dd0f4fd5b4f62d697d025c444f07
6ba86191d8f3c8afcbaafb3ff00635f177f6af822f7c3
77320373a3cdbe10782609496fa9c3efcfa0651401f42d1451400514514005145140051451400514514
0051451400514514005145140051451400570fe23f84d
e03f113b3ea9e17d39a5662ef2dba1b77762724b34654b1fa9aee28a00f9ff0053fd95fc197124b258e
a5add99762563f36391107a0053763eac4d51b5fd93fc
36b20377e21d5e58fbac4b1c67f32adfcabe8ea2803c8bc39fb3bfc3bd1923f374a9f559d18b09b50b8
6727d8a26d423eab5e9fa3e8fa6e8967f64d1b4eb3d3e
d7716f26d20589327a9daa00cd5ea2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a2
8a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a280
0a28a2800a28a2800a28a8ee0cde59fb308cc9dbcc2401f975a009282400492001d49af3ad7f41f897a
96058f8db46d21413ff001e9a2ef247b99657fd00af2c
f107ece7e2af11b675ef89577a880c5956ea09245527fbaa65c2fd05007a8f8afe367803c371486e7c4
36b7b3aa92b6fa71fb4bb11fc394caa9ff798578378ff
00f6a6d5af83db78234e4d2e1c902f2f02cd391c6084e510f5ce77e73daaf7fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcf
f00f1ca3fe1926ebfe87083ff0005e7ff008e5007cd3a
b6a77fac5fcb7dab5e5c5ede4a72f3dc486476ec324f354ebea2ff008649baff00a1c20ffc179ffe394
7fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcff00f1ca00f9768afa8bfe19
26ebfe87083ff05e7ff8e51ff0c9375ff43841ff0082f3ff00c72803e5da2bea2ff8649baffa1c20ff0
0c179ff00e3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcfff001ca00f
9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff0005e7ff008e51ff000c9375ff0043841ff82f3ffc72803e5da2bea2f
f008649baff00a1c20ffc179ffe3947fc324dd7fd0e10
7fe0bcff00f1ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff05e7ff8e51ff0c9375ff43841ff0082f3ff00c72
803e5da2bea2ff8649baffa1c20ff00c179ff00e3947f
c324dd7fd0e107fe0bcfff001ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff0005e7ff008e51ff000c9375ff0
043841ff82f3ffc72803e5da2bea2ff008649baff00a1
c20ffc179ffe3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcff00f1ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff05e7ff8e51
ff0c9375ff43841ff0082f3ff00c72803e5da2bea2ff8
649baffa1c20ff00c179ff00e3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcfff001ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe8708
3ff0005e7ff008e51ff000c9375ff0043841ff82f3ffc
72803e5da2bea2ff008649baff00a1c20ffc179ffe3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcff00f1ca00f9768af
a8bfe1926ebfe87083ff05e7ff8e51ff0c9375ff43841
ff0082f3ff00c72803e5da2bea2ff8649baffa1c20ff00c179ff00e3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcfff0
01ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff0005e7ff008e
51ff000c9375ff0043841ff82f3ffc72803e5da2bea2ff008649baff00a1c20ffc179ffe3947fc324dd
7fd0e107fe0bcff00f1ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87
083ff05e7ff8e51ff0c9375ff43841ff0082f3ff00c72803e5da2bea2ff8649baffa1c20ff00c179ff0
0e3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcfff001ca00f9768afa8
bfe1926ebfe87083ff0005e7ff008e51ff000c9375ff0043841ff82f3ffc72803e5da2bea2ff008649b
aff00a1c20ffc179ffe3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcff
00f1ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff05e7ff8e51ff0c9375ff43841ff0082f3ff00c72803e5da2
bea2ff8649baffa1c20ff00c179ff00e3947fc324dd7f
d0e107fe0bcfff001ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff0005e7ff008e51ff000c9375ff0043841ff
82f3ffc72803e5da2bea2ff008649baff00a1c20ffc17
9ffe3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcff00f1ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff05e7ff8e51ff0c9375
ff43841ff0082f3ff00c72803e5da2bea2ff8649baffa
1c20ff00c179ff00e3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcfff001ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff0005e
7ff008e51ff000c9375ff0043841ff82f3ffc72803e5d
a2bea2ff008649baff00a1c20ffc179ffe3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcff00f1ca00f9768afa8bfe192
6ebfe87083ff05e7ff8e51ff0c9375ff43841ff0082f3
ff00c72803e5da2bea2ff8649baffa1c20ff00c179ff00e3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcfff001ca00f9
768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff0005e7ff008e51ff000c
9375ff0043841ff82f3ffc72803e5da2bea2ff008649baff00a1c20ffc179ffe3947fc324dd7fd0e107
fe0bcff00f1ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff05e
7ff8e51ff0c9375ff43841ff0082f3ff00c7280394fd937e209f0cf8d3fe11ed4252349d6dd634dc4e2
2b9e88c3fdefb878e4ece70b5f44fed25e06ff84dbe1a
de7d96157d5b4bcdeda1db966da3f79182013f32e70075654cf4af225fd92af15832f8c610c0e411a79
c8ffc895f516816f7f69a258dbeaf7897da84512a4f74
91f962660305f6e4e09ea40e33d2803f2ea8af4efda27c0fff00083fc4bbe82d6258f4ad43fd36c822e
151189dd1800606d60c001fc3b7d6bcc6803f52747ff9
0458ff00d704ff00d0457cd1fb727fc78783ff00ebadd7f28abe97d1ff00e41163ff005c13ff004115e
6bf1dfe144bf146df468e1d5d34dfecf695896b732efd
e13fda18c6dfd6803e00a2bea2ff008649baff00a1c20ffc179ffe3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcff00f
1ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff05e7ff8e51ff0
c9375ff43841ff0082f3ff00c72803e5da2bea2ff8649baffa1c20ff00c179ff00e3947fc324dd7fd0e
107fe0bcfff001ca00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff
0005e7ff008e51ff000c9375ff0043841ff82f3ffc72803e5da2bea2ff008649baff00a1c20ffc179ff
e3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcff00f1ca00f9768afa8b
fe1926ebfe87083ff05e7ff8e51ff0c9375ff43841ff0082f3ff00c72803e5da2bea2ff8649baffa1c2
0ff00c179ff00e3947fc324dd7fd0e107fe0bcfff001c
a00f9768afa8bfe1926ebfe87083ff0005e7ff008e51ff000c9375ff0043841ff82f3ffc7280397fd8e
bc52346f88f71a24ee45beb76e5146063ce8b2e8493d0
6df347b9615e93fb68f84bedde19d2fc536b083369d2fd96e9d5467c990fca58f5c2bf007aca6b3b40f
d97b54d0b5dd3f56b0f18db0bbb1b88ee62dda7315dc8
c1864799c8e3915f4578cb40b6f14f85755d0ef7020bfb7780b6dcec247cae07aa9c30f702803f30ebe
97fd8b3c5df63d7f56f0a5d4988afe3fb65a867c012a0
c3a818e4b260e73c08abe72d4ec6e34bd4aeec2fa3315ddaccf04d19ea8eac5587e041ad2f047886e3c
27e2ed235db32fe6d8dc24c555b699133f3a67d194b29
f626803f4e2a9eb5a65aeb5a3df697a8c7e6d95ec0f6f32648dc8ea5586472383d4573d0fc4bf034d0a
489e31f0e85750c03ea50ab60fa82c083ec79a7ff00c2
c7f03ffd0e5e1bff00c1a41ffc55007c0ff163c057ff000efc6173a35f132db9fdeda5c81c4f093f2b7
b30e847620f5182687c3ff17ea5e06f15596bba3c844d
03624889f9678cfde8dbd88fc8e08e4035f63fc6b3f0f7e24783a5d3dbc65e158b55b7ccda7dd3ea707
eee4c7dd2436763743d7b1c12a2be199e268279227285
a362a4a3875241c70c09047b8383401fa69e0af1469be32f0cd8eb9a2ca5ecee937056e1e36e8c8c3b3
29c83dbd091835b95f05fece3f14dbe1f789fec7aacd2
7fc235a8b05b95ea2de4e8b301edd1b1d579e4aa8afbce375923578d95d1802aca72083dc1a005a28a2
800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a2
8a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2
800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a2
8a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2
800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a2
8a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2
800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a2
8a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2803c77f6a5f047fc
25bf0d67bdb58c36a7a26ebd84e3968b1fbd4fc5406f7
28077af836bf552bf3b3e3bf827fe103f891a8e99026dd3a7ff4bb1e38f25c9c2f53f7583273d76e7bd
007e8468fff00208b1ffae09ffa08ab755347ff009045
8ffd704ffd0455ba0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a00f87bf6bcf097f60fc4a5d62de3db65ae45e7e4
00009d30b2018ff80313dcb9af0cafbd7f6a6f097fc24ff0a6f6e608835f68cdfda1110141f2d41128c
9edb096c0ea516be0aa0028a28a0028a28a002beb6fd9
2fe2b7daede3f03f882e18dcc4a4e9734873be30326027ae5472bed91c6d507e49a9acee67b2bb82eac
e6920b981d658a58d8ab23a9c86047208201cd007ea75
15e67f017e26c1f11fc22b2ce563d76c42c57f08c0cb6389547f75b04e3b1047604fa65001451450014
514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450
01451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450014
514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450
01451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450014
514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450
01451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450014
514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450
01451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450015e21fb59f823fe126f876758b
48cb6a3a116b918ead6e71e68ebd8057cfa2103ad7b7d
3658d2589e39515e3705595864303d411dc50056d1ff00e41163ff005c13ff0041156e990c690c29146
36c68a154673803814fa0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a006cd147342f14c8b244ea5591864303c104
7a5711ff0a93c01ff00428e8fff0080e2bb9a280386ff
008549e00ffa14747ffc07147fc2a4f007fd0a3a3ffe038aee68a00e1bfe1527803fe851d1ff00f01c5
1ff000a93c01ff428e8ff00f80e2bb9a280386ff8549e
00ff00a14747ff00c07147fc2a4f007fd0a3a3ff00e038aee68a00e6bc3be04f0bf86afdaf740d0ec74
ebb643134b6d1ec6642412a71d464038f503d2ba5a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a002
8a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a
0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028af9d3f6bef187887c27ff089ff00c239abdde9df6afb5f9
de43edf336f93b73f4dcdf9d7ce7ff0b83e20ff00d0db
aaff00dfdffeb5007e8bd15f9d1ff0b83e20ff00d0dbaaff00dfdffeb51ff0b83e20ff00d0dbaaff00d
fdffeb5007e8bd15e55fb33ebbaa788fe15daea1ae5f4
d7d7ad733219a66cb101b815e4dfb5878f3c53e17f88ba759787b5cbdd3ed24d2a399a281f6a97334c0
b7d70a07e1401f57515f9d1ff000b83e20ffd0dbaaffd
fdff00eb503e30fc42073ff096eabff7f7ff00ad401fa2f457c1fe18fda37e2068f748d7da85beb16a0
6d305e5ba0e32390e815b3db92473d0d7d6ff00097e25
68ff0012b4037da586b7bc830b77632302f0311ebfc4879c360670780410003b9a28af833e247c56f1d
69df113c536563e27d4a0b4b6d56ea186249005445998
2a8e3a0000a00fbce8afce9ff85c5f10bfe86dd53fefe0ff000afd16a0028af32f8e1f162c3e1968b1e
235bdd76f01fb25996c00075924239083d3ab1e06392b
f19f8afe2df8e7c4f7534ba8788efe2864c8fb2d9cad6f08527eeec4232074cb64fa93401fa33457e5c
586aba869d762eb4fbfbbb5ba07709a09991c1f5dc0e6
bd5fe1a7ed01e2ef0aea70aeb57f73aee8c5b134178fe64ca09196495be6dc31c024af5e075001f7851
54742d5acb5dd1acb55d2e613d8de44b34320e32ac323
23b1f5079078abd400514571bf1924d4adfe177896eb44be96c350b5b46ba8ee223865f2889180faaa9
1f8d00765457e74ff00c2e2f885ff00436ea9ff007f07
f857a37ecf3f12bc63af7c60d034cd67c437d796171f6812c12b82adb6de461dbb1507f0a00fb428ac7
f1a6a4da3783b5dd523cefb2b09ee571ea91b37f4af80
7fe1717c42ff00a1b754ff00bf83fc2803f45a8af943f653f1cf8afc57f112fad3c41af5f5f59c1a649
388667caeff00322507f2635f57d001457c3ff1abe2ef
8b6dbe2a7892d7c3fe20d42c74db5b9fb2c7046f85568d423e38eeeac7f1ae27fe1717c42ffa1b754ff
bf83fc2803f45a8af26fd98fc5b7de2ff0085d15d6af7
535dea3697935acd3cc72d21e241f92c8a3f0af59a0028af3afda1b58d4340f83fafea7a35dcb677f07
d9fcb9e23864dd711a9c7d4123f1af8bbfe1717c42ffa
1b754ffbf83fc2803f45a8af947f650f1ef8a7c53f11351b2f10eb97ba85a47a54932c53be54389a101
beb8623f1afaba800a28af19fdab3c49ac785fe1cd8df
787b509f4fbb7d4e285a585b0c50c5292bf4ca8fca803d9a8afce9ff0085c5f10bfe86dd53fefe0ff0a
fa17f644f19f88bc5979e285f11eaf75a8adb476e6113
b6761632671f5c0fca803e91a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28
a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800
a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28
a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800
a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28
a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800
a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28
a2800a28a2800a28a2803e55fdb9ffe649ffb7eff00db
7af956beaafdb9ff00e649ff00b7effdb7af956803d1fe1c7c1df147c42d0e7d57c3e6c3ecb0dc35ab7
da2728dbc2ab1e3078c38aeabfe198bc7feba3ffe059f
fe26bd93f629ff009259aaff00d86a5ffd11057bfd0079d7c03f07ea7e06f8756fa2eb9e47db639e590
f90fbd70cd91ce057ce1fb6b7fc953d2bfec0b17fe8f9
ebed4af8aff6d6ff0092a7a57fd8162ffd1f3d007cff005e93a07c16f197887c11078a744b3b7bdb198
48c90c730f3c847646c21c64e50f009278c0278af36af
bfff0065cff9213e19ff00b7affd2a96803e00af44f805e2c97c21f14f45bb1288eceea65b1bbdcdb54
c5210a4b1f453b5ff00e03553e38696347f8b9e2bb40a
157edf24caa0600593f7807e4e2b87048208ea2803f54ebf35be2c7fc953f197fd86af7ff47bd7e91d8
cff0069b2b79f18f36357c7d466bf373e2c7fc953f197
fd86af7ff47bd007295faa95f9575faa9401f9dffb40788e7f12fc5cf115c4e4f956972d61026fdc163
8494e3d98867c7ab9af3d891a591238d4b3b90aa07726
b5bc62c5bc5fae331c937d3927feda3557f0ff00fc87b4dffaf98fff00421401f416b5fb2b6aba7f856
e750b6f114379aac16de71b04b32ab2381968d24df927
a8525064e33b73c7cdb5faa95f957401f6cfec67ac3df7c30bcd3a69b7b69b7ee91a7f72275571f9b99
0d7bdd7cb5fb0d2c82dbc66e73e517b30be99026cff00
315f52d001591e31d39b58f08eb9a620cb5ed8cf6c07a978d97fad6bd1401f9575e83f002f3ec3f197c
273671baf043ff7f14a7fecd5c8f89f4c3a2789756d28
b6f3637735a96f5d8e573fa56afc2d992dfe26f84669582471eaf68ccc7b0132126803ef4f8e37eba6f
c20f174ee321f4e96dff1947963f57afce3afbf7f6a59
fc9f81be2219c190dba0ff00c088c9fd01af80a803ea5fd86ece36baf185eb47fbd8d2d61493d03194b
0ff00c752beafaf9e3f627b444f877ad5d8ff005936a8
d11fa245191ffa19af75f136a8ba2786f55d55d37ad8da4b7457d42216c7e9401f9afe36d45758f19eb
da9c6729797f7170a4770f2330fe758b451401f5ffec4
1a9197c2fe26d2f3c5b5e4773ff7f50aff00ed1afa56be3dfd88b54687c61e23d24202975609745bd0c
520503f1f38fe55f615007957ed47ff002427c4dff6eb
ff00a55157c015f7ff00ed47ff002427c4dff6ebff00a55157c01401f407ec53ff00254f55ff00b02cb
ffa3e0afb52be2bfd8a7fe4a9eabff60597ff0047c15f
6a50015e07fb697fc929d3bfec310ffe899abdf2bc0ff6d2ff009253a77fd8621ffd1335007c4f5f51f
ec37ff1fde30ffae76bfce5af972bea3fd86ffe3fbc61
ff005ced7f9cb401f58d145140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400
514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451
40051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400
514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451
40051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400
514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451
40051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400
5145140051451401f2afedcff00f324ff00dbf7fedbd7
cab5f557edcfff00324ffdbf7fedbd7cab401f6afec53ff24b355ffb0d4bff00a220af7faf903f66af8
b9e14f00f816fb4bf11dcdcc57736a525ca2c56ed20d8
628941c8f746af59ff008693f875ff003fd7ff00f806f401ecd5f15fedadff00254f4aff00b02c5ffa3
e7afb52be2bfdb5bfe4a9e95ff6058bff0047cf401f3f
d7dfff00b2e7fc909f0cff00dbd7fe954b5f0057dfbfb30c91c3f013c392cceb1c48b74ccec70140b99
8924f61401f29fed3722cbf1cbc50c98c078178f516f1
03fa8af2eae93e246b51788fc7fe21d5ed9d9edaf2fa69616604131973b383c8f971c5677867489b5ff
11e97a45ae04f7f751db213d01760b93ec3393401fa6b
a3218f47b142305608c11ff0115f9c5f163fe4a9f8cbfec357bffa3debf4a4000000600afcd6f8b1ff0
0254fc65ff61abdff00d1ef401ca57eaa57e55d7eaa50
07e6178bff00e46cd6ff00ebfa7ffd18d50787ff00e43da6ff00d7cc5ffa10a9fc5fff002366b7ff005
fd3ff00e8c6a83c3fff0021ed37febe62ff00d085007e
a05cbc91db4af0c6659550b2c6081bc81c0c9f5afceed57e0e7c42d2c66e7c25a9bffd7b462e3ff4596
afd15a2803c27f642f0e6a5e1ff0001eaff00db7a5dee
9b7b3ea4d88ef20785da358a3da42b007192fcfd6bdda8a2800a28a2803f3a3e3ce9ada57c62f16dbb8
c17be7b9fc25c4a3f4715c35bcaf04f1cb1b1578d832b
0ea083906bd93f6b9d30d87c67bdb92d9fed0b4b7b903d309e563ff217eb5e2f401f6d7ed9f71243f09
ec5236c24fab431bfbaf952b7f3515f12d7d4bfb5aeb4
6fbe1bfc3d0ad94d413edbf5c431e0ff00e453f9d7cb5401f7c7eca96315a7c11d1258e3d925dc9713c
a7fbcde73a03ff7ca2fe55bff001eb525d2be0e78b6e1
8e03d8b5b7e329110ffd0eacfc15b34b1f849e108a3fbada5c131fac881cfeac6b8afdaf353361f06ae
ad8283fda37905a93e98632e7ff00217eb401f0a53995
90e1810700f3e8464536bb5f8c5a347e1ff8817ba542bb52d6decd31eff65889fd49a00ec3f649d41ac
be34e9d02938beb6b8b76fa08cc9fce315f77d7e717c1
0d4a6d27e2ef846e6d880eda8c36ec4ff7256f29ff00f1d735fa3b401e55fb51ff00c909f137fdbaff0
0e95455f0057dff00fb51ff00c909f137fdbaff00e954
55f005007d01fb14ff00c953d57fec0b2ffe8f82bed4af8aff00629ff92a7aaffd8165ff00d1f057da9
4005781feda5ff24a74effb0c43ff00a266af7caf03fd
b4bfe494e9dff61887ff0044cd401f13d7d47fb0dffc7f78c3feb9daff00396be5cafa8ff61bff008fe
f187fd73b5fe72d007d63451450014514500145145001
45145001451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451
450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001
45145001451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451
450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001
45145001451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001451
450014514500145145001451450014514500145145001
45145001451450014514500145145001451450014514500145145007cabfb73ffcc93ff6fdff00b6f5f
2ad7d55fb73ff00cc93ff006fdffb6f5f2ad001457d41
fb2ffc2df0778dfc03a86a5e27d1fedd7b16a725ba49f6a9a2c46228980c2381d59b9c679af5ff00f86
7cf861ff42cff00e4fdd7ff001ca00f55af8aff006d6f
f92a7a57fd8162ff00d1f3d7da95f15fedadff00254f4aff00b02c5ffa3e7a00f9feb663f146bf1e87f
d8b1eb9aa268f82bf615bb9041824b11e5e76e0924f4e
a6b1abd16d7e107896f3e178f1dd9b58dc693b2495a0491bed0891c8c8ee54aedc0d84f0c4e39f5a00f
3aafaff00f662f82f2e872daf8cfc4c626bd922dfa75b
45289162475c79ccca4ab165270012006c9f9b1b7e40afa87f634f1ecc9a85df82b51b82d6d2235d69c
1dbee38e648d7ea097c741b5cf73401f59d7e6b7c58ff
0092a7e32ffb0d5eff00e8f7afd29afcd6f8b1ff00254fc65ff61abdff00d1ef401ca57eaa57e55d7ea
a5007e6178bff00e46cd6ff00ebfa7ffd18d50787ff00
e43da6ff00d7cc5ffa10a9fc5fff002366b7ff005fd3ff00e8c6a83c3fff0021ed37febe62ff00d0850
07ea2514514005145140051451401f1efedbba6bc5e30
f0e6a647eeee6c1ed81f78a42c7ff470af9b6bebcfdb834d32f873c2faa6ee2daee6b6c7af9a81bff68
feb5f21d007b87ed07a9dbddf807e115a42e19e0d055d
b1db290a7f38987e15e2001240009278005753e34bc5bbd13c1203ef78346685f3d88bdba207fdf256a
a7c3fb14d4fc7be1bb097fd5dd6a76d037d1a5553fce8
03f4b34bb1834bd32cec2cd365b5ac29044be88aa140fc80af9cff006dfd4845e17f0ce97839b9bc96e
7dbf74817ff006b57d2b5f1f7edbba9bcbe2ef0de9671
b2dac5ee47ae659369ff00d122803e76d32d25d4352b4b3b75df35c4c90a2fab330007e66bd5ff006b0
b536ff1b35690ae05c416f28f702254ff00d92b8df83f
03dc7c57f07a46bb88d5ed5c8f659558fe80d7a7feda68a9f1574d650017d1e2663ea7ce987f202803c
3348bd7d3356b2bf87fd6dace93afd55830fe55fa935f
9575fa61f0d2fa4d4fe1d785efa797cd9ee34bb69257fef39894b1fcf3401c77ed47ff002427c4dff6e
bff00a55157c015f7ff00ed47ff002427c4dff6ebff00
a55157c01401f407ec53ff00254f55ff00b02cbffa3e0afb52be2bfd8a7fe4a9eabff60597ff0047c15
f6a50015e07fb697fc929d3bfec310ffe899abdf2bc0f
f6d2ff009253a77fd8621ffd1335007c4f5f51fec37ff1fde30ffae76bfce5af972bea3fd86ffe3fbc6
1ff005ced7f9cb401f58d145140051451400514514005
14514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145
140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005
14514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145
140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005
14514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005145
140051451400514514005145140051451400514514005
1451400514514005145140051451400514514005145140051451401f2afedcff00f324ff00dbf7fedbd
7cab5f557edcfff00324ffdbf7fedbd7cab401f6afec5
3ff24b355ffb0d4bff00a220af7faf00fd8a7fe4966abff61a97ff0044415eff0040057c57fb6b7fc95
3d2bfec0b17fe8f9ebed4af8aff006d6ff92a7a57fd81
62ff00d1f3d007cff5f7a7ece7610eabfb39e8da7dd0cdbddc17b0483d55ee2653fa1af82ebeff00fd9
73fe484f867fedebff4aa5a00f802bbaf817a949a57c6
0f08dc439dcfa8456c71fdd94f947f4735c3ba947656eaa706ba9f84ff00f254fc1bff0061ab2ffd1e9
401fa535f9adf163fe4a9f8cbfec357bffa3debf4a6bf
35be2c7fc953f197fd86af7ff47bd007295faa95f9575faa9401f985e2ff00f91b35bffafe9fff00463
541e1ff00f90f69bff5f317fe842a7f17ff00c8dbadff
00d7f4ff00fa31aa0f0fff00c87b4dff00af98bff421401fa8175e77d9a5fb36cf3f61f2f78caeec719
f6cd7c337ff00b4b7c43ba6260b9d36cc7a4166a71ff7
d96afbaabf2ae803eedfd977c79acf8ebc25abcfe25bf17ba95adf6c0c2148f6c4d1a95184007de0fcf
5af67af95bf61863b7c6ab93b41b2207fdfff00f0afaa
6800a28a2803c4bf6c1d35efbe0ec970806db0bf82e5fe87745fce515f0c57e88fed09a69d57e0c78ae
dc12365a7da78ff00a64eb2ff00ec95f9dd400e676754
0cc4841b541ec324e3f326bd23f670d3e1d4fe36785a0b85dd1a4ef7007a34513c8a7fefa45af35af72
fd8e6c16f3e2f34ec79b2d3a7b85fa9648ff9486803ee
2af84bf6b9d48dff00c67bdb72b8fecfb4b7b607d729e6e7ff0022d7ddb5f9cdf1db527d57e30f8b6e2
43964bf92dc1f68bf743f441401abfb32dbadcfc71f0c
249f755e793f1582461fa815e97fb70d9247aff856f80fde4d6d3c04fb23a91ffa30d7cc9450015fa0d
fb33de3defc10f0c492b06748e684e0f409348aa3fef9
02bf3e6bed5fd8b6efcef85fa95bb3966b7d564c293f755a2888c7e3ba803aafda8ffe484f89bfedd7f
f004aa2af802befff00da8ffe484f89bfedd7ff004aa2
af802803e80fd8a7fe4a9eabff0060597ff47c15f6a57c57fb14ff00c953d57fec0b2ffe8f82bed4a00
2bc0ff6d2ff009253a77fd8621ffd13357be5781feda5
ff0024a74eff00b0c43ffa266a00f89ebea3fd86ff00e3fbc61ff5ced7f9cb5f2e57d47fb0dffc7f78c
3feb9daff00396803eb1a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a
28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a
2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a
28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a
2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a
28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a
2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a
28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2803e55fdb9ff00e649ff00b7effdb7a
f956beaafdb9ffe649ffb7eff00db7af956803dafe0a7
c74ff8565e15bad1bfe11dfed3f3ef5ef3cefb7793b772469b76f96d9fb99ce7bf4aefff00e1ae7fea4
9ff00cab7ff0069af9568a00fd1df83de3cff00858de0
f1aeff0066ff0066e6e1e0f23cff003beee39ddb57ae7a62be62fdb5bfe4a9e95ff6058bff0047cf5ec
dfb1eff00c91e5ffb084fff00b2d78cfedadff254f4af
fb02c5ff00a3e7a00f9febefff00d973fe484f867fedebff004aa5af802befff00d973fe484f867fede
bff004aa5a00f83b5c8becfad6a10f4f2ee244fc988ad
df84ff00f254fc1bff0061ab2ffd1e955be22da358fc40f135a30c18753b98ff002958566681a94ba36
bba6ea76ffebacae63b94ff00791830fd45007ea2d7e6
b7c58ff92a7e32ff00b0d5effe8f7afd2846574564219586411d08afcd7f8b1ff254fc65ff0061abdff
d1ef401ca57eaa57e55d7eaa5007e6cfc5cd2a6d17e28
78a6c6789a229a8cce8add4c6ee5e33f8a329fc6b96b59dedae619e3c6f89c3ae7d41c8afb2ff69cf83
777e31f2fc4de168965d6ade2115cda0c29ba8c74653d
dd738c1fbcb8039501be36beb3b9b0bc9ad2fede6b6ba858a490cc851d18750ca7907d8d007dababfed
2fe0dff00842ae2f74c9eebfb79e0610e9cf6cdb92620
85dcf8d8541c1243671db3c57c474574de02f046bde3bd6934df0ed93cefb944d3b0221b7539f9a47e8
a383ee718009e2803e9ff00d8974816fe0cf106ae4307
bdbe5b7c11c15893208fc6561f857d1f5cff00c3ff000b59f82bc1fa6787f4f62f0d9c5b5a423065724
b3b91938dcc58e33c6703815d0500145145006378d34d
9359f076bda5c38f36f6c27b64cfabc6ca3f9d7e6257eaa57e5ef8934e3a3f88b54d30924d95d4b6c49
ff61caff4a00cdafa73f61ed3a2975cf15ea6c3f7f6f6
f05b21ff006646766fd625af98ebec5fd88f4f58bc15e21d4811bae3505b723da38d5bff006a9a00fa3
ebf2efc41a93eb3af6a5aa4abb64bdb996e587a1772c7
f9d7e93f8f3507d27c0fe21d4626db25a69d713a91d8ac6cc3f515f991401ea1f037e13bfc53bad5e31
abff65c7a7a44c5fecbe7ef2e5b031bd71f70fad751f1
6ff67b93e1f782ee3c409e23fed258258e3787ec3e4e03b6dddbbcc6ee4718ef5ddfec39673269de2fb
d65fdc4d2dac287d5904a5bf4917f3af4ff00da7a0f3f
e06f8980192ab038fc2e2327f4cd007e7ed7d55fb0dde7fc8e162f28cffa2cd1c7ff007f4330ff00c70
7e55f2ad7be7ec6176b07c54be81db1f69d2a54519eac
2489bf906a00fa0ff6a3ff009213e26ffb75ff00d2a8abe00afbff00f6a3ff009213e26ffb75ff00d2a
8abe00a00f40f829f117fe15978aaeb59fecbfed3f3ec
9ecfc9fb4793b773c6fbb76d6cfdcc631dfad7b57fc35cff00d493ff00956ffed35f2ad1401f777c13f
8dfff000b3fc457ba57fc23dfd97f66b5373e6fdb7cfd
d8755db8f2d71f7b39cf6ac9fdb4bfe494e9dff61887ff0044cd5e5ffb137fc944d6ff00ec14dffa3a3
af50fdb4bfe494e9dff0061887ff44cd401f13d7a97c0
df8b1ff0ab27d624fec5fed5fed058971f6af23cbd85ff00d86ce77fb74af2da2803eaaff86b9ffa927
ff2adff00da6bd57e05fc5cff0085a9fdb7ff00124fec
afecdf23fe5efcff0033ccf33fd85c63cbf7ce7dabe00afaabf618ff0099dbfedc7ff6e2803eaaa28a2
800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a2
8a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2
800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a2
8a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2
800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a2
8a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2
800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a2
8a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800a28a2800acfd4344d2b529966d474cb1bb99576079edd2460b927
1923a727f3ad0a280317fe113f0effd00349ffc038ffc
2b52cad2dac6d92decade1b7b74ced8a1408ab939380381c926a6a28032aebc39a25ddc3cf77a369b3c
ee72f24b6a8ccc7dc9193517fc227e1dffa00693ff807
1ff856d5140088aa88a88a155460003000f4acd9bc3da2cf33cb3691a7492bb16777b642589e49271c9
ad3a280327fe11ad0bfe80ba67fe0247fe15ad4514005
65eb7e1dd175e0835cd1f4ed4827dc1796a936dfa6e0715a9450072bff000ae3c0ff00f426f86fff000
5707ff135d158595ae9d6a96ba7db416b6d18c2450461
117e80702ac5140051451400514514005664de1ed16695e59b48d3a495d8b3bbdb212c4f24938e4d69d
140193ff08d685ff405d33ff0123ff0abd636369a7c26
2b0b582d622db8a4318404f4ce077e07e55628a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a008aeeda0bcb7782ee08
a781f1ba3950329c1c8c83c7502b3bfe11ad0bfe80ba6
7fe0247fe15ad450064ffc235a17fd0174cffc048ffc28ff00846b42ff00a02e99ff008091ff00856b5
14014ac748d374f95a4b0d3eced6461b4b430aa123d32
074a96fac6d2fe1115fdac173106dc1268c3a83eb83df935628a00c9ff00846b42ff00a02e99ff00809
1ff00851ff08d685ff405d33ff0123ff0ad6a280327fe
11ad0bfe80ba67fe0247fe156ec34cb0d3bccfecfb2b5b5f331bfc8895376338ce073d4fe756e8a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028
a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0028a28a0
028a28a0028a28a0028a28a00fffd900
}}

\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page }
{
If you want to get notified of my books the day that they come out, make sure you
join my {\ul
Facebook fan group}{\ul
(or search and join)}. If you don\u8217?t join my Facebook page, {\b
{\ul
you\u8217?ll never get alerted that the next book is out}}.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter One
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Can you imagine what victory will feel like?\u8221? my lover, Arwyn Hamner
mused. \u8220?A world without the threat of Archons, without the fear of monster
attacks\u8230? a place where our family could grow in peace.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The gorgeous healer mage\u8217?s head rested on my bare chest as I stroked her
silky crimson hair and stared out at the moon. The cosmic orb was full and gave off
a pale silver-blue light that set my lover\u8217?s fair skin aglow, and for a
moment or two, I was transfixed by both its beauty and my girlfriend\u8217?s.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That does sound wonderful, doesn\u8217?t it?\u8221? I replied as I absently
ran my hand through Arwyn\u8217?s dark red tresses. \u8220?Admittedly, it\u8217?s a
little difficult to picture, but it sounds wonderful nonetheless.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m sure it\u8217?s difficult for someone who\u8217?s been through so
much hardship,\u8221? Arwyn continued as her fingertips traced the skin of my
arm. \u8220?I can only imagine how arduous life has been for you as of late.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I wouldn\u8217?t have it any other way,\u8221? I insisted. \u8220?Life
might be difficult, but if it weren\u8217?t for all of the challenges and
hardships, I wouldn\u8217?t be right here with you. I wouldn\u8217?t trade that for
anything.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I suppose that\u8217?s true enough,\u8221? the beautiful professor agreed,
and then she tilted her chin up so her amber eyes could focus on mine. \u8220?So,
are you going back to claim her? Carth, I mean?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Just after Arwyn had told me she was pregnant with our first child, we\u8217?d
celebrated with a passionate lovemaking session, and I\u8217?d drifted off into
sleep only to be ambushed by the horned Archon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d been moments away from claiming Carth, one of the last remaining
Archons, as my own when the professor had shaken me awake and pulled me away from
my dreamscape, but I couldn\u8217?t fault my lover for rousing me from my slumber.
While my mind was fully in control, my physical body tended to react to the chaos
of the dreamscape, and Arwyn had grown fearful when I started thrashing and shaking
as I fought Carth within my mind. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?I was so close to conquering her, and I
don\u8217?t want to wait any longer.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall I keep watch over you?\u8221? the crimson-haired healer mage
wondered. \u8220?I won\u8217?t disrupt you again since I know your
intentions.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If it will help put your mind at ease.\u8221? I shrugged. \u8220?I think I
have this under control, though. Don\u8217?t deprive yourself of sleep on my
account.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t think I could sleep anyways,\u8221? Arwyn admitted, and her
full lips stretched into a thin smile. \u8220?I always worry about your
interactions with the Archons, Gryff, no matter how small they may seem.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I appreciate your concern,\u8221? I assured my lover as I cupped her soft
porcelain cheek. \u8220?You have one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know, Arwyn.
But I\u8217?ll be perfectly fine. They can\u8217?t hurt me in the
dreamscape.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I trust your judgment,\u8221? Arwyn replied as she leaned into my touch.
Her heavily-lashed eyes were like molten gold in the moonlight, and I felt myself
melt into their loveliness. \u8220?How about I watch for a little while, at least
at first, and then I\u8217?ll try to lay down and get some sleep?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That sounds like a fine idea to me,\u8221? I agreed with her, and then I
leaned forward and planted a kiss on my lover\u8217?s lips. The enticing scent of
Arwyn\u8217?s jasmine perfume filled my nostrils as we kissed each other, and all I
wanted was to give in to the healer\u8217?s embrace and never let go, but there
were pressing matters that required my attention. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When we finally pulled away from one another, I laid down on my back, settled into
the plush softness of my down-filled pillow, and closed my eyes. My king-sized bed
was extremely comfortable, and I felt completely at ease with Arwyn at my side.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll be here when you wake,\u8221? I heard Arwyn whisper as she ran
her fingers through my hair. Her long nails felt incredible against my scalp, and I
felt myself begin to drift into slumber as she lightly scratched in circles.
\u8220?Good luck, Gryff.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, Arwyn,\u8221? I murmured. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? she replied, and soon after, I succumbed to
sleep. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When I opened my eyes again, I was in the dimly-lit expanse of my dreamscape, and
my eyebrows creased together in concentration as I manifested a room with a single
plain bed and nothing else. I wouldn\u8217?t need much more than that to conquer
the horned goddess, and while the bed wasn\u8217?t particularly necessary, it
sounded nicer than forcing the goddesses to hold her upright, as they had Veopa.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once the room was to my liking, I summoned my loyal Archons with a wave of my will
and instructed them to appear at my side. One by one, the monster goddesses
manifested into the dreamscape, and each wore seductive gazes as soon as they
spotted the bed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Long time no see, my master,\u8221? Sera purred, and the Archon\u8217?s
black-feathered wings flared out behind her. The goddess gave me a fanged smile as
she crossed over to my side, and her cat-like yellow eyes had a mischievous gleam
to them that only intensified as she drew closer. She tossed her long black mane of
hair over one shoulder and grasped my arm as she leaned against me, and it took all
of my willpower to keep my eyes from straying downward to the swell of her full
breasts. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Stand down, sister,\u8221? Phi grumbled as she appeared and flexed her own
wings. The angelic Archon\u8217?s feathers were a pure white, unlike her
sister\u8217?s, but her delicate features had no bearing on her inner ferocity. Her
ruby-red eyes narrowed as she studied Sera, and she placed her hands on her hips.
The goddess was clad in a black leotard that left little to the imagination,
especially when she stood like that, and she twirled a strand of white hair around
her long-nailed finger. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Jealousy does not become you, Phi,\u8221? Sera scoffed in an unamused tone.
The pair of sister Archons were always at each other\u8217?s throats, and no amount
of time together in my consciousness seemed to mend their relationship.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Both of you need to retire your hatred for one another,\u8221? Veopa chided
the pair. The succubus Archon was clad in a glittering blue dress that clung to her
perfect figure like water, and her fangs flashed as she threatened her sisters.
\u8220?It\u8217?s grown tiresome, and the rest of us don\u8217?t wish to hear a
minute more of your bickering.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Butt out, Veopa,\u8221? Phi growled at the silver-haired goddess.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?All of you need to mind yourselves,\u8221? I reminded the Archons, and I
was met with a small chorus of apologies. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How may we serve you, master?\u8221? Xanrith asked, and my breath halted in
my chest as the beautiful goddess sauntered forward. Every bit of Xan was
intoxicating, from her luminous white-freckled umber skin to the curly tendrils of
raven hair that spilled into her large violet eyes, but her most notable feature
was her azure flame wings, which smoldered behind her as she walked.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Carth,\u8221? I answered her. \u8220?It\u8217?s time to--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Finally,\u8221? Utuni interjected as she moved to my other side. The
golden-skinned Archon\u8217?s serpentine tail flicked behind her as her hips
swayed, and she licked her blood-red lips as her snake eyes trailed down my
body. \u8220?I\u8217?ve been waiting for you to finally tame that self-righteous
brat.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, yes,\u8221? Miralea chimed in as she raced to Utuni\u8217?s side. While
they often bickered, the jaguar goddess and the snake goddess were thick as
thieves, and Miralea\u8217?s plush black jaguar\u8217?s tail flickered as she and
her sister shared an impish grin. \u8220?It\u8217?s time for Carth to get a taste
of all she\u8217?s dished out. Though I wish there were a way to punish her that
didn\u8217?t involve allowing her to feel the pleasure of your thick
cock.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Claiming her as his own is more than enough punishment for Carth.\u8221?
Xanrith shook her head at the orange-eyed cat Archon, and after I shot her a
confused glance, the flame-winged goddess\u8217? features softened. \u8220?I
don\u8217?t mean to sound sympathetic. I\u8217?m not. You deserve to claim her as
your own, my master. I only mean this punishment is the right thing for all
involved.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Must you always be such a suck-up, Xanrith?\u8221? Utuni groaned, and the
snake goddess hung her head back in annoyance. \u8220?My goodness, we get it, you
surrendered, but that doesn\u8217?t make you any better than the rest of us.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Even if it did, we were here first,\u8221? Veopa reminded her umber-skinned
sister. \u8220?Your standing in this hierarchy is not as high as you pretend it to
be.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?All of you, stop it right now,\u8221? I growled, and I used a wave of my
will to embolden the words so the Archons knew I was serious on the matter. \u8220?
I didn\u8217?t bring you here to argue, and if you carry on in this way any longer,
I\u8217?ll lock you all back up and throw away the key without a single thought. Is
that clear?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, master,\u8221? Utuni and Veopa muttered in unison.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?Now, the task at hand. Sera, I need you to
take the others with you and collect Carth. Something tells me she\u8217?s going to
put up a fight, and I have a feeling it\u8217?ll take all of you to keep her from
running.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?As you wish, master,\u8221? Sera replied with an elegantly raised
eyebrow. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She will not evade us, master, I assure you.\u8221? Miralea grinned, and
then the six Archons vanished from my sight. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I didn\u8217?t expect this to go easily, but I hoped Carth would finally be
weakened enough to make this simpler than it was with the others. She wouldn\u8217?
t submit to me willingly as Xan had, but I hoped there wouldn\u8217?t be much of a
fight. Carth and I had spent an evening together when I was her prisoner in the
Shadowscape, but I hadn\u8217?t officially captured her before we\u8217?d fucked,
so I couldn\u8217?t claim her afterward in the same way I had with the others.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I wouldn\u8217?t make that mistake again. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, growls and cries filled the landscape around me, and the Archons
manifested with a writhing Carth in their arms. The horned goddess looked even
angrier than I\u8217?d last seen her, and she thrashed like a wild animal as she
was restrained by the other Archons. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, you\u8217?ve returned,\u8221? Carth spat bitterly, and her russet eyes
flashed as they trailed over me. \u8220?Pity, I thought you\u8217?d changed your
mind.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No.\u8221? I shook my head at the horned Archon. \u8220?I have not. Every
word I spoke to you was the truth. I intend to claim you as my own, so there\u8217?
s no use fighting it. You\u8217?re mine, Carth.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll see about that,\u8221? the goddess growled as she thrashed
about, but her efforts were futile. The other Archons\u8217? grip around her was
too tight for Carth to escape, though that didn\u8217?t quell her fire.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Resisting will only make things harder on yourself,\u8221? I tried to
reason with the Archon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am not some prize to be claimed, you insolent--\u8221? Carth hissed, but
I was tired of her arguments and insults. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Lay her down on the bed,\u8221? I spoke over the horned Archon\u8217?s
complaints and addressed the others. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?With pleasure.\u8221? Sera grinned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The six monster goddesses carried Carth over to the bed as instructed, and once
she was pinned down to the mattress, I climbed on top of her. The other Archons
backed up to give us some space, and aside from Xan, who seemed almost sympathetic
to the matter, they all wore similar expressions of excitement as they waited for
me to conquer their sister. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There\u8217?s no use fighting,\u8221? I repeated to Carth, and I once again
used my will to enhance the seriousness and severity of my words. \u8220?You are
mine. You belong to me, Carth, and you will submit to me whether you like it or
not. You couldn\u8217?t evade me even if you wanted to. I am the Beastmaker, damn
it, and you will do as I say!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Silence filled the room, and finally, Carth stopped struggling beneath me. Her
body shook and thrashed, but there was a stillness in her eyes that told another
story. She knew she didn\u8217?t have the fight left in her, and she was too weak
to use her magic against me. Without her power of influence, she had no other
defense. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She was mine. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With one hand, I held her in place, and with the other, I reached down and grabbed
the zipper of the goddess\u8217? dark brown leather bodysuit. Then I tugged the
small piece of metal, slid it down the length of the garment, and revealed the
smooth green-tinted skin of Carth\u8217?s lean abdomen. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her dark nipples tightened as I ran a finger down her exposed skin, and Carth let
out an involuntary gasp as I neared her lower half. I needed to remove the rest of
her suit, but couldn\u8217?t do it without the use of both of my hands, so I raised
my head and turned the other Archons. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hold her down if she begins to fight,\u8221? I instructed them, but the
moment the words left my lips, Carth began to shake her head.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Afford me some dignity, will you?\u8221? she muttered. \u8220?I do not need
to be bound or held down like some kind of animal. I will lie here and take your
manhood willingly.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Forgive me if I don\u8217?t trust you,\u8221? I replied with narrowed eyes.
\u8220?You don\u8217?t exactly have the best record when it comes to telling the
truth, and you\u8217?re also in no position to make demands.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Consider it a request, then,\u8221? Carth said in a softened tone. \u8220?
Please don\u8217?t restrain me. I won\u8217?t fight you, Beastmaker.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Really?\u8221? I scoffed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? Carth assured me, and even though part of me knew it would be a
mistake to trust her, the other part was swayed by her calm tone. Every
conversation I had with the Archon had consisted of sly remarks and sneers, but the
words that fell from her lips had an aura of truth about them.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Alright,\u8221? I said, and with the other Archons at the ready, I released
my grip on Carth and used both hands to peel the rest of her bodysuit away.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As the garment fell to the floor, I admired the goddess\u8217? trim and sexy
figure. Carth\u8217?s body was muscular but curved in all of the right ways, and
the sight of her naked form made my mouth water. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The horned Archon sat up slightly, and the other goddesses flinched in preparation
to grab her, but Carth simply smoothed her waist-length chestnut brown waves down
over her shoulders to keep it from tangling behind her and then laid back down.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As I waited for the goddess to settle, I sat up, unzipped my trousers, and pulled
out my stiffened member. Carth\u8217?s russet eyes darted down to it immediately,
and the fear and fight were now completely gone from her gaze.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She wanted me just as much as I wanted her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sera helped ease my pants off completely, and once I removed my shirt, I climbed
back on top of Carth, leaned down, and kissed the smooth planes of her toned
abdomen. Carth let out a small sigh as I moved down her body, and once I reached
her hip bone, she trembled. I could see her entrance glisten with slick wetness
already, so, without another word, I gripped my cock and gently slid inside her
quivering tunnel. Then I pushed myself deeper within her tight pussy, and
Carth\u8217?s eyes closed as her back arched. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ohh,\u8221? the Archon sighed in a breathy tone. \u8220?Ohh, that
feels\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her words trailed off as her burgundy-painted lips parted, and suddenly, the
goddess let out a soft moan. The sound sent a chill through me, and I began to
thrust within her with slow, careful strokes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you like that?\u8221? I growled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Gryfffff.\u8221? Carth trembled, and I hastened my thrusts and pushed
my hardened member deeper and deeper until I could practically feel the border of
her womb. Carth\u8217?s pulsating tunnel clamped around me like a vise, and a
shiver ran down my spine as the intensity built up within me. The horned goddess
was unbelievably tight and felt even better than I\u8217?d remembered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My blood ran hot as I pumped into her, and based on her contracting muscles, I
knew we were both reaching orgasm. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Harder, Beastmakerrrrr.\u8221? Carth\u8217?s moans echoed throughout the
room as her hips bucked and writhed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re mine,\u8221? I growled as I continued to slam into her. The
horned Archon felt so fucking good, and with every thrust of my cock, I felt my
power over her grow. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Give me your seed!\u8221? Carth begged me as her eyes rolled to the back of
her head. \u8220?Please, Beastmaker, fill my womb with your powerful seed! Give it
to me! I am all yours!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My leg began to burn with a fiery intensity around the area of Carth\u8217?s
tattoo as her moans and cries filled my ears, but the sensation was overshadowed by
my need to make the goddess mine. A groan rippled through my chest as my climax
crescendoed, and my head pounded mercilessly in my ears. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Gryff\u8230?\u8221? Carth cried as orgasm struck her, and her eyes
closed as her body spasmed and shuddered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The sight of it was enough to push me over the edge, but before I reached
euphoria, I quickly pulled out of the goddess\u8217? hungry tunnel. Then pleasure
erupted through me like a volcano, and I let out a roar of desire as rivers of my
hot seed sprayed all over Carth\u8217?s abdomen. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The other Archons immediately abandoned their posts around the bed and rushed in
to try to catch some in their waiting mouths. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My climax pulsed through me in waves, and I lost myself in the pleasure of it all
as streams of my seed poured everywhere. Carth\u8217?s body continued to shake as
she came down from her orgasm, and she clung to the sheets with trembling hands.
She didn\u8217?t seem to care about my juices nearly as much as the other monster
goddesses and seemed content to lie there as she enjoyed her own pleasure.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Master, I need more,\u8221? Phi begged as she licked a string of my sperm
from the corner of her mouth. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Please, let us have the pleasure of your delicious seed once more,\u8221?
Utuni pleaded with enormous eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I want to feel your glorious cock within me,\u8221? Sera added as she
licked her lips. \u8220?Please, master, fill my womb with your powerful seed, and
together, we shall have children more powerful than--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maybe next time.\u8221? I shook my head as I began to reclaim control over
myself, and Carth\u8217?s tattoo on my thigh tingled as it completed itself.
\u8220?If there is one, of course. If you all don\u8217?t start getting along, I
might have to reconsider some things--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll start getting along!\u8221? Miralea interjected, and her cat
ears flattened against her head. \u8220?I promise!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Yes, master, we\u8217?ll behave,\u8221? Veopa insisted.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll see,\u8221? I said, and as my orgasm plateaued, I peered back
down at Carth. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The horned goddess had slumped into the bed and looked thoroughly spent, so I
climbed off her and searched the floor for my pants. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That was quite the time, Beastmaker,\u8221? Carth called over to me.
\u8220?Even better than the last. I could get used to that magnificent member of
yours.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t get too used to it,\u8221? I countered. \u8220?You belong to me
now, so I decide when you get to be rewarded.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is there a point system?\u8221? Carth mocked me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If there was, you\u8217?d be losing,\u8221? I replied as I finally located
my pants and dressed myself quickly. The rest of the Archons looked disappointed as
I zipped up my trousers, but before they could protest, I raised my chin.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you for your help,\u8221? I announced to the group. \u8220?Each of
you. I will call upon you soon.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I dismissed the Archons with a wave of my will, and once the monster goddesses
were gone, I slumped down onto the bed I\u8217?d manifested. I concentrated hard,
and soon, the bed was outfitted in pristine sheets. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Much better,\u8221? I sighed as I let my head hit the pillow and stared up
at the dimly-lit ceiling. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 Carth was conquered. I would celebrate my victory later, but for now, I was
exhausted from the entire affair, so I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and
drifted into a thankfully dreamless slumber. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sometime later, I awoke in my own bedroom with a start. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Gryff, you\u8217?re finally awake,\u8221? Arwyn sighed the moment I
blinked my eyes open. \u8220?Thank the Maker, I was beginning to worry.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The healer mage\u8217?s form was blurred as if I were peering at her while
underwater, but after I rubbed my eyes she came back into focus. Her amber eyes
were round with concern as I slowly sat up, and her auburn eyebrows were creased
together. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s done,\u8221? I managed to say after a few more blinks. \u8220?
Carth, she\u8217?s under my control now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, this is amazing,\u8221? Arwyn gasped, and the professor wrapped me
into a tight embrace. \u8220?You\u8217?re such a powerful mage, and you never fail
to impress me with your endeavors.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Arwyn,\u8221? I replied, and once we broke apart, I peered over at
the window. Sunlight streamed into the room through a break in the curtains, and my
eyes ached at the brightness. \u8220?What time is it?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s almost the afternoon,\u8221? Arwyn answered. \u8220?But if
you\u8217?d like to rest a while longer--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think I\u8217?ve dreamt enough for now,\u8221? I laughed as I rubbed the
back of my neck. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fair enough,\u8221? the healer mage laughed right back. \u8220?Well, take a
couple of minutes to wake up, and then we can get dressed and head upstairs. We
have quite a bit of news to share with the others, and I don\u8217?t think I can
keep my secret from them any longer. I\u8217?m too excited.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m excited, too,\u8221? I admitted to her. \u8220?About the
pregnancy bit, anyways. I know they\u8217?ll be glad to hear Carth is handled, but
your news is much more pleasant.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They\u8217?ll be happy to hear both,\u8221? Arwyn assured me. \u8220?Our
family is important, but so is the war, and now that Carth is under your control,
there are only two Archons left to conquer. This puts us in an advantageous
position.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I agree.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?Now that Carth is mine, we can try to get
information about the remaining Archons and what their plan for Mistral is.
Hopefully, we can further decipher the book and figure out Hunnah and Quilla\u8217?
s intentions.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? Arwyn agreed. \u8220?Carth\u8217?s cooperation should help us
and the research team immensely.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was thrilled by this development, so I leaned forward and kissed my lover. I was
so happy to be a step closer to victory, and my favorite way to celebrate was by
giving my women as much affection as I could manage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you,\u8221? I murmured against the professor\u8217?s lips.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? Arwyn giggled into my mouth.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After we spent a few minutes enjoying the taste of one another, we finally pulled
ourselves out of bed, and Arwyn began to search for her clothing. Her green dress
and panties from the night before were crumpled in a pile on the floor, and I
watched with admiration as the healer began to dress herself. Arwyn was stunningly
beautiful, and I often found myself distracted by her perfect hourglass body.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I forced myself to look away, and then I crossed over to my wardrobe and pulled
out a pair of clean trousers and a simple long-sleeved shirt to take upstairs with
me. After everything I\u8217?d been through, a shower sounded amazing, and I
didn\u8217?t want to go all the way downstairs just to retrieve clothing after
I\u8217?d bathed. Granted, my women probably wouldn\u8217?t complain at the thought
of me walking around our mansion naked\u8230? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we?\u8221? Arwyn asked as she stretched her arms up into the air and
let out a sigh as her back cracked. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let\u8217?s do it.\u8221? I nodded after giving a stretch of my own.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The gorgeous professor offered me a beautiful smile, and then we headed out the
door. I followed Arwyn up the spiral staircase to the third floor and down the hall
until we reached the professor\u8217?s bedroom. I lingered out in the hall while
Arwyn collected a change of clothes, and once she emerged, we walked back down the
corridor and into one of the many bathrooms of our mansion.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We spent a good amount of time in the shower together, washing each other\u8217?s
back and exploring each other with our hands and tongues, until finally, we
relegated ourselves to actually getting clean. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once we were fresh and presentable, we dressed for the day and left the room to
get to the nursery. It was around time for the kids to settle down for their naps,
so I knew the rest of my family was likely gathered in the room together.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My heart raced in my chest as we moved down the hall toward the nursery. I
wasn\u8217?t sure why I was so nervous to share the news of Arwyn\u8217?s
pregnancy, and the claiming of Carth, but something about the news made me feel
antsy. Perhaps it was more excitement-based than fear, but either way, I was ready
to tell my wives and girlfriends everything that had happened in the past twelve
hours. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you ready?\u8221? Arwyn asked as her hand hovered over the doorknob.
The professor\u8217?s amber eyes sparkled as she awaited my answer, and I could
tell she was just as excited as I was. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Definitely.\u8221? I nodded, and once I took a deep breath, we stepped into
the nursery. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Two
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Just as I\u8217?d suspected, the rest of my family were gathered in the nursery,
and each of my wives and girlfriends greeted Arwyn and I with knowing smiles.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, look who it is.\u8221? Erin grinned at us as she bounced our son
Olivir in her arms. The sunlight that streamed in through the open curtains made
the mimic\u8217?s already bright orange hair look even more vibrant, and her
brilliant smile was infectious. \u8220?It\u8217?s about time the two of you came up
for air.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good morning to you, too, Erin,\u8221? I chuckled as heat spread through my
cheeks. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Actually, it\u8217?s the afternoon now,\u8221? Nia Kenefick chimed in from
the other side of the room. My ashen-haired wife was seated on a rocking chair and
held our daughter Nessa in her arms as she rocked. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s Sunday, time doesn\u8217?t exist,\u8221? I said, and the rest of
my women cracked up at that. Then I crossed over to Nia and took a seat in the
other rocking chair beside her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nessa peered over at me with an odd-eyed stare. Mine and Nia\u8217?s daughter had
inherited both of our eye colors, and so she had one blue iris and another deep
walnut brown one. I smiled at the infant, and she flashed me a tiny little grin
that made my heart swell. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Did someone celebrate a little too hard last night?\u8221? Cyra teased me
as I cooed at Nessa. The curly-haired summoner held our equally curly-haired son
Milo in her dark-skinned arms, and her chocolate-brown eyes glittered with mischief
as they flickered between Arwyn and me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 In all of the excitement between Arwyn\u8217?s news and then the Archons, I\u8217?
d nearly forgotten that just last night, we\u8217?d held a wedding for my best
friend Braden and his fianc\u233?e Mati in our backyard. It\u8217?d been a small
affair, but the size of it didn\u8217?t take away from the fun. We\u8217?d all had
an amazing time dancing, drinking, and celebrating the union of our friends, and my
women had gone above and beyond to make the venue and the wedding itself
perfect. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nope, just been busy doing other things,\u8221? I replied to my girlfriend
vaguely. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Like Arwyn?\u8221? Layla quipped with a waggle of her eyebrows, and I
couldn\u8217?t help but laugh at the petite summoner\u8217?s fast response. \u8220?
You two spent quite a while in your room, Gryffie.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Hush it, Bethel,\u8221? I groaned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m just calling it as I see it.\u8221? The auburn-haired mage
shrugged as she set our daughter Daphne into her crib. It was still so strange to
see my spritely girlfriend in mom mode, but motherhood didn\u8217?t lessen her
spirit at all. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You two look as though you\u8217?re cats who got the cream,\u8221? Ashla
pressed as she cradled mine and Nia\u8217?s son Nicolis to her chest. The umber-
skinned former mercenary was also pregnant with my child, but for now, she helped
out Nia whenever she needed it. My multi-elementalist wife had been the only one of
my lovers to bear twins, and she definitely needed an extra set of hands to keep
them under control. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You truly do,\u8221? Nia assessed with a curious expression as she rocked
Nessa in her arms. \u8220?What\u8217?s going on?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah, spill it, Gryffie!\u8221? Layla insisted with an amused smile on her
lips. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well\u8230?\u8221? I looked over at Arwyn, and the healer mage\u8217?s
porcelain cheeks darkened until they were nearly maroon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Arwyn is pregnant,\u8221? Freya observed as her gold-flecked brown eyes
flickered over Arwyn with a knowing expression. The blonde hawk-princess had no
filter, and she often declared whatever statement came to her mind. \u8220?Am I
correct?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, I was just about to say it myself, but I\u8217?m relieved I
don\u8217?t have to stutter over the words myself,\u8221? Arwyn chuckled. \u8220?
Freya is correct. I am pregnant.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The room erupted with squeals of delight that were echoed by our newborns, aside
from Olivir and Lahrra, who managed to remain fast asleep as my lovers moved about
excitedly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Congratulations, Arwyn!\u8221? Nia gushed, and my ashen-haired wife set
baby Nessa down in her crib, rushed over to the professor, and wrapped her in a
tight embrace. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Nia.\u8221? Arwyn smiled as she accepted the hug. \u8220?I
really appreciate it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Arwyn, you and Gryff are going to have the cutest baby,\u8221? Cyra
sighed dreamily. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Aww, I wonder if he or she will have red hair!\u8221? Ashla chimed in, and
the girls all let out collective coos of delight at the idea.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I caught myself breaking into a huge grin at the thought of a baby with my dark
eyes and Arwyn\u8217?s unusual merlot hair. Each of my children seemed to favor
their mothers, so there was a strong possibility my son or daughter would inherit
the professor\u8217?s red tresses. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That would be precious.\u8221? Arwyn\u8217?s smile widened, and she placed
a hand on her still flat belly. \u8220?My mother had the same hair, and it would
mean a lot to me if I could pass that along to my child.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I didn\u8217?t know that,\u8221? I remarked. \u8220?Maker, I don\u8217?t
know much about your family in general, Arwyn.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There isn\u8217?t much to know,\u8221? my lover replied, and her amber eyes
dropped to the ground. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
While I wanted to press the healer mage for more information, I could tell the
subject of her family was a hard one, and now didn\u8217?t seem like the right time
to ask. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am very happy for you, Arwyn,\u8221? Freya declared. \u8220?You have been
wanting a child for so long, and now your patience has been rewarded. You have been
so supportive throughout all of our pregnancies, and I look forward to helping you
in any way I can. You will be a most wonderful mother to your son or daughter, I
just know it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, that means so much to hear,\u8221? Arwyn said, and her lower lip
trembled as she fought back tears. \u8220?Thank you for your kindness.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?ve always been kind to me,\u8221? Freya insisted. \u8220?Allow me
to return the favor to you. You are an amazing sister-wife, and I love
you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? the crimson-haired healer whispered, and as she
broke into tears, my hawk wife crossed over to her and wrapped her in her arms.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A knot formed in my throat as the pair clung to each other, and the rest of my
family seemed to share similar bouts of emotion. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ugh, you guys need to stopppp!\u8221? Layla sniffled. \u8220?This is all so
cute. I love our big family.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, too,\u8221? Ashla said as she wiped a tear from her dark eyes.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We all gathered around each other and shared a big group hug that only broke apart
because the babies started to fuss. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As my women bounced the children in their arms, I took a deep breath and prepared
myself to give them the other part of my news. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There\u8217?s something else I wanted to mention,\u8221? I said. \u8220?
It\u8217?s no big deal, so don\u8217?t get nervous or anything, but\u8230? I
conquered Carth. She\u8217?s under my control now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
The women instantly broke out into overlapping chatter, but then Layla\u8217?s
voice rose above the rest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, holy fuck!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s no big deal!\u8221? I insisted. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Only you would say taming a monster goddess falls under the category of
\u8216?no big deal\u8217?, Gryff.\u8221? Nia shook her head in disbelief. \u8220?
But this is wonderful news, right?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course,\u8221? I answered her. \u8220?Now, only Hunnah and Quilla
remain, and not only that, we can use Carth\u8217?s knowledge to help track them
down. She was their leader once, so she has to have an idea of where they
are.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s very true,\u8221? my wife mused with a thoughtful
expression. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She can also assist with the translation of the Shadowscape books in the
meantime,\u8221? Arwyn added before she glanced at me. \u8220?She was responsible
for their enchantment, was she not?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s what Xanrith thinks.\u8221? I nodded. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? Erin remarked with wide eyes. \u8220?This is amazing
news.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I now understand why you were in bed so late,\u8221? Cyra chimed in.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeaaaaah,\u8221? I drawled. \u8220?It took a little longer than I meant for
it to. Carth certainly put up a fight.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And now she\u8217?s yours,\u8221? Layla said with a smirk. \u8220?Face it,
Gryffie, you\u8217?re a badass.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
While conquering an Archon felt so normal to me, I had to remind myself that
others saw the situation differently. I didn\u8217?t feel like a hero by any means,
but it was nice to be hyped up by my women. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Bethel,\u8221? I said to the petite summoner, and before she could
reply, the babies began to fuss again. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once we got the kids to settle down, we worked together to tuck them into their
cribs, except for Nicolis, who wasn\u8217?t interested in taking a nap and instead
wanted to stay in Ashla\u8217?s arms. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you want me to take him off your hands?\u8221? I asked the former
mercenary as she bounced my ashen-haired son in place. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, I\u8217?ve got it under control,\u8221? Ashla insisted as she planted a
soft kiss on Nicolis\u8217? forehead, and the baby let out a gurgling breath and
gave the ice mage a gummy smile. \u8220?I\u8217?ll need all of the practice I can
get before our baby arrives.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, if the way you handle Nicolis is any indication, you\u8217?re going
to be a wonderful mother.\u8221? I smiled at her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Gryff.\u8221? The ice mage smiled back at me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Now that the kids were settled, my women and I parted ways. Nia, Freya, and Ashla
decided to stay in the nursery while Layla, Erin, and Cyra elected to take quick
naps of their own. At first, I tried to linger around with Nia and the children,
but the others insisted I get some rest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It sounds like you\u8217?ve been through a lot in the past twenty-four
hours,\u8221? Nia pointed out with concerned eyes. \u8220?You should take the rest
of the afternoon to relax and restore your strength.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I feel perfectly fine,\u8221? I assured the beautiful multi-
elementalist. \u8220?Besides, you all have been up with the kids all
day--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?All the while, you conquered a monster goddess on your own,\u8221? Nia
replied with a raised eyebrow. \u8220?We have this under control, Gryff. You\u8217?
ve done so much for us, take a moment for yourself.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Once Nia Kenefick had her mind set on something, it was hard to sway her, so I
knew there was no way out of this argument except for conceding.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If you insist,\u8221? I finally sighed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I do.\u8221? Nia winked at me, and my heart melted at the sight. My ashen-
haired wife was stubborn but kind, and I appreciated how much she prioritized my
well-being, even when I wanted to push it aside. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, Kenefick,\u8221? I said, and I leaned down and kissed my
wife\u8217?s cheek. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? Nia replied with a brilliant smile. \u8220?Get some
sleep, darling. We\u8217?ll be here when you wake up.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya and Ashla nodded their heads in agreement, so I kissed them and the children
goodbye before I left the nursery. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I went back to my bedroom and briefly considered crawling back into bed, but I
wasn\u8217?t ready to face any more dreams quite yet, so I decided to take the
opportunity to study up a bit for my exam. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I began reading at my desk, but the incoming sunlight from my bedroom window
called out to me, so, after some deliberation, I decided to take one of my
textbooks and spend some time outdoors. A change of pace seemed like a good idea
after days of holing up in either the library, Arwyn\u8217?s room, or the
professor\u8217?s office, so I gathered up my things and went out into the
backyard. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The air around me was slightly brisk, but not so unpleasant that I wanted to head
back inside. I\u8217?d half expected to see the yard in a state of disarray after
the events from the night before, but the cleaning crew Nia hired was apparently
quite thorough, so much so it appeared as if there\u8217?d never been an event in
the first place. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I located one of the large hammocks that\u8217?d been hung between a pair of tall
trees, and after I unfastened my belts and pouches and rested them in a neat pile
on the ground beside the tree\u8217?s trunk, I climbed into the hammock. The fabric
of the structure was sturdy but surprisingly comfortable, and I let out a sigh of
delight as the hammock curved into me. The wind around me was strong enough to
shift the fabric beneath me, and soon I rocked gently between the trees. Then I
propped open my book and began to read about the history of Mistral.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I maintained focus for a while, but as the time went on, my mind began to wander.
The afternoon sun was bright, and the sunbeams against my face disrupted the cold
chill of the air. I briefly closed both my book and my eyes, and I allowed the
light to bathe my face in its glow. The heat was pleasant against my cold skin, and
even though I hadn\u8217?t been studying for very long, my eyelids felt too heavy
to reopen. Within moments, I drifted off into a daydream-like state somewhere
between sleep and wakefulness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I wasn\u8217?t sure how long I\u8217?d been out, but sometime later, I was awoken
by the sound of footsteps in the distance. I sleepily blinked my tired eyes open
and lifted my chin up to try to get a glimpse of the source, but all I could see
from my vantage point was a tangle of black hair. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cyra?\u8221? I called out as my eyes adjusted. \u8220?Is that
you?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, Gryff,\u8221? the summoner greeted me as she approached the hammock.
Then she glanced down at my discarded textbook and raised a dark eyebrow. \u8220?
Sleeping on the job?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I was just resting my eyes for a second.\u8221? I smiled, and then I patted
the hammock. \u8220?Would you care to join me?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Absolutely.\u8221? Cyra grinned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I scooted over as much as I could, and the summoner carefully swung her leather-
legging clad leg into the hammock. I did my best to stabilize the surface so she
wouldn\u8217?t fall as she gracefully climbed in, but the moment she joined me, the
hammock wrapped around us like a fabric cocoon, and we burst into laughter as we
were swept up in the curve of the hammock. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I didn\u8217?t think this through,\u8221? I chuckled as the curly-haired
summoner and I became a tangle of limbs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have an idea,\u8221? Cyra proposed. The chocolate-skinned mage rolled
onto her side and then wrapped her arm around my chest and snuggled close to me.
The hammock settled down, and I pulled Cyra even closer to me. The scent of her
spiced amber perfume filled my nose, and the familiar exotic smell comforted me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I like this idea,\u8221? I remarked, and I kissed the top of Cyra\u8217?s
head. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, too,\u8221? my girlfriend giggled, and she rested her cheek against my
chest. We laid there in silence for a bit and simply enjoyed the pleasure of each
other\u8217?s company, and then after a while, Cyra cleared her throat.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you okay?\u8221? I asked as I stroked her hair. Her thick curls were
surprisingly soft today and extra springy underneath my fingertips, and I enjoyed
the sensation of them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m fine,\u8221? my girlfriend assured me, but the strange tone of
her voice worried me. \u8220?But actually, Gryff, I could be better.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is that so?\u8221? I wondered. \u8220?What can I do to make it
better?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well\u8230? \u8221? Cyra began mysteriously. \u8220?There\u8217?s something
I wanted to discuss with you. And before you panic, I\u8217?ll have you know it
isn\u8217?t another pregnancy announcement, so no worries on that topic. However,
it does involve you and me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hmm, ominous,\u8221? I teased her as I continued to play with her curls.
\u8220?What\u8217?s on your mind? What can I do to make life perfect for you, my
lady?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, Braden and Mati\u8217?s wedding kind of had me thinking about some
things,\u8221? Cyra said. \u8220?Namely, about how I feel about you. I know
that\u8217?s a pretty common thing when it comes to weddings, but ever since I saw
you up there with Braden and Mati, I can\u8217?t stop thinking about us.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Maker, you aren\u8217?t breaking up with me, are you?\u8221? I groaned.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course not, you goofball,\u8221? Cyra giggled. \u8220?What I\u8217?m
trying to say is literally the exact opposite. Gryff, I really want to be your
wife.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Really?\u8221? I asked, and I tilted Cyra\u8217?s chin up to meet her
chocolate-brown eyes. \u8220?Is this a prank?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No prank.\u8221? She shook her head. \u8220?I mean, I pretty much knew I
wanted to be with you from the moment we first kissed, but it\u8217?s definitely
grown since then. I love being your girlfriend, and love being the mother of your
child, but I want to be more than that. I want to be able to hold your hand and
call you my husband.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Cyra,\u8221? I breathed. \u8220?I want nothing more than for you to be
my wife.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You do?\u8221? the curly-haired mage asked softly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Give me a little credit here,\u8221? I chuckled. \u8220?Of course, I do.
Ever since the day we met, I\u8217?ve fallen more and more in love with you.
You\u8217?re witty and strong, and not to mention fiercely determined and powerful.
You\u8217?re an amazing mother to Milo, and I would be the luckiest guy in the
realm to have you as my wife. I love you, Cyra, and I want to spend the rest of my
life at your side.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My girlfriend\u8217?s eyes filled to the brim with tears, and her lips curved
upwards into one of the most beautiful smiles I\u8217?d ever seen.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? she finally managed to say before I planted my lips
on hers and kissed her deeply. Then I swept her in closer to me and hugged her
tighter than I\u8217?d ever hugged her before. Her lips tasted of vanilla and
cloves, and once I started kissing her, I didn\u8217?t want to stop.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra was so special to me, and I was elated to finally be able to make her my
wife. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, I\u8217?m sorry I basically proposed to you,\u8221? Cyra giggled once
we parted. \u8220?I didn\u8217?t know how else to bring it up.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?d say it was a mutual effort.\u8221? I smirked. \u8220?But I
wouldn\u8217?t have it any other way. You\u8217?re my partner, Cyra, and I would
love to be yours for the rest of our lives.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would love that, too,\u8221? Cyra sighed as she snuggled closer to me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, now that we\u8217?ve established that, tell me all about your dream
wedding,\u8221? I brought up. \u8220?I remember you saying at mine and Nia\u8217?s
that you wanted something elaborate--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?In light of everything, I think I\u8217?ve changed my mind about
that,\u8221? Cyra interjected. \u8220?Don\u8217?t get me wrong, the idea of a fancy
fairytale wedding excites me just as much as it does any other woman, but that also
requires a ton of planning and time. I don\u8217?t want to wait.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow, someone\u8217?s a little impatient, are they?\u8221? I teased her.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Sort of,\u8221? Cyra admitted. \u8220?It\u8217?s not just that, though. As
much as none of us want to think about it, there are still two Archons unaccounted
for, and we have no idea where or when they\u8217?re going to strike. With how
strangely time passes in the Shadowscape, there\u8217?s a possibility you could be
gone for nearly a year again, and I don\u8217?t want to wait that long to be your
wife.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s a really valid point,\u8221? I agreed with her. \u8220?I
don\u8217?t think I\u8217?d be gone very long again, but there are so many factors
involved that I can\u8217?t guarantee anything. The one thing I can guarantee is
I\u8217?m going to make you my wife, so you just need to tell me what you\u8217?d
like for our wedding, and I\u8217?ll make it happen.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I was thinking we could do something out here again,\u8221? Cyra decided as
she peered out at the sprawling yard around us. \u8220?Not on the same scale as
Braden and Mati, though. I don\u8217?t want an aisle, or a ton of guests, or
coordinated outfits. I want to keep it as intimate as possible.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s an excellent idea.\u8221? I nodded as I tried to
envision the different ways we could utilize the space. \u8220?I like the thought
of doing something intimate. It feels a bit more special that way, and it saves us
a lot of hassle later. How many people are you thinking?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not too many,\u8221? Cyra answered in a firm tone. \u8220?Only the
important ones. Our family, of course, Gawain and the other guys, and then Maelor,
since he was the one who brought us together in the first place. That\u8217?s
it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maelor\u8217?s going to be over the moon about this,\u8221? I laughed as I
cuddled Cyra close to me. \u8220?He wouldn\u8217?t admit it to anyone, but
he\u8217?s a total softy.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Trust me, I know,\u8221? Cyra chuckled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sometimes it was easy to forget the curly-haired summoner had once travelled with
my adoptive father, but he\u8217?d been the one who\u8217?d introduced us all that
time ago. If anyone knew the ins-and-outs of the old summoner, it was me and
Cyra. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I suppose we should start planning things out,\u8221? I mused. \u8220?
We\u8217?ll need to tell the others--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m sure they\u8217?ll be thrilled by the idea of another wedding so
quick,\u8221? Cyra snorted. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You know they\u8217?ll be over the moon.\u8221? I shook my head and
laughed. \u8220?They love this kind of thing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?True,\u8221? Cyra allowed. She squeezed her arms around me tightly, and
then she started to sit up. \u8220?Shall we go tell them now? The sooner we mention
it, the better. It\u8217?ll make it less of a stressor later.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think we should spend a little more time in this position,\u8221? I
insisted, and I pulled Cyra back down and wrapped her in a hug so tight she
couldn\u8217?t move. \u8220?They can wait until later.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff!\u8221? Cyra managed through a fit of muffled giggles.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nope, you\u8217?re all mine,\u8221? I laughed right back at her. \u8220?I
need you to stay right here so I can drown you in hugs and kisses.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, when you put it like that\u8230?\u8221? the curly-haired summoner
trailed off, and she planted another kiss on my lips. Then we got into a comfier
position and resumed what we\u8217?d started earlier. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My dark-skinned now-fianc\u233?e and I continued on like that for what felt like
hours, and we only stopped when we realized the sky above us had taken on a rosy
hue. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?I suppose we should head inside,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?It should be
around dinnertime, and they\u8217?ll probably need some help.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Have you watched Freya in the kitchen?\u8221? Cyra interjected with an
amused expression on her features. \u8220?Trust me, I\u8217?m more worried about
people getting in her way than I am of her needing assistance.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra was probably right about that. Freya was a talented cook and had a great
sense of spices and flavor combinations that I never would\u8217?ve been able to
come up with on my own, so she tended to take over when it came to meal
preparation. She also had a specific way of doing things, and she usually insisted
on carrying out those duties alone. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fair enough,\u8221? I agreed. \u8220?In that case, we should probably make
sure everything is running smoothly.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I stabilized the hammock so Cyra could climb out of it, and after some effort, the
curly-haired summoner managed to reach the ground. Once she was free of the cloth
cocoon, I handed her my textbook and basically rolled off the hammock and onto the
grass. It wasn\u8217?t my most graceful move, but it was effective enough.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra couldn\u8217?t stop laughing as I brushed grass from the knees of my
trousers. \u8220?That was certainly inventive, Gryff, I\u8217?ll give you
that.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll take what I can get,\u8221? I chuckled. \u8220?Though I have to
say, that was smoother than I\u8217?d anticipated.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
After one last dusting, I was free of dirt, and Cyra gave me one last peck on the
lips. Then I wrapped my arm around the curly-haired summoner\u8217?s waist, and
together, we walked back into the house. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The smell of chicken, potatoes, apples, and bread wafted through the air when we
entered through the back door, and my mouth instantly watered at the variety of
delicious scents. My stomach growled loudly, and I stifled a laugh.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I hadn\u8217?t realized how hungry I was. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The rest of our family lingered around our enormous kitchen while Freya zoomed
about. The hawk-princess was hard at working manning several pans and pots, and I
could tell by the way Arwyn eyed the shapeshifter that they\u8217?d been kicked out
of the room and told to take a seat, just as Cyra hypothesized. Freya wiped a bead
of sweat from her forehead as she fluttered over to the oven, and she was so swept
up in her cooking she didn\u8217?t notice us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
However, the conversation between the rest of my women suddenly ceased when they
finally spotted Cyra and me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There you two are,\u8221? Ashla said first as we stepped into the room.
\u8220?We were wondering where you wandered off to.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?We were relaxing in the hammock,\u8221? I replied as I rubbed the back of
my neck. \u8220?We were a little too comfortable out there.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m glad you were able to get some rest,\u8221? Nia remarked as she
smoothed a stray silvery hair back into her long ponytail. \u8220?Taking a nap
outside in the cold wasn\u8217?t exactly what I had in mind, but if it works, it
works.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It wasn\u8217?t too cold.\u8221? Cyra winked at the multi-elementalist, and
then her eyes trailed down my body in a suggestive way. \u8220?We kept each other
plenty warm.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oooooh!\u8221? my women teased us collectively, and heat spread to my
cheeks. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Luckily for me, Freya interrupted the noise and changed the subject.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Dinner will be ready in just a few moments,\u8221? the gorgeous blonde
announced to everyone as she pulled a large tray from the oven. \u8220?If you could
put plates on the table--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ve got it,\u8221? I volunteered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, my husband,\u8221? the hawk-princess said as I stepped over to
the cabinets and began to unload a stack of plates. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn crossed over to help me, and I offered the crimson-haired professor a
grateful smile as she relieved me of some of the stack. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Then Arwyn and I crossed over to the round walnut kitchen table and began to set
it for the rest of the family. As I set plates at each seat, I couldn\u8217?t help
but sneak glances over at Cyra. The beautiful summoner was going to be my wife, and
I was bursting to tell the rest of the family our news. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My women seemed to take notice of my giddiness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Okay, out with it,\u8221? Erin stated with narrowed amber eyes as she
caught me in a stare. \u8220?What\u8217?s going on, you two?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What do you mean?\u8221? I asked innocently, but Erin gave me a pointed
look. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, c\u8217?mon, Gryff, you can\u8217?t fool me.\u8221? The mimic pursed
her lips. \u8220?What\u8217?s the big secret? Is Cyra pregnant again?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cyra, are you?\u8221? Arwyn gasped, and she nearly dropped a plate in the
process. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not pregnant,\u8221? Cyra assured the healer mage, but Arwyn and
Erin didn\u8217?t seem all that convinced. They continued to look between Cyra and
I with scrutinizing stares, which I did my best to ignore as I continued to set the
tableware down. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No more suspense!\u8221? Layla insisted with a childish stamp of her
foot. \u8220?What the fuck is going on?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cyra and I were just talking about the future,\u8221? I remarked
vaguely. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Annnnnd?\u8221? the petite summoner urged me as she flapped her hand.
\u8220?What about it? You\u8217?re killing me, Gryffieeeeee. I am literally growing
gray hairs as we speak.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we tell them?\u8221? I grinned over at Cyra. \u8220?Or should we let
them sweat over it a little more?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They look miserable,\u8221? Cyra observed. \u8220?Let\u8217?s just tell
them already.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Okay, okay,\u8221? I agreed with the chocolate-skinned mage, and then I
peered around at the rest of my family. \u8220?Cyra and I had a long talk just a
little bit ago, and we\u8217?ve decided we want to get married.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Holy shit, are you saying what I think you\u8217?re saying?\u8221? Layla
gasped, and her enormous hazel eyes nearly popped out of her head. \u8220?Are you
two engaged?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We are.\u8221? I grinned, and my women all let out cries of excitement
before they descended upon us and swept Cyra and me into a massive group hug.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Guys, I can\u8217?t breathe,\u8221? Cyra complained, but I could tell by
the high-pitched quality of her voice that she loved it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good,\u8221? Erin retorted as she squeezed even harder.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Maker, I\u8217?m so happy for you two,\u8221? Nia gushed. \u8220?Cyra,
you\u8217?re going to be the most beautiful bride.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Stop, Nia, I\u8217?m going to cry,\u8221? Cyra replied to the ashen-haired
mage, and sure enough, when the group hug fell apart, the summoner\u8217?s dark-
brown eyes swam with tears that spilled out over her round cheeks.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow, there\u8217?s been so much good news around here today.\u8221? Ashla
shook her head back and forth. \u8220?I don\u8217?t know if our family can take
much more happiness around here. We\u8217?re full to bursting.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There\u8217?s no such thing as too much happiness,\u8221? I decided.
\u8220?It\u8217?s my main mission to give you all the most fulfilling and amazing
lives possible.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And we love you for it, my darling husband,\u8221? Freya said as she
slipped her arm around me. \u8220?You take such good care of us and make us so
happy.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m glad to hear it.\u8221? I smiled at the hawk-princess.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We splintered off to bring the dishes to the table, and my stomach began grumbling
again once we all took our seats and began to distribute the food. I happily loaded
my plate with roast chicken, mashed potatoes, warm bread, and baked apples.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, this is delicious,\u8221? Arwyn complimented the hawk-princess once
we began to eat. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It really is,\u8221? Nia agreed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you.\u8221? Freya nodded, and there was a sparkle to her golden-brown
eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, onto more interesting topics,\u8221? Layla began through a mouthful of
chicken. \u8220?Let\u8217?s discuss this wedding!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re going to have so much to do,\u8221? Nia realized, and her
piercing blue eyes widened into perfect circles. \u8220?Maker, I can\u8217?t
believe we\u8217?re doing this all over again. Should we have kept the decor from
Mati\u8217?s--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ve decided to do something small,\u8221? I brought up, and my
ashen-haired wife relaxed her stance ever so slightly. \u8220?Even more so than
Braden and Mati\u8217?s. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, good,\u8221? she replied after she took a long sip of water. \u8220?My
mind had started spinning out already.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s precisely why I\u8217?d rather do an intimate wedding.\u8221?
Cyra shook her head, and her curls bounced with the motion. \u8220?There will still
be work involved, but not so much that we\u8217?re all stressed out messes. I want
to keep things easy and simple, you know?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s a grand suggestion, Cyra.\u8221? Arwyn grinned over at
the summoner. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We will find you the perfect dress,\u8221? Freya declared, and her gold-
flecked brown eyes twinkled at the thought. \u8220?My sister-wife will be the most
beautiful bride, even if the party is small.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Freya,\u8221? Cyra said, and she took the hawk-princess\u8217?
hands in hers. The two women shared a smile so loving it made my heart swell. Of
all of my lovers, Cyra\u8217?s closest friend was Freya, and I was glad the curly-
haired summoner had the shapeshifter in her life. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What about the date?\u8221? Erin asked in a wary tone. \u8220?Is this going
to be another five-day situation?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Maker, no,\u8221? Cyra insisted with raised hands. \u8220?No, I\u8217?m
not putting anyone through that again.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank the Maker,\u8221? Layla sighed heavily. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My women still wore the telltale signs of exhaustion from the stress of planning
Mati and Braden\u8217?s wedding in only five days, and there was no way I was ready
to repeat that. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think we should make it soon, but not that soon,\u8221? I proposed to the
group. \u8220?Maybe in a few weeks? A month or two, maybe?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think a month would give us more than enough time to get everything
figured out,\u8221? Cyra agreed with me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It gives us time to figure out all of the details, but still be able to
keep up with the kids and schoolwork,\u8221? Nia said in a thoughtful tone, and she
daintily dabbed at the corner of her mouth with a napkin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Speaking of schoolwork\u8230?\u8221? Arwyn began, and I let out a sigh
before she could finish. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll have you know I studied today,\u8221? I pointed out, but the
crimson-haired professor raised a single eyebrow that made me burst into
laughter. \u8220?Okay, so I took a nap instead. But I fully intended to study.
I\u8217?ve got this exam in the bag.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know you do.\u8221? Arwyn smiled at me. \u8220?I just wanted to make sure
you had it on your brain.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I do,\u8221? I said. \u8220?But let\u8217?s not worry about that now. I
want to spend the rest of my remaining weekend hours spending time with all of you
and celebrating all of our good fortune. That being said, I propose a toast.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What are we toasting?\u8221? Cyra wondered with a tilt of her head.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Us,\u8221? I answered as I raised my glass in the air. \u8220?Us, and
Arwyn\u8217?s baby, and Ashla\u8217?s baby, and the rest of our general
awesomeness.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cheers to that,\u8221? Layla giggled as she raised her glass.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The rest of my women followed, and soon we all held our cups aloft.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?To us,\u8221? I toasted. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?To us!\u8221? my lovers cried in unison, and as we drank our drinks, a warm
feeling spread through me. With how much insanity I\u8217?d endured, it was nice to
have so much to celebrate, and I looked forward to many more events in our
future. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Come Monday, I was tasked with another responsibility: substitute teaching. Braden
and Mati were off on their honeymoon, and with Headmaster Sleet\u8217?s permission
to take the week to themselves, the pair decided to spend their time in a small
village just outside of Varle. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With Braden gone, the Summoning class was left without a professor, so just days
before the wedding, Sleet had called me into his office and asked how I would feel
about stepping in to cover for my former roommate. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If the task is too much on top of your other responsibilities, I don\u8217?
t mind cancelling lessons for the week,\u8221? Sleet had insisted. \u8220?I know
you have the exam to study for, children to handle--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I was planning on guest lecturing at some point, so I have no problem
substituting while Braden\u8217?s gone,\u8221? I\u8217?d assured the headmaster.
\u8220?It would give me an opportunity to check back in with my old students and
see how much they\u8217?ve improved since the last time I saw them.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Mister Gryff.\u8221? Sleet had smiled at me. \u8220?I appreciate
your enthusiasm. Mister Flint assured me he\u8217?d leave you a lesson plan just in
case, but I have no doubt you\u8217?ll find some way to keep the class
entertained.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You know me well,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?I\u8217?m looking forward to
seeing the students again.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
And sure enough, as I dressed for the day, my excitement grew. Braden had taken
over the Summoning class while I\u8217?d been Carth\u8217?s prisoner in the
Shadowscape, and according to Sleet, the ox-like summoner had taken a real shine to
teaching. Braden was calm, patient, and attentive, so I had no doubt he was an
amazing professor. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I only hoped my students would still like me after I\u8217?d unintentionally
abandoned them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once I\u8217?d gathered up all of my belongings, I gave my appearance one last
glance-over, and then I headed out the front door and up the hill to the
Academy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I spent the entirety of my morning walk rehearsing what I would say to my former
students. I couldn\u8217?t get too intimate with the details of all I\u8217?d been
through, but I owed them a bit of an explanation for why I hadn\u8217?t returned
for the second semester of their first year. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Just after their exams, Carth had shown up outside of Varle with her army of mega-
sized monsters, and it\u8217?d been all hands on deck to keep the creatures away
from the Enclave. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After some deliberation, I decided I would keep it vague and only tell them
I\u8217?d been called away on a secret mission just after the battle of Varle and
got caught up helping my family out once I returned. None of that was too far from
the truth anyways. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I meandered through the grounds to the back building of the Academy where the
Summoning class was held. It\u8217?d been a while since I\u8217?d stepped foot in
the classroom, and the familiarity of it was nice. I\u8217?d been so caught up in
everything else that it felt good to return to some kind of normalcy, even if it
was just academic. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As I set my satchel down on the long wooden desk at the front of the room, I let
out a sigh. I wasn\u8217?t sure how I would be received by my former students, but
I hoped it would be fondly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The bell rang out, and my heart thudded in my chest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Here we go. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Professor Gryff?\u8221? Terrowin Kemble gasped as she, Darius Silvermane,
Arty Canterwell, and Syman entered the classroom. \u8220?Is that really you? What
are you doing here?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, Terrowin,\u8221? I greeted the young summoner. \u8220?Long time no
see.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s no kidding,\u8221? Darius remarked from his place at
Terrowin\u8217?s side. \u8220?It\u8217?s been almost an entire year since we saw
you last!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Even though it\u8217?d only been about a year since I\u8217?d seen the summoners
last, I was surprised to see just how much they\u8217?d grown up. Terrowin had
transformed from a lanky, reluctant first-year student to a confident-looking young
woman who held herself with poise. Her pretty light-brown eyes glittered as she
smiled at me with pearl-white teeth, and her thick dark hair was plaited
intricately so it hung down her back. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Even more surprising to see were the boys. Just as Terrowin had blossomed into a
pretty young lady, the male students had filled out, and in Darius\u8217? case,
slimmed down. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When I\u8217?d last seen Darius Silvermane, he\u8217?d been surly and overweight,
but in the year that had passed, it looked like the baby fat had melted away, and
now he was fit and trim. Even his trademark frown had vanished and been replaced
with a genuine smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The dark-haired summoner rubbed Terrowin\u8217?s shoulder as he took a seat at his
desk, and my raised eyebrow was met with a shy smile from the boy. I never
would\u8217?ve anticipated the pair of mages as a couple, but clearly, there\u8217?
d been some character development between them. They\u8217?d gotten along well
enough at the end of their first semester, but Darius still held onto the pride and
pressure of his family name. Clearly, that pride had vanished.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s been\u8230? busy to say the least,\u8221? I laughed lightly.
