We reached Sky Keeper nearing on midday. It had rained a little in the morning, but by the time we rounded a bend and came face to face with the stone city, it was back to being beautiful. Warm even. And I was in a stellar mood, fairly bouncing in my saddle on Kishi's back.

Stupidly, I had not been prepared for the fan fare, however. One second I was jittery with excitement and the next I was trying to make myself as small as I could on the back of the fox. We had stepped onto cobbled streets that were lined with people for a good long stretch, leading to a rather large, if somewhat crumbling, stone building.

I heard Margund laugh next to me. "Sit up! Wave!" He said boisterously, flashing a grin and flicking his own wrist in a short wave. "They are here to see us, after all. And I have no doubt it is you they wish to see most of all."

"Somebody please burry me in a hole..." I mumbled, displaying what was likely more of a grimace than a smile at the gathered harpies that we passed.

It appeared to be true that most of these monsters were far more interested at getting a look at me than anyone else in this rather stately procession. As stately as a march of monsters could be, anyway. The many gathered harpies stood on their clawed feet along the road, clapping or waving, while also craning their necks and pointing once they got sight of me.

I was very uncomfortable, but at least the harpies themselves were rather nice to look at. Most of them were around five and a half feet tall with hair in shades of brown, white, or grey, with a few other colors splashed in here and there. Many seemed to keep their hair long, and often braided and decorated with colorful beads and feathers.

As we drew closer to the building I saw that the harpies actually were not alone in making up this crowd of spectators. In, amongst them, were what I thought, at first, were horses. Actually, I guess they would be Equestrians, as I was told that calling them horses was rude.

I could not get a good look at them between all the feathers and bright colors worn by the harpies, and their wide spread wings. But I could have sworn I saw what looked like a red furred stallion for a second, before we moved forward and it was lost in the crowd once again.

"Seems like the Ogres are not here..." Mumbled Brixie. She, too, was looking at the crowd, but her eyes were more searching than full of wonder.

Margund sighed. "Are you surprised?"

"They never show up when they are told to." Grunted Lagdon, making sure that he was between me and the people.

I guess the ogres didn't like being told what to do. I sure hope they didn't wait too long to show up, however. If they took too long, I wondered if the summit would start without them.

"Welcome!" I heard a voice call above the noise of the crowd. As we neared the speaker, the people surrounding us began to settle down.

As the guards and such split, making room for we dignitaries to pull to the front, I saw that there were three harpies standing before us, standing on a short rise before the entrance of the building. Two of the harpies were younger males, each built compactly with bright yellow eyes and short brown hair. Neither wore a shirt, but both had their chests painted in interesting designs of turquoise, white and red. Even the feathers of their wings seemed to have been painted. Both looked enough alike that I decided they were related, if not out and out twins.

Between the two men was an older woman. She was slightly hunched, her own wings looking heavy on her back. Her hair was long and shiny, but greyed, and her face was weathered and tanned. Despite that, I still thought she looked quite pretty. She definitely had a very beautiful smile that had a little of my anxiety melt away.

"Welcome." She said once again, this time quieter. Her bright eyes looked over us all, and her smile never wavered. "We are glad to have you here, in Sky Keeper. Please-" She said, taking a step back and waving her hand in a becoming motion. "Come in and we will get you all comfortable."

Things happened in a bit of a flurry then. Several buff harpy men hurried forward as Margund and the others slipped of their Rohgek, and the harpies led the mounts off. One male stepped up to me, but Lagdon waved him off.

"Kishi stays with Lady Enna." He said in his best, deep dark and scary voice.

The harpy did not look intimidated, however, but he also didn't put up a stink. He simply nodded and moved off. Once Lagdon was sure that no one he did not know was anywhere near us, he helped me out of Kishi's saddle.

Once I was on my own two feet, another hobgoblin hurried forward and freed my fox guardian of her saddle. Kishi shook out her luxurious fur as the hobgoblin vanished with the saddle. I could only assume that it was being stored some place safe, likely with the rest of our supplies.

That done, I was then lead up the stairs and into the building. Lagdon and the others had me so well surrounded, and they were all so huge, that I really couldn't see much of anything past their grey and green bodies clad in leather armor. Brixie was just as blind as me, and she rolled her eyes my way, sharing in my exasperation at the over protectiveness of hobgoblins.

