“Mmm…” Llana droned.

Her lizard like pupils narrowed as she digested all Shiru had told her.

“We are all but embers born from the heart of the Black Flame. If anything, dragons would simply be larger embers. I can see why you would want to use faith as a tool, but… no. There really is not much else we can do now that he’s gone. Alright, I’ll support you under the condition that I get to resume my duties as Dark Priestess.” Llana said with a rather wistful expression.

“That would be excellent since you’d have experience, but I must ask, why are you so eager to retake the role?” Shiru asked. She then gasped upon seeing a warm smile form on the scarred warriors face.

“My time before Rahadiya fell was… wonderful. I wasn’t the object of worship and neither was the Black Flame in essence. I was simply a guide for the lost and a ladle for the hungry. But then Rix took it all away.” Llana said although she whispered the last part so softly that Shiru almost didn’t hear it.

Llana then sighed before dismissively waving her armoured hand.

“Anyway, I just want to resume my duties. Although I don’t plan on becoming complacent in my other responsibilities.”

“Alright. I’ll inform the others. Oh- before I leave, how are things here? Do you need any support or help?” Shiru asked but Llana shook her head.

“No, we’ve already retrieved a lot of manpower from the Oasis and we’ve got tons of magicians so now all that’s left to do is wait until the stream is restored.”

Shiru nodded before standing up to leave.

She then exited the tent and looked out into the outskirts of Eimval.

Countless Rendaro could be seen working their hardest.

They worked from within tents and large dark buildings all while being watched over by the Kommáti.

“Take us back to Coh.” Shiru said and it wasn’t long before she was back in the war room and to her surprise, Serylea was speaking with Thneia by the round table.

“Eimval is in good hands. Ms. Llana said that she’s already received support from the Oasis.” She reported, prompting Thneia and Serylea to look at her.

“Good. Serylea was just explaining to me how much progress has been made with the stream and it seems as though we may be up and running soon.” Thneia said.

Shiru nodded before facing Serylea, who hair sat rather messily on her head.

“C-could you please give me a summary of Coh’s economic situation?” Shiru asked and Serylea handed her a book that sat on the table.

“Follow me.” Serylea said before leading Shiru out of the war room and into what was once the eastern side of upper Coh.

Countless Rendaro could be seen working on a large canal which, when open, would connect the stream to its old paths.

The sun was slowly setting but everyone worked hard regardless.

“Surprisingly, the disruption of the stream didn’t hit us as hard as I’d expected. We already had a ton of water stored up and we also had plenty of food in circulation. That being said, I heard that there was quite a bit of flooding in Startton, but Koráki said he’d handle it. Rahadiya will be sending fish to the expanse in the coming days and I believe we were supposed to initiate communication with the Western Wilds but… do we really have time for-“

“Western Wilds?” Shiru asked.

“You’ll find everything you need to know in that book. It contains detailed information about the Expanse’s needs and the state of the army. It also had a detailed list of everything he wanted to do. As for the Western Wilds, it a vast stretch of dessert which is populated by three groups. The Disahni, Rendaro who all live within the small city of Disahn. The Ratatamata, savages who live to the south and the Sumarati. From what we’ve seen, they were a civilization which fell for one reason or the other. All we know for sure is that all three groups are fighting for control of the Saureate river.”

“I see.” Shiru droned in understanding.

She then looked back into the crater and stared at the egg.

“Serylea… don’t you think it would be better if all Rendaro were united once again?”

“Mmm… the answer is yes, but accomplishing that would require a certain someone who had a habit of uniting people in the first place.” Serylea said as she joined Shiru in staring at the egg.

“So no one else could do it?”

“No one else could set aside their emotions to achieve what was best for everyone.” Serylea answered curtly.

“I could do it.” Shiru whispered.

“Mmm?”

“I think we could do it. If we worked together.” Shiru said with eyes that were sharp.

“Mmm… so what’s your plan?” Serylea asked with a raised brow.

“Ah… I don’t actually know. I was actually hoping you’d list out the possibilities and I’d pick one.”

“Such laziness.” Serylea said while making a disgusted expression, but she eventually sighed.

“Then again, you’ve never had to lead anyone other than Erna. Speaking of, how is she?”

“She’s fine. She so desperately wants to help everyone and become a soldier but Katsíki forbade her participation in any sort of combat, so… yeah.”

“So why do you let her train in the first place?” Serylea asked as she and Shiru made their way to the egg.

“Self defence?”

“Good luck using that excuse when she inevitably asks to join the army.” Serylea sighed.

“Anyway, get some rest. Also, you and Deag are gonna have to discuss many things regarding the future shape of Coh. We’ll have to take care of ourselves before we even begin thinking about taking care of three entirely different groups of people.”

Shiru nodded and promptly made her way back home to find that Erna wasn’t there.

She let out a deep sigh before reorganizing the furniture in the living room. She then brought all the books she’d collected to her new mini office and she began reading everything under the light of an orb on the roof.

.

..

