The sun slowly rose over Sumarenia, bathing the land in pale grey light.

Deag, Shiru, Shib and Anhai sat on a mat at the center of which sat a few plates of dried fruits and various nuts.

They were seated just outside the town and many guards could be seen standing around the town's perimeter.

Shin stared at Deag and Shiru who had just told him their plans.

“Sumarenia is dying. We have no access to water and our numbers are small. I don’t see how we could be of any use to you.” Shib said.

“Ah, that’s the thing, sir, we’re not here for any of that. We just want to make the Expanse and even the Western Wilds a better place.” Deag said.

Shiru frowned a little upon hearing Deag refer to Shib as “sir” because Shib looked a little younger than the newly made regent.

“Mmm… Anhai told me about you. About the war. Are you sure you can afford to have your focus so… divided?” Shib asked with a pained expression.

“We have considered everything and yes, the needs of our people come first, but, as he taught us all that time ago, never hesitate to offer a helping hand to those who could use it.” Deag said with a smile that seemingly lit up the Western Wilds.

Shib’s eyes shook, but he scoffed in an attempt to compose himself.

“Still… I cannot just allow you into our lands. I would like to set terms for our… alliance.” Shib said before crossing his arms.

“You’ve already come into contact with the greedy king. Are you going to ally with him as well?”

“It would be best if we worked together so yes.” Deag said but Shib shook his head slightly.

“Trust me when I say that you do not want anything to do with that man. He is cruel. While our people die from thirst, he hoards all of the Saureate river’s water and kills any who try to drink, even when they are on the brink of death.”

“Is that why we saw you carrying those vases yesterday?” Deag asked and Shib nodded.

“What is there to be gained I an ally who treats others so horribly? If anything, I suggest that you and your armies crush him as soon as possible, freeing up the river’s water to all who need it.”

Deag and Shiru gasped.

“What?” Shib asked.

“Violence isn’t always the answer…” Deag said as he and Shiru remembered a situation from the past that was not too dissimilar to this one.

“We will not attack anyone unless provoked. That being said, you have yet to mention any of the things you wanted from us.”

“Water, food and… I’d like to see it. The Cradle of Hope.” Shib said.

“Alright. We will leave as soon as you are ready.” Deag said as Shib and Anhai stood up.

“I will return just before the sun fully sets- ah- actually, I believe you could help with my problem, if you’re willing.”

“Oh? What is it?” Deag asked as he and Shiru stood up as well.

“Follow me with that… fellow who healed my men.”

Deag called for the Kommáti who was a life magician and along with Shiru, he followed Shib into Werentos which was still heavily guarded by men who all shot cautious glares at the outsiders although most of their animosity was directed at the Kommáti.

The group eventually arrived at what Shiru assumed was the Mayoral office.

Shiru quickly realized that the building wasn’t built with beings like Anhai and the Kommáti in mind and so she, along with Deag, Anhai and the Kommáti were instructed to wait outside.

Shib eventually returned with almost thirty children who varied in age, but one thing they had in common, one thing that made Shiru’s heart ache, was their sickly condition. Their hollow cheeks, thin limbs and enlarged bellies brought tears to Shiru’s eyes and she saw that even the Kommáti was squeezing its fists tightly.

The children were guided into neat rows by a handful of women.

Shib walked up to Deag and with a lowered head he asked.

“Could you please heal them as well?”

“Y-you didn’t even have to ask.” Deag said as the Kommáti raised its hands.

The women and children fearfully winced as wisps of green light poured out from the Kommáti's hands.

“Just where did you get all that life energy from?” Shib asked with shaking eyes.

“I’m sure Anhai told you about the war. Well… let’s just say that we made the best of a terrible situation.” Deag said.

Some children started crying as their bodies changed and even the women, who had been healed shrieked upon seeing that their bodies were much healthier.

Shib calm them all down before leading them back into building.

He eventually returned only his head was far lower than before.

