We start our story back at the wedding of Ronin and Indrim. Many were attending the event, but there were indeed a few who were not present. One outside the castle walls, one in the courtyard, and three hooded men in an extreme place of interest.
The first sends a raven to the west, carrying a scroll and a sake. The second also sends a raven to the west, but clokes it in an invisibility spell first. However, the last few sift through the rubble of Hellgan and find a few objects and the unburnt corpse of Dremor. They quickly take up horses and ride, under cover of night, to the west at top speed.
They arrive at a run down shake on the edge of a wooded area and enter cautiously, looking all about for any followers. When they see no one, they enter and are met by a taller hooded man with two ravens on each of his shoulders, a barely dressed blond haired elf woman, bound in chains, kneels at his feet. Before him sits the sake and scroll.
Did you find ze promised itemz? The tall man asks in a German accent.
They kneel and present two items, a bloody dagger and a flask with a red liquid inside.
Ah, I see ze Major acquired us ze skull. He opens the sack and reviles the skull. And ze body? The man asks.
Two of the men walk out and then drag Dremor's body inside.
Excellent! Lord Dralmor'z death served a fine purpose, and sen Lord Havoc finished ze rest. He opens the scroll. Ze Major has sent vord, project Omega is a go. Likevize, ze spy is in position to collect ze final itemz of interest. It is only a matter of time, VE VILL HAVE OUR REVOLUTION!! Our enemies must be nervously shaking in zeir boots, vondering vat our plan is. He laughs maniacally. Now, follow comrades. He drags the Elf woman, by her hair through a gate, as the men follow with the items and body.
Meanwhile, back at the castle Ronin sneezes loudly. Holy hell, someone must be talking about me. He thinks out loud.
You aren't catching a cold on our wedding day? Indrim asks.
A few minutes next to you, and I will be warm again. Ronin smiles.
Ronin and Indrim make their way to his bedchambers, and lock the door behind them.
Elsewhere, Harie walks nervously through the hall, talking to herself. I have to hide... I have to disappear.... He is coming, I can feel it. But aren't I safe here? Nowhere is safe. Nowhere is secret. As she turns a corner, she bumps headlong into a drunk Sora. Harie scream and huddles in fear.
My dear Harie, whatever is wrong? Sora asks.
Harie looks up with tears in her eyes. I... I.... She breaks down into full sobbing.
Amie, Fawn, and Brenda come running down the hall.
What's wrong? Amie asks.
Fawn bends down to Harie. What's the matter, dear?
I... can't.... I'm afraid Tarrant might return for me and beat me again. She sobs.
Oh, honey, you are safe here. Fawn tries to comfort her.
NOWHERE IS SAFE!!!! Harie cries.
Sora looks at the maids and then bends down to Harie. Would you like to sleep in my room tonight?
The maids glare at him in anger.
I.... ah... I am sure I can find other accommodations for the night. Sora says nervously.
Harie immediately clings to his arm. Please, kind sir, would you stay with me?
Fawn stands, she and the other maids walk away in a huff.
Very well. Sora sighs.
The next day, Indrim and Ronin awaken in each other's arms.
Good morning, my King. Indrim says with a gentle giggle.
Good morning, my beautiful Queen. Ronin smiles and slowly sits up. I suppose we have business to deal with today. He says with a sigh.
Actually, I was thinking you need a..... vacation.... Kate tells me it is a nice way to relax. Indrim says.
A vacation? You must be joking. Ronin says, with a chuckle.
Not at all, you take too much responsibility on yourself, you have earned time to relax. Indrim glares. Victor and the others can handle things.
And what are you going to do? Ronin asks.
I will join you soon. Indrim opens a gate and pushes Ronin through it, giving him a little kiss as he goes.
Ronin falls into the sea near Hellgan. Once he swims back to the surface, he makes his way to shore.
I have never been pushed into taking a vacation before... Guess I'll make the most of it. He thinks out loud.
Ronin opens a gate to a beach in Hawaii and pokes his head through, grabbing a blanket, umbrella, and a few drinks. As he does, someone takes a picture of their family, in the background. Pulling all these things through the gate, he removes his shirt and makes himself comfortable. In the distance, a crash can be heard as Hellgan's remains are leveled to the ground.
Sounds like Bruno is helping with the rebuild. Ronin thinks out loud. Perhaps we should rename Hellgan to Haven. Yes. That sounds appropriate.
Indrim walks through a gate wearing a very well fitted one-piece swimsuit, which Kate had picked out for her. It is white with an open back. How do I look?
