A week later, Winter, Vyzerian Territory

Donovan remained quiet in the last two weeks of sailing, using his small amount of Faith to help heal those who were still injured in the Islands. After he saw that scene with Connor in pain after desobeying the order to kill that Pirate Captain, he remembered his early years in Askar and his devotion to Orïvah Weerling. Not only that but the training he did to fight the Wood Elf too. Was he so devoted that he had become a fanatic that would follow orders even if there wasn't much logic to them? Was it a matter of religiousness or faith? He was so brainwashed that he couldn't see the hidden intentions directed at him and other followers all this time?

There was a lot to unpack, but that didn't mean Donovan would just sit around and do nothing. Connor seemed to think that too since he was training non-stop for the last week, talking something about having a strong base and mastering his fundamentals. If Don would guess, he is doing it because he killed that Sharpshooter, trying to get his mind out of that. Apparently it was the second time the Elf killed someone and he didn't react positively in either one. Granted, killing isn't a easy feat. But to be so mentally scarred about it was… something.

What also was intriguing was that the “watch dogs” of the ship were unusually quiet. Jay'Ky was because of his own decadence but Fynsell just… stopped being at the ship's deck. The few times he saw the Noblewoman was when she was reading a book, writing her reports, playing chess (this time way more peacefully and sportsmanship like) or checking on the Magna and seeing his recovery. It was conflicting seeing her thanks to her previous actions, but she seemed more at ease, like she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding or a weight suddenly wasn't there anymore. Donovan had no idea what happened and why, but that made he himself glad that things were getting better.

The Fleet seemed to be in the same page, as Zhivko encouraged the crew to sing more sea shanties. There were some timid singing here and there until Yuri of all people corrected some of them in the wrong singing they did, then proceeded to sing a very catchy and simple song but no less upbeat. It was very nice to see everybody ignore the slave part of Yuri and just follow along at his request and singing. Zagul was quietly nodding to the beat of the song as he worked, not as much as everybody else's enthusiasm but enough to pass by.

“Cap'n! Land in sight!”, The Watcher shouted at the top of the main flag.

“Alright lads, we are finally stepping on solid ground! Non-hostile, might I add!”, Zhivko announced to the still singing Fleet, “Let's enjoy the last few minutes with rum and good music!”

“Aye!”

The mood became even more happier now that the sailing was at a close. Some people really wanted the joy of being in a safe ground and in normal civilization, since despite the island communities they rarely offered same level of order as already well established countries. The Sloops and Gunboats modified their formation as they approached the coast, already shooting flags to show that they weren't hostile. The coastal town replied by shooting green flags that indicated authorization to dock the ships at the harbor, much to everyone's delight.

The slaves and some of the crew prepared themselves to unload the ships as they docked safely in the town. It was the run-of-the-mill town with a harbor. A lot of commerce and stores near the docking as well as industry separating the house lots from the more bartering areas. Connor was the first to offer himself to do the unload of the cargo, probably to escape paperwork and thankfully he was allowed to do so. The overall reception was way better than even the happiest days at sea and everyone couldn't thank the gods enough.

“[Guess we better start exercising our Vyzerian.]”, Yuri said with a very thick accent that even surprised himself.

“[I don't really have a problem with that.]”, Was the smug reply of Zagul.

“[I came here once or twice but I think I know the language enough.]”, Donovan said as he stretched himself. Gotta crack some bones after unloading all this cargo after all.

“What the hell you guys speaking now?”

Oh yeah, they forgot about Connor.

“Fucking hell.”, Zagul facepalmed.

“That's my line.”, Connor frowned.

----------------------------------------

Fynsell was at her room, making sure the Draconic Iridium is still in the same place as before. The crystal was there, waiting for the taking. It wasn't necessary to have magic to tell that this thing has a lot of magic stored inside, a reactor that is self-sufficient and can me infinitely used. A ominous aura of the item, but the True Elf stood firm and stored it in her personal valuables. Jay opened the door, now somewhat fully recovered thanks to the healers prioritizing his well-being over the others. He kneeled down in front of his lady, awaiting instructions.

The noblewoman was in deep thought after the chat she had with the Wood Elf. He liked fighting. Of course he would, those people always liked fighting, but he gave a more throught answer than she gave credit at first. He fights to understand. What exactly eluded her, but he suggested her to find something similar. As he said it, “something that makes your heart beat faster”. What he meant was understood, but what could possibly fascinate Fynsell that she would just go and lose track of time?

“[My Lady, the carriage is ready for our departure.]”, Jay said, still kneeling.

“[Y-yes. I will just pick up my reports.]”, She answered, but the thought never leaved her mind.