“I… I’d like to change the terms of our alliance. With this, you’ve already done much more than I could ask for-“

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Shib gasped as Deag suddenly placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

“No, this is only the beginning. Helping the children was the least we could do. Remember, our goal is to create a better world for future Rendaro. Whether you ask or not, we will send more help.”

“B-but we have nothing to give in return-“

Deag wrapped his arms around the stuttering Shib.

“The time may come when we need your aid. But for now… just accept all we have to give.” Deag said.

Shib turned a shaking eye to Shiru who warmly smiled.

He then looked up at Anhai who’s face was expressionless.

“OK.” He said as Deag let him go.

Shib hurriedly wiped the handful of years that had fallen before gesturing towards the hill where Deag and Shiru had left Rix and the others.

“Please wait for me. I’ll be there shortly.” Shib said before disappearing into the building.

Deag sighed and turned to Shiru who was still smiling.

He opened his mouth to speak, but Anhai spoke first.

“So… she’s dead, huh?”

Deag bit his teeth and turned to the Raven.

“Yes.”

“Hehe. Haha! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Wow! I thought it was impossible. That’s the way everyone made it seem right? Red Death this, Yna that, everyone made it seem as though she was untouchable but that golden bitch died just like everyone else.” Anhai laughed.

Deag remained silent.

He then took a single deep breath before walking past the Raven with Shiru and the Kommáti in tow.

“Let me guess, that’s why you’re going around trying to make allies. Nothing will spare you from the Prince or the Helma. All we can do is lay helplessly like the wounded dogs we are.” Anhai said with a chuckle burning Deag and Shiru didn’t stop.

They eventually returned to where the others were and there they stood in silence.

.

..

Shib eventually returned with a handful of men.

“Is something wrong?” He asked upon noticed that Deag and Shiru had rather stiff expressions.

“Oh- it’s nothing. Are you ready?” Deag asked with a weak smile.

“Yes.” Shib said with an awkward bow and this made Deag and Shiru smile a little.

Rix then teleported everyone back to Coh and some of Shib’s men fell to their knees from disorientation.

“This way, please.” Deag said before leading everyone through southern Coh.

They ascended the southern wall and looked out into the bow expanded city which was bustling with life and although Shib gasped all the way there, his awe was replaced with visible dread as he turned to face the crater.

“Anhai told me that none would be spared from the Sun’s wrath… if so, then how are you all sill able to stand so tall?” Shib asked.

“Because we quite literally have no other choice.” Deag said with a grin.

He then pointed at southern Coh and stepped on the edge of the wall.

“Walking along those streets and across the Expanse is a man, woman and child that I more than willing to protect. That willingness is extended to any who would also join us in our march towards a better future. So, follow me. I’ll show you more of Coh and you’ll decide whether or not you ally with us.” Deag said and Shib curtly nodded.

“Ah- we forgot the Ratata Tatamata.” Shiru said.

“Mmm… rest up for now. We’ll visit them on our way back to Sumarenia.” Deag said.

Shiru nodded before making her way down the wall.

She then made her way back home, but just as she reach out to open the door, Raer spoke.

“They are currently in the Dragon Borrow.”

“Oh? Take me to them.” Shiru yawned.

Raer teleported her to the courtyard in front of the Dragon Borrow.

A wide and grand space paved with dark stones.

The building itself wasn’t any larger than the other buildings in Coh, it was just designed with the Draconic Knights in mind.

Speaking of which, four of those Knights lined the stairs that led into the building which Shiru entered.

“They are in the basement.” Raer said prompting Shiru to descend into bowels of the Borrow which very fittingly looked like a fortified barracks.

She entered the large underground space to find Thneia doing push-ups alongside Erna.

Both of them wore shorts and vests that allowed them to move freely and watching them was Qualel who sat atop a chair while drinking what looked like cool fruit juice.

