Stretched out on the grass, Amdirlain snuggled in against Torm. Eyes half-lidded, her head rested on his shoulder as his fingers caressed along her lower back. His soft touch through her clothing caused sparks to twitch through her core and up her spine. She murmured a faint protest as he shifted position and his other hand came up to play with her hair. “I’m trying to focus here.”

“Just increasing the challenge. See if you can keep skipping rocks with more distractions,” Torm said. “After what you found, it’s no wonder your heart hurt so much. All I can suggest is focus on the light you brought for so many. How many did you rescue? Did you speak to Jarl Þiúðmundr about finding homes?”

[Telekinesis [J](33->35)

Pain Tolerance [Ad](25->26)]

Amdirlain pushed the continued sensation of needles under her skin away and focused on the melty sensation his touch was bringing forth. “He doesn’t have to find any; the Daughters will handle it. Certain rich bastards lost supplies of preserved food, so there won’t be short rations either while we re-settle people.”

“You sound like you’re going to fall asleep, dear one—which should be impossible. Your answer doesn’t tell me how many,” noted Torm. “Though you mentioned teleporting various groups to the compound or near it.”

“Yeah, the compound was overflowing, so I started landing them on the fallow fields and grasslands. They set a perimeter patrol with the platoons that were present and got the guards to wake the Priesthoods to help.”

“So how many?” persisted Torm.

Amdirlain muttered a curt reply into his chest and squealed when Torm started tickling. “I lost count! Over sixty thousand, there were Egyptian nobles with generations of slaves from various kingdoms. I made sure to teleport silos to help feed them and provide seed grain. I also took cloth, clothes, tools, and materials to help re-establish them.”

“I’m only surprised you didn’t stay longer to help with those Gnarl complexes you found tracking Set’s Priests,” commented Torm.

Amdirlain sat up and felt the itching caused by his Celestial energies ease when she broke contact. “Their victims are free, and I got rid of the unborn. I learnt from what the Healers told me, so less work for them. I’ll leave it to the Platoons to deal with the Gnarls. As much as I wanted to stay, I had to get rid of the Souls I’d taken, knowing the details of what they’d done was making me ill.”

Torm tilted his head to keep his eyes on hers as she shifted position. “I’m sorry for the pain I caused with my words. Your heart was so full of hurt; I can see why you believed I’d reject you for what you saw as murder.”

“I shouldn’t have doubted you,” replied Amdirlain, feeling sheepish in hindsight.

Torm’s warm smile made Amdirlain gooey inside, and she had to concentrate as he spoke. “We’re from very different backgrounds, so we see things differently. I don’t object to what you did. You knew your enemies’ locations. It was executions, not murder—with cleaner deaths than they deserved. You got innocents safe and moved on. You had to fight a war in a night to avoid your enemy having a chance to re-group and more innocents suffering.”

“The twin boys in particular make my heart ache. He’d make them hurt each other when either didn’t respond fast enough to his sick demands. I almost didn’t kill him clean, Torm. I wanted to make him hurt so much,” confessed Amdirlain, and Torm sat up to wrap his arms around her.

“You could ask one of the Hound Archons to keep an eye on them,” suggested Torm. “I should tell you about the years I spent in a wolf-dog form to babysit Verdandi. She was always getting in trouble; she gained the Priest Class even before she was a sworn novice,” recounted Torm.

Amdirlain burst out laughing, having a sudden mental image of a Torm as a hound carrying a protesting Verdandi by the back of baby overalls. “Oh, tell me, please.”

“Her Father was a High Justice; evils he’d damaged kept trying to attack his family. He summoned me to protect her discreetly. She was four, but I stayed on as her bodyguard and travelled with her when she began adventuring.”

“Did she want pony rides?” Amdirlain teased.

Torm’s forlorn sigh started Amdirlain laughing. Rocks that she’d been skipping with Telekinesis dropping unheeded, and her laughter continued even after the ripples settled.

“Thank you.”

Torm smiled and lightly caressed her face. “I would always bring you happiness. I wish my touch didn’t cause you discomfort. Are you sure this is bearable?”

Amdirlain gave him a stern look before it eased into a blissful smile. “The way your touch makes me feel inside far outweighs the little itching it causes on my skin.”

