Nathaniel let out a deep sigh when they finally rolled into Treante. It took longer to get back than he originally thought. Hope and Ralia chased away a few brigands that thought they could make a quick coin, but they ran away when they realized they were outmatched. Now to just get them to the dungeon.
A few villagers stepped out of their homes to watch the caravan go by, and the dark elves wrapped themselves tightly in their blankets. The humans glared at the elves in distrust while the elves sneered at the humans in hatred.
“This may have been a mistake.” Nathaniel whispered to himself.
“It’ll take time master.” Bella placed a hand on his shoulder.
Nathaniel smiled warmly at her and waved the wagons onward. His left hand still had the seedling clinging to it. Ever since the ritual, there was a strange sensation at the back of his mind. It was hard to explain, but there was an underlying curiosity nagging at him. He felt compelled to address the sensation but was pulled out when Hope laughed at him.
“Master, you keep talking to yourself.” Bella responded to his confused look. Her eyes fell to the seedling with both warmth and sadness. “Or, I should say you keep talking to Nu’alan.”
“Is this normal?” Nathaniel looked at the seedling with concern.
Bella shrugged. “I don’t know. Nyena was four hundred years old when I bonded to her, but there was a spiritual connection between us. When we were near each other, we could commune telepathically with each other.” A worried frown overcame her. “Unfortunately, your bond is incomplete, so you won’t receive any of the benefits of being bonded to a dryad.”
“Which are?”
“A longer lifespan for one.” Bella replied tapping her chin. “Green Lords and Ladies tend to live for another hundred years longer than everyone else. There’s also protection from hexes and poisons, but you become more susceptible to fire and ice. Then there’s the fact that if the dryad dies, then so do you. Until you receive a fairy’s blessing, you’ll never receive the benefits from the bond.”
Nathaniel nodded. “I’ll keep Nu’alan safe then.” They approached the cliff face.
A drone flew up to them, and Seneschal called out to them. “Master, I have a place ready for the seedling. Please follow me.” Nathaniel broke away from the caravan with the others.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Eladregn snapped, jumping off the wagon.
“To plant the seed.”
The dark elves whispered to themselves, and they slowly jumped off the wagons. They glared at Nathaniel, but their eyes softened when they looked at the seedling.
“We’re coming. We don’t trust you with Nyena’s daughter.” Eladregn replied.
“Eladregn, you shouldn’t-” Bella was cut off by Nathaniel.
“Then come on. We should get her into the ground as soon as possible.”
The dark elves stayed close as they followed Nathaniel along the mountain range. Seneschal led them to a small glade with a pit in the center of it.
“I’ve plotted the area and believe this is the best location. It’s within the dungeon’s domain, but still has plenty of room to grow.” Seneschal hovered the plot.
Nathaniel nodded with a smile and placed the seedling into the pit. He started burying the seed into the dirt, but the roots tightened around his arm.
“Come on, let go.” Nathaniel chuckled, trying to free his arm, but the roots wouldn’t budge.
“I think she’s still feeding off your power core.” Bella replied looking around. “The soil must not have enough magic to sustain her.”
“Allow me to fix that.” Seneschal said. Slowly, the roots pulled away and burrowed into the dirt. “I’ve rerouted power to this spot. It should be enough to sustain the seed until it matures.”
Nathaniel finished planting the seed. “I want sentries and guardians assigned to keep this area safe. Nothing is to harm this seed.”
“As you command.”
Nathaniel turned to the dark elves watching them. “Does that satisfy you all?”
Eladregn’s face twitched in contempt. “For now, human.”
Nathaniel sighed but led them into the dungeon. The dark elves stared in awe at the strange surroundings, and they flinched away every time a sentry flew through the room. Nathaniel quickly ordered all robots away from the medical facility. The elves tension could be felt in the way they gazed fearfully at everything, and the last thing Nathaniel wanted was for them to lash out in fear.
When they stepped into the medical facility, Nathaniel turned to them. “We’ll properly tend to your wounds here. After that, we’ll get you a warm meal and a place to rest.”
“What happens after that?” The dark elves glared at him as they huddled close together.
