Jannet flicked his tongue lazily, the warmth of the midday sun soaking into his scaled hide. The jungle around Newscar was alive with the hum of spring, the buzz of insects, and the rustle of leaves as the wind swept through. What was once a human nest was now a bustling center for Newscar’s inhabitants. Komodo dragons and goblins worked in unison, rebuilding the structures to fit their needs. The walls, once formidable for humans, had been reinforced and adapted to accommodate the strength and size of their new residents.

The sounds of hammering, carving, and hissing communication filled the air. Even the goblins had begun to adopt the Komodo way of industriousness, their smaller hands ideal for detailed work. Around the cliff face at the rear of the town, the sunning stones were occupied by lizards of all ages, their basking forms a testament to their newfound prosperity.

Jannet felt a swell of pride as he surveyed the town from his vantage point. Newscar was thriving despite the odds. Eggs were being laid in abundance, and with every hatchling, their numbers grew stronger. Rose and #1 had been busy in their roles as leaders and guardians, and the other mated pairs in the den were contributing to the growing population as well. The nursery, newly dug and strategically placed over warm earth, was bustling with activity. The tiny chirps of young Komodos and the care given by their elders were proof of their survival.

Still, Jannet couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing for the hot springs of First Scar. The memory of soaking in the natural warmth after a long day brought a hiss of wistful amusement to his throat. He made a mental note to figure out how to recreate such a luxury here. If the humans could bring warmth to their water, surely the lizards could find a way as well. "Upgrades, people, upgrades," he thought with a touch of humor, the phrase from his human life amusingly out of place in his reptilian one.

Today, however, his mind was on other matters. The rapid expansion of their settlement and the increasing need for trade meant it was time to solidify their relationship with the gemstone gnomes. Their trade route had already proven invaluable, and Jannet had questions for the crafty little creatures. He had ideas for projects that required their skill and resources.

He left Rose and #1 in charge, their combined leadership keeping Newscar steady in his absence. Randel, ever industrious and clever, was his chosen companion for this trip. With a flick of his tail and a hiss of farewell to the gathered lizards and goblins, Jannet began his journey.

The trek to the gemstone gnomes’ territory was familiar yet different. The jungle had shifted subtly with the arrival of spring. The air was rich with the scents of blooming flowers and the musky undertones of damp earth. Randel moved beside him, his frilled head tilting every so often to inspect a curious insect or rustling bush. Jannet appreciated the younger lizard's presence; Randel's intelligence and creativity made him an ideal companion for this venture.

As they moved deeper into the jungle, Jannet’s mind wandered. He thought about how far he had come. Once a timid housewife who cowered in the shadow of Richard and Walter, now he was leading an entire settlement. The transformation still amazed him, and the thought of what Richard and Walter would say if they could see him now brought a flicker of satisfaction.

“Housewife to lizard mayor,” Jannet mused aloud, his voice a low hiss. “Not bad for someone they used to push around.”

Randel flicked his tongue in response, a gesture Jannet took as agreement. The jungle around them grew denser as they neared the gemstone gnomes' territory. The faint glint of sunlight reflecting off hidden crystals marked their approach. The gnomes had made their home in a network of caves that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow.

As Jannet approached the shimmering entrance to the gemstone gnomes’ home, the atmosphere felt different. The guards at the entrance shifted uneasily, their polished armor catching the faint light filtering through the jungle canopy. Unlike the accountant-looking gnome from Jannet’s previous encounters, these guards appeared less refined, their gemstone helmets duller, and their weapons simpler. Their unease was palpable, and Jannet flicked his tongue to taste the air, noting a strange mix of tension and caution.

The silence was broken as a familiar figure burst from the cave entrance, practically tripping over his own tiny feet. It was Dimglow, the mayor of the gnome settlement, and his scent was unmistakable. His tiny hands moved frantically, and magic shimmered around him as he completed a spell. His high-pitched voice rang out clearly in Jannet’s mind once the spell activated.

“NONONONONO! This isn’t good! We didn’t agree to this day! NO! What are you doing here?”

Jannet tilted his head, his golden eyes narrowing at the odd display. Dimglow’s flustered demeanor was a far cry from their previous meetings. The mayor’s tiny body seemed to vibrate with nervous energy, and he kept glancing over his shoulder toward the guards and the deeper recesses of the caves. The behavior set Jannet on edge. Something was off.

“I know it was unplanned, Mayor Dimglow,” Jannet hissed calmly, his voice low and steady. “But why should our arrival bother you? We are allies, are we not?”