“I’m concerned that your Pain Tolerance is muting what should be agony,” explained Torm.

Amdirlain gave him a naughty look that carried the heat he’d roused within. “I’ll decide a safe word then.”

Torm face-palming set her off again in gales of laughter.

* * *

Her Domain signalling an arrival had Amdirlain stacking skipping stones back on the shore. “She’s back.”

“She being Ebusuku?” asked Torm, looking up from his spot on the riverbank. “Would I be able to meet her as well?”

Amdirlain gave a bold look that had the corners of Torm’s mouth already twitching in a smile. “What should I keep you two apart?”

“I feel as if I’m in her debt for helping you,” admitted Torm.

“Oh, don’t mention that to her,” cautioned Amdirlain earnestly. “She’ll scold you about it being her choice.”

Rising it to his feet, he offered a hand to Amdirlain. She laid her hand on it lightly and flowed upright. “Very gentlemanly of you. Did Sidero inflict romances on you?”

“Not as far as I’m aware. Or does Lethal Weapon 3 count?” Torm asked teasingly.

Amdirlain gave him an incredulous look. “No, it most certainly doesn’t.”

“Just as well, since neither of us has scars where they show,” replied Torm quietly.

“I could make some if they’re your thing,” Amdirlain teased to hide her concern at his tone.

The quiet emotion on Torm’s face vanished, and he smiled at her. “Never change for someone else; I’d prefer you just be yourself.”

“That I can manage,” replied Amdirlain. “Ready?”

When Torm nodded, she teleported them near where she sensed Ebusuku. Pip had beat them there and was busying spinning circles around the pair. Farhad looked at the Lantern Archon with his usual calm expression, while Ebusuku regarded her antics with amusement. “There are ten apples in a grove on the other side of the closest hill alone and acres of berry bushes. If only I could still taste things, but they look sweet. You can have some-“

“Yes, Pip, but Amdirlain is here, and there will be plenty of time. I once heard about someone making drinks from apples. Maybe you should see if there is someone that enjoys brewing about,” Ebusuku suggested.

Pip bobbed twice in the air before she spun away and raced off. “See ya, Amdirlain.”

“Are Lantern Archons always like that?” asked Amdirlain.

“Is she always like that?” Torm asked.

“I think Pip will take time adjusting after so long trapped in the gloom,” Ebusuku said, glancing in the direction she’d sped off. “Also, perhaps adjusting to being able to ask where things are, instead of just racing off searching.”

“Sage is over that way,” offered Amdirlain, aware of where her Celestials were through the Domain’s aura.

“Then she has likely gone to ask him. Personally, I prefer her lively. She was scared and upset when I met her.” Ebusuku remarked. “Shall we find somewhere to talk about that list you had? I’d also like some explanations on those skills and why I can see this Profile at will.”

“That’s a strange story,” replied Amdirlain absently, her concerned gaze focused on where Pip had raced

“Likely about as strange as a Succubus becoming a Solar,” Ebusuku retorted, her wry smile earning a laugh from Amdirlain.

Amdirlain glanced over the buildings nearby before gesturing towards an undeveloped area clear of gathered patrols and working Dwarves. Noting the architect shooting happy possessive glances her way, Amdirlain urged them towards a distant hill. “As long as you tell me more details about the Trial. Let’s find somewhere to sit over there before the architect wants to drag me into further discussion about the merits of various fortifications.”

“Aren’t we inside your Domain?” Farhad asked.

Amdirlain nodded to him glumly. “Apparently, a town setup for people to enter easily goes against Dwarven aesthetics, regardless of innate protections. The Clan turned down her offer of help to build rock trees as they described her designs.”

“She’d recently finished some border forts before Týr asked her to assist you,” explained Torm. “Perhaps that is her preferred construction project.”

“I’ll try to come up with a project she’d enjoy before I get caught by her again. I’ll need a distraction ready to get free,” Amdirlain said. “Should we walk to the rise or Teleport?”

Ebusuku took in the surrounding for a moment. “Walking is fine with me; I’ll tell you about the Trial on the way. It will give you a perspective on Sage and the Archons.”