Though I could not see much, I could tell that the building we entered was much larger than I had originally thought. The entrance was wide, and double tall, and once inside, I saw that the ceiling was quite high above me. Everything seemed cleaned, but also old and neglected. No doubt the ancient structures were in dire need of restoration.

"Thank you all for participating in this summit. I know it was called fairly last minute." Said the elder harpy.

"Not at all." Stated Margund, just as my view finally opened up and I saw that we were in a great atrium. I, the goblins, and the foxes were lined up, facing a small group of older harpies; both men and women. "It must have been hard for you to set up as well."

"Thank you for the understanding." Smiled the harpy woman, offering Margund a slight bow. "We felt it rather necessary to get it done before the spring rains set in, though I am sure travel in the colder weather must not have been great for you."

"It was not so bad." Said Brixie, also bowing slightly to the group of harpies. "This winter has been milder than the last few. I am Brixie, the new elder of the foxes."

"Greetings Brixie. I remember your father fondly. Please, send him my congratulations on finally being able to retire. i am sure that he will have a great deal more time for smoking now."

Brixie laughed. "I will be sure to tell him."

"And you, of course, are Margund." She said, low looking at the massive hobgoblin king. "I hope you do not find too much offence in my next words, but I can not say that I am upset that your father will not be joining us."

"I am sure your sentiments are shared by many." Stated Margund. "He will not be missed."

Then the harpy too a deep breath and set her eyes on me. "And you- You must be Lady Enna."

"Yes, that's me." I said, quite lamely if I did say so myself.

The older woman chuckled. "I am Yevette, Grand Elder of the harpy clan. It is the highest of honors to have you gracing both our halls and our homes. We, of the harpy clan, do not have much in the way of material items, but we hope to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible."

I waved my hands before me, panicked. "Oh, no. Um, please, there is no need for a fuss. I was the one who intruded on your summit for my own selfish reasons, after all. I don't want you to go through any extra trouble for my sake."

The corners of Yevette's eyes crinkled with her smile as she chuckled. "You are very different to your predecessor, Lady Enna. Though, i do admit that I never had the displeasure of encountering the old dragon myself, i have been told that it was not an experience that I would want to have anyway."

I wonder what she would say if I told her that the old Lizard had gone and made himself home in my head. In fact, i wonder what any of them would say. I couldn't I was overly comfortable with that myself.

"I doubt there are many who are sad to see Aeros gone, even if he did provide us some protection from human kind." Sighed one of the older harpies, his eye lids so droopy that he looked like he had his eyes closed. And, it didn't help that his eyebrows were so bushy that I would have been surprised if he could see past them, even if he could open his eyes properly.

"Quite." Agreed Yevette. She pointed out the elderly harpies lined up around her and addressed me once again. "You see here our Council of Elders, Lady Enna. It is not normally needed for the whole council to be in attendance, but I must admit that we were all far to curious and delighted to meet you, that we all ended up coming." She said with a chuckle.

"Um, it is a pleasure to meet you all." I said, awkwardness still in full swing.

That seemed to be good enough for Yevette, however, as she turned back to Margund, her eyes loosing a little of her warmth as she continued to speak. "All have arrived, besides Vesta, of course. Leave it to an ogre to show up unfashionably late..."

Margund chuckled. "I am not surprised."

"I just hope they show up at all." Stated another of the harpy elders, fingering the head of a polished cane. Did he have to carry that around when he flew? He must, right?

"Oh, they will show." Sighed Yevette. "If for no other reason than to see exactly the back bone of our new land god..."

Suddenly all eyes were on me. I felt very back bone-less. I think the ogres might be in for a rather disappointing surprise.

Yevette's lip twitched in amusement. "But, I am keeping you all from rest! Come, let us show you to your rooms and let you all freshen up and get some hot food in your bellies. You say the trip was not too difficult, but I am sure an actual bed and a properly cooked meal will not be wasted on you."

So far I had been feeling rather like a herd animal. I was being shuffled from one place to another without much say in the matter. It was a change from what I had been getting accustom too, but I wasn't really complaining. It was nice being a background character for a change, and it wasn't like I was alone. Kishi and Lagdon were always right next to me, and Brillum and Draxly were not far off.

We were lead through several connected buildings, some in worse shape than others, but all immaculately clean. Did harpies have OCD or something? Or was this just because it was an important event that they were hosting?

We were eventually all separated, but not by much. The harpies lead us all to separate suites throughout a large mansion of sorts. The goblin group, as well as the foxes, were situated on the ground floor, while I was lead higher, up to the second floor. A pretty young harpy girl brought me to what they said was the room with the single greatest view in the city, then left me to get settled, saying that Miss Yevette would stop by shortly to have a word with me.