WOW! Ronin stares.
It would not have been appropriate if anyone but you saw me in this. Indrim blushes.
Oh? Then I will covet the memory with all greed. Ronin says, smirking.
Indrim walks shyly over and gently lays, on her back, next to Ronin. The sun feels nice.
It is nice to be resistant to burning now. Once upon a time, I would have turned a hot pink and be baked in a sun like this. Ronin says, laying back.
Benefits of being a dragon. I'm sure Vamor might burn pretty bad.
She is awfully pale, a suntan might look good on her. Ronin thinks out loud.
You are going to be kind to her, aren't you, my love? Indrim turns curiously.
It is an odd concept, being loved by more than one woman, and they actually get alone. Ronin replies. Are you sure about sharing me?
Indrim turns back over and stares at the sky. I... Yes. I do not hate Vamor for anything. Sh...she told me about how you tested her, how she slapped you. She said it was like hitting a stone wall.... Honestly, I found it a relief, but what if she had said yes? What would you have done?
I would have rebuked her and reminded her that we are all servants bound to our positions.
Indrim sits up and pulls her knees to her chin. She told me about her.... condition. I hate that for her, I could not imagine not being able to have children. It is very sad, but she said that she felt better when Itsuki started searching for orphans to adopt.
So he didn't start his humanitarian efforts til after she was wounded?
Yes. I guess he is a better father than I gave him credit.
Could you imagine us having hundreds of children?
OH, POWER THAT BE FORBID!!! Indrim shouts nervously. I would become overwhelmed, even with the maids helping. How a single man could do this well is nothing short of amazing.
Ronin laughs hardily. He is very dedicated. I heard from Brenda that he brushes each of their hair before bed.
Indrim laughs. Oh, that simply can not be true, he would be up all night!
And what of Sora and Bruno, I wonder what kind of father they might be?
My impression is that Bruno might be a fine father. Sora, on the other hand....... if he sobered up a bit.... Ah, he would be fine with your mother's advice.
Speaking of, where did my mother go?
Probably to continue the reunion with Kate and Robert.
I guess that is best. Want a drink? Ronin hands her a pineapple cup with an umbrella and straw.
Where did you get this odd chalice?
My world, a place called Hawaii. Good thing I have been there on business. I believe my gate spell only allows me to travel to places I have previously been and can envision clearly.
You should take Vamor, sometime.
I'm afraid it might remind her too much of Pompeii, they have a volcano there too. In fact, I would go as far as calling it the next Pompeii.
Good point, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. Indrim takes a sip of the drink. OH, WOW, that is very sweet!
It is fruit punch with a bit of rum.
I would have never believed fruits had fists til now. Indrim takes another sip.
Ronin chuckles in his head. I love how she is newly discovering things. I hope that innocent curiosity never ends. He thinks to himself.
A layered mountain raises, in the distance, slowly shaking the earth.
Indrim sighs with a smile. I am so glad our newly added citizens will have a place to live, soon. The first providence where all races can live peacefully, side by side.
It would not have been possible without your influence.
Really?
Yes, when we first, unofficially met, you asked if you could extend a peaceful invitation to demi-humans wishing to enter the Kingdom.
That is actually what began my suspicions of you, cause my father would have argued the point to a standstill.
I don't know about that, he never said anything to me against the idea, only to tread lightly.
His foresight may have been greater than we could understand.
What do you mean?
Perhaps he was allowing us to guide the Kingdom as we saw fit, in preparation for this day.
Oh, that reminds me, how do you feel about renaming Hellgan to Haven?
Indrim perks up with a wide smile. That sounds PERFECT!!!
Ronin smiles and shuts his eyes. Almost immediately Prem rushes before him, scared and nervous.
My dear King, you are in great danger!!! She shouts. Marvous marches against the East!
Whoa, Prem, calm down. Who is Marvous?
He is from the mid-western Kingdom of Necron, the shadow who eclipses the setting night!
Ronin laughs. Well, I eclipse the rising sun. Besides, who is darker than a shadow dragon?
Prem grabs him and shakes him. THIS IS NOT A JOKE, YOUR LIFE IS IN DANGER!!! She shouts with tears in her eyes.
Ronin smiles. I didn't know you cared so much.
What could have possibly upset Prem to such an extent? What does Marvous have planned, and how does it involve Dralmor, Dremor, and Havoc? Dear reader, are you strapped in? Cause this rollercoaster is TAKING OFF!!!