She grabbed the papers, breathed deeply and left her room.

“The tough part stats now.”

She walked silently towards the harbor, leaving the ship behind. This sailing did cut a month and then some of the usual sailing time, but this experience was overall a huge pile of garbage. It was as if someone was searching for the worst gift possible to give someone they hate, for some asinine reason. Thankfully she was leaving, but then again, Caeledrisc wasn't exactly a better environment than the Islands or the sea, since the problems that she momentarily avoided or postponed immediately came back.

For instance:

“I heard that's the daughter of Count Galadar. Wasn't she the one behind the scandal on Edhelraen?”

“Heard she doesn't have magic, even though she's a noble.”

“That's weird. Better not get involved with them. She's a lost cause anyway.”

The rumors seemed to persist and Fynsell's high auditory perception made sure to take notes of that, much to her annoyance. The stagecoach, wagon, carriage or whatever, was waiting outside of the pier, the rider patiently waiting for the person he was attending to come. It bothered Fynsell how much her identity was apparently revealed to the general populace, even going to know her face. Her anonymity was fading away as she got to Eldora? By the Gods, just remembering all the headaches she was about to face just by arriving at home she already felt exhausted.

Then it ringed in her head that… she doesn't feel happy here. Not at all.

Not that she didn't like ruling, it was something challenging, but not annoying or bothersome to do, although there were moments when it was. It was this stupid dogma that you were obligated to have magic in order to do anything worth of recognition, even the slightest amount of magic would grant her a better reputation than she has right now, but Fynsell knew that it wouldn't change as much. People are ignorant for a reason, and the most likely reason if her three decades of experience being a noble could tell, is that someone was conspiring against her. There is absolutely no way her reputation declined so fast and her face got know to the public just by her actions alone.

Someone is doing something.

“Here, allow me.”, Jay said in Vyzerian, trying to be hospitable to his Lady.

Fynsell just grabbed his hand to enter the transport, but didn't say anything or even showed any gratitude, much to Jay's duress.

She was still thinking of the possible conspiracy. There is no way to know or prove it right now, but she at least needs to act on the pretence that it exists. After all, Galadar was having a decline in reputation even before Fynsell was born, so it's not a fat fetched idea to think that maybe this person or group is plotting against the Nyëthilhands instead of Fynsell herself. She was just a convenient scapegoat to all the attacks to the image and influence the family has, and that was somewhat personal. The Truer Elf might be displeased with the current state of events but she never hated her family, despite not loving it either. All she did was the betterment of her House and Family.

Even that episode with her siblings, despite being condescending and amusingly sadistic, was somewhat to prevent them from making a mistake in the stock market. The idea on paper sounds nice but that line of thinking is always on the best case scenario. Most people never consider how the plan is going to be jeopardized, especially against someone that can make their own decisions. That suddenly made her remember Richardson as one of the bad examples of that, but then there was Connor who had the experience in chess and the strategy to conter her insults, which was just to insult back and take the verbal attacks very well, as in not giving a fuck about them.

Maybe that's because he is a slave fighter, but who knows. He deals with life and death everyday, so an insult of a noble might be the best thing that happened to him, not to mention the resume his species has. Of course, comparing them both is not fair since one is a short term plan and the other a long term. A battle with guns, swords and magic can never be compared to the controlled rules of the chess board.

With all that considered, what can she do to prevent her family's colapse and her own detriment?

“My Lady?”, Jay asked after a long long time of silence.

“Huh? Oh, I was just thinking, that's all.”, Fynsell answered, getting back to reality.

“Worried about the rumors and the reception you are going to get at the Capital?”, He gave a guess, which was partially correct.

“That too.”, Her shoulders fell in tiredness, “To be frank, I am just tired of this condemnation of my image, and by extent my family's.”

They looked at the street by the wagon's window and a lot of commoners were staring at the Nyëthilhand property with a mix of disdain, indifference and shame even.

“Someone might have done things while we were away.”, Was Jay's excellent conclusion.

“No shit, detective.”, Fynsell thought in annoyance.

“I thought the same.”, She said, masking her unpleasantness, “I am not sure who might have done it since there are so many candidates.”

“I can investigate, but it will take time.”

“You barely recovered from the battle on Tenure!”, The scream was unexpected, which made Jay'Ky freeze in his seat, “You are not going away from me!”

“Yes, ma'am.”

Fynsell can be very scary when she wants to.

For now, they'd just wait to arrive to the next town or two, dress appropriately, as in Metal Plate armor and a Noble Gown, to arrive in a decent fashion. The only thing they needed to pay attention to was the stupid crystal that was with them.