Dimglow’s mustache twitched uncontrollably, and he gave a high-pitched laugh that didn’t ease the tension. “No, no! It’s fine, my clever lizard friend—” He was cut off mid-sentence as a group of guards approached. They were flanked by a regally dressed female gnome whose presence immediately commanded attention.

Jannet’s eyes narrowed further. The female gnome wore an intricately embroidered gown that sparkled with embedded gemstones, and her gem-adorned headdress glowed faintly with magic. Unlike the male gnomes, she lacked a mustache, her elegant features and piercing gaze clearly marking her as someone of high importance. She exuded an air of authority that even Jannet could sense from his towering height.

The gnomes began squeaking rapidly at each other, their high-pitched voices overlapping in a chaotic cacophony. Jannet could only pick out a few words—“mayor,” “venom,” and “cousin’s restaurant”—before Dimglow fell to his knees, bowing and placating himself before the regal figure. His babbling was a mixture of excuses and apologies, his nervous energy practically vibrating off him.

“Ah, no, my lady, simply speaking to a friend… yes, he is an odd friend… no, it’s not why my cousin’s restaurant is the talk of the nation… I don’t know anything about venom… My lady, I—”

Jannet’s tail flicked in irritation, his hissing voice cutting through Dimglow’s rambling. “What are we discussing, Mayor Dimglow?”

The regal gnome turned her sharp gaze to Jannet, her gemstone headdress glowing brighter as she muttered a spell. Suddenly, her words became clear to Jannet, her magic far more potent than the spells Dimglow could muster.

“Where are my manners?” she said, her tone calm but commanding. “I am Lady DarkDiamonds, the ruling diamond monarch of this gemstone mine. And these two”—she shot a glare at Dimglow—“owe us all a conversation.”

Dimglow shrank under her gaze, muttering incoherently. Lady DarkDiamonds motioned to one of the guards. “Find Sharpbright. I expect his explanation alongside his brother’s.”

Turning her attention back to Jannet, she continued, her demeanor softening slightly. “I would invite you in, friend, but I’m afraid you are far too large for our mines. Oh dear, I’m getting ahead of myself. How should I refer to you? I don’t even know your name yet, large friend.”

Jannet’s golden eyes flicked with annoyance to Dimglow before returning to Lady DarkDiamonds. Lowering his head slightly in what he hoped conveyed respect, he began to introduce himself. “I am Jannet, Sovereign of Newscar.”

Lady DarkDiamonds’ gemstone gleamed as she studied him intently. “Sovereign of Newscar,” she repeated thoughtfully. “It has a nice ring to it. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sovereign Jannet. I sense there is much we can discuss.”

Jannet’s tail flicked again, his unease at the situation warring with his desire to maintain diplomacy. “I look forward to that discussion, Lady DarkDiamonds. But perhaps we should start with why my arrival has caused such… excitement.”

Lady DarkDiamonds’ lips curled into a small smile, though her sharp eyes betrayed nothing. “Indeed,” she said. “Let us shed some light on this matter.” She turned her gaze to the increasingly nervous Dimglow, her voice dropping to an icy tone. “Shall we, Miner Dimglow?”

Jannet couldn’t help but feel a lingering sense of absurdity as Lady DarkDiamonds motioned for him to follow. Really? DarkDiamonds? What's next were-wolves?The Sovereign of Newscar flicked his tongue in amusement, a soundless laugh rumbling in his chest. Whoever had pieced this world together had clearly been a fan of the 80s. Between the sparkling gemstone aesthetic and the over-the-top names, it was as if someone had mashed up Labyrinth with a high-fantasy RPG.

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Still, Lady DarkDiamonds carried herself with a grace and authority that quickly dispelled the humor from the situation. She led Jannet and Randel away from the bustling mine entrance, down a sloping pathway that opened into a secluded garden nestled within the glittering walls. It was not the tight, cramped space Jannet had expected. The garden was meticulously arranged with small flower beds and mossy stone pathways. Vibrant gemstone formations jutted up like natural sculptures, their colors catching the filtered light that shone through cleverly placed mirrors.

Jannet's sharp eyes noted the level of care and sophistication. Not tiny for the gnomes, he thought with mild respect. The garden was clearly meant as a retreat, and while Jannet and Randel had to crouch awkwardly to avoid crushing anything underfoot, the space felt like an oasis of calm amid the bustling mine.