\u8220?Did Professor Flint tell you he was going to be gone?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He mentioned he had a surprise for us, but didn\u8217?t mention what it
would be specifically.\u8221? Arty grinned, and I couldn\u8217?t help but smile
back at him. The redheaded summoner was one of my favorite students, and it was
nice to see his respect for me hadn\u8217?t waned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We tried to weasel it out of him, but he wouldn\u8217?t budge,\u8221? Syman
joked, and it was a welcome surprise to see the formerly mouse-like young man was
no longer puny and mouse-like. When I\u8217?d first started teaching Summoning,
he\u8217?d been meek and antisocial, so it was strange to hear a mirthful tone to
his voice. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, I apologize if this wasn\u8217?t as good of a surprise as you were
expecting--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, no, this is plenty good!\u8221? Terrowin interrupted me. \u8220?Oh, we
have so much to show you, Professor Gryff.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have no doubt about that,\u8221? I replied as I leaned against my
desk. \u8220?The headmaster informed me you\u8217?ve all made great strides since
the last time I was here, and that you\u8217?ve become quite the talented group of
mages. I\u8217?d love to see a demonstration of your skills, if that\u8217?s okay
with you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Syman frowned as he set his book bag down on the ground. \u8220?Wait, so we
aren\u8217?t continuing on with chapter seven?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Would you prefer reading from your textbooks?\u8221? I raised my
eyebrows. \u8220?I could always give a lecture if that sounds like more
fun\u8230? \u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck that,\u8221? Darius interjected. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Darius--\u8221? Terrowin playfully slapped the dark-haired summoner\u8217?s
arm, but I waved her concerns away. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s okay,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?That\u8217?s what I thought as
well. We can resume the chapter on Wednesday, but for now, I think today would be a
great day for a little one-on-one combat. Does that sound good for everyone?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My students\u8217? sounds of excitement answered my question, and without further
ado, they dropped their bags, and we walked over to the arena section of the
classroom. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It\u8217?d been a long time since I\u8217?d stepped into the xanyarstone room, and
I\u8217?d almost forgotten just how cool it was. The space was split into different
sections, and each resembled a different type of terrain. The arena was meant to
mimic the varying parts of Mistral and beyond, and while I would\u8217?ve preferred
a more practical battleground, this one was more than acceptable.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Who\u8217?s first?\u8221? Arty asked in an excited tone. His hand hovered
over his thick brown bandolier, and it filled me with pride to see he\u8217?d
fashioned it to look just like mine. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think I\u8217?ll have you and Syman go first, if that\u8217?s
alright,\u8221? I proposed. \u8220?Then Terrowin and Darius after that.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ooooo!\u8221? Arty and Syman drawled in unison, and Terrowin\u8217?s cheeks
turned bright red. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, some of my best matches have been against my wife,\u8221? I pointed
out to the students, and that seemed to quell some of the embarrassment. Nia
Kenefick was just as renowned as I was amongst our peers, and I knew mentioning her
name would help put Terrowin at ease. \u8220?We\u8217?ve never held back against
each other, and it helped me gain a better appreciation for her magic, and taught
me not to underestimate her.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I could use a little appreciation.\u8221? Terrowin grinned at Darius, and
this time, he blushed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Syman and Arty stepped forward and collectively stretched their limbs as they
assessed each other. The pair of mages had been roommates when they were in my
class, maybe still were, and I had no doubt this match would be entertaining to
watch. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Go ahead,\u8221? I instructed them. \u8220?I want to see how you\u8217?ve
improved since last time. Make sure you implement whatever Professor Flint has
taught you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, we will,\u8221? Syman chuckled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The young summoners retrieved their monsters and the match began. I watched them
with a scrutinizing gaze, but kept my comments to myself. I wanted to see how the
pair would battle without instruction to get a feel for their natural skills.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The match was closer than I\u8217?d expected it to be, but ended when Syman
utilized a combination of speed slug, daggerdillo, and fire imp that sent
Arty\u8217?s wallerdon running. I was impressed with the way the formerly meek
summoner commanded his summons and by the way Arty handled his defeat.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Great job, Syman,\u8221? I congratulated the sandy-haired summoner as he
recalled his monsters and fought to catch his breath. \u8220?That was some quick
thinking you did. Really impressive. And Arty, you weren\u8217?t far behind with
your wallerdon-daggerdillo combo. I see Professor Flint taught you well.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I recently obtained a Grade-C summons, but it\u8217?s taking me a bit of
time to master it,\u8221? Arty admitted as he rubbed the back of his neck. \u8220?
Professor Flint thinks I\u8217?m close to taming it, but I didn\u8217?t want to
risk losing control over it and hurting someone.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And to me, this speaks volumes about your character,\u8221? I said to the
young summoner as I clasped his shoulder. \u8220?I appreciate you sticking with the
monsters you know rather than trying to show off to me. It shows you care about
your peers and friends more than you care about looking like a badass, and this
quality is only going to help you later. Summoning and magic is all well and good,
but knowing how to be a good teammate is the most important thing.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Professor Gryff.\u8221? Arty blushed. \u8220?That means a lot to
hear.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I patted the boy\u8217?s shoulder and ushered him back over to his friends.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Professor Gryff.\u8221? Syman smiled at me gratefully as he stashed
his crystals away and then crossed the room to stand with the rest of us.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arty followed close behind, and the summoner\u8217?s emerald-green eyes were
bright. It pleased me to see neither of the mages were sore losers in this
situation, and they both managed to show each other respect. That was something
even older mages struggled with, so it was nice to see my younger students taking
initiative. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Alright, up next is Darius and Terrowin,\u8221? I announced, and I ushered
the pair of mages forward with a wave of my hand. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Terrowin and Darius offered each other loving smiles before they parted ways
across the battlefield, and excitement crept through me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
This fight was certainly going to be interesting. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Terrowin removed the blue robe that indicated her status as a summoner, and as it
fell to the floor, I was surprised to see she was outfitted with an impressive
crystal belt that slightly resembled the one my aunt Crystyn wore. The creation was
a black leather harness that looped over her shoulders and across her abdomen, and
even though it wasn\u8217?t nearly as full of essence crystals as that of the
Guardian\u8217?s, it was still impressive nonetheless. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My jaw dropped as Terrowin\u8217?s first summons appeared. She\u8217?d taken a
different approach to Arty and had summoned an impressive monster known as a
bandersnatch. The creature was unusual, with wiry blue fur and long legs that ended
in sharp, curling claws. The monster had an abnormally large mouth with a long
purple tongue and short yellow fangs, and it let out a soft hiss as it peered
around. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow, Terrowin, is that--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The beast that attacked me at Hartmire?\u8221? Terrowin finished with a coy
smile. \u8220?Yes, it is. I\u8217?ve finally managed to get it under my
control.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Darius\u8217? primary summons was a monster I\u8217?d only seen a handful of
times, a goat-like creature called a yunna. While its dark-orange fur and adorable
face were unassuming, it had a mouthful of sharp fangs and a pair of horns that
made it deadly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
This was going to be interesting. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The bandersnatch lunged at the yunna, but the goat-like monster simply hopped out
of the creature\u8217?s way with a single jump. It would have been almost precious
if it weren\u8217?t for the fanged grin it shot at Terrowin\u8217?s summons.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Darius had equipped the monster with a speed slug, and the pair of creatures
chased each other around the arena for quite some time before Terrowin equipped her
monster with a speed slug and a daggerdillo. The combination made her summons
wickedly fast and covered in sharp spikes, and the yunna was no match.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Terrowin won the match, and her and Darius exchanged pleasant handshakes once they
recalled their monsters. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good fight,\u8221? Terrowin said, and then she winked at her boyfriend.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You, too.\u8221? Darius blushed. \u8220?That bandersnatch is awesome.
You\u8217?ve tamed it well.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Tone it down over there,\u8221? Arty called out to the pair in a joking
voice. \u8220?There are others in the room!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hush it, Canterwell,\u8221? Darius quipped back. When he rejoined the
group, he playfully punched Arty in the shoulder, and the pair began rough housing.
They reminded me of Gawain and Varleth for a moment, and I caught myself laughing
as they messed around. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good work today, guys,\u8221? I congratulated my students once we settled
down. \u8220?You all have done amazing work, and I\u8217?m proud of every one of
you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Professor Gryff,\u8221? Syman said, and the others let out similar
words of agreement. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Then the bell rang out, and my students headed into the classroom, but I noticed a
change in their manner as they collected their belongings. The four younger
summoners hovered near their desks as if the floor were made of molasses, and after
a minute or two, I sensed something more was on their minds.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is everything okay?\u8221? I asked my students. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Darius and Arty exchanged sheepish glances with each other while Syman looked at
the floor, but Terrowin stepped forward. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Actually, Professor Gryff, can we talk to you about something?\u8221? the
dark-haired girl asked as she tugged on a stray tendril. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course,\u8221? I said, and I took a seat on the edge of my desk. \u8220?
What\u8217?s going on?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Terrowin offered me a sympathetic thin-lipped smile before she continued. \u8220?
Well, we weren\u8217?t going to tell you at first, since you weren\u8217?t our
professor anymore, and we didn\u8217?t have time to come to you, but now that
you\u8217?re here\u8230? there\u8217?s something you need to know.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh?\u8221? I asked. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
This all sounded quite serious, and I felt my heart beat a little faster in
anticipation. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Some of the other students at the Academy have been spreading
rumors,\u8221? Terrowin explained. \u8220?Unfounded ones, but rumors
nonetheless.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That sounds like a normal day at the Academy.\u8221? I smirked, but the
others didn\u8217?t seem amused by the remark. \u8220?So, what\u8217?s the rumor
about?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You,\u8221? Arty spoke up. \u8220?Professor Gryff, they\u8217?re about
you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I nodded my head as the information sank in. I was no stranger to the Academy
rumor mill, especially after returning from my missions with the Monster Response
Squad. Most of the students at the Academy weren\u8217?t privy to what happened on
the missions, but they\u8217?d heard tidbits from family members and recounts from
other citizens of Mistral of the monsters and Archons we fought, the towns we saved
or destroyed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What do they happen to be saying this time?\u8221? I asked.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Darius, Arty, Syman, and Terrowin all exchanged another quick glance with each
other, and I half expected Terrowin to step forward, but the young mage didn\u8217?
t seem like she wanted to be the one to answer. I kept my breath even as I waited
for someone to speak up, and it took nearly all of my being to keep my face
expressionless. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Finally, Terrowin took a deep breath and looked me deep in the eyes. \u8220?
Everyone\u8217?s been saying you\u8217?re some kind of king of the monsters,
someone who is destined to bring about the apocalypse and the end of the human
realm as we know it. Is that true?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Oh. Shit. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Three
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I could feel sweat begin to build up on my forehead as heat spread through me.
Fuck, this was not good. I needed to cover my tracks as quickly as possibly and
dispel any suspicion, so I collected my composure before the students could realize
anything was amiss. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can assure you with absolute certainty that I\u8217?m not the king of
monsters,\u8221? I insisted, and I stifled a laugh at my words. It wasn\u8217?t a
phrase I thought I\u8217?d ever have to utter, but by the looks on my
students\u8217? faces, it was clear their minds were eased.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, thank the Maker.\u8221? Terrowin let out a sigh of relief. \u8220?I
knew you weren\u8217?t, Professor Gryff, it was just something I needed to ask you
anyways.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I appreciate you coming to me with this rumor,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?But
know it\u8217?s nothing more than that. I\u8217?m no king, and I\u8217?m especially
not a king of monsters or some kind of harbinger of an apocalypse. I\u8217?m a
mage, just like everyone else.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
That wasn\u8217?t entirely true, but I needed to sway them in that direction
anyways. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t worry, we\u8217?ve been telling everyone it\u8217?s a load of
dragon dung,\u8221? Arty said as he crossed his arms against his chest. \u8220?
You\u8217?re a dedicated summoner who\u8217?s led our side to victory on numerous
occasions. How could you ever be king of the beasts we\u8217?ve fought so hard
against?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We?\u8221? Darius snorted, and Arty playfully reached out and punched the
dark-haired summoner in the shoulder. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You know what I mean,\u8221? he laughed. \u8220?\u8216?We\u8217? as in all
of Mistral.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I was just giving you shit.\u8221? Darius smirked, and the boy wrapped his
arm around Arty\u8217?s shoulder. \u8220?I know we\u8217?re all in this fight
together, Canterwell. Professor Gryff\u8217?s in it, too. If he were some kind of
monster king, he wouldn\u8217?t have defended Varle against the herd attack, or any
of the other times we\u8217?ve been attacked.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Besides, if you wanted to rule over everyone, you probably would\u8217?ve
made your move already,\u8221? Syman assessed in a casual tone. \u8220?You have
your Archons. You could have easily subjected all of us to your rule by now, but
you\u8217?re still here at the Academy. A bloodthirsty, apocalypse-bringing person
wouldn\u8217?t bother with classes or schoolwork. He\u8217?d be out there
conquering lands and bending others to his will.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Terrowin, Arty, and Darius chuckled at that, and I couldn\u8217?t help but give a
laugh of my own. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I appreciate you all standing up for me to your peers,\u8221? I said, and I
offered each of the students a warm smile. \u8220?That really means a lot, and
I\u8217?m sure it isn\u8217?t easy to do.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course,\u8221? Terrowin insisted, and her light-brown eyes were
sympathetic. \u8220?We like you, Professor Gryff. We know you\u8217?d never betray
us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The bell rang again, and my students all peered at each other with wide eyes.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll write you all late passes for your next lecture,\u8221? I
announced to the class. \u8220?It\u8217?s my fault you were late to begin with, and
I don\u8217?t want your other professors to get too angry with you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
True to my word, I climbed over my desk, took a seat, and began to scribble down
late passes for them, and once I signed them with my most formal signature, I
passed them out to my students. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll see you all on Wednesday,\u8221? I said before they left.
\u8220?Great work today, everyone.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Professor Gryff!\u8221? my students said in unison, and they
stumbled out of the classroom en masse. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I leaned back in my seat, and once the room was clear, I let out a sigh of relief.
That had been far too close of a call for my comfort. I had no idea how anyone at
the Academy would\u8217?ve come to the conclusion I was the Beastmaker, but I hoped
the rumor would disappear just as quickly as it had arrived.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Master, when will you accept you are the Beastmaker?} Sera spoke up from the
recesses of my mind. {\i
Your fellow classmates might see it as being a terrible thing, but to us, it
isn\u8217?t. Why not embrace your destiny?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The destiny I have in mind, and the destiny you have in yours, are two
completely different things,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?And besides, you said it
yourself not too long ago. You aren\u8217?t even one hundred percent certain
I\u8217?m the Beastmaker to begin with.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When I\u8217?d been in Carth\u8217?s palace in the Shadowscape, I\u8217?d asked
Sera and the others point-blank if I was the Beastmaker, and at first, Sera had
said yes, but moments later, the dark-winged Archon admitted she was only mostly
certain I was the figure from the prophecy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She said her hypothesis stemmed from a physical feeling she\u8217?d gotten when
we\u8217?d fucked. According to the monster goddesses, the Beastmaker was destined
to lead them to their salvation and become the father of half-monster, half-human
children who would only further aid their quest for dominion, but I didn\u8217?t
want any part of that. The Archons wanted me to take my place as conqueror of the
human realm, but I wasn\u8217?t a monster, and I certainly wasn\u8217?t a
conqueror. I was just a summoner bent on capturing the Archons so the human realm
could achieve peace once more. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
You wouldn\u8217?t be able to conquer us if it weren\u8217?t for your magic,} Sera
pointed out. {\i
You\u8217?re special, Gryff. Besides, it\u8217?s not only us who\u8217?ve referred
to you as the Beastmaker. I\u8217?ve heard you use the title for yourself, so there
has to be at least some part of you that knows--} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sera, I don\u8217?t want to talk about this right now,\u8221? I sighed
again, and with a wave of my will, I tightened the wards around the dark-winged
Archon. When I\u8217?d first captured the monster goddesses in my consciousness,
they ran their mouths incessantly, but now that my power was stronger, they rarely
spoke up unless called upon. However, I noticed when I was stressed, Sera managed
to break through the wards, and more often than not, she used those moments as an
opportunity to convince me to go to the dark side. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 I shook off Sera\u8217?s comments, took another breath, and gathered both my
belongings and my emotions. At the end of the day, the rumors spread by students at
the Academy weren\u8217?t something to concern myself with. They were just the
words of kids who didn\u8217?t know anything about the situation, and I needed to
move on from it all. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I knew in my heart I wasn\u8217?t a monster, and that\u8217?s all that
mattered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Now that my substitute teaching duties were finished for the day, I found myself
with some time to kill, so I decided to take some time and go over to the
Academy\u8217?s library. As much as I didn\u8217?t want to think about the
comprehensive exam, I needed a distraction, and I figured I should at least be a
little productive. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The winding corridors were bustling with students, but thanks to the rumors about
me, everyone kept their distance, and I was able to meander through the hall with
ease. Mages avoided eye contact with me, so I resigned myself to a quiet stroll.
Part of me was irritated at how many people thought I was some kind of mythical
villain, but the other part appreciated being left alone for once since there were
always so many presences vying for my attention \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The Academy\u8217?s library wasn\u8217?t nearly as full as I\u8217?d anticipated,
and I let out a soft sigh of relief when I crossed into the quiet room. The library
was an excellent refuge from the noise and the clusters of people, and I was
genuinely looking forward to focusing on my work for a little while.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I started to make my way over to the section where the study rooms resided when I
heard my name echo through the room. My heart thudded in my chest. Fuck, who could
that be? I turned to find the source, and I let out a deep breath when I recognized
a familiar face behind me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff!\u8221? Mur waved at me, and a smile broke across my face when I
noticed the shapeshifter\u8217?s grin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Mur was a moose shapeshifter we\u8217?d brought back with us from the Southern
Clans, and up until recently, he\u8217?d been under a spell created by Veopa that
kept him trapped in the form of a moose. I\u8217?d managed to convince the succubus
goddess to release him from the enchantment, and now he had the form of a man a few
years younger than myself, with curly dark hair and eyes and a lanky frame. He
would have blended in amongst our peers completely if it weren\u8217?t for the pair
of moose antlers that rose from his dark-brown curls. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, Mur, how are you?\u8221? I asked him once he made his way over to
me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m doing great!\u8221? Mur answered in the language of the Clans.
The moose shifter was still mastering the common tongue of Mistral, so when it was
just us, he preferred to speak in his native language. \u8220?Look, Gryff, the
headmaster gave me robes of my very own to wear! Aren\u8217?t they neat?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was still so swept up in my own thoughts I hadn\u8217?t even noticed the
emerald-green robes the shapeshifter was outfitted in. Every mage at the Academy
wore different robes that denoted their class: blue for summoners, red-trimmed
white for adept mages, and gold for elementalists. While Mur and Freya both
possessed magic that allowed them to change into animal form, they didn\u8217?t
exactly fit into one of the standard mage categories, so Headmaster Sleet had
decided on green for their robes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s so cool, Mur,\u8221? I responded with a genuine smile. \u8220?
And you look great in those robes. Has Headmaster Sleet given you a class schedule
yet, or are you doing one-on-one tutoring at the moment?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Right now, I am taking private classes with Miss Hamner,\u8221? Mur
answered. \u8220?But she is hoping that once I get a better understanding of the
common tongue, I can take other classes. I am most looking forward to Combat and
Survival so I may train to become a great warrior like you and Orenn.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 On our last mission, my friend, the metallogue Orenn Vascarti, had taken Mur under
his wing, and the moose shapeshifter regarded the adept mage with awe.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m really glad to hear that,\u8221? I said. \u8220?Arwyn\u8217?s an
amazing teacher, and she\u8217?ll have you speaking fluently in no time. You\u8217?
re going to love taking the other classes here, too. Combat is challenging, but it
can only help you out down the road.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I hope so,\u8221? Mur replied as he rubbed the back of his neck. \u8220?
I\u8217?ve learned much already, but there\u8217?s still some difficulty. I\u8217?d
like to make some friends, but it\u8217?s a little hard when your words sound like
you have a mouthful of rocks.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You spoke with our friends pretty well in the Shadowscape,\u8221? I pointed
out to him. \u8220?Sure, it was a bit rough, but you managed to speak the common
tongue fairly well.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I meant friends\u8230? of the female persuasion,\u8221? Mur admitted to me
quietly, and his cheeks reddened as his eyes fell to the floor.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ohhhh,\u8221? I realized. It was simple enough to understand. Mur wanted a
girlfriend. He\u8217?d expressed desire for companionship at Braden\u8217?s
wedding, but I didn\u8217?t realize he was pushing himself so hard to learn the
common tongue so he could court women. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s hard enough having a set of moose antlers,\u8221? Mur continued
on as he self-consciously rubbed the wicked-looking ivory horns at the top of his
head. \u8220?I\u8217?ve seen some pretty girls, but when I go to speak, I forget my
words, and they just\u8230? sound like honks or growls. I don\u8217?t want to scare
them off any more than I already do.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?ll find someone, Mur,\u8221? I assured the shapeshifter, and I
clasped his shoulder gently. \u8220?You\u8217?re an awesome guy, and now you\u8217?
re officially a student at the Academy. This place is full of all varieties of
mages, so I\u8217?m sure you\u8217?ll meet the right person eventually. I
promise.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I hope you are correct, Gryff,\u8221? Mur said, and then he looked down at
my book bag. \u8220?Oh, are you going to study? I\u8217?m sorry to keep you captive
for so long with my talk of women troubles-- \u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah, I was going to go hit the books for a bit.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?I
have a tutoring session with Arwyn later, but I could use all of the extra reading
I can get. I was going to go post up in a study room for a while, and you\u8217?re
more than welcome to join me if you want.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think I\u8217?m going to head back to my room for now,\u8221? the moose
shapeshifter decided. \u8220?Perhaps we can study together another day?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Just name the time and place, and I\u8217?ll be there.\u8221? I smiled at
my friend, and Mur\u8217?s dark-brown eyes lit up. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Gryff,\u8221? the moose shapeshifter said. \u8220?I\u8217?m glad I
decided to stay here in Varle instead of returning to the Clans. I think this will
be a good thing for me, even if it is difficult at first.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m glad you\u8217?re here, too,\u8221? I said as my friend and I
shared a quick side-hug, and then we went our separate ways.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As I resumed my walk to the study rooms, I sent a quick prayer to the Maker that
Mur\u8217?s transition to Academy student went well. He was a good kid with a big
heart, and I wanted nothing more than for him to be successful at whatever he
wanted to accomplish. His time in the Clans had been unfulfilling, and I wanted to
make sure he had a much better life here in Varle than he did back in the Southern
Continent. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I holed up in a study room for a while and went back and forth between reading and
taking notes. There was a lot of information to remember, and I wanted to make sure
I retained it as well as possible. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 {\i
You worry so much about this exam, and for what reason?} Sera purred in my mind.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Because this is comprehensive,\u8221? I answered the Archon in an irritated
tone. Apparently, I hadn\u8217?t tightened the wards around her as strongly as I
thought I had. \u8220?It\u8217?s not just some test to me, Sera, this is
important.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I understand its importance,} Sera sighed. {\i
I meant why fret over the answers when you have the tools that would allow you to
pass with ease?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What do you mean?\u8221? I asked, though I was sure I knew what the Archon
was about to suggest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
We can assist you, master,} the dark-winged goddess said. {\i
What good is it to have ancient and knowledgeable goddesses within you if we cannot
help you with the answers to your test? Simply give us the subject material, and
we\u8217?ll repeat the words in your mind later. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s cheating,\u8221? I replied in a firm voice. \u8220?I\u8217?m
not a cheater, Sera, and I don\u8217?t want to start heading down that slope any
time soon.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I\u8217?d like to think of it as utilizing your resources,} Sera contradicted me.
{\i
This exam tests your expertise in magic and history. Why not use your magic and
ours to aid you? You wouldn\u8217?t need to stress any further...}
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t think Headmaster Sleet or Arwyn would see it that way,\u8221?
I objected. \u8220?I chose to take this exam because I wanted to prove to them I
could handle it and that I\u8217?d learned enough in the field to be able to resume
my classes. Sleet offered to let me jump back into them without taking the test,
but I wanted to do the right thing. Cheating counteracts that plan
completely.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
If you say so,} Sera groaned in an exasperated tone. {\i
The offer still stands should you become overwhelmed by all of this studying. You
should be filling your days with more exciting ventures, like driving that
wonderful cock of yours into my--} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Goodbye, Sera,\u8221? I sighed, and with another wave of my will, I made
sure the black-feathered Archon wouldn\u8217?t be able to speak another word.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
While she had a point, I didn\u8217?t want to cheat my way to victory. I wanted to
earn it fair and square, so I turned my attention back to my textbooks. Boring as
it was, I wanted to prove myself as a good student worthy enough to resume my
third-year classes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The rest of the week flew by in a blur. In between wedding planning, studying, and
teaching, I was definitely busy, but in the best way possible.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
On Wednesday, I resumed the lecture I\u8217?d put off in favor of battle on
Monday, and while the students seemed a little disappointed they were reading from
a book rather than sparring against each other, they answered every one of my
questions in a way that proved they\u8217?d been paying attention to Braden. They
were actively engaged in the lecture and asked thoughtful questions that
demonstrated the maturity they\u8217?d acquired in the past year.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No offense to Professor Flint, but can you come back and co-teach the class
once he\u8217?s returned from his honeymoon?\u8221? Arty asked me in a half-
serious, half-joking tone as he sat up straighter in his seat. \u8220?We\u8217?re
really going to miss having you around, Professor Gryff.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to miss you guys, too,\u8221? I admitted to the redheaded
boy. \u8220?It\u8217?s been really great to get to see you guys again and see just
how much you\u8217?ve improved as summoners. That being said, I will try to come
back and teach a few classes here and there once I\u8217?ve gotten past my own
exams and a few other things in my personal life\u8230?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Professor Gryff, is it true you\u8217?re marrying that summoner with the
pretty black hair and the little dragon?\u8221? Terrowin asked with a dreamy
expression. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Her name is Cyra,\u8221? I replied with a small smile. \u8220?And yes.
We\u8217?re going to be getting married soon, which is definitely going to occupy a
little bit of my time.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s so cute,\u8221? the square-jawed summoner sighed, and she
rested her head in her hands. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t go getting any ideas, Terrowin,\u8221? Syman teased her from
his seat one row down. \u8220?You and Silvermane are way too young to get
hitched--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, hush it, Syman!\u8221? Terrowin whipped around in her seat and
interrupted the sandy-haired boy. \u8220?We aren\u8217?t getting married anytime
soon--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeesh, calm down, I was only kidding--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Alright, everyone, settle down,\u8221? I interjected. While I had to
recognize the maturity the students had acquired, I also needed to remind myself
they were still young and had a lot of growing up to do. Lucky for me, the bell
rang and spared me from having to discipline the summoners. \u8220?Everyone study
the next chapter, we\u8217?re going to have a short quiz on Friday!\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The students gathered their things without another word and hustled on to their
next classes, and I slumped down in my chair. I had to give Arwyn some credit. I
had no idea how the beautiful professor managed to keep students in line all
day. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I brought up this fact to my crimson-haired lover later that day, and she gave me
a small laugh in return. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can\u8217?t take too many compliments there,\u8221? she insisted as she
leaned against her desk. \u8220?I simply love the job. It\u8217?s fulfilling to
teach my favorite subjects to young minds, especially when the students are as
amazing as you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Now who\u8217?s giving too many compliments,\u8221? I chuckled as I rose
from my seat and crossed over to Arwyn\u8217?s desk. Then I placed my hands on the
professor\u8217?s waist and pulled her in for a deep kiss. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Oh, Gryff,\u8221? Arwyn moaned in my mouth. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Since the gorgeous redhead had found out she was pregnant, she\u8217?d gotten a
million times hornier than before, which suited me just fine. This newfound
horniness was super sexy, and I enjoyed every minute I got to spend drinking in her
gorgeous frame. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We went on like this for a while, until Arwyn finally suggested we start our
tutoring session. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll make it worth your while,\u8221? the crimson-haired healer
murmured, and she gently tugged on my lower lip with her teeth.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I felt a stir in my lower half, and it was nearly impossible to pull myself away
from my sexy lover, but Arwyn\u8217?s heavy-lidded stare convinced me she would
indeed make it worth it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I took a seat at my desk and reluctantly opened my textbook. Arwyn and I had
finally gotten past the portion of the test that covered everything I\u8217?d
learned in the first half of my second year, so we were ready to move on to the
portion I\u8217?d missed, the second semester. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 After giving a brief lecture, Arwyn began to quiz me on the topics we\u8217?d
covered, and with each correct answer I gave, the professor unbuttoned another
button on her white silk blouse. It was exactly the type of incentive I needed, and
soon, I was acing every question. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Your blouse is getting dangerously low there, Miss Hamner,\u8221? I
assessed with a raised eyebrow. \u8220?Soon you\u8217?ll be without a top
entirely.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn gave me a wicked grin. \u8220?I also seem to have forgotten to wear a bra
under this blouse. Silly me, I\u8217?ve been so forgetful lately.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The healer mage\u8217?s impressively large breasts threatened to spill out of the
garment whether I answered the questions correctly or not, but I was definitely
ready to get a glimpse of my lover\u8217?s perfect curves. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Lucky for me, I passed Arwyn\u8217?s quiz, and the professor undid the final
button. As the flimsy garment fluttered to the ground, I got up from my seat and
stepped toward the buxom redhead. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Then I cupped the mage\u8217?s breasts in my hands and admired the way they
threatened to spill out of my palms. Despite their heaviness, the mounds were
perfectly pert, and I gently tweaked her rosy pink nipples until they hardened into
stiff peaks. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn inhaled sharply. \u8220?Oh, Gryff\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We fooled around for a while, and eventually, the gorgeous redhead pushed it even
further, and we ended up horizontal on her long wooden desk.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Aren\u8217?t you worried someone will see?\u8221? I asked the professor as
I smoothed a strand of hair away from her face. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let them,\u8221? Arwyn replied, and she gently bit her lower lip. \u8220?I
need you buried deep inside me. Right now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Four
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
That was enough for me, so I reached down, gripped my rock-hard cock in one hand,
and gently pressed my mushroom head against Arwyn\u8217?s slick entrance. The
healer mage was impressively wet, and I managed to glide right into her tunnel with
ease. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I let out a sigh as her muscles gripped around me like a vise. \u8220?Maker,
you\u8217?re so fucking tight.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I pushed deeper until I could nearly feel the walls of her womb, and Arwyn
shuddered beneath me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Gryffffff,\u8221? she quivered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gently moved in and out of her with slow, deliberate strokes, and with every
thrust, I could feel my blood grow hotter and hotter. Arwyn was positively
gorgeous, and the way her hot tunnel massaged my cock was amazing.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached down and played with her breasts as I thrust within her, and Arwyn began
to shake like an earthquake. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t stop,\u8221? she whimpered. \u8220?Please, don\u8217?t
stoppppp--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My heart thudded in my ears as I slammed into the professor, and I deepened my
strokes as far as I could take them. Arwyn\u8217?s eyes rolled into the back of her
head as her hips bucked, and the coil in my gut tightened even further.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you ready to come for me?\u8221? I growled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? Arwyn moaned as her lower lip trembled, and her pussy was so
wet and perfect that I was nearly there myself. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Come for me,\u8221? I instructed her as I hastened my movements. My entire
body shook as I neared climax, and Arwyn\u8217?s moans filled the chamber.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The sound of it drove me over the edge, and we both came in a burst of passion. A
growl shuddered through me as rivers of my hot seed poured into the professor, and
we clung to each other for a moment and rode the waves of our euphoria until I
gently eased myself out of the healer mage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, that was fantastic.\u8221? Arwyn shuddered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
I watched the subtle rise and fall of her chest as she caught her breath, and the
sight of the professor so thoroughly spent while my cum dripped out of her pussy
and onto the desk gave me a huge swell of satisfaction. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re amazing,\u8221? I managed to say through my own ragged
breaths. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?d say we can probably end our lessons for the day,\u8221? Arwyn
giggled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have to admit,\u8221? I chuckled, \u8220?that was the best way to end the
day. You are the perfect stress reliever, and just what the doctor
ordered.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Happy to be of service,\u8221? the healer giggled before she pulled me back
down for another kiss. \u8220?Let\u8217?s see if we can\u8217?t relieve allllll of
your stress.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I grinned. \u8220?Yes, ma\u8217?am.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The weekend was filled with more wedding planning, studying, and quality time with
the children, and even though they were normal tasks that weren\u8217?t nearly as
exciting as monster battles or book translations, getting to act like a regular man
was refreshing. I changed diapers, gave baths, took naps with my lovers, and made a
few wedding decisions with Cyra. Our ceremony was going to be intimate but lovely,
and I was looking forward to marrying the beautiful summoner.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We decided it would happen two weeks from now, and we\u8217?d hold it in the
backyard, as we had for Braden and Mati\u8217?s wedding. The weather would likely
be a little colder, so we decided to hold the ceremony itself outdoors and
transition to a dinner and reception in the mansion. Our formal dining room was
large enough to accommodate everyone, and we would also set up tables and chairs in
other spots so people could move around. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is this too much?\u8221? Cyra wondered as she stared down at the paper we
were making our planning notes on. \u8220?I know I told you intimate, so if this is
too much\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hosting a dinner post-wedding isn\u8217?t going to push it too over-the-
edge,\u8221? I assured my curly haired fianc\u233?e. \u8220?I think it\u8217?ll
make it more special. Besides, even if it was too much, it\u8217?s our wedding. We
can do whatever you\u8217?d like.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m just making sure.\u8221? Cyra smiled at me. \u8220?I should be
more used to wedding planning, but it\u8217?s a bit different when you\u8217?re
working out the details of your own.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ve got this,\u8221? I encouraged her as I took her hand in mine
and brought it to my lips, and Cyra let out a small giggle as I placed a feather-
soft kiss upon her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re right,\u8221? she agreed, and after a deep breath, we got
right back to it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The following week, Braden and Mati returned from their honeymoon, and I received
an invitation to come tour their new house and join them for dinner. Students
getting married wasn\u8217?t an uncommon practice at the Academy, and when they
did, they usually found housing somewhere in the Enclave. Braden and Mati had
managed to score a nice house not too far from ours, and I was excited to see their
new dwelling. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Aside from that, Braden wanted me to fill him in on how things had gone with the
Summoning class, which gave me the perfect opportunity to ask him to be my best
man. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 The wedding was going to be tiny in comparison to my wedding to Nia, so the
position was more of a formality than anything, but I still wanted my former
roommate to know how important he was to me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The walk to Braden\u8217?s house only took about ten minutes or so, and per his
description, it was super easy to locate. The structure was much smaller than our
mansion, which made sense because it didn\u8217?t have to house so many people, but
it was still impressive nonetheless. The shutters were a dark brown and featured
latticework that made them look as if they belonged on a forest cottage, and paired
with the light tan exterior paint, they gave the home a quaint vibe that suited the
couple. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I walked up the dark-brown cobblestone path and admired a small area that would
house flower beds in warmer weather before I knocked on the arched wooden door.
Moments later, the door swung open and revealed a smiling Braden and Mati.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, if it isn\u8217?t the new Mr. and Mrs. Flint.\u8221? I grinned at the
newlyweds, and the pair wrapped me into a huge embrace. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I like the sound of that,\u8221? Mati chuckled when we pulled apart.
\u8220?Mrs. Mati Flint. I think it flows rather well, wouldn\u8217?t you agree, Mr.
Flint?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Indeed it does,\u8221? Braden laughed, and he wrapped his large arm around
Mati\u8217?s slender shoulders. \u8220?Come on in, Gryff!\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
They led me indoors, and I was pleasantly surprised to see the inside of the house
was just as quaint as the inside. The place was all low lighting, with dark wood
floors, flickering fireplaces, and rugs that looked hand-knit. It emulated the same
vibe as a cozy cottage, or a mountainside cabin, and was perfect for the Flints.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As they showed off a few rooms of the picturesque home, I couldn\u8217?t help but
study the pair of mages. The couple had a vibrant glow about them that made my
heart swell, and I was glad to see them look so happy. I couldn\u8217?t think of
anyone who was more deserving of some domestic bliss. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, how was the honeymoon?\u8221? I asked them as we lingered in the hall
near the dining room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It was so lovely,\u8221? Mati answered me, and her vibrant green eyes
sparkled as she recalled the events of the past week. \u8220?We stayed in this
village called Nattanger, and we had the quaintest experience. The inn was so cute,
and there was the most precious little dog at the front desk\u8230?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The banisher had a tendency to ramble when she was excited, and I soon got lost in
the hastened pace of her words. Braden seemed to notice my struggle to keep up, and
he gently reined Mati in. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Breathe, my lady,\u8221? Braden laughed again softly as he tightened his
arm around his wife. \u8220?We have all evening to talk about the honeymoon.
Let\u8217?s not overwhelm Gryff before he\u8217?s had a chance to take his coat
off.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, sorry, Gryff,\u8221? Mati apologized as her cheeks turned red. \u8220?I
was so excited, I forgot to be a good host. Let me take your jacket from
you--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t apologize,\u8221? I insisted as I removed my leather coat and
handed it to the banisher. \u8220?I\u8217?m glad to hear you had a wonderful time.
You deserved an amazing honeymoon.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Gryff,\u8221? Braden said as Mati disappeared down the hall.
\u8220?We also wanted to thank you again for giving us such a wonderful wedding.
You and your family gave us the most magical day, even under such intense
circumstances, and it couldn\u8217?t have happened without you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It wouldn\u8217?t be a real event if there wasn\u8217?t some stress and
drama,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?Besides, all of the thanks should really go to my
women. They were the ones who made it all happen. I just showed up and read from a
script.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t downplay your efforts,\u8221? Mati insisted as she reappeared
at Braden\u8217?s side. \u8220?The ceremony was beautifully written, Gryff. My
mother couldn\u8217?t stop talking about it all night.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gave the banisher my most sincere smile. \u8220?Thanks, Mati, that means a
lot.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If your military career doesn\u8217?t pan out, you and your women should go
into event planning,\u8221? Braden teased me. \u8220?You all did such an amazing
job at it, it was like you were professionals.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Speaking of event planning, there was something I wanted to ask you,\u8221?
I began, and Braden\u8217?s eyebrows shot skywards before I could finish the
thought. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, fuck, Gryff, is someone pregnant again?\u8221? he asked.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well\u8230? yes.\u8221? I smirked. \u8220?Arwyn found out just before the
wedding. But that isn\u8217?t the only news--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wait, Arwyn\u8217?s pregnant?\u8221? Mati gasped, and her eyes grew as
round as saucers. \u8220?Maker, that\u8217?s amazing news. Wow, Gryff,
congratulations! This is what, baby number\u8230??\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?After Ashla\u8217?s, it\u8217?ll be baby number eight,\u8221? I realized,
and I laughed to myself as the reality of the situation hit me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Wow. I was soon to be the father of eight children. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s insane.\u8221? The dark-haired banisher shook her head.
\u8220?If any of your girls need a babysitter, don\u8217?t hesitate to ask. We
certainly owe you one, and I want some practice for whenever we decide we\u8217?re
ready for that step.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I might actually have an opportunity to take you up on that,\u8221? I
replied. \u8220?Cyra and I decided we want to get married, so Milo is probably
going to need a babysitter not too long from now. \u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Ohmygoodness!\u8221? Mati let out a high-pitched squeal of delight that
startled Braden, and it was amusing to see the ox-like summoner twitch the way he
did. \u8220?Another wedding! Oh, wow, this is so exciting!\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Congratulations, my friend.\u8221? Braden slapped my back
affectionately. \u8220?That\u8217?s such wonderful news. Cyra\u8217?s a great
girl.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She really is,\u8221? I agreed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?When\u8217?s the wedding going to take place?\u8217? Mati wondered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re planning on having it a couple of weeks from now,\u8221? I
replied, and my words were met with another squeal. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, woman, let\u8217?s not send Gryff home with hearing loss,\u8221?
Braden said to his wife gently. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sorry, Gryff,\u8221? Mati apologized in a softer tone, but her wide-eyed
expression maintained its excitement. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t be,\u8221? I assured the banisher with a smile. \u8220?I\u8217?
m glad you\u8217?re so excited. We\u8217?re going to keep the wedding pretty small,
most likely even smaller than yours, so it shouldn\u8217?t be too complicated of an
affair.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, please let your women know I\u8217?m here to help in any way I
can,\u8221? Mati insisted as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. \u8220?
They went above and beyond for my wedding, and I\u8217?d like to repay the
favor.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m sure they would appreciate the help,\u8221? I replied to her, and
then I turned to Braden. \u8220?As I said, it\u8217?s going to be tiny, but I had a
favor to ask of you, Braden.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Anything,\u8221? the large-framed summoner said. \u8220?How can I
help?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I was hoping you\u8217?d say that.\u8221? I grinned. \u8220?I wanted to
know if you\u8217?d do me the honor of being my best man, Braden.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, I will, my friend.\u8221? My former roommate grinned back at me.
\u8220?It would be my pleasure to be your best man.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Aww, you guys are so cute,\u8221? Mati laughed at us.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We are pretty adorable,\u8221? I agreed with her, and soon, the three of us
were cracking up. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we move this party to the dining room?\u8221? Mati suggested with an
incline of her head. \u8220?I seem to remember promising Gryff dinner, and I
don\u8217?t want to spend the duration of his stay just standing in the middle of
the hallway.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course,\u8221? Braden chuckled. \u8220?Sorry, didn\u8217?t mean to be a
bad host or anything.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We were roommates for quite some time,\u8221? I reminded the ox-like
summoner. \u8220?Trust me, I think we\u8217?re past the point of formalities and
manners.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, I wasn\u8217?t your roommate, so allow me to usher you to the dining
table,\u8221? Mati giggled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The banisher held her arm out to me, and I fought back laughter as I looped my
elbow through hers. While I still didn\u8217?t know Mati as well as I wanted to,
she had a fun-loving spirit I couldn\u8217?t help but admire.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We spent the rest of the evening together, laughing, drinking, and making wedding
plans, and it wasn\u8217?t until the end of the night that the subject of the
Summoning class even came up. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I feel like a terrible professor for waiting so long to ask about the
students,\u8221? Braden chuckled as he sipped at the glass of water Mati had forced
into his hands. \u8220?I did miss them, there was just so much
excitement--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t even worry about it,\u8221? I insisted as I nursed my own glass
of water. I had a lot of studying to do the next day, so I\u8217?d gratefully
accepted the water from Mati when she\u8217?d passed a cup to me as well. \u8220?
There was much to talk about, and besides, there isn\u8217?t a whole lot to report
anyways. You\u8217?ve done a fantastic job with them, Braden. Terrowin is\u8230?
she\u8217?s really something.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is that the girl in your class?\u8221? Mati clarified. \u8220?The one with
the\u8230? oh, what\u8217?s it called--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The bandersnatch,\u8221? Braden finished his wife\u8217?s sentence. \u8220?
Yes, she\u8217?s the one. She\u8217?s really come to be a great summoner. Once
she\u8217?s had a few more years and some field experience under her belt,
we\u8217?re all in for a bit of trouble.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Look out, Gryff, you might have some competition,\u8221? Mati teased me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll gladly accept it,\u8221? I said. \u8220?She\u8217?s really
talented, and I have no doubt she\u8217?s going to go on to do amazing things with
her career.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The others have impressed me as well,\u8221? Braden noted in a thoughtful
tone. \u8220?I\u8217?m not sure what made Syman finally start to talk, but
it\u8217?s nice to see just how much he\u8217?s come out of his shell. If only I
could get him to reveal more about his past.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sometimes kids don\u8217?t want to talk about it.\u8221? I shrugged.
\u8220?Maybe it\u8217?s too painful to discuss. Either way, I think he\u8217?s got
potential, too. All of them do. Darius wasn\u8217?t far behind Terrowin, and Arty
really impressed me as well.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They\u8217?re good kids.\u8221? Braden nodded. \u8220?I really enjoy being
their teacher, and I\u8217?m sort of hoping Sleet will bring me on full time once I
graduate.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s a great idea.\u8221? I smiled. \u8220?They really love
having you as their professor, and I think the Academy would really benefit from
having you on staff permanently.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Gryff,\u8221? my former roommate said. \u8220?What about you? What
are your plans post-Academy? After your service, I mean.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well\u8230?\u8221? I trailed off and furrowed my brow. \u8220?I honestly
don\u8217?t know.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Just before everything had been blown apart by Carth and her herd of mega-sized
monsters, I\u8217?d been approached by Nia\u8217?s father, Gallahar Kenefick, the
Grand Mage of Mistral, to be his advisor post-graduation. Most students had to
fulfill three years of military service once they graduated, but Gallahar insisted
a position of this standing would eliminate the requirement. At the time, I\u8217?d
told him I\u8217?d think on it, but after everything that had happened, I
wasn\u8217?t sure how I felt about the offer. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
While being an advisor to the Grand Mage was a position of high esteem, I
wasn\u8217?t sure I was worthy of it, and even beyond that, I wasn\u8217?t certain
what my future held once all of the Archons were subdued. There were so many
factors to consider, and I really hadn\u8217?t had the time to think about any of
them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Braden and Mati tilted their heads in a similar manner as they waited for me to
answer the question. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sorry, I zoned out,\u8221? I joked. \u8220?It\u8217?s been a long week, and
I\u8217?m feeling a little tired--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No worries, my friend,\u8221? Braden insisted, and he rose from his
seat. \u8220?I can go get your coat, and we\u8217?ll walk you home.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can make it back just fine.\u8221? I shook my head, but Mati\u8217?s
facial expression said otherwise. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let us walk you,\u8221? Mati urged, and I could tell the banisher
wasn\u8217?t going to take no for an answer. \u8220?I\u8217?ll feel a lot better if
I know you made it home safely.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Okay, okay,\u8221? I finally conceded. \u8220?Thank you. I appreciate
it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Braden handed me my coat, and once I threw it over my shoulders, the pair ushered
me out the front door. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The night air was cool, and the entire neighborhood glowed from the pale-blue
light of the full moon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The moon looks lovely,\u8221? Mati assessed as she tilted her head up to
get a better look. \u8220?I love it when it gets full like that.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, too,\u8221? I said. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I like that we don\u8217?t have to worry about monsters,\u8221? Braden
joked. \u8220?They definitely can\u8217?t do anything with a full moon, now can
they?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, they cannot,\u8221? I agreed with the large-framed summoner.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
One of the benefits of having separate realms was that monsters couldn\u8217?t
survive in the moonlight, so there was no worry about rifts opening up when humans
were their most vulnerable. We could walk around in the dark as we pleased, but the
moment the sun came up, there was always a possibility of a monster attack.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Aside from xanyarstone, the moon was our only protection, and if Hunnah and Quilla
truly intended to bring the human and monster realms together, it could mean dire
things for the people of Mistral and beyond. As I peered up at the glowing orb in
the sky, I made a vow to stop the remaining Archons before they could make their
plan a reality. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Braden and Mati walked me back to the mansion, and once we reached the circular
drive, we parted with another round of hugs. I\u8217?d received more affection in
the past few weeks than I had in a while, though I wasn\u8217?t about to complain.
Once the newlyweds disappeared down the lane, I walked through the front door only
to be greeted by Arwyn. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The beautiful healer mage was clad in a berry-colored velvet robe that hugged
every curve of her sexy form in all the right ways, and despite the water Mati had
forced into my system, I was still a little buzzed from the ale Braden and I had
drank. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hello, Gryff,\u8221? Arwyn greeted me with a lovely smile as I closed the
door behind me. \u8220?Did you have fun with Braden and Mati?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I did.\u8221? I smiled at her as I stepped into the foyer. \u8220?But I
would\u8217?ve had more fun if you\u8217?d been there.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I suppose that\u8217?s fair enough,\u8221? Arwyn purred as her amber eyes
trailed over me. \u8220?We could always go up to my bedroom and continue what we
started in my office the other day.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I like the sound of that,\u8221? I agreed with her.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The crimson-haired professor held her hand out to me, and I crossed the foyer and
gratefully accepted it. Arwyn offered me a smile, and then she guided me up the
spiral staircase. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The next day, I had a meeting with Arwyn, Ashla, and the rest of the research
team. Arwyn had requested for me to try and speak with Carth and get her help with
some of the translations, and while I was a bit anxious to speak with the Archon
after our last encounter, I hoped she would be of some use.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When I got to the research team\u8217?s office in the Academy, I was surprised to
see only my lovers resided in the room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Where\u8217?s everyone else?\u8221? I wondered as I peered around the room.
The space was cluttered with desks full of open books and loose paper, but none of
them were occupied by people. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We weren\u8217?t sure if you would need to summon the Archons into the room
or not, so Ashla and I decided a private meeting would be for the best,\u8221?
Arwyn answered. The gorgeous professor was clad in a simple green sweater dress and
had her crimson hair pinned up in a bun atop her head, and the overall effect was
incredibly sexy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We have experience with the Archons, but the other researchers do
not,\u8221? Ashla chimed in as she pushed up the sleeves of her low-cut white
blouse. Her long-lashed chocolate-brown eyes looked like they\u8217?d been enhanced
by a little mascara, and she looked just as lovely as Arwyn. \u8220?We wanted to
make everyone as comfortable as possible while still working to get these
translations figured out.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fair enough.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?The Archons can be overwhelming, so
it\u8217?s probably for the best anyways.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What would be the best way to speak with Carth?\u8221? Arwyn asked me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think I should try to talk to her without unchaining her first,\u8221? I
answered. \u8220?If she doesn\u8217?t reply, a physical approach might be the
key.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s wise.\u8221? The healer mage agreed. \u8220?See what
you can find out first, and we\u8217?ll make other arrangements if
necessary.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you okay with us being over here while you speak with her?\u8221? Ashla
asked me in a gentle tone. \u8220?If it\u8217?s uncomfortable--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?I don\u8217?t mind,\u8221? I interjected. \u8220?You\u8217?ve seen me
communicate with them before, and this time it\u8217?s for research. As long as you
don\u8217?t mind, I don\u8217?t.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll be right here, then,\u8221? Arwyn replied, and she held her
quill to her papers as she offered me a smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As the professor and the ice mage sat back in their seats, I reached within my
consciousness and loosened the wards that held Carth at bay.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Carth,\u8221? I spoke to her directly. \u8220?I think it\u8217?s about time
for you to finally tell me what you and the rest of the Archons had planned for
Mistral. I\u8217?ve gone long enough without asking, but the time for pleasantries
is over.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I felt the horned Archon stir within me, and suddenly, my head was filled with her
cruel, mocking laugh. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
You think because I belong to you, I\u8217?ll just hand over the master plan?} she
hissed. {\i
Come, Beastmaker, surely you\u8217?re smarter than that.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Yeah, that\u8217?s kind of the whole point,\u8221? I snapped at her.
\u8220?You aren\u8217?t a part of their alliance anymore.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
They\u8217?ve betrayed my trust, but the mission is still important, }Carth
replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Carth, you\u8217?ve lost, remember?\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?You aren\u8217?
t on their side anymore, you\u8217?re on mine.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Not willingly, }the green-skinned goddess muttered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You submitted willingly,\u8221? I reminded her. \u8220?You may have been
initially captured against your will, but you chose to lie with me--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I chose to fuck you,} Carth contradicted me. {\i
That\u8217?s not the same thing.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I pinched the bridge of my nose between my fingers. Why wasn\u8217?t Carth
listening to me? Usually, when I conquered one of the monster goddesses, they were
more willing to work with me, so why wasn\u8217?t Carth doing as I said?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I decided to go for a direct approach. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are Hunnah and Quilla trying to merge the human realm and the
Shadowscape?\u8221? I asked the horned Archon, and suddenly, there was a deep
pause. My eyebrow raised as I waited for Carth to answer, but there was no
reply. \u8220?C\u8217?mon, Carth, answer me! Are they trying to merge the
worlds?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
All I will say is that their plan-- my plan, is to make this world a better place,}
Carth said vaguely. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What does that mean?\u8221? I demanded, but Carth didn\u8217?t reply.
Frustration began to build, so I decided the best move for now was to lock Carth
away again. She wasn\u8217?t going to give me the answers I sought, so it
wasn\u8217?t worth the headache. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Does Carth have any insights?\u8221? Arwyn wondered with a slight tilt of
her head. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not anything that would be of use,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?For some reason,
she\u8217?s playing coy and doesn\u8217?t want to \u8216?betray Hunnah and
Quilla.\u8217? Though I don\u8217?t understand the point..\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh,\u8221? The crimson-haired professor frowned. \u8220?That\u8217?s
problematic.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No offense, Gryff, but I didn\u8217?t realize the Archons could refuse
you,\u8221? Ashla spoke up, and her dark eyebrows creased together in confusion.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They usually can\u8217?t,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?But then again, Carth
has always been more defiant than the others.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you think it has to do with Carth\u8217?s influence magic?\u8221? Arwyn
observed as she tapped her pen to her mouth. \u8220?Perhaps since she has the
ability to project her will onto others, her mind is more difficult to
conquer?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s not a bad thought,\u8221? I agreed with the professor. \u8220?
I didn\u8217?t think about it like that, but it would make sense that it\u8217?s
harder to get into her head. She likely has a mind shield of her own that\u8217?s
difficult to penetrate, even with our bond.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You may have to think about her as you would a newly captured
monster,\u8221? Ashla suggested. \u8220?She\u8217?s going to take some time to tame
properly.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re right,\u8221? I said as I slumped in my chair. \u8220?I only
wish I could tame her quickly.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s not as if we have all the time in the world, but as it stands,
we haven\u8217?t heard a peep from Hunnah or Quilla,\u8221? Arwyn pointed out.
\u8220?We shall keep working to translate as much as we can, and you can work on
getting Carth to cooperate.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maybe in the meantime Xanrith can be of help?\u8221? Ashla proposed.
\u8220?She helped us look at the book just before Carth\u8217?s quartzriel attack,
and she seemed to recognize at least some of the language.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can summon her out if everyone\u8217?s comfortable with that.\u8221? I
said. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Xanrith is one of the few Archons I feel as if I can trust,\u8221? Arwyn
replied in a thoughtful voice as she tapped a quill to her lips. \u8220?If Carth
won\u8217?t help us, Xan would be a good second option.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With the mage\u8217?s blessings, I reached within my consciousness and called upon
Xanrith. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I would love to help, my master.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My ribcage began to tingle, and suddenly, a stream of azure essence poured out
from under my shirt and flew to the center of the room. Once it dissipated,
Xan\u8217?s gorgeous frame was revealed, and the umber-skinned Archon carefully
stretched her blue flame wings behind her and offered me a beautiful smile.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How may I be of assistance?\u8221? the goddess inquired.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re working on translating the book I took from the palace in the
Shadowscape,\u8221? I said. \u8220?Carth isn\u8217?t being particularly helpful, so
we were wondering if you could give any insights.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can attempt,\u8221? Xan answered with a small frown. \u8220?Although,
I\u8217?m not sure how useful I can be. The last time I glanced at the book, I
wasn\u8217?t able to assess much of it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The parts we\u8217?ve translated contain the words \u8216?bridge,\u8217?
\u8216?realm,\u8217? \u8216?rift,\u8217? and \u8216?one,\u8217?\u8221? Arwyn
explained to the Archon. \u8220?What we\u8217?ve surmised from context clues is
that the intention is to bring the human realm and the Shadowscape together and
reverse the enchantment that keeps the worlds apart.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Carth never mentioned anything about this to you?\u8221? I wondered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?As I\u8217?ve told you before, I wasn\u8217?t privy to her plans,\u8221?
Xanrith sighed as she crossed over to us. \u8220?I was simply there to back my
sisters. Carth didn\u8217?t trust me with information like she did with Hunnah and
Quilla.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Can you take a look at the book and see if there\u8217?s anything you can
make out?\u8221? I implored the goddess. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Xanrith gave me a firm nod and then leaned over the desk, and it took my all to
keep from staring at the swell of the Archon\u8217?s perfectly pert breasts. Her
one-shoulder black gown left little to the imagination already, and her position
didn\u8217?t help matters. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The Archon\u8217?s amethyst eyes flickered over to me briefly, and she gave me an
amused expression before returning to the text. She knew I was watching her, yet
she didn\u8217?t say anything to deter me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Ashla, Arwyn, and I waited in silence as the umber-skinned goddess\u8217? eyes
darted between the pages, and as Xan\u8217?s eyebrows creased further and further
together, my heart raced in my chest. I wasn\u8217?t sure if she\u8217?d be able to
translate anything, but I had to hold out hope that she could.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There\u8217?s something here about the moon,\u8221? Xanrith finally
said. \u8220?But the glyphs around it are illegible. For some reason, my eyes keep
aching when I stare at the page for too long, like I wasn\u8217?t meant to read
it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She pointed to a row of the ornately-scrawled glyphs, and for a moment a shiver
ran down my spine. I felt like I\u8217?d been here before, reading these exact
words, but how was that possible? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Ashla\u8217?s voice made me snap out of my trance. \u8220?Are
you okay?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The words seem almost familiar,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?I don\u8217?t know
how, but I\u8217?ve had this feeling before. I can\u8217?t read what they say, but
there\u8217?s this sensation in my brain I can\u8217?t explain\u8230? like if I
unlocked something, I could translate these glyphs into words.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s strange,\u8221? Arwyn assessed with a slight tilt of her head.
\u8220?You made that observation last time, didn\u8217?t you?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?But the feeling is stronger this time.
I\u8217?m not sure why it\u8217?s affecting me so strongly.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I braced myself in my seat as my head spun. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder and
looked up to see Xanrith\u8217?s violet eyes wide with concern.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Perhaps I should return to your mind for now,\u8221? the flame-winged
Archon proposed. \u8220?We can attempt this another day.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was about to object, but the Archon was right. The book made me feel ill, and I
didn\u8217?t want to stare at it any longer, so I recalled Xan back into my
consciousness, and once the azure stream of essence disappeared, I let out a low
sigh. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?d say we\u8217?ve accomplished all we can for now,\u8221? Arwyn
decided. \u8220?I\u8217?m going to tidy up my station for a bit, but Gryff,
you\u8217?re free to head out. We can reconvene on the translations
later.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you sure?\u8221? I pressed. \u8220?If there\u8217?s anything else I can
do\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re at a standstill,\u8221? the professor said. \u8220?I don\u8217?
t see us making any more progress today, and I don\u8217?t want to push you too far
mentally.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You might be a badass mage, Gryff, but you\u8217?re still just a
man,\u8221? Ashla reminded me with a soft smile. \u8220?Don\u8217?t push yourself
for no reason. We\u8217?ll get back to this another day.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Okay,\u8221? I finally gave in. \u8220?You\u8217?re right.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, we are.\u8221? The ice mage grinned at me, and she swept one of
her thick braids over her shoulder. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll finish up here and see you back at home later.\u8221? Arwyn
smiled at me. \u8220?Go get some food and some rest.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Will do.\u8221? I nodded. Then I rose from my chair, walked around the
table, and gave each of my lovers a kiss before I departed the room.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d taken one step out into the hallway when suddenly, a blur ran right
toward me. My hand reflexively reached for the sheath at my side as the figure
approached, and my heart raced in anticipation, but before I could act, the figure
slammed right into me and nearly knocked me over. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was about to shove my attacker right off when I recognized the swath of auburn
hair. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Layla? What are you doing here?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Five
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That was not the reception I was hoping for, Gryffie,\u8221? Layla giggled
as she wrapped her arms around me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My heart rate began to slow as my brain processed that I wasn\u8217?t under
attack, but I could still feel the aftershocks of adrenaline coursing through
me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You scared the shit out of me, Layla,\u8221? I sighed, but the mage was
entirely unbothered by my reaction. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, you loved it,\u8221? the petite summoner continued to laugh, and then
she planted a wet, exaggerated kiss on my cheek. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How someone so small can inflict so much damage is beyond me,\u8221? I
joked once she let go of her grip around my neck. \u8220?I thought you were some
kind of monster or assailant or something.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nope, just your everyday adorable mage.\u8221? Layla gave me an impish
grin. \u8220?Sorry to disappoint you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When she lowered herself back on the ground, I got a good look at the tiny
summoner\u8217?s outfit. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Layla wore a forest-green trench coat, a pair of skin-tight black leggings, and a
pair of leather combat boots that were both sexy and badass. Black fingerless
gloves and a black hat finished out the look, and though I was still a little
shaken from her sneak attack, I couldn\u8217?t deny how cute she looked.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Trust me, I\u8217?ll take you over an attacker any day,\u8221? I chuckled
as I continued to admire her. \u8220?So, what\u8217?s up? Why are you tackling me
in the middle of the corridor?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ve come to kidnap you, Gryffie,\u8221? the auburn-haired mage
declared with an uptilted chin. \u8220?In between all of your studying and
teaching, and researching, we\u8217?ve barely seen you around the house, and we
have a very important errand that requires your presence.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We?\u8221? I asked with a raised eyebrow, and the moment the words escaped
my lips, a pair of figures rounded the corner and approached us.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, we,\u8221? Nia giggled as she came into focus. Erin followed right
behind her, and the pair of mages wore expressions just as mischievous as
Layla\u8217?s. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin wore a knee-length copper coat that made her hair look even more orange and
her amber eyes more golden. Nia wore a similar jacket, only hers was shorter and a
pale sky-blue, and she\u8217?d accessorized with metallic leggings that showed off
her sexy long legs. The mages were clearly dressed for the colder weather, but they
also looked nice enough to go out and about somewhere. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This day continues to get better,\u8221? I laughed at my beautiful women as
they crossed over to us. \u8220?So, where am I being taken?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ve decided we\u8217?re taking you suit shopping,\u8221? Erin
announced. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Suit shopping?\u8221? I replied. \u8220?What for?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Um, your wedding?\u8221? Layla responded with creased eyebrows as if this
was something I should have known already. \u8220?What else would it be for?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s wrong with the suits I already have?\u8221? I asked her, and
each of my women\u8217?s jaws dropped at the statement. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, you cannot be serious,\u8221? Nia groaned, and the ashen-haired
elementalist pinched the bridge of her nose between two fingers. \u8220?You
weren\u8217?t planning on wearing the same suit you wore to Braden\u8217?s--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Why not?\u8221? I asked genuinely. \u8220?It\u8217?s black. Won\u8217?t
that work fine?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, no, no, nooooo.\u8221? Erin shook her head determinedly. \u8220?That
won\u8217?t do. Now you\u8217?re definitely coming with us!\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t I get a say in this?\u8221? I wondered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nope!\u8221? Layla and Erin replied in unison. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The mimic took my right hand while Layla captured the left, and the pair began to
pull me down the hallway. Nia followed close behind, and I couldn\u8217?t help but
laugh at my women. After such a stressful afternoon, this kidnapping was just the
kind of spontaneous excitement I needed, even if it was for something as mundane as
suit shopping. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
True to their word, the girls ushered me down the corridor, out the Academy doors,
and right into a carriage that took us straight into town. The buggy stopped just
outside of a small boutique in the square I\u8217?d seen a million times before but
never stepped foot in. Like any man, clothing stores didn\u8217?t interest me much,
though I knew my women frequented this particular shop quite often.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The shopkeeper was an older woman with sterling-colored tresses and a kind
smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good afternoon,\u8221? she greeted us warmly when we entered the shop.
\u8220?How may I help you?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We need to get him measured for a new suit, please,\u8221? Nia answered for
the group in a professional voice. \u8220?Something in a deep black, preferably.
The darkest you have.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, wonderful,\u8221? the woman replied, and she turned to me with an even
wider smile. \u8220?What\u8217?s the occasion?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m getting married in a couple of weeks,\u8221? I explained, and the
woman\u8217?s brown eyes widened with excitement. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, how lovely!\u8221? she exclaimed. \u8220?Well, let\u8217?s go ahead and
get you measured, young man! Step over in the back room while I go fetch my
measuring tape and pins!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you,\u8221? I said, and after an encouraging look from my women, I
walked forward and made my way to the back room of the boutique.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The shopkeeper reemerged a few minutes later, and I felt like a human pincushion
as I was poked, prodded, and measured for a new suit. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I feel like a stuffed animal,\u8221? I grumbled to myself.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Stop bitching, Gryffie,\u8221? Layla giggled, much to the irritation of the
seamstress. The gray-haired woman shot the petite summoner a glare at her use of
profanity, but Layla was unbothered. \u8220?You\u8217?re going to look super
handsome in your new suit.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I still don\u8217?t see what was wrong with the other suits I already
own,\u8221? I commented. \u8220?But if it makes Cyra happy, that\u8217?s all that
matters.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Speaking of Cyra, did she settle on gold or bronze for the second wedding
color?\u8221? Erin called out as she examined swatches of fabric.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gold,\u8221? Nia answered the mimic as she studied the seamstress intently.
\u8220?And then white as an accent.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, a gold tie, perhaps?\u8221? the seamstress clarified. \u8220?That would
look quite sharp on you, young man.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That sounds perfect.\u8221? I nodded at her as she measured under my arms,
and then I turned to the rest of my women to make sure that was the right call.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nia gave me a thumbs-up and a brief smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If I may be so bold to note it, sir, you\u8217?re surprisingly calm for a
groom,\u8221? the shopkeeper observed with a raised eyebrow as she stared closely
at her measuring tape. \u8220?Especially for one so young. How long have you been
with your lass?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A couple of years now,\u8221? I answered her. \u8220?Wedding planning is
stressful, but the actual act of marrying her isn\u8217?t. She\u8217?s the mother
of my son, and I care for her so deeply. My only regret is not marrying her
sooner.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s what I like to hear,\u8221? the older woman said as she
lowered her measuring tape. \u8220?Keep up that level of love, and you will have
quite a happy marriage.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s what I\u8217?m hoping for,\u8221? I replied as I lowered my
arms at my side. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The seamstress offered me a smile and then quickly crossed to the back of the
shop. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re going to die when you see Cyra\u8217?s dress, Gryff,\u8221?
Erin mused over her shoulder. \u8220?She looks so lovely--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, don\u8217?t go giving away all of our secrets, Erin,\u8221? Nia
laughed at the orange-haired pilot. \u8220?I want Gryff to be surprised on the
actual day.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Right, sorry,\u8221? Erin giggled, and then she set the fabric swatches
down and turned to face us. \u8220?She just looks so pretty in it, it\u8217?s hard
to keep it all quiet.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s going to be so lovely,\u8221? Layla sighed dreamily from her
place on the boutique\u8217?s wooden floor. The auburn-haired mage had grown bored
with pacing, so she\u8217?d chosen to camp out on the ground while she waited for
me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cyra\u8217?s always gorgeous,\u8221? I reminded the petite summoner.
\u8220?Wedding gown or not, she\u8217?s always beautiful.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?True,\u8221? Layla agreed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The seamstress reappeared and told me she\u8217?d have a suit ready for me to try
on in a few days, so I gave her my contact information and told her I\u8217?d be
back when the garment was ready. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The carriage ride back to the mansion was filled with excited conversations about
the guest list, the flowers, and the music, and as we continued to discuss the big
day, the more thrilled I got. I was ready to make Cyra my wife, and I was
definitely ready for another celebration. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The weeks passed by like seconds, and before I knew it, the day of mine and
Cyra\u8217?s wedding arrived. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We\u8217?d spent countless hours preparing both the mansion and the yard for the
affair, and even I had to admit the place had never looked better. Every surface
had been dusted and polished to perfection, almost to the point where I was afraid
of breathing wrong and smudging something. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The grass in the back had been trimmed down, and the trees were strung with
garlands of lights and white flowers. The flowers were woven so artfully they
appeared as if they\u8217?d grown that way naturally. The canopy of blooms lit up
the entire space and made it feel like the setting of a fairytale, and I half-
expected a herd of unicorns to peek their heads out from the woods.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The first floor of the house had been decorated to match the outdoor aesthetic,
and the fragrance of the white roses laden on every surface wafted all the way up
to the third-floor bathroom where I readied myself for the day.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I took my time to bathe and comb my hair back properly, but even that didn\u8217?t
occupy as many minutes as I hoped it would. I tried to be as meticulous as possible
and make sure every strand of hair was laid down in place, but I soon realized I
was just stalling. My reflection looked polished and proper enough for a groom, and
I needed to stop obsessing. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After I applied a few dabs of cologne, I headed back down to my bedroom to dress.
I could hear commotion upstairs, and part of me wanted to run up and hang out with
my women, but I needed to give them time to get ready together. Seeing the bride
before the wedding being bad luck was a bit of a dated tradition, but one I
didn\u8217?t want to break nonetheless. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It didn\u8217?t take me long to dress in my midnight-black tuxedo and deep gold
tie, so once I finished buttoning up my jacket and checked my appearance in the
mirror one last time, I decided to go camp out in the empty living room.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was too restless to stay in one place, and so I found myself pacing back and
forth and peering out the window. I knew everything was already set up and handled,
but I couldn\u8217?t help studying every inch of the yard anyway.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My trance-like stare was disrupted when I heard footsteps approaching, and I was
happy to see a familiar face enter the room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Layla was a vision. The petite summoner wore a simple black dress with a heart-
shaped neckline and a short-flared skirt that was befitting of a fairy princess. A
golden-beaded shawl hung off her tanned shoulder, and the color of it made the gold
flecks in her mascaraed hazel eyes stand out. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Layla, you look great,\u8221? I breathed as the auburn-haired mage
approached. \u8220?Wow.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Gryffie,\u8221? Layla said in a grateful tone. \u8220?I like this
dress well enough, but I regret not picking something a little warmer. It seems
like it\u8217?s going to be a little chilly outside.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You look amazing, though,\u8221? I complimented her. The summoner\u8217?s
auburn hair was pinned back by a few golden barrettes, and the overall effect made
her look even more pixie-like than usual. \u8220?And besides, we\u8217?re going to
be indoors for the reception, so you only have to outlive the ceremony.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I might have to bribe Nia with a few coins to get her to speed it
up,\u8221? Layla joked as she placed her hands in the pockets of her skirt. \u8220?
How many do you think it would take?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Probably quite a few,\u8221? I chuckled. \u8220?Nia\u8217?s a tough one to
persuade.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s true,\u8221? Layla agreed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, are you all wearing the same thing again?\u8221? I asked as I admired
her dress a little more. \u8220?Like you did for Mati\u8217?s?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Cyra had originally suggested that but then decided to go with what Nia did
for her wedding,\u8221? Layla replied. \u8220?As long as we chose the same colors,
she didn\u8217?t mind the style.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That should make for some variety,\u8221? I said. \u8220?I\u8217?m sure
you\u8217?re all going to look gorgeous.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Just wait until you see Cyra.\u8221? The auburn-haired mage shook her head
back and forth. \u8220?Seriously, Gryffie, you\u8217?re going to melt. She looks
like an exotic princess.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m looking forward to it,\u8221? I replied to her, and after I
offered the summoner a soft smile, I turned to look out the window. Our guests had
started to arrive, and though I knew everything was under control, and all of our
tasks had been accomplished for the day, my heart rate sped up.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, don\u8217?t be nervous,\u8221? Layla insisted when I turned back
toward her, and she placed her hand gently on my arm. \u8220?Everything\u8217?s
going to go fine, and besides, it\u8217?s not like this is your first wedding or
anything.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?d think that would make it easier, but it doesn\u8217?t,\u8221? I
sighed. \u8220?I just want to make sure Cyra has the most amazing day possible. I
would be happy with a simple signing of papers, but I want to give her the best
wedding imaginable.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We will,\u8221? Layla assured me, and the petite mage\u8217?s doll-like
hazel eyes were sincere as they bored into mine. \u8220?Trust me, Gryffie,
she\u8217?s so excited and happy. Nothing is going to ruin that. I promise
you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks for the reassurance, Layla.\u8221? I smiled at my girlfriend, and
then I gently wrapped my arms around her so I wouldn\u8217?t mess up her hair or
dress. Once we parted, Layla stood on her tiptoes and gave me a soft kiss on the
cheek. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s what I\u8217?m here for,\u8221? she replied. Then the petite
summoner glanced over at the clock, and her eyes widened. \u8220?Oh, it looks like
we\u8217?ll be starting soon!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shit,\u8221? I cursed, and Layla tugged on my jacket.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Remember what I said,\u8221? she said in a serious tone. \u8220?Everything
is going to be fine.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Bethel\u8217?s right, you know.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Braden crossed into the room, and just as I had at his wedding, I found myself
surprised at how well the ox-like summoner cleaned himself up. His large frame was
clad in a midnight-black suit with a dark gold tie and a pair of shiny black shoes.
His hair had been brushed away from his wide forehead, and his gray eyes glowed
with excitement. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow, Flint, way to show me up at my own wedding,\u8221? I complimented my
former roommate as my eyes trailed over him. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Gryff, but let\u8217?s not forget you\u8217?re the one who\u8217?s
captured the hearts of not one, but six women,\u8221? he reminded me with a huge
smile. \u8220?I might look good, but you look fantastic.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, man,\u8221? I replied, and I straightened my suit jacket for good
measure. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Both of you might look good, but I look even better,\u8221? Varleth
announced as he entered the room with Gawain. The pair wore similar suits to Braden
and me, and I had to admit that we were a well-dressed crew.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll just leave you boys to it,\u8221? Layla giggled as she peered
around the room. \u8220?There\u8217?s a little too much testosterone in
here.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, c\u8217?mon, Bethel, it\u8217?s not as if you\u8217?re some sort of
girly girl.\u8221? Gawain playfully rolled his emerald eyes. The haughty fire mage
always carried a regal air about him, and the well-tailored suit only added to his
aura of prestige. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m plenty girly, thank you very much,\u8221? Layla insisted with
narrowed eyes. \u8220?Not as girly as you, Maddox\u8230?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Layla took the opportunity to rush out of the room before Gawain could retort, and
we all cracked up as the fire mage\u8217?s face turned red.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oooooh, she got you there, Gawain,\u8221? Orenn chuckled as he meandered
into the room with Mur in tow. The metallogue and moose shapeshifter matched the
rest of us and wore similar grins on their faces, though I was certain Mur was only
mirroring Orenn. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shut it, Vascarti,\u8221? Gawain grumbled at the adept mage, but his smirk
was unmistakable. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think everyone looks great,\u8221? Mur said in slow, heavily-accented
Mistral. The shapeshifter had clearly been putting a lot of effort into his
studies, and his words sounded less garbled than usual. \u8220?Everyone looks very
handsome.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You do, too, Mur,\u8221? I complimented my friend. \u8220?Did you polish
your antlers?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I did!\u8221? the moose boy exclaimed, and his dark eyes grew wide as he
reached up and touched his antlers. The ivory horns were brighter than usual and
had a light shine about them that Mur was clearly proud of. \u8220?Thank you,
Gryff, for noticing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There seems to be a lotta compliments\u8217? goin\u8217? on in here. Ye
sound like a buncha girls.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A huge grin spread across my face as Maelor Corroso suddenly appeared in the
doorway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Maelor was my adoptive father for all intents and purposes. He\u8217?d been the
one who\u8217?d found me as a child and raised me in the Wilds, and though he was
cranky and brash, I loved the old man dearly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I hadn\u8217?t seen him since I\u8217?d first returned from Carth\u8217?s palace
in the Shadowscape, and in the time that had passed, he looked like a completely
different man, at least in the weight department. He\u8217?d slimmed down, but not
in an unhealthy way, and a healthy blush colored his cheeks. Even his long gray
beard had been trimmed up nicely, and the remainder of his hair was smoothed back
and neat. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
On his arm was Meriden, a healer mage who worked in the infirmary at the Academy.
The auburn-haired woman had been personally responsible for stitching me back
together on multiple occasions and had helped each of my women deliver our
children. She and Maelor had met one day when I\u8217?d wound up in the infirmary,
and judging by the way the healer mage rested her hand on the older summoner\u8217?
s arm, it was clear to me the pair were closer than ever. It did my heart good to
see my adoptive father so happy, and I was grateful he had such a kind woman to
care for him. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s about time you showed up, old man,\u8221? I greeted Maelor as I
crossed over to him. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m right on time,\u8221? the old summoner grumbled. \u8220?Meriden
made sure of it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hello, Mister Gryff,\u8221? Meriden greeted me, and her warm green eyes
were soft and almost maternal. \u8220?I have to say, it\u8217?s nice to see you
without an injury for once.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Just give it time, I\u8217?m sure I\u8217?ll break something or
another,\u8221? I chuckled. \u8220?It\u8217?s nice to see you as well,
Meriden.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The healer mage squeezed Maelor\u8217?s arm. \u8220?I\u8217?m going to go see if
the girls need anything, and then go take my seat outside. Give you boys some
bonding time.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Mer,\u8221? Maelor whispered to her, and the pair shared a small
but tender kiss before Meriden headed up the spiral staircase.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re lookin\u8217? good, old man,\u8221? I noted as my eyes trailed
over Maelor once more. \u8220?Seriously.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Gryff,\u8221? the summoner murmured gruffly, but he offered me a
smile. \u8220?You clean up real good yerself. Which is good, cause ye got plenty of
women to appease.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It seems like you\u8217?ve got yourself a woman to appease as well.\u8221?
I smirked. \u8220?And apparently, it\u8217?s working, because you look ten years
younger.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, hush, ya little shit,\u8221? Maelor chuckled as he tucked his hands in
his trouser pockets. \u8220?Yer flattery won\u8217?t get ya anywhere.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He\u8217?s right, Mister Corroso,\u8221? Braden chimed in. \u8220?You
really do look good.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I owe it all to Meriden,\u8221? Maelor replied to my former roommate.
\u8220?She\u8217?s been insistin\u8217? on eating healthy. Less ale, more water,
that kinda thing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good for her.\u8221? I grinned. \u8220?It\u8217?s about time someone made
you take care of yourself.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah, yeah,\u8221? he sighed. \u8220?I was resistant at first, but I wanna
be around fer a while longer. I have grandkids to keep up with.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You certainly have plenty of those,\u8221? Varleth snorted as he casually
jammed his hands in his pockets. \u8220?Two more on the way as well.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Two more?\u8221? Maelor\u8217?s eyes nearly popped out of his head. \u8220?
Gryff--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ashla and Arwyn are pregnant,\u8221? I announced, and my adoptive father
broke into an amused grin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You certainly don\u8217?t waste time,\u8221? he laughed as he shook his
head. \u8220?Maker protect ye, Gryff, I thought yer hands were full
enough.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We have plenty of hands to go around.\u8221? I shrugged.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, if yer happy, that\u8217?s all that matters,\u8221? Maelor
insisted. \u8220?Congratulations, son.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Maelor,\u8221? I replied, and my adoptive father\u8217?s smile
widened even further. Then our moment was interrupted by a knock against the
wall. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think we\u8217?re ready to start.\u8221? Layla poked her head into the
room. \u8220?Everyone ready to head outside?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let\u8217?s do this,\u8221? I said, and my heart began to pound in my chest
as my friends filed out of the room and out to the backyard.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A few chairs had been set up on either side of the aisle, but they were mostly a
formality since most of our guests would be surrounding us at the front of the
altar. The \u8220?aisle\u8221? itself was a bare stretch of grass that had been
strewn with the same white roses that covered the rest of the space.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I walked slowly and took deep breaths as I approached the altar. Everything was
going to go just fine, all I needed to do was remain calm. Luckily, I had a
familiar face in front of me to ease my stress. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Since we wanted to keep the wedding small, we\u8217?d asked Nia to officiate the
ceremony. She was incredibly well-spoken and concise, so she seemed to be a natural
fit for the position. Normally, Nia\u8217?s change in position would\u8217?ve
completely thrown off the wedding party, but our friend, the pilot and earth mage,
Keith Almasy, had been unable to attend the wedding due to a family obligation.
We\u8217?d offered to move the date, but Almasy insisted we keep our plans intact,
and we\u8217?d meet up for dinner once he returned to Varle.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nia stood at the front of the aisle, beneath an arch of dark flowers, and the
gorgeous mage\u8217?s eyes glittered as I approached. My wife\u8217?s dress was
just as refined and as elegant as she was. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The multi-elementalist\u8217?s high-necked gown was made of a silky black fabric
that clung to every curve of her frame. The skirt fell straight to the ground and
featured a high slit that showed off the elementalist\u8217?s impossibly long legs.
Her silver-blonde hair had been piled on top of her head in an artfully messy updo,
and a few strands fell into her deep-blue eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hello, there,\u8221? she greeted me once I took my place.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hello, yourself,\u8221? I said softly, and after I returned her smile, I
turned my attention back to the aisle, where the rest of my women had started to
advance down. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
First down the aisle, with Varleth on her elbow, was Erin. The pilot was outfitted
in a long-sleeved dress with an extremely short, but still tasteful, skirt and a
pair of black high-heels that wrapped around her trim white legs like vines. Her
vibrant hair appeared more copper than orange, and I had a sneaking suspicion
it\u8217?d been dyed before the wedding. The darker tone made her amber eyes pop,
and I made a note to compliment her on it later. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The mimic held a small bouquet of white roses in one hand, and her other arm was
entwined with Varleth\u8217?s. The gypsy\u8217?s dark eyes were bright as he walked
down the aisle, and his lips formed a genuine smile. It was still taking me time to
get used to the banisher\u8217?s newfound positivity, but it was a welcome sight.
Varleth had been through so much, and he deserved to be happy.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once the pair took their respective places, Gawain and Layla made their way down.
The fire mage and the petite summoner shared a strange relationship, but I knew
from their smiles they were better friends than they wanted to let on. Layla winked
at me as she approached, and Gawain offered me a slight nod as he stood beside
Varleth. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Next came Arwyn and Mur, and the moose shapeshifter looked especially thrilled to
be paired up with the gorgeous healer mage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn\u8217?s crimson hair had been brushed until it was a perfectly straight
curtain down her back, and under the lights of the trees, it shone like silk. Her
long-sleeved velvet dress had a plunging neckline that showcased her cleavage, and
a calf-length skirt that showed off an elegant pair of matching black velvet heels.
She looked mature but incredibly refined, and she offered me a lovely ruby-lipped
smile as she took her place. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Next down the aisle came Ashla and Orenn. The ice mage\u8217?s dress was more of a
two-piece than an actual gown and consisted of an off-the-shoulder strappy top and
a long, silky skirt that flowed like water to the ground. In between the two
pieces, there was a sliver of Ashla\u8217?s toned umber-skin on display. The ice
mage was still too early into her pregnancy to be showing, so her midriff was still
just as taut and muscular as ever. Her midnight-black braids had been coiled into
an elaborate updo and called attention to her long, dangly gold earrings.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Ashla\u8217?s burgundy-painted lips curved up into a smile as she shot me a wink
from down the aisle. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Finally, my best man and Cyra\u8217?s maid of honor came down the aisle, and as
Freya and Braden approached us, I stifled a gasp. My shapeshifting wife looked
incredibly beautiful, and her smile was brighter than the sun.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya\u8217?s wild blonde mane had been smoothed down so it flowed in perfect
waves over her shoulders. Her gown had a corseted bodice, thin bejeweled gold
straps, and a delicate and slightly see-through skirt that flared out at her curvy
hips. The flowy dress clung to her perfect figure and called attention to her
smaller-but-still proportional breasts and her curvy lower-half.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk-princess\u8217? golden-flecked brown eyes had been enhanced by smokey
brown eyeshadow, and her naturally pink cheeks gave her porcelain skin a beautiful
glow. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With everyone in place, there were only two people left to enter, and my hands
shook as I waited for my bride. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Breathe,\u8221? Nia whispered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I took my wife\u8217?s instructions and filled my lungs with the afternoon air. It
was a little chilly, but not unpleasant enough to shiver, and the sun had come out
in full force just for us. It was the perfect day for a wedding.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I heard someone murmur, and my heart stopped when Cyra and
Maelor came into focus. The summoner had always been stunningly beautiful, but she
looked downright ethereal in her wedding attire. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Just as my other women had mentioned, Cyra\u8217?s dress was a showstopper. The
fabric was a deep burnished gold color, and the entire surface was covered in tiny
beads that reflected the lights glowing from the trees. The color made her umber
skin look even richer and gave her chocolate-brown eyes a honeyed tone.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her nest of raven-colored curls had been tamed into a sleek hairstyle that flowed
over one shoulder in perfect waves while the other was pinned back behind her ear
by a golden bejeweled comb. Her exposed ear held four small diamond earrings that
matched the comb, and just behind it flowed a billowing veil.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The dress itself looked like it\u8217?d been hand-made for the summoner\u8217?s
curvy frame. It had two thin straps, a deep V-neckline, and a high side slit that
gave me just a glimpse of Cyra\u8217?s trim legs. Bejeweled sandals and an enormous
bouquet of white roses and greenery finished out the look, and I could hardly
contain my awe. Cyra looked like an exotic golden queen, and I was the luckiest man
in the entire realm to be marrying such a beauty. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once she reached the front of the aisle, Maelor squeezed Cyra\u8217?s hands and
kissed her gently on the cheek. Cyra gave the older summoner a beautiful smile and
then took her place across from me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hi, Gryff,\u8221? Cyra greeted me softly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Up close, I could see the flawless smokey-brown makeup that made her eyes smolder,
and the light touch of lipstick that made her already full lips look even
fuller. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, beautiful,\u8221? I whispered back as I fought back tears.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Maelor took his seat next to Meriden, and once everyone was in place, Nia cleared
her throat and began the ceremony. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The elementalist kept the script as brief as possible. Cyra hadn\u8217?t wanted
anything too long, so Nia\u8217?s words were lovely, but to the point. She gave a
brief welcome to our guests, said a quick prayer to the Maker, and then went right
into the vows. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, will you take Cyra as your wife, to love and cherish, to protect and
defend for the rest of your life?\u8221? the elementalist asked me as I waited to
place the wedding ring on Cyra\u8217?s finger. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I will.\u8221? I smiled at Cyra, and then I slid the simple rose gold band
onto Cyra\u8217?s finger. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once the ring was in place, Nia turned to the dark-skinned summoner.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cyra, will you take Gryff as your husband, to love and cherish, to protect
and defend, for the rest of your life?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I will,\u8221? Cyra replied with a gleam in her eyes.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Then by the power vested in me, I happily pronounce you husband and
wife,\u8221? Nia managed, and her sapphire eyes welled up with tears. \u8220?Gryff
Porter, you may kiss your bride.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 Cyra flashed me a grin before we leaned forward and kissed each other deeply. The
dark-skinned summoner\u8217?s familiar vanilla and cloves taste danced against my
lips, and I nearly collapsed from sheer happiness. Cyra was finally my wife, and
once again, I thought I had to be the happiest man in the entire realm.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Applause crescendoed around us, along with a few whistles I knew were from Layla,
and once Cyra and I pulled our lips apart, my dark-haired wife gave me a heart-
melting smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you,\u8221? she whispered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? I whispered back, and then I leaned in for seconds.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The rest of the evening was spent drinking, dancing, and celebrating our love and
our growing family. Our guests divided their time between dancing around in the
backyard and filling themselves with delicious food inside, but Cyra and I spent
most of the reception wrapped together in a slow dance. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, I had a question,\u8221? Cyra began in a vague tone as she stared
lovingly into my eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s that, my love?\u8221? I asked as I placed my hands on her
waist and pulled her close. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Now that we\u8217?re husband and wife\u8230? I was wondering if you wanted
me to take your name?\u8221? she inquired with a small smile.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cyra Porter,\u8221? I tried aloud. \u8220?That doesn\u8217?t have a bad
ring to it, does it?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Neither does Milo Porter,\u8221? the umber-skinned summoner pointed out.
\u8220?I like the idea of all of us sharing your family name, but only if
that\u8217?s something you\u8217?re interested in. If you\u8217?re not--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You are my family,\u8221? I interjected as I stared into my wife\u8217?s
enormous dark eyes. \u8220?It would be my honor to share my last name with you and
Milo. If that\u8217?s what you want.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I do.\u8221? Cyra nodded. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mrs. Cyra Porter,\u8221? I tried again, and Cyra\u8217?s lips curved up
into a soft smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love the way that sounds,\u8221? she said, \u8220?and I\u8217?m sure Milo
will as well. You know, once he starts understanding Mistral.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He\u8217?ll get there soon enough,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?Before we know
it, he\u8217?ll be taking his first steps, uttering his first
words\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, don\u8217?t remind me.\u8221? Cyra shook her head. \u8220?He\u8217?s
already growing up too fast to begin with.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He is,\u8221? I agreed with her. Milo\u8217?s firsts were going to come
sooner than I was prepared for, and while part of me was scared of my first-born
son to grow up, the other part of me looked forward to the amazing young man I knew
he would become. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you think he\u8217?ll be a summoner as well?\u8221? Cyra wondered as we
danced. \u8220?I know it\u8217?s way too soon to think about that\u8230?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?With two summoners as parents, I wouldn\u8217?t be surprised by that at
all,\u8221? I said thoughtfully. \u8220?I bet he\u8217?ll be an awesome one at
that.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, I have no doubt there,\u8221? my umber-skinned wife agreed. \u8220?His
father is the greatest summoner in all of Mistral--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?You\u8217?re such a flatterer,\u8221? I interjected, and I leaned down and
kissed my bride on her full lips. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I do what I can,\u8221? Cyra murmured against me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
 Eventually, we tired of dancing and decided to find sustenance. We headed inside,
and once we filled our plates with delicious food, we stepped into the dining room
and joined the rest of our family and friends at the table. The kids were fast
asleep upstairs, except for Milo and Lahrra, who were perched in Ashla and
Erin\u8217?s laps. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love weddings,\u8221? Layla sighed dreamily as she rested her chin on her
hand. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Enough to want one yourself one day?\u8221? Erin inquired with a waggle of
her eyebrows. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Layla\u8217?s cheeks darkened, and instead of answering the mimic\u8217?s
question, she sat up and grabbed her champagne flute. The auburn-haired mage downed
the contents quickly and peered off toward the corner of the room, but Erin\u8217?s
questioning stare didn\u8217?t waver. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, someone\u8217?s got it bad,\u8221? Ashla teased the petite summoner.