“You have two choices; you can stay and tend to the dryad or leave and find a new grove. Those that leave will be given supplies and gear for their trip and those that stay we’ll discuss living arrangements.” The dark elves mumbled to themselves. Nathaniel sighed, shaking his head. “This isn’t something you have to decide now. I’ll give you a few days to think it through, but first, we really need to get you all healthy again.”
“And I’ll be with you all every step.” Bella replied, but none of the elves looked happy.
“You abandoned us to live with a human.” Eladregn snapped.
Bella’s smile faded as she looked at the ground. “You’re right. I shirked my responsibility to you all. I’m sorry, and I want to make it up to you all.” Tears shined in her eyes as she stared at them. “Please, let me make this right.”
“Fine, but I’ll be keeping an eye on the humans.”
“I’m ready for the first person.” Elias called out to them. The elves slowly made their way to the surgeon, each shook with fear as they were examined.
Nathaniel whispered in Bella’s ear. “Why don’t you prepare the rooms for them. I’ll have Hope watch over them for you.” Bella nodded with a shaky breath, and she slowly walked out of the room. “Ralia, keep an eye on them. Hope, take them to the sleeping quarters so they can rest.”
“Yes master.” The two women nodded.
Nathaniel stepped out of the room and went back to the dungeon core. He sat against the console resting his head against the cold metal.
“Seneschal, begin crafting gear for the elves. Have full sets of armor, bows, and swords made for each of them, just in case they all decide to leave.”
“Yes master.”
Nathaniel’s breaths slowed, and the chirping from the consoles helped ease some of the tension. “How’s Nu’alan doing?”
“She’s taken to the soil well.” Seneschal replied in a hushed tone. “Ever since she was planted, the dungeon recognized her as a part of itself. The core has made changes to the soil composition to make sure she grows healthy.”
“Good, but I still want to be safe. Are they any defenses we can create to give her more protection?”
“There are shields we can install, but they’ll draw power from the core when active. However, in her current state, it shouldn’t draw too much power.”
“Do it, and make sure she has sentries protecting her at all times.”
“Yes master.”
Nathaniel let the sounds of the dungeon lull him to near sleep. Exhaustion kept him from dreaming, and his mind was completely blank. His rest was disturbed when someone shook his shoulder. When he awoke, everyone was gathered around him.
“How are they?” Nathaniel groaned as he rose to his feet.
“I’ve done everything that I can for them.” Elias replied. His eyes shifted quickly between Nathaniel and Bella, and he was constantly wringing his hands. “However, one won’t be able to leave.”
Nathaniel sighed deeply, rubbing his eyes. “Is it who I think it is?”
“Yes, she’s in rough shape. Not simply because of how she was treated, but also due to her pregnancy. By the time she recovers, she’ll be too far along to travel.”
“How should we proceed Bella?” Nathaniel turned to her.
“We should start preparing to build houses for the elves.” Bella said quietly. “A few will probably still leave, but most will stay to keep her company. It’s not in our nature to abandon our family.” Her shoulders slumped when she said that. “We should move her out of the dungeon as well. Elves don’t do well underground for long periods of time. It’ll need to be someplace where she can see the sky.”
“We can bring her back to the manor.” Nathaniel said, “But we don’t have enough room for everyone.”
“Then they can stay at the tavern.” Sierra replied, looking at everyone. “If they don’t have a problem sharing rooms, then we could take six of them.”
“I can ask Rose if she’ll allow some to stay in the church, if that’ll help.” Elias said.
“Thanks, you two. Let me know what you find out.”
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Things weren’t going well. Rose agreed to take a few of the elves in, but they refused the offer. They did accept to stay at the tavern and Nathaniel’s manor, but the pregnant elf chose to stay at the tavern. She was adamant about not sleeping under the same roof with a human man, and she threw a fit when she found out about Oden. However, she chose to stick with the tavern when most of the elves chose to stay with her. This was just the beginning.
The elves barely went outside, and when they did it was always in large groups. They would give the villagers hateful glares from a distance. Some of the interactions had turned into full fights. It was only a matter of time before an incident happened.