“Mom.”

A sweet voice called prompting Shiru to open her eyes.

“Mmm?” She sounded upon seeing a dishevelled Erna. Standing next to the girl was Qualel who, like Erna, wore an apron.

“Umm… is dinner ready?” Erna asked and Shiru’s eyes instantly widened after.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“My goodness, I forgot!” Shiru gasped, but it’s here that Qualel raised her hand.

“Worry not. I prepared something just in case something like this happened.” The Kommáti said before suddenly disappearing.

Shiru and Erna then locked eyes.

Shiru gave her daughter a big hug while her eyes trembled.

“I’m so sorry.” She said.

“Don’t worry, mom. It looks like you were busy.” Erna sweetly said, bur Shiru shook her head.

“No, I don’t know what came over me… but I’ll never make the same mistake again.” She said.

Qualel then reappeared with a tray in hand. Sitting on top of the tray were two bowls of hot stew.

She placed the tray on the table in the dining area and gestured that Shiru and Erna take their seats.

Qualel then watched as the two ate in silence and all while Shiru ate, Qualel noticed that she kept sneaking glances at her.

The two eventually finished eating and Qualel took their bowls before suddenly disappearing.

Erna let out a cute yawn.

“Feeling sleepy?” Shiru asked and the girl nodded.

“We’ll go to sleep right after we bath.” Shiru said as she stood up.

She then grabbed a few things the bedroom before leading Erna out of the house and they made their way to the bathhouse that was just up the road.

They entered it to find several women getting dressed.

They made their way to an empty part of the changing room where they promptly got undressed.

“Don’t you wanna join us?” Shiru asked as she tied her long hair into a bun.

“We Kommáti do not need to.”

“But you still get dirty, right? Also, won’t you be handling food with Erna tomorrow?” Shiru said prompting Qualel to materialize.

The Kommáti let out a sigh before removing her armour.

The other women all watched as the two meter tall warrior undressed, revealing her muscular, albeit scarred body.

Her breasts were tightly bound by a strip of cloth and like all other Kommáti, she was bald.

She removed her underclothes before being dragged into the bathing area by Shiru who also pulled a sleepy Erna.

Shiru led Erna to one of the showers where she washed the girls messy hair.

She then snuck a glance at Qualel who listlessly washed her body.

The three eventually finished bathing and they promptly got changed, but before Qualel could get back into her armour, Shiru held her hand.

“Shouldn’t you wash those first?” She said while pointing at Qualel’s underwear.

Qualel let out a low drone before suddenly disappearing.

Shiru gasped as she wondered where in the world Qualel was going while naked.

The Kommáti eventually returned only she was wearing a new set of underwear.

She then wore parts of her armour before washing her other underwear.

Shiru then watched as she wore the last pieces of her armour but by this time, Erna was already falling asleep while standing and so Shiru picked her up.

After making sure her armour was properly fitted, Qualel joined Shiru and Erna in returning home where they placed Erna into bed.

However, after making sure that Erna was sleeping soundly, Shiru returned to the living room, but instead of instantly sitting by her books she turned to face Qualel who hadn’t worn her helmet.

“Could I ask you for a favour?”

“As long is it does not contradict the orders I was given, I will do as you ask.” Qualel said flatly.

“C-could you… take care of Erna while I work?”

Qualel’s eyes began glowing faintly. They had acquired a slight golden tint.

“I was ordered to protect the two of you by him. Your request does not contradict that.” Qualel said with a subtle bow.

Shiru nodded before making her way to her little desk where she returned to reading the countless reports she’d gathered with most of then being from before Caligo’s attack.

Shiru wanted to know what people were doing and what they needed before the fall of Coh.

She then planned on reading all new reports to see what had changed and what to focus on.

.

..

Deag and Calëb stood atop the eastern part of the wall that now encircled the Oasis.

“What will we do now?” The Arcusus asked.

Deag glanced at her and saw that she was far different from the woman who led the Foph when Katsíki first arrived.

Her muscles were far less defined and she had bags beneath her eyes which glowed brightly green in the dead of night.

“The only thing we can do is move forward an hope that he survives whatever awaits him in Lanceberg.”

“Would it not have been better if we sent a small army of Kommáti with him?” Calëb asked but Deag crossed his arms and raised his nose.

“Everyone made a decision in that moment.” He said with a rather stern expression.

“All we can do is hope that he returns to us safely.”

Calëb nodded before accompanying Deag to the teleportation platforms.

“Oh- be sure to thank Laïn for me. I know I already have, but I seriously couldn’t have done anything without her help.” Deag said with a smile as he stepped on the cold stone surface of the platform.

“I will.” Calëb said while weakly crossing her arms.

Deag nodded before returning to Coh and from there, he returned to the war room.

He then walked onto what would serve as his primary office and began documenting all he’d learnt in the Oasis.

A knock eventually came from the door and he looked up to see Thneia holding two flasks which seemed rather tiny in her large hands.