\u8220?Do I hear wedding bells on the horizon, Bethel?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t have it bad.\u8221? Layla stuck her tongue out at the ice
mage. \u8220?I just think weddings are fun. What\u8217?s wrong with that?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nothing\u8217?s wrong with that,\u8221? Ashla assured her with a soft
smile. \u8220?We\u8217?re only teasing, Layla.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah, I know,\u8221? Layla murmured, but she didn\u8217?t seem convinced by
her words. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would want something small like this one day,\u8221? Erin decided with a
thoughtful expression. \u8220?Something lovely and intimate, not a lot of
people.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, too,\u8221? Ashla chimed in. \u8220?I prefer simplistic ceremonies and
smaller receptions. There\u8217?s a lot less pressure that way, and you don\u8217?t
have to worry about taking care of so many people. It gives more emphasis to the
bride and groom.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I agree with you completely.\u8221? Erin nodded. \u8220?I\u8217?d just want
to make it as easy as possible. You know, let\u8217?s just have our wedding
together, simplify the whole thing for everyone.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can\u8217?t tell if you\u8217?re joking or not, but that\u8217?s not
something I would be opposed to,\u8221? the ice mage responded with a raised
eyebrow. \u8220?It would be easier for us and Gryff.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What do you think, Gryff?\u8221? Erin turned to me with a curious
expression. \u8220?How do you feel about the idea of a group wedding?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s not something I\u8217?ve ever put much thought into, but I feel
like it could be an option.\u8221? I shrugged. \u8220?When it comes to weddings,
I\u8217?m just along for the ride, so if there\u8217?s a certain thing you\u8217?d
like to do, I\u8217?m totally okay with it. Big, small, whatever makes you all the
happiest, I\u8217?m down for it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll have to keep that in mind,\u8221? Ashla noted, and she and Erin
shared a conspiratorial gaze before they looked over at Arwyn and Layla. \u8220?
What about you two?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not certain.\u8221? Arwyn shrugged. \u8220?I\u8217?ve always been
so focused on academics I\u8217?ve hardly put any thought into what I would want
for my own.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Though the crimson-haired professor wasn\u8217?t a liar by any stretch of the
imagination, I could tell by the way she bit her lower lip that she had, in fact,
put some thought into her own wedding. We\u8217?d decided to wait a little longer
to worry about marriage, but I vowed one day, when the time came, I would make
Arwyn\u8217?s wedding as special as possible. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin seemed to sense Arwyn didn\u8217?t want to be included in the conversation,
so she turned her attention back to Layla. \u8220?What would you want, Layla? Group
or solo?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Solo, I think,\u8221? Layla admitted in a softened tone, and then she
raised her hands up. \u8220?Nothing against you and Ashla, of course--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, don\u8217?t worry about it,\u8221? Erin quickly assured the
summoner. \u8220?I don\u8217?t take any offense to that at all. I was just curious
about what you\u8217?d want.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can do whatever you\u8217?d like, Layla,\u8221? I reminded my auburn-
haired girlfriend. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We aren\u8217?t wasting time here, are we?\u8221? Nia joked. \u8220?Sitting
at a reception, planning other weddings--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, you already got your wedding, Nia,\u8221? Erin pointed out. \u8220?You
and Freya got yours out of the way--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ours had different circumstances,\u8221? Freya spoke up from her seat
beside Nia. \u8220?It was Hawk Clan tradition, not Mistral tradition of a large
party. Not that I would have it any other way. I love how my husband and I
celebrated our union.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Heat spread to my cheeks as I recalled the day myself. Near the end of my stay in
Hawk Clan territory, I\u8217?d had sex with the hawk-princess on Eyrie Island, and
by Clan tradition, that made us married. While it hadn\u8217?t been a traditional
union in the Mistral sense, I wouldn\u8217?t have had it any other way, and I made
sure Freya knew that from the smile I gave her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, no matter how they happen, I look forward to celebrating more
weddings with all of you,\u8221? Cyra declared. \u8220?This day has been absolutely
wonderful, and I\u8217?m so happy to officially be a sister-wife.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We all toasted at that, and as I peered around at my family, I felt comforted.
Growing up in the Wilds with Maelor hadn\u8217?t been bad by any means, but the old
man had been my only family for years. I\u8217?d never known what it was like to be
surrounded by such amazing friends and lovers, and now that I had an enormous
family, I couldn\u8217?t imagine it any other way. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As the evening died down, Cyra and I gave a round of farewells to our guests and
prepared to depart for our honeymoon. Per Braden\u8217?s recommendation, we decided
to stay in the small village of Nattanger, just outside of the Enclave. It was only
a short carriage ride away, so we would be able to make it to the bed and breakfast
we\u8217?d booked for our wedding night. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra\u8217?s gown was absolutely stunning, but I was more than ready to rip it off
her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m happy \u8216?fer you two,\u8221? Maelor said gruffly, and I could
tell the older summoner was fighting back tears as he blinked rapidly at us.
\u8220?I know ya already have the kiddo and everything, but I wish ye nothing but
happiness in yer marriage.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, old man,\u8221? Cyra whispered, and before the tears could erupt
from her own eyes, she wrapped her arms around the old man.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Maelor embraced my new wife tightly as if she were his own daughter, and the sight
of it made my heart swell. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Get in here, ya little shit,\u8221? Maelor grumbled at me, and he and Cyra
opened up the hug to include me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I stifled a laugh as the pair of summoners enveloped me into their arms.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Alright, alright, enough of the lovey-dovey shit,\u8221? Cyra sniffled once
we pulled away. \u8220?I\u8217?m pretty sure I heard the carriage pull up
outside.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Have fun on yer honeymoon.\u8221? Maelor smiled at us. \u8220?And
don\u8217?t worry \u8216?bout the kids. Meriden and I are gonna stop in and help
out. Maybe steal Milo for an afternoon, if that\u8217?s alright with ye.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re his grandfather,\u8221? I reminded the old man with a soft
smile. \u8220?You\u8217?re welcome to take him any time.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A blush spread across Maelor\u8217?s cheeks. My adoptive father likened himself to
a no-nonsense hardass, but he had a soft spot for babies, especially little Milo.
Of course, Milo could charm even the hardest of criminals with that adorable smile
of his. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Gryff,\u8221? Maelor replied, and then he peered out beyond us.
\u8220?Ye should probably get goin\u8217?. Don\u8217?t want to keep the carriage
waiting for too long.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, Maelor,\u8221? I said sincerely. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? the old summoner whispered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t have too much fun, you two,\u8221? Layla teased as she
interrupted the moment and reached up and ruffled my hair. \u8220?We have more than
enough kids in this house, and we\u8217?re running low on cribs.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hush, Bethel.\u8221? I smirked as I ducked away from her. \u8220?Don\u8217?
t tell me you wouldn\u8217?t love another baby around here.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah, you\u8217?re right,\u8221? Layla admitted as she smoothed the skirt
of her dress down. \u8220?Milo is pretty cute. Okay, I\u8217?ve changed my mind.
Don\u8217?t come back until you\u8217?ve made the little guy a brother or
sister!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll see,\u8221? Cyra giggled. \u8220?I think I\u8217?m okay with
just one for right now, but that could change later.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How do all of our conversations always revolve around Gryff\u8217?s sex
life?\u8221? I heard Varleth mutter to Gawain. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I haven\u8217?t the slightest idea,\u8221? Gawain murmured back. \u8220?
There are times I feel jealous that he has so many women, and others I have no idea
how one man can juggle so many.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I wouldn\u8217?t trade it for the world,\u8221? I called out to my friends,
and the banisher and fire mage flashed me wide smiles. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re happy for you, summoner,\u8221? Gawain said, and his emerald
eyes moved between Cyra and me. \u8220?You\u8217?re lucky to have such an amazing
family.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Gawain.\u8221? I smiled at the golden-haired mage. \u8220?Though,
you realize you\u8217?re included in the family, too, right?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah, yeah.\u8221? The fire mage waved me off, but he had a pleased
expression on his face. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The rest of my women gave us their farewells, and after one more round of hugs and
kisses, Cyra and I picked up our luggage. We were only going to be gone for a few
days, so our suitcases were light, but Orenn and Braden took them from us
anyway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ve got this,\u8221? the metallogue insisted. \u8220?Just worry
about getting yourselves in the carriage. We can handle the rest.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I considered protesting, but I knew it wouldn\u8217?t get me far. Besides, who was
I to turn down someone carrying my things for once? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well,\u8221? I began, and I shot a mischievous grin toward Cyra. \u8220?I
suppose that frees my arms up for other things.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What do you mean--\u8221? Cyra frowned, and then she let out a squeal as I
carefully scooped her into my arms. \u8220?Gryff!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My wife let out a giggle of delight as I cradled her close, and before she could
try to wiggle out of my grasp, I carried her to the carriage.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Can you get the door?\u8221? I grinned over at Braden. \u8220?My hands are
a little full at the moment.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sure thing.\u8221? The summoner grinned back at me, and once he tucked our
suitcases into the carriage, he held the door open wide enough for me to maneuver
inside. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Watch it, don\u8217?t hit her head on the roof,\u8221? Layla called out in
a teasing tone, but I managed to get Cyra onto the seat without injury.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?See you all soon!\u8221? I called out to my family, and after one last
wave, the carriage door closed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once we were completely alone, I pulled my new bride into my lap.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ready to get away?\u8221? I murmured in Cyra\u8217?s ear, and I gently
tugged on her earlobe, taking care to avoid her earrings. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
The dark-skinned summoner giggled as I kissed along her neck.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, I am,\u8221? she replied, and as I reached her full lips, the
carriage took off. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Six
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The ride to Nattanger passed by faster than I expected, maybe only an hour or two,
and Cyra and I spent the duration of the journey kissing and touching each
other. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Our longing for each other\u8217?s bodies was so strong, we\u8217?d been tempted
to consummate our marriage right there in the carriage, but ultimately, we decided
our first-time making love as husband and wife should happen in the privacy of our
room in the inn. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, you\u8217?re so beautiful,\u8221? I sighed as I traced her soft
round cheek. \u8220?I need this carriage to move faster so I can have you all to
myself.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Patience, my love,\u8221? Cyra giggled at me, but her dark-brown eyes were
heavy-lidded with lust. \u8220?We\u8217?ll get there soon.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not soon enough,\u8221? I sighed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Trust me, I want nothing more than for you to rip my dress off and fuck
me,\u8221? my wife assured me. \u8220?But we need to at least pretend we\u8217?re
civilized until we make it to the village. Once we\u8217?re there, we can act as
depraved and filthy as you want.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fiiiiine,\u8221? I drawled, and my eyes trailed down her lovely frame.
\u8220?But that doesn\u8217?t mean I can\u8217?t, and won\u8217?t, kiss every inch
of you in the meantime.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, please,\u8221? Cyra giggled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I pulled my new bride further up into my lap, and the dark-haired mage tried to
wrap her legs around me, but the skirt of her dress wasn\u8217?t flexible enough to
make that possible. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let me help,\u8221? I said, and I carefully eased her dress up higher over
her hips and out of the way. Now that she was unencumbered, Cyra was able to get
her legs around my waist, and her arms around my neck. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks,\u8221? she managed to whisper just before I drew her in and kissed
her deeply. I could feel her heart race through the heavily beaded bodice of her
gown as her pert, firm breasts pressed against me, and I felt an angry stir in my
lower half. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The mage\u8217?s amber perfume flooded my senses, and like a simple-minded animal,
the only thing my brain could focus on was my desire. I would respect her wishes to
save full penetration for the inn, but Maker, I wanted her so badly.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My lips parted slightly as a moan built up in my throat, and Cyra took the
opportunity to slip her tongue into my mouth. We played with each other, and our
tongues batted at one another playfully in soft, fluid motions. Once she pulled
hers out, she took my lower lip between her teeth and tugged ever so slightly.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re playing with fire,\u8221? I warned her as my blood ran hot
throughout my body. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s a good thing I like a bit of danger,\u8221? she murmured, and
her eyes were as dark as midnight and heavy-lidded with lust.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I ran my hands up her legs and under her skirt and was pleased by the feeling of
lace beneath my fingertips. Cyra let out a soft sigh as I squeezed her smooth
thighs, and she brought her lips back to mine. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We continued on like this for a while, distracted by our passion as we enveloped
each other, and I was moments away from damning our decisions and claiming her when
she leaned over and peered out the window of the cabin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Get back over here,\u8221? I laughed at her, and the summoner\u8217?s full
lips curled up into a smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, I think we\u8217?re here,\u8221? my wife assessed, and I leaned over
to look out as well. Sure enough, we were passing by a stretch of close-knit shops
and residences. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It appears we are,\u8221? I said. At first, I was disappointed by the
interruption, but our arrival in the village meant we were even closer to the
privacy of our room at the inn, so I couldn\u8217?t be too saddened.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The village itself was just as quaint as Braden and Mati had described it, and it
reminded me almost of Adorna or Dassian\u8217?s Keep, only this place had a calming
air the others did not. Dassian\u8217?s Keep, the village where Ashla and I had
retrieved the book I stole from Carth\u8217?s library, had been bustling and busy,
but Nattanger was the exact opposite. Even at this time of night, there were people
out walking the cobbled streets of Nattanger arm-in-arm. The streetlights glowed
with soft fire, and even from within the walls of the carriage, I could smell
different delicious scents wafting from the shops and bakeries.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Something smells delicious,\u8221? I said, and my stomach suddenly let out
a grumble as if to emphasize my statement. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, fuck, do you smell cinnamon bread?\u8221? Cyra sniffed the air
delicately. \u8220?Wow, that\u8217?s something I haven\u8217?t smelled in a long
time.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sure enough, I could detect notes of vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and dough, and my
mouth began to water. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I smell it, too,\u8221? I confirmed. \u8220?We\u8217?ll have to walk
through the village tomorrow and track some down. It\u8217?s making me
hungry.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cinnamon bread was my favorite food as a kid,\u8221? Cyra laughed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Really?\u8221? I asked. \u8220?That\u8217?s kind of adorable.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I swear, there was a good year or so where it was all I ever wanted to eat
for every meal,\u8221? Cyra giggled as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
\u8220?It was nearly as bad as your obsession with potato skins--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I wouldn\u8217?t call it an obsession,\u8221? I interjected, and Cyra shot
me a look that made me crack up. \u8220?What? They\u8217?re delicious!\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know,\u8221? my wife giggled. \u8220?I\u8217?m just giving you a hard
time. But, yeah, it was that bad of an addiction. I haven\u8217?t found a loaf that
smells that close to my mom\u8217?s in years.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Though it was something as simple as food, I could tell the memory meant a lot to
Cyra, and even though we didn\u8217?t speak about her family often, I wanted to
make sure she could have a piece of her childhood while we were on this rare
vacation together. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have an idea,\u8221? I declared, and I took Cyra\u8217?s hands in
mine. \u8220?Tomorrow, I propose we go on a mission to locate both cinnamon bread
and potato skins. It\u8217?s not the best combination of foods, but we\u8217?re on
our honeymoon, so let\u8217?s let loose. I want to give you the best vacation
possible, so anything you want to do is on the table.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Deal,\u8221? Cyra agreed. \u8220?Though, those are some pretty dangerous
terms.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I like a bit of danger,\u8221? I echoed her words from earlier, and my
beautiful bride giggled as I wrapped my arm over her shoulder and pulled her in
close. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Finally, the carriage came to a halt outside of the inn, and after we adjusted our
clothes to look presentable, we gathered our luggage and carefully climbed out of
the cabin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The building was larger than expected, with three floors, tall latticed black
windows, and a high roof complete with a chimney. Ivy spread across the white
outside walls like the blush of a lady\u8217?s cheek, and the overall effect was
quite charming. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A sign outside of the place read \u8220?The Dragon\u8217?s Hearth,\u8221? but a
softer name would have suited the place better. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? Cyra breathed. \u8220?Mati was right. This place is
adorable.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It is,\u8221? I agreed. A small path led to a courtyard beyond the inn, and
I noticed what appeared to be a garden with a large fountain at the center. I vowed
to investigate it tomorrow and determine if it was a worthy place for a romantic
stroll with my bride. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once I paid the driver, I picked our suitcases up off the ground, and we headed
inside. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The inside of the inn was spacious, with low-lighting, deep maroon-colored walls,
and reddish-brown wood floors. Immediately, we were greeted by a short redheaded
woman who introduced herself as Karla, the innkeeper. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Judging by your garments, is it safe to say congratulations are in
order?\u8221? Karla grinned as her dark-blue eyes moved between us. \u8220?You have
the happy glow of a couple of newlyweds.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We were just married this evening,\u8221? I confirmed, and Karla clapped
her hands happily. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Congratulations!\u8221? She smiled even wider. \u8220?That\u8217?s so
wonderful. I\u8217?m pleased you chose our inn for your honeymoon. The
Dragon\u8217?s Hearth is one of the oldest inns in the area. You\u8217?re going to
have a lovely time in Nattanger.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you so much,\u8221? I replied, and I wrapped my free arm around
Cyra\u8217?s shoulder. \u8220?We\u8217?re really looking forward to this stay. This
is our first time here.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s what I like to hear,\u8221? Karla said. \u8220?Would you like
me to show you the way to your room?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That would be great.\u8221? I smiled at the kind woman. The inn was larger
than I\u8217?d expected, and though our luggage wasn\u8217?t heavy, I didn\u8217?t
want to lug it around as we searched for our room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Karla stepped in front of us and inclined her head for us to follow her. Cyra and
I exchanged a quick glance and then pursued the innkeeper as she swiftly moved down
the corridor. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Breakfast is served from seven until eleven,\u8221? Karla informed us as
she ushered us up the staircase to our second-floor room. \u8220?Not to be too
biased on the matter, but the Dragon\u8217?s Hearth has the best breakfast in all
of Nattanger. Probably even the surrounding area. The chef does things with eggs
that\u8217?ll knock your boots off.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Noted.\u8221? I nodded my head. \u8220?We\u8217?ll definitely have to check
it out, then.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Sounds delicious,\u8221? Cyra chimed in. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How long will you be staying with us again?\u8221? the innkeeper
wondered. \u8220?I remember the reservation being made, just not the
specifics.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll be here for three nights,\u8221? I answered her. \u8220?
It\u8217?s a short stay, but after how crazy life has been lately, three days off
feels just as good as a week.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I understand.\u8221? Karla nodded. \u8220?Three days is a perfect amount of
time.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The innkeeper led us down the candle-lit corridor and stopped at a tall door with
the number thirty-seven carved into it. She reached into her pocket, retrieved what
appeared to be a master key, and then unlocked the door to the room.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you so much for showing us to the room,\u8221? I addressed Karla once
she turned back around. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s no trouble at all,\u8221? the kind redhead assured me with a
wave of her hand. \u8220?If you need anything, I\u8217?ll be down on the first
floor for a while. Extra towels, pillows, whatever you need, don\u8217?t hesitate
to ask. We aren\u8217?t the fanciest establishment in the realm, but we do pride
ourselves on our service, so if you have any requests, feel free to ask
me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I appreciate your hospitality,\u8221? I replied, and I gave the woman my
most sincere smile. \u8220?We were recommended this inn by a friend of ours who
stayed here for his honeymoon, so we\u8217?re excited to spend time here
ourselves.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, thank you so much,\u8221? Cyra chimed in. \u8220?We\u8217?re really
looking forward to this stay.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s wonderful to hear.\u8221? Karla smiled back at me, and she
smoothed the short apron tied around her waist. \u8220?I hope we exceed your
expectations as well. If you need any recommendations for things to do around the
village, come find me in the morning. I should be around either the front desk or
the dining hall.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Karla,\u8221? I said once more, and she gave me a firm nod.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Congratulations on your marriage,\u8221? the innkeeper said before she
departed back down the corridor. \u8220?May the Maker bless you with
happiness.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once the door closed behind her, Cyra and I set down our suitcases and looked
around the room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It was much larger than I had expected, and every inch of the room gave off a
pleasant, cozy vibe. The red-brown wood floors were covered by ruggedly cut fur
rugs, and the enormous bed was outfitted with multiple pillows, furs, and quilts.
It reminded me of Cyra\u8217?s pillow nest in her bedroom, and sure enough, my wife
wasted no time and flopped down into the comfy mass. Her wavy hair spilled behind
her, and as she studied the ceiling absently, I couldn\u8217?t help but study
her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The angle of her body paired with the beauty of her dress drove me absolutely
wild. I still couldn\u8217?t believe the darkly beautiful summoner was now my wife,
and I was ready to pick up on where we\u8217?d left off in the carriage.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, this is comfortable,\u8221? Cyra sighed as she nestled into one of
the fur blankets. \u8220?Ohhhhhhhhh, it\u8217?s so soft.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m glad it\u8217?s to your liking, my lady.\u8221? I smirked at her
as she buried her face in the dense fur. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After a moment, Cyra propped herself up and swept her hair over one shoulder. Her
midnight eyes trailed over me, and she cocked an eyebrow as she glanced in my
direction. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What?\u8221? she asked with inquisitive eyes. \u8220?Why are you staring at
me like that?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m just admiring the view,\u8221? I replied, and I leaned against
the ruby-red wall. The color was an odd choice for an inn, but combined with the
cherry wood and the plush pelts everywhere, it somehow worked. The incoming
moonlight paired with the candlelight from the strategically placed candles around
the room gave the place an ethereal glow and lit up Cyra\u8217?s skin
beautifully. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra patted the empty space on the mattress beside her. \u8220?Care to get a
closer look?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gratefully accepted her invitation, but before I took a seat on the bed, I
removed my heavy coat from my shoulders. If things were going as anticipated, I
wasn\u8217?t going to need it anytime soon, so I let the garment fall to the floor
and then joined my wife. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This dress is lovely,\u8221? I whispered as I skimmed my fingertips across
Cyra\u8217?s shoulder. \u8220?The others told me how beautiful it was, but I
don\u8217?t think their compliments paid it justice enough. You are gorgeous beyond
words.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You flatter me, my husband,\u8221? my wife murmured as I planted a feather-
soft kiss on her bare neck. \u8220?But please, don\u8217?t stop paying me
compliments. I like it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall I write you an entire ballad praising your beauty?\u8221? I teased
her. \u8220?I\u8217?m not that great of a singer, but if it pleases you, I\u8217?ll
give it a shot.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That would be impressive,\u8221? Cyra giggled. \u8220?Though I don\u8217?t
know if I warrant an entire ballad.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You warrant an entire book of ballads,\u8221? I insisted, and I swept one
of the straps of the golden gown off Cyra\u8217?s shoulder so I could kiss her
amber-scented skin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra let out a soft sigh as my lips trailed up her neck. Then I bit down on the
tender skin gently, and the curly-haired mage uttered a moan.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck,\u8221? she sighed. \u8220?Don\u8217?t stop doing that.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I kissed her neck once more, and then I sat up and slowly slid the zipper of the
gown down her spine. As the fabric parted, I traced her bare back with my
fingertips, and Cyra swept her mane of wavy hair over her shoulder to give me
better access. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know you just praised the dress, but I think I know a way to improve
it,\u8221? she offered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m open to suggestions,\u8221? I said, and then Cyra stood up and
carefully eased herself out from the garment. Beneath her clothes, the gorgeous
summoner wore nothing but a pair of black lace panties that were so thin they left
little to the imagination. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I sighed as I admired the curves of Cyra\u8217?s perfect
figure. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Like what you see?\u8221? Cyra smirked at me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, I do,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?I\u8217?d be able to appreciate
the view more thoroughly if it were a bit closer, though.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Your wish is my command,\u8221? my wife murmured in a low, seductive voice,
and then she slowly made her way back to me. With every step she took, her hips
swayed rhythmically, and I was enchanted by the motion. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once Cyra stood before me, I pulled her into my lap, undid the straps of her
bejeweled sandals, and carefully threw them down onto the fur rug. Then I leaned
down and kissed the soft, smooth skin of her bare calves, and I worked my way up to
her knee and then her strong thighs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you,\u8221? I muttered in between kisses. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? Cyra murmured. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I shoved the stack of pillows and extra pillows out of the way and gently laid my
wife down onto the bed. Her wavy hair fanned out prettily behind her, and her
pupils were so dilated they were practically blending into the darkness of her
chocolate eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached down, eased her black lace panties down off her hips, and discarded them
onto the floor, and once Cyra was entirely bare, I got a better look at the
glistening wetness of her pussy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I remarked. \u8220?You\u8217?re all ready for me, aren\u8217?t
you?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? my bride murmured. \u8220?Between the carriage and here,
you\u8217?ve definitely gotten me excited.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Likewise,\u8221? I growled before I climbed on top of the chocolate-skinned
mage, leaned down, and pressed my lips against hers. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As we kissed each other with a feverish passion, I took my wife\u8217?s perfect
breasts in my hands and began to play with her nipples. The dark buds grew stiff
under my touch, and Cyra moaned deeply in my mouth as I tweaked at the hardened
nubs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra ran her nails down my back, and with every flick I delivered to her nipples,
she increased the pressure of them against me. As her nails dug in with more
intensity, my heart raced in my chest, and an involuntary gasp escaped my lips.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, you\u8217?re so fucking sexy,\u8221? I sighed, then I ran my hands
down the length of her torso until I reached her bare, soaking wet entrance.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I want you to fuck me,\u8221? Cyra moaned as my fingers grazed her soft
mound. \u8220?Please, Gryff, I want you inside of me right now.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Right now?\u8221? I asked, and my wife nodded her head quickly.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gripped my rock-hard cock in my hands and guided it toward her dripping velvet
folds. Cyra\u8217?s back arched up as I inserted myself within her, and as she
moaned with surprised pleasure, I gripped her hips and eased myself deeper inside
of her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, fuck, Gryff,\u8221? Cyra gasped as I thrust myself deep within her
tunnel. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, you\u8217?re so fucking tight,\u8221? I groaned as I drove into her
with deep, forceful strokes. The walls of her entrance enveloped me with their
silky tightness, and my heart pounded in my ears as I pushed in further. \u8220?You
feel incredible.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ohhhh,\u8221? she mewled as she quivered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I began to thrust in and out of her with slow, intentional strokes, and with each
pump, my breaths came quicker. Cyra\u8217?s gorgeous curves shook as I drove my
steel rod deeper within her entrance, and her legs tightened around me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My wife\u8217?s eyes rolled into the back of her head as her breath caught in her
chest, and the umber-skinned summoner\u8217?s back arched as I hastened my pace. I
was getting closer and closer to losing the restraint I had over myself, and the
soft cries that escaped my wife\u8217?s full lips didn\u8217?t help.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Gryfffff,\u8221? Cyra moaned. \u8220?I\u8217?m going to--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her words were interrupted by a spasm that ran through her entire body, and as her
tunnel tightened around me like a fist, I knew we were about to explode with
pleasure together. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let go,\u8221? I growled as I pushed myself in deeper. \u8220?Give in to
me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I want you to come inside me, Gryff,\u8221? Cyra begged. \u8220?Please, I
want to feel your seed inside of me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are\u8230? you\u8230? sure\u8230?\u8221? I panted as I grew closer and
closer to bursting. I was ready to let go and release myself within the beautiful
summoner, but I needed to be certain that\u8217?s what she wanted.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Please,\u8221? Cyra pleaded. \u8220?Please, come inside me. I\u8230? I want
another baby.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Another spasm coursed through her, and Cyra came in a burst of passion, The
delicate rasp to her cry of pleasure flooded my senses and nearly tipped me over
the edge, but my wife\u8217?s nails raking down my back was what truly did me
in. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?As you wish,\u8221? I groaned, and with that, I finally hit my climax and
erupted in an explosion of pleasure. A shiver coursed through me as my body
convulsed, and suddenly, I poured a fountain of sperm within my lover\u8217?s
accepting body. Rivers of my hot seed streamed out of me and flooded Cyra\u8217?s
womb, and my dark-skinned wife trembled as her orgasm struck
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Gryfff,\u8221? Cyra moaned again as her climax continued to ripple
through her, and together, we rode the waves of our orgasms. We clung to each
other, and the sounds of our ragged breaths filled the silent room as the high of
our euphoria streamed through us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once my heart rate settled, I eased out of the summoner\u8217?s drenched pussy and
flopped down onto the mattress beside her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck,\u8221? I sighed as I caught my breath. \u8220?That was
incredible.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah, it was,\u8221? Cyra agreed. \u8220?Wow.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We laid there in silence as we waited for the air to return to our lungs, and once
it did, we resumed kissing each other. Even though we\u8217?d just fucked, I was
certainly ready for more, and Cyra seemed to be as well, so I flipped the mage over
and slid myself back into her velvet entrance. We made love over and over again and
gave each other the type of orgasms that left us sweat-slicked and begging for
more. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The rest of the evening continued on like this until we were too worn out to
continue any further. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We have the next few days to enjoy each other\u8217?s bodies,\u8221? Cyra
reminded me as she climbed under the covers. \u8220?Let\u8217?s not exhaust
ourselves too much on the first night.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Tonight\u8217?s the most important one of all,\u8221? I countered, but then
a yawn escaped my lips, and I lost my train of thought. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And I\u8217?ve enjoyed every moment of it.\u8221? My wife smiled at me with
pearl-white teeth. \u8220?I\u8217?m so happy I get to call myself your wife.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m happy, too,\u8221? I agreed with her, and then I joined her
underneath the warm comforter. The softness of it made my eyelids heavy, but before
I could be lulled off to sleep, I gave Cyra one last kiss. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I love you,\u8221? Cyra whispered before she closed her eyes.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? I replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My dark-haired wife scooted over and laid her head on my chest, and once we were
perfectly snuggled up, I drifted off to sleep. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The next morning we reluctantly rose out of bed to shower and dress for the day.
Our room\u8217?s adjoining bathroom was fairly spacious, and the shower stall was
just large enough to accommodate both of us, so we decided to save some water and
have fun at the same time. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As we scrubbed away the traces of each other from the previous night, I admired
the perfect curve of Cyra\u8217?s ass. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mind yourself, Gryff.\u8221? My wife gave me an impish grin as she scrubbed
at her lean torso with a washcloth. \u8220?We\u8217?ll have plenty of time for that
later.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s wrong with right now?\u8221? I asked, and I carefully stepped
over to her, gripped her shoulders, and pressed myself against her back.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck, you\u8217?re insatiable,\u8221? Cyra laughed lightly as my mushroom
tip tapped against her velvet folds. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is that a yes?\u8221? I whispered in her ear. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? Cyra sighed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Then spread your legs,\u8221? I instructed her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra parted her legs, and once she was in position, I moved in closer. I plunged
my rock-hard cock into her entrance, and together we continued where we\u8217?d
left off the night before. I gave my new bride another round of orgasms that
rivaled the ones prior, and I again filled her to the brim with my hot seed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Yeah. We were definitely going to have another baby after this honeymoon.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It was difficult to pull myself away from my wife, but Cyra\u8217?s grumbling
stomach echoed throughout the bathroom, so I knew we needed to come up for air and
acquire some sustenance. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We dedicated ourselves to cleaning up and taking proper showers, and once we were
freshly clean, we stepped out of the shower, toweled off, and dressed ourselves for
the day. In addition to warm clothes, we also made sure to outfit ourselves with
our bandoliers. Even though we were on our honeymoon, there was always a chance of
something going awry, so we figured having our monsters on our person was for the
best. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As soon as the curly-haired summoner and I were dressed, we headed downstairs to
get a taste of the Dragon\u8217?s Hearth\u8217?s supposedly famous breakfast.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The corridor was practically empty as we filed down it, and as we walked down the
stairs, I noticed a shadow behind the railing. When we stepped down to the first
floor, I realized the shadow belonged to a dog. The pup was one of those scruffy
dogs that wasn\u8217?t any particular breed but was still extremely cute, and his
tongue lolled out of his mouth as we neared him. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Awww,\u8221? Cyra drawled, and she made her way right over to the mutt. The
dog wagged his tail excitedly as Cyra started scratching underneath his chin.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was actually quite surprised the dog was so affectionate toward my wife. Animals
tended to dislike summoners because of the essence crystals we kept on our person
at all times. Something about being in close proximity to the monsters usually made
them uncomfortable, but the dog didn\u8217?t seem to care about our gems. He just
wanted scratches, and Cyra was more than happy to give them to him.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?His name is Rusty,\u8221? a voice said behind me, and I turned around to
see Karla smiling at us. Rusty perked up at the sound of his name, and then he went
back to enjoying Cyra\u8217?s gentle touch. \u8220?He\u8217?s kind of our mascot
around here.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He sure is a cute one.\u8221? I smiled at her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, sir,\u8221? Karla laughed. \u8220?He\u8217?s got one of the best
temperaments of any dog I\u8217?ve ever met. Only ever turned his nose up at a
handful of mages, and most of the time, it was because something wasn\u8217?t right
about them.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
That answered my question about why he wasn\u8217?t growling at us.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You folks looking for the dining hall?\u8221? the innkeeper asked, and her
dark-blue eyes were hopeful as they moved between us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My stomach suddenly grumbled, and heat spread to my cheeks.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I guess that answers that question,\u8221? I laughed, and the women joined
in. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Follow me this way,\u8221? Karla said. \u8220?We\u8217?ll get you fixed
up.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 Cyra gave Rusty one last scratch before she rose up off the ground. Karla waited
for the dark-skinned summoner to smooth her coat, and then she led us down the
corridor and into a sprawling dining hall. There were a few occupied tables here
and there, but generally, the space was pretty open. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She gestured at an empty booth, and Cyra and I climbed right in.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll bring over a couple of menus for you,\u8221? Karla announced.
\u8220?It isn\u8217?t too extensive, but you do have some options.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you so much,\u8221? I said, and the innkeeper gave me a short nod of
appreciation before she turned and left us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s very kind,\u8221? Cyra assessed as she watched the redhead walk
away. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She is, isn\u8217?t she?\u8221? I agreed with my wife. \u8220?I wonder how
often they get visitors around here.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m sure she sees a lot of faces,\u8221? Cyra said in a thoughtful
tone. \u8220?A quaint village near an Enclave is probably pretty popular. I know
it\u8217?s probably not the most exciting job in the world, but something about
meeting new people all the time sounds nice. That was one of the finer points of
living out in the Wilds.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I agree.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?Traveling town-to-town with Maelor could
get stressful at times, but it was nice to help people out and hear their life
stories.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Karla suddenly returned with a pair of menus, and Cyra and I put our conversation
on pause so we could make our selections. We ordered the most popular breakfast
selection: eggs with a side of honeyed ham and sourdough toast, and after the
innkeeper jotted down our choices, she disappeared again to retrieve some coffee
for us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Does it ever feel strange to think about those times?\u8221? Cyra wondered.
\u8220?Pre-Academy, before the messes with the Archons?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It does feel strange.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?I like Varle well enough, but
there have been plenty of times where I\u8217?ve found myself longing for something
simpler. More sky, more space\u8230? more freedom.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I\u8217?m still not as used to Enclave life as I want to be,\u8221? Cyra
admitted to me as she leaned her elbows on the table. \u8220?I keep waiting for it
to finally click, but then we travel somewhere else, and suddenly, I find myself
missing the Wilds again. I know I shouldn\u8217?t. We\u8217?re so extremely
privileged to live where we do, and I love our family and our house, but I also
miss the freedom out here.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You don\u8217?t have to explain yourself,\u8221? I assured her. \u8220?
Trust me, I get it, and I feel the exact same way.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?That\u8217?s a relief to hear.\u8221? Cyra smiled. \u8220?Though sometimes
I wonder\u8230? if you had to do it all over again, would you?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I wouldn\u8217?t change any of it,\u8221? I insisted. \u8220?Things are
stressful and challenging, but I wouldn\u8217?t trade you or the rest of our family
for anything. You, Milo, and the others give me purpose, one beyond a destiny I
didn\u8217?t sign up for.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s really sweet, Gryff,\u8221? Cyra sighed. The summoner\u8217?s
dark-brown eyes glittered, and her smile was radiant as she studied me. \u8220?I
can\u8217?t wait for the Archons to be gone for good, so our family can actually
have some time to be somewhat normal. Maybe once things settle, we can take more
outings, show the kids what Mistral is really like.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?That\u8217?s a great idea,\u8221? I agreed. \u8220?I\u8217?m sure they
would love that. Both the kids and the rest of the family.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Karla reappeared with our coffee and informed us our food was soon to follow. I
poured myself a huge mug, and the moment the liquid snaked down my throat, I felt
completely at ease. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Okay, enough sappy shit,\u8221? Cyra decided. \u8220?Let\u8217?s just put
all of that behind us for now and pretend none of it exists.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I like that plan,\u8221? I chuckled. \u8220?I feel like my brain is always
revolving around the Archons, so a break sounds pretty pleasant.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Just you and me,\u8221? Cyra reinforced with a nod of her head. \u8220?And
occasionally Milo. He gets a free pass, but only because he\u8217?s our son.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Agreed,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?We couldn\u8217?t forget about him even if
we tried.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Karla brought out our food, and just as the innkeeper had promised, everything was
cooked to perfection. I had to stifle a groan of delight as I swallowed a forkful
of eggs. I had no idea how they differed from others, but after our night and
morning of vigorous physical activity, they really hit the spot.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, she was right,\u8221? Cyra sighed after she swallowed a forkful of
the herb-seasoned eggs. \u8220?This is awesome.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We finished the rest of our breakfasts in silence, except for the occasional grunt
of delight, and after we finished our meals, we headed out into the village and
decided to do some window shopping. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nattanger was busy, but not so much that it was impossible to navigate the cobbled
streets. Cyra and I passed by a few boutiques, and a bookshop, but none of them
really caught our attention enough to make us want to go inside.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
However, once we passed a small cafe, something finally caught our eyes.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That looks like a crystal store,\u8221? Cyra realized, and her brown eyes
glittered as they stared at the shop. Usually, we couldn\u8217?t locate essence
crystals anywhere but on the carts of travelers and peddlers, so this was a rare
situation. \u8220?Wow, I haven\u8217?t ever seen a brick and mortar crystal place
before.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Want to go in?\u8221? I asked her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, please.\u8221? She nodded, and I was about to move toward the door,
but Cyra remained in place. Her dark eyebrows creased together, and she tilted her
head to the side. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s on your mind?\u8221? I prompted her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I have an idea,\u8221? the dark-skinned summoner began. \u8220?It might be
sort of stupid or pointless, so if it is, I need you to tell me.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Lay it on me,\u8221? I said. \u8220?I doubt it\u8217?s stupid or
pointless.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This shop has more crystals than I could imagine in one place, including
many I might have never seen before,\u8221? Cyra continued on. \u8220?So,
here\u8217?s my proposal. We each buy each other a gem we think suits the other,
but we can\u8217?t reveal what it is until we leave the store.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oooh, a mystery.\u8221? I waggled my eyebrows. \u8220?That sounds like fun.
I like the idea of a surprise monster.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Excellent.\u8221? Cyra grinned at me. \u8220?Now, let\u8217?s establish
some rules so one of us doesn\u8217?t end up with a daggerdillo or a
cementroll.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?ve gotta have at least a little faith in me,\u8221? I mock-
pouted. \u8220?I\u8217?d do better than that.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Let\u8217?s say\u8230? Grade-C,\u8221? Cyra proposed, and she tapped a
finger against her lips as she considered other terms. \u8220?Nothing too
incredibly rare?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That should spare our purses at least,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?Fair
enough. Okay, I think I can follow those rules.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Perfect.\u8221? Cyra smiled again. \u8220?Ready to head in?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?After you.\u8221? I gestured to the door. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When we entered the shop, I was momentarily awestruck by the sheer amount of
essence crystals on the shelves. From what I understood from the signs, they were
arranged first according to class, and from there, by size and color. The overall
gradient effect of the shelves was aesthetically pleasing, and I wasn\u8217?t sure
where to start. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Welcome,\u8221? the shopkeeper greeted us from behind a counter. He was an
older gentleman, not quite elderly, but not exactly spry, and just like Karla, he
had kind eyes and a wide smile. \u8220?Please let me know if you have any questions
or need any assistance. We have a huge variety of essence crystals, so if
there\u8217?s anything you\u8217?re specifically interested in, I should be able to
help you track it down.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I appreciate it,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?We\u8217?re just going to take a
look around.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course.\u8221? The shopkeeper nodded firmly at me, and the gesture made
his long gray hair wave about his head wildly. \u8220?Let me know if you need
help.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra and I meandered over to the Grade-C section, and once we were at the
displays, we turned our backs on one another to keep our selections a secret.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After some searching, I chose a red crystal so dark it was nearly black for Cyra.
The gem was a smooth oval and soft to the touch, and it blazed with an inner energy
I knew my wife would be able to handle well. It was a monster I\u8217?d read about
in my textbook but didn\u8217?t have much experience with, so it was a bit of a
gamble, but then again, it was a Grade-C, so it met our power and size requirement.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Would ye like to know more about that particular monster?\u8221? the
shopkeeper prompted me as I handed over the coins to pay for the crystal.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I shook my head. \u8220?I like the element of surprise.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow but didn\u8217?t press the issue, and just as I
tucked the crystal into my pocket to hide it from Cyra, the curly-haired summoner
appeared at the front of the store. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No peeking,\u8221? she insisted, and she curled her fist around the essence
crystal she\u8217?d selected for me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not,\u8221? I laughed, but I still angled my body away from her
anyway. I heard Cyra reach into her pocket for her coins, and the shopkeeper
attempted to tell her more information about her chosen monster as well, but my
wife politely declined to hear about it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We have some experience with monster identification,\u8221? she said in a
firm but polite tone. \u8220?We should be able to figure it out on our own. But
thank you anyway.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of c-course,\u8221? the shopkeeper stammered. \u8220?Both of ye have a
great day.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We will,\u8221? I said over my shoulder. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra crossed over to my side and linked her elbow through mine, and after we
shared a brief smile, we stepped out of the shop and back out into the
winter\u8217?s day. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I hope you didn\u8217?t pick something lame for me,\u8221? Cyra teased me
as she used her free hand to tuck the crystal she chose into the pocket of her
coat. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Have some faith in me,\u8221? I chuckled. \u8220?I think I chose one
you\u8217?ll like.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Where shall we go to reveal our selections to one another?\u8221? my wife
asked me as we wandered down the cobblestone street, and her elegant neck craned
around the square as she tried to locate a good place for us to stop. \u8220?
Assuming that you want to do it now, of course.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maybe we could exchange them now, but summon them when we return
home?\u8221? I proposed. \u8220?Build up a little intrigue?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s wicked, Gryff.\u8221? Cyra narrowed her eyes at me. \u8220?But
it also sounds fun. Okay, let\u8217?s do it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We reached into our respective pockets and retrieved the crystals we\u8217?d just
purchased for one another. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Count of three?\u8221? I asked. \u8220?One\u8230? two\u8230?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Three!\u8221? Cyra exclaimed, and we swapped our essence crystals.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My wife had selected an essence crystal I was entirely unfamiliar with. It was
long and prism-shaped, with multiple gleaming sides and a touch of translucence.
The gem itself was an odd golden-yellow shade, and I eyed it with a curious
gaze. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would guess, but I really have no clue what this is,\u8221? I chuckled as
I held the stone in the sunlight. The bright rays shined through the crystal and
made it glow as if it were made of sunlight itself. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you like it?\u8221? Cyra asked. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I do.\u8221? I smiled at her. \u8220?I have no clue what the monster is,
but the crystal itself is lovely.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good.\u8221? My wife grinned over at me proudly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And what about you?\u8221? I gestured at the dark red crystal in her hands.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love it,\u8221? Cyra responded as she ran her thumb along the smooth
surface of the stone. \u8220?Though, I also have no clue what this is. It feels
powerful, whatever it is.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, I wouldn\u8217?t buy you a weak stone,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?
I\u8217?m excited to see these guys in action.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, too,\u8221? Cyra agreed as she spun her new crystal in her hands.
\u8220?This was such a good idea.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I agree.\u8221? I smiled at her. I gave my new crystal one last look, and
then I stashed it away in an empty spot in my bandolier. \u8220?Shall we go find
something else to do?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let\u8217?s do it.\u8221? My wife nodded. She tucked her crystal away, and
once it was secure, she held her hand out. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I happily took it in mine, and together, we continued back down the cobblestone
streets. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra and I spent the next couple of days relaxing, enjoying delicious food, and
spending quality time with one another. My curly-haired wife and I made love so
much I swore I was going to run out of seed, and yet, I couldn\u8217?t get my fill
of her. Sex with Cyra was addictive, and it was hard to keep my hands off my
gorgeous bride. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nattanger proved to be just the romantic getaway we needed. There weren\u8217?t
too many crazy tourist destinations or impressive sights, but we had a fun time
regardless, and it was nice to move at a slower pace for once. Cyra and I were able
to focus on each other, so while our activities weren\u8217?t too intense, it was
the perfect trip nonetheless. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Finally, it was time for us to return to Varle, and I could tell Cyra wasn\u8217?t
excited to return. The morning of our departure, the dark-skinned summoner slowly
and meticulously packed her clothing into her suitcase, and she seemed to labor
over the simple task. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll take another trip soon,\u8221? I told her as I zipped up my own
suitcase and set it on the ground. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know\u8230?\u8221? she drawled. \u8220?I\u8217?m not nearly as bummed out
as I appear to be. This trip was really fun, but I do miss Milo a lot, and I\u8217?
m kind of ready to get back to Varle and see my sister-wives again. I miss them
almost as much as Milo.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Did I just hear Cyra Porter admit she misses the Enclave?\u8221? I teased
her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sort of.\u8221? Cyra smirked softly. \u8220?Don\u8217?t make a big deal out
of it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We finished packing up the room, and after we double-checked that we had
everything, we locked up the room and headed downstairs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As Cyra gave Rusty some farewell scratches, I paid Karla for our stay, and after
exchanging pleasant words with the innkeeper, we picked up our luggage and walked
out to the carriage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gave the driver our destination, and then I helped Cyra load our stuff into the
vehicle. We climbed into the cabin, and once we were settled into the plush seats,
I wrapped my arm around Cyra, and the summoner rested her head on my shoulder.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ready to return to real life?\u8221? I asked her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? she replied, and she burrowed her head deeper into my
collarbone. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I laid my head against hers, and as the carriage took off, I closed my eyes and
drifted off into a dreamless nap. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I slept for almost the entirety of the trip and only roused when the carriage hit
a bump. Cyra stirred beneath me, and we carefully disentangled from each other and
stretched out our coiled limbs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sleep well?\u8221? I asked Cyra, and the curly-haired mage rubbed at her
eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well enough,\u8221? she managed. \u8220?Where are we?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I leaned over to the window, and when I peered out at the familiar green hillside,
a smile broke out across my face. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re almost home,\u8221? I reported. \u8220?I\u8217?d say only a
little while longer until we\u8217?re back at the mansion.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sure enough, the rest of the ride lasted about half an hour or so, and when the
vehicle pulled up to our white mansion, I was surprised to see another carriage
parked in the circular drive. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Company?\u8221? Cyra frowned as she peered out the window. \u8220?I wonder
who that could be.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That looks like one of the Academy\u8217?s carriages,\u8221? I realized.
\u8220?Which means it\u8217?s either Sleet or the research team. Maybe both.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, shit, you\u8217?re right,\u8221? my dark-haired wife gulped. \u8220?
This can\u8217?t be good.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It never is,\u8221? I groaned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
If the headmaster was at our home, odds were it wasn\u8217?t just for a social
call. Either something was wrong, or we were being sent on a mission. Either way,
the honeymoon was officially over, and it was time to resume our military
duties. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra and I retrieved our luggage, and once we departed the cabin and paid the
driver for his services, we made our way up the drive and into the mansion. My
heart thudded in my chest, and Cyra wore a similar expression of concern.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached over with the hand that wasn\u8217?t gripping my suitcase and rubbed my
wife\u8217?s back. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Whatever it is, we\u8217?ll get through it,\u8221? I insisted.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?I know,\u8221? Cyra said quietly. \u8220?We always do.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her words seemed level enough, but it was the curly-haired summoner\u8217?s tone
that worried me, and I could see Cyra\u8217?s lower lip tremble.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s wrong, my love?\u8221? I asked her outright.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nothing.\u8221? She shook her head, but then she stopped in her tracks and
bit her lower lip. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, we\u8217?re married now,\u8221? I reminded her gently. \u8220?
Don\u8217?t feel like you have to hide anything from me, especially now. If
something\u8217?s bothering you, I want to know.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, I know.\u8221? Cyra gave me a thin-lipped smile. \u8220?I\u8217?ve
never held back before. This is going to sound dumb, because that\u8217?s just the
nature of war, but it seems like every time we get a visit from Sleet or the
research team, either you, or someone in the family gets sent off on a mission, and
they\u8217?re gone for Maker knows how long. And with Hunnah and Quilla unaccounted
for\u8230? I don\u8217?t know. I guess I\u8217?m just bummed out at the idea of you
leaving again so soon.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We don\u8217?t know what they\u8217?re going to say,\u8221? I insisted.
\u8220?And it doesn\u8217?t sound dumb. Trust me, my heart rate elevated when I saw
the carriage in the drive. But whatever the reason, we\u8217?ll make it through it,
even if I have to leave for just a little while. I promise.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know,\u8221? she said. \u8220?Thanks for the reminder, Mr. Porter.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Anytime, Mrs. Porter,\u8221? I replied, and after I gave Cyra a wink, we
continued up the drive and into the house. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cyra, Gryff!\u8221? Arwyn greeted us once we stepped into the foyer.
\u8220?Welcome home!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The crimson-haired healer crossed over to us and swept us into a brief hug. When
she pulled away, I noticed my lover\u8217?s amber eyes were ringed by dark circles,
like she\u8217?d had more than one sleepless night, and my eyebrows creased
together with concern. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Arwyn, are you alright?\u8221? I asked, and it took all of my willpower to
keep my voice from crescendoing in alarm. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m fine,\u8221? she assured me quickly. \u8220?I know I look a
little worse for wear, but I promise, I\u8217?m doing just fine.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We noticed the carriage outside,\u8221? I brought up as I eyed my
girlfriend with concern. \u8220?What\u8217?s going on?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?d be better for the headmaster to explain it to you
himself,\u8221? Arwyn said vaguely, and she inclined her head toward the formal
sitting room just off the foyer. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I craned my neck, and sure enough, Marangur Sleet was seated in a large leather
armchair in our formal sitting room. The renowned storm mage had his legs crossed
formally, and his hands rested in his lap. His pale, nearly white eyes were sharp
as they looked over his shoulder in my direction, so I knew whatever he was about
to tell me wasn\u8217?t good. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ah, Mister Gryff, right on time,\u8221? Sleet called out to me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra squeezed my hand, and after an encouraging but thin-lipped smile from Arwyn,
I crossed over to the room. The space was outfitted with plush leather arm chairs,
a couch, and a table in the center, and we usually only utilized it for meetings
and important conversations with guests. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
If Sleet was seated in here, odds were something was amiss.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s going on?\u8221? I repeated as we stepped through the doorway.
\u8220?Is everything alright?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Unfortunately it\u8217?s not,\u8221? the headmaster replied, and he gave me
a thin-lipped smile. \u8220?I hate to bring this to you so soon after your
honeymoon, but the news couldn\u8217?t wait any longer.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The news?\u8221? I frowned. \u8220?What do you mean by that?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The vague and ominous tone of the headmaster\u8217?s voice was only furthering my
anxiety on the matter, and I wanted him to just tell me outright what was going on.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sleet leaned forward in his chair and inclined his head toward the leather
armchair closest to his. \u8220?I\u8217?d suggest you take a seat, Gryff.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re starting to worry me, headmaster,\u8221? I said, but I did as
instructed and sat down in the chair across from him. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra perched on the wide leather arm, and together, we waited for Sleet to
continue. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?My apologies,\u8221? Sleet replied as he straightened the sleeves of his
jacket. \u8220?My intentions aren\u8217?t to scare you, but to keep you updated on
these matters. I\u8217?m sorry to bring this to you just after your return, but
this couldn\u8217?t wait much longer.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I understand.\u8221? I nodded. A knot had begun to form in my throat, and I
gulped heavily to try to push it down, but my efforts were useless.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sleet took a deep breath, but he seemed reluctant to tell me what was wrong and
took a moment to gather his thoughts before he proceeded. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?There\u8217?s been monster sightings throughout Mistral,\u8221? the
headmaster revealed in a solemn tone. \u8220?And we think they belong to Hunnah and
Quilla.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Seven
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck,\u8221? I cursed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Of course, the moment I returned from my honeymoon, the last remaining Archons
decided they wanted to stir up trouble. The monster goddesses weren\u8217?t exactly
known for their considerate behavior, but Maker, they never gave us enough time to
recover between encounters. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This isn\u8217?t good,\u8221? Cyra breathed, and the chocolate-skinned mage
shook her head in disbelief. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My wife was absolutely correct. Even though the pair of Archons were outnumbered
by the goddesses I had under my control, Hunnah and Quilla were the second and
third eldest of their sisters, so I couldn\u8217?t underestimate their strength and
magical abilities, no matter how confident I wanted to be. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Unfortunately, I\u8217?d have to agree with your assessment, Cyra,\u8221?
Headmaster Sleet sighed. \u8220?This certainly isn\u8217?t a good situation in the
slightest, and I fear it will only get worse.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Headmaster Sleet, when you say monster sightings, how many does that
include?\u8221? I inquired. \u8220?Is it another herd, and if so, are they the same
size as Carth\u8217?s team was? And where were they seen last? Have they
infiltrated the Enclave, or leveled any surrounding towns like Carth\u8217?s
creatures did to Adorna?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My mouth moved faster than my brain could keep up with, but all it took was a
quick touch from Cyra for me to settle down. The chocolate-skinned summoner flashed
me a soothing glance, and I consciously relaxed my shoulders and the fists I\u8217?
d unknowingly formed in my lap. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 The aforementioned village of Adorna had been the site of Nia and I\u8217?s
honeymoon up until one of Carth\u8217?s monsters, an enormous black slime creature
called a vinkrimsul, had swept through the town and reduced it to rubble. Last
I\u8217?d heard, the village had come together and gotten assistance from villages
in the region to rebuild what\u8217?d been destroyed, but if there was another herd
of mega-sized monsters on the horizon, the destruction Varle faced could be just as
catastrophic. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?One question at a time, Mister Gryff,\u8221? Sleet replied in a calm
tone. \u8220?I\u8217?ll try to answer what I can, but I will warn you that many of
the details are still incoming.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Okay.\u8221? I nodded, and I took a deep breath once more. \u8220?Sorry for
speeding through.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?To answer the question of size, they aren\u8217?t nearly as large as
Carth\u8217?s herd,\u8221? Sleet began. \u8220?If the reports are as accurate as
they seem to be, we\u8217?d venture to guess they\u8217?re Grade-C monsters at
most.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank the Maker.\u8221? Cyra let out a sigh of relief. \u8220?I wasn\u8217?
t looking forward to another herd of giant monsters.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Giant, no, but there might still be a herd,\u8221? the headmaster addressed
my wife, and then he stroked his closely-trimmed silver beard. \u8220?Carth had a
variety of monsters under her control, but all of these reported sightings have
been of the same creature, only in different places at once.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The same one?\u8221? Cyra repeated back, and her dark eyebrows knitted
together. \u8220?How is that possible?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is the creature common, then?\u8221? I frowned. \u8220?A popular breed of
monster, some kind of pest?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
All of the Archons had three personal monsters under their command, except for
Carth, who\u8217?d used her influence magic to garner an entire herd of mega-sized
creatures. From what I understood about the monster goddesses, amassing that many
creatures was a rarity amongst them, so my brain struggled to understand how a
horde of monsters could solely belong to Hunnah and Quilla, especially ones of an
identical variety. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?These aren\u8217?t creatures we\u8217?ve ever encountered before,\u8221?
Sleet replied to me as he leaned back further. \u8220?At least not ones that have
been documented in the past few hundred years, which is why we think they belong to
the remaining Archons. The research team has been trying to find mentions of the
monsters in every monster identification text and manuscript available to us, but
we can\u8217?t find them anywhere, so we can only assume they belong to the
Archons. It seems unlikely a new breed of monster would suddenly appear in Mistral
otherwise.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s a fair assessment,\u8221? I agreed with the headmaster.
\u8220?So, where have they been seen?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ve had reports come in over the past few days from Adorna all the
way to Ralor\u8217?s Stead,\u8221? the headmaster replied. \u8220?Grand Mage
Kenefick even received communication from his son, Nayveth, about a sighting not
far from their seaside property up north.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nayveth Kenefick was Nia\u8217?s older brother and an exceptionally gifted water
mage who could speak with marine animals. He\u8217?d been one of my groomsmen when
I\u8217?d married Nia, but I hadn\u8217?t seen him in person since just after the
wedding. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The entire Kenefick family had lived in the Hartmire Enclave until the infamous
battle that nearly leveled the entire city. When the Enclave fell, Nayveth had
traveled with Nia\u8217?s mother, Narissa, to an oceanside village while Nia\u8217?
s father oversaw the rebuilding of their home in Hartmire. Through letters,
we\u8217?d heard a while ago that Narissa had since returned to Hartmire, but
Nayveth remained in the village near the sea. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What would bring them all the way up there?\u8221? I wondered. \u8220?And
what would they want with a small village up north? This is all so
strange.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Indeed it is,\u8221? Sleet sighed. \u8220?The first warning we got of the
creature was from Ralor\u8217?s Stead, and then the following day, we received four
more reports. It was almost as if the herd of monsters had manifested in every
corner of Mistral.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know there\u8217?s still plenty of questions to answer, but what kind of
monster are we talking about?\u8221? I frowned. \u8220?What have the reports said
about them?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t have a name to attach to them, but every communication
we\u8217?ve received has described the monsters as wolf-like,\u8221? the headmaster
replied to me, and he folded his hands neatly in his lap. \u8220?Similar in stature
to those that reside in the forests of Mistral, though these monsters aren\u8217?t
the same as the wild animals we have here. According to the reports, they\u8217?re
slightly larger in size, long-legged, and have a strange composition that makes
them almost appear\u8230? translucent, as if they\u8217?re phantoms of some sort.
It\u8217?s highly unusual.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Mistwolves, }Xanrith suddenly whispered in my mind, and I sat up straight in my
chair. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mistwolves?\u8221? I repeated back to her, just to make sure I\u8217?d
heard her right. \u8220?What are those?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
The monsters he\u8217?s just described sound just like Hunnah\u8217?s mistwolves,}
the flame-winged Archon continued on in a low voice. {\i
They\u8217?re her personal summons, and there\u8217?s an entire pack of them.}
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck,\u8221? I muttered. \u8220?A pack of monsters that belong to one
Archon? I thought Carth was the only one with a herd.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Fuck, indeed,} Xan agreed. {\i
And yes, the entire pack belongs to Hunnah. In the beginning of our existence, she
raised one from a pup. Mistwolves were rare back then, but not near extinction as
they are today. Once Hunnah\u8217?s pup was full-grown, she acquired another, a
young she-wolf who bonded with the other wolf immediately. Together, the mistwolves
sired offspring, and their bloodline are the monsters that are currently roaming
about the country.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?Sounds like Hunnah is quite the breeder. If
this taking over the realm thing doesn\u8217?t work out, perhaps she can find
work\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Her pack is exceptionally powerful,} Xan continued on. {\i
The alpha wolf and his mate were two of the strongest of their kind, so each of
their offspring may not have the size advantage of the creatures Carth amassed, but
they have speed, intelligence, and physical properties that make them nearly
impossible to catch. They\u8217?re quite deadly, especially to unarmed civilians in
the Wilds. If Hunnah has sent the pack to the human realm, we\u8217?re in for some
trouble. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are they vicious?\u8221? I wondered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
They can be,} the umber-skinned Archon answered in a serious tone. {\i
This isn\u8217?t a threat to be taken mildly. If Hunnah has sent her pack out into
the human realm, there\u8217?s something wrong.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Cyra prompted me, and I snapped out of my daze. \u8220?You
just zoned out and did that thing with your eyes, so I\u8217?m guessing you were
speaking with the Archons. Did they have anything to say about the
creatures?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Archon,\u8221? I corrected my wife. \u8220?It\u8217?s only Xan. But she
says if the descriptions are true, the monsters are called mistwolves, and they
belong to Hunnah.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mistwolves,\u8221? Sleet repeated back to me, and he stroked his beard
again as he thought about it. \u8220?Interesting, I\u8217?ve never heard the name
before. Well, at least we\u8217?ve been given confirmation, and a name to attach to
the creature. Did the Archon Xanrith give any more insight?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She said there\u8217?s a pack Hunnah\u8217?s raised over the years, so that
answers the question of how one monster could be in several places at once,\u8221?
I replied. \u8220?I can\u8217?t speak for the exact quantity, but if Xan\u8217?s
tone was any indication, there\u8217?s a bunch of them, and they\u8217?re all under
her command.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I wonder why Hunnah has sent them here in the first place,\u8221? Cyra
mused. \u8220?And why they would be spread out. If they were seeking revenge
against you, wouldn\u8217?t it have made more sense for her to send the pack
directly to Varle?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That was going to be my next question,\u8221? I agreed with her, and then I
turned to the headmaster. \u8220?What\u8217?s happened in these encounters? Have
the mistwolves attacked the villages in the way Carth\u8217?s did, or were they
just skulking around?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?For now, it appears to be skulking,\u8221? the headmaster said. \u8220?A
few of the reports mention snarls and growls when civilians attempted to approach,
but there have been no casualties or injuries from the creatures.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ve never heard of passive monsters,\u8221? I said. \u8220?It seems
odd to me that they haven\u8217?t attacked anyone.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Are they searching for something?\u8221? Cyra wondered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s an interesting theory, Miss Cyra.\u8221? Sleet tilted his head
to the side, and the renowned storm mage sat up straighter in his seat as his pale
eyes stared at Cyra intensely. \u8220?Could you elaborate on that for us?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If they\u8217?re spread out throughout Mistral and only snarling at people
rather than attacking, my first thought would be they\u8217?re looking for
something,\u8221? my wife said. \u8220?I don\u8217?t know what that would
be--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?From what we\u8217?ve figured out from Carth\u8217?s book, it seems like
Hunnah and Quilla want to merge the realms together,\u8221? I pointed out to the
pair. \u8220?We don\u8217?t know how they intend to do it, though, so maybe
there\u8217?s something they need that they\u8217?re looking for, a piece that will
help them out, but they don\u8217?t know where it is, so they\u8217?ve sent the
pack out to search the country.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Perhaps they seek an ancient artifact of some sort,\u8221? Sleet chimed in.
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know if such a thing exists, but that seems like a reasonable
guess. Mister Gryff, would it be possible for you to interrogate Carth on the
matter since she is newly yours?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well\u8230?\u8221? I trailed off. \u8220?There\u8217?s sort of a problem
there. The last time I tried asking Carth questions, she avoided them completely.
It was almost impossible to get a helpful word out of her. All she wanted was to
deflect and play games with me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can see how that would be a problem.\u8221? The headmaster raised a dark
sterling eyebrow. \u8220?Have the others fought to provide answers as well, or is
she the first to be defiant?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s not the first, but certainly the worst,\u8221? I said, and I
rubbed the back of my neck absently. \u8220?Arwyn and Ashla think it may have
something to do with Carth\u8217?s influence magic. Her ability is all about
manipulation, so her mind might be harder to infiltrate than the other
goddesses.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Curious.\u8221? Sleet leaned back in his chair, and an amused expression
crossed his features. \u8220?The Archons are truly fascinating. Troubling, and
unpredictable, but truly fascinating.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?d be more fascinating if she belonged to anyone else\u8217?s
consciousness.\u8221? I smirked at the headmaster. \u8220?I don\u8217?t know how to
get her to answer our questions, though I haven\u8217?t made a second attempt, yet.
Perhaps she\u8217?ll be more willing now that time has passed.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?d suggest making another attempt, if possible,\u8221? the
headmaster proposed. \u8220?If she could give even the slightest indication of what
Hunnah and her pack are after, we could at least get a bit of a head start on
thwarting them.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Aside from interrogating Carth, what should we do in the meantime?\u8221?
Cyra asked Sleet. \u8220?Gryff\u8217?s the only one able to talk with her, so what
can the rest of us do to help?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?For now, we shall continue working on the translations of the texts, and
keep an eye on the situation,\u8221? Sleet decided. \u8220?Should more mistwolves
appear, we\u8217?ll take action, but until then, all we can do is survey the area
and keep the wolves away from the larger villages. A good amount of Mistral is
nervous about this new epidemic of monsters, but as long as the mistwolves remain
passive, civilians should be free of panic. You\u8217?ve given us much to ponder,
and I think we should further investigate the theory about the merging of the
worlds. Perhaps Carth\u8217?s book holds the knowledge of their plan.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s about all we can do,\u8221? I agreed with the
headmaster. \u8220?Now that I\u8217?m back from the honeymoon, I can better focus
on the research team and taming Carth.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t forget about your exam,\u8221? Sleet reminded me with a small
frown. \u8220?The impending Archon attack is obviously a high priority, but so are
your academics. If you still wish to take the comprehensive exam instead of just
rejoining your third year, make your studying an immediate priority. The research
team and I will begin to make a plan in case the situation goes awry.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I pondered the offer once more but ultimately decided to stick to my guns.
I\u8217?d committed myself to taking this exam and proving my worth, so I needed to
see it through. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, sir.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?I still intend to take the exam, and once
I pass, I\u8217?ll shift my attention to this.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The words that came from my mouth weren\u8217?t necessarily a lie, but I knew it
was going to be hard to focus on taking a test when the entire country was being
stalked by Hunnah\u8217?s monsters. I would do as the headmaster and Arwyn
requested, but only for as long as I had to. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once the exam was tackled, I would focus on the Archons. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Good,\u8221? the headmaster said, and then he rose elegantly from the
leather armchair. \u8220?For now, I shall leave you to rest. I look forward to
speaking with you soon, and even more so, I look forward to grading your exam in
its entirety.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, sir,\u8221? I said. \u8220?Please, don\u8217?t hesitate to let
me know if there\u8217?s anything else I can do.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Will do, Mister Gryff,\u8221? Sleet agreed, and the gray-haired storm mage
offered me a paternal smile. \u8220?Take the next couple of days to recuperate, and
once you\u8217?re rested, Miss Hamner and I will arrange a time for you to take
your test. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can do that.\u8221? I nodded. Then I ushered the headmaster to the front
door, and the storm mage placed his hand gently on my shoulder once we reached the
front door. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t worry, Gryff,\u8221? Sleet assured me. \u8220?We\u8217?ll get
to the bottom of this.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?I know we will.\u8221? I smiled at him. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sleet squeezed my shoulder affectionately, offered Cyra a small wave, and then
walked out the door, and once it closed behind him, I released the breath I
didn\u8217?t know I was holding and made my way back over to the formal sitting
room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra had moved from the arm to the cushion of the chair, and the dark-haired
summoner\u8217?s chin rested in her hands as she peered up at me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I knew things were going to get intense when we returned, but that occurred
much faster than I\u8217?d have guessed,\u8221? she breathed. \u8220?None of this
sounds good, Gryff.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know,\u8221? I agreed with her as I crossed into the room, perched on the
arm of the chair, and reached down to stroke her curls. \u8220?Let\u8217?s not
doomsday everything too hard until we get some of the facts together,
though.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know you\u8217?re right, but it\u8217?s hard not to freak out about
this,\u8221? Cyra sighed. \u8220?The mistwolves are passive now, but if they\u8217?
re really searching for something like we think they are, that lax attitude is only
going to change, and when it does, people could get hurt.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We won\u8217?t let that happen,\u8221? I insisted. \u8220?We\u8217?ll get
to the bottom of it soon, I promise. If I need to interrogate Carth
today--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, you look way too tired for that.\u8221? Cyra shook her head
adamantly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll be fine,\u8221? I said, but my wife turned around to face me
head-on. Her chocolate-brown eyes pleaded for me to reconsider, and after a deep
breath, I realized Cyra was right. \u8220?Okay. It can wait until
tomorrow.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We wouldn\u8217?t be able to stop them today anyway.\u8221? Cyra rested her
hand on my leg. \u8220?Unfortunately, conquering the Archons requires a good amount
of time and planning.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I wish I could hasten the process,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?I\u8217?m ready
to put all of this behind us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, too,\u8221? the umber-skinned summoner agreed with me. \u8220?We\u8217?
ll get there soon enough, my love. I promise.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra offered me a reassuring smile, but our moment was interrupted by a knock on
the wall. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you two hungry?\u8221? Arwyn asked as she poked her head in the
doorway. \u8220?I can throw together some lunch if you are, unless you\u8217?d
prefer breakfast or dinner food. If anything sounds even remotely good, we can make
it happen. \u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Honestly, I\u8217?m just kind of beat,\u8221? I admitted, and a yawn rose
up in my chest and erupted before I could stop it. \u8220?I really appreciate the
offer, it was very kind of you, but I think I should take the headmaster's advice
and get some rest. I\u8217?m still feeling pretty tired, and from the sounds of it,
I\u8217?m going to need to be as focused and attentive as possible for the next
week or so.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s a smart plan, Gryff.\u8221? Arwyn nodded, and the
gorgeous redhead stuck her hands in the pockets of her thin leather leggings. The
dark-green pants clung to her long, shapely legs like a second skin, and showed off
the contours of her perfect ass. \u8220?Well, the offer of a meal still stands once
you awaken, whenever that will be. Ashla and I will be working on the translations
this afternoon, and the others are out doing some shopping, so the house should be
nice and quiet for you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Arwyn.\u8221? I smiled at the healer mage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Of course.\u8221? She nodded, and her full lips broke into a smile. \u8220?
Go upstairs and get some rest. When you wake up, we\u8217?ll get some food in you,
and then I want to hear all about your honeymoon. Did you have a good
time?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We did,\u8221? Cyra and I spoke in unison, and then my wife and I cracked
up. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn joined in, and it was nice to have a moment of mirth amongst the chaos. Once
the laughter died, I glanced up the stairs and then turned to Cyra.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cyra, would you care to join me for a nap?\u8221? I prompted my wife.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is Milo with Maelor?\u8221? Cyra addressed Arwyn. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Yes, but he isn\u8217?t set to return until this evening,\u8221? the
redhead said. \u8220?Meriden and Maelor weren\u8217?t sure when you and Cyra would
be returning, so they offered to keep him at their place for the whole
day.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That was very kind of them,\u8221? I said. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They were more than happy to do it,\u8221? Arwyn replied as she leaned
against the staircase railing. \u8220?They love Milo, so I\u8217?m sure you were
doing them a favor as much as they were doing one for you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s an adorable mental image,\u8221? Cyra gushed. \u8220?I\u8217?m
glad the old man has taken such a shining to our son.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How could he not?\u8221? I smirked. \u8220?Milo\u8217?s hard to
resist.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It was then I noticed Arwyn\u8217?s hand rested gently on her stomach, and the
healer mage\u8217?s amber eyes were soft as she peered down.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How have you been, Arwyn?\u8221? I asked her. \u8220?With the pregnancy and
everything? I know we were only gone for a few days, but I want to make sure
you\u8217?re doing okay,\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I appreciate the concern, Gryff, but the baby and I seem to be perfectly
fine,\u8221? Arwyn assured me. \u8220?I know I don\u8217?t look my best right now,
but it\u8217?s due to a lack of sleep, not illness. In between the monster
sightings and the work with the research team, there\u8217?s been a lot of activity
around here, and I\u8217?ve admittedly been pushing myself a little too
hard.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Arwyn, you need to take better care of yourself,\u8221? I pressed. \u8220?I
know you\u8217?re just doing your job, but you also need to give yourself a moment
of rest as well. You and the baby need to be as healthy as possible, and you
can\u8217?t be healthy if you aren\u8217?t getting sleep.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I promise I\u8217?ll get to sleep earlier tonight,\u8221? Arwyn assured me
in a softened tone. \u8220?Now, enough about me. Both of you go head upstairs and
try to relax.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Will do,\u8221? I agreed with the healer mage, and even though I wanted to
ask her about her research, I decided it would be best to give her some space for
now. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we?\u8221? Cyra asked, and after I gave her a nod, we headed up the
spiral staircase with our luggage in tow. When we reached the second floor, we
filed into my bedroom, and from there, we only mustered enough effort to remove our
shoes and coats before we climbed into my nice soft bed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra curled up on her side, and I wrapped myself around her as if we were two
puzzle pieces. I breathed in the scent of her perfume and then closed my eyes.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? my dark-haired wife whispered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you,\u8221? she replied. \u8220?I know I\u8217?ve said it a million
times, but in light of everything, I just wanted to repeat it.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? I murmured, and I pulled the umber-skinned summoner
even closer. \u8220?Thanks for being my rock.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s what I\u8217?m here for,\u8221? she sighed as her eyes
fluttered closed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The bedroom fell silent, and I couldn\u8217?t stay awake any longer. Archons,
mistwolves, exams\u8230? the honeymoon was officially over, and if I wanted to face
everything to the best of my ability, I needed sleep. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
And soon, Hunnah and Quilla were going to be mine. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
For the next few days, I rested, studied, and spent quality time with my family,
and then at the end of the week, the dreaded day finally arrived.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It was time to take the comprehensive exam. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The morning of the test, Arwyn and the rest of my women had insisted I eat a
nutritious and filling breakfast, so Freya prepared a meal of eggs, fresh bread,
bacon, and various fresh fruits for everyone. We all hung around the kitchen table,
and as I sipped at my coffee, Nia and Layla quizzed me with a stack of
flashcards. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What was the reported height of a full-grown amosaur?\u8221? Nia recited
from a card. My ashen-haired wife\u8217?s eyes penetrated me with a focused gaze
meant to intimidate me, but I couldn\u8217?t be swayed.. \u8220?And what year did
they seemingly go extinct?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It was said a mature amosaur ranged around thirty feet if male, twenty-five
if female,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?And they were last seen two hundred years
ago.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Very good.\u8221? The multi-elementalist nodded, and she replaced the card
at the bottom of the deck. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Can you tell me what elemental variations there are of the chimera?\u8221?
Layla read from another card, and then she took a huge swig from her coffee cup.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ice and fire,\u8221? I answered. \u8220?There\u8217?s been speculation that
electric variants exist, but no hard evidence to back it up.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think he\u8217?s gonna ace this.\u8221? Layla grinned at Nia, and I felt
myself slightly raise my chin with pride. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d been studying hard, and I felt like I was going to pass this test with
little difficulty.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
While the pair of mages stashed away the cards, Freya and Cyra appeared with
platters of food. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Eat up, my husband,\u8221? the hawk-princess instructed me as she handed me
an overfilled plate. \u8220?You must prepare your body just as much as your mind.
Good food will help.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re too good to me,\u8221? I said as I accepted the steaming plate
from her. \u8220?Seriously, Freya, thank you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course.\u8221? My golden-haired wife nodded firmly. \u8220?It\u8217?s
what any wife would do for her husband before battle.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wellllll, I wouldn\u8217?t call an exam a battle,\u8221? I drawled as I
stabbed my fork into my eggs. The steam from the plate kicked up with the effort,
and my mouth watered at the delicious smell. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would address it as such,\u8221? Freya insisted, and her gold-flecked
brown eyes flashed. \u8220?What is a test if not a battle of your brain against a
paper? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s actually a pretty good comparison,\u8221? I realized before I
scooped up a huge bite of food and chewed it thoughtfully. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?You will do great,\u8221? Freya emphasized, and she squeezed my shoulder
before she took up the seat beside me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?ve got this in the bag, Gryffie,\u8221? Layla agreed with the
hawk-princess. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What I\u8217?m going to have is a stomach ache if I keep eating away at
this,\u8221? I laughed at the petite summoner, and then I patted the cushioned seat
beside me. \u8220?Get over here and help me get through this food,
Bethel.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You don\u8217?t have to tell me twice,\u8221? Layla chirped happily, and
she parked her tiny body in the empty chair. I passed her a fork, but she
immediately swooped in and stole a big piece of juicy bacon.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m really proud of you, Gryff,\u8221? Nia spoke up after she
swallowed a bite of toast. \u8220?You\u8217?ve really been committing yourself to
this exam and haven\u8217?t let anything else distract you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Nia,\u8221? I said. \u8220?Though I wouldn\u8217?t have gotten far
without all of you. I appreciate you all helping me with flashcards and
quizzes.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course.\u8221? Erin finally spoke up from the far end of the table.
She\u8217?d been so focused on giving Olivir his bottle, she hadn\u8217?t said a
word yet, but our strawberry-blond son had finally given in and started sucking at
it happily. \u8220?I\u8217?m glad we could help out.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You guys helped a lot,\u8221? I assured the orange-haired mimic, and Erin
flashed me a brilliant smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Have you guys seen Arwyn and Ashla this morning?\u8221? Nia wondered as she
looked around the room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ashla left early to get to the research office,\u8221? Cyra reported from
across the room. \u8220?She said she wanted to get a head start before the others
arrived. It seemed like she was on the verge of something.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, that\u8217?s great,\u8221? I said after I took another sip of my
coffee. \u8220?I\u8217?m glad someone is getting somewhere, at least.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fingers crossed,\u8221? Cyra replied. \u8220?The sooner the research team
uncovers some information from Carth\u8217?s book, the sooner we can start dealing
with the mistwolves.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I want to see a mistwolf,\u8221? Layla mused, and when we all looked at her
with similar expressions of concern, the petite mage\u8217?s golden cheeks flushed
bright red. \u8220?Not like, in a battle sense, I just want to see what they look
like. They sound kind of cool.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m sure they\u8217?ll be really cool when they\u8217?re lunging for
your throat,\u8221? Cyra teased the auburn-haired mage, and Layla playfully chucked
a grape in her direction. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s too early for food fights,\u8221? I joked just as Cyra
catapulted a grape of her own at Layla\u8217?s head. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Olivir let out a squeal as it bounced off the tiny summoner\u8217?s forehead, and
soon we all echoed the sound. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The only person who didn\u8217?t partake in the laughter was Freya, who was
preoccupied with scrubbing at a pan. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, come join us.\u8221? I tried to wave her over, but the blonde
shapeshifter only offered me a small smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am not hungry,\u8221? Freya insisted. \u8220?But thank you,
anyway.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She turned her attention back to the pan, and I felt my eyebrows crease together
involuntarily. My hawk wife always joined us for breakfast, and it wasn\u8217?t
like her to ignore a chance to socialize with us. Maybe she had a headache or a
stomachache, but something was definitely off. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The rest of my women seemed to notice something wasn\u8217?t right, either, and I
watched each of them study Freya for a moment and then look back down at their
plates inconspicuously. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Arwyn\u8217?s upstairs getting ready,\u8221? Nia answered the other half of
my question. \u8220?She was in the shower last time I checked.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Noted,\u8221? I said. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We finished breakfast in silence, and one by one, my women left the kitchen to get
to their classes, the babies, and whatever else they had planned to do for the day.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you know if everything is okay with Freya?\u8221? I asked Layla once
everyone cleared out of the room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think so.\u8221? Layla frowned. \u8220?But I\u8217?m also not entirely
sure. Why, do you think something\u8217?s wrong?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know how to explain it,\u8221? I admitted in a sheepish tone.
\u8220?But something about her feels\u8230? off.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It is unlike her to not eat,\u8221? Layla agreed. \u8220?Especially
something she\u8217?s made herself. \u8220?I know she said she wasn\u8217?t hungry,
but I wonder\u8230? do you think she\u8217?s pregnant again?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Why is that always your first thought?\u8221? I laughed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We all got pregnant so easily, it seems like a logical explanation,\u8221?
the auburn-haired mage giggled. \u8220?Your seed is pretty potent,
Gryffie.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let\u8217?s not talk about my seed right now,\u8221? I insisted as I set my
fork down. \u8220?No, I don\u8217?t think it\u8217?s pregnancy. I saw her drink her
contraceptive tea yesterday, so I\u8217?d rule out that possibility.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh,\u8221? Layla said. The petite mage raised her coffee mug to her lips
and blew gently. \u8220?Never mind, then. So, if it\u8217?s not pregnancy, what
else could be wrong?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know,\u8221? I admitted. \u8220?Did anything happen while
Cyra and I were off in Nattanger?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not that I know of,\u8221? Layla said with a small frown. \u8220?I agree
something seems off, but I can\u8217?t put my finger on it. Arwyn said her one-on-
one lessons with Freya are going super well, so it can\u8217?t be academic, and
she\u8217?s such a badass superhero mom that there\u8217?s no way it\u8217?s
Lahrra.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If you get a chance today, can you try to gather some intel from the
others?\u8221? I inquired. \u8220?I don\u8217?t like going that route, but maybe
she\u8217?s mentioned something to one of the other women that might explain
what\u8217?s going on with her.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll see what I can find out.\u8221? Layla nodded, and the petite
mage rested her small hand on my arm. \u8220?Don\u8217?t worry, Gryffie. She\u8217?
s probably okay. Freya\u8217?s tough. She might just have a headache, or needs some
rest or something. No matter what it is, we\u8217?ll get to the bottom of
it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re right,\u8221? I agreed, and my girlfriend leaned forward and
planted a soft kiss on my cheek. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, I\u8217?m right.\u8221? Layla smiled at me before she got up
from her chair and straightened out her skirt. \u8220?Now, don\u8217?t go stressing
out about this any longer. You\u8217?ve got a test to concentrate on, and I need
you to pass. I don\u8217?t need anyone to think I\u8217?m dating someone who\u8217?
s been held back. It\u8217?s bad for my reputation.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?If you weren\u8217?t so cute, I\u8217?d have to kick your butt,\u8221? I
laughed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You can find more fun ways to punish me later.\u8221? Layla winked at
me. \u8220?But only if you pass.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, then I\u8217?ll definitely be sure to ace it.\u8221? I grinned. \u8220?
And when I do, you\u8217?re mine.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?See you then.\u8221? Layla waggled her eyebrows suggestively, and then the
pixie-like summoner flitted out of the room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Though I was still worried about Freya, I found my lips remained curled up into a
smile. Layla knew just how to improve my mood, and I knew she\u8217?d be able to
uncover what was going on with my hawk wife. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
For now, I had a test to ace. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Just as I stood up from the table, Arwyn peeked her head into the doorway.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I was just coming to retrieve you.\u8221? The healer mage smiled. \u8220?
Are you ready to head up to the Academy?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn was assigned to proctor the exam, and since I was the only one who was
taking it, Headmaster Sleet decided the crimson-haired mage\u8217?s classroom was
the most private location for me to complete the test. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, ma\u8217?am,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?Will I need any of my school
supplies?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Unless you\u8217?d like to study your notes on the way there, you
won\u8217?t need anything but a writing utensil.\u8221? Arwyn shook her head. Her
scarlet hair had been straightened to perfection today and hung like a ruby curtain
down her back. The deep charcoal color of her knee-length coat made the tresses
look even brighter, and for a moment, I was distracted by her beauty.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I should be good,\u8221? I decided. \u8220?If I\u8217?m not ready now, I
won\u8217?t ever be.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s the spirit,\u8221? Arwyn chuckled. \u8220?Alright, then, grab
your coat, and we can head out.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gave the professor a quick nod and then hustled down the corridor and up to my
bedroom. I was tempted to change my mind and grab my notes, but a voice in my head
told me I was ready. I\u8217?d been studying for weeks now, and I\u8217?d prepared
myself in every possible way. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
You\u8217?ve got this, boss!} Dio exclaimed in my head. {\i
You\u8217?re a total badass, and you\u8217?re going to obliterate this exam!}
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks for the reassurance, buddy,\u8221? I laughed at my familiar. Then I
reached into my side pouch and retrieved the fang-shaped essence crystal my
creature resided in and crushed it in my hands. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When the blue-black smoke cleared, my saber-toothed-cat monster appeared, and he
gave a big stretch before he happily purred at me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Dio\u8217?s normal form was about twenty feet tall, but when we were inside, he
opted to shrink down to the size of a kitten, or sometimes a house cat. Today, he
shrunk down to his kitten-sized form, and I scooped up the tawny cat in one
hand. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You gonna be my good luck charm?\u8221? I asked him as I scratched behind
his ears. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The saber-toothed-cat\u8217?s tongue lolled out as I hit the right spot, and the
room filled with the sound of his gleeful purrs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Always,} Dio insisted. {\i
Now, let\u8217?s not keep Arwyn waiting. She\u8217?s too beautiful to be left
alone. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re such a lady killer,\u8221? I chuckled, and I hugged the cat
close to me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
You bet I am. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I closed the door behind me and carried my familiar down the stairs. Arwyn\u8217?s
amber eyes lit up when she glimpsed the cat in my arms, and without hesitation, I
passed Dio over to her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He\u8217?s so cute,\u8221? Arwyn cooed down at Dio as she kissed the top of
his tiny forehead. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 Dio\u8217?s purrs echoed through the foyer, and I was impressed a monster that
small could make such a loud sound. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He\u8217?s a baby,\u8221? I teased. \u8220?Ready to go?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Definitely.\u8221? Arwyn nodded. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The professor and I walked out the front door, and a shiver ran through me as we
stepped into the morning air. I was glad Arwyn had recommended bringing coats
because it was surprisingly chilly out, and I stuck my hands in my pockets, and
Arwyn held Dio closer. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If you\u8217?re too cold, I can stash him away for a bit,\u8221? I
suggested. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m alright,\u8221? the healer mage insisted. \u8220?My jacket has
fur on the inside, and your familiar is like a little hand warmer.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
That\u8217?s not the only thing I could warm. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I shot Dio a warning look and stifled a laugh. Despite the obvious species and
language barrier, my familiar was a massive flirt, and he especially loved to dote
on my women. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He is pretty fuzzy,\u8221? I laughed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you have any lingering questions before we reach the Academy?\u8221?
Arwyn asked. \u8220?I won\u8217?t be able to answer anything once we reach the
school, so this will be your final chance for clarification.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t think I have anything else to ask,\u8221? I said. \u8220?
Layla and Nia ran through my flashcards this morning, and I seemed to have a handle
on it all.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Excellent,\u8221? Arwyn replied. Her amber eyes were especially golden in
the morning sunlight, and combined with her pink cheeks she was looking especially
pretty. \u8220?If something pops in your head between here and there, please be
sure to speak up.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Will do,\u8221? I said, but as we walked, I couldn\u8217?t think of
anything I still didn\u8217?t know, so instead, I focused on my breathing. If I
kept a level head, I\u8217?d be able to remember everything I had studied. Worrying
would only make me trip up, so I needed to remain confident and poised.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The walk to the Academy went faster than I wanted it to, and before I knew it, we
were nearly to Arwyn\u8217?s office. As we moved down the crowded corridor, Arwyn
passed Dio back to me, and I carefully stashed the kitten-sized monster in my side
pouch. One of the conveniences of a size-shifting familiar was being able to stash
him away when necessary. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When we reached the office, Arwyn retrieved her keys from her jacket, unlocked the
door, and held it open for me to step through. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Take a seat anywhere, I\u8217?ll go ahead and grab your exam,\u8221? Arwyn
said, and then she disappeared down the corridor. The clicking sounds of the
professor\u8217?s boots echoed through the hall, and once they disappeared, I
stepped into the office and peered around. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn\u8217?s office appeared a lot messier than the last time I\u8217?d seen it.
Papers and open manuscripts drowned her desk and threatened to spill onto the
ground, and her chalkboard was filled with illegible scribbles I couldn\u8217?t
decipher no matter how hard I stared at them. Clearly, the professor had been hard
at work with her personal research, and while the messy state of her materials
worried me a bit, I was impressed by her dedication to translating the Shadowscape
texts. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I took a seat at the table across from her desk and folded my hands in front of me
as I waited for Arwyn to return. Test anxiety tried to creep in as the minutes
passed by, but I managed to push it down each time it threatened to swell.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Finally, Arwyn returned, and she gave me an apologetic smile. \u8220?Sorry that
took so long. There was something wrong with the final page I needed to
adjust.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No problem,\u8221? I said, and I gestured toward her desk. \u8220?Are you
getting any closer on any of the materials? It looks like you\u8217?ve put in a lot
of work recently.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh,\u8221? Arwyn chuckled, and her cheeks darkened a bit. \u8220?My
apologies for the mess. I haven\u8217?t had a chance to tidy up in here. I was
following a lead the other evening, and I suppose I got away with myself.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It happens.\u8221? I shrugged. \u8220?I don\u8217?t mind. This is your
office after all.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can discuss those things later,\u8221? the crimson-haired healer assured
me, and then she handed me the exam. \u8220?Are you ready for this?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am.\u8221? I grinned. I knew my smile probably looked cocky, but I was
feeling alright. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Brilliant.\u8221? Arwyn gave me a dazzling smile of her own. \u8220?This
isn\u8217?t timed, so don\u8217?t feel like you need to rush. Whether you require
six hours or six minutes, I\u8217?ve cleared my schedule for you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t think it\u8217?ll take six hours, but thank you for setting
that time aside for me anyway,\u8221? I thanked her as I flipped through the exam
papers. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll go ahead and leave you to it, then.\u8221? Arwyn nodded
curtly. \u8220?I\u8217?ll be at my desk working on a few things. Just look up when
you\u8217?re finished.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The professor crossed back over to her desk, and once she was seated, I took a
deep breath and raised my pen. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It was time to make this test my bitch. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Up until this moment, I\u8217?d been extremely nervous to take the test, but now
that it was in front of me, all of my fears melted away. I recognized each of the
questions from my tutoring sessions with Arwyn, and I managed to fly through the
multiple-choice section with ease. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Why had I been so stressed in the first place? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once I finished the multiple-choice section, I moved on to the essay portion of
the exam, which was slightly more challenging. I took the time to write out my
answers to the best of my ability and took care in choosing my words carefully. I
wanted to demonstrate to both Arwyn and Sleet that I\u8217?d learned plenty in
between classes and my time in the field, and that I was worthy of moving into my
third year. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The test itself took me an hour or so to complete, and once I finished penning my
last essay question, I flipped through the many pages of the test to double-check
my responses. I was confident in my choices, but I wanted to make sure I
hadn\u8217?t missed anything anyway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn looked up from her notebook once I set my pen down, and the healer mage
offered me a smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?All done?\u8221? she asked. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, Miss Hamner,\u8221? I replied in the most studious tone I could
manage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Always so cheeky.\u8221? Arwyn smirked. \u8220?If you weren\u8217?t so
cute, I would rap you on the wrists for your naughtiness.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Can we revisit that fantasy later?\u8221? I asked. \u8220?That sounds
pretty damn pleasant to me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The redhead stood up, walked around her desk, and collected my exam from me. Her
eyes trailed across the pages as she leafed through them, and once she\u8217?d
scanned every page, she gave me another smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I should have this graded soon,\u8221? she announced. \u8220?Once it\u8217?
s done, I have to discuss your results with the headmaster, and we\u8217?ll figure
out how to proceed from there. Does that sound alright?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re the teacher, not me,\u8221? I reminded her. \u8220?But, yes,
that sounds great. Thank you, Arwyn.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s no trouble at all,\u8221? the professor assured me. \u8220?I
watched you take the exam, and if your level of concentration is any indication, I
have no doubt you passed.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I hope you\u8217?re right,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?I worked really
hard.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know you did,\u8221? Arwyn replied. \u8220?I\u8217?m really proud of how
dedicated you were to taking this exam. I know it was a big ask, and I also know
the headmaster offered to plunk you back into classes without it, but I think your
decision to take the test shows how far you\u8217?ve come since you first entered
the Academy. You\u8217?ve become a mature young man and an even more talented
student and summoner, Gryff, and I\u8217?m proud to be yours.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Arwyn,\u8221? I sighed as I stood up, crossed over to my crimson-haired
lover, and swept her into my arms. \u8220?Thank you for saying that. But I\u8217?m
the one who should be thanking you and singing your praises. I never would have
gotten this far if it weren\u8217?t for you believing in me and pushing me to be
the best possible version of myself. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to cry,\u8221? Arwyn laughed lightly as she dabbed at her
amber eyes. \u8220?My apologies, I\u8217?m just feeling awfully emotional lately.