What a welcome back to home, huh?

----------------------------------------

“Allow me to say, Lad. It's most unfortunate that I cannot universally translate every language you hear.”, Hughes said, genuinely apologetic at his Twinsoul.

“It's fine, I guess. At least I can focus on another thing aside from my training.”, Connor sighed mentally, “Fucking hell.”

“Alright, Connie my boy, try saying something in Vyzerian for me.”, Yuri suggested after a few minutes of traveling to Edhelraen and explaining the basics of the continent’s language.

As per usual, they were transported through a blacked wagon as the property they are. Zagul was in a different wagon, probably with Richardson or something, they couldn't tell.

“[Me Connor punch guy bad.]”

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“That is the most butchered Vyzerian I've ever heard in my life.”, Donovan sweatdropped. It was a terrible first attempt at a new language.

“I can't exactly learn that in an instant, you know.”, Connor gave a “are you serious?” look.

“He is right.”, Donovan pointed out.

“Aight, aight, I hear ya. Still better get the gist quick or just mumble gibberish all over the continent.”, Yuri raised his palms in self defense.

“More importantly right now, where did you stash the metal?”, Don asked with a low voice, concerned about their plan, since no one really knew where Yuri put the Pecunious.

“It's all safe and sound, no worries needed.”, He said with his usual smile.

That's about what they could get from Yuri to be honest.

“Yeeeaahhh… not reassured but I am not going to argue.”, The Wood Elf frowned.

There was a window on the back where they could see the place where they were at, but not exactly where they are going. The window showed mostly trees, bushes and other flora, and as Connor saw it, he had the same weird and out of place feeling from when he was going back to Eldora after winning in Koloss, the feeling of familiarity and homecoming with the woods, which again, didn't make sense at all. Despite not knowing or even imagining the names of the plants here in this forest, whatever place this is, he can distinguish some plants from others, some being edible while others poisonous. A thing that didn't happen when he was with Abe or all the other Primates.

“Do you have an answer to this, Hughes?”

“My guess is as good as yours.” Connor felt a mental shrug, “All I can think is that maybe your Wood Elf body is giving you these answers. I can't really tell.”

“This body is really weird.”

The landscape gradually changed to a few ruins, destroyed houses, looking like they burned to the ground and some even with the frames and collums still up despite the time this possibly happened. The few destroyed houses became scorched farmsteads, then fortresses, a castle and… Gods what the hell happened here? It looks like a nation was destroyed here and no one bothered to clean the place? Then again if it was the remains of a nation then this place will not be cleaned up fast, not to mention the grave robbers this place might have.

“[What the hell happened here?]”, Connor asked as he pointed to the ruins of the nation, with a thick accent to accompany.

“Oh, good Vyzerian.”, Yuri complimented, although the accent is very much audible. And the fact this is the first coherent sentence he said since the harbor, “I dunno. What about you, Donovan? Any deets?”

“Well, I barely came here to Vyzar and I don't really know much about the historical events. This is my first time going to the Shadehill Confederation too.”, Donovan explained as he too inspected the window, trying to form a connection with the limited information he had, “All I know is that Vyzar was at war with some nations from the Confederation attacking the East countries for some reason. But the Elves might have a better answer to that than I do.”

“No biggie, it's not like we need to know what happened here, but I guess Zagul might have a needle in the haystack.”, Yuri gave firm nods to himself.

“Still, this is… nerve-wracking.”, Connor said as he looked at the ruins, correlating them to the battle at Tenure.

“Gotta focus on something else.”

“[Well, best thing to do now is to learn how to speak, so you better prepare yourself.]”, Donovan gave a open teeth smile.

“I didn't get half what you said, but I agree.”

The four of them, Hughes included, tried their best to make Connor a competent Vyzerian speaker over the next few days. They practiced every chance they got, often late into the night when the caravan stopped for rest. The Wood Elf found himself getting more comfortable with the strange sounds and rhythms of the language, though it was far from easy. Sometimes he'd just twist his tongue or just ask to learn the cuss words first so he can properly show his frustration, which Yuri and Donovan obliged, just to see his reactions and laugh with it. Still, it was really impressive how he was so eager to learn the language as fast as possible.

So impressive that it was odd. Apparently since Connor couldn't train inside the wagon he decided to just learn as much as he could even though his mind probably wasn't as keen to get so much information.

