Wolf626
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Medusa Expanse - 011030:6 (Sirris II, Sanctuary System)
Obsidian City
Normally Galestrix Bahum, Princess Consort to Heinrich Pine, and the granddaughter of Uledor Bahum, the Bahum Family Elder, didn't get involved in reports of trouble with Vaigarins in the city. However, the description she'd heard about this particular one had given her reason to check it over. Especially considering the Vaigarin in question claimed to know her, and her grandfather personally.
Walking up to the Crimson Foxhole, where there was quite the crowd outside looking in. Working her way through the crowd, Gale had to get a little more physical than she preferred to do so. But soon she reached the door, and opened it, quickly seeing the copper scaled being at the bar with several Abree-family branded bottles in front of her.
But, it was also seeing the woman in question that quickly settled Gale in being glad she'd come. Sure, she was dressed like most of those in the NDC would be dressed, but those scales, the tail, wings and horns gave her away. As did what she looked like besides.
"Lae'Lein Lobah, what in the name of the Stars is going on now? You're apparently making a scene that reached me in the Obsidian Palace." Galestrix stated, crossing her arms as she gave her elder sister an unhappy stare. She had an idea of what might have happened, but she wanted to hear it from her sister's own mouth. If she was sober enough to speak coherently that is.
“Ghaaaleee!! Mah sister!” Lae yelled, the flush on her face as evidence of her many previous drinks. Despite the proclamation of sisterhood, the only resemblance they had was the same golden eyes. Lae was nearly a head shorter than Galestrix and more lithe with the muscle tone of a trained martial artist. Yet her body was also curvy and elegant, showcased by the open jacket, crop top and ripped tight pants she wore. In contrast to her casual outfit, her belt bore two proudly ornate weapons, swords of Tiamer curved design in the traditional long and short set but with Lobah designs.
She lifted herself from the seat and hugged Galestrix tightly. After a few moments, she pulled back suspiciously. “Did you get bigger again? I swear you weren’t like that before.”
Gale blinked in surprise as her elder sibling hugged her. The contrast in attire between the two was pretty stark, as Gale was dressed in a more formal outfit, with a sheer bodystocking climbing up her body, with an opaque skirt and neck mounted flaps helping to cover her from undo nudity. Hanging from her shoulders were a pair of sleeves which helped cover the top of her gloves.
Her legs were sheathed in dark thigh high boots with a tall heel, and she was so very much tempted to start tapping with one of them. "That didn't answer my question. And I won't answer yours until you answer mine." Gale stated bluntly. She normally didn't act so blatantly blunt, but with this particular Vaigarin hugging her, it was honestly better. Especially as drunk as she clearly was.
"What is going on Lae?" She asked again, just in case Lae had not caught the question the first time. Of course, the crowd's gaze had shifted to focus on Gale, owing how... enticing her attire was.
“Don’t even remind me. So I had this date with one of those humans, and I tried to keep an open mind, you know? New horizons and all that. But he was just a complete dungheap. Seriously, like he got my name wrong every two times, he kept interrupting me and he ordered the food for me.” The Lobah prattled on getting angrier and angrier. “And then he just kept calling himself a sigma? Like he called himself non-conforming, self-sufficient and just stroking his own ego. I swear I met Yilas who were more humble. AND THEN, just as I was leaving he tried to win me back and tried to stop me from leaving. Bastard didn’t have the decency to not bleed on my best dress.” She finished her rant, clicking her tongue in annoyance.
Gale groaned, reaching a hand up to pinch at her nose. "Please tell me you didn't punch him." She said, almost expecting the answer to be 'yes'. "As for me, I am not normally this tall." She said, to answer her sister's earlier question.
"How many bottles?" She asked, a proper question this time, realizing she was probably going to have to take Lae to her home to sleep off the booze she'd downed.
“I didn’t punch him.” Lae said before continuing smugly. “I punched, kicked him and then headbutted him. Hehehe, sucker. After that I went home, got new clothes and came here to unwind.”
Pursing her lips in thought, the vaigarin began to count with her hands before shrugging and saying, “A lot. I’m fine. Don’t worry! Your sister ain’t no lightweight. hic.”
