Ares meets with the representatives that tell him he needs to step down from so many responsibilities and then also think about getting married.

Ares helped the two tribes settle within the walls, forming basic shelters using his powers of shifting the earth around, creating a few huts around the place for those that wished for my privacy, especially those that were injured.

Lana had grabbed onto his wrist and then dragged him away to somewhere secluded.

“You are still sick, what are you doing?!” She snarled at him.

Ares looked at her a little confused and then laughed. “This is but a simple task, easier than walking for me.” He stopped laughing as he saw the glare in her eyes. “Right… sorry. I’ll take it easy.” He said as he then tried to disarm her, intertwining his fingers with hers. “You’ll have to help me with that. I don’t really know what taking it easy is like.” He joked as she pushed him against the wall and then kissed him roughly for a moment before dragging him away.

Finally he was able to return to Rivea in the evening. He was exhausted, it seemed that even travelling took a great toll on his body. The fever had returned, though he had kept it’s signs at bay. When he returned to Rivea and slumped off the oxen into Lana’s arms, a few approached him.

“I need some rest, but if it’s an emergency, tell Lana and Rori…” He said, unable to even add in the honorifics, he dragged himself towards his tent as everything began to burn, his brow covered in a thick sweat. Voices around him echoed off the walls as he felt various hands grab at him, but he couldn’t remember anything else as the blackness came and drowned him into the void.

He gasped for air as his eyes opened wide. He felt some hot, wet, sticky, slimy all over his body. “What the fuck?” He said as he reached down to his chest and then coughed at the awful smell of the liquid on me. ‘Did Runar shit on me or something?’ He couldn’t help but think as he tried to throw whatever it was off of him.

As his vision settled to the darkness of the tent, a little bit of light peering in through the crack in the tent flap, he noted that it was green, strands of much grass and many other herbs. “What is this shit?” He groaned, though finally the tent flap opened and the light pierced through him. “Ah!” He grunted as he raised an arm to defend him against the light as though he were a vampire.

It was Emerli, he could tell by the earthy but sweet scent as she then dunked a load of hot water all over him. He coughed as then Lana appeared, soap in hand, and then began to strip him down.

“H-hold on a second!” He exclaimed, though they very quickly went to work stripping him down, washing off whatever mess they had made, and then finally dried him and dressed him. He had continued to try and protest, but the look in Lana’s eyes caused him to give up rather quickly. She was pissed.

Ares stepped out of his tent, holding a hand above his eyes to stop the piercing light from hurting his eyes. He held his staff tight and then quickly stumbled to the meeting of the representatives, not wanting to be with alone with Lana or Emerli, far too embarrassed for that.

The representatives, six of them and the Consul, greeted him and Ares raised a hand. “Sorry I’m late, I was too busy being tended to by two beautiful women.” He laughed. “It was terrifying… so, what are we talking about?”

The representatives each eyed one another up before they looked to the Consul for advice. Rori stood a little taller and then stared at Ares for a few moment.

‘Oh no…’

“We have been thinking, due to the unfortunate events that have recently occurred, perhaps you should take a step back from all the burdens you have chosen to take.”

“…”

“You have been taking on far too much, and we would prefer that you remain healthy, so that you can continue to lead us into the future.” Rori said, as diplomatically as he could.

Ares looked out to the other representatives. A catfolk, two wolffolk, and three oxfolk. He didn’t move from his position, instead waiting to see if they had anything else, but as Rori waited, Ares sighed and bowed his head.

“You’re right, of course. I’ve already been told such a thing and…” Ares shook his head. “I will delegate more tasks to others, I’m sorry for worrying you all so much.” He rubbed his forehead and then looked down at the ground. “Is there anything else you were talking about?”

They remained silent and again looked to Rori. ‘Seriously… can’t they speak for themselves?’

“We have also been speaking of other, equally pressing matters. We have spoken of it before, and it’s perhaps time we look for someone to share your duties with.”

“…” Ares narrowed his eyes. “Do you mean a wife?”

“A wife, a Queen, such a thing would be good. We have a few ideas of who you could be with, and if you are open to it, perhaps several?”

“One woman can keep me in check fine.”

“I have noticed Lana is able to, yes.”

Ares flushed red and then cleared his throat, feeling the piercing gaze on the back of his neck. “Though you said you had others in mind?”

“Heria.” A wolffolk representative quickly said.

“Of course… who else?” Ares asked.

“Emerli, perhaps.” Rori said, which shocked even the representatives.

“Emerli is my sister, Rori-kin.” Ares replied back firmly.

“She may be, though…” Rori stared into Ares’ eyes. “Perhaps we could speak in private about such a matter?”

“If it’s you…” Ares said, sighing. “Well?”

“These are the two we have discussed…” Rori paused however.

Ares narrowed his eyes. Rori did not reply, but nodded.

Ares nodded in return. “Very well, I will think on such a matter.” Ares said as he inhaled. “Perhaps when I am healthier of body and mind, if it would please the honourable representatives?”

They bowed their heads and then Ares excused himself, trying to ignore Lana, though he noticed the smirk on her face. ‘Ah, how troublesome women are…’