It must be the pregnancy hormones working their way into my system.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t apologize,\u8221? I insisted as I cupped her cheek in my
hand. \u8220?I\u8217?m never going to judge you for feeling things, and I\u8217?m
especially not going to turn down compliments from you. I\u8217?ll never tire of
hearing you say you love me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn and I shared a kiss, and then we parted ways so the professor could grade my
exam. As I walked down the crowded corridor, I felt a swell of pride.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
No matter the outcome, I\u8217?d achieved what I\u8217?d set out to do, and I was
proud of my hard work. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
That evening, my women threw me a small party to celebrate me completing the
comprehensive exam. They all chipped in and surprised me with my favorite foods,
and together, we spent the evening eating, drinking, and laughing. It was nice to
celebrate my accomplishment, but I couldn\u8217?t help but notice Freya still
seemed off. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
At one point, I shot a glance at Layla to see if she\u8217?d gathered any intel,
but the auburn-haired mage shook her head apologetically. I gave her a smile to
thank her anyway, and then I looked over at my hawk wife. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Despite all of the talking in the room, the blonde wasn\u8217?t engaged in
conversation, and from the look of her plate, she\u8217?d barely touched her food.
Her face was entirely unreadable, and my mind began to spin out as I tried to
figure out what could be wrong. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When the warrior princess silently excused herself, I rose from the table and
followed her into the living room. She immediately crossed to the window, and as
she stared out into the moonlit night, I watched a chill travel up her spine.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya?\u8221? I prompted my wife, and when she turned around to face me, I
noticed the whites of her eyes were slightly red as if she\u8217?d been crying.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sorry,\u8221? the shapeshifter apologized. \u8220?I did not mean to leave
the room. My stomach is behaving badly again, and I was afraid I was going to be
sick--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is everything alright?\u8221? I asked the hawk-princess as I stared into
her lovely golden-brown eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 My wife\u8217?s lower lip trembled, and I could tell something was on her mind. I
didn\u8217?t want to press the issue too far, but I couldn\u8217?t stand another
minute thinking Freya was in distress. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No,\u8221? Freya admitted to me. \u8220?Not everything.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, is there anything I can do to make it right?\u8221? I wondered. I sat
down on the leather couch, and then I patted the empty cushion beside me. \u8220?
Come, talk to me about it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya rubbed her arm and then stepped over to the couch and sat down gracefully.
She tugged at a strand of blonde hair, and with every second of silence, my
anticipation grew. Finally, she raised her chin, and her eyes bored into mine.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, I want to go home.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Eight
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What do you mean, Freya?\u8221? I frowned. \u8220?We\u8217?re home right
now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not here.\u8221? The blonde shapeshifter shook her head insistently.
\u8220?I mean my original home in Hawk Clan. I have been thinking about it for the
past few days, and I would like to return as soon as possible.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?re you saying?\u8221? I asked, and my heart felt like it was
plummeting off a cliff. \u8220?I don\u8217?t think I\u8217?m following.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya\u8217?s words had been in the common tongue, so I wanted to believe this was
just a miscommunication or mistranslation, but my wife\u8217?s face was as stoic
and unreadable as ever. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I want to go home,\u8221? Freya repeated in a firm tone. \u8220?To Eyrie
Island. I miss my mother and father, and I miss my sweet Vahla. It\u8217?s been so
long since I\u8217?ve seen them, and the wedding made me see just how much I wanted
to be with them again. I miss spreading my wings and feeling the wind on my
back.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya\u8230? \u8221? I trailed off as I struggled to find the right words
to say. \u8220?I don\u8217?t understand.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The blonde shapeshifter tilted her head to the side in a bird-like way. \u8220?Why
do you look so saddened, my mate? Did I say something wrong?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I let go of her hands, stood up from the couch, and began to pace around the room
anxiously. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I-I\u8217?m just trying to understand why you want to leave us,\u8221? I
stammered as my mind ran in circles trying to make sense of things. Was I wrong
when I believed Freya had finally assimilated to her life in Mistral, and if I was,
what would that mean for us and our family? \u8220?I understand the homesickness,
trust me, I do, but I thought we were all happy together here. Was I wrong to
assume that?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am happy here.\u8221? Freya frowned. \u8220?In fact, I am incredibly
happy.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Then why would you want to leave us?\u8221? I repeated.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t want to leave anyone,\u8221? the warrior princess
insisted. \u8220?I just want to go back home.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My eyebrows knitted together. \u8220?I\u8217?m sorry, but now I\u8217?m really not
following what you\u8217?re saying.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You told me when I was in the beginning of my pregnancy that once Lahrra
was born, we could go and see my mother and father,\u8221? Freya said. \u8220?Is
that still an acceptable request?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 Suddenly, everything made sense. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Maker, do you mean you want to go back to Hawk Clan for a visit?\u8221?
I clarified. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course.\u8221? Freya nodded, as if it were completely obvious. \u8220?
What did you think I meant?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, you nearly gave me a heart attack,\u8221? I laughed, and I placed my
hand on my chest in relief. \u8220?I was worried you meant you wanted to return to
Hawk Clan permanently.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, no, no!\u8221? Freya shook her head back and forth. \u8220?No, my
husband, I do not wish to abandon our family. I would never leave my sister-wives
or my beloved husband. I simply want to visit and introduce our daughter to her
grandmother and grandfather. I miss them and my sister.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I took a deep breath in an attempt to calm down. Thank the Maker this was all just
a misunderstanding, because I was nearly on the verge of losing my mind.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If you want to visit your parents, we can make that happen,\u8221? I
assured her as I took her hands in mine. \u8220?I don\u8217?t like seeing you so
unhappy, so if there\u8217?s anything I can do to make you happier, let\u8217?s do
it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Really?\u8221? Freya asked in a hopeful tone, and her face lit up with
excitement. It was rare to see the warrior princess fully display her emotions, and
the sight was lovely. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, my love,\u8221? I insisted. \u8220?I promised you we could go,
and I\u8217?m not one to break promises. I think it\u8217?s important your parents
meet our daughter, and I\u8217?d certainly love to see them again.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Gryff.\u8221? Freya flew up from the couch, threw her arms around me,
and pressed her body against me so tightly I could barely breathe. \u8220?Thank
you, my mate. I\u8217?m so relieved to hear you are fine with it. I was so nervous
you weren\u8217?t going to agree, and I felt bad that I was ruining the evening
when we\u8217?re supposed to be celebrating your victory.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s no problem at all,\u8221? I assured her once she loosened her
grip around my torso. \u8220?Don\u8217?t apologize for that. I\u8217?m glad you
told me, and besides, you left your entire life behind when you joined me and the
others. The least I can do is take you back to Hawk Clan for a visit.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t regret my choices for a single moment,\u8221? the warrior
princess insisted. \u8220?I knew from the second I met you that I would follow you
to the ends of the world, and I do not regret the decision to come back to Mistral
with you. Varle has taken some time to adjust to, and there is much I still do not
know, but I have been happy here with you, our daughter, and my beloved sister-
wives. The only sadness that reaches my heart comes when I think of my family in
Hawk Clan. I miss the people who raised me from a fledgling. I might live in
Mistral now, but being the daughter of a chief will always be a part of
me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And I wouldn\u8217?t want you to let go of that for anything,\u8221? I said
in a firm tone. \u8220?Your dedication and loyalty to your Clan are part of what
made me fall in love with you in the first place. You might be a part of this
family, but you\u8217?re also a part of theirs, and I don\u8217?t expect you to
abandon your other family and never see them again.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?When may we leave?\u8221? the hawk-princess asked with widened eyes.
\u8220?I know there is much to pack and plan before we can depart\u8230?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Before I can give you a definitive answer, I\u8217?ll have to speak with
Arwyn and Headmaster Sleet,\u8221? I said. \u8220?With the mistwolf sightings
around Mistral, I don\u8217?t know when would be the best time to leave. If Hunnah
and Quilla were to show up, and I wasn\u8217?t here\u8230? \u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A lump formed in my throat, and I couldn\u8217?t bring myself to finish my
sentence. If the remaining Archons arrived at the Enclave, and I wasn\u8217?t
around to stop them, I would blame myself completely. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I understand.\u8221? Freya nodded, and she tucked a strand of golden hair
behind her ear. \u8220?Duties to Mistral must come first. I only request we make
the plan to visit Hawk Clan as soon as it is safe enough to do so. I don\u8217?t
want to pull you away if we are needed here. The monster goddesses must be claimed
by you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If somehow, things start to seem like they\u8217?re improving, maybe we
could make it happen over winter break,\u8221? I proposed to her. \u8220?I
can\u8217?t promise it\u8217?ll be possible that early--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can wait,\u8221? Freya interjected. \u8220?Knowing we will visit soon is
enough to ease my sadness. I have waited this long, and I will continue to wait as
long as I have to.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll make it happen,\u8221? I assured her. \u8220?Whether it\u8217?s
winter break or just a little bit after, I\u8217?ll find a way to take you back to
Eyrie Island.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I wasn\u8217?t sure how soon I would be able to get the warrior princess back to
visit with her family, but I would do my damndest to make it sooner rather than
later. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, my parents will be so happy to meet Lahrra,\u8221? Freya mused, and her
soft pink lips turned upward into a smile. \u8220?For so many years, we discussed
what it would be like to grow our family and fortify the strength of the clan with
grandchildren, and now here I am with a child of my own. It feels so strange to
think of those times now, they feel so long ago.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They\u8217?re going to love her.\u8221? I smiled. Our golden-haired,
golden-eyed daughter could charm anyone with a single look, and I knew Hawk Clan
would adore their newest princess as much as we did. \u8220?I just know they will.
Your mother is going to weep with joy when she sees how adorable Lahrra
is.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Vahla will be happy, too,\u8221? my wife sighed happily. \u8220?She loves
babies, and I know she will love her niece most of all.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla was Freya\u8217?s younger sister, and I knew while my golden-haired wife was
happy when she\u8217?d left Hawk Clan to join me, she missed her sibling dearly.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m sure she will,\u8221? I agreed. \u8220?It\u8217?ll be nice to
visit with her again, and I\u8217?m sure she\u8217?ll be thrilled to see you both.
I\u8217?m curious to see how the Clans have progressed since we left.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am wondering that as well,\u8221? Freya said. \u8220?I remain hopeful we
will return to an island of peace and that conflict no longer touches it.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
For nearly their entire history, the different Southern Clans had been at war with
each other over territory. The biggest source of conflict had been the dispute
between Hawk Clan and Moose Clan, and I knew my wife still held on to anger toward
the latter. Moose Clan had been responsible for the kidnapping of her mother,
Ratreya, when Freya was a young girl, and she\u8217?d never released her resentment
toward the moose shifters for taking her mother away. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
This hatred carried over to her relationship with Mur, too. No matter how hard I
tried to get the pair of shifters to be friends, Freya refused to acknowledge the
moose as anything but her enemy. Maybe a trip back to the Southern Continent would
help mend the relationship, but it was doubtful. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?May we bring Cyra with us as well?\u8221? the warrior princess inquired.
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know if she would wish to come, but I would like her to join
us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?I don\u8217?t see why Cyra wouldn\u8217?t want to.\u8221? I shrugged.
\u8220?She is your closest friend, after all.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cyra told me we are what\u8217?s known as \u8216?best
friends\u8217?,\u8221? Freya emphasized, and my hawk wife\u8217?s excitement over
the term was adorable. \u8220?She has met my parents before, but we were not
\u8216?best friends\u8217? at that time. I would like for my family to properly
know my sister-wife.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s a really great idea,\u8221? I agreed with her.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, I would like to ask our other sister-wives as well,\u8221? the
blonde shapeshifter insisted. \u8220?We are family, so I know they would be
welcomed back by my mother and father.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can ask them if that\u8217?s what you want,\u8221? I said. \u8220?If
your parents would be okay with all of us there, I don\u8217?t see why we
wouldn\u8217?t all go for a visit. We\u8217?ll just need to make sure everyone is
comfortable traveling so far with the children.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That is a fair point.\u8221? Freya nodded, and she gave me a thoughtful
look. \u8220?I want them to join us, but only as long as the babies will be safe. I
will speak with my sister-wives and determine their feelings on the
matter.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Speaking of the others, would you like to rejoin them back in the
kitchen?\u8221? I proposed. \u8220?I\u8217?m sure everyone\u8217?s wondering where
we\u8217?ve disappeared to by now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? Freya decided. \u8220?I would like to celebrate my
husband\u8217?s triumph over the dreaded exam with my sister-wives now that my
sadness has faded.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her full pink lips were still curled up in a radiant smile, and relief flooded
through me as we stood up from the couch. Then I wrapped my arms around my hawk
wife and kissed the top of her head. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you,\u8221? I said. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? the shapeshifter replied, and she nestled her head
in the crook of my shoulder. The lavender and sea salt smell of her hair was
familiar and intoxicating, and as I hugged my wife, I was reminded of the dark seas
of the Southern Continent. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Before we tell the others about the plan, I\u8217?ll need to talk to Sleet
and Arwyn,\u8221? I said once we pulled away from one another. \u8220?So,
let\u8217?s keep this between us for right now. I\u8217?m sure they won\u8217?t
have any issues with it, but I would rather do the responsible thing
first.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I won\u8217?t say anything until then,\u8221? Freya agreed with a vigorous
nod. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When we walked into the kitchen hand-in-hand, the rest of our family eyed us with
curious expressions, but none of my women pressed the issue. Freya and I took our
seats at the table, and Layla continued on with a story about a stray dog her
brother had brought home once. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I studied Freya as we laughed, and I was pleased to see the princess in a better
mood. I wasn\u8217?t sure if leaving Varle was the best idea, considering the
circumstances, but for my women, I would do whatever it took to keep them happy.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The following day, Arwyn and I were invited to Headmaster Sleet\u8217?s office to
discuss the results of my exam, and while we were there, I planned to knock out two
birds with one stone and go ahead and ask about whether a trip to Eyrie Island was
going to be possible or not. Though I was sure of the answer, I had to try
anyway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As Arwyn and I made the long and winding trek to the headmaster\u8217?s office, my
heart thrummed frantically in my chest like a hummingbird\u8217?s wings. I was
certain I did well on my exam, but a tiny hint of doubt curled itself around the
back of my mind that I just couldn\u8217?t shake. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I tried to keep an air of calmness in front of Arwyn, but the crimson-haired
professor saw right through it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Breathe, Gryff,\u8221? she instructed me in a softened tone. \u8220?
Don\u8217?t be nervous.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not nerv--\u8221? I began to say, but Arwyn\u8217?s eyes narrowed
before I could finish the thought. \u8220?Okay, okay, I\u8217?m a little nervous. I
was feeling decent while I took the exam yesterday, but today, I\u8217?m second-
guessing myself. I know I did better than I think I did, but there\u8217?s a lot of
pressure with this. I want to rejoin my classes and get back to a somewhat normal
life. I know that sounds silly\u8230? \u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t do that,\u8221? the healer mage assured me. \u8220?Don\u8217?t
try to downplay how you feel. I understand where your mind is at, Gryff, and I know
you care about this strongly. But take a deep breath and try to relax.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Can you just tell me if I passed or failed?\u8221? I joked. \u8220?Spare me
the anxiety over all of this?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The headmaster made me promise to keep the results to myself,\u8221? Arwyn
sighed, and she gave me a sympathetic smile. \u8220?I know I\u8217?m your lover,
but I have to remain objective when it comes to your academic affairs.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I had a feeling you were going to say something like that,\u8221? I
admitted. \u8220?I understand, though. We\u8217?re together, but you\u8217?re also
my professor, so I have to respect the professional boundaries.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I appreciate that.\u8221? The redheaded healer mage smiled at me. \u8220?
Don\u8217?t worry yourself too much, though. We\u8217?re nearly there, so you
won\u8217?t have to wait much longer.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
True to her word, Arwyn and I reached the irritatingly large and steep staircase
that led to the headmaster\u8217?s tower office, and together, we began the ascent.
I made myself count the steps I took as a way to ground myself in the present, and
soon enough, I was feeling calm. No matter the outcome, I worked hard and did my
best, and that\u8217?s what really mattered. I could stress night and day over how
I did, but knowing I pushed myself to the limits and accomplished my goal was the
most important thing. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When we reached the top of the stairs, Arwyn knocked on the door to the office
daintily. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Come in!\u8221? Headmaster Sleet called from the other side of the door.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn gave me a reassuring smile and then opened the door.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The moment we breached the entryway, I was struck by the smell of old books and
tobacco, and something about the familiar mix helped add to my calmness. I\u8217?d
been in the headmaster\u8217?s office more times than I could count, and it was
nice to be here for reasons that didn\u8217?t involve a monster mission or an
Archon attack. We were simply a headmaster and a student for once, and the change
of pace was refreshing somehow. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mister Gryff,\u8221? the headmaster greeted me in an enthusiastic voice.
\u8220?I am so pleased you could make it. Please, take a seat.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
He gestured at the empty chair in front of him, and I crossed over and sat down as
professionally as I could manage. This wasn\u8217?t exactly a formal setting, but I
wanted to appear as dedicated to my academics as possible. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?How are you today, headmaster?\u8221? I asked politely.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Very well, thank you for asking.\u8221? Sleet flashed me a bright smile.
\u8220?I trust you are good as well?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, sir.\u8221? I nodded. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good,\u8221? Sleet replied, and he straightened up in his seat. The
headmaster was clad in a midnight-blue robe that made his pale silvery eyes look
even paler, and the effect made him appear wiser somehow, more regal. \u8220?So,
let\u8217?s get on to the subject of this meeting. Miss Hamner and I worked through
the afternoon to grade your comprehensive exam yesterday. I know what you did was
strenuous and grueling, but we wanted to make sure to cover everything we could on
the test.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And I appreciate that,\u8221? I assured the headmaster. \u8220?It was
difficult, and studying for it was intense, but it forced me to work hard and
recall everything I\u8217?ve learned thus far, so I appreciate the
refresher.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, your hard work certainly paid off,\u8221? Sleet continued on. \u8220?
I\u8217?m pleased to tell you that you passed your exam, and not only that, but you
earned a perfect score.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A perfect score?\u8221? I repeated back in surprise, and when I glanced
over at Arwyn, she offered me a proud smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Congratulations, Gryff,\u8221? she said. \u8220?We knew you could do
it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Since you\u8217?ve successfully completed the exam, you are welcome to
begin your third-year classes,\u8221? Sleet continued on once I turned back to face
him. \u8220?At this point in the semester, we\u8217?re so close to the end-of-
semester finals that it would make the most sense for you to enter your classes
after winter break.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That makes sense,\u8221? I agreed with him. \u8220?And in the meantime,
what would you like me to do?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?For now, I\u8217?d prefer for you to work with the research team as much as
your schedule would allow,\u8221? Sleet decided with a stroke of his silver
beard. \u8220?I won\u8217?t overwork you for the sake of overcompensation, so I
will grant you the discretion to choose how many hours you\u8217?d like to put in.
However, with the Archons you have under your control, you have a valuable tool
that would greatly benefit the rest of the team, so keep that in mind.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Will do.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?I appreciate you giving me the option to
hang back, but I\u8217?d rather spend my time helping wherever I can. With Hunnah
and Quilla on the horizon, I\u8217?m sure the research team could use all the help
they can get.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Indeed,\u8221? Arwyn confirmed. \u8220?I feel as if we\u8217?re on the
verge of a breakthrough, but we aren\u8217?t quite there yet. You might have
something to contribute we haven\u8217?t explored yet.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m in,\u8221? I said, and then I turned to the headmaster. \u8220?
There was something else I wanted to ask you about. If it isn\u8217?t possible
right now, that\u8217?s absolutely fine, but I figured I would ask anyway. Last
night Freya disclosed to me she was homesick, and she wants to go back to Hawk Clan
for a visit. I know there\u8217?s everything with the Archons and the mistwolves,
so the timing isn\u8217?t convenient--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t think that would be an issue,\u8221? Sleet interjected.
\u8220?I assume this would happen over the winter break?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That was my thought, yes,\u8221? I confirmed with him.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Headmaster Sleet shared a glance with Arwyn. \u8220?I don\u8217?t have a problem
with it. I want us to remain cautious when it comes to the mistwolf threat, but I
don\u8217?t think a short visit to Hawk Clan would be a problem. Miss Hamner, what
are your thoughts?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think it\u8217?s a wonderful idea,\u8221? Arwyn replied. \u8220?I know
Freya has been feeling homesick, and I think it\u8217?s a good idea to maintain a
friendly relationship with the Southern Clans. It could only benefit us further in
the future. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s an excellent point, Miss Hamner,\u8221? Sleet agreed with her.
\u8220?It\u8217?s been quite some time since you\u8217?ve last spoken with the
Clans. Even just a brief visit would prove to the Clans we are willing to maintain
a working relationship with them.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s a great idea,\u8221? I chimed in. \u8220?Chief Fenrir
and I left off on great terms, but I\u8217?m sure he\u8217?s not too thrilled his
daughter hasn\u8217?t been by to see him. I\u8217?m hoping the introduction of our
daughter will lessen that blow a little. Freya told me they would be overjoyed to
meet Lahrra.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have no doubt about that.\u8221? Sleet nodded as he mulled the idea over.
\u8220?Okay, Mister Gryff. Should things come to a point of calmness by the time of
winter break, I think it wouldn\u8217?t be a problem for you and your wife to
travel to the Southern Continent.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, sir,\u8221? I said, and a smile broke out across my face.
\u8220?I know this will mean a lot to Freya.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I like your shapeshifter.\u8221? The headmaster smiled back at me. \u8220?
She has a delightful spirit, and she\u8217?s been so diligent in her studies I
think she\u8217?s earned a bit of a break.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She likes you, too,\u8221? I chuckled. \u8220?She always speaks of you
quite fondly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The headmaster\u8217?s cheeks grew pink, and the flush of color suddenly shifted
his air from professorial to grandfatherly. \u8220?I have a few things I must
attend to, so if you don\u8217?t have anything else you\u8217?d like to discuss,
I\u8217?ll leave you to a relaxing afternoon. Once again, Mister Gryff,
congratulations on your triumph. I look forward to seeing you excel in your third-
year courses.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, sir,\u8221? I said, and after the headmaster gave me a brief
handshake, I stood from my chair and followed Arwyn out the door.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When we left his office, I felt another wave of relief crash over me. I\u8217?d
done it. I was going to resume my third year of school and finally regain a small
bit of normalcy again. I couldn\u8217?t believe how much I was actually looking
forward to something as boring as classes, but this was a great feeling. I was
getting so much closer to graduation, and while the idea was daunting, I was ready
to near the next phase of my life. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
That evening, over dinner, I filled the rest of my women in on the plan, and they
seemed excited by the idea of visiting Hawk Clan. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, you\u8217?re thinking of going while we\u8217?re on our winter
break?\u8221? Nia clarified. The ashen-haired elementalist had Nicolis in her arms,
and she was attempting to bottle-feed him, but our silver-haired son was not
interested. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It would probably be the most ideal time,\u8221? I replied, and my wife
nodded thoughtfully. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Will you all come with us?\u8221? Freya asked in a hopeful voice. \u8220?I
would love for my parents to meet my sister-wives and all of our
children.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The rest of the women exchanged glances with one another. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know if it\u8217?s the best idea for all of us to go,\u8221?
Ashla spoke up first, and the former mercenary offered my blonde wife a sympathetic
gaze. \u8220?At least not me. I feel like the research team is getting closer and
closer to translating at least part of Carth\u8217?s book, and I don\u8217?t feel
comfortable abandoning them right now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do not worry about hurting my feelings,\u8221? Freya insisted, and she
rested her hand on Ashla\u8217?s arm. \u8220?I would love for you to accompany us,
but your work is important, my sister-wife. If you must stay, that is
alright.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Freya.\u8221? Ashla smiled at her. She rested her hand on top of
the shapeshifter\u8217?s and squeezed it gently. \u8220?Please, give your parents
my best.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Your best what?\u8221? Freya frowned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Sorry, just an expression,\u8221? the ice mage said quickly. \u8220?I just
meant, tell them I said hello.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, I understand.\u8221? The warrior princess gave her a firm nod.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m afraid you\u8217?ll have to give them my best as well,\u8221?
Arwyn chimed in. \u8220?My apologies, Freya, but I must also stay behind for the
research team. I wouldn\u8217?t feel right leaving them right now.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I understand.\u8221? Freya nodded, but her gold-flecked brown eyes betrayed
her disappointment. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t think the twins are quite old enough to travel,\u8221? Nia
added. \u8220?Nessa would probably be fine, but Nicolis has such a hard time
sleeping, I feel like an airship would be miserable. I\u8217?d feel more
comfortable staying home this time. The next time, however, I would love to see
Eyrie Island again.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to stay here, too,\u8221? Layla decided. \u8220?I think it
would be fun to go, but I don\u8217?t want to leave Nia here with the twins alone
if Ashla and Arwyn are going to be researching.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can handle them.\u8221? Ashla shook her head, and her long braids
whipped around from the motion. \u8220?Layla, if you\u8217?d like to go, you should
go.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think I should stay,\u8221? the petite summoner repeated. \u8220?
Normally, I would take an opportunity like this in a heartbeat, but Daphne\u8217?s
been super fussy lately, and I don\u8217?t think she\u8217?d like an airship much,
either. She\u8217?s not calm like Olivir or Milo.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cyra?\u8221? Freya asked quietly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With each invitation rejection, I could see Freya\u8217?s eyes grow less and less
sparkly, and I felt bad no one was able to join us. Their reasons were valid, but
Freya had really looked forward to all of us going, so it was no surprise she was
bummed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, I\u8217?m coming.\u8221? Cyra grinned. \u8220?You and I do
everything together. I think Milo can handle some shapeshifters just fine, and
besides, he\u8217?s such a well-behaved kiddo. I think he\u8217?d love it.
\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am so pleased!\u8221? Freya grinned at the curly-haired summoner, and I
let out a small sigh of relief. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It looks like that only leaves Erin,\u8221? I said, and I turned to face my
copper-haired lover. \u8220?What do you think, do you want to come with
us?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, I\u8217?m coming!\u8221? the mimic giggled as she tucked a
strand of hair behind her ear. \u8220?Who else would fly an airship all the way out
to Vay?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Almasy?\u8221? I joked. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Take that back.\u8221? Erin\u8217?s amber eyes narrowed at me playfully.
\u8220?I won\u8217?t take that kind of slander in my own home. Keith Almasy
hasn\u8217?t got shit on my skills. No, I will be flying us to Vay.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you sure?\u8221? I asked. \u8220?Don\u8217?t get me wrong, I\u8217?d
love to have you, but if you\u8217?re worried it\u8217?s too soon, don\u8217?t feel
like you have to go because you\u8217?re the only pilot here.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?As mentioned earlier, Olivir is pretty laid-back,\u8221? Erin replied as
she poked at her food with her fork. \u8220?Not a lot rattles him, so I think
he\u8217?d be okay with coming. Besides, I fully intend to make that kid a pilot
one day, so he\u8217?s going to need all of the airship experience he can
get.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If you think he can handle it, I think that would be a great experience for
him,\u8221? I agreed with my lover. \u8220?And we would love having you with
us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Everyone else is alright with us leaving?\u8221? Freya addressed the rest
of the group. \u8220?If it is too difficult, or not the right time with the
children--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re perfectly fine with it, Freya,\u8221? Nia assured the blonde
shapeshifter with a brilliant smile. \u8220?You haven\u8217?t seen your parents in
so long. You deserve to go back for a visit. We\u8217?ve got everything under
control here.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll be okay.\u8221? Layla winked at Freya. \u8220?Go spend some
time with Hawk Clan.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, everyone,\u8221? Freya gushed, and her stoic demeanor faded
away. \u8220?I appreciate all of your support. For those who cannot join us, I will
miss you dearly, but I will pass along my love to my parents. Maybe one day my
other family will be able to meet us here in Mistral.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That would be wonderful, Freya,\u8221? Nia said. \u8220?Please let them
know they\u8217?re welcome here any time. We certainly have the room for
guests.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I will.\u8221? My warrior wife smiled at the multi-elementalist.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After that, everyone resumed eating, drinking, and laughing, and as I peered
around at my beautiful women, my heart felt full. Life was pretty damn great.
I\u8217?d aced the exam I\u8217?d worked so hard to pass, and now I had the trip to
Eyrie Island to look forward to. Freya\u8217?s family was so welcoming, and I was
excited to see my in-laws after such a long time and finally introduce them to our
adorable daughter. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The weeks passed by with little tension or drama, much to my surprise. I waited
eagerly for Hunnah or Quilla to show their faces near Varle, but it was almost as
if the Archons were biding their time before they launched their attack.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Even stranger than the lack of attack was the disappearance of the mistwolves.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Following the conversation we\u8217?d had with the headmaster when we\u8217?d
returned from Nattanger, Sleet had sent out correspondence and checked in with
every last town, Enclave, and village where Hunnah\u8217?s pack had been spotted,
but every letter that returned to Varle gave the same response: the mistwolves were
gone. With how quickly they appeared, and how quickly they vanished, it was almost
as if the mistwolves had never existed in the first place. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
I wasn\u8217?t sure what to think. Part of me was relieved the threat was no
longer as imminent, but the other part knew not to let my guard down. The ancient
goddesses were known for their trickery, so it was only a matter of time before
they struck. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The wolves\u8217? absence motivated Arwyn, Ashla, the research team, and I to
double down on our efforts of translating whatever materials we had. Countless days
and nights were spent laboring over the research, but unfortunately, it didn\u8217?
t get us very far. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The enchantment that had been placed on Carth\u8217?s book was an intense one, and
every time we attempted to read the glyphs, they shifted around and blurred until
they became illegible. It took all of my effort to remain calm, though there were
many days where I lost my cool and gave in to the frustration.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Why can\u8217?t we read from this stupid thing?\u8221? I asked one day as I
slammed the book onto a table in anger. \u8220?How are we supposed to figure out
Hunnah and Quilla\u8217?s plan if we can\u8217?t even read the damn book?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn and Ashla jumped at the sudden noise, and both of my girlfriends rose from
their places and crossed over to join me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, I know Carth is being incredibly difficult, but we need to try to
get further with the interrogation,\u8221? Arwyn soothed me. \u8220?It\u8217?s
becoming clear there\u8217?s a missing piece, something needed to break the
enchantment that only Carth would know. I don\u8217?t know the best way to
proceed--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can try my best,\u8221? I insisted, though the words had a hint of
hesitance I couldn\u8217?t hide. \u8220?Maybe Xanrith or Sera will have some ideas
on how to deal with her properly. They know her better than everyone else, so
I\u8217?m sure they\u8217?ll be able to tell me something.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s a good idea.\u8221? Ashla placed her hand on my
shoulder. \u8220?I know it\u8217?s all extremely stressful to deal with, and I wish
I had some way to take some of that burden from you--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t even worry about it,\u8221? I insisted. \u8220?Sure, it\u8217?s
not always fun, but I chose this for myself, whether I like to admit it or not. The
Archons are mine to deal with, and I need to just deal with them as I would with
any of my other monsters.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
So, that evening after dinner, once the kids were put to bed, I retired to my
bedroom and tried to relax myself as much as possible. If I wanted Carth to obey
me, I needed to remain calm and collected. Once I was comfortable, I reached into
my consciousness and unbound the pair of Archons from their wards.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Hello, master,} Sera purred. {\i
How may we serve you?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Hello, master,} Xanrith echoed. {\i
I hope you are well this evening. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am, thank you,\u8221? I said politely, and then I focused on the task at
hand. \u8220?I need insight on how to get Carth to tell me the Archon
alliance\u8217?s plans. The last time I tried to get answers from her, I
wasn\u8217?t successful, and since the mistwolves have all but vanished, I need to
find out what their intentions are.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Ah}, Sera replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s so strange that they\u8217?ve disappeared all of a
sudden,\u8221? I said. \u8220?I can\u8217?t tell if they\u8217?re just waiting for
an opportunity to strike, or if Hunnah has given up on her plan
altogether.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
It could honestly go either way,} Xan replied. {\i
But I would assume the former. Hunnah is a fierce warrior, and she usually
doesn\u8217?t give in unless the circumstances are dire. However, there\u8217?s
also a part of her that seems like it\u8217?s overcompensating for her insecurity.
Maybe she\u8217?s realized there\u8217?s no way she could win. }
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
That\u8217?s not a terrible suggestion, but when was the last time you saw Hunnah
give in when she was outnumbered?} Sera countered, and I could feel the irritation
radiate from the dark-winged Archon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
When it comes to the question of how to subdue Carth further, short of holding her
down and extracting the information by force, I\u8217?m not sure how to proceed.}
Xan blew right past Sera\u8217?s statement. {\i
Carth\u8217?s mind is highly secure, and even I\u8217?m not sure how to breach
it. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Unfortunately, none of us have any type of magic that would allow us an
advantage, }Sera sighed. {\i
I can open endless numbers of portals, but I can\u8217?t infiltrate Carth\u8217?s
inner thoughts.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There\u8217?s nothing else I can try?\u8221? I sighed. There had to be
another solution I wasn\u8217?t seeing. \u8220?If I have to extract it by force, I
will, but I\u8217?d rather find another way first.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
{\i
How that ungrateful little horned wretch can keep you from commanding her is beyond
me. }Utuni\u8217?s voice suddenly slithered through my mind, and the snake
goddess\u8217? words were thick with bitterness. {\i
You are her master, not the other way around. If you issue her an order, she must
obey you. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not now, Utuni,\u8221? I grumbled. I had nothing against the snake goddess,
but at times, her fierce loyalty and bloodlust made it nearly impossible to carry
on a conversation with her. Today was a prime example of one of those times.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
How dare she disobey the orders of her master,} Miralea chimed in. {\i
Master, I would never betray you in that way. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know, Miralea,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?I appreciate it.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Don\u8217?t be a suck-up, Miralea, you\u8217?re sounding like Xanrith,} Phi sighed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Stop fighting,\u8221? I growled at the monster goddesses as their bickering
crescendoed within my consciousness, and I coated my words with a flex of my will
so they knew I was serious. \u8220?Unless any of you have an insight on how to get
Carth to submit, this conversation is over.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Shall we hold her down for you, master?} Miralea suggested in a high-pitched,
girlish voice. {\i
Perhaps if you used your thick cock to penetrate her once more, she\u8217?ll
succumb to your rule.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you think something like that would even work?\u8221? I asked. Carth was
gorgeous, and sex with her was objectively awesome, but I wasn\u8217?t really in
the mood to entertain the thought. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
It couldn\u8217?t hurt to try, }the jaguar goddess replied.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ve fucked her twice now,\u8221? I reminded the Archons. \u8220?And
either time, she didn\u8217?t want to obey my commands, so I\u8217?m not sure
that\u8217?s the answer I\u8217?m looking for.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
It was merely a suggestion,} Miralea pouted. {\i
If you do not wish to, you could always save that delicious cock for the rest of
us. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Yes, penetrate me instead, master,} Phi spoke up. {\i
Fill me with your seed and forget about Carth. If she doesn\u8217?t wish to be
faithful, she is not worthy of your time or your love. We wish to serve you in
every way we can. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Please, master, }Veopa finally chimed in, and my head suddenly felt way too
full. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I appreciate your enthusiasm, but unfortunately, there are bigger tasks at
hand,\u8221? I reminded the Archons. \u8220?If you don\u8217?t have a way for me to
get answers out of Carth, I\u8217?m afraid I can\u8217?t give you what you
want.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I sent another wave of my will before the Archons could utter another word, and
the wards around them snapped back into place. Once they were locked away, a sigh
escaped my lips. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Fuck. I\u8217?d really banked on Xanrith and Sera having a solution for me, but I
began to realize Utuni and Miralea\u8217?s suggestion might be the right direction.
I would have to formulate a better strategy to keep Carth from spurning me
again. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After a few more days passed along with no sightings of mistwolves or the Archons,
my women and I were given the clear from the Headmaster to depart for Eyrie Island
the night before winter break was to commence. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya was thrilled we could leave so soon, and I was surprised to learn she\u8217?
d already packed for the trip. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I packed the night we decided we were going to go,\u8221? the hawk-princess
admitted, and her excitement was seriously cute. \u8220?I didn\u8217?t know when we
would get approval, but I hoped it would be soon.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, that makes one less of us to worry about,\u8221? I laughed at my
wife. \u8220?You make me feel like I\u8217?m a slacker.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, I was merely excited,\u8221? Freya laughed with me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not excited,\u8221? Cyra grumbled from behind us. Her bedroom
door was wide open, and an expression of frustration hung across her features.
\u8220?I hate packing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can assist,\u8221? Freya proposed, and she crossed over to her friend
quickly and wrapped her arm around the curly-haired summoner. \u8220?I can tell you
what to bring that will be warm enough. Eyrie Island is quite cold at this time of
the year.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I could definitely use help there.\u8221? Cyra nodded.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I will help.\u8221? The hawk-princess nodded back. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I was also thinking\u8230? perhaps we can have a group activity when we
arrive at Hawk Clan?\u8221? the dark-haired mage suggested, and her chocolate eyes
swept between Freya and me. \u8220?If that\u8217?s something that would interest
you?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Deal.\u8221? I grinned. There was no fucking way I was going to reject an
offer like that. The only thing better than having sex with one of my women was
having sex with them altogether, so the idea definitely made me thrilled.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Did I hear group activity?\u8221? Erin poked her head out from her doorway.
The mimic had an impish smile on her lips, and her amber eyes glittered with
mischief. \u8220?Count me in. I could use a little intimate time with all of
you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to have my hands full with all of you, aren\u8217?t
I?\u8221? I shook my head at the three mages. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Always.\u8221? Cyra winked, and then she waved Erin over. \u8220?Hey, come
join us and help me pack. I could use some lingerie advice, and I want Gryff to be
surprised.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yay!\u8221? Erin clapped, and she scurried over to where we stood. \u8220?I
love everything about this.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, I suppose I should leave you all to it,\u8221? I chuckled as I stuck
my hands in my pockets. \u8220?Let me know if you need any help.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ve got it.\u8221? Cyra grinned at me, and after she offered me a
wink, she closed her bedroom door and left me even more excited for this trip.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The day before we left for our journey, my curly-haired wife appeared in my
bedroom doorway and reminded me about the monsters we\u8217?d picked up in
Nattanger. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know it\u8217?s been a busy few weeks, but I think we\u8217?ve dragged
out the suspense long enough.\u8221? Cyra grinned at me with impish delight.
\u8220?I\u8217?m ready to see what you picked out for me.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we head out to the backyard for a reveal?\u8221? I proposed to
her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
In all honesty, I\u8217?d forgotten about our new essence crystals, but now that
I\u8217?d been reminded, I was ready to see what Cyra had selected for me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It was unlikely we\u8217?d need to use them on our trip to Eyrie Island, but
having a new creature just in case wasn\u8217?t a bad idea, and I\u8217?d prefer to
unveil it beforehand. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let\u8217?s do it.\u8221? Cyra nodded, and then she inclined her head out
into the hallway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I grabbed my bandolier off my dresser and hastily strapped it around me as I
followed Cyra out of the room and down the spiral staircase.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We made our way into the backyard, and with every step, my curiosity swelled. My
wife knew me well enough to choose a monster that would suit me, and I was certain
the monster I\u8217?d given her would satisfy her as well. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
We crossed the emerald lawn until we reached the tree line, and once we were far
enough from the house, Cyra reached into her bandolier and retrieved the oval-
shaped dark-red crystal I\u8217?d gifted her. She ran her fingers over the smooth
surface and eyed the gem with a curious expression. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m definitely intrigued by whatever monster you\u8217?ve chosen for
me, dear husband,\u8221? she said as her chocolate eyes admired the essence
crystal. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can easily say the same about the one you gave me.\u8221? I smirked at my
curly-haired wife. \u8220?I hope you didn\u8217?t give me a joke monster. If
it\u8217?s some kind of troll--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey!\u8221? Cyra\u8217?s jaw dropped, and then she gave me a playful shove.
\u8220?Have a little faith in me! I took our little surprise very seriously, and
besides, you saw me over in the Grade-C section of the shop. I followed the
rules.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m just giving you a hard time,\u8221? I laughed at her. \u8220?
You\u8217?re too easy to mess with.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah, yeah.\u8221? The dark-skinned summoner rolled her eyes at me. \u8220?
Now, how would you like to proceed? Summon them at the same time, or should we do a
reveal one at a time?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think both could be fun.\u8221? I shrugged as I reached into my bandolier
and found the stone Cyra had selected for me. The yellow-green gem was almost like
a peridot, and I was excited to see what kind of creature would emerge from it.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Count of three?\u8221? Cyra proposed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?One\u8230? \u8221? I began as I gripped the stone in my fist.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Two\u8230?\u8221? my wife continued. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Three!\u8221? we declared in unison, and together, we threw our crystals
out into the empty yard. Thick plumes of blue-black smoke fogged up the air, and
for a moment, the area fell dark. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When the smoke dissipated, our monsters were revealed, and my eyebrows shot
upward. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I breathed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The monster my wife had selected for me was not what I was expecting. He was about
fifteen feet tall, nearly as large as Dio at his full height, and humanoid from the
waist upward. His skin was a rich, wooden brown, and his muscular chest was wrought
with moss and vinery. The monster\u8217?s face had a strong jaw, a broad nose, and
sharp, angular cheekbones. His eyes were the same bright yellow-green as his
essence crystal, and a pair of winding, pointed horns rose up from his chestnut-
colored curly hair. The horns ended in deadly points that I knew could inflict some
damage, and the sight of them brought a smile to my face. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Once my eyes strayed from the horns, they travelled down to the creature\u8217?s
lower half. While the torso of the monster was very human, the creature\u8217?s
legs resembled a goat\u8217?s. Swathed in curly fur that resembled the hair on his
head, the monster\u8217?s legs were long and ended in a pair of almost metallic-
looking hooves. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A faun?\u8221? I asked Cyra as I inspected the half-man, half-goat.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yep.\u8221? Cyra nodded. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I breathed. \u8220?Can\u8217?t say I saw that one
coming.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I was going for unexpected, so mission accomplished.\u8221? My wife grinned
at me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The faun regarded me with a curious gaze, as if it were awaiting command.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, show me what you\u8217?ve got,\u8221? I instructed the monster.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The faun let out a low rumbling sound, and the vines wrapped around its torso
extended out into the monster\u8217?s hands. The creature held the vines like whips
and cracked one in the air. The sound was intimidating, and I knew anyone who was
on the receiving end of those whips was in for a bad time. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Fuck, yeah.\u8221? I pumped my fist. \u8220?That\u8217?s awesome.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He has the whips and a few other powers I\u8217?m not certain of,\u8221?
Cyra said. \u8220?I know he has some other earth and nature magic, but I can\u8217?
t remember what else he\u8217?s capable of. Do you like him?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, I do!\u8221? I exclaimed in an excited tone. \u8220?He\u8217?s
totally badass. Thank you, Cyra!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m glad you like him.\u8221? The curly-haired summoner smiled.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And what about you?\u8221? I prompted her as I inclined my head in the
opposite direction. \u8220?I haven\u8217?t heard you say anything about
yours.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We turned our attention to the monster beside mine, and I could tell Cyra was
impressed by my selection. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Much like the faun, the monster I\u8217?d gifted my wife was humanoid, but female
instead of male. The creature was a deep gray, but translucent, almost like she was
made of smoke. She had a lovely, delicately featured face, but it was mostly hidden
by knee-length straight hair that wavered around her in the air. The creature had
elongated but shapely limbs, and she stood only a little taller than me, but
something about the way her body shimmered suggested maybe she could change shapes.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A banshi?\u8221? Cyra guessed as she admired the smoke woman.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, ma\u8217?am,\u8221? I confirmed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck, Gryff.\u8221? The summoner mage whistled as she studied her
monster. \u8220?That\u8217?s an intense choice. I\u8217?ve never dealt with one
before, but I\u8217?ve heard some nasty things about it.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know she\u8217?s a little different from your usual choices, but I
thought you needed something badass for your collection,\u8221? I said.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Should I try out an attack?\u8221? Cyra wondered with a tilt of her head,
and before I could warn her against it, the banshi straightened her back and fixed
her red eyes on me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When the creature opened her mouth, a dark red aura appeared around her, and a
sound suddenly flooded through my mind. It was so piercing and venomous it brought
me to my knees. I looked around to see if the sound had affected Cyra, but she
stood in place like nothing had happened. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? she called out in a panicked voice. \u8220?Gryff, are
you--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Before she could finish her sentence, the noise disappeared, and I rose to my
feet. I blinked rapidly as the painful sensation faded away, and Cyra\u8217?s eyes
were nearly as big as saucers. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m okay,\u8221? I assured her before she got too upset. \u8220?Her
attack is pretty intense.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
From what I could remember in Monster Identification class, the banshi was a
monster that possessed a powerfully haunting screaming ability that could penetrate
not only its opponents ears, but its thoughts. Their attack was similar to the
sikarote, a mega-sized cicada monster Nia and I had fought on our honeymoon in
Adorna, only the banshi didn\u8217?t need an immense size to bring her opponents
down. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d heard tales of banshi that could dreamwalk and invade nightmares, and
others whose deadly screams echoed in their victim\u8217?s minds for years on end
until they couldn\u8217?t take it anymore and resorted to extremes like self-
mutilation and even more permanent solutions. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The demoness was incredibly deadly, and in Cyra\u8217?s capable hands, I knew she
could really do some damage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can see that,\u8221? Cyra replied as she studied the monster. \u8220?Wow.
She looked like she was barely exerting any force, too. I wonder how powerful she
is at her full capacity.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If that was only a portion of her magic, she\u8217?ll definitely be able to
knock out a lot,\u8221? I said. \u8220?Do you like her?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck, yeah, I do,\u8221? the summoner mage exclaimed. \u8220?Damn, Hunnah
and Quilla better look out. I don\u8217?t know how she\u8217?ll fare against
mistwolves and whatever monsters Quilla has, but I\u8217?m willing to bet she could
hold her own in battle. Thank you, Gryff.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra and I embraced, and after we shared a tender kiss, we recalled our new
monsters. I had a lot to learn about my new faun, but something about the way he
looked at me suggested there was more than meets the eye when it came to his magic.
He could be just the missing piece I needed for my team, and I was thrilled to see
him in battle. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra was right. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hunnah and Quilla needed to watch their backs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The next morning, after we said our goodbyes to the rest of our family, Cyra,
Erin, Freya, the children, and I all loaded up into Erin\u8217?s airship. We\u8217?
d purchased infant-friendly seats that would keep the babies from being tossed
around at takeoff, and once we boarded the ship, we strapped them right in. Milo,
Olivir, and Lahrra were entirely unphased by the seating, and each of them wore
similar expressions of boredom. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It took everything to keep from cracking up at them as I tightened their seat
belts around their booster seats. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You all are far too tame to be my children,\u8221? I joked quietly, and
Milo let out a high-pitched giggle at that. Obviously, he had no clue what I was
talking about, but my curly-haired son was always laughing, so I wasn\u8217?t too
surprised by the sound. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Babies secure,\u8221? Cyra announced as she finished tightening
Lahrra\u8217?s harness. \u8220?Are we ready?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?As we\u8217?ll ever be,\u8221? I said, and I took my own seat beside Cyra
and the kids. Freya sat on the other end of the kids, and though we\u8217?d flown
in an airship before, I could tell this was a source of stress for my hawk wife.
\u8220?Freya, are you alright?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I will be,\u8221? she replied with a vigorous nod. \u8220?I am still
cautious around the metal flying machine, but I know we will be just fine. Lahrra
will keep me company, and once we are in the air, I will come and join you and
Cyra.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We fastened our seatbelts, and after we gave Erin verbal confirmation that we were
all set, the airship began to hum. I studied the children\u8217?s faces, but they
didn\u8217?t react to the sound at all, except for Olivir, who began to bounce
happily in his seat. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Babies are so strange,\u8221? Cyra remarked over the hum, and I
couldn\u8217?t help but laugh. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Then I took a deep breath. It\u8217?d been a long time since we\u8217?d been to
Hawk Clan, and I hoped our reception would go as well as Freya had made it seem.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After another hum, and a loud whirring noise, the airship lifted into the air, and
we began our journey to the Southern Continent. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Nine
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The idea of traveling on an airship all the way to the Southern Continent with
three children on board had been daunting, but as our flight to Eyrie Island
continued on, my fears drifted away like the misty white clouds Erin navigated us
through. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We remained buckled into our seats at first, but once we hit a suitable altitude,
Cyra, Freya, and I released Lahrra, Olivir, and Milo from their infant booster
seats and held them in our laps. Since Erin was up in the cockpit manning the
airship, I was assigned Olivir duty, and my strawberry-blond son had never looked
so thrilled to be in the aircraft. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The baby cooed with innocent delight as the ship twisted and turned, and his
little fists shook up and down excitedly with every movement.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We should take you on airship rides more often,\u8221? I joked as my tiny
son reached out and took my finger in his hand. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
He squeezed with an adorably excessive grip and giggled when I made a face of
discomfort at him. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Tough guy, huh?\u8221? I chuckled, which only made Olivir giggle louder and
squeeze tighter. \u8220?Keep up this kind of strength, and you\u8217?ll be quite
the fighter someday.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d made it a point to keep him away from the windows at first, because I
wasn\u8217?t sure if the sight of rushing clouds and landscaper would cause
disorientation or dizziness, and I didn\u8217?t want to risk making my son upset or
injured, but as I bounced him in my lap, he started to squirm and bobble his little
head curiously toward the windows. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you want to look out there?\u8221? I asked my son with a slight tilt of
my head. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Olivir let out a little garbled noise, almost in agreement, so I shrugged,
carefully stood from my seat, and carried him over to the window.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Where are you going?\u8221? Cyra gave me a look of confusion as I crossed
the cabin, but all I could do was shrug at the summoner in response.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Just trying something out,\u8221? I replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once we reached the large window, Olivir\u8217?s amber eyes grew huge as he peered
out at the clouds, and he began to giggle with delight as the ship passed by the
white masses of fluff beyond us. His little chubby legs kicked with wild abandon,
and the sheer happiness that radiated from the baby could have powered the entire
ship on its own. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you like that?\u8221? I cooed down at him, and Olivir continued to
laugh. The sound was so perfectly infectious I found myself laughing along with
him, and once I started, I could hardly stop. \u8220?You\u8217?re too much, buddy.
I\u8217?m glad you like the clouds so much. They are pretty cool, aren\u8217?t
they?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Olivir bounced in my arms and then reached out for the glass, so I slowly brought
him forward enough to touch the cold surface with his tiny fingertips. When his
skin made contact with the window, he let out a little gasp that made my heart
drop, but then he resumed his high-pitched giggles, and my fear disappeared. Olivir
was so fascinated by our surroundings, and I couldn\u8217?t help but watch the
innocent display with awe. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you see that one there?\u8221? I whispered to him as I pointed to a
particularly shaped cloud beyond us. \u8220?That one almost looks like your kitty
pal, Dio. Or at least a poufy white version of him.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
When I looked back down at Olivir, the blond-haired baby gave me a blank look of
confusion that cracked me up all over again. He had no fucking clue what I was
talking about, but he didn\u8217?t care. I gave him my biggest smile, and moments
later, his little face exploded with joy once more. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d never really given much thought to how babies saw the world, but as I
studied my young son and the way his round eyes followed the masses in the sky, I
found myself trying to imagine the sky and the airship from his point of view. He
had no clue yet what colors, shapes, or temperatures were, and his interactions
with the world were so wholesome they almost made me appreciate the beautiful
things I often took for granted. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He really is the son of a pilot,\u8221? Cyra chuckled as she came up behind
us with Milo in her arms. \u8220?I\u8217?ve never seen someone look at the sky with
that much amazement before. It\u8217?s adorable.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Captain Olivir Porter has a nice ring to it, doesn\u8217?t it?\u8221? I
snapped out of my introspection and watched my son\u8217?s eyes dart around.
\u8220?Erin\u8217?s going to be pleased when I tell her just how much her son is
suited for air travel.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?ll probably sign him up for flying lessons the moment you
do,\u8221? Cyra joked, and my curly-haired wife and I shared a laugh at that.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Most likely,\u8221? I agreed with her. \u8220?But can you imagine him in a
little pilot\u8217?s outfit? You can\u8217?t tell me he wouldn\u8217?t be an
absolute lady killer in an ensemble like that.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He would be.\u8221? Cyra nodded, and she reached a finger out and stroked
Olivir\u8217?s peach-soft cheek. \u8220?Isn\u8217?t that right, Ollie? Who\u8217?s
the cutest little baby pilot in the world?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Olivir cooed at her, and I could tell the dark-skinned summoner was doing her best
not to melt. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s so strange how calm he is,\u8221? I assessed. \u8220?How Erin
managed to pass on a love of the sky to our kid is crazy to think about.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Lahrra seems to be the same way, though.\u8221? Cyra inclined her head
toward Freya. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk-princess was holding our daughter up into the air as if she were flying,
and Lahrra\u8217?s delighted smile took up her entire face. As Freya circled Lahrra
around, she cooed at our daughter in the language of the Clans, and the sight of it
was far too cute for words. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Lahrra is part hawk, after all,\u8221? I pointed out. \u8220?She has even
more claim to the skies than Olivir does. It\u8217?s in her blood, like
magic.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Meanwhile, Milo just has a full belly,\u8221? Cyra laughed as she carefully
stroked our son\u8217?s midnight-black curls. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My firstborn son was fast asleep in the summoner\u8217?s arms, and judging by the
way his lips were parted, he was out hard. A small line of drool formed at the
corners of his mouth, but his mother wiped it away before it could drip down his
olive cheeks. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, we\u8217?ve already determined Milo is going to be a badass
summoner,\u8221? I reminded my wife. \u8220?His greatness will come one day. For
now, he should try to get as much sleep as he can. He won\u8217?t have that luxury
later when he\u8217?s off battling against monsters and trying to win the hearts of
pretty mages.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m more than alright with him being a normal baby for now,\u8221?
Cyra giggled. \u8220?He\u8217?s too darn cute to worry about monsters, rifts, and
all that stuff. He\u8217?ll have plenty of time for that later.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hopefully, rifts won\u8217?t be as much of an issue once he\u8217?s old
enough to have to deal with all that,\u8221? I pointed out. \u8220?I don\u8217?t
know if defeating all of the Archons is going to make all of the realm\u8217?s
problems and hardships fade, but hopefully they\u8217?ll at least lessen the threat
of random attacks and vengeful deities. Who knows, maybe Mistral will be a safer
place for the first time in hundreds of years.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ve never really thought about this before\u8230? but what would we
even do if monsters weren\u8217?t able to come over to our realm anymore?\u8221?
Cyra mused. \u8220?What would we even do with our magic? Would us summoners just go
back to tasks like construction and rebuilding?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s a good question.\u8221? I raised an eyebrow as I considered
it. \u8220?One I don\u8217?t have a good answer for. I suppose we\u8217?d have to
find something else to do with our magic, something that would enrich our lives
instead of destroying monsters. I\u8217?d like to hope summoners wouldn\u8217?t go
back to the old way of doing things, especially since we\u8217?ve proven we can do
so much more with our magic than just rebuild houses. I don\u8217?t know what we
could use our monsters to do if not battle other monsters, but there has to be
something out there that could use a summoner\u8217?s skillset.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I like the idea of doing something more than just rebuilding,\u8221? Cyra
agreed, and her hypnotic dark eyes were calm and thoughtful. \u8220?I\u8217?ve
never given much thought to what would happen in the future, but I want to find
some way to help people. Really help them.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We let the conversation linger in the air for a few minutes, and the room fell
silent, but not in an awkward kind of way. There were a lot of things to think
about, all of which were hypothetical, of course, but still important to think on
nonetheless. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I kissed the top of Olivir\u8217?s head, and my son rested his fair, freckle-
dusted cheek against me. I felt his mouth contort into the shape of a tiny yawn and
knew his window-watching minutes were numbered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Someone\u8217?s ready for a nap,\u8221? I whispered so as not to disturb
him, and sure enough, he grew slightly heavier in my arms, so I cuddled him close
to me and gently rocked back and forth. \u8220?Shhh\u8230? Daddy\u8217?s got
you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re so good with them,\u8221? Cyra sighed with a soft smile.
\u8220?You always look so natural with a baby in your arms. It\u8217?s incredibly
sexy.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You are indeed a natural father,\u8221? Freya agreed with the curly-haired
summoner from across the cabin. The hawk-princess lowered Lahrra down into her lap
and then offered me a small smile. \u8220?Just as I always knew you would be.
Strong warriors always have a talent for fatherhood, and you are no exception. You
do not coddle, but you do not deny your affection to your children. It is a fine
line to walk, but so far, you have done it well.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you both.\u8221? I smiled at my wives. \u8220?That means a lot to
hear from the two of you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, now that we have all either birthed your children or become swollen
from your seed in our bellies, we should be ready to begin the lovemaking
again,\u8221? Freya said with a perfectly straight face, and she stroked
Lahrra\u8217?s golden hair as she tilted her head in a bird-like way. \u8220?If we
are to grow our clan to a suitable size, we must start the next cycle--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?I think we might be a little full at the moment,\u8221? I chuckled, but
Freya\u8217?s face remained unyielding. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We must give you as many children as possible,\u8221? she insisted, and her
gold-flecked brown eyes were sharp and focused as they stared into mine. \u8220?It
is our duty as your wives to bear all that our wombs will allow us to bear. I hope
to give you at least two or three more after Lahrra.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Two or three?\u8221? I asked, and the blood left my cheeks as the mental
image popped into my mind. I loved the idea of having a large family, but this felt
like it was too premature of a discussion. Our children weren\u8217?t even a year
old yet, and Ashla and Arwyn still had a while to go before my children with them
were even born. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? Freya nodded curtly. \u8220?I want you to fill me with as many
children as your heart desires. It is the way of Hawk Clan.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I took a deep breath and shared a glance with Cyra, but the summoner blushed and
looked down with a smirk on her face, so I was completely alone here. I didn\u8217?
t want to give Freya the wrong idea, so I needed to consider my words carefully to
keep her from getting upset. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love the idea of having an enormous family and making even more adorable
children with all of you, but I want to make sure we\u8217?re all comfortable and
ready before we add a few more mouths to feed, you know? But once the babies are
just a little older, I would love to try again, Freya.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I suppose that is fair enough,\u8221? Freya relented, but I could tell this
wasn\u8217?t the only time this conversation was going to come up. \u8220?Okay. We
will revisit the idea later.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I would need to have a talk with the rest of my women at some point and see how
they felt on the matter of more children. I knew Nia was probably content with the
twins, and Layla and Erin had given birth too recently to even consider the idea of
more kids. Arwyn and Ashla had yet to give birth, so their minds were likely far
away from the idea of creating more. That only left Cyra and Freya. The pair were
the first to get pregnant, so out of anyone, they would be the readiest to try
again, but I didn\u8217?t know where Cyra\u8217?s mind was on the matter.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Thankfully, my train of thought fell off the rails as the ship suddenly began to
experience some turbulence. I had to strengthen my stance to keep from falling
over, and I tightened my grip around Olivir to keep him from slipping.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And that\u8217?s our cue to sit back down,\u8221? I gulped.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra, Freya, and I took the children back to our seats, but the airship bumped
around and thudded in midair. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Olivir awoke with a start, and as the strawberry-blond infant began to fuss, I
knew we were mere moments away from a crying baby, which would avalanche to three
crying babies. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shh, shh, shhhh\u8230? \u8221? I cooed at my son as I rocked him in
place. \u8220?Daddy\u8217?s got you. Don\u8217?t worry.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What was that?\u8221? Cyra asked as she cradled Milo to her chest. The
olive-skinned baby looked like he was moments away from crying, and the way his
little mouth quivered made me sad. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hard to say,\u8221? I replied as I glanced around us at a frantic pace.
\u8220?Hopefully, it\u8217?s just the weather--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sorry, guys, we have some bad storms creeping in,\u8221? Erin said over the
intercom system. \u8220?It\u8217?s probably a good idea to get everyone strapped
in. It might get a little bumpy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We did as instructed and fastened the children back into their seats. Once they
were properly buckled up, Cyra, Freya, and I got into our own seats and spoke in
soft, reassuring voices to the children. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The turbulence lasted for about an hour or so, and the light that streamed in from
the windows darkened into a deep gray as we navigated through the storm. With all
of the shaking and bumping around, it took a little while to get the babies calm,
but finally, they settled into a calmer state. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once we finally got past the severe weather and the sun set, we made sure the kids
were fed and prepared to get them to bed for the evening. They\u8217?d had a long
day, so I knew they\u8217?d fall asleep pretty quickly, except for Milo, who\u8217?
d slept for a good duration of the day. He needed some extra soothing, but after
some time, his dark-brown eyes struggled to remain open, and he fell into a deep
sleep. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We were all pretty blessed when it came to the behaviors of our children,
especially sleep. There were few restless nights with the little ones, and that
really paid off when we were so high above Mistral. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gave Olivir a bottle, and after he sucked down the contents, I laid him down in
one of the portable cribs we\u8217?d brought with us. The little beds locked into
the floor so they wouldn\u8217?t slip and slide around when the ship veered, and
the kids were relieved to have something so comfortable to lay in.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Then Cyra, Freya, and I spread out our bedrolls beside the cribs so we could keep
an eye on the kids, but before I turned in for the evening, I decided to check in
with Erin and make sure she was doing alright. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The orange-haired pilot was just as chipper as ever when I entered the cockpit,
and she greeted me enthusiastically. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hello, there, handsome.\u8221? The mimic grinned at me. \u8220?How\u8217?s
our little man?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He\u8217?s just fine,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?He\u8217?s definitely
inherited your love of flying.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Aww, that\u8217?s so cute!\u8221? Erin gushed, and her amber eyes sparkled
just as Olivir\u8217?s had earlier. \u8220?I\u8217?m glad he\u8217?s having a good
time. I\u8217?ve been worried he\u8217?s been an absolute terror this entire
time.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t even think that\u8217?s possible.\u8221? I grinned. \u8220?
Olivir is too cute and too good to be a terror.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s always the cute ones you have to look out for,\u8221? Erin
pointed out. The mimic\u8217?s pink-painted lips curved up into a cute smile, and I
wanted to swoop her into my arms and never let go of her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?And what about you, Miss Lindblum?\u8221? I prompted her with a suggestive
waggle of my eyebrows. \u8220?Are you also having a good time?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I haven\u8217?t flown in quite some time,\u8221? she remarked as she peered
around the cockpit. \u8220?It\u8217?s been a bit of an experience. I don\u8217?t
exactly feel out of practice, since it all came back to me pretty quickly, but
it\u8217?s strange to be away from Olivir. This is the longest amount of time
we\u8217?ve ever been separated since he was born.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Do you want me to bring him in?\u8221? I asked her.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If he\u8217?s already down for the evening, that\u8217?s alright,\u8221?
Erin insisted, and the orange-haired mimic shook her head at me vigorously. \u8220?
You gave him a bottle?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, ma\u8217?am,\u8221? I confirmed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Then he\u8217?ll be fine.\u8221? She waved her dainty hand in the air.
\u8220?I\u8217?m not too worried. You\u8217?re a great father. You know what
you\u8217?re doing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I only know how to make it look like I am,\u8221? I joked as I sat down in
the co-pilot\u8217?s seat and studied my copper-haired lover.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 Erin\u8217?s amber eyes were bright and focused. Her short orange hair had been
plaited back into a pair of braids, and their short, stubby appearance gave the
pilot a cute, almost schoolgirl-ish look. It suited the mimic well, especially when
it was paired with her short navy-blue miniskirt and skin-tight black turtleneck. A
pair of thigh-high black boots encased her porcelain legs, and she looked so
gorgeous I wanted to eat her up right then and there. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?See something you like?\u8221? Erin asked me in a playful tone.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Always,\u8221? I replied as I stared at her perfect chest and struggled to
behave myself. Erin\u8217?s breasts were perfectly proportional to her frame, and
through the thin material of her blouse, I could see the outlines of the barbells
that pierced her pert nipples. The jewelry was super sexy, and my mouth watered as
I imagined the taste of Erin on my tongue. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Careful, Gryff,\u8221? she warned me. \u8220?I know that look in your
eyes.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What look is that?\u8221? I dared her to answer. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The kind that usually gets us in trouble.\u8221? She grinned. \u8220?The
last time I saw that look, we conceived Olivir. Unless you\u8217?re ready to give
him a brother or sister\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya seems to think it\u8217?s time for us to start the next round of
baby-making,\u8221? I laughed lightly. \u8220?We had a whole discussion about it
earlier.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh?\u8221? The pilot raised a ginger eyebrow. \u8220?And how did that
go?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I told her we\u8217?d have to revisit that another time,\u8221? I
replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s probably smart,\u8221? Erin agreed. \u8220?I love the idea of
having another one of your babies, but I\u8217?m gonna need some time. Maybe after
another year or two?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s perfectly fine by me.\u8221? I shrugged.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good.\u8221? Erin nodded decisively, and then her eyes returned to the sky.
\u8220?Now, as much as I would love for you to ravage me, I should probably
concentrate on keeping this ship on track. I don\u8217?t think the others would
take too kindly to me killing us all because I have no impulse control.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fiiiiiiiine,\u8221? I drawled. \u8220?But once we\u8217?re on dry land,
we\u8217?re going to revisit this. You can\u8217?t banish me to the cabin until you
agree.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sold,\u8221? Erin laughed, and the sound was like music to my ears.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I mean it,\u8221? I warned her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The mimic\u8217?s eyebrows raised high onto her forehead. \u8220?Trust me, Gryff.
Freya, Cyra, and I have something extra special in store for you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The seductive tone of her voice was so sexy, I could feel something stir in my
lower half, and it took all of my restraint to keep from taking the pilot then and
there. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I look forward to it,\u8221? I said instead, and after I gave Erin one last
peck on the lips, I stepped out of the cockpit and enjoyed the lingering taste of
her magic on my tongue. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How\u8217?s Erin?\u8221? Cyra teased me once I reentered the cabin, and
heat spread to my cheeks as the curly-haired summoner flashed me a knowing
smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s perfect.\u8221? I grinned, and that was as far as the
conversation went. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After Cyra, Freya, and I were sure the kids were settled in their portable cribs,
I decided it was time for me to get some rest as well, so I took off my coat,
bandolier, thick-knit trousers, and sweater. I\u8217?d dressed for the weather, but
the temperature in the cabin was surprisingly toasty, and beneath my heavier
garments, I wore a short-sleeved shirt and a pair of thin, boxer-like briefs.
Normally, I didn\u8217?t bother with things like undershirts, but the Southern
Continent was much colder than Mistral, and I wanted to be prepared.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I can think of a few more ways to keep you warm,} Sera whispered in the back of my
mind. {\i
Let me wrap myself around you.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hush,\u8221? I replied with a roll of my eyes, though, not so secretly, I
wouldn\u8217?t have minded curling up with the beautiful dark-winged Archon.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Suit yourself, s}he pouted, and I felt the goddess retreat back into the corner of
my consciousness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once my clothes and belt full of essence crystals were neatly stashed away, I laid
down on top of my sleeping bag and stared up at the ceiling of the craft.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was excited for this break and excited to see Chief Fenrir and the rest of Hawk
Clan again, but I couldn\u8217?t shake this feeling of dread that something would
go wrong in my absence, and my Mistral lovers and friends would have to fight off
the Archons alone. Hunnah and Quilla had been quiet, and I knew it was unlikely
they would conveniently attack the week I was away, but the possibility still hung
in the air and flooded my consciousness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Cyra whispered from the comfort of her own sleeping bag. The
summoner\u8217?s dark ocher eyes were wide with concern, but her eyelids betrayed
her sleepiness. \u8220?Are you okay?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m fine,\u8221? I assured her with a warm smile. \u8220?I\u8217?m
just\u8230? thinking about things. That\u8217?s all.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Things?\u8221? she repeated back. \u8220?Good or bad?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Both,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?And yet neither. It\u8217?s not anything in
particular, though. It\u8217?s just been a long day.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It definitely has.\u8221? The curly-haired mage nodded. \u8220?Well, try to
get some rest, my love.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You, too.\u8221? I gave her a small smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra rolled over onto her side, and I settled into the comfortable surface of my
sleeping bag. I was worn out from the day, and my eyelids were impossibly heavy. I
needed to get some rest if I wanted to be completely prepared to see my in-laws, so
I closed my eyes and gave in to the tiredness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I dreamt I was trapped in a black hole. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Or at least a cave. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Something so dark, foul, and unnatural that every one of my senses was on high-
alert as I tried to find a shape in the darkness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I turned around, but I was so incredibly disoriented I couldn\u8217?t tell which
direction I moved in. The air around me was thick, and with every motion my body
made, I felt as if I were slogging through deep water. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Where was I? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I tried to reach in front of me, but the effort was so difficult and taxing on my
muscles that I had to put my hands back to their place at my side.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hello?\u8221? I called out, and my voice echoed in pulsating waves
throughout the dreamscape. \u8220?Is anyone there?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
I paused and waited for a response, but received none. Was I alone in this
hell? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Give in to me, Beastmaker. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A chill ran down my spine as the voice echoed through the dreamscape, and I tried
to locate the source, but it was impossible in the endless expanse of darkness.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Where are you?\u8221? I called out, and my hands curled into fists at my
sides. I clenched them once and then laboriously brought them to my bandolier. The
tone of the voice was more foe than friend, and I didn\u8217?t trust the being to
fight fair, so I needed to be prepared for an ambush. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Don\u8217?t fight me,} the voice continued on. {\i
There\u8217?s no use for it, anyway. It would be in your best interest to surrender
yourself to the shadows.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, I remembered why the voice sounded so familiar. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
When I\u8217?d had my final confrontation against Carth, I\u8217?d used all of the
magic I possessed and succumbed to mana depletion. Mana depletion was the most
dangerous thing that could affect a mage, and more often than not, it had
consequences as severe as death. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Needless to say, I hadn\u8217?t died, but a disembodied voice had called out to
me. It was a strange being, neither distinctly male nor female, and even though
I\u8217?d lived to tell the tale, I was certain the voice was trying to lure me to
my death. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You again,\u8221? I addressed the voice. \u8220?Why is it that you want me
to concede so bad? Who are you, and what do you want from me?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
All will be revealed in time. That time could come far sooner if you released
yourself from the mortal coil and slipped away from the constraints of your human
body. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No offense, but that sounds a little hoaky,\u8221? I snorted. \u8220?
You\u8217?re trying so hard to intimidate me, but your vague threats don\u8217?t
scare me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
You may mock me to your heart\u8217?s desire, but it does not change the facts. You
have fought for so long, and even now, a battle looms on the horizon. When will you
simply give up and give in?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You know about Hunnah and Quilla?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I know all.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Who. Are. You?\u8221? I repeated, and each word was more staccato than the
next. My agitation surged through me with every second that passed,
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
All will be revealed in time, Beastmaker. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m getting pretty fucking sick of that response,\u8221? I
grumbled. \u8220?I think you\u8217?re nothing but a coward who hides behind
shadows.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
My retreat into the shadows is for your benefit. If I were to reveal my true form
to you, you would go mad from the sight. My form is not meant for mortal eyes. }
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That sounds pretty convenient to me,\u8221? I scoffed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
You will not be able to joke your way out of your fate. There is a destiny for you,
Gryff Porter, and no amount of mockery will stave it away.}
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m tired of this,\u8221? I groaned. \u8220?Why the fuck should I
even be afraid of something that won\u8217?t reveal itself or its identity? Being
vague and mysterious doesn\u8217?t make you as scary as you think it does, and I
don\u8217?t take empty threats from disembodied voices.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I am one who has lived countless lives and yet was born not long ago,} the voice
hissed in the back of my mind. {\i
I am neither young nor old, ancient as time, and yet as new as this morning\u8217?s
sunrise} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A chill ran down my spine as the voice took a pause. While its rant should have
been laughable at best, the conviction and intensity of its voice were like a pair
of nails against a chalkboard, and a strange sensation fell over me{\i
. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I am the creator of life and the one who takes it away. I do not need to make
speeches or exchange words to be feared. I am the embodiment of fear itself, young
mortal, and it would be in your best interest to remember that. Heed my words with
caution: the worst is yet to come. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I awoke with a start, and my body was soaked with a thick sheen of sweat. My heart
throbbed in my chest, and the lump in my throat made it difficult to catch my
breath, so I ran my fingers through my damp hair and tried to stabilize myself.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
What the fuck was that? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Why was the voice so intent on remaining vague and insisting I would soon meet my
doom? The conviction behind its words was alarming to say the least, and whatever
it was, it wanted me dead and gone. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The entity had referred to me with the Beastmaker title, so I knew whatever the
entity was, it had something to do with the Archons. Perhaps it was Hunnah or
Quilla infiltrating my dreamscape and planting terrible visions within. It
wouldn\u8217?t have been the first time one of the monster goddesses sent me
nightmares that messed with my head, though out of all the bad dreams I\u8217?d had
before, this one was easily the most impactful. I needed to find out who the voice
belonged to, and if they were merely a ruse sent by the Archon alliance, I had to
find out what they wanted to distract me from. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I wiped the sweat from my brow and carefully pulled myself up from my sleeping bag
so I wouldn\u8217?t disturb my women or the babies. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Apparently, I wasn\u8217?t the only one who couldn\u8217?t get some sleep. Freya
stood in front of the windows with her back to me, and her head was tilted as she
studied the sky. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The warrior princess wore a thin yellow shift dress that was silky and transparent
enough for me to see the curve of her hips and perfect ass. Her wild mane of dark
gold hair fell over her shoulders, and her arms were hugged around her as if she
were comforting herself. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I cleared my throat so I wouldn\u8217?t scare her too badly, and the hawk-princess
didn\u8217?t jump at all. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hawk hearing,\u8221? she whispered softly in her mother tongue, and then
she looked over her shoulder and fixed her uptilted golden-brown eyes at me.
\u8220?Why are you awake, my love?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I could ask you the same question.\u8221? I gave her a small smile, and
then I crossed the cabin over to her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya turned her head so she was looking out the window again, and even when I
wrapped my arm around her shoulders, she remained facing forward.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I could not sleep,\u8221? my wife answered as she relaxed her arms at her
sides. \u8220?I tried, but my mind felt\u8230? frantic, as if it couldn\u8217?t
settle down no matter how hard I worked at it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I understand how that feels,\u8221? I said softly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?You had a nightmare again, my love,\u8221? Freya realized, and when she
turned her head to face me, her dark-blonde eyebrows creased together. \u8220?What
was it? The monster goddesses?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know,\u8221? I admitted to her. \u8220?It could have been
them. I\u8217?m not sure what to make of it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Would it make you feel better to talk about it?\u8221? my hawk wife
offered. \u8220?I can be a good listener if you would like to tell me what
happened.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know you are,\u8221? I said. \u8220?Thank you, but I honestly don\u8217?t
even really know what to say about it. It was all just so bizarre.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya waited patiently for me to continue, and I realized I wasn\u8217?t getting
out of talking about it, so I dropped my arm from around her shoulders, grabbed her
hand, and led her away from the window. We sat down in the empty seats, and Freya
studied me with bird-like curiosity. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What is it?\u8221? she pressed softly. \u8220?What plagues your mind, my
mate, and how may we stop it?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know what to say or do about it,\u8221? I reiterated. \u8220?
I don\u8217?t even have a face to put to the voice.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?There was a voice?\u8221? Freya frowned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? I nodded. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Was it a woman?\u8221? the blonde shapeshifter wondered. \u8220?Hunnah or
Quilla?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, I\u8217?ve heard both of their voices before, and neither matched with
the one I heard in my head,\u8221? I explained. \u8220?The voice didn\u8217?t have
a clear gender, it was just\u8230? a voice. Some kind of being.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That is strange,\u8221? Freya remarked, and her eyes narrowed in
thought. \u8220?And you could not see a face at all? Was it hidden away?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, it was just the voice,\u8221? I said, and I rubbed the back of my neck
as the memory of the voice echoed through my head. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And what did the voice say to you?\u8221? the warrior princess asked.
\u8220?Were they\u8230? evil?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can\u8217?t definitively say if they were evil or not,\u8221? I admitted,
and I pinched the bridge of my nose. \u8220?Whatever they were, they wanted me to
give in. Give up or something.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You cannot,\u8221? Freya said firmly, and her jaw clenched as her eyes grew
sharp and focused. \u8220?No matter what they tell you, you must not give in or
give up. You have worked so hard for what you have, and you cannot allow a voice to
take you away. Promise me you will not succumb.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I won\u8217?t,\u8221? I promised her. \u8220?Whatever it is, I won\u8217?t
give in. Thank you, Freya, for the encouragement.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That is what I am here for,\u8221? Freya replied simply.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
There was still quite a bit I could\u8217?ve told her, but I didn\u8217?t want to
scare my wife too much. Freya was a badass warrior princess, but when it came to
dealing with the Archons, she was overly cautious and nervous.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Even with that in mind, I did feel a lot better now that I\u8217?d gotten the
strange dream off my chest, but now I realized I wasn\u8217?t the only one awake at
a strange time of night. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Enough about my nightmares.\u8221? I shook off my discomfort. \u8220?Why
don\u8217?t you tell me why you were out here? You said your mind was
being--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Frantic?\u8221? Freya finished my sentence for me. \u8220?It was, but now I
am fine.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her lips said one thing, but her eyes said another, and I knew the hawk-princess
had more on her mind than she wanted to share. But fair was fair. I needed to
support her in the same way she supported me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?You don\u8217?t have to worry about scaring me away,\u8221? I assured
her. \u8220?Or burdening me with your thoughts. I want you to tell me if something
is wrong, so tell me, what\u8217?s on your mind?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya began to fidget with her hands, and her eyes fell to the floor as if she
were too embarrassed to say anything. I waited patiently for her to share what was
going on, and after a few moments passed by, she finally took a deep breath.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am excited for my parents to meet Lahrra, but there is a fear in my mind
that I cannot ignore very easily,\u8221? she began. \u8220?No matter how much I
want to.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I waited for the warrior princess to continue, but her gold-flecked brown eyes
remained downcast. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, you can tell me,\u8221? I assured her in my most gentle voice.
\u8220?You can always tell me anything, remember?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It is about Lahrra, and her blood,\u8221? Freya admitted after a moment of
pause. \u8220?I know that sounds silly, but it\u8217?s been bothering me quite a
bit.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Her blood?\u8221? I clarified, and my eyebrows creased together. \u8220?
What do you mean by that?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am worried about her partial blood, and how it will affect her place in
the Clan,\u8221? Freya explained further. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Her partial blood?\u8221? I repeated back to my blonde wife. \u8220?Meaning
she\u8217?s half shifter, half-human?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? Freya nodded. \u8220?We have never had a child born of both
Clan and Mistral. I do not think my parents or Hawk Clan will take issue with our
daughter\u8217?s heritage, but it will likely be a bit of a shock to the others. My
mother and father\u8217?s feelings matter the most, but amongst the others in Hawk
Clan, there might still be tension toward anyone they deem an outsider.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, I know all about that,\u8221? I said. \u8220?But then again, I was an
outsider before, and they ended up welcoming me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They welcomed you because you were a fierce warrior,\u8221? Freya said.
\u8220?You proved yourself a worthy warrior of Hawk Clan when you endured the
Trials, and then again when you became my mate. However, I do not know if they will
give that same affection and care to our Lahrra. Mixing hawk blood with the blood
of others has never been done in our histories, and I do not want Lahrra to be
abandoned by half of her heritage because she is not full hawk.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, you\u8217?re the daughter of the chief,\u8221? I reminded her.
\u8220?You\u8217?re beloved in Hawk Clan, and I don\u8217?t think they would treat
your daughter with anything but love. And besides, your people had to know this was
a possibility with me as your husband.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I hope that is the case,\u8221? my blonde wife sighed, but I could tell she
still wasn\u8217?t sure. \u8220?I love my people, but we\u8217?re very stuck in our
ways. I am just worried. Perhaps I should not be.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Remember what you told me about our daughter\u8217?s name?\u8221? I
reminded her. \u8220?She was named after that ancient warrior queen, Lahrra the
Golden, right? Tell me what she was known for again.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She was powerful,\u8221? Freya said. \u8220?One of the bravest and
strongest warriors Hawk Clan has ever seen. She was ever victorious in all of her
battles, and as fearsome as any king.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Now, you can\u8217?t tell me our little girl, who has the blood of two
badass warriors, isn\u8217?t going to grow up to be just as amazing as her
namesake,\u8221? I continued on. \u8220?She\u8217?s going to do all of Hawk Clan
proud when she\u8217?s older, I just know it. Don\u8217?t stress about what
they\u8217?ll think initially. It\u8217?s all going to be just fine.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My golden-haired wife considered my words for a good ten seconds, and then she
finally raised her eyes to meet mine. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, my mate,\u8221? she said, and the hints of a relieved smile
pulled at her lips. \u8220?You are right. There is no reason to be upset. Mother
and Father, along with all of Hawk Clan, will love Lahrra just as she is, and if
they do not\u8230? that would be their mistake.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, they\u8217?ll love her,\u8221? I agreed with her, and then I
leaned forward and gave my wife a soft kiss. Once we pulled apart, I cupped her
cheek in my hand. \u8220?Shall we lay down and try to get some sleep? We need to
try to get some rest so we can feel better tomorrow.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? She nodded, and then we stood up and crossed over to our
bedrolls. Freya brought her sleeping bag over to mine and laid it down to create
one large surface, and we curled up in one another\u8217?s arms and drifted off
into a dreamless sleep. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The next three days of travel passed by quickly with little issue. My women and I
had a difficult time keeping the children entertained, but we managed well enough.
The green, rolling hills of Mistral soon gave way to a vast expanse of oceanscape,
and my women, children, and I studied the changing environments with a mixture of
excitement and awe. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The babies had never experienced the ocean, and it was fascinating to see their
eyes widen as they studied the water below them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It would be too cold to make it happen, but I decided that once the weather was
warmer, we would pay Nia\u8217?s brother Nayveth a visit to his ocean-side home so
the children could really experience the water. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Finally, on the third day, the airship began to descend. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I think we\u8217?re finally here,\u8221? I announced.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
All of us buckled our harnesses tighter as we braced ourselves for landing, and as
the ship ducked lower and lower, I grew more and more excited. Though I was used to
air travel, I was ready to steady myself on land and get some fresh air.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, though, the ship stopped in place, and my women and I shared looks of
confusion with one another as we tried to assess what was happening.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Why did we stop?\u8221? Cyra asked as she peered over at the window.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have no idea,\u8221? I admitted as I craned my neck around to get a
better view. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, Gryff?\u8221? Erin\u8217?s voice suddenly rang out. \u8220?We have a
bit of a problem.\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Ten
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Those were easily a few of the worst words that one could ever hear, and my
stomach plummeted as I considered every sort of issue that could have arisen. It
could\u8217?ve been anything from a technical difficulty to a discrepancy with a
rival Clan, and I braced myself for whatever was to come. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Then I quickly unbuckled my harness and sped across the cabin until I reached the
cockpit. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s wrong, Erin?\u8221? I demanded once I breached the doorway.
The orange-haired mimic was clearly startled by my hastened entrance, so I forced
myself to take a breath and repeat myself in a softer tone. \u8220?Is something
wrong with the ship?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nothing\u8217?s wrong with the ship,\u8221? Erin assured me. \u8220?We just
have a bit of an issue I didn\u8217?t even think of until now. I don\u8217?t know
where to land. The mountain terrain isn\u8217?t exactly suited to handle an airship
of this size, and I don\u8217?t want to risk crashing or damaging the
ship.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, I\u8217?d completely forgotten about the cliffs,\u8221? I sighed,
and now that I wasn\u8217?t confined to my seat in the cabin, I had a full view of
the island in front of us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Eyrie Island, much like a few of the islands in the surrounding area, had an
unusual terrain that consisted of what appeared to be a single mountain peak that
rose hundreds of feet into the sky, with trees growing in random clumps up the
steep slope. Hawk Clan made their home on the inside of the hollowed mountain, and
the only access point was in a small opening in one of the jagged cliffs below. The
shapeshifters entered this point by boat, so there was no possible way Erin could
fit her airship through that opening. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I paused to think about how to proceed. When Arwyn and her crew had found me the
last time on Eyrie Island, their government-issued aircraft had been forced to park
on a nearby island, since it wasn\u8217?t suited for an ocean landing.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
If it had only been Erin, Cyra, Freya, and I on board, I could have easily done
the same thing and then arranged for one of my water-based monsters to bring us
over to the entrance, but we had the babies to worry about, and I wasn\u8217?t
about to risk the safety of my children. We needed a place for the ship to safely
land that didn\u8217?t involve us having to scale down the steep cliffs, or park in
a territory we weren\u8217?t sure was safe. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I never thought to ask about a landing place,\u8221? Erin admitted. \u8220?
Which is definitely my fault. As the pilot, I should\u8217?ve realized a
shapeshifter civilization wouldn\u8217?t have a landing pad--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
An idea suddenly struck me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Erin, you\u8217?re a genius!\u8221? I declared as my mind started running
in circles. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not gonna deny that,\u8221? Erin chuckled, but her face betrayed her
confusion. \u8220?Though, I don\u8217?t see how me admitting to a mistake makes me
a genius\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not the mistake part,\u8221? I laughed lightly. \u8220?I meant you gave me
an idea. It might be a little complicated--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m willing to try anything at this point,\u8221? the orange-haired
pilot interjected. \u8220?I can\u8217?t hover here forever, and there\u8217?s no
way I can safely land on the mountainside, so if you have literally any ideas,
let\u8217?s try it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This shouldn\u8217?t take too long,\u8221? I insisted with a wave of my
hand. \u8220?I just need you to hover here for a little while longer and unlock the
door so I can slip out and get to the island.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, we\u8217?re pretty high up.\u8221? Erin frowned, but then a look of
realization crossed her elfin features. \u8220?Wait, are you about to do what I
think you\u8217?re going to do?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Most likely.\u8221? I grinned at my girlfriend as I gave the door a
sideward glance. \u8220?I\u8217?ll be right back.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Be safe,\u8221? she advised me in a serious voice, but then her caution
gave way to an adorably amused smile. \u8220?Love you, Gryff.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Love you, too.\u8221? I winked at her, and then I made my way back out to
the cabin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, what\u8217?s going on?\u8221? Cyra asked once I returned. \u8220?Is
everything alright?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Everything\u8217?s fine,\u8221? I assured the curly-haired summoner.