Donovan then explained that they'd first need to arrive at the Coastal Capital of Surio to register their arrival at the continent, like a border thing to ensure that they legally arrived at the continent/country. Then they'd go to the east side of Shadehill arriving at Viteros to then travel towards Edhelraen. This bit of traveling will take a very long while too, since the Eldorians most likely will stop at every town, city or village to buy and sell everything they have, will have or doesn't even have. Fynsell, the She-Elf will probably just like go directly towards Edhelraen simply because she is a noble, even if the rumors of her actions were spreading towards the Vyzerian territory.

“Speaking off which, what exactly did she do?”, Connor spoke in Petruvian to hopefully not get his throat begging for silence. It was already starting to hurt as he constantly tried to speak Vyzerian.

“It's not what she did.”, Donovan started explaining, “It's more her reputation. She is magic-less, even when her blood is technically rich enough to have high tiers of Éter.”

Both Yuri and Don decided to explain what magic is and what that means to nobles and society as a whole. Connor could only “woah” and “wow” at each explanation as he witnessed the battle of Tenure as he connected the dots in his mind.

Then he felt that this entire magic system was wrong… or rather Hughes felt it.

Wait, can he feel what Hughes is feeling?

“So, to summ it up, no matter what she does, it will probably be seen as wrong or the bare minimum.”, Yuri crossed his arms with a I think that's all expression.

“Wait wait wait, so you're telling me that she is judged by something that she has absolute no control over?”, The Wood Elf put his hand on his knees as he leaned forward, unaccepting this idiotic line of thinking.

“That's exactly what happens.”, The Human Priest said, frowning at the injustice.

“I don't believe you. There is no way that is a thing.”

“Sorry man, but it is what it is. Can't change it.”, Yuri apologized even though it didn't have anything to do with him.

Connor groaned in anger for another person, which was a nice change, “What are going to do in Surio anyway?”, He said, trying to focus in something that won't anger him. Hopefully.

“I guess we are going to resupply, aside from going to the embassy of the continent, that is.”, Donovan said as he straightened his posture, “But we might do a few things to raise coin in the meantime.”

“Mercenary work?”

“Kinda.”, Yuri offered some explanation, “Slaves have the advantage of being expandable. Sure, we might be safe thanks to the crew thing you pulled on Eldora, but that won't exclude us from doing the deed.”

“Freelance jobs for slaves to their owners to raise the iron.”, Donovan abridged the whole thing, “Meaning that we will do jobs that the average mercenary won't do, at least not without a good pay.”

“Killing is in the options, I presume.”

“That's correct Lad. I'll do my best to assist, but I do not posses the ability to do miracles.”, Hughes gave his encouraging words.

“I guess that's expected.”, Connor sighed as he leaned on his seat.

----------------------------------------

Zagul is a man of simple things, simple pleasures and standard expectations. Despite Richardson being able to Blackmail him, he didn't. Actually he seemed to be very grateful that somehow he managed to negotiate with pirates that were so destructible, almost saving his reputation inside the ship. The Foreman might think that Zagul is the only friend (or pet) that he can safely speak to and depend on, so for some reason inside the Eldorian’s skull, he decided to give a nice wagon for himself and Zagul to ride in front of the caravan, eating gorgeous and delicious meals with comfortable seats and expensive bottles of wine.

Zagul wouldn't reject it, of course. But he knows when people are trying to appear more than they actually are. What confused him is what for since the runes in his neck prevent him from disobeying orders.

Richardson is a strange person. He has the power, the willingness and the means to become one of the most influential and richest people in the three continents, but he still bothers himself in doing things that aren't convenient or necessary. The table of food to gain a positive view? Sure that would sound nice as a possible investment on a business partner, but in a slave? What is he going to gain from this? Doesn't he have that information about Zagul? That is a problem solver if anything, rendering the whole ordeal redundant and pointless.

And that made Zagul raise his guard, just in case.

“I guess it's better if I speak your native language, right?”, Richardson said after drinking a bit of wine.

“That should be expected from me. Of course you can speak Vyzerian.”, Zagul gave a blank answer as he was eating a nice steak. Not to mention that he was actually using warm clothes this time instead of the general marine costume.

“Well, I am a Foreman, but that doesn't fully define my work areas.”, He gave a sheepish smile, quite weird to come from him of all people, “But I think that you are wondering why all of this.”

“Damn right.”, The Lacerta turned to face the Human, who was now gesturing his hands.

“I have an offer but I need your help with something else in order for it to be available to you and your… crew.”, The gesture the Foreman used was the universal gesture of money. His face told a different idea of “a deal”, but at least he is going to hear it before refusing. If he can, that is.

“I am listening.”

“You are a clever individual, that I already attested when you negotiated with McTavish. We got a lot of coin from that exchange, so I am willing to…”, Richardson stopped to think of a word for it, “...mismanaged the treasure of the fleet so you can find it for me.”