“That I’d appreciate,” admitted Amdirlain, setting off in the direction she’d picked. An awareness of the apple trees Pip had mentioned beyond the rise came to her in a rush. Once that knowledge came to her the Domain continued sharing details in its influence with her. “I’m going to need to get perspective on a few things.”

* * *

Ebusuku sat quietly on the hill’s crest, her hand resting on Farhad’s knee after Amdirlain finished her tale. The only interruptions having come when she skipped details, and one or another had drawn her back again. Sometimes asking for clarity on things she didn’t mind, but Torm stroked her back supportively when it touched on more painful subjects.

“I’ve many questions, but some I’ll need to think on first,” Ebusuku stated. “Can I see if I’m able to guess your list right? I’ve also got some insights on a few of them I’d like to share.”

At Amdirlain’s quick nod, Ebusuku smiled and continued.

“Your friends, I’ll have one of my businesses contact Sidero. A few of them could use an Artificer. Kytons are strange entities in Hell’s Hierarchy; they’re among its original inhabitants, not Devils— though some refer to them as Chain Devils—they’re encouraged to sign up to Hell’s Legions but they’re not forced. Not that stops millions of them from signing up for the fun. Their Great Mother has some agreement with the Titan that puts her outside Asmodeus’ command. Her situation, chained beneath the glacier on the Ninth layer, inspired his punishment of Levistus, Lord of the Fifth, except he is frozen completely inside his prison.”

“That was because he attempted to take over Hell?” Amdirlain asked, thinking of what she’d researched.

“Correct. With Isaac, I could send a message to some of my former kin in Hell, but it would attract attention I’d prefer to put off for now. If she didn’t have True Song, I suggest just summoning her into a binding circle and establishing her condition afterwards. The tales I heard from Mother, True Song can rip through magical protections and bindings. If she’s powerful enough to destroy a Gate Spell with a scream, she’d tear a binding apart just as quick.”

“You said your Father died in the war of Four when you were only three, so you’d seen no Anar. How did you know I was an Anar so quickly? Farhad just thought I had a beautiful Soul, but you knew at a glance,” insisted Amdirlain.

Ebusuku nodded in understanding at her statement. “Death Gaze lets me see recent deaths in an area, but with reincarnated Souls I can see all of their deaths. When you used the Ki Energy, I could see your Soul under that Hidden state you have. The energy of your Anar lifetime paled the rest into insignificance, no offence meant.”

“None taken,” Amdirlain reassured her.

“Most of the options you have for contacting her through third parties exposes any message you’d give to their care to their magical translations. Since you already told her your name and that set her off, without knowing why she reacted that way, it makes any attempt at physical contact dangerous. So leave that with me until we get other things settled.”

“I should-“

Ebusuku gazed at her firmly. “Leave it to me please, Amdirlain.”

“Fine, have it your way!” Amdirlain retorted, mock snideness laying over her genuine concern.

“You get to set the priorities, but please leave the details of anything you’re not handling personally to me,” chided Ebusuku lightly.

Torm touched her hand reassuringly when Amdirlain went to argue. “You said you needed to learn to delegate. With the survivors you entrusted aspects of their care to others, please delegate to Ebusuku. Trust her to share out to others what they can handle.”

“True, okay. Thank you, Ebusuku. Let me know if I can do anything,” insisted Amdirlain, relaxing at Ebusuku’s reassuring nod.

“The resolution of Set also provided a resource for your Faithful, to help themselves and others. I’m not sure you’ll need the trade options you were exploring as much. That said, the Abyss has materials in abundance. It is genuinely limitless, a corrupt plug on the wellspring of reality. There are also some foes in it that can drive your resistances up, who’d provide materials you could then trade to an Alchemist for substantial rewards,” continued Ebusuku thoughtfully. “Though Lorrella sounds like an interesting contact, I once would have cultivated, I’ll attract attention venturing into the Abyss now.”

“The abundance of materials is why I was thinking about the trade routes. I was trying to get contacts that would eventually do the gathering for me since I find it easy enough to purify them for use outside the Abyss,” responded Amdirlain.

Ebusuku flicked a hand over her shoulder, even though her wings were no longer present. “Even without the wings out, I’ve no way to disguise my new power from Demons. For pushing your resistances along, I can guide you on the Abyssal Planes and foes you can use. Though instead of foes, you could just find locations where the environment itself is damaging.”