\u8220?I forgot Erin\u8217?s never been here before, and we\u8217?re having trouble
figuring out where to land.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The mountainside is not suitable for the airship,\u8221? Freya realized
with widened eyes. \u8220?And it cannot pass through the cliff opening. How will
we--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?I think I have that figured out,\u8221? I interjected. \u8220?Don\u8217?t
worry, we\u8217?ll have a way to safely land. I\u8217?m going to go try something
out, so just stay in your seats and keep the kids settled. I shouldn\u8217?t be
gone for too long.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you need help?\u8221? Cyra wondered, and before I could answer, the
dark-skinned summoner had already started to unbuckle her harness.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If you want to, I\u8217?m not going to object to another summoner joining
me,\u8221? I replied, and then I turned to Freya. \u8220?Are you okay with staying
here and keeping an eye on the children? With two of us working at this, it
shouldn\u8217?t take too long.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course.\u8221? My shapeshifter wife nodded at me. \u8220?I cannot
imagine the babies will get too out of hand since they\u8217?re strapped into
place. You and Cyra go and accomplish what must be done, and we will wait here
patiently.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Freya.\u8221? I smiled at the beautiful hawk shifter, and then I
looked to Cyra. \u8220?You\u8217?re going to need Kalon for this.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m sure she\u8217?s itching to get a good stretch in,\u8221? Cyra
replied, and her familiar poked its head out of her nest of thick midnight curls as
if on cue. The tiny silver dragon let out a high-pitched coo, flew down to the
ground, and awaited her mistress\u8217? command. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The babies let out squeals of delight as they glimpsed the adorable monster, and
the sound of it brought a smile to my face. I wanted to linger on the moment for a
little while longer, but we had work to do, and I couldn\u8217?t ask Erin to keep
us hovering in place for so long. She likely wouldn\u8217?t take issue with it, but
I didn\u8217?t want to run the risk of a technical complication with the craft.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, Erin, can you open up the door?\u8221? I called out to the mimic as
loud as I could manage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After a moment or two, she did just that, and the craft opened its back door to
reveal a gust of cold wind. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let\u8217?s do this,\u8221? Cyra declared. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As my wife commanded Kalon to stretch out into a larger form, I reached into my
bandolier and retrieved an ice-blue, wing-shaped essence crystal and threw it to
the ground. My vingehund manifested in the airship, and the canine-like monster let
out a yip of delight when I approached her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, girl.\u8221? I reached out and scratched her favorite spot behind her
ears. \u8220?I\u8217?m gonna need you to take me down to the island.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The vingehund let out a small grunt as she stretched out her pale-blue wings and
bowed forward on her long legs. The monster tilted her head to the side, let out
another bark, and then lowered herself down so I could mount her. Beside me, Cyra
had taken her place on Kalon\u8217?s back, and once we were both situated, we
shared a brief smile, and our summons pumped their wings and carried us out of the
airship. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Be safe!\u8221? Freya called out before the airship\u8217?s door closed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A shiver ran down my spine as we left the warmth of the ship. My winter attire
kept me from freezing completely, but the contrasting temperatures still made my
skin break out in goosebumps. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My vingehund seemed to sense my discomfort and let out a chirp of concern, but I
gave her an affectionate pat as we soared through the air. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
The mountain\u8217?s peak loomed high above us, and I peered around for a decent
access point. I needed somewhere easy to land that would allow Cyra and me adequate
enough space to do what we needed to do. There was really no large beach to speak
of, only mountainside, so I definitely had my work cut out for me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?What about there?\u8221? Cyra called out to me as she pointed to a small
cliff just shy of the entrance to Hawk Clan. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Take us down, girl,\u8221? I commanded the vingehund.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My summons let out another yip and then descended. The chilling breeze nipped at
my face, and I wanted to laugh at my earlier thought of wanting fresh air.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The vingehund landed carefully on one of the jagged cliffs, and once we were on
the ground, I scanned the area and tried to come up with a plan.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Out of any of the ideas in my head, building a landing platform for Erin seemed to
be the most simple and semi-permanent one. Chief Fenrir and the rest of Hawk Clan
probably wouldn\u8217?t be too pleased with my reconstruction of their island, but
I would do my best to keep it as non-invasive and supplemental as possible.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I studied the area below us and tried to decide the best way to proceed. I
couldn\u8217?t exactly plop a platform onto the water without issue, so I needed to
find a way to either build off the island or send the water away so I could give
the landing pad a base. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, what\u8217?s the plan?\u8221? Cyra wondered as she studied the uneven
terrain around us. Her eyebrows furrowed when she peered over the cliff, and she
bit down on her lower lip. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think our cementrolls would be of the most use,\u8221? I replied to
her. \u8220?They can create a smooth surface for Erin to land on, and if we\u8217?
re both using them, it shouldn\u8217?t take us too long to make a landing pad. My
only concern is finding a place to build off. We can\u8217?t exactly plop cement
down on the ocean.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There\u8217?s a small section of beach down there,\u8221? Cyra pointed out
to me. \u8220?It isn\u8217?t much, but maybe it\u8217?s a good enough starting
point? It at least gives us some flat land to work off.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I followed the direction of her finger and noticed a small amount of beach just
below us. It really wasn\u8217?t much to work with, but my wife was correct. Flat
land was going to be the most ideal for us to build off, and beggars couldn\u8217?t
be choosers. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I just wish we had more sand or something,\u8221? I murmured to myself, and
then I turned to look at Cyra. \u8220?But you\u8217?re right. Let\u8217?s start
there and see if there\u8217?s anything. If anything, we might be able to knock out
some of the trees with a couple of axe goblins. I just hope Hawk Clan will be okay
with these renovations.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I guess that\u8217?s something we\u8217?re just going to have to worry
about later,\u8221? Cyra sighed. \u8220?I suppose we could\u8217?ve sent Freya
ahead beforehand\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If we work fast, it shouldn\u8217?t be a problem,\u8221? I decided. Hawk
Clan and I had fought beside one another, and marrying the daughter of their chief
had to come with at least a couple of perks. I had a feeling Chief Fenrir would be
fine with it, but if it was really an issue, we could find another solution and
destroy the landing pad later. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Then let\u8217?s head down,\u8221? my curly-haired wife said.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Collectively, we gave our monsters the command, and the vingehund and Kalon flew
us down to the dark sand beach. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The deep blue ocean crashed and seized around us, and I admired the swell of the
waves as they touched the sand. While Hawk Clan\u8217?s actual dwelling was carved
and elaborately constructed, standing on the edge of the beach made me realize we
really weren\u8217?t in Mistral anymore. The Southern Continent was so different
from my home and had a wildness about it that was both rugged and beautiful. It
reminded me of my childhood and adolescence spent in the Wilds with Maelor and
brought me a familiar comfort. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Cyra prompted me. \u8220?Did you hear what I said?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, sorry,\u8221? I apologized as heat spread through my cheeks. \u8220?I
was zoning out a bit.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The ocean has that effect.\u8221? My wife smiled at me, and she gave the
dark water an appreciative glance. \u8220?Anyways, I was asking where you wanted to
start with this. Cementrolls, right?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Right,\u8221? I confirmed. \u8220?However many you have, bring them out.
I\u8217?m going to send out a couple of axe goblins, too, and maybe something else.
I have to think about what would be best in this scenario.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?While you\u8217?re thinking, I\u8217?ll summon what I have,\u8221? Cyra
agreed with me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As she retrieved her crystals from her thick bandolier, I tapped my finger to my
chin as I considered each of the monsters at my disposal. Who would be the most
helpful monsters to pair with my cementrolls? I looked around at the sandy area
around me and tried to think of a monster that could give us some more space to
work with, and suddenly, I had an idea. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached into the far corners of my mind until I came to Miralea\u8217?s
prison. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Miralea,\u8221? I addressed the jaguar goddess. \u8220?I\u8217?m going to
need you and one of your monsters.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Of course, my master. How may I serve you?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I need you to summon your hissenae.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
The hissenae?} the Archon repeated back to me, and her voice pitched up an octave.
{\i
Not to question your plans, Gryff, but that monster does best in a jungle climate,
not a freezing tundra.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m in need of its sandstorm-creating abilities,\u8221? I explained
to the goddess. \u8220?There\u8217?s a decent amount here on this beach, but we
could use some more to make a base for the landing pad. Is that something the
hissenae could accomplish? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
My creature is a manipulator of sand,} Miralea mused. {\i
It is perhaps a little unorthodox, but it\u8217?s not as if we\u8217?ve ever
attempted to move sand beneath the water. Call me forward, my master, and
let\u8217?s see what we can do.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached into my consciousness and released the bindings that kept Miralea locked
away. My hand tingled in the spot where her paw-shaped tattoo rested, and a stream
of essence streamed off my skin. It swirled in a small tornado, and when it
disappeared, the jaguar goddess stood before me. Her beautifully unnerving orange
eyes glowed brightly as they trailed over my body, and the only word I could use to
describe her expression was hungry. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You look cold, master,\u8221? the Archon assessed with a coy smile on her
lips. \u8220?Shall I warm you up?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m wearing more clothing than you are,\u8221? I pointed out.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The cat-like goddess wore only a scant amount of strategically-placed vines that
left little to the imagination. Her taut golden skin and warm features glowed
against the muted backdrop of the island, and I had to admit she looked fucking
sexy. I felt a stir in my lower half as I drank her delicious figure in, but I
shoved away the sensation. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m warm-blooded,\u8221? Miralea purred, and she raised her chin up
and peered at me with heavy-lidded eyes. \u8220?If you\u8217?d like, I can help you
get some of yours pumping\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I just need the hissenae,\u8221? I interrupted her before she could
continue on any further. \u8220?I\u8217?ll let you know if I require anything
else.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Okay.\u8221? Miralea shrugged. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With a snap of her clawed fingers, the Archon summoned her monster forward. The
creature was like a walking sand sculpture of a jaguar: large, with lightly
outlined features, and an impressively big tail. The creature had the ability to
change itself into granules, create sandstorms, and equip itself with cacti as a
defense. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s the plan?\u8221? Cyra wondered as she studied the hissenae
with a scrutinizing gaze. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m thinking the water imps can use their magic to help pull the
water further back, and while it does that, the hissenae can use its sandstorm
powers to help evenly distribute the newly exposed sand,\u8221? I proposed to her,
and I was fully aware the plan was a little strange. \u8220?We\u8217?ll need a way
to drain the water out of the sand, but I\u8217?m thinking once we have a larger
space to work with, we can have the axe trolls chop down some of those trees and
lay down some wood to make a base for the cement.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maelor would be proud,\u8221? Cyra laughed, and she placed her hands on her
hips. \u8220?You can take the boy out of the Wilds, but can\u8217?t take the Wilds
out of the boy.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I figure I should be able to use all those years of working construction to
my advantage,\u8221? I chuckled, and I scratched behind the vingehund\u8217?s
ear. \u8220?What do you think? Is it too out there?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?That\u8217?s definitely a little out there, but I think it\u8217?s worth
trying,\u8221? Cyra replied in a thoughtful tone. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let me know when you want me, master,\u8221? Miralea called out as she
examined her pointy nails in a bored way. \u8220?The hissenae and I await your
command.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Give me just a moment,\u8221? I instructed the jaguar goddess, and it took
all my restraint to keep my voice from sounding too annoyed. I needed to strengthen
the relationships between Miralea and Utuni eventually, though I was still hesitant
with them. The snake and cat goddesses were beautiful, but too often all they cared
to mention was how much they wanted me to fuck them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, sir,\u8221? Miralea whispered as she gently nudged a pile of sand, and
the hissenae wagged its thick sandy tail and turned its head in its mistress\u8217?
direction as it awaited her orders. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Without further ado, I reached into my bandolier and retrieved a few of my essence
crystals. I summoned them in rapid succession, and when the familiar smoke cleared,
I was surrounded by my cementrolls, box trolls, water imps, and axe goblins.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The creatures were all smaller than the rest of my summons, and with the exception
of my water imps, they were good for little more than construction, but I
didn\u8217?t need them for anything but that. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Now that all of our creatures were summoned, we got straight to work.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I commanded the water imps to help shift the tide away from the sand as much as
they could. Miralea wasn\u8217?t certain the hissenae was capable of what I had in
mind, but I had to try anything I could to make it work. If our ventures proved
unsuccessful, I could find a way to make the scant amount of beach work, but I
really preferred the idea of a larger area for the landing pad\u8217?s base.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The water imps seemed to struggle a bit at first, but soon, I noticed the shore
was extending out as the tide was pushed back. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I looked to Miralea\u8217?s hissenae, and the sand jaguar gave me a blank
expression. Granted, the creature didn\u8217?t really have eyes or normal features,
but I could sense the monster was confused. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?While the imps are holding the tide back, I need you to kick up some of
this sand,\u8221? I instructed the Archon\u8217?s summons. \u8220?I just need it
packed in and raised up so we have more of a beach to work with.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hissenae let out a sound of response, and with a flick of its head, the ground
beneath us began to move. I\u8217?d never thought to manipulate the earth with the
creature\u8217?s magic, and I hoped this was going to work.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With the water cast aside, we suddenly had a lot more sand to work with. I
commanded the water imps to suck up whatever they could and redirect the water away
from the surface, and when paired with a speed slug, the monsters were able to get
the area dried pretty quickly. Then I commanded the hissenae to assist them with
the endeavor and concentrate its sandstorm abilities in small areas to help shake
out the water and whatever sea creatures had decided to linger within the tiny
grains. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Soon, we were all set, and Cyra and I commanded our axe goblins to go chop down
some of the trees past the shoreline. As the goblins used their razored limbs to
slash and hack at the thick trunks of the trees, I summoned a few box trolls to
bring the wood over to the building site. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The trolls got to work straight away, and soon, we had an assembly line going.
Within maybe twenty minutes or so, we had a log-rimmed base sturdy enough for the
cementrolls to fill in, and Cyra and I wasted no time in summoning the Grade-E
monsters to the site. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The cementrolls oozed out their gray goop and began to form bricks of the stuff. I
commanded them to line the bricks up, and once rows began to form, the cementrolls
smoothed out the top so they could make one smooth surface. It spanned a good
amount of the beach, and while they were at it, I made a dock just off the side for
boat access. Once the ship landed, Freya would likely have to fly into Hawk Clan to
retrieve a vessel for us, but that was a future problem for us to deal with.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow, I think this is actually gonna work,\u8221? Cyra proclaimed with a
raised eyebrow, and she wiped the sweat from her forehead. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Is your mana doing alright?\u8221? I asked my wife. \u8220?Be completely
honest with me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m okay,\u8221? Cyra assured me. \u8220?Little tired, but this is
nothing I can\u8217?t handle.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let me know if that changes,\u8221? I responded, and I reached out and
gently grasped her shoulder. \u8220?I can\u8217?t have you getting ill on
me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, I helped you take on the quartzriel, remember?\u8221? the curly-haired
summoner reminded me. \u8220?I\u8217?m not that feeble.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fair enough,\u8221? I chuckled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After we took a moment of pause, we got right back after it, and before long, we
had a roughly-constructed but still decent landing pad large enough for Erin\u8217?
s ship to touch down on. It was a little crude, but Erin would have a safe place to
park her ship, and we would be able to safely enter Hawk Clan\u8217?s dwelling.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you.\u8221? I smiled at the jaguar goddess. \u8220?The hissenae was
very helpful.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am pleased to help.\u8221? Miralea smiled back at me, and the Archon
twirled a strand of dark hair around her finger as she gave me her usual heavy-
lidded stare. \u8220?Should you need any more help, you know where to find me,
master.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Noted.\u8221? I smirked, and with a wave of my will, I recalled the goddess
back to my consciousness. My hand tingled as Miralea\u8217?s mark returned to it,
and the hissenae faded away with its mistress. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once the Archon was back in my mind, I recalled the rest of my summons until only
the vingehund remained. Cyra did the same with her creatures, and soon, it was only
the four of us on the beach. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not a bad creation,\u8221? Cyra noted with a raised eyebrow. \u8220?It
won\u8217?t win awards for aesthetic design, but it suits the purpose.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?As long as it\u8217?s functional, I don\u8217?t mind its appearance,\u8221?
I laughed. \u8220?This should be good enough for Erin to park on.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we head back, then?\u8221? Cyra wondered as she looked up at the
airship above us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let\u8217?s go,\u8221? I agreed with her. I remounted my vingehund, and
once Cyra was atop Kalon, we took back off into the air. I admired our handiwork as
we soared, and I said a quick prayer that it would be big enough for the airship to
safely land. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin opened the bay for us once we reached the craft, and I let out a sigh of
relief as I felt the warm air touch my chilled skin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You have returned!\u8221? Freya exclaimed as Cyra and I stepped back into
the cabin. \u8220?I take it your mission was successful?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would say so.\u8221? Cyra grinned at her best friend. \u8220?And it was
all because of Gryff\u8217?s brilliance.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?But I can\u8217?t take all of the credit.
Erin gave me the idea in the first place, and I wouldn\u8217?t have executed it if
it weren\u8217?t for you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff and I constructed a dock and landing pad for the ship,\u8221? Cyra
explained to Freya, and the blonde shapeshifter nodded her head thoughtfully as
Cyra launched into a quick retelling of what we\u8217?d done.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, will Hawk Clan be okay with the addition of a landing pad?\u8221? I
asked her, and I rubbed the back of my neck. \u8220?I guess I should have asked you
if it was okay first\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t think they\u8217?ll mind.\u8221? The warrior princess
shrugged. \u8220?They will have peace of mind knowing the airship that holds their
grandchild was able to land safely.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s good enough for me,\u8221? I decided. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Suddenly, the intercom crackled, and I heard Erin\u8217?s excited squeal ring out.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck, yeah, guys, that's perfect!\u8221? she exclaimed. \u8220?Everyone
buckle up, I\u8217?m gonna land this thing and finally get us to Hawk
Clan.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra commanded Kalon to shrink down, and once I stashed away the vingehund\u8217?s
wing-shaped essence crystal, I reclaimed my seat and buckled my harness tightly
around myself. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As Erin brought the airship down, and the rest of us braced ourselves once more, I
said a quick prayer to the Maker and hoped the structure was stable enough to hold
the airship. My summons had yet to let me down, but I was still worried about my
construction job. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The babies started to fuss as we descended, and my wives and I gave them
reassuring noises to help soothe them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin managed to touch the airship down as gently as possible, and if the landing
was any indication, the landing pad had come out perfectly.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We waited a few minutes for the ship to settle, and once it stopped making as much
noise, my wives and I unbuckled our harnesses and attended to the children.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Perhaps we should greet my parents and Vahla without the children at
first,\u8221? Freya proposed as she tugged on a strand of her dark-blonde hair.
\u8220?I don\u8217?t think introducing them before we take a moment would be
advisable. My parents are not fond of surprises, so I\u8217?d like for them to be
in the best mood possible.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They aren\u8217?t expecting us?\u8221? Erin asked as she entered the cabin,
and a flash of panic swept across her features. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No.\u8221? Freya shook her head at the mimic. \u8220?There was no way to
get a letter to them. We do not have that type of communication in Hawk Clan, so
our visit is an unintentional surprise.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Your father did say he wanted us to return when we gave him
grandchildren,\u8221? I pointed out to the hawk-princess. \u8220?So, they probably
wouldn\u8217?t be too surprised by our arrival, or with Lahrra.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I hope not,\u8221? my blond wife sighed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Take a deep breath, Freya\u8221? Cyra advised the warrior princess in a
softened tone. \u8220?They\u8217?re going to be thrilled to see us,
remember?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? Freya nodded decisively, and the best friends smiled at each
other. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we?\u8221? I gestured at the door, and after my women and I shared a
nod, we headed to the door. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When we exited the craft, I was surprised to see a boat waiting beside us on the
dock next to the landing pad, and a smile broke across my face when I noticed my
in-laws aboard the ship. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The chief of Hawk Clan and his wife wore similar expressions of excitement, and
they waved their hands enthusiastically in the air as we approached the dock.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Chief Fenrir was nearly seven feet tall, with wild black hair, unkempt black
eyebrows, and deep-set dark-brown eyes. My father-in-law wore a thick dark cloak
studded with feathers that only added to his air of strength, and a pair of
roughly-made brown leather boots covered his feet. The hawk leader\u8217?s face was
normally as expressionless and stoic as Freya\u8217?s, but he looked so thrilled to
see his daughter after so long, I thought his smile would crack his face in
half. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Where Fenrir was intimidating and wild, Ratreya was elegant and beautiful. Her
dark-blonde hair and gold-flecked brown eyes were the same as Freya\u8217?s, and
the pair could have been twins if it weren\u8217?t for the telltale lines of age in
the corners of Ratreya\u8217?s eyes. Her cloak was paler, but just as rustic-
looking, and she had the corners wrapped around herself to keep her warm.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?My daughter!\u8221? Freya\u8217?s mother called out in the language of the
Clans. \u8220?Oh, my beautiful, beautiful daughter has returned to us. My love, I
am so happy to see you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My in-laws parked their boat at the dock, and once it was secured with ropes,
Ratreya climbed out of the vessel and rushed toward my blonde wife. Once she
reached our side, the older hawk woman wrapped Freya into an enormous and seemingly
suffocating embrace, and as the moments passed, I watched Freya\u8217?s entire body
begin to shake. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She was crying. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
While Freya was generally stoic in demeanor, there was a tenderness between her
and her mother that wasn\u8217?t present in the hawk-princess\u8217? other
relationships. Freya had gone so long without Ratreya, and she\u8217?d blamed
herself profusely for the woman\u8217?s imprisonment in Skara, even though it
hadn\u8217?t been her fault. The guilt had weighed on the blonde
shapeshifter\u8217?s mind heavily for so many years, so every interaction Freya had
with her mother was precious to her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mother, I have missed you,\u8221? the warrior princess sniffled as her
mother stroked her hair affectionately. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?My beautiful Freya, you have returned to us,\u8221? Ratreya sighed, and
when she pulled out of the embrace, she cupped Freya\u8217?s cheek in her hand.
\u8220?Your Mistral husband said he would bring you home one day, but there was
still a fear in our minds that we would never see you again.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mother, I would never leave you,\u8221? Freya insisted as she leaned into
Ratreya\u8217?s touch. \u8220?Not permanently. Gryff is a man who is true to his
word, and he assured me that we would unite once more.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Ratreya offered her daughter a smile that made the sun look pale in comparison,
and then she dropped her fair hand and turned to face me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Gryff of Mistral and Hawk Clan,\u8221? the chief\u8217?s wife addressed me.
\u8220?It is lovely to see you once more. Thank you for bringing my daughter back
to us in your metal machine.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Aircraft,\u8221? I explained. \u8220?And it\u8217?s lovely to see you as
well. I\u8217?m sorry it\u8217?s been so long since we\u8217?ve visited Eyrie
Island last, and even more sorry we couldn\u8217?t give any notice of our arrival.
I don\u8217?t mean to take advantage of your hospitality--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Come here, my son.\u8221? Ratreya waved me over. \u8220?Don\u8217?t worry
about intruding on us. You\u8217?re my daughter\u8217?s beloved husband. You are
always welcome here in Hawk Clan.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My mother-in-law wrapped me into an embrace, and like Freya, she had a sea-salt
scent about her that reminded me of an ocean storm. Her hug was incredibly maternal
and gave me unexpected comfort. I liked Ratreya quite a bit. She was polite, but
warm, and deeply devoted to her family. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Ratreya,\u8221? I said, and a smile broke out across my face.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It is indeed wonderful to see you, Gryff,\u8221? Fenrir declared in a gruff
voice as he joined us on the dock. \u8220?Thank you for bringing back my beloved
Freya. We have missed her quite dearly, and this was a very welcome
surprise.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course.\u8221? I nodded at the tall shapeshifter. \u8220?I\u8217?m sorry
for the\~ uh, construction project. We didn\u8217?t have a place to land our
ship--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t apologize.\u8221? Fenrir waved me off. \u8220?That was
resourceful thinking. And besides, this will make it easier for you to visit in the
future, will it not?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It will,\u8221? I agreed with the hawk chief. \u8220?Thank you for your
understanding.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I see you have also brought friends with you,\u8221? Ratreya noted as she
looked beyond Freya and me. \u8220?Please, come join us! Don\u8217?t worry, we will
not bite.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
In all of the excitement, I hadn\u8217?t noticed Erin and Cyra had hung back near
the ship, and the pair of gorgeous mages wore similarly shy expressions.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Ratreya had spoken in her native language, so there was no way my other lovers had
a clue what she was saying, but they seemed to take context clues from her
gestures. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra and Erin exchanged glances and then began to move forward, and as they
approached, the babies finally came into view. Erin carried Milo and Olivir on each
of her hips, while Cyra held on to Lahrra, and the chief\u8217?s wife broke into a
smile as she caught sight of the infants. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And who are those lovely children?\u8221? Ratreya asked in a soft voice.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya gestured at Cyra, and the curly-haired summoner gave the hawk-princess a nod
of understanding and brought Lahrra forward. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya\u8217?s mother tilted her head to the side as she peered at our daughter
specifically, and a look of realization crossed her features. Our daughter\u8217?s
hair and brilliant gold eyes were too particularly hawk to be a coincidence, and I
watched Freya\u8217?s mother look between us to compare our features.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Chief Fenrir took a little longer to understand what was happening.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Who is this little one?\u8221? he asked in a curious tone as his eyes
narrowed and studied my daughter\u8217?s golden features. \u8220?
Freya\u8230??\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk-princess offered her father a warm smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mother, Father, this is Lahrra,\u8221? she introduced our daughter. \u8220?
Your granddaughter.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Eleven
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The seconds passed by like minutes after Fenrir\u8217?s jaw dropped. The hawk
leader\u8217?s eyes darted back and forth between his daughter and me, and then
they began to water. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?My granddaughter?\u8221? the chief repeated in a quivering voice that
surprised me. \u8220?D-Does this mean you have made me a grandfather?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, Father,\u8221? Freya confirmed, and the hawk-princess\u8217? smile was
so brilliant it made the sun look pale in comparison. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This is not a joke?\u8221? Fenrir asked her in disbelief. \u8220?You are
not lying to me?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, sir,\u8221? I assured him. \u8220?We would never joke about something
so serious, especially something like this. Lahrra is your granddaughter.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Would you like to hold her?\u8221? Freya prompted her father in a gentle
voice, and at the sound of her words, Lahrra began to fuss and fidget toward the
chief of Hawk Clan. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?May I?\u8221? Fenrir wondered in awe, and I thought the hawk shapeshifter
was going to burst from happiness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course,\u8221? Freya replied, and she carefully passed Lahrra over to
her father. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Fenrir held out his arms and carefully cradled my daughter with a tenderness I
wouldn\u8217?t have expected from such an imposing figure. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Hello, Lahrra,\u8221? he whispered to his granddaughter in the language of
the Clans. \u8220?My name is Fenrir. I am your grandfather, sweet child.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Witnessing the chief of a mighty warrior clan coo over an infant was an incredible
sight, and the soft way the hawk leader held his granddaughter was heartwarming.
Freya shot me a grin of delight, and when I glanced over at Erin and Cyra, they
wore similar expressions of joy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Freya, she\u8217?s beautiful,\u8221? Ratreya whispered as she
approached her husband. \u8220?She looks almost exactly as you did as a baby. Your
daughter is lovely beyond words.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk queen carefully ran her hands through Lahrra\u8217?s feather-soft dark-
gold hair. Her fingernails snagged lightly on a ringlet, and she watched with
delight as it sprang back into place. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Lahrra let out a giggle at the motion. Our daughter\u8217?s hair had already begun
to curl, and since my children seemed to favor their mothers\u8217? appearance, I
had a feeling she would grow up to have Freya\u8217?s wavy mane.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Mother.\u8221? Freya smiled proudly at the older hawk woman.
\u8220?She is the most wonderful child I could have asked for. I feel so blessed to
be her mother.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Lahrra let out a tiny sigh, and I could see my in-laws melt at the sound of it.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff of Hawk Clan and Mistral, you fulfilled your promise to me after
all,\u8221? Fenrir addressed me, and the hawk leader\u8217?s voice swelled with
pride. \u8220?I am truly the happiest man alive today.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I told you I would return to you with your daughter and
grandchildren.\u8221? I smiled at him. \u8220?I had every intention of fulfilling
that promise. I\u8217?m only sorry it took us so long to return to
Eyrie--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t apologize to us,\u8221? Fenrir insisted. \u8220?All that
matters is our grandchild is here now with us. What a generous blessing we have
received.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Lahrra,\u8221? Ratreya mused. \u8220?That name has not been used since
Lahrra the Golden flew among the stars. No one has been worthy of such a powerful
namesake, but when I look into my grandchild\u8217?s sunlight eyes, I can already
see she is destined for greatness. She will grow to be a powerful warrior. I can
see it now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Even if she is not a shifter?\u8221? Freya asked her mother quietly.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk queen\u8217?s lips parted softly as she absorbed her daughter\u8217?s
nervous expression, and then she took Freya\u8217?s hand in hers.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This child is more than just a shifter,\u8221? Ratreya insisted. \u8220?
Regardless of whether she will be able to make the change or not, your Lahrra has
been blessed with warrior lineage. Her blood might differ from that of a normal
hawk, but she still carries on an impressive bloodline. I promise you even if she
is never able to take a hawk\u8217?s form, we will all love her just the
same.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Mother,\u8221? my blonde wife whispered, and her gold-flecked
brown eyes welled up with tears. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was relieved the hawk queen was so accepting of our daughter, and when I glanced
over at Fenrir, I could tell he felt exactly the same about the child.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?My first grandchild,\u8221? he whispered as he peered down at Lahrra.
\u8220?Today is one of the finest days of my life.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Psst, Gryff,\u8221? I heard Erin murmur behind me. \u8220?What\u8217?s
going on? Have they fallen in love with Lahrra yet?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I can\u8217?t tell what they\u8217?re saying, but if their faces are any
indication, I\u8217?d say it all went well?\u8221? Cyra chimed in.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?d say so.\u8221? I gave the pilot and summoner a small smile over
my shoulder, and then I ushered the pair forward. \u8220?Come join us, you
don\u8217?t have to stay back there.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We just didn\u8217?t want to interrupt the moment,\u8221? the mimic
replied, but she and Cyra stepped forward to join the rest of us.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Milo and Olivir studied the hawk leader and his wife with curious expressions, and
it was then Ratreya seemed to remember my other women. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I apologize for my manners,\u8221? the hawk queen said in her native
tongue, and she tilted her head in the same bird-like way Freya always did. \u8220?
I welcomed the pair of your friends before but did not ask for their
names?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?ve met Cyra before.\u8221? I inclined my head toward my curly-
haired wife, and Cyra straightened up at the mention of her name. \u8220?She was
with the rest of my team when they came the last time.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, that\u8217?s what I thought,\u8221? Ratreya confirmed, and then she
flashed a motherly smile at the dark-haired summoner mage. \u8220?Welcome back to
our island, Cyra.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I swiftly translated the hawk queen\u8217?s words into Mistral, and Cyra gave
Freya\u8217?s mother a polite bow. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Please tell her it\u8217?s nice to see her again, and thank her for her
hospitality,\u8221? she instructed me, and I repeated her words back to Ratreya.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Any friend or family member of Gryff of Hawk Clan is welcome in my
home,\u8221? the older hawk woman replied, and then she turned to Erin. \u8220?And
what is your name, dear?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This is Erin,\u8221? I introduced her, and the orange-haired pilot smiled
at the sound of her name. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Welcome to Eyrie Island, Erin,\u8221? Ratreya greeted my other girlfriend,
and Erin lit up when I translated. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you.\u8221? She gave the hawk queen a dazzling smile. \u8220?
It\u8217?s so nice to finally meet you after so long.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And the rest of these adorable children, are they of your seed as
well?\u8221? Ratreya asked as she glanced at my sons. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, they\u8217?re mine as well,\u8221? I said, and heat rose to my cheeks.
I wasn\u8217?t exactly a modest man, but hearing my mother-in-law mention my seed
wasn\u8217?t the most comfortable thing in the world. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You have been blessed with fertility, that is for certain,\u8221? Fenrir
chuckled as he bounced Lahrra in his arms. \u8220?So many children in such a short
period of time is quite impressive.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Um, thank you, I guess,\u8221? I murmured, and I rubbed the back of my neck
self-consciously. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya seemed to take notice of my discomfort, and she cleared her throat to take
the attention from me. \u8220?Shall we bring the children to our dwelling? They are
not used to this kind of weather yet, and I do not want them to catch
ill.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? Fenrir agreed with a firm nod, and he carefully passed Lahrra
back to her mother. \u8220?Let us return to the boat and get you all safely back to
Hawk Clan. I am certain the others are anxiously awaiting your return.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Did you tell the other hawks we were here?\u8221? I asked.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The metal flying ship was a big indication,\u8221? Fenrir laughed. \u8220?
We weren\u8217?t certain it was you, but we had a suspicion. No one else has
brought a machine that size to our island.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fair enough,\u8221? I chuckled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Without further ado, we all carefully filed into the hawk leader\u8217?s boat with
travel packs in hand and babies secured in our arms. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Milo and Lahrra fussed as the boat began to move beneath us, but we were quickly
able to calm the infants before they could become too upset.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We are entering Hawk Clan, my love,\u8221? Freya whispered to Lahrra.
\u8220?The home of your people. The sounds might be a little strange to you at
first, but your ears will soon adjust, darling.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s going to love it,\u8221? I assured Freya as I wrapped my arms
around her shoulder. \u8220?Every part of it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The boat veered toward the cliffside entrance to Hawk Clan\u8217?s dwelling, and
once we breached the opening, the cacophony of raptor cries and fluttering wings
filled the air. As I peered up at the hollowed-out mountain peak, I admired the
many hawks that flew from place to place and felt a warm comfort at the familiar
sight. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hawk Clan\u8217?s home may have been less technologically advanced than the ones
in Mistral, but there was an intricacy about its architecture that rivaled even the
most impressive Enclaves. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I could count at least fifteen levels of maze-like dwellings carved into the
mountain\u8217?s walls, and each level was connected by long rope bridges that ran
the length of the base pool. At the center was a rocky dock, and that\u8217?s where
our vessel was headed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Wow,\u8221? Erin whispered. Her amber eyes were enormous, and they
glittered with awe as she peered around at the dwelling. \u8220?This is
incredible.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That was my reaction when we first came here,\u8221? I replied to the
mimic. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s not at all what I\u8217?d expected,\u8221? Erin admitted with a
smile. \u8220?It\u8217?s even more elaborate than I\u8217?d pictured. The way
they\u8217?ve carved their home into the mountain\u8230? it\u8217?s so intelligent
and wonderful.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Ratreya gave the pilot a curious look. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Erin was just saying that your home is beautiful,\u8221? I translated for
the hawk queen, and Ratreya gave the mimic a smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The boat continued to glide through the water until we finally reached the dock.
Fenrir and I worked to steady and tie up the boat, and then we helped Ratreya and
my women climb out of the vessel. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Where is Vahla?\u8221? Freya wondered once she stood on the dock. Her gold-
flecked brown eyes darted around at the hawks that swooped and soared above us, and
then they narrowed as if she were trying to find her sister\u8217?s wings.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She has to be around here somewhere,\u8221? I said, and I reached out to
take Lahrra from her. My daughter snuggled up to me immediately, and I cradled her
close against my chest. Her cheeks were slightly chilly, but the air on the inside
of the mountain was comfortable, so I knew she would warm up soon.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It is unlike her to linger behind.\u8221? Freya frowned. \u8220?I figured
she would be here to greet us once we arrived. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Then, as if perfectly on cue, I heard an excited squeal somewhere beyond us.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I whipped around just in time to see a blur of dark red rush past me, and it
suddenly stopped just in front of my hawk wife. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Vahla!\u8221? Freya\u8217?s enormous eyes grew even larger as she stumbled
forward. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The sisters ran right at each other, raised their arms, and then swept one another
up into a huge hug. The sound of soft cries filled the air, and I soon realized the
noise came from the pair of hawk women. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have missed you so much, my Vahla.\u8221? Freya smiled as she brushed a
lock of her sister\u8217?s russet hair from her round green eyes.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ah, so that\u8217?s Freya\u8217?s sister,\u8221? Erin whispered to Cyra.
\u8220?I can see beauty runs in the family. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Though it\u8217?d only been over a year since we\u8217?d last seen Freya\u8217?s
family, her younger sister\u8217?s appearance had matured. Vahla was still petite
in frame, but her dark red hair flowed down to her waist, and her face had lost its
childish roundness. If she were taller and blonde, the girl could have easily been
Freya\u8217?s twin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ve missed you, too, Freya,\u8221? Vahla replied in the language of
the clans. \u8220?It\u8217?s been too long and incredibly boring around here since
you left.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m sorry,\u8221? Freya apologized as she continued to cling to the
younger shapeshifter. \u8220?The past year has been so crazy. I did not mean to
leave for so long.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This is just a visit?\u8221? the younger hawk shifter asked sadly, and the
corners of her mouth tilted downward. \u8220?Oh.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I live in Mistral now,\u8221? Freya reminded her sister gently. \u8220?My
husband, my sister-wives, and I all have a wonderful home there.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You have a wonderful home here, too,\u8221? Vahla contradicted her, and her
emerald-green eyes lost a bit of their shine. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 I felt a pang of sadness in my heart as I studied my sister-in-law, but Vahla took
a deep breath and regained her composure. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m here now,\u8221? Freya insisted as she wrapped her arms around
her sister even tighter. \u8220?I know it is not a permanent return, but we\u8217?
ll have plenty of time to talk.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla considered her sister\u8217?s words for a moment and then nodded. \u8220?
Okay. You are right. We will have fun together, no matter the length of your
stay.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll be here for the next week,\u8221? I informed Freya\u8217?s
sister, and then I quickly shifted my attention to Fenrir and Ratreya. \u8220?If
that\u8217?s alright with you, at least. I don\u8217?t want to take advantage of
your hospitality.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re welcome to stay with us for as long as you wish,\u8221? Fenrir
replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yay!\u8221? Vahla exclaimed, and the russet-haired shifter finally broke
into a large smile. The hawk-sisters finally ended their embrace, and then Vahla
noticed the bundle in my arms. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya?\u8221? Vahla asked quietly as her eyes grew larger. \u8220?Is
that\u8230? is that child yours?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? Freya nodded at her sister happily. \u8220?This is
Lahrra.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You had a baby!\u8221? Vahla squeaked, and then she looked between us.
\u8220?Congratulations to you both! I cannot believe I am an aunt! Oh, this is so
wonderful!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Vahla.\u8221? I smiled at my sister-in-law.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The shifter immediately rushed over to our daughter, and to her delight, Lahrra
began to excitedly wiggle around in my arms to get a better look at her aunt.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She is so precious,\u8221? Vahla gushed, and Freya\u8217?s younger sister
melted at the sight of her niece. \u8220?Such beautiful and golden features. She
looks as if she was born of sunlight.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She was,\u8221? Freya replied to the redhead with a smile. \u8220?She was
born on one of the sunniest mornings I\u8217?ve ever seen. When her lovely eyes
opened, I swore she held the sun\u8217?s rays within her. That was the initial
reason she was named for Lahrra the Golden.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She is perfect,\u8221? Vahla sighed, and she skimmed her fingertips across
Lahrra\u8217?s pale cheek. \u8220?Oh, I am so jealous of you, my sister.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My daughter let out a tiny laugh, and Freya\u8217?s sister squealed in delight.
Much like my warrior wife, Vahla was usually composed and stoic, but it was damn
near impossible to remain stoic when such an adorable child was involved.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Your time will come one day,\u8221? Freya assured Vahla. \u8220?Don\u8217?t
sacrifice your youth too soon.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not a child,\u8221? Vahla pointed out with a raised eyebrow.
\u8220?I have almost reached my eighteenth year.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You still maintain your maidenhood, do you not?\u8221? my blonde wife shot
back, and Vahla\u8217?s cheeks flushed red. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I looked away quickly so the younger shapeshifter didn\u8217?t involve me in this
conversation. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, Vahla, that is enough,\u8221? Ratreya chastised her daughters, and
then the hawk woman offered me an apologetic glance. \u8220?I am sorry for my
children\u8217?s squabbles, Gryff. You have this to look forward to when your
fledglings have grown. No matter how close they are, bickering is
unavoidable.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s okay,\u8221? I assured her. \u8220?I don\u8217?t have any
siblings myself, but I have quite a few friends I consider to be my brothers, and
I\u8217?m used to their squabbles.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Cyra behind me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is everything alright?\u8221? Cyra asked me quietly. \u8220?There\u8217?s
quite a bit of dialogue happening, and Erin and I are a little lost.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin and Cyra had hung back again, and I was worried they were feeling left out of
this interaction. I wished there was some way I could lend them the gift of
translation so they could speak with the hawk shapeshifters. It would certainly
make things so much easier if we could all communicate in the same language.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Everything is fine,\u8221? I replied to my dark-haired wife. \u8220?Just
normal sibling talk.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I recognize a few words here and there from Freya saying them back at home,
but not enough,\u8221? Erin said. \u8220?Maybe I can get Freya to teach me some
common phrases.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s an excellent idea,\u8221? I agreed with the mimic.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As Vahla and Freya continued to talk to each other in hushed tones, I noticed the
number of bystanders had increased. Hawk shifters in every form started to hover
near us, and Freya halted her conversation with Vahla and offered her people a kind
and polite smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When it came to her fellow clansmen, my blonde wife tended to keep her emotions
and expressions as guarded as possible, but she seemed to be making an effort to
change that. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Fenrir also took notice of his people gathering near us, and the imposing hawk
leader raised his chin and cleared his throat before he addressed the crowd around
us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Our beloved Freya has returned to Hawk Clan for a visit,\u8221? Chief
Fenrir\u8217?s voice rang out through the hollow mountain. \u8220?Tonight, we shall
throw a feast in honor of our daughter, her husband, and our granddaughter! All of
Hawk Clan will gather to praise and welcome the golden-eyed Lahrra to our
family.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once the chief concluded his proclamation, the hawk shapeshifters let out
collective hoops and hollers of excitement. I looked down at my daughter to see how
she was responding to the sudden noise, but Lahrra appeared thrilled by all of the
commotion. Her golden eyes were wide with awe and wonder, and her soft lips were
pulled up into a gummy smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re too kind to us, Chief Fenrir,\u8221? I thanked my father-in-
law once the cheers had settled down. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You are my family now, Gryff,\u8221? Fenrir reminded me. \u8220?The
occasion of my granddaughter\u8217?s birth deserves a celebration befitting of
royalty.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?While we attend to the preparations, Vahla will take you to your
room,\u8221? Ratreya announced to us. \u8220?I am sure you are exhausted from your
long journey, so we will make sure you have a place to sleep or freshen up before
the evening\u8217?s festivities.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Mother,\u8221? Freya replied to her. \u8220?Though I\u8217?m
sure I could handle bringing my family to our room--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I want to bring you there myself,\u8221? Vahla interrupted her sister, and
her emerald-green eyes flashed with intensity. \u8220?And besides, the chamber
mother speaks of is not one you\u8217?re familiar with. Its construction began soon
after you departed Eyrie Island, so you haven\u8217?t seen it before.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You created a chamber just for us?\u8221? Freya asked Ratreya, and the
older hawk woman nodded in response. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We did not know when you would return to us, and we wanted to be
prepared,\u8221? Ratreya revealed. \u8220?You will find a number of beds for both
you and your children.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Enough for all six of us?\u8221? I clarified with a raised eyebrow.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? Vahla confirmed for her mother. \u8220?We did not know how many
children Freya would one day return with, so we had a number of infant beds made
just in case.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You make it sound as if I were some kind of brood mare.\u8221? Freya
narrowed her eyes at the russet-haired hawk girl. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What Vahla means is we knew that with so many women, your husband would
likely sire more than one child,\u8221? Ratreya chimed in, and Freya\u8217?s face
relaxed significantly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That is a fair enough point,\u8221? she murmured, and a deep pink blush
spread across her pale cheeks. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We shall come grab you this evening,\u8221? Ratreya announced to the group.
\u8220?Should you need anything before then, we will be around.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t hesitate to ask for anything,\u8221? Fenrir added. \u8220?Our
home is your home, and we want you to have as comfortable of a stay as
possible.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We thanked the hawk chief and queen once more, and then Vahla leapt into action
and led us across one of the many bridges to our chamber. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
My women and I took our time to carefully traverse the bridge, but we managed to
cross the length of it with little issue. Thankfully, it appeared Vahla was leading
us to a room on the first level, so there wouldn\u8217?t be too much bridge
crossing in our futures. Hawk Clan wasn\u8217?t exactly suited for those without
wings, and especially not human babies, but it seemed like Ratreya had taken our
lack of bird features into consideration when she\u8217?d had the room arranged for
us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We made our way down a carved corridor, and then Vahla suddenly stopped in front
of a doorway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This is it.\u8221? Vahla waved her arm in the doorway theatrically.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My women and I all shared glances with one another, and then I decided I would
take the lead and enter the chamber first. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When I crossed the threshold, my jaw dropped slightly. The living quarters were
even more spacious than they appeared on the outside and featured four separate
rooms. One was a large bathroom, another was a kitchen, and the other two appeared
to be bedrooms. The larger of the two housed an enormous bed big enough to hold
several bodies, and the room just beside it held four children\u8217?s cribs.
Freya\u8217?s parents had taken the time to make the space comfortable and
relaxing, and I was impressed by the amount of care put into the chamber.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow.\u8221? I whistled. \u8220?This is amazing.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That bed looks so comfortable,\u8221? Cyra sighed. Her dark-brown eyes
admired the thick comforter, and I knew that if she weren\u8217?t holding our son
in her arms, she would have dove right into it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla tilted her head in a bird-like way and studied my Mistral lovers with
inquisitive eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, what did they say?\u8221? the younger hawk shifter asked. \u8220?Do
they like the room?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They do like it,\u8221? I assured her. \u8220?They were just saying how
comfortable the bed looks.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, good,\u8221? Vahla replied, and the corners of her lips turned up into
a smile. \u8220?The comforter on your bed was handwoven, and it\u8217?s filled with
stray hawk feathers and down. Don\u8217?t give me that look, Freya, they\u8217?ve
been cleaned, I promise. The bed should give you a comfortable rest\u8230? and it
should work just as well for\u8230? other activities.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Vahla!\u8221? Freya shrieked, and her younger sister flashed her an impish
grin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Lighten up, sister,\u8221? the hawk girl giggled. \u8220?It\u8217?s not as
if you\u8217?re a stranger to--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s enough, Vahla,\u8221? my shapeshifting wife interrupted her
sister before she could finish. \u8220?Please halt your words before I cut out your
tongue.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t even want to know.\u8221? Erin shook her head at the pair of
women. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fine,\u8221? Vahla chuckled, and she still wore a grin on her face as she
pointed a long-nailed finger toward the kitchen. \u8220?You used to have a sense of
humor, my beloved sister. Anyways, you\u8217?ll find the kitchen is stocked with
food, but I can arrange for more if necessary. Most of the supplies in the pantry
are ones that would not go bad, but if you require fresher meats, it can be
arranged.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think we\u8217?ll be just fine with what\u8217?s been provided,\u8221? I
insisted. \u8220?But thank you, Vahla.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You are welcome.\u8221? The younger hawk shifter nodded her head at me.
\u8220?Everything else should be well-stocked, but if there\u8217?s anything you
need, let us know. For now, I will leave you to your rest, but I\u8217?ll find you
this evening for the feast.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We will see you soon, then,\u8221? I said as I nodded back, and my women
seemed to sense the younger shifter was leaving without me having to translate.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Vahla,\u8221? Cyra and Erin said to the younger hawk woman in
unison, and the pair cracked up at one another. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla smiled at them, and then after she and Freya shared a brief hug, she
departed the room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once Freya\u8217?s little sister was gone, the three of us explored our lodgings
more, and I was surprised by the amount of care and detail Hawk Clan had put into
this chamber. Everything from the woven rugs, the piles of pillows, the wood-
burning fireplace, the number of baby beds, and the broad table with enough seats
for all of us showed that my in-laws really cared about our comfort, and their
hospitality was not lost on me. Should they ever visit Mistral, I would be sure to
show them the same courtesy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra and Erin wasted no time and set the babies up in two of the cribs.
Lahrra\u8217?s eyelids were struggling to stay open, so I decided to follow suit
and set her in the one beside Milo. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That was awfully kind of them to arrange this chamber for us,\u8221? Erin
gushed as she tucked Olivir in. \u8220?Especially since we just sort of dropped in
unexpectedly.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Incredibly kind,\u8221? Cyra agreed. \u8220?I\u8217?m really glad we all
took this trip. I\u8217?m definitely a lot more excited now than I was before.
Thanks for inviting us to come along, Freya.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am glad you are all happy to be here,\u8221? the warrior princess replied
as she ran her hand through her tangled blonde waves. \u8220?It is so wonderful to
have you all here, and I know we will have a pleasant stay.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We all settled into silence after that, and I could tell everyone was worn out.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are any of you hungry?\u8221? I wondered as I glanced at the kitchen. I
wasn\u8217?t particularly hungry, but I wanted to make sure my women were taken
care of. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Honestly, I\u8217?m mostly just tired,\u8221? Erin admitted. \u8220?That
trip was long, and after all of the flying, I\u8217?m not feeling my
best.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s entirely understandable,\u8221? I assured her, and I inclined
my head toward the bedroom. \u8220?You should go ahead and get some sleep. It
sounds like we\u8217?re going to have a long evening, and I want you to be able to
enjoy yourself.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think Erin has the right idea,\u8221? Cyra chimed in. \u8220?I know I
don\u8217?t have as much room to complain, but after constructing the landing pad,
a good nap sounds pleasant.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we all try to get some rest, then?\u8221? I asked around the room.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin and Cyra nodded vigorously, but Freya seemed reluctant.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If it\u8217?s alright, I think I would like to find my mother,\u8221? the
warrior princess said, and her gold-flecked brown eyes fell to the chamber
entrance. \u8220?Perhaps stretch my wings a bit? I haven\u8217?t shifted for quite
a while, and spreading my wings around my homeland sounds pleasant after being away
for so long.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s a great idea,\u8221? I agreed with her. \u8220?Go
enjoy yourself, we\u8217?ll be right here when you return.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Gryff,\u8221? Freya smiled at me, and without further prompting,
she closed her eyes and stretched out her arms. Then her figure blurred and changed
until she was in her hawk form. My wife looked exactly like a normal hawk, only on
a much larger scale, and I felt a swell of amazement as I admired her impressive
wingspan. The magic the shapeshifters possessed was fascinating to me, and watching
Freya shapeshift was easily one of my favorite things to witness.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My hawk wife gave us a wink and then took off through the chamber door.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m glad she\u8217?s so happy to be home,\u8221? Cyra assessed in a
pleased tone. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, too,\u8221? I agreed with her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m happy to see this bed,\u8221? Erin sighed dreamily as she moved
past us and stared at the bed like it was the most beautiful thing she\u8217?d ever
seen in her life. \u8220?I\u8217?m about to sleep so hard.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Should one of us stay awake to watch the children?\u8221? I wondered before
I crossed through the doorway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m a light sleeper,\u8221? Cyra replied. \u8220?If the kids make a
single sound, I\u8217?ll hear it straight away, but I really don\u8217?t foresee
them waking up any time soon.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My women and I stripped down to our undergarments and piled into the bed. I
situated myself on my back, and Cyra and Erin laid on either side of me with their
heads on my chest. The position shouldn\u8217?t have been as comfortable as it was,
but the scents of my lovers\u8217? perfumes combined with the softness of the
mattress lulled me into a daze. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When I\u8217?d suggested we all get some rest, I didn\u8217?t think I was all that
tired, but as I settled into the bed, my eyelids grew increasingly heavier. A short
nap would do me some good, and once I rose, I would find a snack and take the time
to bathe myself. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A couple of hours passed by, and when I woke up from my nap, only Erin remained in
the bed. My eyes frantically searched around for Cyra, but then I heard my curly-
haired wife\u8217?s footsteps in the other room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin was still fast asleep, so I carefully pulled myself away from her. She was so
exhausted that she didn\u8217?t even stir, so once I was free from her embrace, I
tucked her in and gently eased myself out of bed. Then I took care to close the
door as quietly as possible, and when I stepped out of the room and into the
general living chamber, I was greeted by two pairs of dark-brown eyes.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good morning, sleepyhead,\u8221? Cyra whispered as she bounced Milo in her
arms. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Our adorable son flashed me a wide smile and reached his chubby little arms out to
me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Hey, you,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?Sorry, I didn\u8217?t mean to sleep for
so long.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t even worry about it.\u8221? Cyra waved her free hand in the
air. \u8220?Milo and I have just been spending some quality time together. Is Erin
still--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah,\u8221? I said, and Cyra nodded her head knowingly. Then we sat in
silence for a while and played with Milo, who managed to stay quiet as well.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As much as I enjoyed the various sounds of Hawk Clan, it was nice to have this
quiet time for ourselves, and I relished the sweet silence.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin joined us a little while later, and soon after that, Freya returned to the
chamber. The warrior princess\u8217? wild blonde mane was even more tangled than
usual, and her golden-brown eyes were brighter than I\u8217?d seen them in a long
time. There was a lovely flush of rose across her face, which made her porcelain
skin glow, and happiness practically radiated off her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Did you have a good flight?\u8221? I asked her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? My hawk wife nodded with glee. \u8220?It was wonderful. Vahla
and I flew circles around Eyrie for quite some time. She is much faster than she
was before, I almost struggled to keep pace with her.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s pretty impressive,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?I\u8217?m glad you
had a fun time, though. You definitely deserve it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?From what I\u8217?ve seen in the halls, my parents are throwing together
quite the celebration for us,\u8221? Freya continued on as she sat down and
unzipped her boots. \u8220?We should probably bathe and ready ourselves for the
affair.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
So, we took the rest of the afternoon to ready ourselves for the evening\u8217?s
festivities, and I was relieved to be able to finally bathe. Growing up in the
Wilds, I was used to going for stretches of time without being clean, but Enclave
life had spoiled me. As silly as it sounded to admit, I enjoyed the ritual of
bathing and making myself tidy. Plus, I was blessed with an entire family of
exceptionally beautiful women, and they deserved to have something nice to look at
as well. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We hadn\u8217?t packed much in the way of clothing, but I managed to find a pair
of nicer wool trousers and a dark blue button-down shirt that had somehow remained
wrinkle-free despite the long journey. Freya had instructed us to pack for warmth
rather than style, but I\u8217?d still advised my women to bring a change of nicer
clothing just in case something like this were to arise. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We managed to time everything out so perfectly that Vahla arrived back at the
chamber to take us to the celebration right as we finished primping.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Vahla, you look beautiful,\u8221? Freya complimented her sister.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The younger hawk woman was clad in a simple black dress with flowing sleeves, and
her long hair had been brushed so that it shone like fire over her shoulders.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks.\u8221? Vahla blushed. \u8220?Shall we?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We scooped the children up out of their cribs and then followed Vahla to the hall
where the feast was being held. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As promised, Fenrir, Ratreya, and the rest of Hawk Clan threw together a
celebration so grandiose it was worthy of a royal family. Long tables laden with
all kinds of exotic and delicious-smelling foods lined the large stone hall, and
tall torches swathed the room in a golden glow. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My Mistral lovers and I peered around the room in awe as we took in the sights. It
looked as if all of Hawk Clan was in attendance, and the shapeshifters offered us
respectful smiles and greetings as we passed by. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Wow,\u8221? Cyra breathed. The umber-skinned summoner had tamed her
midnight-black curls into pretty waves, and her lips were painted a deep
burgundy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s so cool in here,\u8221? Erin chimed in as she secured the golden
comb that kept her coppery hair pulled back. \u8220?It\u8217?s like something out
of an ancient fairytale.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hawk Clan takes its celebrations seriously,\u8221? Freya explained. \u8220?
Especially when it comes to new additions to the ruling family. When Vahla was
born, my father threw a feast just as impressive as this. It is a family tradition
spanning back hundreds of years.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Fenrir and Ratreya were already seated at the head of the table, and the pair of
hawk shifters rose from their seats and gestured at the empty chairs nearby.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Welcome, everyone!\u8221? Ratreya greeted us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We all took our seats at the table, and once everyone was situated, Chief Fenrir
raised a glass of mead high into the air and cleared his throat loud enough to
reverberate throughout the hall. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Tonight, we gather to celebrate our beloved Princess Freya,\u8221? the hawk
leader announced in a regal but booming voice, and I made sure to translate for my
Mistral lovers. \u8220?She has returned to us from the faraway lands of Mistral,
and with her husband, the warrior Gryff, she has given Hawk Clan the first royal
grandchild, the beautiful Princess Lahrra.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?To Freya,\u8221? the hawk shapeshifters cried out in unison. \u8220?And the
Princess Lahrra!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After we sipped from our glasses, the feast officially began, and we all filled
our plates with the delicious meats, vegetables, and breads that had been prepared
for the occasion. How Hawk Clan had managed to throw all of this together so
quickly was beyond me, but I was so hungry, I didn\u8217?t question it too much.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As we tucked into our food, Vahla stared longingly at Lahrra.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You are so lucky, my sister,\u8221? the young hawk shifter sighed as she
rested her chin in her hands. \u8220?You have wonderful friends, an adoring
husband, and a beautiful baby girl. I wish I had that as well.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What about Trjegul?\u8221? I asked, and as I looked around at the
shapeshifters seated around us, I realized I hadn\u8217?t seen the warrior hawk
since we\u8217?d arrived. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Trjegul had been one of the strongest warriors on the entire island and had fought
valiantly at my side during the battles between Moose and Hawk clans. He and Vahla
seemed to get on well, and when we\u8217?d departed Eyrie Island, I\u8217?d been so
sure the pair of hawks were going to get involved and grow to be the future leaders
of Hawk Clan. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
However, from the look that Vahla gave me, something had clearly happened between
the pair of shapeshifters in between now and the last time I\u8217?d seen them
together. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He is no longer worthy of my affection,\u8221? Vahla replied, and her
emerald-green eyes glinted with a mixture of bitterness and jealousy.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What happened?\u8221? Freya asked her sister in the calmest, most sisterly
tone she could. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He found another,\u8221? the redheaded shapeshifter sighed. \u8220?Merra.
Once you left Eyrie Island for Mistral, and the dust of our battle settled, his
affections shifted. Apparently, their bond was enough to make him forget I even
existed. Father said he is not worth the strife anyway. He is a weak male whose
head can be turned by any pretty hawk who will bat an eye at him.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Merra?\u8221? Freya repeated back to Vahla, and an awestruck expression
crossed over her features. \u8220?He willingly chose to pursue Merra? Of all of the
hawks in the Clan, why would he choose her when he could have had you,
Vahla?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know,\u8221? Vahla sighed, and then her face softened up
significantly. \u8220?I do not know what makes her so desirable. Trjegul is free to
make his choices, and he has. Now, I must find a more suitable mate.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What are they discussing?\u8221? Cyra whispered beside me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A breakup,\u8221? I explained. \u8220?Vahla and another shifter were
involved with one another, but he chose another hawk as his mate.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, fuck that guy,\u8221? Cyra announced. \u8220?If he turned down Vahla,
he isn\u8217?t worth her time.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Men can be fickle,\u8221? Erin said absently, and Freya tilted her head as
she studied the ginger-haired mimic. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fickle?\u8221? the hawk woman wondered. \u8220?What is the meaning of that
word?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s trying to say that men can be unreliable,\u8221? Cyra
explained, and Freya\u8217?s full pink lips formed an \u8220?o\u8221? as she
understood. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not all men, though,\u8221? the blonde shapeshifter pointed out. \u8220?Our
Gryff is not fickle. He is reliable and dependable.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Yeah, he is.\u8221? Cyra grinned over at me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff definitely wasn\u8217?t included in my statement,\u8221? Erin agreed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya translated for Vahla, and the younger shapeshifter turned her attention to
Erin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Where can I find a man like that?\u8221? Vahla sighed again, and her head
was bowed so low to the table that her long tresses spilled into a russet pile on
the wood and hovered dangerously close to her plate of food.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I got lucky,\u8221? Freya replied with a coy smile in my direction. \u8220?
I didn\u8217?t have to search for my mate. My husband came across me in Wolf Clan
territory and saved my life.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It was one of the best decisions I ever made.\u8221? I smiled at her.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maybe you need a good Mistral man,\u8221? Cyra proposed, and after Freya
translated the dark-skinned summoner\u8217?s words, Vahla lit up at the idea.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is there a man there who is like Gryff?\u8221? she asked Freya in an
excited voice. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What did she say?\u8221? Erin inquired. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She asked if there are any men like me,\u8221? I translated, and heat
spread across my cheeks. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not like Gryff, but maybe similar,\u8221? Cyra replied. \u8220?We could
always set you up\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do we even know anyone who\u8217?s available?\u8221? Erin laughed at the
idea. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not anyone who is worthy of my sister,\u8221? Freya declared, and the
blonde puffed her chest out slightly as she slipped back into the language of the
clans. \u8220?The man who is worthy of my sister has much to live up to. Not just
any man will do. He has to meet certain requirements, and even then, he must get my
approval.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I do not need your permission, Freya,\u8221? Vahla huffed as she raised her
head back up. The chief\u8217?s russet-haired daughter crossed her arms against her
chest and pursed her lips, and the movement showed her true age. \u8220?I can
choose a man myself.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You may choose, but he may not be worthy,\u8221? Freya repeated in a
matter-of-fact tone. \u8220?You are the daughter of a chief, Vahla. The man who
marries you is going to one day be responsible for Hawk Clan. You must not choose
someone who will not uphold our values.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Our values?\u8221? Vahla scoffed. \u8220?No offense, my beloved sister, but
you forsook tradition to marry Gryff. He is not of Hawk Clan, but when he took your
maidenhood, he became your husband. You cannot preach to me about following Hawk
Clan when you left us in the first place.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maidenhood?\u8221? Cyra cringed at the word, and I regretted the decision
to translate the sister\u8217?s exchange word for word. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I returned, did I not?\u8221? Freya asked her sister quietly. \u8220?
I\u8217?m sorry I was gone for so long, but traveling in my condition was not safe
for me or Lahrra. And then there was the fact that my husband was gone--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You were gone?\u8221? Vahla whipped her head around to face me. \u8220?You
left her while she was pregnant? Why?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You left Freya?\u8221? Ratreya inquired. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not on purpose,\u8221? I tried to assure my mother-in-law, but the hawk
woman didn\u8217?t seem totally convinced. \u8220?It was a situation with the
Archons.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The monster goddesses,\u8221? Freya explained. \u8220?There was a fight
against one of the remaining ones, and in order for my husband to keep our home
from being destroyed, he had to intervene and join her in the shadow
lands.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shadowscape,\u8221? I corrected her. \u8220?But yes. I had to join Carth in
the Shadowscape for a week in order to get her to retreat from our home.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If you were only in the Shadowscape for a week, how did you miss
Lahrra\u8217?s birth?\u8221? Ratreya frowned. \u8220?Was this the week before she
was born?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I was gone for nearly a year,\u8221? I answered Freya\u8217?s mother.
\u8220?Time passes differently in the Shadowscape. To me, it was only a week, but
back in the human realm, nine months had passed by. When I returned from there,
Freya had already given birth. Unfortunately, I missed Lahrra and Milo being
born.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am sorry to hear that.\u8221? Chief Fenrir frowned. Apparently, his wife
hadn\u8217?t been the only one to overhear our conversations. \u8220?But I also
understand that you have paid a duty to your home in the same way you saved Hawk
Clan.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I do not blame him for being gone,\u8221? Freya reiterated. \u8220?My brave
husband sacrificed himself as a prisoner to keep us all safe. And now, almost all
of the monster goddesses belong to him.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Truly?\u8221? Vahla asked, and her auburn eyebrows were so high on her
forehead, they almost flew right off. \u8220?Almost all of them?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Save for two,\u8221? I revealed to the younger shapeshifter. \u8220?They
are the last remaining Archons.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What happens when they all become yours?\u8221? Vahla wondered. \u8220?Will
it hurt you? Will there be an existence without the shadow beasts?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know,\u8221? I admitted to her. \u8220?I hope that maybe
they\u8217?ll stop appearing as often, but I can\u8217?t say what will happen once
all of the Archons are mine.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh,\u8221? Vahla said simply. \u8220?I understand. Sorry for asking, I did
not mean to offend.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know,\u8221? I assured her with a soft smile. \u8220?Thank you for the
concern anyway. It\u8217?s a lot to try to explain.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Perhaps we can speak on it more later?\u8221? Vahla suggested. \u8220?I am
fascinated by the monster goddesses, and I want to know more about them.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll tell you whatever you wish to know,\u8221? I replied, and
Freya\u8217?s sister\u8217?s face lit up like a beam. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My blonde wife, however, didn\u8217?t seem too thrilled at this idea.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Since I hadn\u8217?t known Vahla very well before this, I could easily see the
ways the hawk girl had grown up since the last time we\u8217?d spoken, but I knew
Freya had a personal bias. Vahla was her sister, so it was going to be hard for my
wife to let go of her protective tendencies. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I rested my hand on top of Freya\u8217?s, and the hawk-princess softened her
features considerably. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?ll find a mate, Vahla,\u8221? I addressed her sister in an
encouraging tone. \u8220?You\u8217?re kind, intelligent, and brave, and any man
would be lucky to have you as their wife.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Gryff.\u8221? Vahla blushed as she tugged at a strand of her
russet hair. \u8220?I appreciate the kindness.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, Chief Fenrir, not to bring up heavier topics, but how have things been
since we were here last?\u8221? I asked the chief, and Fenrir unleashed a heavy
sigh. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It has been wonderful in many ways,\u8221? the hawk leader began. \u8220?
And yet, in others, it has been difficult. Peace is hard to maintain, especially
with the biases held so strongly amongst the Clans, but we are adjusting to these
new changes.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Has Moose Clan stayed away?\u8221? I continued on. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?We have not seen anyone from Moose Clan in almost a year,\u8221? Fenrir
answered after he took a long sip of mead. \u8220?It appears they\u8217?ve vanished
from the territories completely, which could either be wonderful or terrible news.
I only wish I knew the fate of their clan.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And how are the other Clans faring?\u8221? I wondered partially from
curiosity, but the other part of me wanted to move the attention away from the
moose shifters. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The wolves, snow leopards, and bears have mostly come around,\u8221? Fenrir
revealed, and the hawk chief straightened his back proudly. \u8220?Chief Boris,
Chief Grymm, Chief Tjorn, and I meet regularly to maintain our alliances. Since our
cooperation began, there has been cohabitation between the islands. Some have
elected to stay with us on Eyrie, and others are interspersed amongst the other
territories. None of the shifters are bound to one territory as before.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s wonderful news.\u8221? I smiled at the hawk leader.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Peace and tranquility are an ongoing effort, but I will do whatever it
takes to make them possible,\u8221? the hawk leader said. \u8220?I dream of a day
where all of the conflicts within the Clans are entirely resolved, and we
don\u8217?t have to worry about potential threats or prejudices within the
territories. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I hope our lands can get that way one day as well,\u8221? I replied, and I
washed away my disdain with a large sip of mead. The sweet honey wine slid down my
throat and warmed my belly from the inside out. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How has Mistral fared?\u8221? Fenrir asked with a bird-like tilt of his
head. \u8220?You mentioned the monster goddesses earlier. Have they attacked your
lands in the same way they attacked the South?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They attempted,\u8221? I answered. \u8220?The remaining four goddesses had
aligned with one another, and they tried to threaten my home, but we managed to
halt their advances before they could strike. One of the goddesses surrendered
herself to me willingly, and the other I subdued myself.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You are a strong warrior,\u8221? my father-in-law praised me. \u8220?
Especially for one so young.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Thank you, sir.\u8221? I nodded at him. \u8220?But I\u8217?ve only ever
done what was necessary to protect my home and family. It\u8217?s what any man in
my position would have done.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff is being quite modest,\u8221? Freya chimed in. \u8220?He has fought
countless battles and entire herds of enormous shadow beasts, and he has always
emerged victorious.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can\u8217?t take the credit for all of those fights,\u8221? I reminded
her gently. \u8220?I had assistance from my fellow mages in Mistral for a good
amount of them. Claiming all of those battles for myself doesn\u8217?t feel
fair.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That is the sign of a true warrior,\u8221? Fenrir assessed. \u8220?It takes
a good man to value those at his side, and those who have his back in battle. While
I admire your praises of your comrades, I know what kind of leader you are, Gryff.
Don\u8217?t undervalue yourself.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You said that two goddesses remain?\u8221? Fenrir asked. \u8220?Have they
revealed themselves to you?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I met them in the Shadowscape,\u8221? I explained. \u8220?But since my
return, I haven\u8217?t seen them in person. They\u8217?re lurking back somewhere,
but I\u8217?m not sure exactly where they are.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They cling to the shadows,\u8221? Fenrir mused in a thoughtful manner.
\u8220?That sounds very much like them.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Once I captured their sister, their alliance faltered,\u8221? I added.
\u8220?Since then, they\u8217?ve let their monsters do all of their work for
them.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I briefly explained the appearance and disappearance of the mistwolves, and Fenrir
appeared equal parts fascinated and disgusted at the description of the
monsters. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You know not what they are planning?\u8221? he asked, and I shook my head.
Then the hawk leader leaned forward in his seat and fixed his dark-brown eyes on
mine. \u8220?It is concerning that they do not wish to reveal their purpose, but do
not fret. You are strong, and you have your friends and allies to help take them
down. Should you need other help, know that Hawk Clan will stand with you. We are
far, but not far enough that we couldn\u8217?t find a way to meet you at your side.
Hawk Clan owes you everything, so if there is anything you ever need, Gryff of
Mistral, you have us on your side.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know the army back in Varle would greatly appreciate your offer, Chief
Fenrir,\u8221? I thanked my father-in-law. \u8220?As do I. Thank you for your kind
words.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I couldn\u8217?t predict the future enough to know if we would ever need the Clans
to step in to help us, but the hawk leader\u8217?s offer was incredibly generous.
It was strange to think back to the time before I endured the trials to become a
member of Hawk Clan, and even stranger to remember the time when Fenrir was cold
and aloof to me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I lifted my glass to my lips and was about to take another sip of mead when I
suddenly heard a crash and a loud shriek. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, Vahla, look out!\u8221? Cyra screamed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I looked up just in time to see a moose shifter armed with a wicked-looking dagger
charging full-speed at my hawk wife and her sister. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk-princesses let out soft gasps of surprise, and Vahla\u8217?s enormous
emerald eyes looked as if they were going to pop out of her skull.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Down with Hawk Clan!\u8221? the moose man bellowed, and as he wound his arm
back to prepare to thrust the blade at my wife, adrenaline surged through me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Without hesitation, I jumped out of my chair, leapt over the food-laden table, and
launched myself full-force at the assailant. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
 Chapter Twelve
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The moose shifter was much heavier than I\u8217?d anticipated, and the force from
slamming into his muscular torso definitely didn\u8217?t feel great, but my pain
was irrelevant. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
He tried to attack my wife and her sister, and not only that, but he threatened
the wellbeing of my children. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was not going to allow him to get away with it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We slammed down hard onto the cold stone floor, and my muscles cried out as they
smacked against the hard surface, but my own comfort was of no concern to me. Food
platters and goblets tumbled around us, but I was too distracted to pay them much
attention. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Get the fuck off me!\u8221? the moose shifter growled in my ear as he
thrashed and tried to buck beneath me. His thick fist remained wrapped around his
dagger, and he was trying his best to get the blade close enough to harm me, but I
had his arms pinned down to the ground, so his effort was futile.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The torch-lit hall plunged into a flurry of commotion around us, and I briefly
raised my eyes to see what was happening. Hawk shifters shouted and scurried in all
directions, and my heart dropped when I realized the moose assailant wasn\u8217?t
alone in his attack. Nearly fifteen other assassins were not far behind him, and
each one was armed with deadly weapons and sneers etched deep into their
features. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A few of Chief Fenrir\u8217?s personal guards had snapped into place, and as I
struggled to keep the moose pinned beneath me, they shuffled after the remaining
attackers. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let go of me!\u8221? the moose growled as he continued to struggle under my
hold. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sure, I\u8217?ll let go,\u8221? I retorted, and then I briefly released my
hold on one of his arms, wound my free arm back, and slammed my fist right into his
face. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The moose-man\u8217?s bulbous nose crunched beneath my knuckles, and the
shapeshifter let out a groan of pain as blood spurted out like a fountain\u8217?s
spray. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff!\u8221? I heard Erin yell as the hot liquid misted my face, and I
raised my gaze and searched the blur of moving bodies until I found her
unmistakable orange hair. The mimic\u8217?s eyes were enormous as they caught sight
of the blood trail on my face, and she clutched Olivir tight against her chest as
she tried to duck away from the running hawk shifters. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The moose shifter lost consciousness and slumped to the ground beneath me, and
once I was sure he wasn\u8217?t going anywhere, I pulled myself off him and rose to
my feet. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Get yourselves and the children out of here!\u8221? I yelled at my lover
over the shouts around us. \u8220?Take Cyra, Freya, and Vahla and get back to the
chamber if you can. We\u8217?ll fend these fuckers off.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra, Erin, and Vahla turned in the direction of the chamber, but Freya remained
in place. The hawk shapeshifter\u8217?s gold-flecked eyes smoldered with anger, and
her fists shook at her side as she followed the movement around the room.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?C\u8217?mon, Freya, we need to go!\u8221? Cyra insisted, but the hawk-
princess refused to move. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I must stay,\u8221? the blonde warrior shouted back at her friend. \u8220?
Take Lahrra with you, I must remain here with Gryff!\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, you need to get yourself out of here!\u8221? I called out, but my
blonde wife shook her head vigorously. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I must protect my people,\u8221? she cried. \u8220?I am not a coward, and I
won\u8217?t leave them when they need me--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?But--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Go on without me!\u8221? Freya shouted once more. \u8220?Get my daughter
and yourselves to safety. I must protect my people!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
The strength of her tone was so powerful, Cyra took Lahrra into her arms without
further question. Vahla squeezed in with them, and the hawk-princess\u8217? scared
expression made my anger toward Moose Clan surge even greater.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, I\u8217?ll get them away from here!\u8221? Ratreya caught up to us,
and the older hawk woman\u8217?s golden-brown eyes darted all around as they took
in the scene around us. \u8220?Hop in and help Fenrir, I\u8217?ll get the girls to
safety!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you!\u8221? I called out to my mother-in-law. \u8220?Go as fast as
you can, and don\u8217?t stop for anything!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My women followed Ratreya through the mess of shifters, and as they disappeared
out of the hall, I fought the urge to run after them. I hated being separated from
my family in a moment like this, but the children\u8217?s safety was the most
important thing. Ratreya would get them to safety. For now, I had to focus on
neutralizing the enemy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Tears sprang from Freya\u8217?s eyes as Lahrra and Cyra drifted away, and her face
betrayed the torn feeling she must have been experiencing. I knew my hawk wife
well, and toeing the line between dutiful warrior princess and mother was likely a
huge struggle for her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her sadness was disrupted when another moose shifter flung himself toward her, but
before I could even make a move toward him, the warrior princess let out a shrill
battle cry. Then she instinctually grew her razor-sharp hawk talons and slashed
right into the moose shifter as if he were made of butter rather than flesh and
bone. Blood spurted all over the blonde shapeshifter and covered her with a slick
ruby sheen, and the moose collapsed to the ground immediately after.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My eyebrows shot skyward as I surveyed the carnage, and I\u8217?d never felt so
proud and admittedly turned on by my shapeshifting wife. Freya was an absolute
badass, and it would do me well to never forget it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I breathed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to go and help the guards over there.\u8221? Freya pointed
over at a group of moose warriors who were harassing a group of hawk women. \u8220?
Stand your ground, my husband.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya stretched her arms out, and after a quick blur, her golden-brown wings
appeared. The princess pumped them thrice and then took off into the air and flew
over to the group of moose men. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A shifter came right at me, and I reached down to my side and unsheathed my
father\u8217?s dagger just in time to strike. The blade ripped right through the
moose\u8217?s throat before he could utter a single word, and I took pleasure in
kicking his limp body off to the side. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good riddance,\u8221? I snarled down at him. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I wouldn\u8217?t be able to fend off all of the moose invaders with just my dagger
alone, so I reached into my jacket pocket and retrieved the one essence crystal
I\u8217?d kept on my person. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hawk Clan didn\u8217?t like monsters. They referred to them as shadow beasts and
kept their distance as much as possible, and normally, I would have respected their
wishes and kept my summons far away from their dwelling, but this situation was
different. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I crushed the fang-shaped crystal in my palm, and once the plume of smoke
disappeared, my saber-toothed-cat familiar appeared before me at his full
height. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Holy shit}, Dio uttered as his large yellow eyes took in the sight of the hawk and
moose struggle. {\i
This is quite the dinner party, boss. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Yeah, it didn\u8217?t quite go according to plan,\u8221? I replied to my
tawny-furred summons. \u8220?I\u8217?m going to need your help, buddy. We need to
protect Hawk Clan and get these moose out of here.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
{\i
It\u8217?s been a while since I\u8217?ve enjoyed a good moose snack}, Dio purred,
and he licked his enormous chops as he zeroed in on a pair of moose warriors.{\i
Those guys are looking especially delicious. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Make sure to steer clear of the hawks, and only go after the moose,\u8221?
I reminded him. \u8220?There\u8217?s a lot happening, and I don\u8217?t want anyone
from Hawk Clan to get hurt in the scuffle.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Of course,} Dio insisted as if I were out of my mind. {\i
I love Freya, and she\u8217?s a hawk, so I know the hawks are our friends. Those
moose fuckers, though\u8230? they\u8217?re going to make a tasty meal.}
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, what is that beast doing in here?\u8221? I heard Fenrir shout at me
from across the hall. I scanned the flurry of movement until I located the tall
hawk warrior, and I quickly found him mid-attack. He had a moose in his clutch, and
he snapped his neck like it was nothing right as I watched with awe. Then the hawk
leader cast the body aside, and he pushed his way through the throng of people to
join my side. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That was badass, sir,\u8221? I complimented him. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They threatened my daughters,\u8221? Fenrir replied, and malice dripped
from his tongue. \u8220?Normally, I would simply take these invaders as prisoners,
but threatening my children crosses the line.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re a good father,\u8221? I said. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Fenrir didn\u8217?t acknowledge my statement, and instead, fixed his dark eyes on
Dio. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I suppose I can make an exception to my rule for your creature,\u8221? he
grunted. \u8220?Is your shadow beast as deadly as he appears?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Deadlier.\u8221? I grinned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After a quick incline of my head, Dio flexed his impressive claws and then plunged
right into the mess of moose shifters. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The tawny monster\u8217?s mighty roar echoed through the hall, and I watched with
pride as he took down any opponents in his path. All it took was one swipe of his
enormous paw to knock a moose warrior down, and I watched with a sick sort of
pleasure as his curved fangs impaled a pair of moose men right through their
chests. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, look out!\u8221? Fenrir\u8217?s voice rang out as one of the moose
men lurched toward me. The hawk leader let out a chill-inducing screech and then
launched himself at one of the moose men, and his dark eyes were ablaze with fury
as he grew his talons and slashed deep into the shapeshifter\u8217?s torso.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The moose let out a scream of terror, and blood gurgled up from his throat before
he fell to the stone ground. His body made a wet thud as it made contact, and
Fenrir shook with anger as he glared down at the dead shifter.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks!\u8221? I called out to the hawk chief, and my heart raced with
adrenaline in my chest as I threw myself back into the fray.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The fight went on for a bit longer, and finally, only three shapeshifters
remained. They stood with their daggers brandished, and while their similarly dark
eyes were wild, their shoulders held a hint of exhaustion. Each of the
shifters\u8217? teeth were bared as they stared us down, but between Fenrir, Freya,
the hawk guards, and I, they were completely surrounded and had nowhere to go.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Execute them all!\u8221? Fenrir growled decisively, and then he fixed his
gaze on the one who stood in the middle of the trio. \u8220?Except for you. Gryff,
bring this man to his feet. Before he meets his end, he will give us answers about
his origins.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk guards moved swiftly, and before the moose shifters could react, they
swooped in and used their razor-sharp talons to cut the pair down. The remaining
shifter let out a bloodcurdling cry of anguish, and I took advantage of his
distress and snuck up behind him. I wrapped my arm around his neck and trapped him
in a chokehold. After a moment or two of struggling, the shifter\u8217?s knees gave
way, and I removed my hold around him. The moose-man fell to the ground and
sputtered as he attempted to catch his breath. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?d better start talking,\u8221? I threatened him, and I held my
father\u8217?s dagger to his throat. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?d sooner die than betray my Clan,\u8221? the moose hissed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me killing you right now would be a mercy you don\u8217?t deserve,\u8221? I
snarled at him. \u8220?You\u8217?re going to listen to Chief Fenrir and give him
whatever information he requests.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And if I don\u8217?t?\u8221? the moose mocked me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Then I\u8217?ll find a fate far worse than death for you,\u8221? I replied,
and my head pounded as the bloodlust flooded through me. \u8220?I can be pretty
fucking creative when I want to be.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My lips curled into a snarl, and although the moose-man was much bulkier than I,
the venom of my tone seemed to intimidate him. He gulped and then gave a reluctant
nod of affirmation. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Who sent you?\u8221? Fenrir began the interrogation. \u8220?Moose Clan no
longer occupies their old territory, so where have you come from?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The moose shifter deliberated on his response, and I had no patience for it.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Answer him,\u8221? I growled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Moose Clan may no longer have Skara, but we do have territory
elsewhere,\u8221? the shifter finally confessed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Where?\u8221? Fenrir demanded. \u8220?Where have you been hiding out after
all this time?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Moose Clan\u8217?s numbers have dwindled, but those who remain occupy land
in each of the territories,\u8221? the moose-man answered the hawk leader. \u8220?
Bear, wolf, snow leopard, hawk. We\u8217?re everywhere.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How many of you remain?\u8221? Fenrir pressed. \u8220?You claim you occupy
land in each of the territories, but how many of you are hidden away?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fifty,\u8221? the moose-man finally answered after a few minutes. \u8220?At
least, the number was fifty until tonight.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You made it sound as if there was an armada,\u8221? I scoffed at the
shapeshifter. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fifty is nothing to balk at,\u8221? the moose-man replied with narrowed
eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What even brought you here in the first place?\u8221? I demanded. \u8220?
Why did you attempt to kill my wife and her sister tonight of all nights? Was it a
matter of convenience?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Your wife?\u8221? the moose repeated back to me with narrowed dark eyes.
\u8220?I don\u8217?t care about her relation to you. I was sent to eradicate the
royal family that pretends to care about unity.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, you\u8217?re rebels,\u8221? I scoffed. \u8220?That\u8217?s a little
pathetic, isn\u8217?t it? And besides, what are you fighting against? Peace? Unity?
Your people tried to rise up against the other Clans, and you failed. It\u8217?s
about time you accepted your defeat.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck the other Clans.\u8221? The shifter spat on the ground. \u8220?Moose
Clan will never make peace with hawks, bears, wolves, or snow leopards. We bow to
no man.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re pathetic,\u8221? I hissed at the moose-man. \u8220?Attacking
women isn\u8217?t powerful, it\u8217?s weak. Only the most cowardly of men would
resort to something as low as harming a woman, especially one who is not yet fully
grown.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Dio stepped over to my side, and the enormous saber-toothed-tiger let out a low
growl that made the moose-man tremble. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fine, fine, I\u8217?ll answer,\u8221? the shifter insisted with raised
palms. His dark eyes remained on Dio\u8217?s curved fangs and refused to move away
from them. \u8220?We caught wind of a celebration. The princess Freya had returned
with her daughter, and the entire ruling family of Hawk Clan was coming together to
celebrate their return. When the princess left the territories for a foreign land,
we knew it would be a while before they returned. The plan was to kill the
princesses to wound Chief Fenrir. It is because of him our Clan can no longer live
as they once did, so we wanted to take our revenge by killing his beloved daughters
in the same way his people killed ours.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, you certainly fucked that up, didn\u8217?t you?\u8221? I growled, and
my anger swathed me in a warmth that wouldn\u8217?t fade. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I was sent to eradicate the royal family who pretends to care about unity
while my people continue to suffer,\u8221? the shapeshifter repeated. \u8220?Hawk
Clan has stolen everything from us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The last time I checked, your people were the ones who were enslaving and
killing others.\u8221? I narrowed my eyes at the moose-man. \u8220?You kidnapped
the hawk queen and held her hostage for so many years she was presumed dead, and I
couldn\u8217?t even count the hundreds of other shapeshifters that have met their
demise at your hands. Moose Clan doesn\u8217?t get to cry about injustice after
they spent so many years as the perpetrators.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck you!\u8221? the moose-man shouted boldly. \u8220?What do you even know
about the territories? You aren\u8217?t even a shapeshifter. I can hear it in your
accent and see it in your face.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you even know who the fuck I am?\u8221? I asked him as my temper
swelled. \u8220?You\u8217?d be wise to remember this face. I am the one who
commands the shadow beasts. I\u8217?m the one who saw to it that Skara was
destroyed. I am the husband of the warrior princess Freya and the commander of
seven goddesses who would gladly devour you at my instruction.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Y-You\u8217?re the beastmaker?\u8221? the moose-man realized.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was surprised to hear the shapeshifter refer to me by that particular title, and
it took all of my willpower to keep my face even. How did the moose-man even know
the word \u8220?beastmaker\u8221? in the first place? Freya had called me
beastmaker when we first met since she witnessed me summoning monsters, but this
man had called me \u8220?the\u8221? beastmaker. Had he picked the title up from an
outside force, and if so, how far had my reputation spread for that to be possible?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am.\u8221? I flashed him my cruelest grin as I refocused. \u8220?And
it\u8217?d be best for you to remember that. You don\u8217?t get to fuck with me or
my family and walk away unscathed. You and the rest of your Clan are fools for
crossing us, and you won\u8217?t get away with it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I--\u8221? the moose stammered, but his voice caught in his throat as he
trembled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think I\u8217?ve heard enough,\u8221? Fenrir commanded, and then he
looked to two of the hawk guards who flanked him. \u8220?Take this prisoner to the
dungeons. I shall need to gather the other chiefs to decide his fate.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk guards nodded at the chief, crossed over to where I stood, and grasped
the moose shifter in their powerful arms. The moose-man tried to shimmy out of
their clutches, but the overly muscular hawk guards were far too strong to
evade. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As the guards hauled away the assailant, I fought hard to bring my anger levels
down. I was so wound up my vision was tinged in red, and if caught a glance of
myself in the mirror, I knew my eyes would look absolutely crazed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It was difficult to remain calm. The moose shifters had not only threatened me,
but they\u8217?d threatened my family as well, and if I hadn\u8217?t reacted as
quickly as I did\u8230? I didn\u8217?t even want to think about what could have
happened. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My eyes darted over to Freya, and the hawk-princess\u8217? lower lip trembled. She
was having just as much difficulty remaining calm, too, not that I could blame her
at all. She clearly needed me, so I took a breath and crossed over to her.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff,\u8221? she whispered, and I swept her into my arms. My wife\u8217?s
entire body shook, and my heart felt like it was going to break. With all of her
bravery, sometimes it was easy to forget the hawk-princess was just as vulnerable
as any other woman, and it hurt me deeply to know how scared she was.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m right here,\u8221? I assured her as she leaned into me. \u8220?
I\u8217?m right here.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, I think you should take Freya back to your chamber while we clean up
this mess,\u8221? Fenrir advised me. \u8220?We have everything under control here,
so go and rejoin your other women and try to calm yourselves.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I couldn\u8217?t bring myself to reply to the chief, so instead, I offered him a
firm nod over Freya\u8217?s shoulder. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to lift you up, okay?\u8221? I whispered in her ear.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can walk--\u8221? Freya tried to insist, but her quivering legs said
otherwise. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I got you.\u8221? I gently maneuvered her into my arms, and my wife wrapped
her arms around my neck and rested her cheek against my chest without further
argument. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We shall speak in the morning,\u8221? Fenrir announced.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Goodnight, sir,\u8221? I replied, and then I carried Freya through the
hall. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The remaining hawk shapeshifters parted to form a walkway, and many offered their
encouragement or soft apologies as we passed by. Freya turned her face so she could
have a bit more privacy, and I could feel my shirt grow damp from her tears.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s okay,\u8221? I whispered down to her. \u8220?We\u8217?re almost
there.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As we continued on, I heard padded footsteps behind me, and I glanced over my
shoulder to see Dio had shrunk down to the size of a house cat so he could follow
us more easily. I managed to reach the chamber quickly, and when I stepped inside,
I was greeted by the shocked faces of Cyra and Erin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, Gryff, is she--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s okay,\u8221? I assured Erin. \u8220?I think she\u8217?s just in
shock.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let\u8217?s get her to the bedroom,\u8221? Cyra said, and the dark-skinned
mage hurried us over to the room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin pulled the corner of the comforter and swept it off to the side while Cyra
moved a few decorative pillows out of the way. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Where are Ratreya and Vahla?\u8221? I asked as I peered around the room.
Much to my surprise, Freya\u8217?s mother and sister were nowhere to be found.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Ratreya took Vahla back to her chambers,\u8221? Cyra explained. \u8220?At
least, that\u8217?s what I understood anyway. I could only make out a few
words.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s probably the safest place they could be,\u8221? I assessed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once the bed was clear, I carried Freya through the doorway and then carefully
placed her on the mattress. The hawk-princess curled up into a ball on her side,
and I sat down on the edge of the bed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll go boil some water and get some tea started,\u8221? Cyra
decided. \u8220?Erin, will you come and help me?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Absolutely.\u8221? The orange-haired mimic nodded, and after she gave Freya
one last glance, she left the room with the curly-haired summoner.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once we were completely alone, I reached out to rest my hand on Freya\u8217?s leg.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya?\u8221? I prompted her. \u8220?Talk to me.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My shapeshifter wife sank further into herself and didn\u8217?t respond. Her brown
eyes were slightly glazed and unfocused, and I started to feel nervous.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Still, I forced myself to be patient, and I quietly waited for Freya to open up to
me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I feel as if I failed,\u8221? Freya finally whispered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What do you mean?\u8221? I asked her. \u8220?We defeated the Moose Clan
invaders, and your father has one in custody right now. All things considered,
I\u8217?d say we did really well tonight.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya pulled herself up and ran a hand through her tousled blonde hair. \u8220?I
was not as strong as I wanted to be. I felt\u8230? distracted. All I could think
about was Lahrra and if she was okay. I owed it to my people to keep them safe, and
yet many were injured by those Moose Clan traitors\u8230?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, you did all you could,\u8221? I assured her. \u8220?Don\u8217?t beat
yourself up over this. This was a surprise attack, and even with that in mind, you
stayed behind to keep your people safe. Don\u8217?t blame yourself for anything
that happened.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya took a long, deep breath, and we sat there in silence for a moment or
two. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Will you hold me?\u8221? Freya asked me quietly after a few minutes passed.
\u8220?I don\u8217?t think I want to talk about this anymore. I just want to feel
your strong arms around me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course,\u8221? I replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I kicked off my shoes, peeled off my jacket, and then crawled right into bed with
Freya. I wrapped myself around her, and then I pulled her in so tightly it was as
if our bodies were a pair of puzzle pieces. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I held her tenderly in my arms until we drifted off into sleep. At one point in
the middle of the night, the mattress shifted on either side of me, and when I
briefly opened my eyes, I saw Cyra and Erin get into bed with us. I welcomed my
other women with a smile, and soon, we became our familiar and comfortable tangle
of bodies. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The morning came earlier than I wanted it to, and I awoke to Freya still curled up
in my arms. I planted a soft kiss at her temple, and the warrior princess stirred
beneath me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good morning,\u8221? I greeted her in a whisper. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My eyes were still bleary from sleep, and I couldn\u8217?t yet tell if Cyra or
Erin were awake. I didn\u8217?t want to rouse them before they were ready.