At the center of the garden was a charming little patio, complete with a columned roof and a gnome-sized tea table set for two. Lady DarkDiamonds took a seat, her posture regal yet relaxed. She gestured toward the soft, mossy ground nearby. “Please, make yourselves comfortable,” she said, her voice calm yet commanding.

Jannet settled onto the lawn with as much dignity as a massive Komodo dragon could muster, his claws sinking slightly into the soft ground. Randel mimicked him, his frills flaring briefly in curiosity as he scanned the intricate details of the garden. The whole scene reminded Jannet of dolls from Earth, the miniature table and chairs feeling absurdly delicate in comparison to his bulk.

Lady DarkDiamonds poured herself a cup of tea from a gleaming crystal teapot, her every movement precise and deliberate. “Now,” she began, her gaze flicking to Dimglow, who lingered awkwardly near the patio, “let’s address this situation properly.”

Jannet tilted his head, taking the opportunity to recount his initial dealings with the gnomes. “We ran into Dimglow during our early days,” he began, his hissing voice low but steady. “He claimed to be the mayor of your settlement. Sharpbright, as you may know, presented himself as an accountant. They offered us tools, gemstones, and enchanted materials, which proved invaluable in defending my home not long ago.”

Lady DarkDiamonds’ gemstone headdress shimmered faintly as she listened, her expression unreadable. When Jannet finished, she turned her sharp gaze to Dimglow, her eyebrow arched with unmistakable authority. “This is where the missing mana stones have gone?”

Dimglow visibly shrank, his mustache twitching as he muttered incoherently. “Tools, we could overlook,” Lady DarkDiamonds continued, her tone like tempered steel. “But mana stones? We’ve been tracking their gradual disappearance for weeks.”

Jannet’s tongue flicked, sensing the shift in the air. He interjected carefully, “It was never my intention to take anything that wasn’t freely offered. The trades we made were agreed upon, and the stones were vital to our survival. I only hope we can continue to build on the relationship we’ve established.”

Lady DarkDiamonds softened slightly, her stern demeanor relaxing as she nodded. “I do not hold you responsible, Sovereign Jannet. You are a customer, not a thief. However…” She fixed Dimglow with another piercing stare. “Certain individuals here may have been… overstepping their authority.”

Dimglow’s face flushed as he stammered, “I-it was for the benefit of all, my lady! The lizards and goblins—valuable allies! Their venom, their resources, their—”

“Enough,” Lady DarkDiamonds said sharply, cutting him off. She sighed, her irritation giving way to a measured calm. “We will discuss your actions later, Dimglow. For now…” She turned her attention back to Jannet. “The trades will continue, but they will be overseen more closely from this point forward.”

Jannet nodded, satisfied with the outcome. “I would also like to discuss the possibility of custom projects,” he added. “Your people’s craftsmanship is unmatched, and there are ideas I have that could benefit us both.”

Lady DarkDiamonds’ expression brightened slightly, her interest piqued. “Custom projects? You have my attention, Sovereign. What did you have in mind?”

Jannet tilted his massive head slightly, his golden eyes fixed on Lady DarkDiamonds with a curious intensity. “This form of communication, my lady,” he began, his voice a low, rumbling hiss. “It is a magical spell, is it not? Speak with animal?”

Lady DarkDiamonds nodded, her gemstone tiara catching the light with the movement. “Indeed, Sovereign Jannet. It is a refined spell we employ for diplomacy and trade with non-gnomish entities.”

Jannet’s tongue flicked thoughtfully. “Then, if I may propose an idea—my ring,” he said, raising a clawed limb to display the enchanted band that shimmered faintly even in the soft light of the garden. “This is a form of identification magic imbued within it. It aids me in understanding the world, but it is limited in scope. Would it be possible for your craftsmen to create something similar? A ‘speak with persons’ ring, perhaps, that allows communication between my kind and others, as your spell does.”

Lady DarkDiamonds’ brow arched slightly, intrigue flickering in her expression. “A fascinating request, Sovereign. Are you suggesting that this enchantment be embedded into wearable items for your people?”

“Yes,” Jannet affirmed with a deliberate nod. “Not only for myself but for my companions, and potentially for the growing population of Newscar. Communication is key for growth and diplomacy, and your gnomes’ craftsmanship could bridge the gap between our species. Additionally…” He paused, his gaze sharp but thoughtful. “Other magical effects could aid in the growth of our hatchling nation. Rings or items imbued with enhancements for defense, strength, or even productivity. Your gemstones have already proven invaluable.”