The thoughtful nod Amdirlain gave had Ebusuku gesturing for her to spill, and Amdirlain spoke up. “I need experience, and I’d prefer to be killing Demons than Elementals. So I was multi-tasking, foes I was happy to fight, learning more about Demons, plus finding places to gather and buy materials. I kept getting Abyssal coins I can’t use anywhere else.”

“Valid points. On that note, I should get you my coin stockpile from my apartment,” said Ebusuku, before her tone turned teasing. “I didn’t trust the Treasury to hold anything for me.”

“Something to consider, taking Lómë Souls to Judgement certainly can get you resources. While having them lured close to grottos before their shell is destroyed works for freeing them in the short term, you don't know the grottos' limits. You’ve already found a failed one,” cautioned Farhad.

Torm nodded in agreement. “We should get the Elves that went with Yngvarr to contact them. Since the Succubi didn’t end up dying, no one took them a message about the trapped Royals., they might find the Tower.”

“Good point,” Ebusuku said and gave Amdirlain a wink. “See, there are good reasons for talking with others, and not trying to carry everything yourself.”

Farhad cleared his throat to attract their attention. “Sírdhem and the other Succubi know of the Tower and should have memories of it.”

“They’ll likely be focused on exploring for the other grottos,” Ebusuku said. “Also, admittedly finding the Tower in the short term doesn’t help us since you’ve been told it’s sealed and we can’t break-in. However, it gives them hope and might also change their perspective on things. They’ve been staying in the Abyss because of the Royal line, knowing they are secure might make them rethink moving to safety. The problem is, if they leave, we’ve no safe location to drag the Nox to for their Souls to remain free of the Abyss’ lure. Amdirlain would need to capture them personally. I have a ranged version of Energy Drain, but we don’t know if I can capture their Souls, and I’d attract attention.”

“I think we should tell them rather than keep them ignorant,” Torm said.

“I’ll send a message to Aggie,” said Amdirlain and continued at Ebusuku’s curious expression. “The Andúnë court is almost due east of Stoneheart. She can talk to the Elves that went with the expedition previously.”

Torm looked at her with concern. “Are you avoiding contacting Yngvarr?”

“Not for that reason. He and Alfarr are getting settled in Duskstone. While it doesn’t stop him from sending a message, it gives Aggie an excuse to head to the Andúnë capital, which she’d enjoy seeing,” replied Amdirlain.

“Plus, she might set up another Temple,” Farhad interjected.

Amdirlain laughed lightly and gave Farhad a smile. “Am I that transparent?”

“You said the Dwarven Temple earned Aggie an amount of experience and she continues to gain from Temples she’s established persisting. You’re looking for options to help her progress in the role she’s chosen,” Farhad stated. “The capitals are safe locations with a sizeable population, so the greatest potential rewards. I’d suggested she travel to locations among the Moon and Wood Elf lands, to add locations away from rising tensions.”

“It’s a wise suggestion since she can move about quickly once she’s been somewhere,” commented Torm.

Ebusuku waved a scolding finger at them but her lips twitched with amusement. “We’re getting off track to new items, you’re both adding to Amdirlain’s list. Slavery in ten kingdoms.”

“I mentioned it, but it’s something I was honestly leaving to the Faithful to work at,” countered Amdirlain. “I don’t like it and I’d prefer it gone, but it’s a change that will take time as much as I’d like it to happen immediately.“

Torm frowned in concern and Ebusuku motioned for him to speak up. “Having three sects already is a concern. I’d suggest monitoring them and how they are conveying your message. While it’s fine if they are just focused on particular aspects, it will be a concern if they twist your message. Not just in word but in deed.”

“Temple Dogs,” Farhad stated and fell silent, apparently ready to leave it at that.

Amdirlain blinked at his casual non-sequitur. “Care to explain?”

“Have your Faithful summon some of the Hound Archons. They can help guard the temples and listen for anyone twisting your message rather than focusing on an aspect of it. The eastern courts had Mortal breeds of Temple Dogs blessed with the power to protect.”

"It would feel like spying,” protested Amdirlain.