“Fascinating.”, Zagul said with a plain face and high amounts of sarcasm, “Enlighten me on the process of such task.”

“That day at the meeting, I said we didn't have a special cargo to give them, right?”

“Yes.”

“That thing was a Draconic Iridium. I said we didn't have it but—”

“You had it but it isn't with you.”, Zagul completed the sentence without bothering himself to hear any details.

“Straight to the point, huh?”, Richardson said with a frown.

“I am familiar with how these things go. You basically want me to take it back and since only one person isn't here with the Caravan, I think I know from who you want me to steal it.”

The Lacerta's mind could only feel anger as he didn't want to bother that woman again, but apparently nothing goes as he wants to. Not to mention the fact that a crystal that can restore the Éter of everything and everyone was at the ship this entire time? If they got in a naval fight and lost that thing could have done catastrophic things if it fell on wrong hands, but now he was it back. Why? Zagul wasn't sure and he feels like he shouldn't know more, despite wanting to ask.

No no no, think outside the box. Zagul is being asked to steal a nuke. Steal. A. Nuke.

Steal.

A.

Nuke.

“Then we are at the same page.”

“Unfortunately, we are.”

“I would like to help you but I have business do attend to…”

“Of course you have.”, Zagul mumbled low enough for Richardson not to hear.

“…We will be stopping at the majority of towns and villages, so all I can do is give you a spare horse, a pouch of coin and hide that rune in your neck so you won't receive prejudice.”, Richardson never stopped speaking. Which was good, but now he has this shit do deal with.

The Lacerta sighed, “What about the others?”

“Connor and the rest?”, He asked and got a nod from Zagul, “They will be raising funds for the caravan, doing what they do best as well as testing themselves in new area.”

That worried Zagul. Connor wasn't in a good shape, mentally speaking, so that could put not only themselves in danger but the whole plan they did might be worthless. He won't even be able to properly search what Hughes is and that wasn't particularly reassuring too. A lot of setbacks, but that's how the world works, it never waits for your turn like that chess board. This is going to be increasingly hard so the thing he mustn't do is cry over spilled milk, he needs to observe, plan and act. His OPA, if you can't tell.

That reminded him how Yuri said “OBA” instead of “OPA”, but who cares.

“When shall I depart?”, He asked reluctantly. It is what it is, he can't escape this predicament.

“ASAP, but do enjoy this meal. I will ask a Runecrafter to hide the Rune later.”

“As you command.”, Zagul sneered, “Master.”

----------------------------------------

Edhelraen, Nyëthilhand House, Elisha's Office

The matriarch of the House was doing standard paperwork worth of her attention. Some parties to plan for other houses and secure some amount of riches, a job that seemed to be done only by her as Galadar would rather chase his own plans than securing his family's well-being. It honestly baffled the She-Elf how wrong her decision to marry him was, showing that the Elder was constantly daydreaming with what it was instead of what it can be. All of this was even more influenced by her first born daughter, a waste of effort and oxygen that shouldn't exist. The Count would utilize their resources and reputation to make her life better than doing anything that a man should do.

Cut the unnecessary things and focus on what's important. Who cares about your legacy if you haven't proved you have lived? Elisha married him out of necessity, her house being slowly forgotten but thanks to a favor he owed to her father centuries ago, when both were young, they arranged everything and raised the small House back to glory. She grew to love him eventually, but it was difficult to love someone much older than you as well as a different way of thinking. Galadar wanted to focus on the population since they first met while Elisha wanted to enjoy her status, enjoy the things she could do to further their power both militarily and politically.

And it was working until she got pregnant and needed to distance herself from all the work she was doing. Elisha even enjoyed the time she spent, deciding what name for her offspring, but when it finally came time to give birth and the news of the daughter not being able to use magic at all, all that flew down the window. Fynsell in elvish means “reminder”, which was supposed to remind Elisha of her efforts for her eventual success, but now it's a constant shame check for her everytime she looks at her daughter. Galadar was now obsessed with his plans, to increase normalcy and acceptance of non magic individuals, and despite her constant warnings about such actions, he never listened.

He even slapped her face once for it, the very first time any of their fights got physical.

A crow appeared at her window with a letter attached to the creature’s leg. Elisha got up and petted the bird as she removed the letter, unraveled it and started reading the contents.

Dear Elisha

It appears that the Crystal has arrived at Vyzar. I will ensure that it's delivered properly to your hands, so you better prepare for your new husband!

J.

She frowned at the last line, but it was good news. Enough for her to smile. A smile that only a noble could give when their plans are going as they envisioned it.