“Your body is unaugmented and yet still you move.” She said as she offered Deag one of the flasks.

“Eh. Beats having to yell at trainees in Cohval, I’ll tell you that.” He said as he accepted the tea filled flask.

Thneia leaned against the wall, next to Deag’s desk and she joined him in drinking tea only to wince as he burnt his tongue.

“Oh! Sorry- let me help with that.” She said as her eyes glowed slightly brighter.

Deag took another sip of the slighter cooler tea before leaning back and sighing.

He then noticed that Thneia’s head hung rather low.

“You wish you’d followed him.” He said while taking another sip.

“No… not really. If anything, I’m relieved all of us decided to stay and take care of Coh and take care of her while he pursues that oh so dark path. That being said I can’t help but feel like something is missing…” Thneia said.

“Apart from the obvious, is there something you can think off? I’m more than willing to set aside some time to help.”

Thneia’s eyes narrowed.

“I’ll let you know if I think of something.” She said while placing her free hand above her tummy.

“Hungry?” Deag yawned.

"No. Oh and you might want to get some rest.” Thneia smiled.

Deag nodded before following her out of his office.

He then bid her farewell and made his way home where, after changing, he entered the bedroom where Fìora soundly slept.

He snuck into bed only to gasp as she turned to face him.

“Hey.” She greeted sleepily.

“Hey. Did I wake you?”

“No. I’ve actually been waiting for you.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I’m not sure if I mentioned this but work I Cohval has been a breeze thanks to Wolva and Deöra. But I guess that’s to be expected from two elite soldiers. Umm… can I invite them for dinner tomorrow?” Fìora asked and Deag placed his hand on her cheek.

He then lightly tapped it making Fìora pout cutely.

“I don’t see why you need my permission, but sure. Go ahead-“

“I want you to join us.”

“Eh? I mean… if I’m not busy-“

“You will join us, no?” Fìora asked with a smile that sent a chill up Deag’s spine.

“Err… sure. I don’t get why you’re being so mean about it.” Deag said before turning away with crossed arms.

“Don’t worry. You’ll love what I have in store.” Fìora whispered.

“Alright. Goodnight, sweetheart .”

“Goodnight, my brooding sugarlump.”

.

..

“Hey”

A sweet voice called but Deag ignored it.

“Deag!” Fìora called forcing Deag’s eyes open.

“What?” He whimpered.

“Wow… you must’ve really been pooped. Come on, we've got work to do but before all that, I’m pretty sure the Cremation ceremony is being held today.”

Deag let out a low groan as he sat up.

“Let’s wash up.” Fìora said before crawling out of bed. She then led Deag into the bathroom where they showered.

After getting dried, the two then got changed into their uniforms.

“How’s Shiru doing, by the way?” Fìora asked as she accompanied Deag out of the house.

“I… actually don’t really know. All I can for sure is that she wants to help and I’m more than willing to welcome anything she offers.” Deag said as he and Fìora walked the streets of lower Coh. The grey sky illuminated the many dark buildings and countless soldiers could be seen patrolling the streets.

“Why don’t we go fetch her?” Fìora asked and Deag nodded before following before Shiru’s house which was a few minutes away.

Deag knocked on the door and lightly gasped as a weary eyed Shiru opened the door.

She was dressed in a simple dress and the EUF jacket.

“Good morning.” She greeted.

Deag and Fìora greeted her back before leading her to Western Coh.

“How’s Shiru?” Fìora asked.

“Energetic, as always.” Shiru sighed.

“On one hand, that’s good, but I can’t imagine you’re get much rest.” Fìora said but Shiru shook her head.

“Quite the opposite. Thanks to Qualel, most of Erna’s needs are met. It’s almost as though she has two mothers.” Shiru said with a weak smile but that smile disappeared as they arrived at an area just outside of Coh where countless bodies could be seeing laying atop dark, obsidian like beds and standing around the bodies were those I mourning. They stood beneath the pale grey sky as harsh, chilly winds blew by.

Standing atop a platform that overlooked them all were Thneia and Serylea.

The original plan was to address the change in leadership, but no one said anything as the bodies of the dead were engulfed in flame.

Everyone then watched as Shiru walked up to the edge of the platform.

She looked out into the eyes of the people beneath her and squeezed her small fists.

She glanced at the burning body of a child and her eyes quaked in response.

“Remember this day.” She said prompting everyone beneath to look up.

“Remember this as the day we suffered for trying to speak to those who would not listen!” She suddenly yelled, straining her voice in the process.

“Remember this as the day that we were robbed of peace yet again by those… those monsters!” She yelled while tightly holding onto her dress.

“Mother, father and child all lay dead. Snuffed by cold steel and burning contumaciousness!” She said before suddenly gasping as tears welled up in her eyes.

“Katsíki may have left and Yna lies forever asleep but I beg that you stay and defend this place. United in sorrow and driven by our desire for a better future we will live to see the day when they falter and on that day, we will stand above them, not as victors of some disgusting war, but as those who persevered!”