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She did not stick around to be questioned, instead hurrying past Lagdon with greater speed than I would have thought those talons would have aloud on stone floor.

But, i was too distracted to pepper her with questions anyway. Because, the girl had been right. He view was astounding!

The room itself was rather lovely, and open to the elements too. It was a large space with a very spacious bed, and a stone basin I suspected was used to hold water to was your face. It didn't appear that the place had running water, but it was an ancient place. Heck, even the Estate had only rudimentary running water, and that was provided using magic.

The room was decorated in pretty bits and bobs made of pretty stones and feathers. There were several constructs in varying sizes and shapes that looked a little like dream catchers, and the huge window that lead to a wide balcony had several wind chimes hanging from the frame.

But the view outside was the real treat. As I stepped out, followed by Lagdon, i saw that I had a wide view of the entire city and the river. Across the river was the rainforest and the tall spires of stone. The whole place was vibrant and full of life.

Looking down over the side of the stone railing, I could see that the harpies had started a mini party down there. A festival where barrels of alcohol were rolled out and the scent of meat cooking. I smiled, watching them simply enjoy life.

Again, my eye was caught by a very vibrant pelt. Looking, I saw what must have been a Sterna. It was a monster that was shaped like a horse, but had bright green fur, with a mossy colored mane and tale. Its wide eyes were dark as night and its hooves clicked merrily on the paving stones.

"That's a Sterna?" I asked Lagdon, looking for confirmation.

The hobgoblin looked over the side of the rail and nodded. "I would guess one that has gifts in either plant or earth typed magic. As was mentioned before, their hides often advertise the element they are born with."

"They are beautiful!" I said with a smile. "I hope I get the chance to speak with them."

"I am sure you will. No doubt they are looking forward to it as much as you are."

I laughed. "Do these summits always turn into parties?" I asked, leaning against the rail and gazing off dreamily into the trees where I could see various colorful birds flittering about. I thought that I could very much like being here in Sky Keeper.

At my words, Lagdon shared a rare chuckle. "No." He said. "They are usually quite somber and full of tension. Most of us monsters tend to not get along, normally, after all. On top of that, there normally is not nearly as many monsters present. No, i would say this is all thanks to you."

"Me?!" I said, confused.

"Of course. There are so many monsters present. because many wanted to come and get a look at you. For good or for bad, they wanted to see what their new land god was to be like. And it's not like people often get a chance to see a god in person. Gods don't usually come and mingle with others, after all. You are rather special in that regard." I pouted in protest, but Lagdon continued. "I am willing to bet that the party is due to the fact that they are all rather relieved that you seem to be exactly nothing like Aeros."

"And that's a reason to party? I thought most monsters like Aeros, in theory. I am not exactly looking to encourage the isolation of monsters, after all. Shouldn't they all be worried about me getting them all mixed up with humans?"

"True, I am sure there is more than a little unease around what your future plans are. And, many may even hope that Aeros' base beliefs stay in place, preventing humans and demi-humans from interfering in our lives."

I figured as much. Monsters may be a little quicker to adapt that the average human when it came to changing life circumstances, but I didn't think that a major reform would be that simple. I had gotten rather lucky in that regards, so far. The foxes were basically pacifists that were just happy to be thriving once again. As for the goblins, they were a prime example of peek adaption. And Margund was a strange mix of competent and eccentric, leading the masses into the change I was looking to make.

I would be foolish to think the other monsters would quite as easy to persuade.

"But, i think you are under estimating just how much of a relief it is that you have arrived." Lagdon stated, catching me a little off guard. "Sure, under Aeros' rule we achieved peek monster supremacy in these lands... but being the king of a trash heap is hardly a stellar achievement. What good does it do any of our people, if we were all doomed to either starve to death or kill one another off."

"That's true..."

"I am sure that all the races are just relived to be able to live freely, without the fear of starvation, war, and subterfuge looming over their heads." He looked out over the beautiful vista. " I am willing to bet that this time last year, this valley was not half as prosperous and full of life as it is now, Lady Enna. Everyone just wants to live a happy and fulfilling life. I think that is the truth, no matter ones race, background, or lineage." He looked down on me and smiled. "They party, because it is as good a time to do so as any."