With a sigh, Gale looked askance at the barkeep. He held up four fingers. "Okay, yeah, you're done. You and that damned Aserree brand." She grumbled. "Come on, let's get you to my place, since I doubt you could give me accurate directions to yours." Gale said, reaching down to help hold her sister up. Finding a taxi wasn't hard. Finding a spot to get them to park? A lot harder, as the crowd clearly wanted to know what was going on, and if they should expect more trouble.
“Okayyyy, Gale. Farewell, Larry! I hope you may defeat the pizza guy that has stolen your wife!” Lae shouted, waving at the bartender. As the women left, a single question could be heard. “Who the fuck is Larry?”
Once in, she directed the driver AI to the house. Sure, she had to pay a little extra since it was so close to the Wall, but she was fine with that. "Hey, Heinrich? Yeah, I'm not gonna be back to the Palace soon. My elder sister showed up, and is drunk enough to be a bit off center. I'm bringing her to our place so she can sleep it off." She said into the air, having called up Heinrich with her Geist.
“Ooooh, is that your bond mate? Hi, Gale’s bond mate! I hope you’ve been keeping her happy! Or else!” Lae yelled, either misunderstanding how a geist worked or simply not caring.
"He couldn't hear you." Gale pointed out as she ended the call. Of course, she hadn't needed to speak aloud for the Geist to work, but she did out of habit anyways. "Just, relax, and try now to coat the inside or outside of the vehicle with your dinner, okay?" Gale implored of her sister, settling into the seat and watching the city flow past as they drove on.
“Aye aye.” Lae replied, leaning back in the car seat. Taking a closer look at her half-niece, she smiled. It had been awhile since last they spoke to one another, so it was nice to see her again. She looked more confident. More grown up.
Chuckling to herself, Lae saddled up next to Gale. “Are you sure you haven’t gotten bigger? It seemed almost yesterday I had a little eggling following me around.” As she spoke, she began to trail her hands over Gale’s body almost as if measuring it.
"That was like, almost 70 years ago!" Gale muttered, huffing and crossing her arms under her bust and turning her head. Though she didn't stop her sister's touch. After all, it wasn't like Lae was going to do anything inappropriate.
"And besides, you and I have gotten drunk enough times since I turned 30 for you to know how my body is shaped." She pointed out. "It's not like our Tumnisian forms change as much as our Vaigarin ones." She continued.
“Awww, you make it sound like we need alcohol to embrace one another. Meanie Gale.” Pouted Lae, as she rested her face on Gale’s shoulder. With this new close proximity, Lae noticed something. “Huh, what’s this?” Without modesty or care, she grasped a small protrusion on Gale’s clothes, seeking to discern what it was.
“Eeeh?! Piercings?! Really?”
"Yeah? I got them a while back. You've only just now noticed?!" Gale said, and sounded shocked. "Now I feel like you haven't been looking at me." She said, pouting. Ah yes, the overblown desire for people to look at Gale in appreciation. A desire common in Vaigarin women, but not to the same level.
"Maybe I should make sure you sleep in a guest room instead of with me when we get to the house!" She threatened, brandishing a finger.
“Nooooo, please! I didn’t notice them because… because I had so much to see in so little time! That’s it!” Pleaded Lae. “I’ll be sure to commit everything to memory! Pleaseee?”
"We'll see. It depends on how you attempt to make it up to me between now and when we get there." She said, acting all proud and dignified, even if really, she was just enjoying this rare chance to do so over Lae. Normally it went the other way after all!
“When did Galestrix become so needy, I wonder?” Lae asked, as she gently nipped Gale’s finger, and began to suckle on it. Her hands began to softly caress the voluptuous body in familiar gestures. She didn’t mind reversing their roles as Lae had missed Galestrix dearly.
Gale chuckled, and shook her head. "I think we'll save that kind of play as a possible reward Lae." She said, grabbing the Lobah and hugging her. "I'm more curious to learn what you've been up to since we last saw each other, oooh, nearly a decade ago?" She teased, letting her own hands trace paths over Lae's body. Not in a way to excite or tease, but just to enjoy the feeling of her lithe form once more.