Torm shrugged and raised a hand to halt her protests. "You’re vulnerable to it. Mortals have influence over how your portfolios are both pursued and perceived. Also, with how small your following is at present, it’s more easily influenced by a few attitudes going sideways. While you know some people and trust them, you have Priests you don’t even know. The other thing they’ll help you keep an eye out for is problems that people are trying to handle by themselves that they should ask for help to deal with.”

“That last sounds familiar,” muttered Amdirlain.

Torm gave her a sad smile. “At least you learn from your mistakes, some people don’t.”

“I wanted them to be stronger before they get called to the Material Plane. Though after so long in the maze, being around normal people might be good for some of them. Being in Mortal flesh was eye opening,” stated Ebusuku.

“What is the offering that the Temple of Týr needed to summon the Vargr Drangijaz? “asked Amdirlain.

Ebusuku gave them both a frown but motioned for Torm to answer.

“It doesn’t take energy for some Celestials to come to the Material Plane, other than the Mana to cast the Spell. To avoid them being called to deal with every problem it’s customary for an offering. Those are used to help the Faithful, in places where it doesn’t directly benefit the summoning Priest, not that we tell them that is the reason. Most see it as an offering to the Celestial for their time, away from other duties,” explained Torm. “Adding to that belief is if the offering is better equipment, it’s normally made use of directly by them, and their old equipment passed along. Though if they’re summoned for temple protection or on orders, then it’s not expected—but appreciated—since the orders are due to local situations.”

“Especially if it’s the Priest’s fault for not stepping in before it got to needing Celestial aid?” asked Amdirlain, and smiled at Torm’s rueful nod.

“We need to decide if we take them somewhere to get initial strength before arranging that,” Ebusuku said.

Amdirlain mentally reached out to Mirage and smiled at the others

“Two questions answered: they’re immune to Electricity and Petrification, they see the experience section in their Profile.“

Ebusuku gave Amdirlain a bemused look. “I’d suggest you escort some to the Quasi-Elemental Plane of Lightning then.”

“You’ve got a ton of Resistance to Electricity, not me,” protested Amdirlain.

“Time for you to work on that,” countered Ebusuku.

“Training first for them, and you can take some time to heal. Sidero suggested that, and no sooner than you came here, you raced off. Yes, Aggie had summoned you, but try to give yourself time now,“ urged Torm.

Ebusuku nodded in apology to Torm. “I wasn’t thinking that they’d go straight away. We’d already discussed Farhad training them.”

Torm visibly relaxed at Ebusuku’s words. “Sorry you said time to work on that, and Amdirlain applies enough pressures on herself.”

“Yes, she does; doesn’t she.”

Ebusuku considered Amdirlain seriously and then gave her a mischievous smile.

“I have your Silent Storm. I think we really need to spend a prolonged time training together.”

Farhad’s eyes lit up at her words. “Are you going to be following a Monk Class now?!”

“No, I’m more inclined towards blades and magic. But the unarmed style you taught me evolved into Amdirlain’s style, perhaps because we both have Protean. I want to work on that visualisation approach Amdirlain mentioned.”

“If I don’t use Ki you’re going to kick my arse aren’t you?” asked Amdirlain.

Farhad looked at Amdirlain and shook his head. “Even if you use Ki, she’s going to kick your arse—you’ll have fun.”

“Now, finding the other Giant clans,” Ebusuku continued before Farhad could say anything further.

“We should have the materials needed for crafting the device,” Farhad said. “If we’re-“

Ebusuku’s sharp snort stopped him mid-sentence. “No, we don’t.”

Farhad looked at Ebusuku, the slightest lines on his forehead hinting at a frown. “Yes, we do. The Diamonds I took from the Ogrèmoch’s avatar. Plus-“

“All those collections I sold when you vanished. I bought some businesses in The Exchange with the proceeds,” explained Ebusuku.

Farhad’s frown deepened into a noticeable line before he nodded and his face calmed. “It is the Law. They were—to your knowledge—abandoned. Though I noticed you kept many things of no use to you.”