I laughed, patting the silent Kishi on the head as she joined us, having just spent the last couple minutes checking out every corner of the room. Probably looking for booby-traps, if I had to guess. these monsters expected danger in everything.

Twenty minutes later another harpy knocked at the door. She started nervously when it was Lagdon who opened it, but hid her initial fear quickly enough. She had come to bring us some food and then excused herself with a smile and a bow. I had caught her staring at me, but otherwise acted like what I would expect a servant would act like.

Lagdon and I had just finished eating our roasted meat and vegetables when there was yet another knock on the door. But, before Lagdon could answer it, the door opened, causing the hobgoblin to glare aggressively and the fox to growl.

"Peace!" Huffed an elderly voice as Yevette breezed into the room. "What do you think I will do? Gum the land god to death?" She said, flashing an almost toothless open mouthed smile.

I couldn't help myself and laughed. "A horrifying thought."

Lagdon clicked his tongue in aggravation, an attitude he most often reserved for dealing with Reihekiu. But he set his weapon down and retook his seat as the elderly harpy fully entered the room, careful not to shut the door on her wings.

Kishi was a little less apt to calm, and instead sidled up to me before wrapping herself around the back side of my chair and glaring at the older woman.

"How will the girl ever learn to look out for herself if you all baby her so much." Chided Yevette, glaring at the fox.

"She takes care of herself just fine." Growled Lagdon. "That aside, I think it rather unwise to just barge into a land gods rooms..."

"Pft!" She said, waving a dismissive hand. "Unwise for myself, perhaps. Unless you think that a poor, decrepit, old harpy can some how deal damage to a young and vibrant land god in her prime."

"Enough of your tongue wagging, old one." Said Kishi, her voice rather growly. "You and i both know that you are no weak and wasted little old lady. Not any more than I am."

"Ha!" Barked the harpy, looking like she was having the time of her life despite my own confusion. "You look as virile as the last time I laid eyes upon you, fox. I, on the other hand, have grown old."

"Wait... You know one another?" I asked my fox companion, now more confused than ever.

"I would not say 'know' is the appropriate word, my Lady. Met in passing one time, would be more accurate." Stated the cream colored fox.

"It may have been a passing thing for you, Guardian, but it was quite a big event for me!" Laughed Yevette, taking it upon herself to sit in a chair opposite of me. She set her girlish eyes on me, and set in for a tale. "I was but a spring chicken, hardly twenty years old. I had gotten into a tiff with my father you see. He thought it was a good idea for me to marry one Zeree, a fellow I had exactly zero interest it."

"You don't say..." Drawled Lagdon, but I was rather enjoying myself. Clearly Yevette was my kind of little old lady!

"Well, it took off for greener pastures. Back then I was more apt to run away from an issue than I was prone to confronting it head on, you understand? So I flew fast and I flew hard. I may not have been the wisest harpy at the time, but I sure was the most athletic." She said with a wink, flashing that gummy smile once again. "But, not only was I working on a young and silly woman's single brain cell, I also had darn near no directional awareness at all."

"I thought harpies just had an innate awareness of their positions-" Interrupted Lagdon indignantly.

"Are you telling the story, or am I?!" the older woman snapped, glaring at the significantly younger hobgoblin, making me laugh once again. Kishi just sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Anyway... I went and found my self fluttering about the edge of the Dark, wouldn't you know it! Now, i did not want to marry Zeree, but I would take him over that place any day. I had started to rethink my decision to run away from home."

"What happened then?" I asked, enthralled. It wasn't so much that the woman's tale was all that captivating- though I liked a little gossip as much as the next person- but simply that Yevette's energy was just contagious.

"Ah... You see, it seemed that Zeree had about as much common sense as I did. the bird brain had come flying after me once my father had told him i had taken off. He was smitten, and I couldn't blame him. I may not look it now, but I was a prime catch back in the day."

"I am sure you were." Lagdon mumbled, looking like he really, really, wanted the woman to run away now.

I didn't know if she had just not heard Lagdon's words, or if she simply decided to ignore him. Either way, she continued on wither her seemingly senseless tale. "So consumed in his thoughts was the buffoon, that he wasn't looking where he was flying! Before I knew it, he had crashed right into me! So, of course we both careen down into the nasty swamp of the Dark."

"Oh no!" I laughed.

Yevette nodded, looking grim. "We were not hurt, but was furious! Have you any idea how hard and nasty it is to get swamp muck out of feathers?"

I shook my head. I did not know that, but I did remember just how nasty that swamp water was.