Pouting, Lae relaxed in Gale’s arms. “Oh not much. Training, training and more training. It took awhile to master all the new tactics and weaponry that NDC brought, but it was worth it. Now, I’m on vacation. It’s been fun, until that stupid jerk.”
"Yeah? Sounds similar to me. I've ended up being a pilot in the NDC. And have had to do a few things of diplomacy and representation in place of grandfather. Of course, being with the Crown Prince has meant I've had to do a fair bit of it anyways, and learn." She said, chuckling. "But good to hear you're trying to relax some. I still think you should probably stop trying to use romance novels as a basis for how you get into a relationship with someone."
Chuckling, Lae’Lein smugly grinned. “Foolish child. I’ve evolved beyond that! With my new NDC reading material that is. Besides, you’re the one living the romance novel life, bonded to a Prince of all things.”
"HA!" Gale snorted, giving Lae a playful punch to the shoulder. "And I dread to learn what you've been getting out of those new novels. As for me, it was kind of just a series of unexpected events." She said, though pausing as the AI announced they would be at their destination soon. "Oop, guess I'll have to give you that tour soon." She said, smiling.
“Ooooh, your prince’s castle, eh?” said Lae while nudging her sister and wagging her eyebrows.
"Well, I wouldn't call it a castle per say. It's more of a manor in and of itself." Gale said, smiling and rubbing the back of her neck. "Though he did take a lot of effort to try and account for the various girls he's brought in." She explained, while gesturing out the window towards the home as they began to approach.
Lae pressed herself against the car window, wanting to get a closer look at the luxurious manor. When suddenly, the AI taxi grinded to a halt and opened its doors with a warm chime. Physics took over and the fearsome drunk Lobah found herself face planting on to the ground. Letting out a groan, she picked herself up. “Not… my best landing, heh.”
Gale chuckled, and stepped out of the taxi, and offered a hand to help Lae up. "Watch that first step." She teased, grinning.
Where the vehicle stopped, was actually not at the doorstep of said manor, but the start of the gravel road leading there. “[Error! Route to destination incomplete, rest of path not found…. Please remember to designate all private roads, and mark with guide links for taxi access. Thank you for choosing Dusker Transportation.]”, the AI in the computer announced and followed up with the company chime.
The drive was a decent bit long, gravel and packed dirt road lined by planted trees on either side. In alternating pattern, there were lamps on poles between every other tree, to light the path at night. A very faint view of the estate could be seen beyond the 300 meters or so of road. This included the sight of an approaching vehicle and the electric whirr of essentially a golf cart as it came down the drive, the head maid pulling to a stop to greet them. The tall and familiarly lithe Sykian dismounted, and made a bow in greeting, adorned in the head maid’s uniform.
“Welcome home lady Oakhum, the master called ahead to inform us of your arrival. Please take a seat and I shall drive you, and our guest, the rest of the way.”, the woman said formally, and politely, even as a slight mischievous twinkle was hidden in the depths of her respectful gaze.
Gale nodded to the head maid. "Come on Lae, let's get into the cart and get to the house proper." She said.
Lae, grasping the Bahum’s hand, picked herself up and gazed at the drive, the cart and the maid. She deadpanned at Gale, “Soooo, not living a romance novel at all. Gotchaaaaa. Just don’t turn into a Yilas, is all I’m saying.”
With a small bow to the head maid, Lae climbed onto the cart.
Gale chuckled, and followed suit, climbing into the cart. "Thank you for the drive, though I would have expected one of the maids to pick us up, not you Madame Ebony. Unless all of them are busy?" Galestrix asked, once she was settled into the seat.
“Wait, Madame Ebony? Isn’t she your employer?” asked Lae, surprised.
“Technically not quite true. I contracted her for my establishment, but here she is the boss. And as for having another do this, I simply wished to my lady.” Came the head maid’s reply, the elf climbing back into the driver’s bench seat. With a faint electric whir, the cart was restarted, before being turned around and driven back up the path towards the manor, the pair now onboard.
As they drew up to the estate that was the focus of the property, the multiple stories came into view. The building was three stories high, with a loft under the quite large steepled roof of the cabin themed exterior. Despite being an estate, it was built with the theme and styled construction of a rustic cabin, something that more fit with the thick woodlands it sat within. The lighting from the many windows were warm, adding to its simple charms, as a wrap around porch offered an inviting welcome. A wooden frame with small stained glass windows, held the front door with iron knocker, atop a short set of stone paver steps.