“I could sell the businesses to get funds back, but it’s unlikely some of those materials will be for sale regardless of what Sidero hoped. When I sold them, there was a bidding war,” explained Ebusuku, ignoring his observation. “In between our training, I’ll get started on collecting them since I’ve got classes to pick and level. You can spend spare time recovering, you’ve still a very Mortal perspective—your Sidero was right in that respect.”

“Would it be acceptable if I stay in your Domain and train those interested?” asked Farhad, surprising Amdirlain at separating from Ebusuku. “I appreciate they wish to learn for self-reliance not to emulate yourself.”

Ebusuku smiled indulgently and stage whispered to Amdirlain. “I think he’s grown addicted to seeing the improvement he can bring about in others. If the changes in training other Celestial are impressive as Torm’s progress, I’m not sure you’ll be able to pry him away.”

“I assure you that won’t be the case,” protested Farhad. “I have my own training to pursue.”

Amdirlain nodded at Farhad. “It’s your choice if you wish to stay here and train any who ask it of you. I’ve no objections to your presence as long as you harm no Petitioner.”

“That is your Law, so I’ll adhere to it. I find myself glad you didn’t die as I thought you would, Amdirlain. Ensure you continue to survive,” Farhad said simply, ignoring the wink Ebusuku gave Amdirlain.

“Can you back up a bit—you mentioned Ogrèmoch’s avatar?” asked Amdirlain, the name having been niggling at her.

“The Prince of Evil Earth, represents all that Mortals fear about the Earth. Quakes, landslides, sinkholes, being trapped underground; it’s all absorbed and manifested as a massive Loci force, not a normal Elemental. Even if something destroys the Avatar on the Elemental Plane of Earth, it just reforms within days.” explained Farhad and paused thoughtfully. “Even Prince isn’t correct, since in appearance it’s a sexless giant made of rock and dirt. When I fought against it, the body it had formed was about thirty metres tall and leading other Elementals against a Mortal settlement on the Plane’s edge.”

“You took that on by yourself?” asked Amdirlain.

Farhad gave her a stern look. “Of course not. I look for challenges, not to die pointlessly. We had a host but many of them died.”

“Cemna,” stated Ebusuku, cutting off Amdirlain’s reply, and she just mimed buttoning her lip.

Farhad sighed happily, and Amdirlain raised an eyebrow at him. “Cleansing a world of Demons, now there’s a challenge. Might want to have an Artificer make objects to detect Portals, or Ebusuku could come along.”

“Or both,” Ebusuku countered. “It wouldn’t be the first world that Demons have turned into a playground. It might not even be a wasteland. Mortals don’t do well in the Abyss, but breeding pens on worlds give them access to Souls to corrupt. They keep them uncivilised so there isn’t the bar on accessing it.”

“The Titan’s Servant said the world would need re-seeding,” reminded Amdirlain, and Ebusuku nodded grimly.

“There is that. Demons—so many good reasons to hate them,” stated Ebusuku sadly. “Just as well Farhad has items to remove the need for air and sustenance.”

“Do you include your kin in that statement?” asked Amdirlain.

“Every family has problem children. Fortunately for you, I was one in mine,” Ebusuku replied. “Most of my grandmother’s lines are more like Devils. I’m not sure any of them have my mindset, though we certainly had our dislike of Demons in common.”

Amdirlain nodded and forced herself back on track. “I’ll experiment on getting to Cemna, and once I’ve made it, open a Gate so others can see it firsthand.”

“That will let me open a Gate for Farhad, and I, when he wants a break from training others,” said Ebusuku. “Lessening the Greek Gods influence.”

“I’d prefer to hear what you have to say about the Adventurers’ Guild first.” countered Amdirlain.

Ebusuku shrugged and gave Amdirlain an amused look. “I know you’ve had enough talking about them. Agreeing they’re on our list is enough for now. Adventurers’ Guild, I’ve heard of worlds with similar organisations. If they gain too much influence, they become a government—for good or ill. We’ll need to get some locals thinking about limits that will work for their cultures to prevent that—if it isn’t what you want happening.”

At Amdirlain’s nod, Ebusuku continued on. “Crafters, you don’t look like Moradin junior.”

“I really think Dwarves use the lack of beards as a joke,” said Amdirlain.

“Some might, but most are completely serious,” disagreed Torm.

“Not growing a beard,” Amdirlain declared.