Nathaniel groaned as he looked over another paper. “This can’t continue.” His thumbs traced the runes running along the band of the bracelet in his hands.
He sat back and looked around at his new study. During their time at the capital, Seneschal had taken it upon himself to completely rebuild his home. The wooden house meant for a single family was now a stone manor easily twice the size. The manor sported seven rooms with a large master bedroom for himself, a large kitchen that nearly made Bella faint from excitement, an armory for Ralia, and Hope was thrilled at the sight of the expanded sewing room. Of course, they were all excited to enjoy the large bath. However, Nathaniel was a little sad to see the forge had been remodeled as well. This was no longer the house that Gordon built.
With a heavy sigh, Nathaniel stood from his desk to stare at the framed letter on the wall. Seneschal discovered that the Fabricator bots could write as well as paint, so pictures were being made from his memories. A few pictures hung around the letter, and a tightness filled his chest when he looked upon them.
“I bet you’d tell me not to worry about it.” Nathaniel gave a sad chuckle as he looked at the picture of Lydia. “That I should focus on making new memories.” He stared at the faces of all the people he’d no longer see again. “I’ll do a better job this time.”
A knock came from the door, and Bella peeked inside. “Master, are you busy?”
“What is it?”
“Barin needs to speak with you.” A sad frown was painted on her face. “There was an incident, and now he and Eladregn are fighting.”
“This ends today.” Nathaniel sighed, cracking his neck. “Have both of them meet me in the dining room.” He gathered the bracelet and a scroll.
Bella nodded. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m putting my foot down.” Nathaniel replied stepping past her. “Today, this hostility is going to end. I’m sorry Bella, but if the elves won’t conform then they’ll need to leave.”
“I understand.”
Nathaniel’s heart twisted in pain as a tear leaked down her cheek, but he couldn’t let her sway his determination. She quietly followed behind him and broke away when he headed to the dining room. Nathaniel took a seat at the head of the table and waited for the two men to arrive. Their shouts could be heard from the opened door.
“When are you fairies going to leave!” Barin stabbed his finger into Eladregn’s chest. “Your kind have been causing nothing but trouble.”
“Don’t touch me, human!” Eladregn slapped Barin’s hand away. “My people wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your kind.”
Nathaniel slammed his fist onto the table, drawing their attention. “Enough, sit down.” The two men glared at each other but were silent as they sat on either side of Nathaniel. Eladregn glanced over as Bella stood behind Nathaniel. “I wanted to have this discussion after the elves had recovered, but all of the fighting has changed that.” He turned to Eladregn. “It’s time for the elves to decide if they’re going to stay. Those that leave will be given supplies and gear.”
Eladregn snarled. “Not all of us are able to leave. What will happen to them? Will they become slaves?”
Nathaniel slammed the bracelet onto the table. “Those that stay will be made citizens of Treante. You’ll be granted land to build your own homes, and you can establish any form of trade you desire. However, you’ll be expected to pay five coppers in taxes each year.”
“Five coppers! We must pay ten silvers!” Barin roared in anger.
“Not anymore.” Nathaniel handed Barin the scroll. “King Rogmier has recognized me as the lord of Treante, and as of today, taxes are being reduced to five copper pieces.”
Barin skimmed through the title. “Forgive me, my lord.” He bowed, handing the paper back.
“I’m sorry for springing this so suddenly on you. I wasn’t certain on how to tell you, but these fights between the humans and elves forced my hand.”
“You say we’ll be made citizens of your realm, but what’s stopping the humans from enslaving us?” Eladregn stared at them suspiciously.
“This bracelet will.” Nathaniel slid it closer to him. “I’ve been working on this for a few months now. This bracelet uses altered slave runes to protect the wearer from being enslaved.”
“Why would you create such a thing?”
“So, I can release Bella, Hope, and Ralia.”
Eladregn looked between Bella and the bracelet. “Then do it. Free Lady Belladryn right now.”
Bella snapped. “That’s enough-”
“Fine.” Nathaniel picked up the bracelet.
“No, master, you don’t need to.” Bella shook her head as she backed away.