We\u8217?d all had quite the eventful evening, and I didn\u8217?t want to deprive
anyone of their much-needed rest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good morning,\u8221? Freya murmured to me as she slowly sat up and
stretched her arms in the air. The princess\u8217? mane of dark-blonde hair was
especially wild this morning, but it suited the warrior shapeshifter perfectly.
Anyone else would\u8217?ve looked positively feral with all of that tangled hair,
but on Freya, it was incredibly sexy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We laid in each other\u8217?s arms for about half an hour until the others began
to stir. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, don\u8217?t you two look cozy?\u8221? Cyra noted our closeness with a
smirk as she blinked her dark chocolate eyes rapidly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t be too jealous,\u8221? I teased her right back. \u8220?You
should come and join us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m never jealous,\u8221? my curly-haired wife replied. \u8220?I like
seeing you with my fellow sister-wives. But if I\u8217?d known there was going to
be a cuddle pile, I would\u8217?ve moved closer even sooner--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As soon as the babies heard us speak, they began to wake up, and immediately, I
heard Lahrra erupt into tears. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya swiftly stood from the bed and crossed over to our daughter\u8217?s crib in
the other room. I followed suit and watched the hawk-princess sweep the golden-eyed
baby into her arms. Freya began to rock her and gently whispered words in the
language of the Clans to her, and within moments, Lahrra settled down, and the baby
reached up and grabbed a strand of Freya\u8217?s hair. Our daughter tugged on it
gently, and then she let go and relaxed in my blonde wife\u8217?s arms.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya hugged Lahrra tenderly to her chest and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
The moment was so precious, I almost felt as if I were intruding, but Freya raised
her golden-brown eyes to look over at me with an even more loving gaze.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you for comforting me last night,\u8221? she said softly. \u8220?I
appreciate your support, my mate. It means the world to me that I can rely on you
in times of need.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s what I\u8217?m here for,\u8221? I reminded her. \u8220?
We\u8217?re a family, and I\u8217?ll always be there for you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I crossed over to her and Lahrra and pulled the pair in for a hug, and as we
embraced, Cyra and Erin snuck into the room and joined our affectionate moment.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It was nice to know that no matter how terrible things got, we were always there
for one another. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We spent the rest of the day relaxing and taking things easy. I\u8217?d offered to
meet with Fenrir to discuss the next move against the Moose Clan rebels, but the
hawk chief insisted I spend my time comforting my women. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?My guards are patrolling the island right now,\u8221? my father-in-law
insisted. \u8220?Should something come up, I\u8217?ll find you, but until then,
take some time with your family. Ratreya and Vahla are doing the same in their own
chambers, and I think everyone needs time to settle down from the
madness.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Then that\u8217?s what I\u8217?ll do.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?Let me know
if there\u8217?s anything you need, sir.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As I walked from the hawk chief\u8217?s dwelling to our designated chamber, I
decided to take a detour and traverse the rope bridges to the upper levels where
Hawk Clan had their shops set up. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I wanted to surprise my women with some nice flowers. It wouldn\u8217?t change
anything that had happened last night, but it would at least help brighten up the
room a bit. My women deserved a bit of cheer, and I wanted to improve their spirits
as much as possible. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After I paid for three bouquets of wildflowers, I made my way back down to the
first floor. I strolled into the chamber only to find the children had already been
put to bed. I scanned the area, but there were no traces of my women anywhere.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 Where would they have gone? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My question was answered when I noticed the door to the bedroom was closed, so I
set the flowers down on an empty table, crossed the stone chamber, and knocked on
the door. I heard a round of giggles on the other side and then knocked again.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Come in, Gryff!\u8221? I heard Erin say. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I turned the knob and opened the door to find my women in bed. Each of the
beauties wore thin shift dresses, and my eyebrows shot skyward as I took in the
sight. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What have we here?\u8221? I chuckled as I stepped into the room. I quietly
closed the door behind me, and when I turned back around, I was met with three
seductive smiles. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, it\u8217?s about time you joined us,\u8221? Cyra purred.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Thirteen
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My lips curled up into a grin as I took in the sight of the bedroom. My women had
filled the place with candles, and the cavernous room glowed with flickering golden
light. I\u8217?d expected an evening of tender cuddles and comfort, but it looked
like my lovers had more than that on their minds. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Which suited me just fine. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?After everything that\u8217?s happened, we decided we should have some fun
together,\u8221? Erin explained, and her amber eyes glittered with mischief.
\u8220?I think you\u8217?ve earned it at this point.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Has he really earned it, though?\u8221? Cyra teased.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, he has,\u8221? Freya replied to the summoner with a sexy
smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The two mages and the shapeshifter eyed me like lionesses on the prowl, and I was
ready to hear their proposal. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m intrigued.\u8221? I raised an eyebrow. \u8220?What do I have to
do for this surprise?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You just have to close your eyes,\u8221? Cyra instructed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And no peeking!\u8221? Erin giggled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Or else we shall have to punish you,\u8221? Freya chimed in.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk-princess\u8217? eyes were heavy-lidded with lust, and the way they
trailed over the length of my body made my lower half stir with desire. I wanted
her. Maker, I wanted all of them. My lovers were all unbearably gorgeous, and I
wanted nothing more than to get lost in a sea of long, sexy limbs, plump lips,
silky skin, and erotic moans. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What if I\u8217?d like to be punished?\u8221? I murmured.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin bit down on her lower lip and winked, and I almost lost control in an
instant. My women weren\u8217?t playing fair. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can arrange that, too.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Now, close your eyes, Gryff,\u8221? Cyra instructed me again. \u8220?
We\u8217?ll tell you when to open them.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, ma\u8217?am.\u8221? I mock-saluted the curly-haired summoner, and then
I dutifully closed my eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I heard the feather-soft sound of silk falling to the ground, and my mouth watered
as I tried to imagine what was happening. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Okay, you can look,\u8221? Erin instructed me, and I happily obliged.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 My women had stripped down to their lingerie, and my eyes nearly popped out of my
skull as I admired their gorgeous bodies. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
They\u8217?d clearly put quite a bit of effort into their lingerie, and each was
clad in a similarly cut lacy ensemble that showed off the swells of their frames.
Cyra\u8217?s undergarments were the same shade of burgundy as her lipstick,
Erin\u8217?s were a pale rose color, and Freya\u8217?s were a deep plum that made
her porcelain skin glow like moonlight in the candlelit bedroom. They looked like a
trio of goddesses, and I was the lucky man who had the pleasure of being in their
presence. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?I don\u8217?t know what I did to deserve all
of this--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We haven\u8217?t had a chance to be intimate in a while,\u8221? Erin
murmured softly. \u8220?With all of the stress you\u8217?ve been under, we figured
it would be nice to have some fun while we\u8217?re on this trip.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I like the sound of that,\u8221? I chuckled lightly.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Now, how about you strip down and join us?\u8221? Cyra requested with an
arched eyebrow. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You don\u8217?t have to ask me twice,\u8221? I said. \u8220?Your wish is my
command, my ladies.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I unfastened my bandolier and placed it on the ground beside my boots. Then I
pulled my sweater over my head and admired the way my women eyed my chest. I
wasn\u8217?t as heavily muscled as some of the Hawk Clan guards, but I still had a
good amount of definition that only improved as time went on. I slowly began to
unzip my pants, and my lovers\u8217? faces betrayed their lust as they stared
longingly at my erect cock. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to need you to get over here,\u8221? Cyra purred. \u8220?I
don\u8217?t know how much longer I can wait to have you inside of me.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Someone\u8217?s a little direct this evening,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?Not
that I\u8217?m complaining or anything\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Would it be too direct to say I want you in my mouth?\u8221? Erin asked in
a faux-innocent voice. Her full pink lips pouted slightly, and all I could think
about was how much I wanted them wrapped around me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not too direct at all,\u8221? I murmured. \u8220?But I think if you\u8217?
re going to say such things, you need to follow through and show me just how much
you want it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Lay down, and I\u8217?ll show you just how much I want you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Not one to turn down a request from such a beautiful woman, I happily obliged. I
climbed onto the enormous bed and laid on my back, and once I was settled, Erin,
Cyra, and Freya all joined me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra and Freya remained off to the side as Erin approached me, and when I raised
an eyebrow at the two, they flashed me a pair of knowing smiles.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin sat down with her knees folded under her, and after she gave me a mischievous
smile, she bent over, parted her lips, and enveloped my cock with her mouth. Heat
flooded through me as she began to bob up and down on my stiff member, and I
clutched the sheets for stability as she sucked me with torturous finesse.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, that feels so good,\u8221? I groaned, and a tingle ran all the way
up my spine from the vibration of Erin\u8217?s sultry moan.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As the copper-haired mage bobbed up and down on my shaft, Cyra began to play with
herself, and soon, Freya got in on the action, too. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk shapeshifter leaned forward and took Cyra\u8217?s dark nipple in her
mouth. The beautiful blonde swirled her tongue around and sucked at the tender
peak, and the dark-skinned summoner arched her back in pleasure.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuccck,\u8221? she quivered as Freya reached up and squeezed Cyra\u8217?s
rounded mounds. The combination of sucking and squeezing seemed to be just the
thing the curly-haired mage wanted, and she soon leaned her head back as she
sighed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra reached down, parted her glistening lips with her fingers, and began to
pleasure her clit in a circular motion. Her fingers flew increasingly faster as
Freya flicked her tongue over Cyra\u8217?s nipples, and the umber-skinned summoner
began to quiver and moan as an orgasm crashed over her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Meanwhile, Erin had grown bolder with her movements and deepened her strokes until
I could feel my tip graze the back of her throat, and the orange-haired
mimic\u8217?s nose grazed my stomach as she leaned into the motion. When she pulled
herself back up, she ran her nimble tongue up the length of me. Then she flicked
her tongue over the head of my member, and I nearly lost control of myself.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, Erin, that feels incredible,\u8221? I gasped. The mimic\u8217?s
mouth molded around my shaft combined with the sight of Freya and Cyra playing with
one another was driving me fucking insane, and I was barely hanging on for dear
life as desire surged through me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Erin moved up and down for a little while longer, and it took my everything to not
erupt right into her mouth. Just when I was on the verge, Erin\u8217?s lips
released me with a wet pop of sound. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, I think he\u8217?s all ready for you,\u8221? Erin murmured as she
wiped a string of saliva from the corner of her mouth. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk-princess gave me a coy smile and pulled away from Cyra\u8217?s
breasts. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we?\u8221? Freya asked the curly-haired mage conspiratorially.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
From the way Cyra\u8217?s chest heaved, I knew she was still coming down from her
climax, but she certainly looked ready for a second round of pleasure because she
nodded her head enthusiastically. \u8220?Yes, please.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The two disentangled their bodies from one another, and once they were separated,
they reached down and gently shimmied out of their lace panties in a fluid and
simultaneous motion. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I admired the perfection of their naked bodies as they crawled back over to me,
and I found myself wondering how I\u8217?d managed to find such perfect women.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He\u8217?s all yours,\u8221? Erin addressed Freya in a breathy voice.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk-princess\u8217? pupils were so dilated they practically eclipsed her
irises, and they grew even darker when she nimbly swung one leg over and straddled
me. Her pussy glistened with a slick wetness that made my mouth water, and before I
could utter a word, Freya gripped my cock in her hand and guided me inside of
her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As she lowered herself onto me with ease, pleasure flooded my body, and the
muscles of her tight tunnel constricted my cock like a vise.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Makerrrr,\u8221? I gasped. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya sensually rolled her hips and began to ride me, and I nearly saw stars as my
senses went into overdrive. My blonde wife moved slowly at first, and I groaned as
her lips dragged up the length of my rock-hard member and then back down again.
Then Freya began to pick up momentum, and soon we fell into a hastened rhythm that
made me feel as if I were flying. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Erin had parted her legs and began to finger
herself. Breathy moans escaped her mouth, and her amber eyes were hooded with lust
as she watched Freya ride me like a champion. I watched with fascination as
Erin\u8217?s fingers snuck further down, and she inserted them inside of herself.
She moved in and out as she mirrored the rhythm of Freya\u8217?s movements, and my
head tilted back as blood pounded in my ears. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The sounds of our bodies clapping against each other combined with the choir of
moans and sighs filled the room, and I was surprised the sounds of our lovemaking
didn\u8217?t wake all of Hawk Clan. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra leaned over to kiss me, and the vanilla and cloves taste of her tongue was
fucking irresistible. My senses went into overdrive as she gently bit my lower lip
and pulled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fucccck,\u8221? I groaned, and I reached up to cup Cyra\u8217?s breasts for
myself. The full, pert mound filled up my palm, and Cyra began to moan as I
squeezed and kneaded her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I want to taste you,\u8221? I moaned in between kisses. \u8220?Really taste
you. Move up here.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra understood me immediately. My umber-skinned wife repositioned herself, and as
she straddled my face with her muscular thighs, I was suddenly consumed by the
sight, smell, and taste of her arousal. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gripped her thigh and squeezed gently as I sampled the slick wetness of her
plump pussy lips, and the taste of her exquisite juices exploded on my tongue. Cyra
was impossibly sweet, like sugared honey, and as I lapped at her ready pussy, her
hips began to buck and quake. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I explored every inch of her with my tongue, and the summoner mage clenched around
me with every taste. She hadn\u8217?t waited long between orgasms, and I knew by
the way she tightened around me that she was moments away from coming.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Moments later, my dark-skinned wife went rigid and came with a high-pitched,
earth-shattering cry. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ohhhhh, Gryffff,\u8221? she moaned, and her juices flowed steadily into my
ready mouth as I drank up every last drop of her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once she stopped shaking, Cyra eased herself off me and laid down on her back as
she struggled to catch her breath. Then, when she settled, she swept Erin into her
arms, and the pair held each other tenderly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gripped Freya\u8217?s hips as the princess rode me even faster, and I knew we
were mere moments away from climax. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, Freya\u8217?s walls tightened around me and constricted my cock with an
impressive force, and as the hawk-princess cried out, a tingle ran up my spine.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I finally lost my control and erupted in a burst of pleasure. My entire body
quaked, and I dug my hands into Freya\u8217?s slender hips as rivers of my hot seed
flooded her tight velvet tunnel. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuckkkkkk,\u8221? I groaned, and my body convulsed as I continued to pump
out gallons of my sperm in powerful streams until Freya overflowed with my
juices. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We rode the waves of our climaxes, and when Freya eased herself off me, I pulled
Erin close and flipped her so she was on her back. Then I climbed on top of the
mimic, parted her porcelain legs, and guided my wet cock between her dripping lips.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I made sure Erin received the same glorious pleasure she\u8217?d gifted me, and
once she achieved multiple orgasms of her own, my women and I switched up our
positions again. We spent what felt like an eternity sucking, fucking, and
pleasuring each other until we physically couldn\u8217?t go any further.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
And I came multiple times in each of them, so I guessed the talk about waiting a
bit to have babies was out the window. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once we were all satiated and perfectly spent, we laid down on the bed to catch
our breaths. My heart thudded in my chest, and my breath came in pants as I wound
down from the festivities. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That was certainly the best surprise I could\u8217?ve asked for,\u8221? I
sighed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Us, too,\u8221? Cyra breathed, and the chocolate-skinned mage let out a
sigh that mimicked mine perfectly. \u8220?That was incredible.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know about all of you, but I\u8217?m about to fall
asleep,\u8221? Erin yawned, and her button nose crinkled up in the most adorable
way. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, too,\u8221? Freya agreed, and she rested her head against my chest. The
lavender and sea salt smell of her hair lulled me into a relaxed state, and soon,
my eyelids struggled to remain open. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We should do this again sometimes,\u8221? I proposed in a sleepy voice.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Perhaps we can invite the others next time,\u8221? Cyra chimed in.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
This time, it was my turn to let out a yawn, and I reached the point of no return.
The bed was far too comfortable, and the sea of warm bodies enveloped me until I
drifted off to a pleasant, dreamless rest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The rest of the week was thankfully less eventful than our first evening.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We\u8217?d yet to see any other members of Moose Clan in Eyrie, and though that
was good news, we, unfortunately, couldn\u8217?t track any stragglers on the
mountainside, either. I hoped the absence of moose shifters meant the ones
who\u8217?d occupied Eyrie were all involved in the attack, and not that they were
just skillfully hidden away from us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Fenrir had upped his personal guard in response to the attack and assigned two
overly-muscled warriors to follow Vahla and four to linger outside of my
family\u8217?s doorway. I didn\u8217?t feel like the guards were entirely
necessary, but if they gave my father-in-law peace of mind, that\u8217?s all that
mattered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Near the middle of the week, I found myself missing the rest of my family. This
vacation was exactly what Freya had needed, but I missed having the rest of my
women along with us. As I pictured what they would be doing back in Mistral, my
mind circled back to the mistwolf threat. Even though we hadn\u8217?t seen any in
the weeks preceding this trip, I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach and
decided I needed to take measures to ease my unease. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached deep into the corners of my consciousness and released the bonds that
kept Sera locked away. The dark-winged Archon stirred within my mind, and her soft
laugh was like a pool of honey. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
How may I serve you, my love?} she asked in a breathy tone.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?My love?\u8221? I smirked. \u8220?That\u8217?s a new one. I didn\u8217?t
realize you felt so strongly about me, Sera.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I-I meant to say \u8216?master\u8217?,} Sera stammered, and it was strange to hear
the goddess sound so flustered. {\i
It was a slip of the tongue, nothing more.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mmhmm,\u8221? I drawled. \u8220?That\u8217?s quite the slip.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I suppose I couldn\u8217?t be too surprised the yellow-eyed Archon felt a strong
connection toward me. Of all of the Archons, she and I had been together the
longest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Is there anything I can help you with?} Sera mumbled. {\i
Or would you rather spend your time mocking me?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I was only teasing,\u8221? I said gently. \u8220?I\u8217?d never mock you,
Sera. But yes, there was something I wanted to ask of you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Name it. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know we\u8217?re set to return to Mistral in a few days, and I\u8217?m
sure my women are doing just fine on their own, but could you use your
teleportation magic and check in on them?\u8221? I requested. \u8220?I don\u8217?t
have another way to contact them, and I just have this sneaking feeling that
something bad is going to happen.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
You\u8217?re far more superstitious than I would have guessed you\u8217?d be.}
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?d prefer to think of myself as intuitive rather than
superstitious,\u8221? I laughed lightly. \u8220?I know I sound overly cautious, but
I\u8217?d rather be wrong than ignore my gut feeling and have something happen when
I\u8217?m not there.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
The way you care for your friends and family is admirable,} Sera complimented me.
{\i
I\u8217?ll leave as soon as you release me from this cell.}
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Right,\u8221? I remembered. I reached into my mind and released the holds
around the Archon, and once they were undone, I sensed Sera stretch out.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, my back began to tingle where Sera\u8217?s mark resided, and a stream of
essence manifested before me until it took the shape of the dark-winged goddess.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sera winked at me with one brilliant yellow eye and then disappeared with a wave
of her pale hand. As her portal shimmered away, I forced the nervous dread
that\u8217?d built up in my gut to vanish. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d have my answers soon, and hopefully my unease amounted to nothing.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
That evening, while Freya and my lovers were off running errands with Ratreya, I
roamed one of the higher levels of Hawk Clan\u8217?s dwelling. The women had taken
the babies with them, so I took advantage of the opportunity to stroll around the
areas that would have been impossible with an infant in my arms. It was easier to
traverse the rope bridges on my own, so I made it a point to get some exercise and
explore more of Hawk Clan. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Various shapeshifters greeted me with a mix of awe and pleasantness, though a few
eyed me warily. While a good amount of the shifters had warmed up to me, there was
still some residual distrust for outsiders that lingered \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? I heard Chief Fenrir\u8217?s voice call out to me as I was
about to step onto another bridge. \u8220?May I speak with you?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I turned around to see the hawk leader speeding after me, so I stopped in my
tracks and waited for him to catch up, which didn\u8217?t take too long. His grand
height made his strides at least twice as long as mine, and I had no doubt he could
reach a considerably fast speed if he really put his mind to it.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course.\u8221? I nodded at him. \u8220?What\u8217?s going on?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have some concerns about my daughter, and I don\u8217?t exactly know how
to proceed,\u8221? Fenrir admitted. My father-in-law\u8217?s voice was softer than
I was used to, and his dark-brown eyes darted around as if he didn\u8217?t want to
be heard by anyone else. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I inclined my head to nonverbally suggest we move, and Fenrir gave a nod of
approval. We stepped away from the bridge and ducked into a more secluded space,
and once we were sure we were alone, the hawk leader and I resumed our
conversation.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you worried about Freya?\u8221? I frowned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No.\u8221? He shook his head firmly. \u8220?It\u8217?s Vahla.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Does this have to do with the Moose Clan attack?\u8221? I asked, though I
already knew the answer. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? Fenrir nodded. \u8220?The moose shifter\u8217?s words have
settled deeper within me than I expected them to, and it\u8217?s come at the cost
of a few sleepless nights. Gryff, I am worried about my Vahla\u8217?s
safety.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you think they\u8217?ll come back?\u8221? I wondered. \u8220?The moose
shifters?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know,\u8221? Fenrir sighed. \u8220?And there lies the
problem. As my daughters grew up, I always thought my Freya would be the one to
take over the rule of Hawk Clan once I reached the end of my life. She is a
powerful warrior, stubborn, but with the biggest heart. I have always known she
would make a great ruler, and she would preside over Hawk Clan like no queen before
her.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I sort of ruined that plan, didn\u8217?t I?\u8221? I asked quietly.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No,\u8221? Fenrir insisted. \u8220?No, my son, you have not ruined
anything. You are the best thing that could have ever happened to my daughter. Had
she not met you, Hawk Clan would have fallen to Moose Clan\u8217?s invasion long
ago. There would not have been treaties or agreements between the different clans.
We would have continued with the old ways until who knows how long if there
hadn\u8217?t been someone to unite us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, sir,\u8221? I said. \u8220?Freya means everything to me, and
meeting her was one of the greatest moments of my life. I\u8217?m lucky to have a
wife who was willing to leave her homeland to follow me.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She would follow you to the ends of the earth if you asked her to,\u8221?
Fenrir affirmed. \u8220?And it seems my Freya has adapted well to her new life.
Freya belongs with you in Mistral. I accepted this the moment I realized how loyal
she was to you, and there are no hard feelings between us for that.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I appreciate that, sir.\u8221? I nodded. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?In the time Freya has been away, Vahla has proven herself capable of
ruling,\u8221? Fenrir continued on, and his lips curled up in a proud smile.
\u8220?She is dedicated to Hawk Clan, and she\u8217?s been doing all she can to
learn of history, battle strategy\u8230? she\u8217?s even joined me in meetings
with the other Clan chiefs so she can learn how to better speak with other
leaders.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you implying what I think you are?\u8221? I wondered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ve decided that when she comes of age, the rule of Hawk Clan will
fall to Vahla,\u8221? Fenrir revealed. \u8220?I wouldn\u8217?t dare ask Freya to
leave Mistral, not when she\u8217?s established and happy there.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think she\u8217?ll make a wonderful leader.\u8221? I grinned at the
chief. \u8220?Especially with you as a teacher, Fenrir.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Gryff.\u8221? The hawk shifter offered me a curt nod. \u8220?She
is still young, and while her power and strength has matured with her age, she
still has much to learn, but I believe she will rise to the occasion. However, the
threats from Moose Clan worry me greatly. Not for my own safety, but for that of my
wife and of Vahla. I fear they will return and try to harm her again once you and
your wives leave us--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Father?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Fenrir and I turned around to find Vahla behind us. The young hawk shifter\u8217?s
arms were crossed against her chest, and her eyes studied us with a scrutinizing
gaze. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Vahla.\u8221? Fenrir cleared his throat. \u8220?We were just speaking
of--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?My safety,\u8221? Vahla finished for her father. \u8220?Yes, I
overheard.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What have we told you about lurking?\u8221? Fenrir sighed, and from his
stance alone, I could tell the young hawk heir had heard this before.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s different this time,\u8221? Vahla insisted. \u8220?This time,
the conversation involved me. I understand the concerns for my safety. Trust me,
the Moose Clan rebels put fear within me I did not expect, and I too have shared in
your sleepless nights, Father. But I have a solution to our problem.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Go on,\u8221? Fenrir prompted her in a reluctant tone. He crossed his arms
in front of his broad chest and waited for his daughter to continue.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You fear for my safety as the heir apparent,\u8221? Vahla continued on, and
her facial expression was more serious than I\u8217?d ever seen it. \u8220?Moose
Clan\u8217?s numbers may not be what they used to be, but that doesn\u8217?t mean
they aren\u8217?t a threat, and who knows if they\u8217?ll send another set of
assassins.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have a solution that might sound a little drastic, but I believe
it\u8217?s a good solution,\u8221? the hawk-princess began, and then she took a
deep breath. \u8220?Can I go to Mistral with Freya and Gryff? At least for a short
while, until the threat of Moose Clan fades.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My eyebrows shot skyward as I stared at the russet-haired hawk shifter. \u8220?
Vahla\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I saw the logic of her idea, but with everything going on, I wasn\u8217?t sure
Mistral was the place for the young hawk shifter to go. There were a lot of pros
and cons to weigh, and my mind was moving too slowly to compute them all as the
hawk shifters watched me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?To Mistral?\u8221? Fenrir repeated back to her, and his face was as shocked
as mine probably was. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Safety aside, I think it would be important for me to go,\u8221? Vahla
declared. \u8220?If I am to one day be the leader of Hawk Clan, I want to be as
learned as possible. How can I be a good ruler if I do not understand the ways and
the customs of the people in the lands beyond us? If the Clans are ever to truly
form an alliance with Mistral, we need to create the relationship now. My
intentions might sound unattainable at present, but one day, I hope all of the
continents will achieve a general understanding of one another. We shouldn\u8217?t
be strangers to one another. We should all be aligned together to fight the shadow
beasts and other further threats to our land.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was surprised by Vahla\u8217?s short speech. Her words sounded like they
belonged to an older and wiser leader, not from a young girl of not even eighteen.
I\u8217?d really underestimated the younger hawk woman, and I vowed to not let that
happen again. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, what words do you have for this situation?\u8221? Fenrir wondered as
he studied his daughter with a scrutinizing gaze. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla\u8217?s large emerald eyes fixed on me as she awaited my response, and I
knew I owed it to her to stand up for her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think what Vahla says is very mature,\u8221? I said. \u8220?She brings up
an excellent point about learning about different cultures. I attend an Academy
back in Mistral, and we have teachers who would probably have no qualms with
teaching Vahla Mistral\u8217?s ways. Freya has been a student since she arrived
back with me, and she\u8217?s taken a real shining to academics. Furthermore,
I\u8217?d be happy to keep her under my protection. We have more than enough room
in our home for her.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You would watch her?\u8221? Fenrir pressed. \u8220?Keep her safe?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, I would,\u8221? I assured him. \u8220?Vahla is family, and I
will do everything in my power to keep her safe until she can return to you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk chief furrowed his eyebrows and took a minute to consider the idea
further. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Alright,\u8221? Fenrir agreed in a softened tone. \u8220?I trust you,
Gryff, and I trust you, Vahla. Your safety is my priority, daughter, and if you
would feel safe with Gryff and his family in Mistral for the time being, I\u8217?m
open to the possibility. Of course, Gryff must discuss it with his wives
first.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll speak with them about it this evening,\u8221? I suggested.
\u8220?I\u8217?m sure they won\u8217?t take issue with it.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I won\u8217?t take offense if you decide against it,\u8221? Vahla replied
maturely. \u8220?But I really would love to stay with you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll let you know as soon as I speak with them,\u8221? I promised the
young hawk shifter. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you.\u8221? My sister-in-law nodded at me, and then she turned to
Fenrir. \u8220?Father, will you walk me back to my room?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Absolutely,\u8221? Fenrir said. He extended a large hand out to his
daughter, and after she accepted it, he looked back to me. \u8220?I\u8217?ll see
you all for dinner tonight?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We wouldn\u8217?t miss it,\u8221? I replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk leader gave me a thin-lipped smile, and then he and Vahla disappeared
over the bridge. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I went in the opposite direction and returned back to my chamber.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I sat my women down straight away and explained the situation to them. Cyra and
Erin nodded their heads as I recounted the hawk leader\u8217?s words, while
Freya\u8217?s face remained unreadable. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Vahla will be coming with us?\u8221? the blonde warrior repeated back to me
once I\u8217?d finished. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? I nodded. \u8220?If that\u8217?s okay with all of you. Your
father was worried about her safety, and after we discussed it a little, we decided
the best thing to do for Vahla is get her away from Eyrie Island, at least for a
little while. As long as she lingers around, Moose Clan might return.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would feel much more comfortable if she returned with us,\u8221? Freya
admitted after a moment of consideration. \u8220?Hawk Clan must have a living heir,
and since the rule of the clan will one day fall to Vahla, we must keep her
safe.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?ll be able to get some more sisterly bonding time in as
well,\u8221? I pointed out to her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya\u8217?s full pink lips curled into a smile. \u8220?That is also true.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think she\u8217?s going to like Varle,\u8221? I said. \u8220?It will be
good for her to see beyond the territories and experience parts of the world she
wouldn\u8217?t see otherwise.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think she\u8217?ll enjoy it, too,\u8221? Freya mused. \u8220?I have grown
to love it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Erin, Cyra?\u8221? I prompted my other lovers. \u8220?What do you
think?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think it\u8217?s a good idea.\u8221? Erin nodded in agreement. \u8220?If
we have the capability to keep Vahla safe, we should do it.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you.\u8221? I offered her a small smile, and then I shifted my focus
to Cyra. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s the sister of my sister-wife,\u8221? Cyra said simply. \u8220?
I\u8217?d do anything to keep her safe. If you and Fenrir think taking her back to
Varle for a while is the right call, I\u8217?ll back you on it. Besides, I think it
would be good for Vahla, and not to mention, pretty fun for us.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 Her chocolate eyes sparkled as they darted over to Freya, and my women shared an
amused smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s decided, then,\u8221? I confirmed. \u8220?I\u8217?ll tell Vahla
the news this evening. Fenrir and Ratreya want us to dine with them.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Perfect.\u8221? Freya smiled at the group. \u8220?Thank you all for your
generosity. I appreciate your willingness to open up our home to my
sister.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
That evening, after we shared the news with Vahla, our large family sat down and
enjoyed a simple meal of fish and root vegetables. Fenrir and Ratreya confirmed
their consent of the plan, and while Ratreya seemed saddened by the idea of her
youngest child leaving home, I knew the hawk queen wanted the best for Vahla.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This will not be forever,\u8221? Fenrir insisted to his wife gently.
\u8220?Vahla will return to us as soon as it is safe for her to do so.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know.\u8221? Ratreya nodded at her husband, and she rested her hand on
his arm. \u8220?This is all for the best, and I know Vahla will be taken care of by
Gryff and his family. Thank you, Gryff, for helping our family in their time of
need.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s what family is for,\u8221? I insisted.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Even though the Moose Clan surprise attack was an awful situation, I was glad some
good came from it. I had a feeling Vahla was going to adapt well to Enclave life
just as her sister had. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Enough talk of departure,\u8221? Fenrir proposed. \u8220?Let us enjoy this
evening together and put all thought of Moose Clan and other enemies behind
us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We did just that, and after another wonderful evening of food, conversation, and
cooing over our adorable babies, we retired again to our chambers.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The next morning, I woke with a start and was surprised to see a pair of bright
yellow eyes staring at me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sera?\u8221? I frowned as I took in the sight of the Archon. \u8220?
What\u8217?s going on? Did you get word from Mistral?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The dark-winged goddess\u8217? appearance was not as pristine as usual. Her raven-
black hair was wind-tangled as if she\u8217?d been running, and her yellow eyes
were frantic as they bored into mine. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, you must return at once,\u8221? Sera insisted. \u8220?The mistwolves
have returned to Mistral, and they\u8217?re closing in quickly.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Fourteen
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck,\u8221? I cursed, and I ran my hands through my hair. I couldn\u8217?t
be too surprised Hunnah\u8217?s monsters had resurfaced in my absence, especially
since I\u8217?d sent Sera to investigate in the first place, but that didn\u8217?t
keep my brain from launching into a panicked frenzy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra, Erin, and Freya stirred but thankfully didn\u8217?t wake at my sudden
outburst. Sera raised a black eyebrow and tilted her head to the side curiously as
she observed my sleeping lovers, but when I inclined my head toward the doorway,
she followed my cue and floated into the living room area. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
After I nimbly climbed around my women\u8217?s sleeping forms and crawled out of
bed, I gently closed the bedroom door behind me and then turned my attention back
to the Archon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Sera, I need you to tell me everything,\u8221? I urged the dark angelic
goddess. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There isn\u8217?t much to tell, to be perfectly honest,\u8221? Sera
admitted reluctantly. \u8220?I\u8217?ll relay all I learned. When I reached your
home, I was greeted by the sight of your silver-haired wife on her way out the
door. My presence always sets her on edge, but when I appeared to her, she was
already shaken up--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is she okay?\u8221? I demanded. \u8220?I swear, if Hunnah and Quilla did
anything to her or the others--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Patience, Gryff.\u8221? The dark-winged Archon raised her hands in
reassurance. \u8220?Your family is perfectly fine. Once I calmed her down and
explained why I was there in the mansion without you, Nia informed me that the
mistwolves had been spotted just beyond the Enclave and in the surrounding villages
and towns. She said their numbers have increased significantly, and she was on her
way to join a team of mages from your Academy to further investigate.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker,\u8221? I cursed again, and I tried to force my heart to calm
down. \u8220?This isn\u8217?t good.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My hands had begun to shake at the idea of Nia and the rest of my women going up
against the Archon\u8217?s pack of supposedly hard-to-kill monsters.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Not that Nia Kenefick couldn\u8217?t handle herself, of course. The multi-
elementalist was a prodigy in her own right, and she possessed some of the
strongest magic of any mage alive. I\u8217?d witnessed the intensity of her power
for myself on numerous occasions, but still, I couldn\u8217?t help worrying about
my wife. Nia meant the world to me, and I would do everything in my power to keep
her safe. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Master, take a deep breath,\u8221? Sera pressed, and the Archon rushed to
my side and rested her hand on my shoulder. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I followed the Archon\u8217?s instruction and took a long, deep breath. Once I was
calmer, I nodded my head as I considered the best course of action. This new
onslaught of mistwolves presented a huge problem. Normally, in these circumstances,
I would have pushed to teleport back to Mistral, but I wasn\u8217?t here alone.
With my women, children, airship, and now Vahla to worry about, there was no way I
could possibly teleport us all back home without wasting energy I might need when
we returned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?From what Nia said to me, the mistwolves have not made it to Varle just
yet,\u8221? Sera soothed. \u8220?There\u8217?s still some time, but if you
don\u8217?t leave as soon as possible\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I understand.\u8221? I nodded at her. \u8220?Well, it\u8217?s a good thing
we were going to be leaving within the next couple of days anyway. It\u8217?s going
to take three days to get back to Mistral. If we leave tomorrow morning, will we
reach them in time?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?From the information I\u8217?ve gathered, I\u8217?d say it\u8217?s just
enough,\u8221? Sera replied. \u8220?But the morning must be the latest departure.
Hunnah\u8217?s pack is ruthless, and from the sounds of it, they\u8217?ve got
something in store for the human realm. You don\u8217?t want to arrive after the
mistwolves do, because by then, it will be too late.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sounds like I need to go find the others and let them know,\u8221? I
murmured, and then I turned my attention back to the dark-winged Archon. \u8220?
Thank you, Sera, I appreciate your help.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, master.\u8221? Sera gave me a thin-lipped smile. \u8220?I\u8217?
m sorry my news wasn\u8217?t more pleasant.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With a wave of my will, I recalled the beautiful goddess back into my
consciousness, and once her mark returned to its place on my back, I took a deep
breath, turned on my heels, and walked back into the bedroom.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My women were wrapped up in blankets, and their bleary eyes betrayed their
lingering sleepiness. When the door closed behind me, each of my beautiful lovers
sat up and stared at me with concern. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, what\u8217?s going on?\u8221? Cyra frowned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Sera just returned from Varle,\u8221? I revealed to the group as I crossed
over to them and perched on the edge of the bed. \u8220?I sent her to check on
everything back in Mistral because I had an anxious feeling the other day, and I
just wanted some peace of mind. Unfortunately, it appears my fears were for a good
reason. The mistwolves have made a reappearance, and they\u8217?re nearing the
Enclave.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck!\u8221? Cyra cursed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, no,\u8221? Erin breathed as her face fell. \u8220?Please tell me they
haven\u8217?t made it to Varle.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They haven\u8217?t yet,\u8221? I replied, and Erin let out a huge sigh of
relief. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker, Gryff, I swore you were about to tell me the mistwolves had invaded
our home and you needed to teleport back or something,\u8221? the pilot sighed.
\u8220?Not that this is the better alternative\u8230?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They aren\u8217?t at Varle yet, but Sera thinks that could change fairly
quickly,\u8221? I continued on. \u8220?I know we\u8217?d planned on a couple more
days, but we need to leave for Mistral tomorrow morning at the latest if we want to
get back in time.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That should be simple enough,\u8221? Erin said, and the mimic nodded her
head as she considered my words. \u8220?If we load up this evening, we should be
able to take off early in the morning. Luckily, we didn\u8217?t bring much with us
luggage-wise\u8230? \u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Could Sera just\u8230? teleport us home?\u8221? Cyra wondered with a
curious tilt of her head. \u8220?If immediacy is the concern, could she just open
up a portal and pull us all through to Varle?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?In theory, that\u8217?s a good idea, but that kind of travel is really
taxing on Sera\u8217?s energy,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?And with so many people and
the airship to worry about, the portal would have to be larger and stronger than
the one she can open for herself.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh.\u8221? Cyra frowned. \u8220?That makes sense.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, we\u8217?ll need to accomplish a lot today if we want to leave in the
morning,\u8221? Erin continued on. \u8220?There\u8217?s some things I have to
handle on the airship\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As the pilot carried on about all that needed to be done, my eyes fell to Freya,
who\u8217?d been silent during this entire interaction. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, I\u8217?m so sorry we\u8217?re shortening our stay,\u8221? I
apologized to my hawk wife. \u8220?I wish we didn\u8217?t have to leave so
soon--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t worry, my husband.\u8221? Freya shook her head, and her wild
blonde waves fluttered with the motion. \u8220?I told you before we left that your
duties to Mistral come before anything else. I have had more than enough time with
my mother and father, and they will understand why we must return.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you for being so understanding.\u8221? I reached out and gently
touched her arm. \u8220?I\u8217?ll make it up to you once everything has settled
down. Now, I\u8217?d suggest we all pack things up--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can handle the packing,\u8221? Erin insisted. \u8220?Maybe you should go
and find Fenrir and Ratreya and tell them what\u8217?s going on. It\u8217?d be
easier for the official explanation to come from you since you know the story
first-hand.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s a good idea,\u8221? I commended the orange-haired pilot.
\u8220?Though it\u8217?s more like second-hand information.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sera is a part of you,\u8221? the mimic reminded me with a raised
eyebrow. \u8220?Whether or not you\u8217?d like to admit it or not, she\u8217?s
basically an extension of your eyes and ears.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We shall need to tell Vahla as well,\u8221? Freya reminded me. \u8220?She
will need to gather up her belongings and say her goodbyes to my parents and her
friends in the Clan.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Would you go find her while I go talk to your father?\u8221? I asked the
hawk shapeshifter, and she nodded vigorously. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I was already planning on it before you asked me,\u8221? my blonde wife
replied. \u8220?It would be best if the information came from me. I know she\u8217?
s excited for Mistral, but she might not be happy that we have to leave early. I
would rather give her the news myself.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s lucky to have a sister who cares so much.\u8221? I gave her a
small smile, and then I rose from the bed and searched the floor for last
night\u8217?s clothing. I dressed myself quickly and smoothed a few of the wrinkles
in my button-down shirt. The leader of a foreign shapeshifter clan was unlikely to
care about a rumpled shirt, but I wanted to show the chief my respect as I let him
down. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You look fine,\u8221? Cyra assured me, and I let out a small chuckle in
response. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My curly-haired wife always knew what I was thinking before I even said it
aloud. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll be back soon,\u8221? I addressed my women. I gave them one last
look and then headed out of the bedroom and through the doorway.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My feet carried me to Chief\u8217?s Fenrir\u8217?s dwelling so fast, I felt like I
was flying, and my breath was heavy in my chest as I practiced my words. I knew
Fenrir was going to understand, but there was still a lingering feeling of dread
within me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Chief Fenrir called out to me before I even stepped into the
room. \u8220?Is that you?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It is,\u8221? I replied as I parted the curtains and then stepped through
the threshold. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Chief Fenrir was seated on a large cushion, and he was surrounded by thick scrolls
of a written language I didn\u8217?t recognize. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Come sit, my son.\u8221? Fenrir inclined his head in front of him. \u8220?
Is everything alright? You appear troubled.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Things aren\u8217?t exactly alright,\u8221? I admitted to the hawk leader,
and I braced myself for his disappointment. \u8220?We\u8217?re going to be leaving
in the morning. We received word from Mistral that the mistwolves have returned,
and we need to be there before the situation gets dire.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
To my surprise, my father-in-law didn\u8217?t look disappointed, and his face
remained even and calm. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You have to do what is right for your homeland.\u8221? He nodded. \u8220?
We\u8217?ve loved hosting you and your family, but we will be connected for the
rest of our lives. The doors of Hawk Clan will always be open to you and your kin,
and you may return whenever you wish. For now, defeating the monster goddesses is
the top priority.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you for understanding, Fenrir.\u8221? I smiled at the chief. \u8220?
I\u8217?ve really appreciated your hospitality over the past week.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We are family,\u8221? Fenrir said simply. \u8220?We will always be here for
you. Now, have you informed Vahla of your departure?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I believe Freya\u8217?s speaking with her now,\u8221? I replied.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good.\u8221? The hawk leader nodded again. \u8220?I believe Ratreya is in
Vahla\u8217?s chambers as well, which spares me from having to tell my wife the
news myself.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is she going to be alright?\u8221? I asked. \u8220?Ratreya, I
mean.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?My wife understands just as well as I,\u8221? he said quickly. \u8220?
Though I know parting with Vahla is going to be a bit difficult on her, she knew
the day would come when her daughters would grow from fledglings into
adults.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll keep Vahla safe,\u8221? I promised him. \u8220?I swear
it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know you will,\u8221? Fenrir replied, and his dark eyes were sincere as
they stared into mine. \u8220?Now, I know you probably have much to accomplish, so
I won\u8217?t keep you any longer. We shall have one last meal together this
evening, and then we\u8217?ll send you on your way in the morning. If there\u8217?s
anything you need before then, don\u8217?t hesitate to ask.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Chief Fenrir,\u8221? I said sincerely. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
True to his word, Fenrir and Ratreya arranged an intimate and delicious dinner for
us that evening after we\u8217?d finished packing and preparing for our
departure. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Ratreya had prepared a spicy stew with vegetables and some unknown but succulent
meat that fell apart in my mouth. Hawk Clan certainly had a way with cooking, and
it was easy to tell where Freya got her skills from. We sipped on mead and nibbled
on a thick, grainy bread while a fire roared in the background, and even though I
was stressed out about the upcoming journey, I felt warm and content.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
While Freya conversed with her father and sister, my mother-in-law held Lahrra in
her arms. The hawk queen cooed at my daughter in softened tones and stroked her
golden curls affectionately. Lahrra seemed to enjoy the tender touch and giggled as
her grandmother played with her hair. Ratreya\u8217?s smile grew with every infant
laugh, but suddenly, her face went slack as if she\u8217?d had a realization.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mother?\u8221? Freya frowned as she looked over at Ratreya. \u8220?Mother,
what\u8217?s wrong?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Ratreya parted Lahrra\u8217?s hair and stared at part of her scalp, and suddenly,
tears streamed down her cheeks unexpectedly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya,\u8221? the older hawk woman breathed as she examined my
daughter\u8217?s hair. \u8220?Oh, this is so wonderful. Once again, we have been
blessed by the goddess\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mother?\u8221? Freya followed the older hawk woman\u8217?s gaze. \u8220?
What are you--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My wife stood from her seat and rushed to the other side of the table to
Ratreya\u8217?s chair, but her words halted in her throat as a smile broke across
her face. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s going on?\u8221? Erin whispered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know\u8230?\u8221? I trailed off as I tried to understand
what had just happened. I peered over at my daughter, and Ratreya brought her
closer so I could see what they were staring at. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
There was a single feather, golden-brown in appearance, growing from my
daughter\u8217?s scalp in between two golden ringlets, and my eyebrows furrowed as
I tried to make sense of it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is that a--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hawk feather,\u8221? Freya breathed. \u8220?Yes.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What does that mean?\u8221? I wondered, though I was sure I knew the answer
to the question. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Our Lahrra is going to be a shapeshifter after all.\u8221? Freya teared up.
\u8220?A hawk feather in the hair is the telltale sign. I\u8217?m surprised I
didn\u8217?t even notice it until now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This is wonderful news!\u8221? Fenrir exclaimed with a proud smile. \u8220?
Our granddaughter is a shapeshifter after all!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra and Erin looked at me with confused expressions, so I quickly translated what
had just happened to them, and once I concluded, the mages offered us excited
expressions. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s amazing!\u8221? Erin declared. \u8220?Oh, I\u8217?m so happy
for you both!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As I looked over at my young daughter, I tried to imagine her one day changing
into a hawk just as her warrior mother did, and my heart swelled with pride.
Ratreya was right. Lahrra would go on to do amazing things. I wondered if
she\u8217?d inherit my magical power as a mage, but even if she didn\u8217?t, I
wouldn\u8217?t mind. I was happy that my wife was able to pass on her heritage to
our daughter. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Our departure the next morning was bittersweet, and while Freya\u8217?s mother and
father were understanding, the hawk shifters were sad to see us leave. They helped
us load our luggage into their boat and then ferried us out of the mountain and
over to the landing pad we\u8217?d constructed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I wish we had more time together, my Freya,\u8221? Ratreya sighed as we
lingered on the dock, and she took my wife\u8217?s hands in hers. \u8220?It\u8217?s
been so wonderful to see you again.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll be back as soon as I can, Mother,\u8221? the warrior princess
promised the older hawk woman. \u8220?We\u8217?ll need to bring Vahla back to the
island, and hopefully by then, we\u8217?ll be able to have a longer stay.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would like that quite a bit.\u8221? Freya\u8217?s mother smiled. \u8220?
Now, Freya, I know I don\u8217?t have to explain the importance of Vahla\u8217?s
safety to you, but I\u8217?ll say it anyway for peace of mind--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She is safe in my care,\u8221? Freya assured her. \u8220?She will always be
within my sight, and I will make sure her experience in my husband\u8217?s homeland
is just as impactful to her as it was to me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I trust you, my love,\u8221? Ratreya replied, and then she crossed over to
me and began to coo at our daughter. \u8220?Oh, my Lahrra. I will miss you as
well.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think she\u8217?s going to miss you just as much,\u8221? I assured the
hawk queen, and Lahrra immediately reached for her grandmother as if she\u8217?d
understood my words. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?May I hold her one last time?\u8221? Ratreya requested, and I couldn\u8217?
t deny my mother-in-law the opportunity, so I carefully handed Lahrra over to
her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk queen cuddled Lahrra tightly against her chest and planted a soft kiss on
the child\u8217?s forehead. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, dearest one,\u8221? she whispered to my daughter. \u8220?I look
forward to seeing you again.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Lahrra cooed softly and blinked up at her grandmother in response.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Ratreya reluctantly handed Lahrra back to me and then turned her attention to Cyra
and Erin. \u8220?Gryff, will you please tell Cyra and Erin it was wonderful to get
to spend time with them?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I dutifully repeated Ratreya\u8217?s words back to my women, and Cyra and Erin lit
up immediately. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you.\u8221? Cyra bowed her head respectfully. \u8220?I had a great
time, all things considered.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, thank you both so much,\u8221? Erin addressed Freya\u8217?s
parents. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I translated their words back to the hawk chief and his wife, and the pair nodded
their heads in response. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We stepped away to give Vahla a private moment with her parents, and out of the
corner of my eye, I watched the younger hawk shifter get enveloped into a strong
embrace. The sight made my heart hurt, but I reminded myself that the princess
would be reunited with them soon enough. This was all a temporary arrangement, and
while it was going to take her a while to adjust, this was all for the best.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once we said our final goodbyes to Freya\u8217?s parents, we turned to the airship
and began the walk to the ramp, but before I could board the vessel, I felt a tug
on my jacket. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla stood behind me, and her emerald-green eyes were round with concern.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is the flying metal machine as scary as it appears?\u8221? the hawk shifter
asked me quietly. Despite the mature way she\u8217?d spoken to her father the other
day, she was still just a young girl, and her quivering lips betrayed her fear.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s a little scary at first,\u8221? I admitted to her. \u8220?But as
the ride goes on, you\u8217?ll grow accustomed to it. It\u8217?s sort of like how
it feels to fly with wings, only you\u8217?ll be sitting.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know if I like the sound of that,\u8221? Vahla sighed, but
she took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. \u8220?I will be brave
anyway. If my sister can handle airship travel, so can I.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s the spirit,\u8221? I encouraged her. \u8220?Between you and
me, I was really nervous on my first flight as well.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Really?\u8221? Vahla asked. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yep,\u8221? I confirmed. \u8220?I grew up in a place that didn\u8217?t have
airships or fancy technology like this, so it took me a little while to get used to
it. But I can assure you, Vahla, you\u8217?ll get used to it, too, and soon,
airship travel will feel commonplace.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?May I hold my niece once the ship takes off?\u8221? she inquired.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Once we get to a reasonable altitude and Erin gives us permission to move
around in the cabin, you can most definitely hold Lahrra.\u8221? I smiled. \u8220?
We won\u8217?t be confined to our seats for the next three days, so you\u8217?ll
have plenty of time to cuddle with the babies and play with them.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes!\u8221? Vahla grinned, and she tightened the strap of her leather bag
around her shoulder. \u8220?Shall we get going?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sounds good to me.\u8221? I nodded. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We gave Fenrir, Ratreya, and the rest of Hawk Clan a wave goodbye and then headed
into the cabin. I noticed immediately that Freya\u8217?s smile had faded into a
thin line, and I reached out for her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It won\u8217?t be too much longer,\u8221? I reminded her gently.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know,\u8221? she replied. \u8220?Thank you for your support.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Always.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once we boarded the craft, we stashed away our belongings and strapped the infants
into their seats. Milo, Olivir, and Lahrra fussed a bit, and I knew they
weren\u8217?t thrilled about going through all of this again, but they would
eventually settle down. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When the babies were situated, we all took our seats. Freya helped Vahla fasten
her safety harness, and I watched a thin line of sweat trickle down the younger
hawk shifter\u8217?s face. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?ve got this under control, Vahla,\u8221? I assured my sister-in-
law, and Vahla nodded slowly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The airship began to hum, and Vahla immediately straightened up in her seat and
whipped her neck around as she tried to understand the sound.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re getting ready to take off,\u8221? Freya explained to her
sister. \u8220?It\u8217?s only the ship warming up.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Oh.\u8221? Vahla gulped, and she relaxed her position in her seat. Then the
russet-haired hawk shifter wrapped her fingers around the thick belt of her safety
harness and took long, deep breaths. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As Freya calmed Vahla down, I leaned back into my seat and closed my eyes. A
million thoughts raced through my mind, and I wasn\u8217?t sure which thing to
focus on. Assimilating Vahla into Enclave life was going to be a bit of a
challenge, and I was worried about her experiencing the homesickness that plagued
Freya soon after she fell pregnant with Lahrra. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Granted, my blonde wife had been affected by a swarm of pregnancy hormones, so
maybe Vahla wouldn\u8217?t have as strong of a reaction as she did.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I knew Arwyn was going to be thrilled about the young princess\u8217? arrival, and
the others would accept her with open arms. The language barrier was going to be a
bit of an issue, but we\u8217?d cross that bridge once we got there. The main
priority was keeping Vahla safe and away from the Moose Clan warriors who wanted
her gone. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, the ship began to rock, and we slowly rose up into the air. As we gained
altitude, I watched Vahla\u8217?s eyes widen. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Eyrie Island looks like a speck from this vantage point,\u8221? Vahla
breathed as she stared out the window. \u8220?I\u8217?ve flown at great altitudes
before, but this is even higher than that.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Just wait until we get high up into the clouds.\u8221? I smiled at the
shapeshifter. \u8220?Sometimes it feels like we\u8217?re amongst the stars when the
ship reaches a certain height.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow.\u8221? Vahla rested her chin in her hands. \u8220?This is going to be
wonderful. Thank you for allowing me to join you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re happy to have you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s being said?\u8221? Cyra wondered with a raised eyebrow.
\u8220?There seems to be a lot of affection being passed around, and I want in on
it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I translated through some of the small talk and mentioned Vahla\u8217?s
appreciation, and Cyra\u8217?s face lit up. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re excited to have her with us,\u8221? the dark-skinned summoner
said, and she offered the hawk shifter a kind smile. \u8220?I\u8217?m sure the
others will feel the same as well.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We fell into a comfortable silence soon after the ship began its journey, and as
my women relaxed in their seats, I turned my attention to the reason we were
returning to Mistral so early in the first place. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The return of the mistwolves weighed heavily on my mind, and I needed to make
sense of it all. If the creatures were closing in, an attack from Hunnah and Quilla
was on the horizon. I\u8217?d vowed to subdue the final Archons, but there were
still so many questions to answer. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Why had the wolf-eared Archon sent her pack in the first place, and what did they
seek? Were they planning on harming the citizens of Mistral, or did they serve as a
warning that stronger dangers were soon to come? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
And what of the voice in my dreams? I had no idea what Quilla or Hunnah\u8217?s
magical powers were, so there was a strong chance the eerie, threatening voice was
something they\u8217?d sent my way, but why the theatrics? Were they just trying to
scare me, or was there another element to it I hadn\u8217?t thought of?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Cyra prompted me. Her dark chocolate eyes swept over me, and
she reached her hand toward mine. \u8220?What\u8217?s going on in your head?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Just trying to sort through it all,\u8221? I explained. \u8220?I need to
strategize and plan out what to do in case Hunnah and Quilla are there when we
arrive.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sera said we could beat them there,\u8221? Cyra pointed out. \u8220?Is that
still the case?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We hope it is,\u8221? I answered. \u8220?But we still need to plan for the
worst in the event Sera was wrong.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hopefully, Arwyn, Ashla, and the research team have made some kind of
progress with the translations while we\u8217?ve been away,\u8221? Cyra mused.
\u8220?I know it\u8217?s only been about a week, but if they even managed to
translate a small enough amount to help us figure out what the Archons\u8217?
overall plan is, that would be excellent.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Definitely,\u8221? I agreed with her. \u8220?This would all be so much
easier if Carth would cooperate with me, but I don\u8217?t foresee that happening
any time soon.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Have you tried again since the last time?\u8221? Cyra wondered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No,\u8221? I admitted to her. \u8220?I wanted to wait until I could find a
way to get around her influence magic, but none of the other Archons had a solution
for that. I may need to try a different approach, but I don\u8217?t particularly
want to.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What about trying to appeal to her desire for you?\u8221? Cyra proposed in
a thoughtful tone. \u8220?The Archons are all desperate to get pregnant with your
baby, right? Maybe you could find a way to exploit that desire for your personal
gain.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s pretty devious.\u8221? I smirked at her.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?As they say, desperate times call for desperate measures,\u8221? Cyra said.
\u8220?We don\u8217?t know what the remaining Archons are capable of, and literally
anything from Carth would be helpful in this case.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I\u8217?ll think on it for a while,\u8221? I decided. \u8220?Before I make
too many plans, I want to check in with Arwyn and Ashla and find out what they know
about it all. I want to think Hunnah is just doing this to mess with me, but I also
don\u8217?t want to make any assumptions.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m ready for you to capture her already,\u8221? Cyra sighed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Trust me, I am, too,\u8221? I said, and we left the conversation at that.
There wasn\u8217?t much else to say at the moment, not until we returned to
Mistral. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After two more days of uneventful but anxious travel, the sea below us gave way to
the familiar emerald-green ground of Mistral, and Vahla\u8217?s demeanor switched
from nervous to excited. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? she breathed as she stared out the window. \u8220?This is
amazing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Just wait,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?It\u8217?s going to get a lot
better.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Not too soon after that, we breached Varle\u8217?s sunset orange walls and finally
made it home. The airship gently touched down on the landing pad, and Vahla\u8217?s
knuckles were white as bleached bone as they gripped her safety harness.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Relax,\u8221? Freya soothed her sister in their native tongue. \u8220?That
was the worst of it. We\u8217?ve finally arrived home.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Home?\u8221? Vahla repeated back. \u8220?Is it normal for everyone in
Mistral to have an airship?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No,\u8221? I laughed. \u8220?That\u8217?s mostly just an Erin thing. The
other airships belong to the Academy and the military, and most of those hover near
the top of the Enclave, like we saw a little while ago.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh,\u8221? Vahla said simply. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 Once the airship\u8217?s hum died down, Erin called out from the cockpit and gave
us the go-ahead to rise from our seats. I unbuckled my safety harness, and once I
was free of the oppressive straps, I crossed over to the children and unbuckled
Olivir from his seat. Erin had enough to worry about up front, so I had no problem
attending to our son until she was ready for him. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Cyra and Freya removed Milo and Lahrra from their seats, and once all of our
belongings were gathered up, we headed down the ramp and out onto the lawn.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The sudden rush of air felt amazing after being trapped in an airship all day, and
as we approached the tall white walls of the mansion, my heart thudded in my chest.
I wasn\u8217?t sure what we were about to walk in on, or if anyone would even be
home in general, but I prayed everyone was safe and sound. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?This is your home?\u8221? Vahla breathed as her eyes followed the incline
of our multi-leveled mansion. \u8220?This is definitely impressive.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It doesn\u8217?t have quite the same appeal as Hawk Clan, but it\u8217?s
got all of the accommodations you\u8217?d ever need,\u8221? I replied to the hawk
shifter. \u8220?Bedrooms, bathrooms, rooms meant for relaxing. We even have our own
hot springs down in the basement.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hot springs?\u8221? Vahla repeated, and her auburn eyebrows crept up her
oval face. \u8220?That sounds so lovely. May we visit them later?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can do whatever you want,\u8221? I said. \u8220?You\u8217?re our guest,
so you\u8217?re more than welcome to take advantage of anything in the house,
especially the hot springs.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla brightened up at this and practically skipped in place.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ready to enter the shit storm?\u8221? Cyra sighed as she caught up to
us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ready as I\u8217?ll ever be.\u8221? I smiled thinly, and after I inclined
my head, we made our way up the circular drive. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When we entered the mansion, I was surprised to see no one was in the foyer to
greet us, but then I heard a mixture of voices float down the corridor. They
sounded like they were coming from the living room, and I managed to single out
Nia\u8217?s distinct tone amongst the babble. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Wait, Nia? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
What was she doing here? Sera had told me she\u8217?d gone off to scope out the
mistwolf sighting, and yet she was still here in Varle three days later. Something
about this was strange. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll go see what\u8217?s happening,\u8221? I said to the rest of the
group. \u8220?I\u8217?m not entirely sure what\u8217?s going on, so I\u8217?ll go
survey the area first. Would you mind taking Olivir?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Vahla can take him,\u8221? Freya replied, and Vahla stepped forward and
happily took my son into her arms. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The strawberry-blond baby cooed at the hawk shifter, and Vahla grinned with
delight. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we show Vahla around the first floor while we wait?\u8221? Cyra
proposed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? Freya confirmed, so the women set the luggage down and guided
the russet-haired princess into the formal sitting room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I briskly walked down the corridor until I reached the kitchen and then veered to
the left and into the living room, and I was surprised to see Ashla, Arwyn, and Nia
sitting around in the leather couches and chairs. Each member of them held on to a
packet of papers, except for Nia and Arwyn, who had their hands full with the
twins. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
They didn\u8217?t hear me approach, so I gently rapped my knuckles against the
doorway to signify my arrival. Ashla\u8217?s eyes looked up first, and the umber-
skinned ice mage flashed me a brilliant smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, you\u8217?re back!\u8221? she exclaimed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My girlfriend set her stack of papers down on the ground, rose from her place
beside Arwyn, and ran at me full-force. She wrapped her arms around my neck and
pressed her body so tightly against me that I couldn\u8217?t breathe, but I
didn\u8217?t care. It was nice to be reunited with my beautiful lover.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hi, Ashla,\u8221? I murmured, and I tilted her chin up so I could lean down
and kiss the ice mage\u8217?s plump lips. She tasted like something exotic I
couldn\u8217?t place, and I savored the deliciousness of her on my tongue before I
pulled away to face the rest of the room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You all certainly made much better time than I anticipated,\u8221? Arwyn
assessed, and the crimson-haired healer mage smiled at me over the cotton-like poof
of Nicolis\u8217? silvery hair. \u8220?Sera didn\u8217?t know how quickly you could
return, and I wasn\u8217?t expecting you to arrive until tomorrow.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Erin flew like a maniac the entire way.\u8221? I smirked at the
professor. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Speaking of Erin, where are the others?\u8221? Nia asked, and the ashen-
haired elementalist craned her neck around to search for the rest of our family.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Erin\u8217?s out in the ship, and Cyra, Freya, and Vahla are in the front
room,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?We weren\u8217?t sure who would be home, if anyone,
so I came first to gauge the situation.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Vahla?\u8221? Nia asked, and her piercing blue eyes flew over to me.
\u8220?What a pleasant surprise. I didn\u8217?t realize she\u8217?d be joining
us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s a long story I\u8217?ll explain later,\u8221? I said. \u8220?
There was an incident on Eyrie Island, so I offered to take Vahla in for a while.
Is that alright with everyone?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, it is,\u8221? my ashen-haired wife assured me. \u8220?Vahla is
Freya\u8217?s sister, which makes her family. And family is always welcome here.
We\u8217?ll set up one of the guest bedrooms for her.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can definitely arrange that,\u8221? Ashla agreed with her.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you,\u8221? I said as I took a seat next to Nia. \u8220?Now that
we\u8217?ve addressed that, could you catch me up on the whole mistwolf situation?
What exactly is going on? Sera said when she appeared, you were on your way to go
investigate, but you\u8217?re all clearly here, so--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We were, but the mission was shifted at the last minute,\u8221? Nia
explained, and she smoothed her silvery-blonde braid back into pristine
condition. \u8220?There was a mistwolf sighting out in Nattanger, and we were going
to go investigate it, but Headmaster Sleet ultimately decided it would be better to
stick around the Enclave in case the monsters return.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And have they?\u8221? I pressed. \u8220?Returned, I mean?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not to Nattanger, but our reports from other Enclaves and towns surrounding
the Enclaves say otherwise,\u8221? Nia continued on. \u8220?The pack has grown
larger since the last time they were spotted, and they\u8217?re definitely
preparing for something, we just can\u8217?t tell what. That\u8217?s why we\u8217?
re all gathered here. We were trying to sort through all of our information and see
if there\u8217?s anything written down about Hunnah or her monsters.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And have you found anything?\u8221? I wondered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No,\u8221? Nia sighed, and the elementalist\u8217?s blue eyes dulled as she
looked away from me. \u8220?Absolutely nothing at all. It\u8217?s so vastly
irritating to be up against an enemy we have no way of knowing about.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What could they be preparing for?\u8221? I wondered. \u8220?Is this all
just a part of Hunnah and Quilla\u8217?s plan to merge the realms
together?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It very well could be,\u8221? Arwyn said. \u8220?Though, I wish we had a
way to find out just what that is. At present, all we really know for sure is
they\u8217?re threatening the smaller towns out in the Wilds that can\u8217?t
protect themselves. Grand Mage Kenefick has deployed troops out to protect some of
the towns surrounding the Enclaves, but our forces are spread too thin. It\u8217?s
as it was with Carth\u8217?s herd, only much worse, because at least she had a
finite number of monsters. Hunnah\u8217?s pack seems to expand by the day, and thus
far, we\u8217?ve had no way of finding out how many she has.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A hopeless feeling spread through me. The idea of Hunnah\u8217?s creatures
threatening unarmed and unexpecting civilians made my blood boil, and I wished
there was a way to just end all of this outright. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have an idea,\u8221? I proposed. \u8220?Though, I\u8217?m not sure how
attainable it is\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?At this point, I\u8217?m open to any suggestions,\u8221? Ashla said.
\u8220?What\u8217?s on your mind, Gryff?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Why wait for Hunnah and Quilla to strike?\u8221? I began. \u8220?We can sit
around and wait for the pack to finally make it to Varle, or we could face them a
lot sooner.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think I see where your mind is headed with this,\u8221? Arwyn said
slowly. \u8220?But how would you propose we lure the goddesses to us?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?By capturing a mistwolf,\u8221? I announced, and suddenly, the room fell
silent. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Damn.\u8221? Ashla whistled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, that\u8217?s pretty risky,\u8221? Arwyn replied in a cautious
tone. \u8220?According to all of the reports, mistwolves are nearly impossible to
capture.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sure, for a normal person.\u8221? I smirked. \u8220?But I\u8217?ve managed
to capture a few of the other Archons\u8217? creatures before, so I don\u8217?t see
any difference with the mistwolves. Besides, the goddesses are really protective of
their monsters. If we can somehow manage to capture one of them, Hunnah will show
up to try to get it back, and when she does, I can capture her in turn.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s not a bad idea.\u8221? Nia raised an eyebrow.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll need to speak with the Headmaster about the idea, but I
don\u8217?t think he would object,\u8221? Arwyn decided. \u8220?He\u8217?s away for
the rest of the day, so I will have to wait until tomorrow to meet with him.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t want to do anything without his approval first,\u8221? I
said. \u8220?I\u8217?ve been away for a week, so if you think it\u8217?s safe
enough to wait a little longer, I\u8217?m okay with that. Besides, we\u8217?ve all
been cramped up in an airship for the past three days. A recovery period might not
be a bad thing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m sorry you rushed back so quickly just for us to wait,\u8221? Nia
apologized. \u8220?I know the circumstances were presented in a much more dire
light--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s alright,\u8221? I assured my ashen-haired wife. \u8220?It\u8217?
s better to be safe than sorry. I\u8217?m just glad everyone is okay.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re perfect now that we\u8217?re all together.\u8221? The multi-
elementalist smiled. \u8220?Speaking of together, we should go grab the others.
They don\u8217?t need to linger around in the hall--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Before I could get up to retrieve them, Cyra, Freya, and Vahla stepped into the
living room and greeted the rest of my family with cautious faces.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is everything okay?\u8221? Cyra wondered as her dark-brown eyes darted
around at the papers and books. \u8220?I figured you\u8217?d all be gone.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re all completely fine,\u8221? Arwyn assured the curly-haired
summoner. \u8220?Sorry to worry you all. We\u8217?d had one mission planned, but
the headmaster decided he wanted to wait to execute it. Of course, Gryff\u8217?s
just proposed a new one that might work better anyway.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Damn, Gryff, you really don\u8217?t waste time, do you?\u8221? Cyra laughed
at me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What can I say,\u8221? I laughed right back. \u8220?I\u8217?m an ideas
man.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is this Vahla?\u8221? Ashla peered around me to look at the russet-haired
hawk shifter. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla gave my lovers a nervous smile and hung close to her sister.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re going to get a guest bedroom cleaned up for you,\u8221? Arwyn
addressed the younger hawk-princess. \u8220?It won\u8217?t take too long.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Vahla can stay in my room for the time being,\u8221? Freya offered. \u8220?
We shared rooms as fledglings, so I\u8217?m sure she won\u8217?t mind.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla perked up at the sound of her name and eyed her sister with a concerned
look, but when Freya translated her words to their native language, the younger
hawk-princess lit up. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank\u8230? you\u8230?\u8221? she addressed my women in heavily-accented
Mistral, and she broke into a huge grin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wait, does Vahla actually speak Mistral?\u8221? Arwyn asked in a surprised
tone. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We taught her a couple of phrases on the ship,\u8221? I explained. \u8220?
She wants to learn pretty badly, though.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She actually doesn\u8217?t have too bad pronunciation skills,\u8221? the
crimson-haired professor admitted, and she tapped her finger against her lip.
\u8220?Would she be interested in lessons while she\u8217?s here?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s what we were hoping to make happen, actually,\u8221? I
replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can arrange that.\u8221? Arwyn nodded, and she gave Vahla a welcoming
smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to take her upstairs and show her around,\u8221? Freya
decided. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll come with,\u8221? Cyra offered. \u8220?Milo needs to be changed
anyway.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Why don\u8217?t we all go up?\u8221? Nia suggested. \u8220?Layla\u8217?s up
with the children, and I\u8217?m sure they\u8217?d all love to see you
again.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s a great idea,\u8221? I agreed with my ashen-haired wife.
\u8220?I\u8217?ve definitely missed everyone and could use a moment of calm.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We all rose from our places and began to file out of the room. I lingered behind
for a moment and glanced around at the papers and books. I wasn\u8217?t sure how
well my plan to capture a mistwolf was going to go, but we had to try.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nia hung back and studied me with a curious gaze. \u8220?Gryff? What\u8217?s
wrong?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nothing.\u8221? I shook my head. \u8220?My head is spinning from all of the
sudden changes, but I\u8217?m relieved you\u8217?re all okay.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll get through this,\u8221? Nia assured me. \u8220?I know
it\u8217?s all crazy right now, but we always manage to emerge victorious. I\u8217?
m only sorry we made you worry so much.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t be.\u8221? I shook my head. \u8220?As I said, I\u8217?m glad
you\u8217?re all okay. Let\u8217?s not dwell on the past.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nia crossed over to me and gave me a dazzling smile. \u8220?I love you, Gryff.
I\u8217?m glad you\u8217?re home.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too,\u8221? I replied, and I leaned down and planted a kiss on
Nia\u8217?s full lips. My heart swelled with happiness as the taste and smell of my
beautiful wife flooded my senses, and it was nearly impossible to pull away from
her. Once we finally did, we exchanged soft smiles and then left to join the rest
of our family. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The next day, while we waited for Sleet\u8217?s return, Freya, Arwyn, and I
decided to take Vahla up to the Academy and show her around the grounds. It was
unlikely she was going to leave Freya\u8217?s side, but just in case the two were
separated, it was a good idea for her to know where she was.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla was especially thrilled for the tour. My women had set her up with some more
Mistral-centric attire, and the russet-haired princess was glowing when she charged
down the spiral staircase to meet us in the foyer. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Layla had gifted her a dark-green sweater that matched the color of her brilliant
eyes, and with her gray peacoat wrapped around her, it was impossible to tell she
was a foreign shapeshifter princess. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am so excited to see the Academy where you get your warrior
training!\u8221? Vahla declared as she crossed over to us. \u8220?Will I begin my
lessons today as well?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not quite yet,\u8221? I said. \u8220?The semester doesn\u8217?t start up
until next week, so we still have a few days. We just thought it would be better to
give you a tour when most of the students were still off on their winter break. The
campus will be a lot clearer and easier to navigate.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That makes sense,\u8221? Vahla replied, and her small smile betrayed her
disappointment. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn picked up on the girl\u8217?s expression straight away and reached out to
Vahla. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, will you tell her that even though school doesn\u8217?t officially
start until next week, I would be more than happy to give her a small lesson this
evening?\u8221? the crimson-haired professor asked me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I relayed the information to Vahla, and the shapeshifter\u8217?s face lit up.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would love that!\u8221? she exclaimed, and she offered Arwyn a dazzling
smile. \u8220?Thank you so much, Arwyn!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After seeing her act so stoic back on Eyrie Island, I was surprised to see
Vahla\u8217?s enthusiasm. It was a welcome change, and I was glad the princess was
excited rather than sad about having to leave her homeland.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we head out?\u8221? I prompted everyone, and together, we exited
through the front door and began the journey up the hill to the Academy.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla observed our surroundings with child-like wonder, and I couldn\u8217?t help
but smile at her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Everything here is so green,\u8221? Vahla assessed. \u8220?Even in this
temperature, it\u8217?s all so perfect. All of the sunshine\u8230? It\u8217?s
strange to not be in the mountain, and even stranger to not see hawks fluttering
around.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m sure,\u8221? I laughed lightly. \u8220?Mistral is much different
from Eyrie, and it\u8217?ll take a while to get used to, but there\u8217?s a lot of
beautiful things here.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Finally, we reached the top of the hill, and the official tour began, but as we
pointed the different buildings out to Vahla, I spied a familiar face just beyond
us sitting beneath a tree. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mur!\u8221? I greeted the moose-boy, and my friend\u8217?s face lit up as
we approached the dark-haired shifter. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hello, Gryff!\u8221? he greeted me in terse Mistral, and he
enthusiastically waved his hand in the air. \u8220?And hello to Gryff\u8217?s
friends as well!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
In the corner of my vision, I saw Freya roll her gold-flecked brown eyes. No
matter how hard I tried, the hawk-princess wasn\u8217?t going to loosen her stance
on the moose boy, and I had a feeling our recent encounter with the Moose Clan
assassins only added fuel to the fire of her hatred. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A moose soldier has followed us back!\u8221? Vahla gasped, and the russet-
haired hawk shifter stumbled as she took steps away from Mur. \u8220?Gryff, we must
run, he somehow has learned your name.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, no, no,\u8221? I insisted, and I reached out to steady my sister-in-
law. \u8220?Mur isn\u8217?t a part of Moose Clan, not anymore. He cut ties with
them when he returned to Mistral with us, and now he\u8217?s a student at the
Academy.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I didn\u8217?t realize they let villains into your Academy,\u8221? Vahla
snarled at the moose shifter, and Mur\u8217?s cheeks darkened until they were
nearly maroon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Who is this, Gryff?\u8221? he asked me quietly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya\u8217?s sister,\u8221? I explained, and realization swept over
Mur\u8217?s face before he took a tentative step toward Vahla.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am sorry my former Clan has hurt you so badly, my lady,\u8221? Mur
apologized to Vahla in the language of the Clans. \u8220?I promise you that my
beliefs don\u8217?t align with theirs, and to be honest, they never truly did. I
felt out of place in Moose Clan even as a child, and I never wish to return to
them.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you really mean that?\u8221? Vahla pressed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I do.\u8221? Mur nodded at the hawk-princess. \u8220?What is your
name?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am Vahla, of Hawk Clan,\u8221? the hawk-princess introduced herself, and
her emerald eyes were cautious as they studied the moose shifter. \u8220?And you
are Mur, is it?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? He nodded at her, and he offered her a small smile as well as
an outstretched hand. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla giggled lightly as she shook it, and I was surprised to see her features
soften immediately. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we move on?\u8221? Freya prompted the group, and she was clearly
annoyed that we were in such close proximity to the moose boy. \u8220?There is
still much to see.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mur, would you like to join us?\u8221? Vahla suddenly spoke up.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would love to.\u8221? Mur\u8217?s cheeks flushed pink.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am sure Mur is quite busy with\u8230? whatever he was doing prior to
this,\u8221? Freya protested with narrowed eyes. \u8220?Let\u8217?s not bother
him--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t have anything planned,\u8221? Mur insisted. \u8220?I would
love to accompany you on your tour.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Excellent.\u8221? Vahla smiled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we continue on?\u8221? Arwyn asked, and her amber eyes were cautious
as they moved between Freya and Mur. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let\u8217?s go,\u8221? my golden-haired wife grumbled, and we continued
down the lawn. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached out for the hawk-princess\u8217? hand and squeezed it when our fingers
intertwined. Freya\u8217?s lovely eyes met mine, and I gave her a small smile.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She squeezed my hand right back, and we continued with the tour.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The rest of the afternoon was spent showing Vahla the ins and outs of the Academy,
and for the duration of our walk, Vahla and Mur exchanged pleasantries and even a
few laughs here and there. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We took her around to the different buildings, further explored the grounds, and
even took her down to the stables. Vahla was overjoyed to see the horses, but Mur
looked less than thrilled to be back at his old home. The moose shifter hung back
from the group and wrapped his arms around himself. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What is wrong?\u8221? Vahla asked me when she noticed the moose boy\u8217?s
sad expression. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s nothing.\u8221? Mur shook his head, but Vahla didn\u8217?t let
him brush aside his feelings. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You can tell me,\u8221? the hawk-princess pressed gently.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Just some bad feelings associated with this place,\u8221? Mur explained.
\u8220?Up until recently, I was trapped in my moose form--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Trapped?\u8221? Vahla repeated back, and her eyes grew as wide as
saucers. \u8220?You were not able to change back?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No.\u8221? Mur shook his head. \u8220?The goddess Veopa took away my
ability to shift. It\u8217?s a long story, but it obviously has a happier ending.
Now that she is under Gryff\u8217?s command, he was able to have her change me back
into my human state.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That sounds horrible.\u8221? Vahla frowned. \u8220?I\u8217?m so sorry you
had to go through that. I cannot imagine how it would feel to be stuck in my
hawk\u8217?s form.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s okay now.\u8221? Mur smiled at her. \u8220?Clearly, everything
is better now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
They moved on to a different topic of conversation, and I couldn\u8217?t help but
notice there was something between the pair of shapeshifters. I wasn\u8217?t sure
if it was platonic or romantic, but either way, there was something there.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Even Arwyn flashed me a knowing glance as she studied the pair, so I knew I
wasn\u8217?t alone in my thoughts. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As the sun began to set, we parted ways with Mur and began the journey back home.
The entire way back to the mansion, Vahla\u8217?s cheeks were a deep rose color,
and she kept her eyes downcast. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya tried holding a conversation with her sister, but Vahla\u8217?s responses
were few and far between. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I knew the smile on the young hawk shifter\u8217?s face well.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla had a crush. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I knew Freya wasn\u8217?t going to be thrilled about this development, and I would
likely hear all about it later, but I was secretly happy for Vahla. I wasn\u8217?t
sure how well a relationship between the two shapeshifters was going to pan out in
the future, but for now, it could be a welcome distraction for them both.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Mur was still trying to find his footing when it came to Academy life, and though
my male friends had adopted him into our inner circle like a little brother, I know
he still struggled when it came to those of the opposite gender. Perhaps Vahla
could be the one to break him out of his shell. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When we returned to the mansion, we were greeted by the smell of delicious food,
and when we walked down the corridor and into the kitchen, I was surprised to see
Layla, Cyra, Ashla, and Nia seated around the table. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How was your tour of the Academy?\u8221? Nia asked Vahla in a cheerful
voice when she breached the doorway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I translated my ashen-haired wife\u8217?s words into Clan, and Vahla\u8217?s face
lit up. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It was wonderful,\u8221? Vahla said. \u8220?There are so many impressive
sights here. Mistral is so different from the Clan territories in almost every way.
And the people here are kind. I wasn\u8217?t expecting to meet anyone outside of
Gryff\u8217?s family who was so welcoming.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wait, who else did you happen to meet?\u8221? Layla wondered from her place
at the table after I finished translating the russet-haired shifter\u8217?s
words. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?His name was Mur,\u8221? Vahla replied to the petite mage, and her cheeks
darkened to a deep rose. \u8220?I feel so bad, I mistook him for an enemy, but he
and Gryff assured me that he is a friend. It was sort of nice to have someone who
spoke my native tongue. I don\u8217?t mind the translation situation we must use
until I learn the Mistral language, but it was nice to speak with someone who
already knew my words.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla ended her ramble with a long sip from her glass, and my Mistral women shared
a conspiratorial look with one another. The tone Freya\u8217?s sister had spoken
with confirmed my earlier hypothesis. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, I\u8217?m glad you and moose boy got along well.\u8221? Layla
grinned, and the auburn-haired mage waggled her eyebrows playfully. \u8220?
It\u8217?s always nice to meet new friends.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, Freya slammed her hand down on the table. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I will not stand for this conversation any longer!\u8221? Freya growled at
her sister in her native tongue. \u8220?I have remained silent on the matter all
day, but I cannot keep it up any longer. Vahla, you are the daughter of the chief
of the Hawk Clan. You are not allowed to fall in love with a
moose!\u8221?\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Fifteen
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
All of us stood there in shock as we waited for Vahla to respond.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The younger hawk shifter\u8217?s complexion turned as red as Arwyn\u8217?s hair,
and her mouth drew into a thin line as her hands shook at her side. I wasn\u8217?t
certain if Freya\u8217?s sister was angry or embarrassed, but either way, this
wasn\u8217?t going to be a great interaction. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Who said anything about love?\u8221? Vahla asked her sister in a
surprisingly calm and even tone. \u8220?All I said was that I liked Mur. Is that
such a crime?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? Freya snarled. \u8220?Did you forget the entire reason you are
here with us in the first place? Moose Clan sent their warriors to try to
assassinate you, to tear apart our family, and now you wish to court a member of
their clan? You would be betraying all of Hawk Clan--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Goddess, Freya, I wasn\u8217?t saying I wanted to marry him!\u8221? Vahla
cut her sister off. \u8220?Even if I did, I certainly don\u8217?t need you to grant
me permission. It\u8217?s none of your business who I choose to be friends
with--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The future of Hawk Clan is definitely my business,\u8221? Freya huffed.
\u8220?Whether you realize it or not, you are putting the future of our clan at
risk by getting involved with our enemy--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mur doesn\u8217?t even have ties to Moose Clan,\u8221? Vahla interjected,
and her emerald eyes narrowed into slits. \u8220?He has lived here in Mistral since
the fight against them, and he even told me himself he doesn\u8217?t ever wish to
return to Moose Clan.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A hawk and a moose cannot mate,\u8221? Freya scoffed. \u8220?It would be
ridiculous to fool yourself otherwise.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Whatever happened to your speech about unity?\u8221? Vahla rolled her eyes.
\u8220?I thought you wanted the clans to get along with one another, and yet, when
I befriend someone from another clan, you throw a tantrum--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A tantrum?\u8221? Freya repeated back. \u8220?Don\u8217?t you make
allusions to my maturity, Vahla. You\u8217?re not thinking about the serious
trouble this could create in the future, you\u8217?re only thinking of the present.
If you think you\u8217?re going to rule Hawk Clan--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I am going to rule Hawk Clan,\u8221? Vahla interrupted. \u8220?So,
don\u8217?t take your frustrations out on me, Freya. I did nothing other than make
a friend. What\u8217?s so wrong with that?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The sisters launched into a fast-paced argument I could hardly keep up with,
despite my understanding of their native tongue, and the rest of my women sat back
and watched the pair with curious but alarmed expressions. Arwyn seemed to be
observing them from an academic standpoint as usual, and I watched her mouth move
as she tried to decipher the hawk shifters\u8217? words. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff--\u8221? Nia whispered, but I cut her off with a shake of my head.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
This wasn\u8217?t a conversation they wanted to be involved with. Maker, I
didn\u8217?t even want to be involved, but I needed to make sure the sisters
remained at peace. Vahla was going to be with us for an indefinite amount of time,
and I didn\u8217?t want us to spend it with tension in the air.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How about we all take a deep breath?\u8221? I suggested, and I was met with
narrowed eyes from both of the hawk shifters. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If you don\u8217?t mind, I\u8217?d like to go upstairs to the guest
room,\u8221? Vahla declared, and she abruptly rose from her seat. Then the hawk
shifter raised her chin at her sister defiantly. \u8220?I do not wish to sit here
and be spoken down to like I\u8217?m a child.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Vahla, this conversation is not over,\u8221? Freya snapped.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re more than welcome to continue it with yourself,\u8221? Vahla
retorted, and then the younger hawk-princess addressed me with a solemn face.
\u8220?Please thank your family for me for the lovely meal. I will see you all in
the morning.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Before anyone could get another word in, Vahla turned on her heels and disappeared
down the corridor. The room fell silent, but the air was so thick with the
unresolved tension, I felt as if I couldn\u8217?t breathe. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to my room as well,\u8221? Freya grumbled, and before I
could stop the hawk-princess, she leaped up from her chair and walked briskly down
the corridor. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What just happened?\u8221? Ashla asked once we were alone.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Something intense, that\u8217?s for sure.\u8221? Layla shook her head.
\u8220?I may not speak Clan, but I\u8217?ve fought with my siblings enough to know
that whatever just happened between them wasn\u8217?t good.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?From what I gathered, Freya doesn\u8217?t want her sister to get to know
Mur,\u8221? Arwyn stated, and then she looked to me for confirmation. \u8220?Did I
translate that correctly, Gryff?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Basically,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?Only in Vahla\u8217?s case, there\u8217?
s more to it than just getting to know. It seems like she\u8217?s got a crush on
Mur, and Freya is displeased by the development.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, boy.\u8221? Cyra whistled, and the dark-skinned summoner shook her head
back and forth. \u8220?I wouldn\u8217?t want to be Vahla right now. No wonder Freya
was so angry when she left.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can see why she\u8217?d get so upset about it,\u8221? Erin said as she
tapped her long nails against the table. \u8220?Especially after the whole mess in
Eyrie--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mess in Eyrie?\u8221? Nia interrupted the orange-haired mimic in a
surprised tone. \u8220?Are you referring to whatever happened that made you bring
Vahla here?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wait, has Gryff not told you yet?\u8221? Erin\u8217?s amber eyes flashed
over to me apologetically. \u8220?Maker, I\u8217?m sorry--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I didn\u8217?t intend to keep it a secret,\u8221? I said. \u8220?There just
hasn\u8217?t been a good time to tell the story yet.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, what happened?\u8221? Arwyn pressed gently, and the rest of my lovers
leaned in to listen. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It was a whole ordeal, but I\u8217?ll try to simplify it as best as
possible,\u8221? I began. \u8220?Our first night on Eyrie Island, a group of Moose
Clan warriors showed up and tried to attack Vahla and Freya.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Maker,\u8221? Ashla gasped. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They\u8217?re perfectly fine, as you can see,\u8221? I insisted with raised
palms. \u8220?We managed to take out all of the assailants, except for one Fenrir
locked up for interrogation.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wait, wasn\u8217?t Moose Clan defeated?\u8221? Layla frowned, and the
auburn-haired mage tilted her head to the side. \u8220?I thought you took out their
island, how are they still around?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We took out Skara, their capital, but some moose shifters managed to get
away,\u8221? I answered. \u8220?They\u8217?ve been hiding away in the different
Clan territories planning their revenge and decided to set the plan in motion when
Freya returned to Hawk Clan. They wanted to hurt Chief Fenrir as payback for
destroying their Clan and making peace with the other shifters.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Maker,\u8221? Ashla sighed. \u8220?That explains why Freya had such a bad
reaction about Mur.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She didn\u8217?t like him even before the attack, but I\u8217?m sure that
incident didn\u8217?t do anything to relieve any of that tension.\u8221? Cyra
frowned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This isn\u8217?t ideal by any means.\u8221? Arwyn leaned forward and rested
her chin in her hands. \u8220?I hope they\u8217?ll be able to work this out between
them before too much time passes.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If not, it\u8217?s going to be a big problem for the rest of us,\u8221? Nia
replied. \u8220?I love Freya to pieces, but I don\u8217?t want her to get absorbed
in this anger toward Vahla. It\u8217?s only going to make her feel worse.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to go and speak with Freya before it becomes a larger
issue,\u8221? I answered the silver-haired mage. \u8220?I know she means well, and
she\u8217?s just being protective, but forbidding her sister to speak to our friend
is only going to cause chaos and unease in the household, and no one needs
that.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good luck, Gryffie,\u8221? Layla snorted. \u8220?I definitely don\u8217?t
envy you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Layla,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?I\u8217?m going to need all the luck
I can get.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Would you like backup?\u8221? Nia suggested. \u8220?Maybe having another
woman involved would help calm Freya down.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If this were any other situation, I\u8217?d take you up on the
offer,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?Unfortunately, with Freya\u8217?s temper\u8230? I
should probably try to quell it on my own.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Absolutely.\u8221? The elementalist nodded, and she flashed me a lovely
smile. \u8220?If you think that\u8217?s the better call, I trust your judgment.
Should that change, though, we\u8217?re all here for you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?I\u8217?m going to head up there now
before she has too long to stew on the matter.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Trust us, Gryff, we know how the female mind operates,\u8221? Cyra laughed,
and then the dark-skinned summoner gestured toward the doorway. \u8220?Go ahead and
try to get her to see some reason. We\u8217?ll be here when you\u8217?re
done.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll keep a plate warm for you,\u8221? Nia added with a dazzling
smile. \u8220?We made all of your favorites to celebrate your return to
us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I really appreciate you all.\u8221? I smiled. \u8220?Thank you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After I took a long, deep breath, I stood from my seat and headed up to
Freya\u8217?s room. As I ran up the spiral staircase to the third floor, I
practiced the speech I was going to give to Freya. I didn\u8217?t want to say the
wrong thing and escalate the problem beyond the level it was at, especially when it
came to sibling matters. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
On the way there, I passed by the guest room we\u8217?d prepared for Vahla, and to
my surprise, the door was wide open. The younger hawk shifter was spread out on the
bed, and when I walked by the doorway, I heard her call out my name.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I backtracked and then peered into the room. \u8220?Did you call for me?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah.\u8221? Vahla nodded, and then she motioned for me to come in.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My eyes darted back out into the hallway, and Vahla let out a soft sigh.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I only need a moment of your time,\u8221? she said.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
While I wasn\u8217?t sure speaking to Vahla before my wife was the best plan,
I\u8217?d made a promise to Fenrir that I\u8217?d keep his youngest daughter safe
and care for her to the best of my abilities. If she needed me, I had to be there
for her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s up?\u8221? I asked as I stepped into the room. The walls had
been painted a soft lilac, and the soothing shade comforted me as I prepared for
Vahla to unleash some built-up aggression. I wasn\u8217?t sure I was going to be
able to remain unbiased in this situation between my wife and her sister-in-law,
and I prayed Vahla wasn\u8217?t going to expect me to choose a side.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m sorry for the embarrassment before,\u8221? Vahla apologized.
\u8220?I didn\u8217?t mean to lose my temper. Is everyone mad at me?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No one\u8217?s mad at you,\u8221? I assured the hawk shifter.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m glad no one\u8217?s upset,\u8221? the russet-haired princess
said. \u8220?I was worried I\u8217?d made a bad impression on your
family.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re all happy to have you here, Vahla,\u8221? I promised her.