Lady DarkDiamonds leaned back in her small chair, her fingers steepled thoughtfully. “You aim to elevate your people, not merely through strength but through innovation and cooperation. I must admit, Sovereign, I find your vision for a lizard compelling.”

Randel, who had been quietly observing, flicked his frills in excitement, his claws kneading at the mossy ground. Jannet’s proposal seemed to spark something in him, his calculating mind no doubt racing with ideas for how these enchanted tools could be integrated into Newscar’s evolving society.

“It is more than vision, my lady,” Jannet said, his tone steady but resolute. “It is necessity. The events of late have shown us the strength of the jungle—and its dangers. If Newscar is to thrive, we must adapt, innovate, and grow. Your people’s skills align perfectly with that goal.”

Lady DarkDiamonds’ expression sharpened, her gemstone tiara catching the filtered light as she leaned forward. “Your proposal is bold, Sovereign Jannet. But such advancements do not come without cost. My people’s skills, especially in the creation of magical artifacts, are not easily given away. If Newscar wishes to benefit from our expertise, there are terms to be met.”

Jannet’s golden eyes narrowed slightly, his instincts on edge but his demeanor calm. “And what would those terms be, my lady?”

DarkDiamonds’ lips curled into a small smile, her gemstone glinting as if with its own inner light. “First, a mining branch shall be established within Newscar. My miners will require access to resources that only your territory provides. This branch will serve as both an extension of our trade and an assurance of mutual benefit.”

Jannet flicked his tongue thoughtfully. “And these miners, they would work under your oversight?”

“Naturally,” she replied, her tone cool but firm. “The branch will answer to the Palace of Diamond. To ensure its prosperity and safety, diplomatic visits from my representatives will be a necessity. I trust that you would welcome such visits.”

Her gaze slid pointedly to Dimglow, who shrank visibly under her scrutiny. “And since our dear Mayor Dimglow seems so keen on your partnership, he shall oversee this mining branch as part of his…rehabilitation.” Her voice dripped with subtle amusement, though her eyes left no room for argument. “Should anything untoward happen to my miners, Sovereign Jannet, the deal will be null and void.”

Jannet inclined his head slightly, his mind already calculating the implications. “Your people will be safe within Newscar’s walls. You have my word.”

DarkDiamonds’ expression softened slightly, but the glint in her eyes revealed a streak of greed. “Good. But there is another matter. Payment, Sovereign. The creation of magical artifacts requires resources and labor, and my people must be compensated fairly.”

“Name your price,” Jannet replied, his voice steady.

“The water buffalo,” she said simply, her gemstone glimmering as if it shared her enthusiasm. “Your hunters’ supply of this legendary giant meat has already stirred an uproar among my people. One restaurant alone has caused a sensation with its steady deliveries. I wish to make such delicacies a common luxury for my miners. Hardworking gnomes deserve to indulge, do they not?”

Jannet felt a flicker of amusement at her undisguised foodie tendencies. “You wish for a steady supply?”

“Exactly,” she said with a small nod. “The meat, in addition to the venom and herbs your people collect, will be tightly controlled. All such resources will be handled directly by the Palace of Diamond.”

Randel, who had remained silent until now, hissed softly in thought. Jannet caught the younger lizard’s cautious glance but gave a subtle flick of his tail to signal his agreement. “Very well,” Jannet said, his tone carrying the weight of his sovereignty. “Your terms are fair. Newscar will provide these resources, and your miners will find our lands hospitable.”

Lady DarkDiamonds’ smile widened, the satisfaction in her expression evident. “Excellent. Then let us move forward. Tell me, Sovereign, what ideas do you have for these magical rings? My craftsmen will need clear direction to begin their work.”

“Enhancements for my people’s strengths,” Jannet continued, his voice thoughtful. “Rings that increase stamina, speed, or healing. Perhaps tools that aid in construction, hunting, or even defense. Newscar is growing, and with it, the demands on its citizens.”

The gnome queen’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Such ambitions,” she murmured. “These are not simple enchantments, Sovereign. They will require time, effort, and resources.”

“And you will be compensated,” Jannet replied smoothly. “Our partnership benefits us both, does it not?”

DarkDiamonds chuckled softly, a sound like the chiming of distant bells. “Indeed it does, Sovereign Jannet.” As they continued to discuss the details, Jannet couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The terms were steep, but they were fair, and the rewards would strengthen Newscar in ways that few could imagine. Lady DarkDiamonds was a shrewd negotiator, but she was also a visionary, and together, they were laying the foundation for something extraordinary.