The wall stopped her progress, and she stared into Nathaniel’s eyes as he reached for her neck. The collar snapped open and fell to the floor. Tears welled up in her eyes as the bracelet snapped around her right wrist.
Nathaniel took a needle from her apron and pricked her left thumb. “I’m sorry, but it needs blood to activate it.” He gently took her hand and pressed her thumb against the metal. The runes lit up once her blood touched the metal. “What’s your status Bella?”
Bella stared at the ground, her lower lip trembling. “The slave class is gone.” She said softly. “If you’ll excuse me, I forgot I needed to do something.” Bella rushed out of the room.
Nathaniel watched her leave before taking his seat. “That’s not the reaction I thought she would have.”
“It seems her feelings for you were genuine.” Eladregn whispered in regret. “I thought you used the collar to enchant her, but I was mistaken. Please forgive my ignorance.” He turned to Barin and bowed. “And please forgive my people for our rudeness. We let our anger blind us to your kindness.”
Barin sighed deeply, scratching his head. “There’s nothing to forgive, we weren’t as cordial as we could have been.”
“Look you two.” Nathaniel drew their attention. “I’m not from this world. Whatever prejudices your people have for each other, don’t mean much to me.” He tapped his fingers on the table. “I’m not expecting the bad blood between humans and elves to suddenly end, but I won’t tolerate this hostility from either side, am I clear?”
“Yes,” Eladregn said, “I’ll speak with my people and get you the count of how many are staying.” He rose from his chair and quietly left.
“I’ll spread the word that we have a new lord.” Barin said with a chuckle. “Now the goodwives can trouble you over silly gossip.” Nathaniel groaned as Barin left.
The fire crackled in the background. Nathaniel went over and picked up Bella’s collar from the floor. It snapped closed in his hand.
“Master!” Hope barged through the door. “Did you take off Bella’s collar?”
“I did.” Nathaniel smiled, tossing the metal choker onto the table. “I don’t need them anymore.”
Hope’s eyes grew big with a fearful glint. “You don’t want us anymore?”
“That’s not it.” Nathaniel knelt, patting her head. “I want us to be a true family.” He snapped open her collar and tossed it aside. “I’m no longer you master, and you’re no longer my slave.”
“Then, what do I call you?”
“You can call me whatever you want.”
Hope stared at the ground then gave him a small smile. “The Saint called you Nate. Can I call you that?”
“Sure, sweetie.”
Hope embraced him with a large smile. “I’m glad you were the one who bought me. Will you free Ralia too?”
“Yes.” Nathaniel chuckled. “The question is will she let me.” A loud thump drew their attention, and Ralia stood in the door glaring at them.
“You want to get rid of me?” Ralia growled at him.
“That’s not true.”
“Then why remove the collar?” She snapped fiercely. She bit her lip to keep it from quivering.
“Because I want you all to be here by choice, not force.” Nathaniel replied, slowly approaching her.
Ralia snapped her tail at him. “Don’t come any closer.” Her voice cracked as her snarl faded. Nathaniel continued to approach. “Stop. I don’t want my collar removed!” She ran into the wall and flinched when Nathaniel touched her cheek. “Please, I don’t want to be taken from you.”
“I won’t let anyone take my beautiful dragon-heart from me.” He kissed her head while removing her collar. Ralia whimpered as the choker fell to the floor. “However, I can’t continue keeping you as a slave.”
“Then what are we?”
“A family.” Nathaniel kissed her deeply. Ralia’s tail wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer.
A smile appeared on her face when they pulled away. “If that is what you desire, then I’ll comply. However, I’m still calling you master. A knight should address her lord properly.”
“Very well.” Nathaniel chuckled.
Ralia’s hand ran along his arm. “You should go to Bella. I fear she has the wrong idea as well.” Nathaniel nodded and took a step back, but she grabbed his hand. “As much as I don’t like it, you should take her to bed.”
Nathaniel nodded with a pained smile and kissed her again. His gut twisted as he left the dining room. Ever since Bella joined them, there were three places in the house she tended to stay in. The first, and most likely, was the kitchen.