\u8220?Especially Freya. I know it may not seem like it after the argument you just
had, but I know Freya\u8217?s glad you\u8217?re here with us. She\u8217?s really
missed you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ve missed her, too,\u8221? Vahla admitted with a small smile.
\u8220?I know I need to make things right with her, but before I do, can I ask you
a question?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course,\u8221? I said. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is Mur actually a good man?\u8221? she asked. \u8220?My sister makes him
out to be a monster, and usually I trust her judgment when it comes to character,
but he seemed genuinely kind to me today. I was just wondering if it was all for
show, or if he\u8217?s actually nice.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It wasn\u8217?t just a show,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?Mur\u8217?s a good
friend of mine, and I don\u8217?t tend to make friends with villains.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good,\u8221? Vahla said softly, and a blush spread across her cheeks.
\u8220?That\u8217?s what I was hoping you\u8217?d say.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I offered the younger hawk shifter a smile and then stepped out of the room and
closed the door behind me. Vahla was a good kid, and I just needed to remind Freya
that her sister hadn\u8217?t meant any harm in showing Mur some kindness.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I walked to the end of the hallway and gently knocked on Freya\u8217?s door. When
I didn\u8217?t get an answer, I turned the knob and opened up the door.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya?\u8221? I poked my head in the doorway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk-princess was curled up underneath her comforter and facing the wall. Part
of me wondered if it would be best to leave her be, but the other part knew it
would be best for me to try to smooth things over. I didn\u8217?t like the idea of
my wife going to sleep angry. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If it\u8217?s alright, my husband, I\u8217?d rather be alone with my
thoughts,\u8221? Freya said in a muffled voice. \u8220?I don\u8217?t have anything
to say right now, so I will not be good company if you\u8217?re hoping for
conversation.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I came to make sure you were alright,\u8221? I said in my most gentle tone,
and then I crossed over to her wrought-iron canopy bed. Then I sat down on the
mattress and took care not to accidentally snag the golden-blonde waves that
spilled behind the blanket cocoon that enveloped my wife. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I\u8217?m not,\u8221? the hawk-princess replied. \u8220?Though it
isn\u8217?t any fault of yours, at least not directly.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s going on?\u8221? I asked her. \u8220?Talk me through
whatever\u8217?s going on in your head.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s going on?\u8221? Freya repeated back as if it were obvious,
and she swiftly sat up in bed to face me. \u8220?What\u8217?s going on is that
after only a single day in Varle, my sister has convinced herself she has feelings
of affection for a moose boy! I promised my parents I would keep her safe, and what
does she do? Run straight for the first traitor she can find and cling to him like
he\u8217?s worthy of being her mate.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, they hardly know each other,\u8221? I pointed out to her in a gentle
tone. \u8220?No one\u8217?s saying they\u8217?re eloping--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yet,\u8221? Freya countered. \u8220?I\u8217?ve tried to remain at least
somewhat civil, since he is just a boy, but I can\u8217?t sit back any longer.
Should my sister grow fonder with the moose, and they end up married\u8230? Mur
would have a role in the leadership of Hawk Clan. Not only would Vahla disgrace the
Clan, but a moose would have power in my clan.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re worried he\u8217?ll double-cross you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They stole my mother.\u8221? My blonde wife gritted her teeth. \u8220?They
threatened the livelihood of my family not too long ago. I don\u8217?t trust them,
and I have no reason to ever trust them. They\u8217?ve taken too much from
me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know Mur was born of Moose Clan, but that\u8217?s not something he has
any control over,\u8221? I insisted. \u8220?What he does have control over, though,
is his allegiance. When Veopa changed him back into his human form, I gave him the
choice to either remain in Mistral or return to the territories. He told me himself
there was nothing left for him in Moose Clan, and that he wanted to remain here and
train to be a warrior. He pledged himself for our side, my love, all of his own
accord. \u8220? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Forgive me if I don\u8217?t wish to get close to someone who was once
involved with my enemies,\u8221? Freya countered. \u8220?I appreciate the fact he
chose to come here, but I don\u8217?t see the situation in the same light as you.
Have you considered he chose to stay in Mistral because he didn\u8217?t have
another option? With Skara gone, Moose Clan doesn\u8217?t have a primary residence,
but if they did, do you think Mur would have stayed here, or would he have
returned?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can sit here and consider the \u8216?what ifs\u8217? for days on
end,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?But that isn\u8217?t going to get us anywhere helpful.
I can\u8217?t answer whether or not Mur would\u8217?ve chosen to return if Skara
still existed, but from what he\u8217?s demonstrated to me so far, I believe he
would\u8217?ve stayed anyway. Not only did he choose Mistral over his home clan,
but he also played a role in helping me take down Carth. I know you don\u8217?t
trust him, but after everything we went through in the Shadowscape, I know Mur is
not the same as those Moose Clan assassins.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk-princess stared at me as she considered my statement, and I wasn\u8217?t
certain if she was angry or sad, but finally, her face relaxed, and she nodded her
head slowly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Perhaps you\u8217?re right,\u8221? she muttered, and she tucked a stray
lock of hair behind her ear. \u8220?I am sorry, my mate. I did not mean to cause an
argument. I only want what\u8217?s best for Vahla, and I don\u8217?t want her to
get hurt in any way. She\u8217?s the only sibling I have, and in the years my
mother was gone, I had to act as her maternal figure. I suppose some of those
feelings have lingered.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re a wonderful sister,\u8221? I assured her, and I took her hands
in mine. \u8220?I know how much Vahla means to you, and she does, too. You had a
lot of responsibility thrust upon you at a young age, and I know you still feel
responsible for her well-being, but Vahla is eventually going to have to figure
things out for herself and learn how to navigate her own relationships and
mistakes.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? Freya nodded. \u8220?Thank you for reminding me of this.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have an idea,\u8221? I proposed. \u8220?Yesterday, we discussed tracking
down the mistwolf pack. We hadn\u8217?t decided on a team to go, but perhaps you,
me, your sister, and Mur should be a part of that crew. Maybe seeing Mur work with
us will help you learn more about him, and help ease some of the mistrust between
the pair of you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know if Vahla should come.\u8221? Freya\u8217?s gold-flecked
brown eyes widened, and she pulled her hands away from mine. \u8220?I promised my
mother and father I would keep her safe, and throwing her into the fray with
Hunnah\u8217?s monsters sounds like the opposite of safety.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?d have us to protect her if something goes amiss,\u8221? I
reminded her. \u8220?Besides, I was going to ask Nia, Gawain, Orenn, and maybe
Braden to come with us, too. That\u8217?s plenty of people to keep an eye out for
Vahla.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That is quite a few,\u8221? Freya admitted with a thoughtful expression.
\u8220?And my sister-wife\u8217?s magic is quite powerful. She\u8217?d definitely
be able to keep Vahla protected if something went wrong.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, is that a yes?\u8221? I wondered in a hopeful tone.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Alright,\u8221? the warrior shapeshifter agreed with me. \u8220?I shall
have to ask Vahla if she is comfortable with joining us, and if she is, then
we\u8217?ll proceed. I\u8217?ll attempt to get along with the moose, but I cannot
promise we will become friends.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?I don\u8217?t expect a dynamic shift right away,\u8221? I said. \u8220?All
I ask is that you give Mur a chance.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I will try,\u8221? Freya decided, and then she ran her hands through her
hair. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Before we worry about all of that, shall we head downstairs and get some
dinner?\u8221? I suggested. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You go ahead, my mate.\u8221? My blonde wife smiled at me. \u8220?I think
before I rejoin my sister-wives, I should take some time to speak with my sister. I
want to apologize for losing my temper and assure her there are no ill feelings
between us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think that\u8217?s a good idea,\u8221? I replied, and I leaned forward
and planted a kiss on her temple. \u8220?We\u8217?ll be downstairs when you\u8217?
re ready. Take all the time you need.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you.\u8221? Freya smiled, and then she leaned in and gave me a long,
tender kiss. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Shortly after that, I returned downstairs and was surprised to see the rest of my
family was still seated at the table. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
They halted whatever conversation they\u8217?d been engrossed in and gave me
impatient stares as they waited for news. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Soooooo, how did it go?\u8221? Layla finally drawled. \u8220?Did everyone
kiss and make up, or do I need to get up there and force them?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They\u8217?re working it all out right now,\u8221? I replied as I took the
seat beside her. \u8220?No force necessary.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, thank the Maker,\u8221? Nia let out a sigh of relief.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s going to take some time to mend the tension, but I convinced
Freya to at least give Mur a chance,\u8221? I continued as I rested my elbows on
the table. \u8220?I think spending time with him would really help her get to know
him better, and we can finally put that struggle behind us.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A mission would be the perfect way to do that,\u8221? Cyra pointed out.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s exactly what I thought.\u8221? I winked at the curly-haired
summoner. \u8220?Sometimes, I swear we share a brain, Cyra.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ugh, that\u8217?s enough, you two.\u8221? Layla rolled her hazel eyes, and
Cyra stuck her tongue out at the petite mage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, now that that\u8217?s settled, I have some news,\u8221? Arwyn began,
and a smile spread across the crimson-haired healer mage\u8217?s face. \u8220?I
received correspondence from the headmaster while you were upstairs. He\u8217?s a
little nervous when it comes to the idea of capturing a mistwolf as bait, but he
trusts your judgment, Gryff. If you want to proceed with the plan, you have
Sleet\u8217?s approval to do so.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s great news.\u8221? I grinned. \u8220?Wow, I wasn\u8217?t
expecting to hear from him so quickly. I also wasn\u8217?t expecting to get the
plan approved, if I\u8217?m being honest. It seems like one of the riskier ones
I\u8217?ve proposed to him, so I\u8217?m surprised you got him to agree with
it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think Headmaster Sleet\u8217?s overnight trip made it easier to convince
him than it usually would be,\u8221? Arwyn continued, and her amber eyes dulled
slightly after the remark. \u8220?He just returned from one of the villages near
Nattanger. There was another attack yesterday evening, and the headmaster wanted to
do some solo investigation before he sent out a team.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Did he find anything when he was there?\u8221? I asked.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He managed to locate some tracks heading into the forest beyond
Nattanger,\u8221? the professor revealed. \u8220?He also spoke with the victim of
the attack and got some information about the mistwolves themselves. A better
physical description than the one we\u8217?d been given before.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you serious?\u8221? I raised my eyebrows. If the headmaster had managed
to locate mistwolf tracks, there was a serious chance we could actually locate the
pack and isolate one of the wolves. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? Arwyn nodded. \u8220?Up until now, the wolves hadn\u8217?t left
any distinguishable marks at the scene of their attacks, but the headmaster found a
trail of tracks as plain as day leading into the woods beyond Nattanger.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Layla whistled. \u8220?That\u8217?s wild.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This is amazing news,\u8221? Erin declared. \u8220?If we follow the trail,
we should be able to locate the pack with ease. It\u8217?s unfortunate an attack
had to happen in order for it to be possible, but I\u8217?m glad we have a
lead.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Doesn\u8217?t that all sound a little too simple?\u8221? Nia wondered. The
ashen-haired mage\u8217?s eyebrows creased together, and her lips drew into a thin
line. \u8220?Out of all of the attacks that have happened over the past couple of
months, why is this the first time we\u8217?ve seen a trail left behind?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you suggesting it\u8217?s a setup?\u8221? I clarified, and my wife
shrugged. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know,\u8221? she admitted. \u8220?But I don\u8217?t want to
rule it out completely on the off-chance I\u8217?m right. The Archons are usually
very calculated in their attacks. I just find it suspicious this is the first time
her monsters have left evidence aside from some bite marks and some random body
parts. What made this attack different from any other attack?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nia brings up a good point,\u8221? Ashla allowed. \u8220?I don\u8217?t want
to think it\u8217?s as complex as that, but there is some weirdness we have to take
account of.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What would they have to gain by leaving a trail?\u8221? Cyra wondered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It could be a trap,\u8221? I said, and suddenly, the room fell silent. I
didn\u8217?t want to say it out loud, but if we were taking all possibilities into
account, I had to speak my mind on the matter. \u8220?If you want someone to follow
you, you leave a trail. The mistwolves haven\u8217?t left one up until now, so my
only thought is Hunnah is trying to lure us to a certain point for one reason or
another.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can\u8217?t fall for it, then,\u8221? Ashla said, and the umber-skinned
mage tugged on one of her braids. \u8220?She\u8217?s expecting us to fall for the
ploy.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I almost think we have to,\u8221? I contradicted her, and I was met with
stunned expressions from all of my women. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Okay, Gryff, I know you\u8217?re still exhausted from all the air travel we
just did, so you might not be thinking about this with a clear head, but please
tell me you\u8217?re joking,\u8221? Erin said with widened eyes.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not,\u8221? I replied to her, and my mind went in circles as I
tried to figure out how to explain the logic behind my idea. \u8220?She wants us to
get close to the pack so they can likely rip us apart, right? The answer is simple.
We do just that and reverse it back on her.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nia frowned as she tried to understand my thoughts. \u8220?She\u8217?s setting us
up to get attacked, so we\u8217?re just going to\u8230? get attacked?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yeah, that\u8217?ll really show her,\u8221? Layla muttered under her
breath. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s expecting us to fail,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?Her pack has
never lost a fight before, so she\u8217?s expecting this to be a piece of cake. So,
we need to make sure we do the exact opposite of that. We need to go in, kick as
much ass as possible, and show her that she isn\u8217?t calling the shots, we
are.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s pretty confident, Gryff,\u8221? Nia replied, and my ashen-
haired wife didn\u8217?t seem fully convinced by the idea. \u8220?Are you sure this
is the best idea?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m all about the confidence,\u8221? I chuckled.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not certain about this, either, but we need to get Hunnah subdued
as quickly as we can, so I\u8217?m not going to argue the plan any further,\u8221?
Arwyn said. \u8220?Now, we need to appoint a team to check out the trail. Gryff,
who would you like to accompany you? For obvious reasons, most of which revolve
around the children, not everyone is going to be able to go.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Before you answer, Gryff, I\u8217?m just going to let you know I intend to
stay behind,\u8221? Ashla decided. \u8220?I don\u8217?t like the idea of missing
out on the action, but I also don\u8217?t want to run the risk of hurting our
unborn child.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would feel better if you stayed as well,\u8221? I agreed with the ice
mage. \u8220?Under any other circumstances, I would want you with me to kick some
mistwolf ass, but our child and your health need to be taken seriously. You, too,
Arwyn.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I was already planning on staying behind,\u8221? Arwyn confirmed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I turned to look at Nia and Layla. \u8220?Would either of you like to come on the
mission?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I will,\u8221? Nia decided. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nia\u8217?s got enough magic for the entire team,\u8221? Layla joked.
\u8220?But in all seriousness, I think I should remain behind again. I want to go
out and kick some ass, but I need to be here for Daphne, and Arwyn and Ashla are
going to need some help with Nessa and Nic.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I support whatever decision you make.\u8221? I nodded at the petite
summoner. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Vahla and I will come,\u8221? Freya\u8217?s voice rang out. The warrior
princess walked into the room, and I was happy to see her sister wasn\u8217?t far
behind. The pair of hawk shifters wore similar smiles, and I felt a sigh of relief
escape my lungs as they took a seat at the table. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would like to help your team in any way I can,\u8221? Vahla agreed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?d love to have you both,\u8221? I said, and then I looked to the
remaining pair of mages. \u8220?Erin, Cyra?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If someone would watch Milo, then maybe,\u8221? Cyra replied.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can stay behind and watch him,\u8221? Erin offered. \u8220?If I\u8217?m
being honest, I\u8217?m still pretty tired from the air travel. I\u8217?m a little
out of practice, so I\u8217?m feeling drained. Not enough to not babysit, of
course, but enough to not feel confident in my flying skills.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t mind at all,\u8221? I assured her. \u8220?You\u8217?ve done
more than enough for us, Erin. Take some time to take care of yourself for a
change.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Gryff.\u8221? Erin smiled at me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cyra, Nia, Vahla, and Freya,\u8221? I repeated back to the group. \u8220?
That\u8217?s a sizable group. I think if we round it out with Gawain, Braden, and
Mur, we\u8217?ll be set.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is eight too many?\u8221? Arwyn wondered. \u8220?I know there\u8217?s
potentially an entire pack to face, but that\u8217?s a big number of mages to send
out into the woods.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I guess that\u8217?s a good point,\u8221? I allowed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can stay behind,\u8221? Cyra decided. \u8220?If it comes down to cutting
anyone out, it should be me. Besides, Milo will probably appreciate having me
around.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you sure?\u8221? I asked. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I wouldn\u8217?t have offered if I wasn\u8217?t.\u8221? The curly-haired
mage smiled at me. \u8220?Between you, Nia, the hawk squad, and the boys, I think
you\u8217?ll be able to do enough damage for the lot of us.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?When should we leave?\u8221? Nia wondered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?As early as we can,\u8221? I said. \u8220?It\u8217?s too late to head out
now, but I think we should gather everyone together in the morning, formulate the
game plan, and leave for Nattanger soon after. I don\u8217?t want to wait too long
on this. Too many people are getting hurt to put it off.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Tomorrow it is.\u8221? Arwyn nodded. \u8220?I\u8217?ll get in contact with
the others and send word for them to join us at the mansion in the
morning.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn rose from her seat and hurried out of the room, and the rest of my women
fell into silence. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, now that everything\u8217?s been established, can we eat?\u8221? I
requested. \u8220?All of this battle strategy has me starving, and I\u8217?m sure
Freya and Vahla are hungry, too.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll grab your plates,\u8221? Nia offered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As the elementalist disappeared to retrieve our leftover dinners, my brain ran in
circles. My life had become a constant cycle of missions and adventures, and while
it was exciting to battle monster after monster and save as many lives as I could,
the constant effort was somewhat tiring. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
But I had a duty to Mistral to keep everyone safe. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
No matter how exhausted I was, mentally and physically, I owed it to my people to
keep them protected, and Maker, that\u8217?s what I was going to do.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Sixteen
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The following morning, I gathered my friends and family together to brainstorm on
the best course of action regarding the mistwolves. I couldn\u8217?t stand to sit
idly by while Hunnah\u8217?s monsters were out terrorizing the Wilds, so we needed
to put an end to her attacks as soon as possible. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Braden, Gawain, and Mur showed up just after dawn, and each of the men wore sleepy
expressions on their faces as they stepped into the foyer. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Good to see you all looking so chipper,\u8221? I joked, and if looks could
kill, Gawain would have maimed me on the spot. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Please tell me there\u8217?s coffee,\u8221? the haughty fire-mage grumbled.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya just brewed a fresh pot,\u8221? I promised him, and I gave him a
reassuring pat on the back. My golden-haired friend grimaced and shrugged me off
him, but his lips curled up into a smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Take us to it,\u8221? Braden yawned, and he stretched his muscular arms out
to the side. \u8220?Mati wouldn\u8217?t let me get any sleep last night, so I could
use all of the caffeine I can get.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How scandalous.\u8221? I waggled my eyebrows suggestively. \u8220?What was
she keeping you up for, pray tell?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The ox-like summoner\u8217?s cheeks darkened until they were nearly maroon.
\u8220?\u8230? shewantstomakeababy.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Braden said the entire sentence so quietly and so quickly I could hardly
understand him. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Would you like to repeat that for me?\u8221? I teased him.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll tell you later,\u8221? Braden grumbled, and while I wanted to
press him for more information, we had urgent matters to discuss, so I would have
to try again later. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And how are you this morning, Mur?\u8221? I addressed the moose
shapeshifter. I noticed my friend\u8217?s dark brown curls looked neater than
usual, and he was outfitted in a nice pair of pants and a knit sweater.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Had he made a point to dress up for a certain russet-haired princess?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m well,\u8221? he responded in heavily-accented Mistral. \u8220?Are
we going on a mission to the s-shadow lands?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not this time,\u8221? I responded in his native language. It was far too
early to force him to speak the common tongue. \u8220?Though, this mission does
involve the Archons like last time.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Have Hunnah and Quilla been spotted?\u8221? Gawain asked as we stepped into
the kitchen. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not yet, but we\u8217?re hoping to change that,\u8221? I revealed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ah, so we\u8217?re finally going after them.\u8221? The fire mage
smirked. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll explain it all in a bit.\u8221? I winked at my friend, and I
gestured at the counter. \u8220?Go ahead and grab some coffee, and then come and
meet us in the living room for the briefing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My friends did just that, and after they filled a set of mugs to the brim with the
dark, fragrant liquid, they took a seat in the empty leather sofa nearest the
fireplace. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nia, Freya, and Vahla joined us minutes later, and I noticed Vahla and Mur shared
a cute smile straight away. Freya seemed to notice, too, but if she was irritated,
she did an amazing job at hiding it. She just settled into one of the plush
armchairs beside me and offered me a dazzling smile of her own.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Good morning, my mate,\u8221? the warrior princess greeted me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Kenefick, will you be joining us on this mission?\u8221? Gawain addressed
my ashen-haired wife, and the multi-elementalist grinned at him.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Got a problem with that, Maddox?\u8221? she challenged the fire mage, and
Gawain let out a single laugh. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not at all,\u8221? he replied. \u8220?It\u8217?s been a while since
we\u8217?ve fought together in the field. It\u8217?s nice having you back in the
action.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oddly enough, it feels good to be back,\u8221? Nia responded with a
surprised expression. \u8220?All things considered.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?So, Gryff, about this mission,\u8221? Braden prompted me in a slightly
louder voice, and I gave my former roommate a grateful glance. I didn\u8217?t mind
all of the small talk, but we needed to talk about the mission so we could leave
the Enclave sooner rather than later. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I cleared my throat and then launched into a retelling of the game plan I\u8217?d
concocted the night before. It was simple and straightforward: we would spend a few
hours to pack a travel pack, our best weapons, and weather-friendly clothing, and
then begin the trek to scope out the mistwolf trail. Rather than bother with an
airship, I decided it would be best for us to travel via monster. Using my flying
creatures didn\u8217?t require a lot of mana on my part, and I had plenty of the
monsters to spare. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sounds like a good plan to me,\u8221? Gawain said once I concluded. \u8220?
Risky, but not the worst plan I\u8217?ve ever heard.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, I think,\u8221? I laughed at the fire mage. \u8220?Does anyone have
any questions?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When no one replied, I dismissed the group, and everyone set forth to accomplish
their assigned tasks. My women and I enjoyed a quick breakfast, and then I showered
and dressed myself in warmer clothing. I made sure to pack an extra empty essence
crystal in my bandolier and a backup in one of my side pouches in case I really
needed it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A few hours later, everyone returned back to the mansion outfitted in their
mission attire and their travel packs. Once we were all gathered out on the front
lawn, I reached into my bandolier and retrieved a few essence crystals. Braden did
the same, and soon, we were surrounded by my pyrewyrm, my vingehund, and
Braden\u8217?s king gryphon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya and Vahla insisted on flying in their hawk forms, and while I wasn\u8217?t
sure about the idea at first, they made convincing enough arguments for me to give
in. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re used to flying long distances with our Clan,\u8221? Freya
reminded me. \u8220?Vahla and I have gone almost entire weeks in our hawk forms
with little issue.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If you can handle it, go for it,\u8221? I finally gave in. \u8220?Besides,
what\u8217?s the point of being a shapeshifter if you can\u8217?t use it to your
advantage?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m jealous of your ability to fly,\u8221? Mur mused, and he cracked
a shy smile at Vahla. \u8220?Unfortunately, I can only become a lowly moose.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think moose are very interesting,\u8221? Vahla giggled in a girlish tone.
\u8220?Don\u8217?t doubt your abilities.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, but think of how much more improved I would be if I had wings,\u8221?
Mur insisted, and Vahla erupted into laughter once again. The conversation
wasn\u8217?t funny enough to warrant the type of laughter that escaped the hawk-
princess\u8217? lips, but then again, she was clearly flirting with the moose
shifter. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya fixed her gold-flecked brown eyes to me and let out a silent sigh of
irritation. I retorted with a raised eyebrow, and Freya laughed to herself.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shall we get a move on?\u8221? Nia suggested. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I nodded in agreement and then reached into my bandolier and retrieved a pair of
crystals. I equipped myself with a speed slug, but then a thought struck me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When my friends had battled alongside me against Carth in the Shadowscape,
I\u8217?d used my magic to give them armor from the bullet bass. If I could share
that particular monster\u8217?s ability, couldn\u8217?t I do the same with
others? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I closed my eyes and concentrated as hard as I could. I mentally pictured my magic
spreading all around, and as I did, I physically felt the slimy creature\u8217?s
ability shift to the rest of the flying monsters. I also shared the magic with
Freya and Vahla, but I opted to not tell the hawk sisters about it just yet.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Braden\u8217?s eyes darted over to me, and he flashed me a knowing smile. I winked
at my friend and mentally willed him to keep the information to himself. When he
winked back, I knew he would keep the secret. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I mounted my pyrewyrm first and then held my hand out to Nia. The elementalist
accepted it, and I helped ease her up onto my serpentine monster. My ashen-haired
wife looped her arms around my waist once she was settled, and she rested her cheek
lovingly against my back. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is it wrong to say I\u8217?m excited to get some alone time with
you?\u8221? she murmured. \u8220?I know we\u8217?re about to go on a dangerous
mission and all\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?It\u8217?s not wrong at all,\u8221? I laughed lightly. \u8220?And even if
it was, I wouldn\u8217?t tell anybody. I was glad when you offered to come
along.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nia squeezed my waist even tighter, and I rested my hand on top of hers.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is everyone ready?\u8221? Braden called out to the group from atop his king
gryphon. He and Mur were on the back of his enormous lion-eagle monster, while
Gawain had taken up residence on my vingehund. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya and Vahla had shapeshifted into their hawk forms, and before I could give
the official command, they pumped their wings and flew up into the air.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let\u8217?s go,\u8221? I called out before our monsters followed the
shapeshifters up into the bright blue sky, and adrenaline coursed through my veins
as the pyrewyrm gained altitude. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After about an hour and a half, the village of Nattanger came into sight, and my
stomach dropped slightly. It seemed like almost every village I\u8217?d grown fond
of suffered some kind of attack either when I was there, or shortly after I\u8217?d
left it. Luckily, Nattanger didn\u8217?t seem to have sustained the same damage
that Adorna had when I\u8217?d returned after mine and Nia\u8217?s honeymoon. The
village appeared almost exactly the same, aside from a few trees that had fallen
askew. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I waved my arm in the air and gestured for my monsters, the king gryphon, and the
pair of hawk shifters to follow my pyrewyrm\u8217?s lead. Nia tightened her grip
around my waist as we descended, and I enjoyed the feeling of her full breasts as
they pressed against my back. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once all of this was over, I was going to need a night alone with the beautiful
elementalist. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We made an admittedly graceful landing, and once all of the monsters and the
shapeshifters were on the ground, my team dismounted the creatures and collectively
stretched out. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That vingehund of yours is quite something,\u8221? Gawain remarked, and he
scratched my canine-like summons behind the ears. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The pale-blue monster let out a contented sigh and leaned into the fire
mage\u8217?s hand, and I stifled a laugh. Gawain was cocky when it came to his
interactions with humans, but he had a soft spot for animals that always surprised
me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She seems to like you, too,\u8221? I said. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, what kind of prints are we looking for?\u8221? Braden cupped his hands
over his eyes to block out the midday sun. The large-framed summoner\u8217?s gray
eyes scanned our surroundings, and I followed his gaze in hopes to find
something. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We were informed the mistwolves are essentially long-legged, slightly
larger versions of normal wolves,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?So, my guess would be
we\u8217?re looking for a set of footprints that resemble a wolf\u8217?s.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Like these?\u8221? Nia gestured at the ground beside her boot.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sure enough, a set of four paw-shaped prints were embedded in the ground. They
were larger than I\u8217?d suspected, and I stifled a shudder as I imagined the
paws that had created them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Just like that,\u8221? I remarked, and I lifted my eyes to meet Nia\u8217?
s. \u8220?Good looking out, Nia.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks.\u8221? Nia grinned at me proudly. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The trail goes through that set of trees there.\u8221? Freya pointed toward
a smattering of trees just beyond Nattanger\u8217?s gates, and when we all gave her
incredulous faces, the hawk-princess raised a dark-blonde eyebrow. \u8220?What? I
have a hawk\u8217?s vision. Nia isn\u8217?t the only one with perfect
eyesight.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We all chuckled at that, except for Freya, who didn\u8217?t seem to understand the
joke. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The woods surrounding Nattanger were simultaneously familiar and unfamiliar to me.
Growing up in the Wilds, I was no stranger to wandering through the forest, but as
my team and I descended into the expanse of dark emerald trees, dread built in my
chest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya took up the head of the group, and we followed the blonde princess as she
navigated us through the forest. Despite it being the middle of the day, the thick
trees blocked out a considerable amount of sunlight and gave the forest a dark,
creepy appearance. I wasn\u8217?t scared easily, but even I had to admit the
darkness was unnerving, especially when paired with the random bird calls and
animal noises. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Gawain and Nia used their elemental magic to form small fireballs in the palms of
their hands, and as I watched the fire smolder across their skin, I found myself
jealous of their magic. I\u8217?d dressed warmly for the occasion, but my hands
still felt chilled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I considered summoning my baroquer so I could borrow the fire magic from his
flaming sword, but the monster was about forty feet tall, so that wasn\u8217?t a
possibility in the middle of a dense forest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, Freya came to a stop, so all of us paused as well.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Freya, what\u8217?s--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shh,\u8221? Freya shushed me as she held a finger to her lips, and then she
inclined her head forward. \u8220?Everyone, listen.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
We heard footfalls in the distance, and I narrowed my eyes to get a better look
ahead. The steps grew louder, and I heard the rustle of bushes about forty feet
away from where we stood. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Brace yourselves,\u8221? I warned my team in a quiet tone. \u8220?I think
we\u8217?ve found what we\u8217?ve been looking for.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I hadn\u8217?t expected the pack to find us so quickly, but then again, all of
this had been a trap in the first place, so I couldn\u8217?t be too surprised.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I kept my hand close to my bandolier and steadied my stance. Then I gave my group
a wide-eyed expression that made them take a similar position, and when I turned
back around, I was met by several pairs of silver eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Standing before us were the largest wolves I\u8217?d ever seen. While they
weren\u8217?t particularly bulky, their limbs were long and sinewy, and they moved
with a sleekness that was ghostly and unnatural. The creatures\u8217? fur had an
iridescent cast to it that was nearly identical to Hunnah\u8217?s wolf ears and
tail. In the sunlight, they reflected every color of the rainbow, and their large,
tilted eyes were like molten silver. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? Nia breathed. \u8220?They\u8217?re\u8230? beautiful.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Just as the words left the elementalist\u8217?s lips, the wolves let out low,
resonating snarls and revealed their icy, razor-sharp teeth. Nia was right to say
they were beautiful, but they had a deadliness about their fluidity that made them
terrifying. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Gawain whispered behind me as the pack stalked forward.
\u8220?What do we do now?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Get your magic at the ready,\u8221? I murmured. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My heart thudded in my chest as adrenaline surged through me, and I kept my hand
on my bandolier as the monster skulked forward. A wolf stood at the front of the
pack, and his silver eyes glowed like fire as they bored into mine.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A chill ran down my spine. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I had yet to see them in action, but if their movements were any suggestion, I
could see their deadliness I\u8217?d been warned of. This fight was going to be
intense, and I needed to think quickly if I wanted my team to make it out of this
unscathed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Before I could think any further, the lead wolf ran straight at me, and I barely
managed to duck out of the way as its enormous jaws snapped near my face.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff!\u8221? Nia screamed, and then her palms glowed with fire magic as
they formed into fists. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I rolled on the ground, and as I stumbled back onto my feet, I retrieved an
essence crystal and crushed it in my palms. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My maripor appeared as the plumes of smoke dissipated, and all it took was one
gesture of my head for the monster to leap into action. I\u8217?d captured the
creature after battling it in the Shadowscape, and while it was still one of my
newer monsters, it was one I\u8217?d grown particularly fond of.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The creature was somewhere between canine and feline in appearance, with sleek,
jet-black fur, large ears that were butterfly wing-shaped, and bright magenta eyes.
The most important and deadly of its physical traits, though, was its tail. The
maripor\u8217?s tail was incredibly long, corkscrew-shaped, and lined with pointed
barbs that looked like thorns. Those barbs, along with the beast\u8217?s bite,
contained a poison so toxic they\u8217?d nearly killed me when I\u8217?d been
stung, and if it weren\u8217?t for Xanrith\u8217?s healing magic, I\u8217?d have
been a goner. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I commanded the maripor to use its tail and strike at as many mistwolves as it
could manage, and my summons let out a low snarl of approval before it began to
strike out at Hunnah\u8217?s monsters. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The translucence of the mistwolves led me to believe the creatures couldn\u8217?t
be struck, but apparently, I was wrong about that fact. The maripor managed to
strike a blow to one of the smaller wolves, and the beast let out a howl as it was
jabbed by one of my summon\u8217?s barbs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
While I tackled the monsters at the front of the pack, the rest of my team snapped
into action and became a blur of various magics and movement.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Braden summoned a monster we\u8217?d gifted to him the night before his wedding to
Mati, a rare creature known as a chimera. According to Mur, it was Moose Clan
tradition to gift a weapon of some sort to the groom-to-be, so we\u8217?d opted to
give the ox-like summoner an essence crystal instead. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I hadn\u8217?t seen the creature before now, and my jaw dropped as I took in the
awesome sight. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Chimeras were a Grade-B monster, and a cousin to the gryphon, another monster
Braden had in his possession. The incredibly rare beast shared the traits of a
lion, a dragon, and a goat, and no matter the variant, they were always
inexplicably female. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She had two heads, one that resembled a fearsome lioness, and another that looked
like a goat. A pair of enormous wings rose from her back, and they were purely
dragon-like in appearance. Her body was sleek but muscular, feline except for the
hooves on her back feet and the dragon\u8217?s talons on her front feet. Her fur
and scales were as white as snow, and her glowing eyes were a deep, dark blue.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I breathed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The chimera let out a resounding roar that rivaled the mistwolves\u8217? growls
and sprang into action with no hesitation. She plowed right into a pair of
mistwolves, and as the creatures tumbled and pounced, they became a tangle of limbs
and snapping jaws. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya and Vahla shifted into their hawk forms and took off into the sky. I
couldn\u8217?t keep my eyes away from the pack for too long, but I managed to watch
just in time as Freya picked up a small wolf with her enormous talons, pumped her
wings, and then slammed it back to the ground before it could even think to make
another move. I referred to this technique as the body bomb, and I was impressed
the princess had been ballsy enough to use the maneuver against an Archon\u8217?s
monster. Freya was so much braver than I gave her credit for.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When I knew my hawk wife had things under control, I scanned the forest for the
rest of my teammates. Nia used earth magic to trap the wolves in an elemental
crafted ditch, and once the creatures were locked away, Gawain smothered them with
a blanket of fire magic. However, much to the elementalists\u8217? dismay, the
mistwolves were able to float up and escape from the ditch with little
difficulty. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The Archons had been right when they\u8217?d warned me about the mistwolves. They
were impossibly fast and lithe, and their translucent quality somehow allowed them
to slip through physical barriers if they concentrated. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I tried to decipher how Freya was able to lift them without a problem, and then I
realized she was only going after the smallest of the pack. She was purposefully
seeking out the weaklings to attack, rather than the older, wiser members of the
pack. It was smart, and I had to commend her for her wise thinking.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Mur had shapeshifted into his moose form, and the shapeshifter bellowed as he
butted heads with one of the wolves. His large antlers made it difficult for the
pale wolf to get to his head, and despite the snarling and spitting, the creature
was unable to take a bite out of Mur\u8217?s large skull. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Unfortunately, while he was busy trying to fend off one wolf, another lunged at
his side and lunged at him with its razor-like teeth. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mur!\u8221? I cried out as blood streamed out of my friend. Suddenly, I
heard a raptor\u8217?s cry, and then I saw a flash of red-brown fly right at the
wolf. It was Vahla, and her talons tore right into the mistwolf as she screeched in
fury. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Mur was able to step away, and when he did, he called back out to me. \u8220?
I\u8217?m okay, Gryff! I promise. Keep doing what you must to defeat these
creatures! The wound is not deep!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla\u8217?s cries filled the battlefield, and my heart thudded in my chest as I
watched the younger hawk shifter swipe at the wolves. I debated running over to
help Mur, but then I heard another familiar screech that made a chill run down my
spine. A blur of golden-brown appeared as my hawk wife joined her sister. The pair
of raptors dive-bombed, slashed, and attacked the wolves with impressive force, and
I was momentarily frozen in awe. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Then I remembered Mur\u8217?s injury, and I snapped back to attention.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Get somewhere safer in the woods, I\u8217?ll come help with your wounds as
soon as I can!\u8221? I called out to Mur. \u8220?Will you be okay--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m fine!\u8221? Mur replied. \u8220?Go do what you must!\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Without another word, the moose retreated back into the woods, and once I was sure
he was hidden away, I turned back to the battle. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My maripor was putting up a decent fight, but I could tell it was going to need
some kind of backup, so I reached into my bandolier and summoned a few more
monsters to assist the canine-feline creature. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Oh, fuck!} Dio exclaimed as he manifested in the forest, and the tawny saber-
toothed-cat let out a low roar as one of the mistwolves began to sneak in his
direction. {\i
Fuck these guys!} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My familiar wound his enormous head back, and when he swung forward, his curved
fangs slammed right into the wolf. The iridescent monster was flung back but
managed to scramble to its feet fast enough to attempt the maneuver again.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Dio, do you have this under control?\u8221? I asked as I scanned the field.
There was so much motion and magic flying everywhere that my eyes had trouble
keeping up with it all, and I needed to focus on finding a single wolf to capture
while the others were occupied by the other mages and monsters.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I\u8217?ve got this!} Dio proclaimed as he headbutted one of the wolves. {\i
Do what you need to do, boss!} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gave my familiar a single nod and darted around the forest to find my target.
Finally, I spied a wolf who was unoccupied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d found my prize. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The she-wolf snarled at me with bared fangs, and a chill ran through my spine as
the low grumble from her chest reached my ears. Her shining tail whipped behind
her, and I knew the motion was meant as a warning, but I wasn\u8217?t afraid.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re mine,\u8221? I murmured. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached into my bandolier and retrieved the empty essence crystal I\u8217?d made
sure to pack beforehand. I had no idea if this was going to work, but I had to
attempt anyway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I took a deep breath, clenched the gem in my hand, and pushed a bit of my mana
into the empty crystal. I focused on the visual image of my magic infusing with the
gem, and after a moment and a brief tug, I knew I had enough to make this endeavor
possible. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The she-wolf crouched back on her long, powerful legs, and I steadied myself. Even
though there was a flurry of excitement beyond us, I felt as if time had stopped,
and only the single mistwolf and I existed in this moment. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
I was ready. I\u8217?d been waiting for years to end this war, and once I captured
this creature, I would be one step closer to capturing Hunnah and Quilla. The world
would be rid of the Archons, and I could finally have the normal life I was so
desperately craving for. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I unsheathed my rhin dagger just as the monster launched itself at me, and before
I fell to the ground, I slashed a long, thin cut into the creature\u8217?s side.
Silver liquid similar to the color of its eyes streamed out of the sight, and the
mistwolf let out a surprised cry before it fell down beside me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reacted as fast as I could as I plunged the empty essence crystal right into the
wound I\u8217?d created and focused my magic. The mistwolf bucked and snarled
beneath my touch, but I continued on anyway and concentrated on the mental image of
the monster being absorbed by the gem. Suddenly, my arms fell slack, and the
mistwolf began to disappear before my eyes. There was another brief tug at my mana,
but I fought through the uncomfortable feeling and focused my energy on capturing
the monster. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Finally, the essence crystal shifted in my hands until it took on a rounded shape
and a milky-white appearance. I held it aloft and discovered that much like an
opal, it had a rainbow shine about it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The field suddenly fell silent, and the entire pack halted their attacks. I
suddenly felt several pairs of eyes on me, and when I looked back down at the
essence crystal, my blood rushed to my head. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
By the Maker. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d successfully captured a mistwolf. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Seventeen
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
For a moment, I found myself swept up in the euphoria of my victory, and
excitement flooded through my entire body. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d done it. I\u8217?d captured one of Hunnah\u8217?s monsters for myself,
and I was one step closer to capturing the Archon in my consciousness once and for
all. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The excited cheers of my teammates drowned out all other sounds in the field, and
my lips curled into a contented smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
However, the feeling didn\u8217?t last long. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As I continued to hold the essence crystal in my hand, the remaining mistwolves
suddenly erupted into a chorus of growls that sent a chill down my spine and
disrupted any of the congratulatory sounds from my teammates.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Then the mistwolf at the front of the pack took a tentative step forward, and its
lips curled back to reveal a mouth full of sharp teeth. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Shit. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Were my friends and I about to be wolf chow? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
So, uhhhh, boss?} Dio\u8217?s voice rang out in my head{\i
. I\u8217?m glad you caught the mistwolf and all, but what do we do now}?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I tried to come up with a good answer to give the saber-toothed-cat, but nothing
came to mind. I was reluctant to look over at my summons for fear of the mistwolves
striking, so I maintained eye contact with the iridescent monsters and mentally
dared them to do their worst. I doubted any of them had psychic abilities, but I
couldn\u8217?t be certain of anything. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We were at a complete standstill, and for once, I had no idea what to do.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
So, I reached into my mind and unbound some of the wards around the Archons, just
enough for the monster goddesses to be able to speak freely with me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What should we do now?\u8221? I asked them as sweat beaded across my
forehead. \u8220?They don\u8217?t seem especially pleased.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
There isn\u8217?t much}, Xanrith spoke up first. {\i
You\u8217?ve taken one of their own, and the pack is big on loyalty}.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I\u8217?m surprised they haven\u8217?t struck already,} Miralea added. {\i
Hunnah\u8217?s pack isn\u8217?t one to hesitate. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Are they waiting for Hunnah? }Utuni wondered.{\i
That\u8217?s the only reason I can imagine. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
They\u8217?re deciding how they want to proceed, }Veopa assessed in a calm, silky
voice. {\i
True, they follow Hunnah, but as Xanrith pointed out, their loyalty amongst one
another is stronger than almost any other bond. You can see it in their eyes,
they\u8217?re conflicted. Do they attack the human who captured one of their own
like a wild animal, or do they follow their mistress\u8217? orders, whatever those
might be? They\u8217?re unsure whether to follow instinct or instruction. }
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How do I speed this up?\u8221? I asked, and my eyes darted over to my
friends. The mages and shapeshifters had frozen right along with the wolves, and I
could tell they were waiting on my order to strike. \u8220?I can\u8217?t stand here
for eternity and play chicken with the pack.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
You have to be patient until you see motion}, Sera said softly. {\i
If you go on the offense now, they\u8217?ll rip you to shreds. Mistwolves with a
normal temperament are deadly enough, but bloodthirsty mistwolves\u8230?
they\u8217?re something else entirely. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you suggesting they held back before?\u8221? I asked. \u8220?I think
Mur\u8217?s injury proves otherwise.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
His injury proves our point exactly, }Sera countered. {\i
Sure, the hawks swooped in to save the moose, but the mistwolf had every
opportunity to kill Mur, and it merely took a bite of him instead. }
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
If they wanted you dead, they\u8217?d have killed you}, Phi pointed out. {\i
Your earlier hunch was correct, Hunnah wanted you here for one reason or another,
but it seems like you capturing one of her monsters was not a part of that
plan.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Any sage words for the group, Carth?\u8221? I prompted the horned Archon,
and a honeyed laugh rang through my consciousness in response.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Perhaps I shouldn\u8217?t have doubted my sister\u8217?s abilities so long ago,}
Carth mused. {\i
I used to underestimate her pack, but now that I\u8217?ve seen them in action after
so many centuries, I shouldn\u8217?t have written her off. }
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s nice,\u8221? I scoffed. \u8220?And entirely unhelpful, so
you\u8217?re going back in your cage until you can behave.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With a wave of my will, I thrust the wards back around Carth and held back a sigh.
I didn\u8217?t know why I\u8217?d even bothered with the green-skinned goddess. She
had no intention of ever helping me, so I needed to stop pretending otherwise.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I turned my attention back to the other Archons, Xan specifically. \u8220?Is
Hunnah asking them to stall until she arrives?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
That\u8217?s not a bad theory}, Xanrith allowed. {\i
It\u8217?s hard to say for certain, but that does sound like something Hunnah would
do. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The growls grew louder, and I knew it was time for this to end.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Nia whispered, and I could feel the elementalist\u8217?s gaze
upon me, but I couldn\u8217?t react, not yet. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As the monster at the head of the pack took another tentative step, I deepened my
stance and braced myself for attack, but the iridescent wolves surprised me by
turning on their heels and fleeing in one swift blur into the emerald brush.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What--\u8221? I began to see, but my voice cut off in disbelief.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Where are they going?\u8221? Nia wondered as the pack disappeared into the
thicket of trees, and I shook my head slowly as they vanished from sight.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have no idea,\u8221? I replied in an awed tone. \u8220?Hopefully,
they\u8217?re returning back to their mistress like we wanted them to. Catching one
of their pack threw them off, and they didn\u8217?t seem to know how to act.
It\u8217?s almost like Hunnah gave them a direction, and when the plan didn\u8217?t
follow it exactly, they didn\u8217?t know what to do.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you think she\u8217?s on her way here?\u8221? Nia asked as the citrine
tendrils of her fire magic retreated back into her fingertips.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If everything works out how we wanted it to, then yes,\u8221? I replied to
my wife, and then I peered around at my team, who were all just as confused as
me. \u8220?Everyone relax for a second. Sheath your weapons, stretch. I don\u8217?t
know when they\u8217?ll return, but exhausting ourselves at attention isn\u8217?t
going to do us any favors.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My friends relaxed their stances and let out sighs of exhaustion.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Maker, that was terrifying.\u8221? Braden shook his head as a shudder
rippled through his broad shoulders. \u8220?I thought we were going to be the
pack\u8217?s lunch.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We came close.\u8221? Gawain rubbed the back of his golden-blonde head.
\u8220?And speaking of lunch, where is Mur?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mur!\u8221? Vahla gasped as she shifted back to human form, and her
features turned to alarm as she remembered the moose shifter.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The younger hawk-princess suddenly ran into the thick spread of trees with
impressive speed, and Braden chased after her. Gawain wasn\u8217?t too far behind,
and soon, it was just Nia, Freya, and me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Should we go after them?\u8221? I wondered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Between Braden and Gawain, I think they have it under control.\u8221? Nia
shook her head, and she smoothed a few errant strands of silvery hair back into her
braid. Even after fighting a pack of deadly monsters, Nia\u8217?s hair still looked
immaculate. How the multi-elemental mage managed to remain so elegant no matter
what she did never failed to amaze me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you two okay?\u8221? I asked as I studied both of my wives.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya didn\u8217?t look nearly as poised and put-together as Nia, but there\u8217?
d always been a wildness about my hawk wife that was incomparable to anyone
else. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m fine.\u8221? Freya shrugged as she pulled a leaf from her dark-
blonde mane of hair. \u8220?Only a few scratches here and there.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m alright, too,\u8221? Nia chimed in, and she gave Freya and me a
small smile. \u8220?Confused and a little tired, but other than that, I\u8217?m
fine.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, too,\u8221? I agreed with the beautiful mage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
{\i
I\u8217?m fine, too, if anyone was wondering,} Dio grumbled, and my tawny familiar
shrank down to the size of a housecat. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We were wondering, and I\u8217?m glad you\u8217?re okay,\u8221? I laughed
lightly, and I swept the grumpy saber-toothed-cat into my arms. \u8220?You were a
total badass back there.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I was, wasn\u8217?t I?} Dio declared with a proud puff of his chest, and I
scratched behind his ear to reward him for his efforts. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once he was through with the affection, I set the cat-like monster on the ground
and turned my attention back to the mistwolf\u8217?s essence crystal.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I ran my hands over the smooth surface of the crystal and let out a whistle as the
mental image of the mistwolf struggle played through my mind. \u8220?That was a
close call.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can\u8217?t believe that actually worked,\u8221? Nia breathed as the
crystal\u8217?s rainbow shift reflected off her piercing blue eyes. \u8220?Not that
I had any doubts about your ability, farm boy. You\u8217?re a damn good
summoner.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Our Gryff is indeed a powerful warrior,\u8221? Freya praised me with a
proud smile. \u8220?If anyone was going to capture a monster like the mistwolf, it
would be him.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It was a group effort,\u8221? I reminded my team. \u8220?I appreciate all
of the praise, but if it weren\u8217?t for you guys keeping the rest of the pack at
bay, none of this would\u8217?ve been possible.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Alright, enough of the complimentary sappiness,\u8221? Gawain\u8217?s voice
rang out as he reappeared. \u8220?We have a moose that\u8217?s in need of a
healer.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The haughty fire mage and Braden had Mur between them, and the moose shifter had
one arm over each of the mages for support. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, no,\u8221? I heard Nia whisper, and her hand went over her mouth as she
took in the sight of the weakened boy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
But even though his face was pale, and there was a dark red bloodstain in the side
of his shirt, Mur still wore a friendly smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It looks worse than it is, Gryff,\u8221? he called out to me in his native
tongue, but Braden\u8217?s sudden glance at me proved overwise.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We must get him healed at once!\u8221? Vahla appeared from behind them, and
her eyes had a touch of red to them as if she was on the verge of tears.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We will,\u8221? I assured the younger hawk shifter before she could get too
upset, and I looked over at my friends. \u8220?Gawain, Braden, bring Mur to this
tree over here and help him sit down.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The pair of mages let out sounds of agreement and then carried the moose shifter
over to a tree not far from where I stood. Once Mur was on the ground, he rested
his head against the trunk of the tree and closed his eyes. Vahla kneeled down
beside him and offered him a hand, and he took it gratefully and squeezed as his
features clenched. My curly-haired friend was in a lot more pain than he wanted to
let on, and I needed to get him healed immediately before things got worse.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, guys.\u8221? I nodded at the ox-like summoner and the fire mage,
and then I cleared my throat and addressed the group. \u8220?While we\u8217?re
waiting, I\u8217?m going to summon Xanrith. Her healing magic can help Mur, and
once he\u8217?s patched up, I\u8217?ll have her examine everyone else. I know the
rest of us just have a bunch of minor scrapes and scratches, but if Hunnah and
Quilla show up as anticipated, we need to be in perfect condition.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?S-Summon Xanrith?\u8221? Mur stammered as his dark-brown eyes shot open.
\u8220?W-Which one is she?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s not Veopa,\u8221? I soothed him, and I heard Freya translating
my words to her sister. \u8220?Xan has resurrection magic that also works as
healing magic.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She is one of the goddesses, yes?\u8221? Vahla clarified in her native
tongue, and her eyes were cautious as the words left her lips.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? I nodded at my sister-in-law. \u8220?Is it alright with you for
me to summon her here?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If she can help, then yes.\u8221? The younger hawk shifter nodded back at
me as she tucked a strand of russet hair behind her ear. \u8220?Besides, I would
really like to meet her for myself. I am fascinated by your monster
goddesses.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached into my consciousness and unbound the wards that kept Xanrith at bay.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Hello, Gryff}, Xanrith greeted me, and the musical tone of her voice brought a
smile to my face. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Though I wouldn\u8217?t admit it to the other Archons for fear of being flayed
alive, I had a soft spot for Xan, and I\u8217?d grown to really enjoy her
companionship. She was the only one of the Archons who\u8217?d joined me willingly,
and while I didn\u8217?t want to feel biased toward the ancient goddesses,
that\u8217?d definitely scored her some points. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, Xan,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?We\u8217?re going to need some of your
resurrection magic. Mur got clipped by one of the mistwolves, and the rest of us
have some minor scrapes and bruises that could use some healing.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Summon me forth, and I\u8217?ll do everything I can to heal your friends}, Xan
replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 I unbound her completely, and after a moment, the side of my torso began to
tingle. A stream of azure essence flew from beneath my shirt, and once it
dissolved, Xanrith stood before us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The umber-skinned goddess stretched out her wings, and the azure flames crackled
with the motion. I admired the way Xan\u8217?s full, pert breasts swayed as she
brought her arms back down to her sides, and heat spread to my cheeks when I
realized she\u8217?d seen that. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Now, which one is Mur?\u8221? the goddess asked as her violet eyes darted
around the forest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The moose shifter over there.\u8221? I pointed to where Mur laid down
beneath a tree. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Xanrith gracefully swept over to him, and as she approached the moose-boy, I
watched Vahla\u8217?s jaw drop in awe. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is everything alright?\u8221? Xan asked the hawk-princess in a soft tone,
and I was surprised to hear her use the language of the clans to speak to
Freya\u8217?s sister. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?S-Sorry,\u8221? Vahla apologized, and her emerald eyes flew straight to the
ground. \u8220?I-I was expecting a monster goddess to be more\u8230? gruesome.
You\u8217?re beautiful.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you for the compliment, princess,\u8221? the umber-skinned Archon
addressed the shapeshifter. \u8220?You\u8217?re lovely, too.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Xanrith carefully crouched down and began to examine Mur\u8217?s wound. She gently
pulled the hem of his shirt up to examine the injury better, and when I saw the
mistwolf\u8217?s bite marks on his flesh, a brief flash of panic coursed through
me. They were deeper than the stain on his shirt had indicated, and I wanted to
yell at my friend for trying to play it off, but the moose shifter had been through
enough. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is he going to be okay?\u8221? Vahla whispered to Xanrith.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Your friend is going to be perfectly fine,\u8221? the flame-winged Archon
insisted. \u8220?The wound is deep, but not deep enough that I can\u8217?t heal it.
Trust me, princess, my specialty is reanimation. There\u8217?s little I can\u8217?t
bring back, and he\u8217?s not nearly as far gone as others I\u8217?ve returned to
the physical world.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you,\u8221? Vahla replied, and she stepped aside to give Xan some
space. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The umber-skinned Archon took Mur\u8217?s hand in hers, and the moose
shifter\u8217?s dull brown eyes swept over to her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Now, Mur, I\u8217?m going to need you to focus on my eyes for this to
work,\u8221? she instructed him. \u8220?All you need to do is focus on
me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Okay.\u8221? Mur nodded weakly, and he quickly looked over at me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Just do as she says,\u8221? I instructed him in my calmest voice. \u8220?
Xanrith knows what she\u8217?s doing, and we\u8217?re all right here for
you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you.\u8221? My moose friend nodded again. Then he took a shaky breath
and looked up at Xan, and the Archon took his hand in hers and squeezed it tightly.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
There was a hum, a small vibration in the air that buzzed at the innermost part of
my ear, and I whipped my head around to see if the others could hear it, but no one
else reacted to the sound. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
It\u8217?s my magic, }I heard Xan\u8217?s voice in my head. {\i
You\u8217?re more in tune with it because I belong to you. It\u8217?s similar to
the way you can sense the magics of your other summons. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Soon, the wound across Mur\u8217?s chest began to seal up, and I couldn\u8217?t
help but shake my head in awe as I watched Xan\u8217?s magic at work. The goddess
had brought me back from the brink of death before, but it was still fascinating to
watch her heal someone. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn\u8217?s healing magic worked in a similar way, and I wondered if healer
mages were influenced by the flame-winged Archon in the same way the shapeshifters
had been given their gift by Veopa. That made me wonder if the other classes of
mage had been gifted their magics by the other Archons, but that was a question for
another day. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? Nia breathed beside me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Color returned to Mur\u8217?s cheeks, and soon, it was almost as if he\u8217?d
never even been injured in the first place. His dark-brown eyes sparkled with a
honeyed tint, and a smile broke out across his lips. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you,\u8221? he whispered to Xan, and the goddess helped him to his
feet. \u8220?Thank you so much for healing me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re welcome,\u8221? she replied. \u8220?You\u8217?re going to want
to take it easy for a bit, but you should feel back to normal soon.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?He is fixed?\u8221? Vahla asked the Archon in a soft voice as she craned
her neck to look over at the moose shifter. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?All fixed,\u8221? Xan confirmed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The young hawk-princess\u8217? face lit up, and she gave the flame-winged Archon a
dazzling smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, thank you, my lady, \u8221? she whispered. \u8220?I was so worried he
wouldn\u8217?t be okay.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re welcome,\u8221? Xanrith said, and then she inspected Vahla
with a raised eyebrow. \u8220?It appears you have some scrapes yourself. Step over
here, and I\u8217?ll heal those right up for you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Vahla nodded, and I noticed Freya stiffen. While she was more trusting when it
came to Xan, I knew she was still uncomfortable with the monster goddesses, and
especially uncomfortable with one touching her sister. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s gonna be okay,\u8221? I whispered to my hawk wife. \u8220?
Vahla\u8217?s in good hands.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya\u8217?s gold-flecked brown eyes remained on Xanrith, but she relaxed when I
crossed over and wrapped my arm around her shoulders. She rested her cheek against
me, and I leaned down and kissed the top of her head. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As we cozied up, Mur stepped over, and his cheeks were tomato-red.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?F-Freya?\u8221? he addressed my warrior wife as he tugged at the hem of his
jacket. \u8220?I just\u8230? I wanted to thank you for saving me from that
wolf.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya raised her head up to look at the moose shapeshifter directly. \u8220?Vahla
did most of the saving. I only provided a second body--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You helped just as much,\u8221? Mur interjected in a firm but polite voice.
\u8220?Thank you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re welcome,\u8221? Freya replied in a cautious tone
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Mur gave her a quick smile and turned away from the hawk-princess, but before he
got too far, Freya reached out to touch his shoulder. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Mur?\u8221? she addressed him when he turned around. \u8220?You are not as
bad as I thought. You held your own against the mistwolves, and even though you
were hurt, you wanted to pursue the fight. That loyalty is not lost on
me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Freya,\u8221? the moose shifter replied in a thoughtful
voice. \u8220?That means a lot to me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya gave the boy a curt nod and then inclined her head toward Vahla. \u8220?Do
not hurt my sister, or I will give you a wound worse than the wolf.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Fear flashed through Mur\u8217?s eyes briefly, but Vahla appeared at his side and
pulled him away before Freya could say anything else. Her cheeks were just as pink
from embarrassment, but there was an appreciative smile on her lips.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It wasn\u8217?t an official blessing, but I knew Freya was at least a step closer
to accepting the moose shifter as an ally. Maybe one day she\u8217?d even see him
as an acceptable companion for Vahla. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After that, each of us went over to be healed by Xanrith, and once we were all
cleared of our scrapes, scratches, and bruises, I thanked the flame-winged Archon
and recalled her back into my consciousness. When the azure essence returned to the
site of my tattoo, I realized my teammates were all staring at me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Gawain cleared his throat first. \u8220?So, now that we\u8217?re all fixed, and
you\u8217?ve captured one of the monsters, what do we do now? Should we try to
track down the rest of the pack?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We want Hunnah to come to us, remember?\u8221? Braden said gently. \u8220?
Gryff caught one of the pack to get her attention, so we probably need to stick
around this area. If the mistwolves are on their way to find her, she probably
isn\u8217?t too far behind.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you prepared for whatever\u8217?s going to happen when she
arrives?\u8221? Nia asked me in a serious voice. \u8220?How are you in terms of
mana? I know Xan just healed us all, but she\u8217?s technically one of your
summons, so I know your mana is affected when the Archons are outside of your
mind.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ve been a lot worse,\u8221? I insisted to my wife. \u8220?My mana
doesn\u8217?t take as big of a hit anymore, not since I\u8217?ve collected nearly
all of the Archons.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Still, I brought a few potions with me,\u8221? my ashen-haired wife
pressed. \u8220?I want you to drink them down and build up whatever energy you lost
in that battle. You\u8217?ve taken on the Archons one at a time, but capturing two
of them\u8230? You\u8217?re going to need as much mana as you can get.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s not going to be easy,\u8221? I said. \u8220?But we have the
other goddesses at our disposal, so Hunnah and Quilla are outnumbered. Even with
two of them, we still have a larger team for them to fight against.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Should we find more open ground?\u8221? Gawain wondered. \u8220?I know we
want to stay still and all, but there has to be a space close to here that\u8217?s
more open. It doesn\u8217?t have to be a field, we just need a more suitable area
in case a battle ensues.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s not a bad idea,\u8221? I agreed with the fire mage. \u8220?
Let\u8217?s see if we can find a small clearing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My team snapped into action, and we headed into the forest. We managed to find a
more open space, a clearing with trees surrounding it, and though I didn\u8217?t
like to feel so vulnerable and exposed, I knew this area would be better suited for
a fight. The pack had gone north, so we settled at the southernmost part of the
clearing so we could see their imminent return. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Just before nightfall, we set up a few smaller tents and then worked together to
create a small fire for our makeshift campsite. We\u8217?d dressed warmly for the
occasion, but the darkness brought an extra chill, and I wasn\u8217?t about to risk
hypothermia while we waited for Hunnah and Quilla to arrive.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once tendrils of flame raised up into the air and filled the space with an aura of
warmth, we settled around the fire and nibbled at our food rations. Not long after
we ate and discussed a bit of strategy, we prepared to retire to our tents.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We paired off as Gawain went with Mur, Freya with Vahla, and Nia with me, but
Braden was so large that it made sense for him to have his own space.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Before I headed to my tent, I called my familiar over to me. The housecat-sized
saber-tooth tilted his head once he approached, and he stared at me with curious
yellow eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
What\u8217?s up, boss?} Dio asked. {\i
Do you need help with something?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Dio, I\u8217?m going to need you to stand guard tonight,\u8221? I
instructed him. \u8220?Keep an eye out for the Archons and warn us if you see
anything suspicious.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I\u8217?m on it!} Dio declared, and after he crossed to an empty spot in the
clearing, he stretched out to a form that was closer to the size of a mountain
lion. It wasn\u8217?t as physically imposing as his normal height, but it was still
large enough to be intimidating. {\i
You can count on me, Gryff!} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, buddy.\u8221? I smiled at the tawny monster.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once Dio found a post for his patrol, I climbed into my tent and settled in with
Nia. After we wrapped a thickly-woven blanket around us, I took the multi-
elementalist into my arms. Nia\u8217?s head settled on my chest, and I ran my hands
through her silver hair. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you think Hunnah and Quilla will come at daybreak?\u8221? Nia mused.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s hard to say,\u8221? I replied. \u8220?If I were them,
that\u8217?s what I\u8217?d do.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you nervous?\u8221? she continued as she wrapped her arm across me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m fine,\u8221? I said, but the moment the words left my lips, I
wasn\u8217?t exactly sure. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You can tell me,\u8221? Nia soothed me. \u8220?You can always trust me with
the truth, Gryff.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know I can.\u8221? I smiled down at her as I stroked her cheek. \u8220?
You\u8217?re always so intuitive, Nia. It\u8217?s a quality of yours that makes me
insane, but I appreciate it. To answer your question, I am a little nervous, but
I\u8217?m ready.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re going to win,\u8221? Nia assured me. \u8220?I know we
will.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, too,\u8221? I replied, and I pulled my wife in closer. My eyelids had
grown heavy, and I was ready to drift off to sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a big
day, and I needed whatever rest I could manage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Unfortunately for us, Hunnah and Quilla didn\u8217?t appear the following morning,
or even throughout the day. We sat around with weapons at the ready, but there
wasn\u8217?t a single sign of the remaining Archons anywhere.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When two days passed by, I could tell my teammates were antsy, and so was I.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Would it be best to remain here?\u8221? Nia wondered as she rested her chin
in her hands. \u8220?It doesn\u8217?t feel like we\u8217?re making any progress.
Hunnah isn\u8217?t falling for the bait.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I figured she would\u8217?ve taken it by now,\u8221? I sighed. \u8220?I
don\u8217?t understand why they haven\u8217?t appeared yet.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, Nia perked up, and her motion was so fast it startled me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know it\u8217?s newly captured, but do you think summoning the mistwolf
you caught would help speed anything along?\u8221? the elementalist proposed.
\u8220?I don\u8217?t know if that would impact literally anything\u8230?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not sure it would, either, but it probably wouldn\u8217?t hurt to
try.\u8221? I shrugged, and I reached into my bandolier and retrieved my newest
essence crystal. The smooth stone was cool to the touch, and as I sensed the
monster\u8217?s power flare in my hand, I wondered if I was about to make a huge
mistake. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d wielded the other Archons\u8217? monsters before, but Hunnah\u8217?s
summons were different from all of the others. As far as I could tell, the pack was
all connected through a similar thought process, like a hive mind, and I
didn\u8217?t know if my capturing the monster alone was enough for me to be able to
control it in the same way I controlled my other monsters. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Still, I had to try. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I threw the essence crystal on the ground and said a quick prayer to the Maker as
plumes of blue-black smoke rose from the gem. This was either going to be really
great or a really bad idea, and I didn\u8217?t know which it would be until the
monster appeared before me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When the smoke cleared, I faced the eyes of my new summons, and the she-wolf
looked angry. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Fuck. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her ears were flat against her head, and her lips curled back into a fearsome
snarl. The monster\u8217?s iridescent fur had a spiky appearance, and her tail
flicked back and forth just as it had before I\u8217?d captured her.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, what the fuck are you doing?\u8221? Gawain hissed, and his green
eyes darted from me to the wolf. \u8220?Do you really think this is the best
idea?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t see anyone else making suggestions,\u8221? I hissed right
back. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The she-wolf flexed her toes and claws, and a low growl filled the air. She was
going to attack me, there was no doubt about that. My capturing her had not been
enough to tame her, and even though I possessed much higher-grade monsters than
her, she had a stronger will. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I debated my options. I could attempt to recall her, or I could try to send Dio
after her before she could tear my throat out. I could try to take her on again
myself, but that option didn\u8217?t seem very viable. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As a last-ditch effort, I sent a wave of my will to the monster and tried to
appeal to her in a gentle voice. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know you have a mistress to serve, and a pack you\u8217?re loyal
to,\u8221? I began slowly. \u8220?I also know I\u8217?m just some human who locked
you away in a crystal cage and is now attempting to give you orders. But I
don\u8217?t want you to think of me that way. I want us to work together, even if I
initially captured you for my personal gain. You\u8217?re a beautiful creature, and
I\u8217?d be honored to have you as my companion. So, what do you say? Will you
help me? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The she-wolf took a step toward me, and though my heart pounded like a drum, I
kept my features soft and my eyes calm to appeal to the creature.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The iridescent monster blinked at me slowly, and I was hypnotized by the molten
silver color of her eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I slowly blinked back at her and crouched down so I was eye-level with the
mistwolf. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, what are you--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shhh\u8230?\u8221? I whispered as I continued to keep eye contact with the
she-wolf. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The wolf took another step over to me, and I watched her upright tail curl between
her back legs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Finally, she took a few more steps until she was about a foot away from me, and I
held my breath as I waited. She was technically my monster now, but there was still
a chance I wouldn\u8217?t be able to control her. She wasn\u8217?t as physically
powerful as a monster like my sun giant, or the belial, but there was a strength
about her energy that was just as immense. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?You can trust me,\u8221? I murmured. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The mistwolf narrowed her eyes and stared at me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her muscles flexed as she went to move, and my hand hovered near my sheathed
dagger in preparation for attack, but to my surprise, the mistwolf dropped to the
ground and rolled over so her belly was facing me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A grin spread across my face as her bright pink tongue lolled out, and I fought
the urge to laugh. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Did she want me to rub her belly? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I cautiously reached out my hand, and the mistwolf gave me a look that said
\u8216?hey, can you hurry up and pet me already?\u8217?, so I obliged. The
mistwolf\u8217?s fur was soft, almost like a rabbit\u8217?s, and much denser than
I\u8217?d expected. The pack of monsters had looked somewhat transparent, so
I\u8217?d expected a different sensation, but their translucence might have been an
illusion. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, are you seriously giving that monster a belly rub right now?\u8221?
Braden chuckled as he shook his head back and forth. \u8220?You continue to amaze
me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hey, she knows what she wants.\u8221? I shrugged, and the mistwolf let out
a contented sigh as I found the exact spot. After such a ferocious display,
I\u8217?d expected her to rip my hand off, but her submissive position told me
she\u8217?d taken my assurance to heart. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s beautiful,\u8221? Nia remarked as her blue eyes trailed over
the mistwolf. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She is, isn\u8217?t she?\u8221? I agreed with a small laugh.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The iridescent monster let out a yawn, rolled over, and then rose to her feet. Her
expression had shifted from cautious and agitated to calm and curious, and she
delicately sniffed the air. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s wrong?\u8221? I asked the creature as I sensed a shift in mood
through our bond. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The mistwolf perked up, and her tail went from a curled position to completely
upright. A growl rippled through her body, and her rainbow-tinted fur had an almost
prickly quality about it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Did she sense something?\u8221? Gawain wondered as he crossed over to us.
Braden, Vahla, Mur, and Freya followed suit, and each of my friends craned their
necks to get a closer look. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s going on?\u8221? I tried to ask my monster again, but the
mistwolf\u8217?s silver eyes fixated on a specific point ahead of us.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Freya called out to me. \u8220?I think I hear--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The hawk-princess\u8217? voice caught in her throat, and she rushed over to
Vahla\u8217?s side as my mistwolf\u8217?s growls grew louder. A rustling sound came
from the forest in front of us, and suddenly a pair of figures emerged from the
emerald expanse of trees. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My breath halted in my chest as the pair came into focus. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Nia stiffened beside me. \u8220?Gryff, is that--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hunnah and Quilla,\u8221? I finished for the ashen-haired elementalist.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The Archons gracefully stepped into the clearing and shot twin looks of arrogance
our way. The sheer amount of energy the goddesses exuded with every motion was
enough to send adrenaline through my veins, and my hands shook from anticipation
when they finally stopped just forty feet from where my friends and I stood.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
This was it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
They were finally here, and our final battle was imminent.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, if it isn\u8217?t the Beastmaker,\u8221? Hunnah scoffed as her fist
tightened around the hilt of her gilded sword. \u8220?I believe you have something
that belongs to me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Eighteen
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hunnah\u8217?s sterling-gray eyes were calculated and focused as she lifted her
chin, and her full mauve lips pressed into a hard, thin line as she waited for my
response. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The warrior goddess\u8217? wolf-like ears rose high into the air, and just like
her mistwolves, they reflected every shade of the rainbow. Her tail had the same
translucent quality about it, and both appendages reminded me of the surface of a
bubble when it was hit by light. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hunnah and Quilla,\u8221? I greeted the pair of Archons with my own
uptilted chin. \u8220?I was wondering when you two would show up.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?My she-wolf,\u8221? Hunnah continued on in a cool tone. \u8220?You stole
her from her pack. Return her to me at once.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
While Hunnah\u8217?s icy expression sent a chill down my spine, there was no
denying how beautiful the goddess was. Her skin was extremely fair, and it only
made her straight copper hair look that much brighter. She was tall, and her
tightly fitted white dress put her long, lithe legs on display while the low
neckline accentuated her high, well-rounded breasts. Even more striking was the
golden armor that encased both shoulders and was connected on either side by long
golden chains. The harness cinched her waist and perfectly matched the hilt of her
impressive sword. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?ll have to pry her away from me yourself,\u8221? I chuckled, and
I crossed my arms over my chest in an arrogant way. Hunnah wasn\u8217?t the only
one who could play aloof, and I wasn\u8217?t about to let the warrior goddess
intimidate me with her lackluster threats. \u8220?She isn\u8217?t going anywhere of
her own accord.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, you\u8217?re making this harder on yourself than it has to
be,\u8221? Quilla spoke up as she leaned against her sister, and the high-pitched,
almost musical tone of her voice took me off guard just as it did the first time
we\u8217?d met in Carth\u8217?s palace. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Quilla\u8217?s petite, almost fairy-like body was outfitted in a tight, cleavage-
bearing blue military jacket, and thigh-high black boots with silver chains encased
her legs. Her skin had a slight tan, and her golden-brown hair fell well past her
tiny waist in perfect waves. The Archon\u8217?s enormous navy-blue eyes were doll-
like in their innocence, but the fine, delicate features of the right side of her
face were disrupted by bone. It was almost as if the goddess wore a half mask, only
instead of concealing her face, her skull rested on top of it.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She was still impossibly lovely, but something about the pale white bone was
unnerving to look at for too long. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I want the mistwolf back,\u8221? Hunnah growled again. \u8220?She\u8217?s
mine--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Actually, she\u8217?s mine now,\u8221? I scoffed. \u8220?And I have no
intentions of giving her back to you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You know, Beastmaker, from the first moment I met you, I\u8217?ve wanted
nothing more than to wipe that cocky smirk off your face.\u8221? The copper-haired
Archon narrowed her eyes at me. \u8220?You\u8217?re always so smug, so overly
confident. You think you\u8217?re so much better than everyone else just because
you can claim things that aren\u8217?t yours--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Does this speech have a point?\u8221? I interrupted, and I let out an
exaggerated yawn. \u8220?It\u8217?s getting late, and there are things I\u8217?d
much rather be doing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I should kill you where you stand!\u8221? Hunnah hissed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re welcome to try.\u8221? I shrugged. I was being overly childish
on purpose, but it was clearly getting under Hunnah\u8217?s skin, so I
couldn\u8217?t stop. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, we don\u8217?t want this to lead to violence,\u8221? Quilla sighed
as she rested her hand on her hip. \u8220?Your friends and family don\u8217?t need
to be implicated in our squabble. If you\u8217?d just give us the book and the
mistwolf--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, please,\u8221? I scoffed. \u8220?You don\u8217?t want violence, and yet
you want to merge the realms together and plunge the world into chaos? Something
about that story doesn\u8217?t line up for me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hunnah and Quilla\u8217?s faces blanched of any color they held, and they both
looked at me with surprised expressions. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How did you--\u8221? Hunnah began, and I could practically see the gears in
her head shift around as she stammered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We have the book, remember?\u8221? I reminded the wolf-eared Archon.
\u8220?Isn\u8217?t that why you and your pack arrived in Mistral in the first
place? To reclaim it and continue your so-called mission to thrust the worlds
together?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I didn\u8217?t expect you and your pathetic human lot to translate the
ancient text,\u8221? Hunnah sniffed. \u8220?I should be more agitated, but it
doesn\u8217?t matter. Knowing our plan doesn\u8217?t disrupt it in any way. In
fact, I\u8217?m glad you\u8217?re all caught up so I don\u8217?t have to explain
myself further. Here\u8217?s how this is going to work, Beastmaker. You\u8217?re
going to return my wolf, and then you\u8217?re going to surrender the book. Should
you cooperate, I\u8217?ll consider sparing you and your friends--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s awfully big of you,\u8221? I said. \u8220?But I don\u8217?t
cooperate with ancient goddesses bent on trying to destroy the world.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Destroy?\u8221? Hunnah repeated back with an incredulous look on her
face. \u8220?Oh, no, no, no. We\u8217?re not going to destroy the world. We\u8217?
re going to restore it to its natural state, the way it was before those wretched
Guardians separated the realms.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Monsters should not be kept separate,\u8221? Quilla chimed in with an
uptilted chin. \u8220?Nor should we. Being bound by these rules, these
magics\u8230? we can no longer stand back idly. It\u8217?s time to return the world
to how it once was, before human corruption had to go and decimate
everything.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can guarantee that whatever actually led to the divide had nothing to do
with humanity\u8217?s wrongdoings.\u8221? I narrowed my eyes at the skeletal
Archon. \u8220?I won\u8217?t sit here and listen to whatever bullshit narrative
you\u8217?ve crafted to justify your agenda. We have the book, and I have no
intention of giving it back to you willingly.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Then how about we just take it from you?\u8221? Hunnah smirked. \u8220?
There\u8217?s only what, six of you, compared to two goddesses? Do you really think
you and your mortal human companions could take us on?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The book isn\u8217?t even with me,\u8221? I said, but the moment the words
left my lips, I wished I could take them back. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ah, so it\u8217?s back in the Enclave,\u8221? the wolf-eared Archon mused,
and she arched a copper eyebrow. \u8220?I\u8217?d hoped you\u8217?d keep it on your
person for safekeeping. No matter, I\u8217?ll just send my pack ahead to Varle as
planned. It was the next stop on our journey anyways--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Like hell you will,\u8221? I growled. \u8220?This ends now,
Hunnah.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Indeed it does,\u8221? the warrior goddess snarled right back. \u8220?For
too long, you\u8217?ve disrupted our plans, Gryff. My assumptions upon meeting you
in the Shadowscape were correct. You\u8217?re nothing but an arrogant human
summoner who keeps getting in my way. If you aren\u8217?t going to surrender my
wolf or the book, there\u8217?s no other option than to take you and your pathetic
friends out. It will be one less obstacle in my way.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hunnah\u8217?s sterling eyes brightened until they were nearly white, and she
raised the hand that wasn\u8217?t wrapped around her sword high in the air.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My hand instinctively flew to my bandolier, and adrenaline burned through my
veins. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With a snap of her fingers, Hunnah\u8217?s pack of mistwolves suddenly
appeared. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The pack seemed to have increased from our last encounter, and if I had to guess,
I would estimate there were about thirty wolves in the clearing. Each of the
iridescent creatures pulled back their lips to reveal their sharp fangs, and their
chorus of growls filled the air like a low hum. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My own mistwolf\u8217?s ears fell flat against her head, and I sensed a tug of
confusion through our bond. The iridescent monster was torn: was she supposed to
stay loyal to her pack and her former mistress, or was she supposed to follow my
orders and fight against her brothers and sisters? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I sent her a wave of reassurance. I knew my monster was in a bind, but I reminded
her of our newfound bond and promised I wouldn\u8217?t hurt her in the same way her
mistress did. I wasn\u8217?t actually sure if Hunnah was abusive toward her pack,
but if her intimidating aura was any indication, I had a feeling the Archon used
fear-based training techniques on the wolves. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My mistwolf deliberated for a moment, and then I felt an influx of loving energy.
That was all it took for me to know the she-wolf would fight by my side no matter
what Hunnah said or did. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Braden said from behind me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I turned around to see my teammates standing in defensive positions, and by the
determined look they shared, I knew they were ready for whatever the pack was going
to throw at them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ve fought them once before,\u8221? I reminded them in a voice just
quiet enough for my friends to hear. \u8220?We can do this. Just keep your weapons
ready and your magic focused.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
After my friends nodded in response, I turned back around to see Hunnah flash me a
sickly-sweet smile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s pretty solid advice you\u8217?ve bestowed upon them,
Gryff,\u8221? Hunnah called out. \u8220?But it\u8217?s bold of you to assume my
monsters are your sole opponents.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I turned back to face the Archons, and then I noticed the massive grin on
Quilla\u8217?s face. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You thought I wouldn\u8217?t bring my monsters with me as well?\u8221? The
skeletal Archon gave me a wink and then snapped her fingers in the same way her
sister did. A large plume of smoke rose up, and when it disappeared, dread rose up
into my chest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When I\u8217?d first fought against Carth\u8217?s herd of monsters outside of
Varle, there\u8217?d been a monster that had shaken me to my core, a disgusting
creature known as the regarat. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Throughout my travels as a summoner-for-hire in the Wilds, I\u8217?d heard myths
and horror stories about the creature, but none of them could compare to seeing the
terrifying thing in real life. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The monster was a bloated, decaying mass of thousands of rats connected and
tangled together by their tails and exposed entrails. Each house-cat-sized rat was
in a various stage of decomposition, with some still fresh, and others with
distended bellies full of buzzing flies. Some of the rats\u8217? gray, mangy fur
were soaked with fresh scarlet blood while others had a layer of scabbed, jet-black
crust that reeked of decay. Some oozed with pus while others were only one patch of
skin away from being complete skeletons. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 The scent that wafted off the pile of writhing rats was a cocktail of the most
disgusting of smells: feces, urine, old blood, mold, and curdled cow\u8217?s milk,
and the putrid odor invaded my nostrils so harshly that I could taste the pungent
taste on my tongue. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The thousands of rats squeaked, hissed, and chattered at different volumes,
octaves, and pitches, and the dissonant symphony made my head cry out from
dizziness. My vision blurred temporarily and reminded me of the most well-heard
campfire story about the monster. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It was said the regarat used its dizzying cries to hypnotize their victims and
send them into a heightened madness that could never be remedied.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My attention immediately shot over to my friends, and to my horror, each of the
mages and shifters had a glazed look in their eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cover your ears!\u8221? I shouted as loud as I could, and the sudden volume
made my team snap out of their hazes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How rude,\u8221? Quilla pouted when I turned back around, but her navy-blue
eyes danced as they flickered across the clearing. \u8220?They spent hours
preparing their song for you, and now you won\u8217?t even give them a proper
listen?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s mental, isn\u8217?t she,\u8221? I heard Gawain whisper to
Braden. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Shh,\u8221? Braden hissed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My eyes moved beyond the pair of goddesses, and as I studied the decaying mass
that was the regarat, I reached into my consciousness and called upon Xan.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I thought the regarat was decimated,\u8221? I said slowly once the flame-
winged goddess stirred within my mind. \u8220?How is it here now?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
It\u8217?s my fault}, Xanrith sighed. {\i
It wouldn\u8217?t be here if it weren\u8217?t for me. I\u8217?m sorry, Gryff. }
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How is it your fault?\u8221? I began to ask, and then realization dawned on
me. \u8220?Your resurrection magic. You brought Quilla\u8217?s monsters back after
our last battle\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
She\u8217?d only brought the regarat}, the flame-winged Archon corrected me. {\i
When it met its demise, my sister begged me to resurrect it for her. It\u8217?s a
loathsome creature, but it is Quilla\u8217?s most important minion. She
couldn\u8217?t bear to lose it.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That thing is disgusting.\u8221? I cringed as I peered over at it. I\u8217?
d used my sun giant to incinerate the monster in its last incarnation, and I had a
feeling I\u8217?d have to repeat the endeavor once more. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Beside the rat were Quilla\u8217?s other two monsters, and while they were nowhere
near as disgusting as the regarat, I still wasn\u8217?t familiar with them.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
The one on the left is a wyvern,} Xan explained. {\i
Part snake, part dragon, all deadly. It might only have two legs, but the end of
its tail is tipped by a rock stronger than diamonds and sharper than most blades.
It could gut you in a single slice if you weren\u8217?t careful, and then take
great pleasure in cleaning your skeleton dry.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The bipedal reptilian creature\u8217?s scales were blue-black, while its
underbelly was a bright teal, and true to the Archon\u8217?s description, its long,
serpentine tail was tipped with what appeared to be a blue-green arrow point. Even
in the lower light of the forest, the point gleamed, and its faceted edge gave an
indication of its sharpness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The creature\u8217?s forked tongue jutted out, and I was perplexed to see it was
the same grayish-blue color as its slitted eyes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Why couldn\u8217?t Quilla have obtained cuter monsters like yours?\u8221? I
sighed, and I sensed a twinge of irritation flare out from Xan.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
My monsters are more than just cute}, the flame-winged Archon muttered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I chose to ignore that statement and instead shifted my attention to Quilla\u8217?
s third monster. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Quilla\u8217?s final monster was less physically strange than the rest of her
creatures, but it was still an odd one to say the least. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It was almost canine and around the same height as the mistwolves, but its coarse
fur was a marbled mixture of tan and black. The creature had a thick tail, sort of
like a raccoon, and its eyes took up nearly half of its small face. Those eyes,
much like the skeletal Archon herself, were difficult to stare at, yet mesmerizing
at the same time. They were jet-black, with a depth that made them appear almost
endless, and the more I stared at them, the more I felt like I was about to fall
asleep. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s that one called?\u8221? I addressed Xan.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
It\u8217?s called a hija}, the Archon replied. {\i
It\u8217?s not as physically imposing as the other two, but don\u8217?t discount
it. It can manipulate the sound of its calls to make you think it\u8217?s in one
place when it\u8217?s actually in another. The hija does its best work in a dream
or shadow setting, but it is still formidable in the physical world}.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not so sure I\u8217?m liking the sound of that.\u8221? I
winced. \u8220?What else can it do?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Not only can it manipulate its voice, but it also has a mirage ability that makes
it hard to corner. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Got it.\u8221? I nodded. Of the three monsters, the hija didn\u8217?t hold
as much of my attention. While teleportation and quick movements weren\u8217?t
anything to turn my nose up at, I was more worried about the regarat and the
deadly-tailed wyvern. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Enough gawking at my sister\u8217?s summons,\u8221? Hunnah sneered at
me. \u8220?I\u8217?m tired of waiting, Beastmaker. I\u8217?ll give you one last
chance to surrender.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?d never surrender to you,\u8221? I replied, and Hunnah\u8217?s
lovely face grew hardened. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So be it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The warrior Archon waved her hand, and the chorus of mistwolf growls crescendoed
into a howl that sent a chill down my spine. Hunnah\u8217?s monsters slowly
advanced forward so they stood in front of their mistress, and the copper-haired
goddess gracefully swung a leg over and mounted one of the larger mistwolves in the
back of her pack and then raised her sword in the air. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Beside her, Quilla climbed on the back of her wyvern, and the skeletal goddess
gave us a wicked grin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
This was it. It was finally time to take the final two Archons down.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My teammates stepped forward, and when I peered around at them, each of my friends
and lovers offered me the same encouraging expression. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We could do this. We had to do this. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let\u8217?s kick some ass,\u8221? I declared, and then the mistwolves
launched themselves at us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My heart raced as I reached into my bandolier and retrieved a handful of my
essence crystals, and I threw them out in rapid succession: the roosa, the maripor,
kalgori, and Dio, in addition to a few of my supplemental monsters like the bullet
bass, my speed slugs, and a pair of daggerdillos. On their own, the Grade E
monsters wouldn\u8217?t be able to accomplish much, but paired with my higher-grade
creatures, they could really inflict some damage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Before the wolves could get too far, I concentrated on my bullet bass and used my
magic to borrow its armor ability. Within moments, an impenetrable silver coating
covered my body, and once I was decked out, I imagined the armor on the rest of my
teammates. Just as quickly as the coating had manifested on my limbs, the bullet
bass armor soon covered my friends, and I quickly copied the process with my speed
slugs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, Gryff!\u8221? Braden called out over the growls of the wolves, and
I heard similar remarks of agreement from behind me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The only ones I didn\u8217?t give armor to were the shapeshifters because they had
yet to take their animal forms, and I didn\u8217?t want to affect their physical
movement until they were in their second skins. In addition to the bullet bass
armor, I reached through my bonds with my monsters and used my magic to borrow my
kalgori\u8217?s razor-sharp blades. The butterfly monster\u8217?s blades appeared
on the sides of my arms and legs, and combined with the armor, I was suddenly a
deadly weapon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Everyone split up!\u8221? I commanded my team. \u8220?There\u8217?s a lot
of monsters, so we need to spread out!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re on it, Gryff!\u8221? Nia confirmed, and then the rest of my
teammates splintered off to take on the pack and Quilla\u8217?s three monsters.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My protective coating was immediately put to the test when I was tackled to the
ground by a particularly snarly mistwolf. The iridescent monster snapped its
intimidating jaw close to my face, but I managed to swing my arm in an upward
motion. My kalgori\u8217?s blades swiped into the mistwolf, and the creature let
out a growl of pain as it fell over. Molten silver liquid spewed from the monster,
and it laid on the ground in a heap. It wasn\u8217?t dead but weakened, and I
debated finishing it off, but there were many others to handle, and I couldn\u8217?
t get tied up in a single monster. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once one wolf was down, another took its place, and I fell into a rhythm of
pushing and slashing. Sweat beaded across my forehead from the exertion, but I felt
like a bladed machine as I fought off wolf after wolf. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d been terrified of the iridescent monsters in the last battle, but after
going up against them before, my fears had lessened substantially. My team and I
were more than capable of taking them down. Hunnah was one of the elder Archons,
but our numbers were much greater than hers, and in a battle setting, that was much
more important. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Dio and my own mistwolf flanked me on either side, and I equipped the pair of
monsters with bullet bass armor as well so they wouldn\u8217?t fall victim to the
pack\u8217?s sharpened teeth. Dio gave a repeat performance of the tactics
he\u8217?d used to fight off the moose assassins, and his powerful fangs impaled
the mistwolves on sight. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Take that!} the tawny saber-toothed-cat declared. {\i
This is what you get for fucking with me and my master!} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I fought back a chuckle as I knocked a mistwolf to the ground, and just as another
one sprang up to defend its packmate, my own wolf leaped in and clenched her strong
jaw around the other creature\u8217?s neck. The iridescent monster proved herself
to be a powerful fighter, and I was impressed by her physical prowess as she
tackled her opponents to the ground. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks!\u8221? I addressed my she-wolf as I caught my breath.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The flurry of motion and activity around me was dizzying, and I tried to stay
focused despite the frantic action in the clearing. My heart pounded so hard I
could feel it in my temples, and my hands shook by my sides.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
An idea struck me, and once I was certain my mistwolf and Dio were fine on their
own, I managed to put some distance between myself and the wolves, and then I
reached into my consciousness and completely undid the wards around my Archons.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gave the monster goddesses the order to manifest in the field, and they sprang
into action immediately. My entire body felt like it\u8217?d been electrocuted as
essence streamed from me, and my vision was consumed by blue-black smoke. Once it
cleared, my eyes readjusted, and I took in the sight of my seven beautiful monster
goddesses. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Wait, seven? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Carth?\u8221? I asked in astonishment. \u8220?You\u8217?re here?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The green-skinned Archon wasn\u8217?t wearing her usual sneer and instead looked
eager to jump into battle. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Did you forget I\u8217?m under your control?\u8221? Carth asked as she
swept her chestnut-brown hair over one shoulder. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, I just\u8230? I\u8217?m surprised to see you here with everyone
else.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ughh,\u8221? the horned goddess sighed as she rested her hand on her cocked
hip, \u8220?The fact of the matter is, Hunnah and Quilla are going to lose this
battle, and I\u8217?d rather be on the winning side than the losing one. If
there\u8217?s an opportunity to pay them back for their betrayal, I\u8217?m going
to seize it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I guess I can\u8217?t really oppose that logic,\u8221? I allowed, and a
sigh escaped my chest. \u8220?Welcome to the team.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Team?\u8221? Carth repeated back, and she rolled her russet eyes as if she
were too good for the rest of us. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I decided to ignore the Archon\u8217?s haughty attitude and instead shifted my
focus to the rest of the monster goddesses. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Now, there\u8217?s an entire team of mistwolves, not to mention
Quilla\u8217?s monsters out there,\u8221? I began. \u8220?I don\u8217?t foresee
this going against our favor, but we need to anticipate a challenge
anyway.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What can we do to assist you and lead your team to victory?\u8221? Miralea
purred, and the jaguar goddess took long, sensual strides as she crossed over to my
side. \u8220?Name it, master, and we will obey.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We need to find a way to take down Hunnah\u8217?s pack,\u8221? I said.