Lining the walls of the rather spacious basement, which received air from vents near its ceiling, were what looked like portraits that sat on easels. The portraits were all hidden beneath paint stained drapes and the largest painting, the one in the middle of the room, sat hidden beneath a large, silky black drape.

Thneia stood upon along with Erna revealing to Shiru her large, muscular body.

Thin golden lines ran across her skin and her reptilian eyes burnt dimly.

The Dragon Knight noticed Shiru and she tapped on a sweaty Erna’s shoulder prompting the girl to turn around.

“Mom!” She cried while running into Shiru’s arms.

Shiru picked up and tightly hugged the little girl while walking towards Thneia.

“Come now, I wasn’t gone for that long, was I?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Erna said while taking deep, fatigued breaths.

Shiru’s heart ached as she heart a daughter wheeze a little.

“You’re not pushing her too hard, are you?” Shiru asked, but Thneia shrugged.

“I was exercising and she decided to join me. How far she decides to go is entirely up to her, right Erna?” Thneia asked with a warm smile.

“Yeah! I- I’m going to be as strong as you and aunt Yna one day, you’ll see.” Erna said wife a cough, but this made Shiru’s face stiffen a little.

“Anyway, why don’t we get cleaned up-?”

“Ah- you could bath here, if you like.” Thneia suggested.

“Yeah! Let’s do that!” Erna yelled before leaning closer to her mother’s ear.

“I’m pretty sure there’s something in the water here that’s making aunt Thneia so big.” She whispered making Shiru giggle.

“Perhaps. Lead the way, Thneia.”

Everyone then followed the Dragon Knight into her private bathroom where they all undressed and Erna recklessly jumped into the large bathtub that was built into the floor.

“Erna!” Shiru yelled after water splashed all over the beautifully decorated room. Tall, dark curtains hung to the sides of tall windows that allowed the afternoon sunlight to bath everyone’s bodies.

Erna rose from the water and grinned at her mother.

“Come on! Try it” She said.

“If you don’t calm yourself, little lady-“

“Go ahead.”

Shiru turned a trembling eye toward Thneia who smiled with scarily narrowed eyes.

“I… surely you don’t mean-“

Shiru struggled to say and so she turned to Qualel and Raer who stood side by side.

Their pale bodies fully visible and adorning their faces were sinister smiles.

Shiru let out a sigh before awkwardly running towards the large bathtub but before she reached it, her heel slipped across the wet floor but before her head struck the ground, Qualel and Raer teleported to her sides and slowly lowered her into the tub where she covered her face in embarrassment.

“Haha! That was quite something.” Thneia said as she joined everyone in the tub.

“So, how did it go?”

“The Aureate King said he would consider everything we said and as for the Sumarati, their leader is currently inspecting Coh alongside Deag. We’ll visit the savages to the south after returning the Sumarati mayor home.” Shiru said while grabbing Erna’s leg, preventing the girl from swimming around.

“I see. Well, on my end, everything is going pretty well. Calëb is overseeing Cavumium extraction in a town far too the east. I told her that her presence wasn’t entirely necessary, but she insisted.” Thneia said.

“Its nice to see her so motivated.” Shiru said and it wasn’t long before everyone washed up and dried their bodies.

“Hey, why don’t you join me for dinner?”

“Ooh! Yes, we’d love to!” Erna yelled but Shiru pulled on the girls ear.

“We really wouldn’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense. I’d love the company.” Thneia said with a gentle smile.

“Then lead the way.”

Everyone had changed into fresh clothes and they followed Thneia into the large dining room where they sat on chairs that were around a rather long table.

Shiru sat to Thneia’s left along with Erna and the two Kommáti sat to the Dragon Knight’s right.

“Oh- can I ask something?” Shiru asked as they waited for the servants to bring their food.

“Go ahead.” Thneia said. She had changed into a long silky gown that tightly clung to her still moist skin.

“The Aureate King mentioned something about Rahadiya and the Draconic Knights. Tell me, what really happened over there?” Shiru asked as Thneia’s pupils narrowed to a slit.