"Well," She sighed. "I spent a good long while ripping a new one into Zeree for his stupid blunder as we both did our best to remove the slime. I was terrified, of course. I grew up hearing horror stories about the Dark, as any good monster does, and I wanted out of there and fast."

"Exactly where does Kishi come into this sordid love saga of yours?" Sighed my hobgoblin muscle man, glaring at Yevette with crossed arms.

"Slow your roll, I am getting to it!" Huffed the harpy, glaring straight back. She rearranged her face back into a pleasant smile than took her sweet time getting comfortable once again, making me smile as I saw a vein begin to throb in Lagdon's jaw. "Now where was I...? Oh! right, the swamp. It was starting to look like we were going to have to spend the night there, which, as I am sure you can imagine, was less than ideal."

"Of course." I said.

"It was cold and miserable that night, but did that stop Zeree from trying his best to sidle up to me? Absolutely not! Males! Come morning I was angry and he was more than a little frustrated. We spent that morning in angry silence, me- stomping ahead- and Zeree lagging behind looking like a damp swallow. Neither of our wings had managed to dry out over night and we were both absolutely over being in this swamp."

I saw Lagdon growing increasingly irritated, meanwhile, Kishi may well have fallen asleep, despite her initially irritation with the elderly harpy.

"It was right about then that I came across your lovely fox. Mocking me and my muddy wings, with her stunning fur and crimson eyes, those tails looking like swamp muck would not even dare touch them." She shook her head in mock despair. "I thought I was a dead girl right them. Zeree, for his part, did jump out to defend me, but he was a fool and likely would have been eaten in a flash."

I was starting to feel real sorry for this poor Zeree fellow. Clearly Yevette was not an easy woman to love.

"Luckily, the guardian wasn't interested making a meal of us. Indeed, she offered to lead us out of the wood. Yet, i could not figure out, for the life of me, why, as time went on, the fox seemed to be getting more and more short with me."

"A complete mystery..." Sighed Lagdon.

Yevette narrowed her eyes on Lagdon, but did not comment. "In any case, we ended up running into several nasty creatures along the way. Lucky, also, that I was born with more than just my stunning good looks. Like a pair of mad woman, the fox and I tore a blood path through the swamp that day, till we eventually made our way out, just as the sun was setting. A truly glorious adventure, to be sure." Sighed Yevette, looking dreamy and wistful. "Oh, to be young again."

"Wait," I laughed, tears in my eyes. "What happened to Zeree? Didn't he help you too?"

Yevette snorted. "that man couldn't fight his way out of the nest. No, we managed to keep the poor fool alive, the whole time he tried to keep up a bravado, offering to aid me over puddles, claiming that he would protect me..." She shook her head as if it was all madness. "HE and I parted from the fox then, and were soon able to fly once more."

"So you both went back home then?" I asked.

"Or did you kill Zeree and burry him in the woods?" Huffed Lagdon, making me swat his arm while suppressing a laugh.

"What? No, of course not. I went home and married the dummy! Been happily married ever since. You met him but an hour ago..."

"You have got to be kidding me..." Said Lagdon, rubbing a budding migraine out of his grey forehead, looking like he wanted to punch something.

"Wait! You mean the old man with the big eyebrows?!"I crowed, almost doubling over with my mirth. I didn't know the last time I had laughed so hard.

"Yes, that is Mt Zeree. Been together nearly fifty years now, had four chicks, and now have nine grand babies and one great grand baby on the way. I believe you met one of my granddaughters, as a matter of fact: Pretty little thing by the name of Whisper. Takes after her grandma."

I laughed for a solid five minutes, remembering the stunning harpy woman that had delivered the summons to the summit. So Yevette was that girl's grandmother?

"What-" Hissed Lagdon, looking totally drained. "Was the point of that tail, precisely? Did you seriously come here just to relay that?!"

"Don't be ridiculous. I came to invite Lady Enna to come visit Fartha! Who in the world comes to visit a god to share old love stories? What in the world have you been doing to the girl when no one is looking...?"

"Its okay Lagdon, she is just teasing you!" I laughed, holding on the hobgoblin's muscled arm, preventing him from getting to his feet and bodily flinging an elderly woman from my room. Seeing him so not composed was just as entertaining as Yevette's bazar sense of humor.

"So, how about it?" laughed Yevette, getting to her feet with more ease than her age would suggest. "Would the new land god like to pay a visit to an old one?"