\u8220?We held them at bay before, but then they didn\u8217?t want to kill us, only
keep us occupied. Today, we\u8217?re going after their mistress, so they\u8217?re
going to be all in and set to destroy us limb from limb.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Well, they\u8217?re looking to destroy your mortal allies limb from
limb,\u8221? Phi pointed out with a raised eyebrow. \u8220?Us, however--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know you still don\u8217?t care for my friends, but like it or not,
we\u8217?re all on the same side here,\u8221? I interjected. \u8220?We all need to
work together to take down the pack. If we don\u8217?t\u8230?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We got it, master,\u8221? Utuni spoke up, and the snake goddess crossed her
arms over her ample chest. \u8220?We need to take out the pack so you have a clear
shot at Hunnah.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t be afraid, Gryff,\u8221? Xanrith insisted, and her violet eyes
were comforting as they bored into mine. \u8220?You\u8217?ve done this before, and
once Hunnah and Quilla are yours--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I get to go home,\u8221? I said, and that was all it took to center me
again. Xan was right. I could sit here and sweat it out, or I could go all in and
finally take down the goddesses who\u8217?d given me so much trouble recently.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, you\u8217?ve sent in my sisters to help!\u8221? Hunnah shouted from
atop her mistwolf, and the warrior Archon\u8217?s sword glinted as she pointed it
in our direction. \u8220?Is that meant to intimidate me?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You should be intimidated,\u8221? Phi snapped. \u8220?You should give up
now, Hunnah. We are going to decimate your pack and Quilla\u8217?s pets.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you now?\u8221? Hunnah fired back. \u8220?I\u8217?d love to see you
try.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll work on taking down the pack,\u8221? Sera addressed me in a
decisive tone. \u8220?Go around and help your friends. We\u8217?ll start whittling
this group down.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?While we\u8217?re going that, focus on Quilla\u8217?s monsters,\u8221? Xan
suggested, and her azure wings crackled behind her. \u8220?Hunnah\u8217?s going to
be hard to break, but Quilla\u8230? once her monsters are defeated, she\u8217?ll be
easy to capture.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Noted,\u8221? I replied as I thought about my next move.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
There was so much movement in the clearing it was hard to focus on a single area,
but the regarat was so physically impressive that my eyes shot straight to it. I
would need to start with the terrifying rat monster and work my way down to the
others. Normally, I would\u8217?ve done the opposite, but if I began with the
toughest of her monsters, the rest would feel like nothing.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Hop aboard, master}, Dio declared as he returned to my side. My saber-toothed-cat
summons bent down so I could mount him, so I swung my leg over his back and settled
on top of him without hesitation. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Go get them, Gryff.\u8221? Miralea smiled at me with cute fanged teeth.
\u8220?We\u8217?ve got this under control.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gave my Archons a brief nod and then commanded Dio to take me in the direction
of the regarat. My monster goddesses were no strangers to war and battle. If they
thought they had things under control, I wasn\u8217?t going to fight them on it.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Mistwolves wove their sleek bodies in between and around Dio\u8217?s legs, and my
familiar let out an agitated roar as he kicked them aside. The mistwolves flew as
if they weighed nothing, and pride swelled in my chest as my familiar knocked
through them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We need to get over to the regarat, and then from there, maybe take on the
hija, and Quilla\u8217?s wyvern,\u8221? I reiterated to Dio as he hauled us closer
to the rat pile. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
It looks like Braden has the hija under control,} Dio assessed, and I followed the
cat monster\u8217?s gaze to the other side of the clearing where Braden and his
chimera were battling the canine-like monster. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Braden\u8217?s ice variant creature stood alongside my former roommate\u8217?s
king gryphon, and the closely-related monsters appeared to be the perfect team. I
watched in awe as the hija teleported around the clearing, but the chimera
didn\u8217?t seem phased by the creature\u8217?s trickery. She was no-nonsense, and
her talons managed to graze the side of the hija\u8217?s black and tan abdomen. The
hija let out a yip of pain and fell to the ground, and before it could get up, the
chimera pumped her wings, flew up, and then tossed her weight down on top of
Quilla\u8217?s summons. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The maneuver reminded me of Freya\u8217?s body bomb technique, and my lips curled
up into a smile. With how strong Braden\u8217?s monsters were, it didn\u8217?t seem
like I needed to do much more, but I still reached through my magical bonds until I
connected with my maripor. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Go over and join Braden,\u8221? I commanded the half-canine, half-feline
monster. \u8220?Use your venom to paralyze while the chimera and the king gryphon
use their teeth and claws to tear it apart.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My maripor sent a wave of understanding through the bond, and just seconds later,
I spied the black-furred monster charge full-speed toward Braden and his monsters.
When it joined him, I caught Braden\u8217?s eye, and the ox-like summoner gave me a
nod of appreciation. I returned the gesture, and then I looked back to the regarat.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The putrid creature moved in disjointed, erratic movements that were thankfully
incredibly slow. Even still, the pile of decaying vermin were disturbing the
battlefield with their oozing bodily fluids. My eyes followed a trail of black goo
as it trailed onto the forest floor, and my nose crinkled as I watched smoke rise
from the liquid. It was acidic, and it ate away at everything it touched. Right
now, it was only messing with the grass, but I feared what would happen if one of
my friends or women were to accidentally step in it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Disgusting.\u8221? I cringed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
You can say that again}, Dio gagged. {\i
Are you going to get out your sun giant and torch it again?}
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s the plan,\u8221? I replied, and my hand flew to my bandolier.
My sun giant had been gifted to me from Maelor just before I\u8217?d left for the
Academy, and it was easily one of my most powerful monsters. In the past, the
monster had been nearly impossible for me to control, but now that my magic was
more powerful, and I had seven Archons under my control, I suspected it would be
much easier to command. I worried about having such a huge monster in the clearing,
but then again, the regarat wasn\u8217?t exactly small. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was about to retrieve the bright red essence crystal from my belt when suddenly,
the squeaks and screeches of the regarat filled the air, and everything felt as if
it came to a sudden stop. My body began to relax against my will, and my hand
dropped from its place on my bandolier. Even Dio halted in his tracks, and the
immediate stop nearly made me fall from my perch on his back.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Disorientation flooded through me as I tried to make sense of my surroundings.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
What had I been doing again? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The dizzying pressure was almost enough to make me fall asleep, but before the
squeaks could consume my mind, I heard a familiar voice call my name.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nia?\u8221? I called out, and when I looked down on the field, I caught
sight of my ashen-haired wife and Gawain. The pair of elementalists hustled over to
Dio and me, and from the determined expressions on their faces, I could tell they
had a plan. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you okay?\u8221? Nia asked me first as her eyes swept over my familiar
and me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?re fine,\u8221? I assured her, and I shook my head to clear it of
the regarat\u8217?s spell. \u8220?I sent the Archons to work on the pack, and
Braden has the hija--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The shifters are also working on the pack,\u8221? Gawain interjected in a
frantic tone. \u8220?That only leaves Hunnah and her wolf, and then Quilla on the
dragon-snake thing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wyvern,\u8221? I informed him, but the haughty fire mage waved me off.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gawain and I can handle the regarat,\u8221? Nia assured me as fire magic
flared around her fists. \u8220?Trust me, there\u8217?s nothing I\u8217?d love more
than setting that disgusting pile of creatures aflame.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I like the way you think, Kenefick,\u8221? Gawain chimed in. The golden-
haired mage followed my wife\u8217?s lead, and soon his hands and arms were covered
in licks of ruby and citrine flame. \u8220?Let\u8217?s torch that beast.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Keep your wits about you,\u8221? I ordered them as I gave the monster a
sideward glance. \u8220?The second it starts making noise, you need to protect
yourselves.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ve got it.\u8221? Nia nodded. \u8220?Go ahead and work on the
wyvern. We\u8217?ll handle this.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know you do.\u8221? I smiled at her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
While I wanted to follow after them, I had to trust my team could handle
themselves and put faith in their magical abilities. Nia and Gawain were two of the
most powerful elementalists I knew, and if they were working together, the regarat
wouldn\u8217?t stand a chance. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I scanned the field for Quilla and her wyvern and spied them about thirty yards
away. The skeletal Archon\u8217?s navy-blue eyes watched me with a childlike
innocence, and she gave me a knowing smile, almost as if she was waiting for me to
come over before she struck. The petite goddess was a strange one, and her behavior
bordered on unhinged. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I suddenly felt the space around me grow warm. I gathered myself enough to turn my
head, and when I did, I witnessed one of the largest infernos I\u8217?d ever seen
speed right past me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Gawain and Nia stood side-by-side, and their arms were outstretched far in front
of them. Fire magic blazed from their palms and flew right at the pile of decaying
rats. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff, move!\u8221? my ashen-haired wife shouted over at Dio and me, and my
saber-toothed-cat familiar and I snapped out of our trances.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You heard the woman, we gotta get away from this,\u8221? I commanded my
monster, and Dio bolted with no hesitation. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once we were clear of the monster, I watched a wall of fire fly right toward it,
and my lips curled up into a grin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Noooo!\u8221? Quilla screeched, but the skeletal Archon was too late. Her
grotesque monster went up in smoke, and the smell of burning, rotting flesh invaded
my nostrils. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I looked to Nia, and per usual, my jaw dropped in awe. The elementalist\u8217?s
stance was nothing short of perfect, and while anyone else would have dropped to
the ground from mana depletion by now, my wife had hardly broken a sweat.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Quilla\u8217?s cries were barely audible over the sound of the roaring flames, but
I knew the loss of her precious monster had taken its toll on the skeletal
Archon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
One down, three to go. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, I heard the thunderous cries of raptors above me, and when I tilted my
head skyward, I saw a blur of dark red followed by a blur of golden-brown. Vahla
and Freya were badasses when they were in their human forms, but when they were
completely hawk, they were on an entirely different level. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
I\u8217?d been worried about how Vahla would fare in a bigger battle against the
mistwolf pack, but the younger hawk shifter\u8217?s screeches, swoops, and slashes
were just as calculated and impressive as her sister\u8217?s. Fenrir and Freya had
done an excellent job of preparing Vahla for battle, and the russet-haired
princess\u8217? inner fire was more apparent than ever as I watched her sink her
talons into the flesh of a mistwolf. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Though he was confined to the ground, Mur was also putting up a good fight against
the pack. He\u8217?d shifted into his moose form, and I watched him rear his head
up, swing it down, and use his antlers to knock into an oncoming mistwolf. As he
kept one of the canine monsters occupied at the front, he used his rear legs to
kick a wolf that had snuck up behind him, and I watched with satisfaction as the
moose shifter drove one of his hooves right into the monster.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Nice shot!\u8221? I called out to him in the language of the Clans, and the
moose shifter let out a victorious bellow. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My Archons fought beside my friends, and I was surprised to see them all working
together without complaint. Xan, Veopa, and Sera were paired together and worked to
tear apart one portion of the pack, while Phi, Utuni, Miralea, and Carth worked on
the other. It was odd to see the Archons behave like comrades, but I wasn\u8217?t
about to question it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My daggerdillos and kalgori were also hard at work, and I watched with proud
delight as the monsters helped tear through the pack. It was convenient to be at a
point with my monsters where I could issue a command from afar and have them carry
out their attacks just as usual. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My butterfly-like summons was particularly helpful, and I watched with widened
eyes as the swarm of razor-edged creatures slashed and hacked into Hunnah\u8217?s
wolves. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Freya, Mur, and Vahla seemed as if they were trying to maintain their distance,
but with a pack as large as Hunnah\u8217?s, that was an easy feat. Mistwolves fell
left and right, and I grinned as I watched the pack dwindle in numbers.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We really had a shot at victory here. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once I was certain the shapeshifters were alright, I took a breath and shifted my
focus to the wyvern. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Instead of going on the offense, the bipedal dragon hung near his mistress, but
the moment the monster took notice of me, its forked tongue flicked out, and its
storm-blue eyes glowed with impish delight. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
If it wanted to play, I could play. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I commanded Dio to take me over to where Quilla waited with her monster, and once
we reached the space just across from them, I dismounted my summons and commanded
him to help Braden. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My saber-toothed-cat summons was hesitant to leave my side but did as he was
instructed and bounded across the clearing. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I watched him leave, and as he approached Braden\u8217?s place on the field, I
realized my former roommate seemed to be faring well. The hija was alive, but it
was on the ground, so we were likely closer to another monster down.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached through my bonds and summoned my roosa to my side, and within seconds,
my large summons skittered over to me. The twelve-foot-long black scorpion monster
clenched its pincers and let out a sharp noise of readiness.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A roosa?\u8221? Quilla assessed in a cold tone as her eyes flickered over
my monster. \u8220?Well, isn\u8217?t that fun?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Do you see this all as a game?\u8221? I addressed the skeletal Archon.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not all of it.\u8221? Quilla shrugged, and she wrapped her arms tighter
around her wyvern\u8217?s neck. \u8220?But really, Gryff, why even bother? When we
merge the worlds, it\u8217?s likely you would survive.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not worried about me,\u8221? I fired back. \u8220?I\u8217?m here
to protect the entire human realm from you and your sister over there.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ah, so you are as noble as I thought you were.\u8221? The goddess smirked
at me. \u8220?Your loyalty is impressive, Beastmaker, but it will be your
downfall.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her wyvern let out another roar, \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The roosa shot its imposing tail toward the wyvern, but the snake dragon slithered
just out of reach. Quilla\u8217?s monster shook its own arrow-tipped tail in
warning, almost as if it were a rattlesnake, and it bared a row of long, shiny
white teeth as it hissed at my summons. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My roosa clacked its pincers again and lunged further. The wyvern didn\u8217?t
seem to expect the move, and it barely managed to step out of the way this time.
Quilla let out a startled yelp as she struggled to remain atop the bipedal dragon,
and I realized the monster had two ways to move about. It could use its underbelly
as a snake would slither about on the ground, but it also had use of its muscled,
taloned legs. I had a few options to employ, but above all, I needed the roosa to
paralyze at least one of the appendages the wyvern used to move around.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Before I could carry out the orders of the attack, the wyvern\u8217?s arrow-tipped
tail flew at me and slashed against my bullet bass armor. Thankfully, I was still
protected by the silver coating, but there was a distinctive slash mark I
couldn\u8217?t ignore. That\u8217?d been a close call, and if the wyvern got
another hit in, I was done for. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With how quickly, Quilla\u8217?s monster moved, paralysis didn\u8217?t seem like
it was going to work unless I found a way to ensnare the wyvern first. I needed a
net of sorts, something to keep the wyvern in place so the roosa could deliver its
deadly venom. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As I peered around at the emerald forest around us, I remembered the monster Cyra
had gifted me on our honeymoon, so I retrieved the prism-shaped yellow-green
crystal from its spot on my belt and crushed it in my hands. My faun appeared, and
the fifteen-foot-tall monster\u8217?s wide face peered at me with curiosity.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A faun, how interesting,\u8221? Quilla called out to me. \u8220?Your
collection is so diverse, Beastmaker.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I ignored the Archon\u8217?s remarks and turned back to the faun. I hadn\u8217?t
summoned the monster since the night before we\u8217?d left for Eyrie Island, and
once again, I admired the strangeness of the creature. I didn\u8217?t know much
about its magic, but the vines that wrapped around its abdomen and doubled as whips
gave me the idea that it could utilize the forest around us.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I need you to use your nature magic to gather limbs, vines, anything you
can find,\u8221? I explained to the half-man, half-goat creature. \u8220?Split
apart trees, use roots, whatever you have to do. I just need a net large enough to
contain the wyvern.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The faun nodded simply, and with calculated steps, he rushed into the thicker part
of the emerald forest and raised his arms in the air. A hum built up around me, and
through our bond, I sensed the faun was building up power from the trees.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Then the wyvern sent its tail over to me, and its arrow point came alarmingly
close to my face. This time, I managed to swing my arm upward, and my
kalgori\u8217?s blades slashed into the snake-dragon\u8217?s scales. The wyvern let
out a roar of pain and retracted its tail. As blood streamed out, I felt the quiver
of footsteps behind me, and my faun reappeared. His yellow-green eyes were as
bright as the sun, and he wore a wicked smile on his face, as if to say he was
fully charged. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I gave the command, and the faun cracked its whip down on the wyvern.
Quilla\u8217?s monster was knocked to the ground, and the skeletal Archon fell
along with it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ahh!\u8221? Quilla rolled off the dragon-snake\u8217?s back and got tangled
in her thick golden-brown hair. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once she was out of the way, I commanded the faun to carry out the second part of
the plan, and with a wave of his hand, roots flew up from the earth and wrapped
themselves around the wyvern. The dragon tried to struggle, but the roots tightened
around it like a vise. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once the wyvern was in place, I commanded my roosa to strike, and my scorpion
chattered happily as it lunged its impressive stinger toward the wyvern. The
bipedal dragon let out a yelp, but it was too late. The roosa\u8217?s stinger
delivered the killing blow, and Quilla\u8217?s monster seized up the moment it was
struck. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As her monster turned to ash, Quilla let out an agitated yell.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Damn you, Beastmaker,\u8221? she sobbed, and she curled in on herself on
the ground. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The distraught display took me by surprise. I wasn\u8217?t used to the monster
goddesses expressing emotion in the way Quilla was, and her cries were so sad that
I almost felt bad for her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Almost. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Part of me wondered if the skeletal Archon\u8217?s behavior was some sort of ploy
to get me to drop my guard, and even though I wasn\u8217?t certain of that theory,
I couldn\u8217?t take the risk. So, I commanded my faun to use its magic to bind
Quilla to the ground so she couldn\u8217?t come after me while I was trying to deal
with Hunnah. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The goat-like monster obliged and conjured roots from deep within the earth to
restrain the goddess. I expected her to thrash and demand to be let go, but Quilla
seemed to accept her fate easily. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As the skeletal Archon remained crumpled on the ground, I peered around the field
once more and realized all of the growls, howls, squeaks, and cries had quieted
significantly. Even more impressive was the emptiness of the clearing. My team,
their monsters, and my Archons remained, but the pack of mistwolves had dwindled
down so far that they could hardly be called a pack anymore.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Quilla was not much of a threat in this state, so that only left Hunnah. The
copper-haired Archon sat atop her mistwolf, and her translucent wolf ears were no
longer upright. She knew she was done for, whether she wanted to admit it or
not. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I knew Quilla wasn\u8217?t going anywhere, so I took strides across the clearing
until I neared Hunnah. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s just you and me, Beastmaker,\u8221? Hunnah shouted at me from
her perch on top of her mistwolf. \u8220?And I promise, I\u8217?ll enjoy flaying
you limb from limb.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Look around you, Hunnah,\u8221? I scoffed as I gestured around the
clearing. \u8220?It\u8217?s not just you and me. You are done. There\u8217?s no
battle left to fight.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You think because you\u8217?ve slaughtered my pack, I\u8217?m done
for?\u8221? Hunnah growled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We were surrounded by the dust of the monsters we\u8217?d vanquished. A faint
cloud of the monsters\u8217? remains lingered in the air, and the smell irritated
my nose so badly that I wanted to sneeze. The wyvern was defeated, the hija was no
more, and the regarat was no more than a pile of charred ash. That only left a few
stragglers in the pack, and while the remaining mistwolves snarled with bared
teeth, they weren\u8217?t going to be able to do much. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You are done for.\u8221? I smirked at her. \u8220?It\u8217?s all over. Us
pathetic humans defeated you after all.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?With some assistance,\u8221? I heard Phi say as she walked up behind me,
and I shot a glare at the white-winged Archon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The angelic goddess winked at me, and I relaxed my features.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, I\u8230? I will not accept defeat,\u8221? Hunnah insisted. The Archon
swung her leg over and dismounted her mistwolf, and when she touched down on the
ground, I noticed her entire body was shaking. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?ve hurt us all for the last time,\u8221? I said.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hunnah raised her sword, but then her hand twitched, and the weapon crashed to the
ground with a soft clang. The warrior Archon\u8217?s eyes were determined, but her
body was not. I could tell she\u8217?d never experienced a defeat like this in all
her long years, and apparently even goddesses weren\u8217?t immune to shock.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Grab her,\u8221? I ordered my Archons quickly. \u8220?Quilla,
too.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The seven monster goddesses wordlessly crossed over to carry out my instructions,
and my friends and lovers stepped away to give us all space.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Utuni, Miralea, and Veopa restrained Quilla while Sera, Phi, Xan, and Carth held
Hunnah, and despite her defeat at my hands, the wolf-eared Archon struggled under
her sisters\u8217? hold on her arms and legs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let go of me!\u8221? she demanded, and tears formed in the corners of her
eyes as she tried to thrash, but the other Archons\u8217? grip around her limbs was
so tight, there was no hope of movement or escape. \u8220?Sisters! Release me at
once!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s over, Hunnah.\u8221? I shook my head. \u8220?Stop fighting
it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Let me go!\u8221? the copper-haired Archon insisted.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I closed my eyes and did my best to tune out the warrior goddess\u8217? cries, and
once I was completely focused, I imagined the final pair of Archons joining their
sisters in the expanse of my consciousness. Then I pictured a pair of cells, just
like the ones the rest of the monster goddesses occupied when I locked them away,
and I imagined Hunnah and Quilla inside of them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I sensed a tug at my mana, and suddenly, pain flared as if I\u8217?d been bruised.
I fought back a grimace as every inch of my skin suddenly tingled, and I focused my
mind on capturing the pair. I\u8217?d never attempted to take two goddesses at
once, and I could tell it was putting a major strain on my magical and physical
capacity, but I had no other choice. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hunnah and Quilla couldn\u8217?t roam free, not with their threat of merging the
realms. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
A splitting headache bloomed behind my eyes, but I gritted my teeth and ignored
the pain. I couldn\u8217?t let it take a hold of me. This was too important for me,
for Mistral\u8230? for the whole realm. So, I ignored my discomfort and continued
to picture the Archons retreating into my consciousness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff,\u8221? I heard Sera whisper moments later. \u8220?Gryff, it\u8217?s
done.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I parted my eyelids just enough to see Hunnah and Quilla slip out of their
restraints and dissolve into essence. The tingle that ran through me grew more
concentrated, and I felt it blossom on my left and right ankles as the streams of
essence entered my body. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Finally, the feeling settled, and it was finally done. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I knew when I shifted my pant leg aside later, the final Archons\u8217? marks
would be visible on my skin. With every goddess under my control, they left a
tattoo on my flesh, and now that Hunnah and Quilla belonged to me, my collection
was complete. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d done it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d captured Hunnah and Quilla. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
All nine Archons were mine. Every moment, every battle, had led up to this moment,
and now, it was over. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I opened my mouth to let out a sound of victory, but before it could leave my
lips, the world went dark. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Nineteen
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Beastmaker...} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Wielder of the fell and bearer of the nine marks\u8230?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Bearer of the nine marks\u8230?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
The nine marks\u8230?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Years may pass, and years may change\u8230?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Yet prophecy\u8217?s Beastmaker shall remain.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 {\i
\~} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I awoke to an expanse of pitch-black nothingness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My eyes blinked rapidly as they struggled to adjust to the lack of light, and I
suddenly became aware of the dull pain that had blossomed in the back of my head. I
tried to stretch out my aching limbs, but my body felt submerged, as if I was
underwater, and the effort was like slogging through molasses.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Where was I, and how did I get here? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My surroundings were warm and calm, and despite the pain that throbbed in the back
of my head, something about the darkness brought me comfort, so instead of fighting
against the heavy atmosphere, I allowed myself to relax into it.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d been here before, or at least somewhere similar, and the weightless
sensation was familiar, but I couldn\u8217?t place why. I tried to search my memory
for clues, but there was nothing there. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Master, you must not succumb. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My eyes darted around as I tried to find the source of the voice. It sounded so
far away that I almost wasn\u8217?t sure if it was a figment of my imagination, but
then I heard it again. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Gryff, come back to us. You\u8217?re so close to victory, you cannot give up now. }
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hello?\u8221? I tried to respond to the pleading voice, but my words caught
in my throat. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Follow my voice, Gryff, }the feminine voice called out to me. {\i
Follow it back to us, please. You still have so much to accomplish, so much life to
live. Don\u8217?t throw it all away. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Where are you?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
I\u8217?m right here,} the voice replied in a honeyed tone. {\i
I know succumbing is the easier option, the one that\u8217?s the most comfortable.
You\u8217?ve been fighting so hard, for so long, and you do deserve to be at peace,
but not now. It\u8217?s too soon, Gryff. You have wives, a family, and a realm to
protect. You have people who love you, who need you to pull through. Please,
don\u8217?t abandon them just yet. They-- I, need you to live. So, please, follow
the sound of my voice, and come back to us. } \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I flexed my limbs once more, but I still couldn\u8217?t move through the thick air
around me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Concentrate}, the voice instructed me. {\i
Envision my words as a path and follow it until you reach me.}
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Wives, a family\u8230? faces and features flickered through my mind, and I
realized the voice was speaking the truth. There were people who needed me, and
while all I wanted was to give in to the restful peace of the darkness, I knew I
couldn\u8217?t. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
So, I followed the voice\u8217?s instructions, closed my eyes as tightly as I
could, and tried to picture a physical path amongst the darkness.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
That\u8217?s it,} the voice urged. {\i
Keep going, Gryff. I\u8217?m right here with you.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I imagined myself moving down a winding trail, and as I did, the air around me
grew thinner and thinner. I began to feel a weight to my limbs, and the pressure
against my chest ceased. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The warmth gave way to a slightly chilling breeze, and when I shivered, relief
flooded through me. Then, when I no longer felt like I was underwater, I opened my
eyes and was greeted by a pair of brilliant yellow irises. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Sera?\u8221? I choked out, and I blinked my eyes rapidly.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Gryff,\u8221? the dark-winged Archon let out a sigh of relief. \u8220?
You found your way back to us.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When I glanced around, I realized we were on the ground, and Sera had my upper
half cradled in her arms. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8230? it was your voice,\u8221? I realized. \u8220?You led me back
here.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I thought you were lost for good.\u8221? Sera gave me a saddened look, and
she brushed my dark bangs from my eyes. The strands were moist with sweat, and I
shivered when I realized just how cold I was. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I almost was,\u8221? I admitted. \u8220?But you helped lead me here\u8230?
wherever we are.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think you know exactly where we are,\u8221? the Archon whispered. \u8220?
Just look around.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I looked away from Sera and peered around at my cavernous surroundings. This place
was empty, but not in a bad way. Mist swirled around us, and when I admired the
blue hue that cloaked the space, the realization struck me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We were in my dreamscape. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I let out a sigh of relief and shivered as an icy chill ran down my spine. For
some reason, the air was incredibly cold, so with a wave of my will, I shifted the
temperature until it was warm enough to be comfortable. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Much better,\u8221? I muttered, and then I peered around at the empty
space. I didn\u8217?t remember going to sleep, but if I was in the dreamscape, the
fight against Hunnah and Quilla had ended. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What do you remember?\u8221? Sera whispered as she gently brushed my cheek.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, a rush of images flooded my mind, and my head felt as if it was going to
explode from the influx of sounds and memories. The overwhelming sensation crashed
over me, and I covered my ears with my hands as if it would help dull the pain.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I remembered it all: the mistwolves, Nia and Gawain\u8217?s fiery inferno
consuming the regarat, Braden\u8217?s gryphon, my faun\u8217?s magic ensnaring
Quilla, and the shapeshifter\u8217?s battle cries ringing in my ears.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The battle,\u8221? I replied, and I carefully sat up as I recalled the
events leading up to this. \u8220?I remember the battle, capturing Hunnah and
Quilla\u8230? everything. The only thing that\u8217?s hazy is the events following
the capture. I can\u8217?t recall anything that happened once they entered my
mind.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think it would be best for the others to help me explain,\u8221? Sera
suggested in a softened tone. \u8220?Do you have the strength to summon my
sisters?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think so,\u8221? I said before I took a deep breath and focused on
manifesting the rest of the Archons into the dreamscape. I pictured the seven
goddesses I\u8217?d already claimed, and the effort made my headache flare up, but
I gritted my teeth and bore the pain anyway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When I reopened my eyes, I was surrounded by my seven monster goddesses, and each
of them greeted me with similar expressions of happiness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Oh, Master, you\u8217?re alive!\u8221? Miralea squeaked out, and the jaguar
goddess rushed over to where Sera and I were seated on the ground. She threw her
golden arms around me, much to Sera\u8217?s irritation, and I watched the dark-
winged Archon roll her eyes at her sister. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hi, Miralea,\u8221? I greeted her with a small chuckle. \u8220?Good to see
you, too.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Master, are you alright?\u8221? Phi pressed as her eyebrows creased
together. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?As far as I know,\u8221? I replied to the white-winged Archon, and then I
addressed the entire group. \u8220?Can everyone gather around me? I\u8217?m still a
little hazy on the details post-battle, and I need you to fill in the
pieces.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The Archons obliged, and after they shared concerned glances with one another,
they joined us on the ground. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Where do you want us to begin?\u8221? Xan asked me in a careful tone.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?After the battle,\u8221? I addressed the flame-winged Archon. \u8220?I
remember everything that led up to it, but I don\u8217?t remember what happened
once I caught Hunnah and Quilla.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Your mana was depleted, and you fainted, Gryff, \u8221? Carth spoke up
first. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fully depleted ?\u8221? I asked, and my eyebrows shot skyward. \u8220?I
guess that explains why I\u8217?m here in the dreamscape rather than out
there.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The moment Hunnah and Quilla faded from the physical world, you lost
consciousness,\u8221? Xan elaborated further. \u8220?No matter how many potions
your Nia Kenefick tried to pour down your throat, you didn\u8217?t respond. I even
tried to use my resurrection magic to bring you back, but it didn\u8217?t work. You
were in a place where I couldn\u8217?t reach you, and no matter how hard I pushed
the limitations of my magic, I couldn\u8217?t resurrect you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I breathed. I hadn\u8217?t realized Xan\u8217?s powers even had
limitations, and if she couldn\u8217?t bring me back, I must have been pretty far
lost. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It was bad, master,\u8221? Utuni added in. The snake goddess\u8217? mouth
was a hard, thin line, and it was strange to see her expression so serious for
once. \u8220?Your friends were certain you\u8217?d met your demise.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?But I didn\u8217?t,\u8221? I reminded her. \u8220?I\u8217?m clearly here
speaking with all of you, which means there\u8217?s a chance I could wake up,
right?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Right,\u8221? Veopa agreed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, how do I wake up?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s the thing, Gryff,\u8221? Xan said slowly. \u8220?You\u8217?
re\u8230? in a coma.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A coma?\u8221? I repeated back to the Archon, and I shook my head back and
forth in disbelief. \u8220?No, there\u8217?s no way. I\u8217?m just asleep,
aren\u8217?t I?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Xanrith speaks the truth,\u8221? Sera insisted. \u8220?There was always a
possibility that housing nine Archons within your consciousness was going to have
some adverse effects, and you pushed your body to its limits when you accepted
Hunnah and Quilla.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can\u8217?t be in a coma,\u8221? I pressed. \u8220?I have people I have
to return to, remember? You told me that when you helped guide me back to the
dreamscape.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We think we have a way to get you back to your friends and family,\u8221?
the dark-winged Archon soothed me. \u8220?Before you can awaken, you must subdue
Hunnah and Quilla and claim them as your own.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That headache you\u8217?re experiencing is a direct result of the conflict
and turmoil Hunnah and Quilla are unleashing upon your mind,\u8221? Xan explained
to me softly. \u8220?They\u8217?re purposefully trying to drive you mad and keep
you here so you won\u8217?t ever wake up. Humans can only remain in a coma for so
long before their bodies begin to deteriorate, and should you die--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?They would be released, wouldn\u8217?t they?\u8221? I finished for her, and
the azure-winged goddess nodded. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? she confirmed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can\u8217?t have that,\u8221? I said. \u8220?There\u8217?s only one
option, then. I have to claim Hunnah and Quilla, and once they\u8217?re handled, I
can wake up.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes.\u8221? Xan nodded. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I nodded my head back as the Archons\u8217? words settled in. Succumbing to a coma
and risking the goddesses\u8217? escape wasn\u8217?t an option, and furthermore, I
couldn\u8217?t leave my family behind. If claiming the last two Archons as my own
was the solution, I had to do it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to need everyone\u8217?s help to bring them here,\u8221? I
ordered. \u8220?Restrain them, bind them, whatever it takes, I need you to bring
them to me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, master,\u8221? the Archons said collectively, and then they rose to
their feet and vanished. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I pulled myself up from the floor and dusted off my trousers as I waited for their
return. Then I studied the empty dreamscape and realized claiming them on the
ground alone wasn\u8217?t a task I wanted to do, so I concentrated and imagined a
large, frameless bed. I wasn\u8217?t looking for lush commodities, but if I was
going to claim both Archons, I wanted to do it somewhere comfortable for me at
least. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I stripped out of my jacket and threw it to the ground behind me. My shoes and
ripped-up shirt were next, and once I was free of the garments, I took a long, deep
breath. I\u8217?d done this seven times before, so this practice wasn\u8217?t new
to me, but there was still a nervousness I needed to shake.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I thought of my women and children back home and how much I wanted to wake up and
get back to them. We had an impressive victory to celebrate, and I knew with every
second that passed, they grew more worried. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Luckily, I didn\u8217?t have to think about that subject for too long, since the
Archons reappeared moments later. Just as it\u8217?d been done in the physical
world, the seven goddesses under my control restrained Hunnah and Quilla in their
arms. Hunnah was thrashing and kicking, but Quilla remained in place. The skeletal
Archon\u8217?s dark-blue eyes were thoughtful as they studied me, and she wore a
plain expression on her face. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I can\u8217?t say I\u8217?m particularly thrilled to see you,
Beastmaker,\u8221? the petite goddess sighed. \u8220?You defeated my monsters,
after all.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would apologize, but I\u8217?m not sorry about it.\u8221? I rolled my
eyes at her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fair enough,\u8221? Quilla chuckled. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Release us, Beastmaker,\u8221? Hunnah snarled. \u8220?Or I
swear--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You swear what?\u8221? I laughed at the wolf-eared Archon. \u8220?The last
time I checked, you hold no power here. You\u8217?re trapped, Hunnah, so it would
be best if you just listened to me instead of fighting against it.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We seem to have a bit of power,\u8221? Hunnah mused as she looked
around. \u8220?But you\u8217?re trapped in here, and if my sisters were speaking
the truth to you earlier, you can\u8217?t leave until you claim us.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The warrior Archon was trying to get under my skin, but I wasn\u8217?t about to
let her bother me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Here\u8217?s how this is going to work,\u8221? I began in a confident
voice. \u8220?You belong to me now, so you don\u8217?t have any other choice but to
submit to me completely. It\u8217?ll make it easier for all of us in the long run
if you just offer yourselves willingly, but if you\u8217?re opposed to the
idea\u8230? well, I have other ways to make you mine.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Submit as in make love to you?\u8221? Quilla raised a dark eyebrow. \u8220?
That\u8217?s how you claimed my other sisters, is it not?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It is,\u8221? I confirmed as I crossed my arms against my chest.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Love implies something deeper,\u8221? Hunnah scoffed. \u8220?The Beastmaker
has no love for us. He only seeks to make us his property.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If you\u8217?d like to think of it as making love, I won\u8217?t argue the
terminology with you,\u8221? I replied to the skeletal Archon. \u8220?But
essentially, yes, Quilla.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll never give myself to you,\u8221? Hunnah snarled as she thrashed
in her sister\u8217?s arms. \u8220?And neither will my sister. I\u8217?d sooner let
you rot than let you take my body as a trophy.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t speak for me, Hunnah,\u8221? Quilla snapped at her sister, and
the space suddenly fell silent. The skeletal Archon\u8217?s navy-blue eyes flashed
with irritation, and I was surprised to see the mild-mannered goddess go off on
Hunnah like that. \u8220?You always think you know what\u8217?s on my mind, but you
don\u8217?t.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hunnah blinked rapidly like she was taken aback by the sudden outburst, but she
chose to ignore it rather than engage with Quilla on the matter.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, what will it be?\u8221? I prompted the skeletal Archon.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I offer myself to you,\u8221? Quilla murmured in a breathy voice. \u8220?Do
what you will with my body. I won\u8217?t fight it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?You\u8217?re giving in?\u8221? I clarified with a raised eyebrow.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? the skeletal Archon replied. \u8220?But the way I see it, I
have no other option. It\u8217?s just as we learned centuries ago. You must adapt
to your surroundings or perish. It\u8217?s easier for me to accept you as my
master, and it will be much less physically taxing in the long run.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s\u8230? surprisingly mature of you.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am one of the three eldest Archons, Gryff.\u8221? Quilla rolled her navy-
blue eyes at me playfully. \u8220?I\u8217?ve learned a thing or two in my
time.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?If you truly learned as much as you claimed, you wouldn\u8217?t have lost
so easily,\u8221? I heard Utuni grumble, and I shot a glare in the snake
goddess\u8217? direction before I turned back to Quilla. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re willing to submit fealty to me,\u8221? I repeated back to her.
\u8220?You would pledge yourself as mine and obey me as your master?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course,\u8221? the skeletal Archon said. \u8220?Do what you must to
claim me as your own, Beastmaker.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I inclined my head at the other goddesses, and with my blessing, they released
their hold on Quilla. Then I stepped forward and drew the petite Archon to me. I
pulled the zipper of her dark-blue military jacket down, and when the garment
parted, I was delighted to see the goddess wore nothing but a pair of filmy
underwear beneath her clothes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I eased the jacket from her shoulders, and once Quilla was free of it, she ran her
hands through her gorgeous hair. Her golden-brown mane cascaded in perfect waves
down to her hips, and the color against her lightly tanned skin was beyond
beautiful. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Quilla\u8217?s tiny body was incredibly sexy and well-proportioned, and while her
breasts were on the smaller side, they were perfectly pert. Her nipples were a
lovely light-brown shade, like coffee with milk stirred in, and I longed to taste
every inch of her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I cupped her right breast in my hand and brushed my thumb over her nipple, and
Quilla shuddered beneath my touch. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Please, just\u8230?\u8221? she whispered in a breathy voice. \u8220?
I\u8217?m ready for you to penetrate me, Beastmaker.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I led the Archon to the bed I\u8217?d manifested and gently laid her down on top
of it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t be a traitor, Quilla!\u8221? Hunnah called out to us from
across the space. \u8220?Don\u8217?t give in to the enemy.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ve made my choice, Hunnah,\u8221? Quilla murmured, and then she
pressed her lips against mine. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The petite goddess tasted like raspberries, and the taste of her exploded against
my tongue as I pulled her in deeper. Each of the Archons were great lovers, but
Quilla had a passion about her that immediately drove my heart into overdrive. She
wound her fingers in my hair as she bit down on my lip, and a shudder rippled
through me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her delicate, fairy-like frame had led me to believe she would be a timid lover,
but clearly, the lovely Archon liked things a little rough.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached down to the place between her legs and was impressed by how wet she
already was. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I whispered against her lips. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I suppose I want this,\u8221? Quilla muttered. \u8220?Your touch\u8230? it
is\u8230? delightful. Now, how about you unzip your trousers and show me what this
mystical cock of yours can do.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her forwardness was surprising, but I wasn\u8217?t one to deny a request from a
sexy goddess, so I pulled away from her, unzipped my pants, and kicked them aside.
Once I was completely naked, I climbed back on top of the Archon and admired her
delicate frame. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Care to help?\u8221? I asked as her eyes widened at the sight of my
cock. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes, please.\u8221? Quilla licked her lips, and then she took my rock-hard
member into her hands and gently guided me to the place between her legs. Her lips
formed an \u8220?o\u8221? as my tip pressed against her entrance, and once she let
go of me, I slowly slid myself inside of her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The Archon\u8217?s slick tunnel gripped me like a fist, and the impressive
tightness of it made my jaw drop open in pleasure. Quilla\u8217?s head leaned back
as her mouth opened, and she arched her back as I began to move in and out of her
in neat, even strokes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ohhhh,\u8221? she sighed as I thrust deeper and deeper. \u8220?Ohhh, that
feels so goooood. Sooo\u8230? goooooodddd\u8230?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re so fucking tight,\u8221? I groaned. My blood ran hot through
my veins, and I could feel my heart pound in my eardrums as I slammed into the
Archon at a rhythmic pace. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I pounded into the Archon feverishly, and time slipped away from us. Her moans
created a crescendoing symphony, and I found myself entranced by the way the
skeleton and human sides of her face contorted with pleasure. Then she raked her
sharp nails down my back, and my blood reached its boiling point.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Quilla felt fucking amazing, and I was ready to lose myself.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The skeletal goddess appeared to be in the same position, and she cupped her own
breasts as I thrust within her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Beastmakerrrrrrr,\u8221? she moaned, and she threw her head back even
further. \u8220?I\u8217?m going to--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Before she could finish her statement, the walls of her pussy tightened around me,
and I felt a flood of wetness as her orgasm struck her like an ocean storm. Quilla
writhed and shook with pleasure, and her hips bucked uncontrollably as she
surrendered to her desire. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The sudden clamp around my cock, combined with the sight of the goddess so
thoroughly pleasured, brought me over the edge, but I managed to pull out of the
petite Archon just before my climax struck. My creamy seed erupted all over the
skeletal goddess\u8217? chest like a volcano, and my body quaked as I poured more
and more of my sperm over her stomach. Then a tingling sensation ran down my spine
and all the way to the spot on my left ankle that\u8217?d ached when I\u8217?d
first captured Quilla. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The Archon was officially mine. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My other Archons eyed the juices on Quilla\u8217?s chest like a pack of starving
vultures, and I knew if they weren\u8217?t holding Hunnah back, they would have
swept in to lap up every drop. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That was delightful, Beastmaker,\u8221? Quilla sighed as her lips curled up
into a smile. \u8220?I feel\u8230? very good. Yes. This was the correct decision.
Can you make love to me again soon?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Definitely,\u8221? I panted, and I pulled myself off the petite goddess.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Quilla eased herself from the bed and strutted over to join the other Archons. Her
eyes sparkled with satisfaction, and I knew from her heated look that she wanted me
to ride her again. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I allowed myself to catch my breath, and once I had myself under control, I turned
to the others. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This leaves only you, Hunnah,\u8221? I addressed the copper-haired
Archon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?d sooner rot inside of this hellscape than become your property,
Beastmaker,\u8221? she hissed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t see you having much of a choice in the matter,\u8221? I
countered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, what, you\u8217?ll take me by force?\u8221? Hunnah\u8217?s eyes
narrowed at me. \u8220?How barbaric of you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This could all be so much easier if you\u8217?d just--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Abandon my plans?\u8221? the wolf-eared Archon interjected in a powerful
voice. \u8220?Abandon my mission, all for what? To sleep with a human who intends
to call himself my master afterward? I am not owned by anyone.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re in my consciousness,\u8221? I reminded her. \u8220?And
there\u8217?s no way you\u8217?ll be leaving it any time soon.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That doesn\u8217?t mean I won\u8217?t try to retain some of my
dignity.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Your sisters gave in to me.\u8221? I smirked at her. \u8220?You don\u8217?t
have to make this so difficult.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is that point meant to entice me?\u8221? Hunnah scoffed. \u8220?As if I
care what those fools believe in.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re the only one left,\u8221? I pointed out once more, and my head
hurt as I realized we were going in circles with each other. I didn\u8217?t have
time to lose, and I didn\u8217?t want to restrain the Archon and take her for
myself, but I was running out of options. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Master, enough of this,\u8221? Sera hissed, and her bright yellow eyes
narrowed at the wolf-eared Archon. \u8220?You can try to bargain with Hunnah all
you wish, but the effort is useless. You must take her by force, and do it
quickly.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She\u8217?s already trapped here.\u8221? I frowned. \u8220?Why does it have
to be done right this instance?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Because there are far too many people in here to leave anything
unchecked,\u8221? Sera said. \u8220?Though I don\u8217?t like giving Hunnah an
ounce of credit, she is incredibly willful, and kept unclaimed, you\u8217?ll never
rouse again.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That sounds lovely to me,\u8221? Hunnah sneered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hunnah, I\u8217?m not the villain you\u8217?ve convinced yourself I
am,\u8221? I said to the copper-haired goddess. \u8220?I know we\u8217?re on
opposite sides of this war, but I\u8217?m not a bad guy.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, you don\u8217?t see yourself as the villain,\u8221? Hunnah fired
back at me. \u8220?Yet, here we are. You\u8217?ve imprisoned my sisters and me
within your consciousness, and I know you have no intention of ever freeing us.
You\u8217?re my captor, Gryff. Why should I trust a word from your lips when you
have me locked in a cage?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t want to fight with you anymore,\u8221? I insisted. \u8220?
I\u8217?d rather not claim you by force, but if that\u8217?s what I have to do to
return to my friends and family, I will.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How noble of you.\u8221? Hunnah rolled her sterling-gray eyes.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You know, Hunnah, there is a way for you to get what you want,\u8221? Phi
spoke up in a honeyed tone. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And what is that, pray tell?\u8221? the wolf-eared Archon scoffed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?A child,\u8221? the angelic goddess replied, and she crossed her arms
against her chest. \u8220?Gryff is the Beastmaker, remember? You know the legend
just as well as I. Carrying the Beastmaker\u8217?s child would grant you the
ability to walk in the moonlight.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hunnah\u8217?s hardened expression softened into a look of wonderment.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff\u8217?s already promised to impregnate us with his delicious
seed,\u8221? Veopa chimed in, and the succubus Archon\u8217?s eyes glittered as she
spoke. \u8220?Should you submit to him, you could bear his warrior children and
amass an army worthy of your legacy.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I wanted to correct the vampire goddess, but I needed Hunnah to believe in the
possibility of carrying out her mission in the future. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?She speaks the truth,\u8221? I lied. \u8220?Should you give yourself to me,
one day I\u8217?ll give you my children in return.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?The children of the Beastmaker are prophesied to be powerful warriors in
their own right,\u8221? Hunnah mused in a soft voice. \u8220?The humans would have
no choice but to bow to their will.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How about it, Hunnah?\u8221? I prompted the goddess with a raised
eyebrow. \u8220?Will you submit to me?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll have you know, Beastmaker, that I still don\u8217?t trust
you.\u8221? The warrior Archon narrowed her eyes at me. \u8220?But perhaps that
could change if you granted me the gift of a child.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
I studied her expression, and once I was sure this wasn\u8217?t a trick, I
inclined my head toward the goddesses behind her. \u8220?Release her.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My Archons did as they were told, and Hunnah let out a sigh of relief once she was
free of their grip. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Much better,\u8221? she whispered. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hunnah willingly removed her armored harness, and once she set the golden chest
piece on the ground, she shimmied out of her flimsy white dress. She stood before
me with confidence, and I admired her pale, flawless skin. She looked as if she
were made of moonlight, and the fair shade of her skin made her rosy nipples look
that much pinker. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hunnah\u8217?s body was lean and lithe, and her breasts were high and perfectly
rounded as if they\u8217?d been sculpted from marble by a master artist. Her legs
were impossibly long, and I admired the sway of her hips as she approached the bed
and laid down. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I breathed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Like what you see, Beastmaker?\u8221? Hunnah laughed lightly. \u8220?Of
course, you do. Hurry up and penetrate me. I promise I won\u8217?t enjoy it.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When she spread her legs, I got a perfect view of her bare pink pussy, and I
admired the way she glistened with wetness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You really are ready to go, aren\u8217?t you?\u8221? I assessed, and then I
climbed on top of her. Hunnah didn\u8217?t seem like she was in the mood to waste
time with kissing, and I didn\u8217?t want to give her the opportunity to change
her mind, so I decided to just go for it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I pressed the mushroom tip of my shaft against her and slid into the Archon\u8217?
s velvet entrance with ease. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ohhhh\u8230?\u8221? Hunnah let out a gasp of pleasure, and as she tightened
around me, another tingle rippled through me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yesss\u8230?\u8221? A groan escaped my lips as I grasped her hips and
pumped with long, even strokes. With every thrust of my cock, Hunnah let out a
delighted moan, and her full, mauve lips parted as her breath grew ragged in her
chest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, that\u8230? feels so nice.\u8221? The wolf-eared Archon shuddered as
her pussy gripped me like a fist. \u8220?I\u8230? I didn\u8217?t think it would
feel this amazing. Ohhh\u8230? Beastmaster. Yesssss\u8230? that\u8217?s soooo
gooooodddd\u8230? ohhhh!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Come for me,\u8221? I ordered her as I continued to slam my cock deep
inside of her trembling tunnel. The sound of our bodies clapping together filled
the space, and I fell into an easy rhythm. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, oh, yesssss,\u8221? Hunnah moaned, and her hips bucked with pleasure as
I brought her closer to her climax. Her copper hair spilled around her like fire,
and I admired the way it glowed against her fair skin. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Come for me,\u8221? I demanded in a louder voice, and I held on to her hips
to get a better grip. Her soft skin was like velvet, and I began to lose myself in
the wonderful feeling of her body. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am yours, Beastmaker! Please! Fill my womb with your seed and give me a
child!\u8221? Her pussy walls tightened around me as she came in a burst of
excitement. Her wetness flooded against me, and before I could lose myself, I
pulled out of her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I came with an impressive intensity, and my seed streamed in rivers onto the
surface of the bed. My body rocked as I pumped out what felt like gallons of my
juices, and my hands fell slack at my side as I rode out the waves of my
pleasure. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You did it, master,\u8221? I heard Sera\u8217?s voice whisper. \u8220?All
of the Archons are yours.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Her words repeated in my mind over and over again, and I could hardly believe them
myself. Hunnah and Quilla were finally mine. I\u8217?d finally completed my
mission, and I bore the nine marks of the Archons. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Hunnah eyed me with a look of pure lust. \u8220?That was wonderful, Beastmaker.
I\u8230? I don\u8217?t understand why I resisted you for so long. As soon as your
body entered mine, I knew it was meant to be. Ohhh\u8230? it was incredible.
Perhaps next time, you can give me your seed instead of wasting it on the bed.
Please?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Get in line,\u8221? Phi hissed at the wolf-eared Archon.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We were here first,\u8221? Utuni chimed in, and the snake goddess\u8217?
voice dripped with venom. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sure, sure,\u8221? Hunnah laughed at her sisters. The wolf-eared goddess
was even more fiery than Carth, and I knew I was going to have my hands full with
her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once the burn of the copper-haired Archon\u8217?s mark faded, I sent a wave of my
will throughout the dreamscape and sent the nine goddesses back to their places
within my mind. Then I tightened the wards around them, and once they were secured,
I let out a sigh of relief. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Nine Archons, nine marks. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
If the prophecy had been literal, I\u8217?d fulfilled it after claiming Hunnah,
and part of me feared the world I would wake up to. Would my actions affect the
human realm, or was the prophecy just a load of dragon-dung proclaimed by an
unreliable source? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
There was no way to know unless I awoke. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
So, I took another few minutes to relax my nerves completely, and then I closed my
eyes and concentrated on returning to my friends and family.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I pictured my wives, lovers, and children once more, and I envisioned myself
waking up to see their faces before me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I began to grow dizzy, but I forced myself to remain present through the sensation
as I repeated a mantra to myself. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Wake up. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Wake up. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Wake up. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I continued to say it over and over again, and I soon lost myself in the words. I
wasn\u8217?t sure how much time passed, but after too long, I tentatively opened my
eyes again. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was greeted by bright, white light, and the strength of it was overwhelming. I
wanted to close my eyes again but didn\u8217?t want to risk returning right back to
the dreamscape, so I forced myself to stay alert. I blinked repeatedly, and shapes
began to form around me. I spied a row of beds, with high windows above them, and a
sea of bodies seated in chairs across the room from me. I couldn\u8217?t find their
faces, but I had to assume they belonged to my friends and family members.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I realized I was wrapped up in one of the beds, and it didn\u8217?t take much
longer for me to discover I was in the hospital wing in the Academy.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Suddenly, I sensed a pressure against my hand, and when I turned to find its
source, a familiar face came into focus. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Nia whispered, and my ashen-haired wife burst into elated
tears as she squeezed her hand around mine with intensity. \u8220?You\u8217?ve
finally come back to me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
Chapter Twenty
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m right here, my love,\u8221? I murmured, and even though my throat
stung from the effort, I didn\u8217?t even mind. I\u8217?d made it back home to
Varle, back to my wife, and that\u8217?s all that mattered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Gryff,\u8221? Nia whimpered, and then she wrapped her arms around me
gently. The multi-elementalist rested her head against my chest, and I kissed the
top of her silky hair. \u8220?I was just so scared you wouldn\u8217?t find your
way\u8230? The others assured me you would, but I couldn\u8217?t stop worrying
about you anyway.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I heard her sniffle, and I knew she was trying to hide her sadness away.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s okay,\u8221? I whispered as she sniffled, and I rubbed her back
in small circles. \u8220?I\u8217?m right here, Nia.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t ever leave me alone again, farm boy,\u8221? Nia laughed lightly
into my shoulder. \u8220?At least for that long. I don\u8217?t think I could handle
it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I guarantee you I have no plans to go anywhere else anytime soon,\u8221? I
replied, and then I kissed her temple. \u8220?You\u8217?re stuck with me, Lady
Kenefick.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We held each other for a few moments more, and suddenly, I heard footsteps
approach my bed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You guys are way too cute,\u8221? a voice spoke up, and I looked over to
see the gleeful face of Layla grinning at us. \u8220?Of course, not as cute as me,
but then again, who is? Other than Daphne and the other babies, of
course.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re right,\u8221? I chuckled as Nia and I broke apart. \u8220?
It\u8217?s hard to top that level of adorable, Bethel.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We did make quite the precious baby, Gryffie.\u8221? Layla waggled her
eyebrows playfully. \u8220?Perhaps we should try it again sometime.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?As soon as you want to,\u8221? I laughed again as I shook my head at the
auburn-haired mage. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The petite summoner was flanked by the rest of my women, and each of the gorgeous
mages wore smiles that ranged from relieved to overjoyed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Glad to have you back, Gryff,\u8221? Ashla said first.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s good to see you all again.\u8221? I smiled at my wives and
girlfriends. \u8220?I wish I could express just how much I missed all of
you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We missed you, too, Gryff,\u8221? Arwyn replied in a softened tone.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My wives and lovers all perched on the edge of my bed, and while it was a little
crowded, I wouldn\u8217?t have it any other way. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Soooooo, not to ruin this moment, but I have to ask the question,\u8221?
Cyra began after a few moments of silence had gone by. \u8220?The last two Archons.
Are they officially yours? Did you claim them?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?They are, and I did,\u8221? I reported back to her, and my lips curled into
a smile. \u8220?Hunnah and Quilla are under my control. I have their marks and
everything.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My women let out exclamatory noises of joy that nearly deafened me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Gryff, we knew you could do it!\u8221? Ashla declared, and the ice
mage\u8217?s smile was as bright as the sun. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Our husband is such a strong, powerful warrior,\u8221? Freya chimed in.
\u8220?I am so proud of you, my mate.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re such a badass, Gryff!\u8221? Erin added.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Conquering two Archons at the same time is pretty damn awesome,
Gryff.\u8221? Cyra shook her head back and forth. \u8220?I swear, you\u8217?re some
kind of superhero.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thanks, everyone,\u8221? I chuckled. \u8220?Although, I can\u8217?t take
all of the credit here. I never would have captured Hunnah and Quilla if it
weren\u8217?t for everyone else on the team--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sure, but you\u8217?re the leader,\u8221? Nia pointed out. \u8220?I
don\u8217?t want to diminish our accomplishments, but you\u8217?re the one who did
the real work.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t even think about arguing, Gryff,\u8221? Erin giggled, and her
amber eyes sparkled with amusement. \u8220?You know we\u8217?re right.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I wanted to press on with my point, but then again, it was nice to hear my women
offer me such praise. After all I\u8217?d been through, it felt nice to be
appreciated. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sooooooo, what are we supposed to do now that the Archons are no longer an
issue?\u8221? Layla wondered in a thoughtful tone. \u8220?Does this mean no more
monster attacks?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That\u8217?s\u8230? a really good question,\u8221? I replied, but the
petite mage didn\u8217?t seem satisfied with that answer. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Oh.\u8221? The auburn-haired summoner frowned. \u8220?Damn it, Gryffie,
you\u8217?re the one who always makes the game plans. I assumed you would have
something figured out by now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You know what happens when you assume\u8230?\u8221? Ashla began, and Layla
playfully smacked her in the arm. The pair of mages cracked up at that, and it soon
became a back-and-forth war. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I wish I had a plan,\u8221? I mused. \u8220?But I honestly don\u8217?t know
how things are going to work from here on out. I don\u8217?t know how all of the
Archons being under my control is going to affect the Shadowscape, or if it even
does. Monsters broke through the rifts long before Sera or Phi awoke, so I\u8217?m
not sure if there\u8217?s going to be a change, but I\u8217?m holding out hope that
there will be.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That would be nice,\u8221? Ashla agreed with me. \u8220?Though, we\u8217?d
be out of a job if the monsters stopped appearing.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?The Guardians spent their entire lives keeping Mistral safe, and I plan to
do the same, no matter what that means,\u8221? I said. \u8220?Our job descriptions
might shift, but I intend to continue their mission of peace.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, too,\u8221? Nia decided, and the multi-elementalist gave me a
determined expression. \u8220?We\u8217?ve come this far, and things can only get
better from here on out.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Me, three,\u8221? Cyra declared. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Does this make us the new Guardians?\u8221? Erin wondered with a curious
tilt of her head. \u8220?After all, we are a group of mages and shapeshifters
who\u8217?ve committed themselves to the safety of our lands.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We\u8217?ll be better than the Guardians,\u8221? I mused. \u8220?My Aunt
Crystyn told me Carth managed to plant seeds of doubt amongst them, and it
didn\u8217?t take much for their allegiance to splinter. But us? Our bond goes so
much deeper than that.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Cheers to that,\u8221? Cyra laughed. \u8220?No, but seriously. I\u8217?m
all in, Gryff. From here on out, I\u8217?m all about family and world peace.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love the wholesome turn this has taken,\u8221? Layla giggled.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Doesn\u8217?t it always?\u8221? Erin teased. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ll tell you one thing is for certain\u8230?\u8221? I began in an
ominous voice, and all of my women fell silent as I gave them a hardened, serious
expression. \u8220?I\u8217?m ready for a chance to fucking relax.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It took a second, but then my family cracked up at that sentiment, and after a
moment or two, I couldn\u8217?t help but join them. As I peered around at everyone
in the room, a swell of happiness built in my chest. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
For the past couple of years, we\u8217?d all sacrificed so much, and finally,
we\u8217?d landed a true victory. Mistral would no longer have the threat of
awakened monster goddesses, not when they were so tightly bound in my
consciousness, and while I was still somewhat worried about how I was going to
handle so many voices in my head, I knew I\u8217?d done the right thing for
Mistral. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I was confined to my bed in the hospital for a week before Meridan finally gave me
a clean bill of health. I\u8217?d wanted to leave the day after I\u8217?d risen
from my coma, but the adept healer mage was not having it. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Mister Gryff, I love you dearly, but if you think for one second I\u8217?m
just going to allow you to stroll off on another quest right away, you\u8217?re out
of your mind.\u8221? Meridan had narrowed her soft green eyes at me after bringing
me a small vial of potion and a glass of water. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Trust me, Meridan, I have no plans to adventure,\u8221? I\u8217?d laughed
at the auburn-haired nurse as I accepted her medicine. \u8220?In fact, I think
I\u8217?m going to take an early retirement from adventuring, effective
immediately.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?While I do love the idea of you never ending up in this ward again, I know
you, Gryff.\u8221? Meridan shook her head at me. \u8220?You\u8217?re not the kind
of man who can sit still for long.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re right,\u8221? I allowed. \u8220?But I think it\u8217?s about
time I learned how.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Meridan had chuckled at that and then left me to my own devices. I wasn\u8217?t so
sure I believed my own words, but I had to make an effort to finally slow down, at
least for a little while. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The day I was set to leave, an unexpected visitor arrived in the hospital wing to
see me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Headmaster Sleet,\u8221? I greeted the renowned storm mage with a huge
smile. \u8220?To what do I owe the pleasure?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Forgive me for not meeting with you sooner, Mister Gryff.\u8221? Sleet
smiled back at me. \u8220?I\u8217?ve been away on business and only just returned
to the Academy this morning. Had I known you\u8217?d awakened--\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Don\u8217?t worry about it, sir,\u8221? I insisted, and I gestured to the
chair beside my bed. \u8220?Please, come sit. Meridan won\u8217?t let me leave
quite yet, so we have a few minutes to talk.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sleet nodded his head, and after he took a seat, he gave me a serious look \u8220?
Mister Gryff, I wanted to speak with you on a matter of much importance.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I felt my heart plummet into my stomach. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuck,\u8221? I uttered before I had a chance to stop myself. \u8220?Am I in
trouble?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?No, you\u8217?re not in trouble, Gryff,\u8221? the headmaster chuckled, and
his stormy-white eyes twinkled with amusement. \u8220?Honestly, it\u8217?s quite
the opposite. Miss Hamner and Miss Kenefick brought me up to speed on your mission
in Nattanger, and I just wanted to tell you how incredibly proud of you I am,
Gryff. The level of devotion you\u8217?ve had to protecting Mistral is
unparalleled, and I know I speak for the whole continent when I say how grateful we
are to have you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you for your kindness, headmaster, but I was only doing my
duty,\u8221? I said, but the headmaster cut me off before I could say another word.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It wasn\u8217?t just duty, Mister Gryff,\u8221? Sleet insisted, and the
older elementalist\u8217?s face shifted from amused to earnest. \u8220?When I first
stumbled upon you in Ralor\u8217?s Stead all that time ago, I knew you were
special. The way you battled the cyclops was like nothing I\u8217?d ever seen
before, and for the first time in a long time\u8230? I felt hopeful.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Hopeful?\u8221? I repeated back. \u8220?Sir, I don\u8217?t
understand.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There\u8217?s always been a missing piece when it came to the mages who
guarded Mistral,\u8221? Sleet elaborated, and he sat back in his seat. \u8220?
Something I could never quite put my finger on. The thing about magic, Mister
Gryff, is that it\u8217?s always its most effective when it\u8217?s used with other
magic. Elementalists, adepts, summoners, every type of mage\u8217?s power has its
strengths and weaknesses, but when they\u8217?re combined in different ways\u8230?
When I came upon you in Ralor\u8217?s Stead, I watched the way you used your
monsters together, and it was as if everything had clicked into place. I realized
if we ever wanted to win this war, we would all need to come together and use our
combined magics and strengths to defeat our enemy.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?You were right about that theory,\u8221? I agreed with him. \u8220?Half of
our successful missions over the past couple of years were only possible because we
had so many different types of magic present. The Monster Response Squad in
particular got stronger because we all learned how to use our powers together
rather than separate.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?In the past, teams have always consisted of the different types of mages,
but until you, there was never any summoner representation amongst the
squads,\u8221? Sleet continued on. \u8220?You\u8217?ve proven to the world that
summoners can be so much more than construction workers or disaster relief, and
you\u8217?ve helped pass along your knowledge and techniques to the next level of
young summoners. All of that is to say, thank you, Gryff, for all you have done for
this Enclave.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, sir,\u8221? I replied, and I found myself at a loss for words.
How does one follow up on such strong praise? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This speech also leads me to the reason I came here in the first
place.\u8221? The headmaster cleared his throat, and he sat up as straight as he
could before he continued. \u8220?Weeks ago, you completed a comprehensive exam
that you passed with flying colors. You surpassed my expectations and earned my
complete respect with the acceptance of such a challenge.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m beginning to run out of ways to thank you for the compliments,
headmaster,\u8221? I chuckled. \u8220?But in all seriousness, I just wanted to
prove to you that I take my education seriously, and I want to be the best student
I can be so I can one day be the best summoner there is.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Trust me when I say you\u8217?ve done what no one before you has ever been
able to do,\u8221? Sleet assured me with an almost paternal smile \u8220?Not a
single Guardian or summoner ever attempted to house an Archon in the same way they
would a monster. You willingly volunteered your mind to act as an essence crystal,
used your body as a vessel for not one, but all nine of the goddesses, and managed
to survive the task at that. Your mastery in the field combined with your academic
success has led me to this point. Gryff, I have nothing more to teach
you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What are you saying, sir?\u8221? I frowned as my brain ran in circles.
\u8220?Am I\u8230? am I being kicked out?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The opposite,\u8221? Headmaster Sleet chuckled. \u8220?Gryff, you\u8217?ve
officially graduated from the Academy of Varle. Congratulations, my boy. You\u8217?
ve done it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ve graduated?\u8221? I repeated back, and I couldn\u8217?t mask the
excitement in my tone. \u8220?Oh, Maker, headmaster, this is\u8230? wow, thank you.
Thank you so much, for everything!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re going to go on to do amazing things, Mister Gryff.\u8221?
Headmaster Sleet smiled at me. \u8220?And I can\u8217?t wait to see what the future
holds for you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I owe it all to you,\u8221? I insisted. \u8220?Thank you, for taking a
chance on a farm kid from the Wilds.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Headmaster Sleet rose from his seat and offered me his hand. I gave it a firm
shake, and then the storm mage pulled me in and wrapped me into an embrace.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I would do it again in a heartbeat,\u8221? he replied.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once our hug concluded, Sleet straightened out his coat and glanced at the
clock. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I have a few matters to attend to, but we\u8217?ll be in touch soon,\u8221?
the headmaster said. \u8220?The Grand Mage and I have some things we\u8217?d like
to discuss with you further, but I think you\u8217?ve earned a bit of a break. Take
some time to celebrate your accomplishments with your family.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Will do.\u8221? I grinned. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The storm mage gave me a wink, and then he left the hospital wing.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once Sleet left, Meridan gave me one last look-over and then decided to release
me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Is one of your girls coming to collect you?\u8221? the healer mage asked me
once I gathered up my things. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I think I\u8217?m going to walk.\u8221? I shook my head. \u8220?The fresh
air sounds pretty nice, and I have a lot to think about.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Take care of yourself, Gryff,\u8221? Meridan replied.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I will,\u8221? I agreed, and after I gave the auburn-haired mage a smile, I
departed the medical ward. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I spent the entire walk home with a grin on my face. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Holy shit. I\u8217?d actually done it. If someone had told me all that time ago
when I was just a summoner-for-hire out in the Wilds that I would go on to become
an Academy graduate, I would have called them a liar. But here I was, an official
summoner with a seemingly bright future ahead of me. I had no idea what the next
step was for me in a career sense, but I was excited to find out where my path
would lead me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Perhaps I would take Grand Mage Kenefick up on his offer to join his staff as an
advisor, or maybe I\u8217?d end up becoming a full-time teacher at the Academy.
I\u8217?d loved my limited run as a professor, and I could see myself doing that as
a career one day. Whatever I chose to do, I wanted to help people in any capacity
possible. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
When I finally walked into the house, I was greeted by the serene faces of my
women and children, and my heart thudded in my chest as I prepared to share my good
news with them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Why do you look so happy?\u8221? Ashla grinned at me, but I knew from the
sparkle in the ice mage\u8217?s eyes that she was fully aware of my news.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I decided to play along anyway. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I just came from a meeting with the Headmaster,\u8221? I replied, and as I
paused, I peered around the room to gauge my lovers\u8217? reactions.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?And?\u8221? Layla prompted me after three whole seconds had passed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?ve graduated from the Academy,\u8221? I revealed, and my women
erupted into squeals of excitement. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryffie!\u8221? Layla squeaked. \u8220?Oh, congratulations!\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Congratulations, Gryff.\u8221? Nia gave me a dazzling smile. \u8220?
I\u8217?m so proud of you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Nia\u8221? I replied. \u8220?It honestly doesn\u8217?t even feel
real. I didn\u8217?t believe the headmaster when he told me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?ve come such a long way,\u8221? Arwyn mused, and the healer mage
brushed a crimson tendril behind her ear. \u8220?Gryff, I\u8217?m so happy for
you.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Thank you, Arwyn,\u8221? I said in an earnest tone. \u8220?If it
weren\u8217?t for your tutelage, I wouldn\u8217?t have gotten as far as I did. You
were an amazing teacher, and I am so blessed to have you in my life.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wait a second, do you realize what this means?\u8221? Cyra\u8217?s dark-
chocolate eyes widened. \u8220?Gryff, Arwyn, there isn\u8217?t a student-teacher
relationship between you anymore! Which means--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?We can get married,\u8221? I finished her sentence, and my own eyes widened
when the curly-haired summoner\u8217?s words set in. Arwyn had insisted that we
wait to become husband and wife until I was a graduate, and now that I was no
longer a student\u8230? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Arwyn seemed to have come to the same conclusion, and her porcelain cheeks flushed
a deep rose. \u8220?That\u8217?s true, isn\u8217?t it?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I approached the crimson-haired healer mage and took her hands in mine. My
redheaded lover\u8217?s eyebrows creased together, and I knew she was aware of what
I was about to ask her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Arwyn Hamner, from the moment I met you, I knew I was going to find a way
to make you mine,\u8221? I began. \u8220?From the moment I entered your train car
to Varle, I felt a connection between us. You\u8217?re one of the greatest loves of
my life, and I don\u8217?t want to spend another moment without you as my life
partner. So, now that our relationship has shifted from somewhat socially
inappropriate to completely appropriate\u8230? will you do me the honor of becoming
my wife?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Yes,\u8221? the healer mage whispered as tears erupted from her amber eyes.
\u8220?Yes, Gryff, a million times yes. I want to be yours forever.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I pulled Arwyn in close and planted a kiss on her lips. The gorgeous professor
wrapped her arms around my neck and squeezed me so tightly I could barely breathe,
but I didn\u8217?t even care. Arwyn and I were meant to be together, and even
though our relationship with one another wouldn\u8217?t change much, I was over the
moon to be able to call her my wife. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My lovers exploded into a symphony of congratulations and applause, and Arwyn and
I pulled away from our embrace with enormous grins on our faces.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Looks like we\u8217?re going to have another wedding to plan.\u8221? Cyra
grinned at Nia, and the ashen-haired elementalist let out a soft laugh.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Never a dull moment around here, is there?\u8221? she chuckled, and then
she flashed Arwyn a reassuring smile. \u8220?Arwyn, we\u8217?ll give you the most
wonderful wedding ever.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know you will,\u8221? Arwyn replied. \u8220?Thank you, Nia.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I am so happy to have you as my sister-wife, Arwyn,\u8221? Freya
congratulated the healer. \u8220?I love you so much, and you\u8217?re going to be
the most beautiful bride.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I love you, too, Freya,\u8221? Arwyn gushed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?So, when are we going to have this adorable wedding?\u8221? Layla
chirped. \u8220?Maybe the spring, summer\u8230??\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I don\u8217?t want to set a date quite yet, but if possible\u8230? I think
I\u8217?d like to get married before our son or daughter is born,\u8221? the
redhead decided. \u8220?Things are going to be a little hectic around here once
they arrive, and I\u8217?d like to marry you as soon as we can.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, no, not another rushed wedding,\u8221? Layla grumbled, and she threw
her head back in exaggerated annoyance. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m not saying it has to be today,\u8221? Arwyn laughed in a musical
tone. \u8220?Preferably, I\u8217?d like to be wed before I start showing. I
can\u8217?t imagine a baby bump pairing well with a wedding dress.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Whatever you want, we\u8217?ll make it happen,\u8221? I promised her, and I
wrapped my arms around the redhead\u8217?s waist. \u8220?We have all of the time in
the world now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
That evening, my friends and family gathered to have a celebratory dinner. Between
my graduation, the conquering of the final Archons, and mine and Arwyn\u8217?s
engagement, there was much to be thankful for, so we thought a single party would
do the trick. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 My women and I worked like a well-oiled machine to prepare a feast worthy of
royalty, and we managed to get a hold of all of our friends. We made sure they knew
that attendance was mandatory, and all of them dutifully showed up right on
time. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We gathered in our formal dining room, and we spent the entire evening eating,
drinking, and celebrating our good fortunes. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I\u8217?d made it a point to seat Vahla and Mur together, and the pair had a glow
about them that made my heart swell with joy. Freya continued to watch them with a
cautious gaze, but I could tell she\u8217?d started to come around to the idea of
the pair together. It was going to be a rocky journey, but I was happy for the
shapeshifters. Above all, love was the most important thing, and I was glad the two
had found each other. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We all engrossed ourselves in conversation, and as we swapped stories and
reminisced on classes and missions past, I realized just how much my life had
changed since I\u8217?d come to Varle. I\u8217?d gone from a lost, orphaned kid in
the Wilds to a man who was surrounded by so much love and friendship he was full to
bursting. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I want to propose a toast,\u8221? Braden declared. The ox-like summoner
rose from his seat and raised his champagne glass high in the air. \u8220?To our
good friend, Gryff, who not only brought us all together, but also helped to save
all of Mistral. Thank you, Gryff, for all you\u8217?ve ever done for us, and
everything you\u8217?ve done for our people. Without you, we\u8217?d be under the
evil Archons\u8217? rule, or worse. So, cheers to Gryff!\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?To Gryff!\u8221? my friends and family all cheered.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As we threw back our glasses of champagne, I nearly exploded from happiness.
I\u8217?d felt particularly sappy as of late, but I had so much to be thankful for.
My friends, my family, my future career endeavors\u8230? it was almost too much to
bear. But I wouldn\u8217?t have changed a thing. I was the luckiest man in all of
the realm. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We partied into the night, but eventually we wound down, and our friends began to
leave. My women disappeared to clean up and deal with the children, and even though
I volunteered to help them, Nia insisted I go and get some rest, so I obeyed orders
and slowly made my way up to my room. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once there, I stripped out of my clothes, retreated to the comfort of my warm bed,
and then stretched out and folded my arms behind my head. I still felt a little
buzzed from the champagne, but it wasn\u8217?t a bad thing in the slightest. This
was a happy drunk that fueled the already warm feeling in my head and body, and
after everything I\u8217?d been through, it was nice to be relaxed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
However, the longer I laid there, the more my mind began to wander. Something
about sitting in the dark made me feel strange, and I couldn\u8217?t put my finger
on why until I stared up at my ceiling and suddenly remembered the strange place
I\u8217?d gone to before the dreamscape. I\u8217?d been on the verge of death and
had almost succumbed, but I\u8217?d managed to find my way back, all thanks to
Sera. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sera. I hadn\u8217?t given myself a moment to really think about how the Archon
saved me, but now that I was completely alone, it was the only thing on my mind.
The dark-winged Archon could have very easily let me give in to the darkness and
die, but she chose to guide me back instead, and that fact wasn\u8217?t lost on me.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She had a chance to be set free, but instead, she chose to save me. Me, the
summoner who kept her bound in his consciousness. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The other Archons spoke of their loyalty often, but most of the time it felt like
they were using their words to try to win my favor rather than mean them genuinely.
Sera had gone above and beyond that. If she\u8217?d let me give in, there was a
strong chance she could have been freed from the wards in my mind, and
yet\u8230? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 A deeper warmth flowed through me, and I realized something I hadn\u8217?t been
aware of before. I needed to speak to Sera right away before the sentiment slipped
away and I lost my nerve. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
So, I reached into my consciousness and called out to the dark-winged Archon.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
Master? }Sera\u8217?s voice rang out through my mind.{\i
How may I serve you?} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m going to need you out here,\u8221? I commanded her in a vague
tone. \u8220?There\u8217?s something I\u8217?d like to talk to you about, and I
think it\u8217?s a conversation that deserves to happen face-to-face.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
{\i
That sounds\u8230? serious,} Sera replied worriedly. {\i
But I will do as you wish.} \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My back suddenly tingled where Sera\u8217?s mark decorated my skin, and a stream
of essence snaked in front of me until it took the shape of the dark angelic
Archon. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sera\u8217?s brilliant yellow eyes were nearly golden in the light of the setting
sun, and their gorgeous hue was even more alluring than ever.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What would you like to discuss, Gryff?\u8221? the Archon wondered, and she
tucked a lock of midnight-black hair behind her ear. \u8220?Is everything
alright?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Everything is perfect,\u8221? I said, and I offered the goddess a smile.
\u8220?In fact, it\u8217?s more than perfect.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m\u8230? glad to hear it,\u8221? Sera replied with a bemused smirk.
\u8220?Nine goddesses at your command, two children on the way\u8230? and did I
hear a proposal earlier?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You did,\u8221? I confirmed, and heat rose to my cheeks. \u8220?Now that
I\u8217?ve graduated from the Academy, I\u8217?ve asked Arwyn to marry
me.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m happy for you, my master,\u8221? Sera said. \u8220?Sincerely, I
am. I know your human women and I don\u8217?t always see eye-to-eye, but we all
care about your happiness, so I suppose we have some kind of common
ground.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I suppose you do,\u8221? I laughed lightly, and I felt a pang in my chest
as my expression grew serious. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Why are you looking at me that way?\u8221? Sera frowned suspiciously.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sera, there\u8217?s something I\u8217?ve been struggling to admit to
myself,\u8221? I began, and my heart rose up into my throat as I searched for the
right words to say. \u8220?It\u8217?s been in the back of my mind for a while, but
I didn\u8217?t fully understand it until recently.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?You\u8217?re being purposefully vague.\u8221? The Archon narrowed her eyes.
\u8220?Out with it, Gryff. What are you trying to say?\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Sera, I love you,\u8221? I confessed, and my heart raced in my chest once
the words left my mouth. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Y-You\u8230? love me?\u8221? Sera repeated back, and the dark-winged
Archon\u8217?s lips parted slightly. \u8220?Master, if this is your idea of a joke,
it\u8217?s not funny.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s not a joke,\u8221? I promised her, and I took the goddess\u8217?
hands in mine. Her skin was cool to the touch, but with how warm I\u8217?d become,
it felt nice. \u8220?Sera, I know our relationship with one another isn\u8217?t
normal by any stretch of the imagination, and I know it\u8217?s been wrought with
disrespect, deception, and vagueness, but no matter what, you\u8217?ve always shown
me loyalty.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 \u8220?Not always,\u8221? Sera admitted softly. \u8220?In the beginning, I fully
intended to betray you to further my own plans for domination.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?But you didn\u8217?t,\u8221? I pointed out. \u8220?And besides, it\u8217?s
not like I\u8217?ve been a saint. When I made the deal with you and your sisters to
give one of you my children, I fully knew there was no way you all would cooperate
enough to make a collective decision.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I know.\u8221? The Archon gave me a thin-lipped smile. \u8220?It became
obvious as time went on.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?That being said, I\u8217?ve made the decision on my own,\u8221? I revealed,
and I looked the beautiful goddess deep in her eyes. \u8220?Sera, I want you to be
the first one of your sisters to bear my child.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sera\u8217?s jaw dropped, and she didn\u8217?t say a thing for a few moments.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I didn\u8217?t think you\u8217?d be this surprised,\u8221? I chuckled.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Are you joking?\u8221? She glanced down at her feet, and her voice was but
a whisper. \u8220?Please do not toy with me, master.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Not a joke,\u8221? I insisted. \u8220?You\u8217?ve saved my ass on so many
occasions. If it weren\u8217?t for you, I wouldn\u8217?t have been able to sneak
out Carth\u8217?s book, I wouldn\u8217?t have known the mistwolf pack had returned
to Mistral, and most importantly, I wouldn\u8217?t have made it back to my mind
after capturing Hunnah and Quilla. Even when it felt so much easier to give up, you
never let me lose sight of what was most important.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?I didn\u8217?t want you to die,\u8221? she whispered as her cheeks
darkened. \u8220?The thought of losing you was almost too much for me to
bear.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Does that mean--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Of course, I love you, Gryff,\u8221? Sera sighed, and then she broke into a
smirk. \u8220?I never expected to fall for a mortal man, but then again, you
aren\u8217?t like most men. You\u8217?re the Beas--\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Don\u8217?t finish that,\u8221? I interrupted her before she could finish
the moniker. \u8220?I don\u8217?t know what I am exactly. All I know is I\u8217?m a
man who loves you and wants you to bear my children.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached out to cup the goddess\u8217? cheek, and Sera relaxed into my touch.
I\u8217?d never seen such a tender expression from the Archon before, and if there
was any doubt in my mind about her feelings toward me, that look vanquished
them. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. We began slowly, at first,
and then I pulled away from the goddess and moved to the edge of the bed.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The sun is still out,\u8221? I whispered. \u8220?I can fill you with my
seed right now. If you wish.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I wish it more than anything in my entire existence.\u8221? The Archon
studied me with heavy-lidded eyes that were wrought with lust, and without
hesitation, she crossed over to me, lowered herself into my lap, and wrapped her
long legs around my abdomen. I felt a tightness in my lower half as I placed my
hands on the goddess\u8217? shapely hips, and Sera noticed it immediately.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
She took my hands and guided them upward to cup her perfectly round breasts. I
squeezed the full mounds and sighed as my fingertips enjoyed their velvety
softness. I ran my thumbs over her nipples, and under my touch, the nubs hardened
to stiff peaks. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I leaned down, took one of them into my mouth, and began to suck. Sera\u8217?s
body shuddered as I flicked my tongue against them, and through her flimsy garment,
I could feel the wetness between her legs. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh\u8230?\u8221? she murmured as I continued to fondle her breasts, and
with every moan, the excitement in my trousers accelerated.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I pulled my lips from her hardened nipples and began to move upward with my
kisses. I started at the hollow of her collarbone and traveled up to the crook of
her neck and shoulder, and as the goddess\u8217? breathing grew heavier, I made my
way to the spot on her neck just below her ear and increased my pressure against
her throat. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My hands traced her silky-smooth curves, and Sera moaned at my touch.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Gryff,\u8221? she sighed. \u8220?You have no idea how much I want you
to love me right now.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?How much?\u8221? I whispered, and then I gently tugged her earlobe with my
teeth. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?More than I can ever express.\u8221? She shuddered. \u8220?I want to feel
that amazing cock of yours inside of me, and I want you to fill me with so much of
your seed I drown in it.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Wow,\u8221? I breathed. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I\u8217?m serious,\u8221? she reiterated. \u8220?I want you, Beastmaker.
All of you. And then I want to feel your wonderful offspring growing inside of my
body.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Then you\u8217?ll have it,\u8221? I replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
With Sera in my arms, I flipped us over to the center of the bed, positioned
myself so I was on top of her, and then I leaned down to kiss the Archon.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sera wrapped herself around me and dragged her sharp nails down my back. My blood
pumped hot in my veins as a groan escaped me, and I bit down on the Archon\u8217?s
lower lip. This seemed to set the goddess off, and suddenly, she gripped my
shoulders and flipped us once more so she could be on top. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?Let me ride you,\u8221? she whispered in a voice so sensual I almost burst
into pleasure on the spot. \u8220?I want to know how it feels to ride you,
master.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Your wish is my command,\u8221? I replied. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The Archon lowered herself onto my stiffened member, and a rush of dizziness
spread through me as her tunnel gripped me with exquisite tightness.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I reached out and gripped Sera\u8217?s wide hips, and the Archon began to ride me
like a champion. Her impressive breasts jiggled and heaved as our bodies clapped
together, and the way the walls of her pussy clenched me was almost enough to make
me come right then and there. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ohhhh, Gryff,\u8221? Sera moaned as she sensually rolled her hips, and my
vision blurred as my senses went into overdrive. \u8220?Ohhhh, you feel so
good.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Oh, Maker, that feels amazing,\u8221? I groaned as her lips moved up and
down my shaft. With each ebb and flow, my heart raced, and my lower half began to
vibrate uncontrollably. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
My blood pounded in my ears as Sera\u8217?s pace hastened, and I began to lose
myself as the dark-winged Archon\u8217?s tunnel tightened around me with an
impressive amount of force. The goddess was about to come, and the sound of her
moans was the most wonderful music I\u8217?d ever heard. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Give me your baby, Gryff!\u8221? Sera called out as her eyes rolled into
the back of her head. \u8220?Fill my womb with your seed, and together we\u8217?ll
create the greatest warriors ever born.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I came in a powerful explosion and sprayed what felt like gallons of my hot seed
inside of the Archon\u8217?s womb. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Fuckkkk,\u8221? I groaned, and my juices flowed uncontrollably until Sera
was so full to the brim that my seed dripped out of her glistening pussy.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Ohhhh, Gryff.\u8221? She shuddered as her orgasm struck her, and her entire
body quaked around me. This wasn\u8217?t the first time the Archon and I had made
love, but after an orgasm like that, it may as well have been.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Once she regained control over her movements, the goddess eased herself off me and
then laid down on her back to catch her breath. I admired the way her chest heaved
as her breath ran ragged, and the Archon\u8217?s lips curled into a cat-like smile.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What are you so smiley about?\u8221? I teased her. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
\u8220?That felt divine,\u8221? Sera replied. \u8220?But I think we could use a
little more practice, don\u8217?t you think?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You\u8217?re ready to go again?\u8221? I chuckled. \u8220?You\u8217?re
insatiable.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?You have no idea.\u8221? The Archon winked. \u8220?Give me a few minutes,
and I\u8217?ll be ready to make love to you again and again.\u8221?
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Deal,\u8221? I said, and we did just that. I made love to the Archon on
every surface of my bedroom, in every position possible, and filled her with so
much of my seed, I was impressed I still had any left. Had I not grown exhausted, I
would have continued fucking Sera for all of eternity, but alas, I was a mortal
man, and I eventually reached a point of tiredness I couldn\u8217?t ignore.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We returned to the bed, and Sera and I entangled ourselves in one another. The
Archon and I laid in silence for a while, and after my heart rate finally decreased
to an acceptable level, I carefully pulled myself away from the beautiful
goddess. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s already night time,\u8221? I mused as I stared at the line of
pale light that broke through the part in my curtains. \u8220?Wow, I didn\u8217?t
realize we\u8217?d been at it for so long.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Night?\u8221? Sera repeated back to me. \u8220?It\u8217?s\u8230? it\u8217?s
night time? Are you sure?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The Archon\u8217?s face was bewildered at this news, and suddenly, I remembered
the Archon\u8217?s prophecy. Supposedly, the Archon who fell pregnant with the
Beastmaker\u8217?s seed could walk in the moonlight, but had I managed to actually
impregnate the dark-winged goddess? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?The moonlight,\u8221? I mused. \u8220?Do you\u8230? do you think they were
telling the truth?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?There\u8217?s only one way to find out,\u8221? Sera whispered urgently. The
goddess pulled herself out of bed and crossed over to the largest window in my
room. With a shaky breath, she pulled open the curtains, and her gloriously naked
body was flooded with moonlight. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
It was a full moon tonight, and the ethereal silver light bathed Sera\u8217?s skin
in a lovely glow. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?This\u8230? this is wonderful,\u8221? Sera breathed, and the Archon\u8217?s
eyes filled with tears as she peered over her shoulder. \u8220?The moon is so
beautiful, Gryff.\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?It\u8217?s not the only thing.\u8221? I smiled as I rose from the bed and
crossed over to join her, and when I made it to her side, I pulled the Archon
toward me. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
We shared a kiss, and this one was different from any others we\u8217?d had
before. This wasn\u8217?t a kiss of pure lust, but instead, it was a kiss between
two people who loved each other. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
There was still an uncertainty in the back of my head about how fathering
offspring with a monster goddess was going to play out, and I had no idea how the
rest of my wives and girlfriends would react to the reveal, but none of that
mattered right now. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Sera and I were happy. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
 When Sera and I finally pulled away from each other, the Archon turned her
attention back to the moon, and suddenly, she began to squint.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?What\u8217?s wrong?\u8221? I asked, and I followed her gaze until I found
the source of her strange expression. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
The phenomena started out as a single burst of red, like a drop of blood against
the pale silver orb of the moon, but whatever it was began to spread quickly and
completely covered the moon\u8217?s surface, almost like an eclipse.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Gryff?\u8221? Sera repeated in a panicked voice. \u8220?What\u8217?s
happening?\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?I-I don\u8217?t know,\u8221? I breathed as my mind tried to comprehend what
I was seeing. I hadn\u8217?t read anything about an eclipse happening this evening,
and normally, the red would have been accompanied by darkness. This was something
else entirely. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
As the moon turned red, the night sky took on the same hellish hue, and soon, all
of Varle was overtaken by the blood-red light. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
This was like something out of a nightmare, and I pinched myself to make sure I
wasn\u8217?t dreaming. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
I stared on in horror as I saw a black tendril flicker from the surface of the
moon. It was almost tentacle-like in appearance, and just as soon as it appeared,
so did seven more. They began to writhe and stretch as if they were searching for
something to latch on to, and their disturbing, disjointed movements sent a rush of
dread through my entire body. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\u8220?Noooo!\u8221? Sera let out a blood-curdling scream, and my heart plummeted
to the ground as my ear drums threatened to bleed. \u8220?Nooo! The prophecy was
wrong! We were never supposed to leave the Shadowscape! It knows we are here, and
now it will destroy us all! Gryff, noooooo!\u8221? \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\~ \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
End of Book 20 \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } {\s1 \afs32
{\b
{\qc
End Notes \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}\par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
Thank you for reading Summoner 20! I\u8217?ll start writing Summoner 21 once this
book hits 100 reviews, so leave your review right here! \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Amazon doesn\u8217?t update readers when an author comes out with a new book
unless you follow that author on the store. {\ul
Make sure you click this link and then click on the follow button.} Then Amazon
will update you a few weeks after my next book comes out. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar}
{
If you want to get notified of my books the day that they come out, make sure you
{\ul
follow my Facebook author page} and join my {\ul
Facebook fan group}. If you don\u8217?t follow me on Amazon or join my Facebook
page, you\u8217?ll never get alerted that next Summoner book is out.
\par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\~ \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and
incidents are either the products of the author\u8217?s imagination or used in a
fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual
events is purely coincidental. \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
Copyright \u169? 2021 by Eric Vall \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\~ \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {
\~ \par\pard\plain\hyphpar} {\page } }