As he approached the door, he could hear dishes clanking. Bella stood over the wash bucket, wiping down the dishes in a lethargic manner. The occasional sniffle escaped her, and she wiped away the tears with her sleeve. For a moment, she glanced at him before returning to her task.
“Is there something you need m-Nathaniel?” Her voice wavered when she said his name.
“Bella, about the collar-”
“I already know.” She sighed deeply. “You did it so I could choose to be with my people.” She turned and gave him a broken smile. “Thank you for freeing me.”
“You can stay if you want Bella.”
“I know, but it’s not as simple as that.” She continued cleaning the dishes. “The guilt I felt for abandoning my people was great, but when I had the collar on, I could use it to justify why I couldn’t return to them. I was simply putting the blame on you.” Her composure broke, and tears freely flowed down her cheeks. “I’m sorry for using you like that.”
The sight of her crying pained his heart, and he wrapped her in a gentle embrace from behind. “You don’t need to feel guilty about that anymore.”
Bella buried her face in his chest. “I don’t want to leave.”
“Then don’t.”
“But my people-”
“Eladregn is talking to them now. I doubt all of them will leave, and besides, wouldn’t it be for the best to show them that our people can get along.” Bella nodded with a smile, and Nathaniel was stunned by her beauty. “Do you want to continue where we left off that one night?"
Bella blushed as she looked around. “Now?” she whispered. Nathaniel nodded, swallowing hard. “I need to get ready. Could you wait for me in your room, please?”
“Alright, I’ll be waiting.”
Nathaniel’s heart drummed in his chest as he headed up to his room. The room was larger than any he ever had. The Fabricators made each piece under the instruction of Seneschal. However, the fact that the bed could easily fit four was a little disturbing. What was he thinking? Honestly, he was trying to distract himself.
This was the first time he proposed intimacy. Nathaniel rubbed away the sweat forming on his palms and tried calming himself with deep breaths. When the knock came from his door, he turned around too quickly and got dizzy.
“Come in.” He was thankful that his voice didn’t crack.
Bella stepped in wearing a large cloak that completely covered her. An embarrassed smile touched her lips and the blush on her cheeks made her look adorable. When she shut the door, she took a few steps forward and let the cloak fall to her feet. Nathaniel didn’t know where to look.
Bella stood there in a lacey, black bra that barely covered her chest, and a black and white petticoat with a small apron around her waist. Transparent black socks covered her legs, and they matched the black gloves. A lacey headband peaked out from her silver bun. The sight weakened Nathaniel’s legs, and he had to sit down.
“What do you think, master?” Bella lifted the edges of her skirt.
“It looks good.” Nathaniel cleared his throat. The sight of her made his mouth dry.
“Thanks, I had to have Seneschal help with some of it.” Bella chuckled as her eyes glanced downward. “I should thank Shizuka when I see her again.” She sauntered forward. Her swaying hips were mesmerizing to look at. “How may I serve you, master?”
“I… could use a drink.”
Bella sat on his lap and ran a hand through his hair. “As you wish.” She kissed him deeply while shoving her tongue into his mouth. He let himself give into the advances of the beautiful elf on his lap.
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Nathaniel laid there panting as he ran a hand through Bella’s hair. Her long silver hair blanketed them as she lay on his chest. Her fingers caressed his chest, and her own panting warmed his skin.
“So, I take it you’re staying?” Nathaniel whispered into her ear.
“Of course.” She said with a mischievous smile. “I’ll need your help with the child after all.”
“What?”
Bella laughed into his chest. “I’m teasing.” Her eyes shined beautifully with mirth. “I still have a few more months before I enter my fertile cycle.” Her smile faded a little. “Does the idea of us having a child scare you?”
“Of course, but I would be excited as well.” Nathaniel sighed in relief. “And the same would be true for Ralia as well. If we’re even capable of having children.”
“You know the Champion’s slave is a half-elf.” Her twisted smile returned. “So, do you have any suggestions on names?” The two of them laughed as they enjoyed each other’s warmth. Quiet soon overtook the room, and Bella kissed his neck. “Thank you for all that you’ve done. I swear, I’ll never leave your side.” Her words brought a warmth to Nathaniel’s heart, and he held her tightly as he kissed her head.