Ebony pulled the cart around the circular drive at the end, a cobble stone fountain at its center, and looped in front of the front entrance. Stopping softly before it, turned to the two women, “As I am sure I have said already, welcome home milady. If you head indoors, I will be with you shortly once I have parked the cart.”
Gale nodded, and helped Lae out of the cart, walking towards the front. "Of course. I'm thinking we find my sister here a good place to lay her head for a bit, and have a bucket ready. Knowing her, we might be seeing the results of her drinking sooner than we'd like." She said, partially in warning and to let Ebony get ahold of one of the maids to get what they needed while she drove the cart.
Lae interjected, in an offended tone. “Whaaaaat? Are you implying that I’m a lightwe - Brrrhhhu” As if to defy her own words, her cheeks bulged as she struggled to contain her dinner. Chokin’ the vile swill down again in a loud gulp, she shivered. “Eeeeehww. Yuck. Yeah, a bucket would be nice and some water too.” she said, leaning into Gale. “I’m so glad my little eggling didn’t forget her older, beautiful, fearless and grace- bloooobhg”, she mumbled as another blast of vomit threatened to spill forth.
“Yes, yes, yes indeed. You get her inside quickly before she fertilizes the front flower beds. I will ring Tina and have her prepare a guest room and the needed items!” Ebony called back as she pulled the cart away and towards the car port. Perhaps not where one would usually put such an insubstantial vehicle, but it was as the master wished as the only place where vehicles were kept.
Gale gave Ebony a quick smile before focusing on getting Lae into the house and to the room in question. Chances were, Tina would find them pretty quickly, owing the Geist system, and guide them to where the room in question would be.
Spotting the Tumnisian woman hurrying towards them, bucket in hand, Gale gave her a smile. "Thanks Tina. Lae, bucket's here." She said, sure that would lift some of her spirits. And hopefully avoid too much splash.
Desperately, the Lobah sought the bucket, once again spilling her guts, both metaphorical and actual. Seeking another lungful of air after the latest blast, Lae blinked at her food. “Seafood? But I didn’t order the surf and turf! Or did I…?”
Lae’s line of thought was broken as she once again began to heave into the bucket. It seemed despite her size she was a voracious eater. Tina, the Tumnisian maid, simply stood beside the Vaigarin and patted her back. Tina was one of the older maids, but one who’s mature beauty and pleasantly plump body made her just as appealing as the younger women. Her hair was a small curtain of chestnut ringlets that framed her olive skinned face with a soft and kind smile. She turned to Gale.
“My my, I must say it was a surprise to hear that you were coming with a sibling, dear. Is she the lady’s younger sister?” she asked.
Gale smiled and shook her head. "Older." She replied, helping Lae get into a bed while the bucket was clutched in the Lobah's hands. "A whole century older in fact."
Lae lifted herself from the bucket momentarily to interject. “‘Am her auntie!”
Tina giggled, helping Gale lift Lae into the bed. “I see, I see. Will anyone be picking her up, Lady Gale?”
“NAaaaaooooh.” wailed the bedded dragoness, as she curled herself sideways into the bed. “Nobahdy whants a faighting tombody like me… No mhales want meeeee.” Unfortunately, the Lobah had reached the crying stage of her drunkenness. Tina, for her part just kept patting her back.
Gale shook her head. "Likely not overnight. She may head out in the morning, but for now, she's our guest of the evening." She replied to Tina, whilst helping keep Lae's hair out of the way. "As for you declarations, you just keep going about things in ways that make it difficult for you and those you could be with dear." She admonished Lae, without outright declaring what was the source of said reasons.
“Ehasie for you to say… Miss ‘got a alien prince sugar daddy,’” complained Lae, who was fighting an uphill battle against sleep. “I neezee a proper mate like that…”
Soon only soft snores were heard from the copper scaled woman. Tina, smiled softly at the sight, “Awww, look at her sleeping like a babe. Nothing like me when I had drunken blenders. Hohohoho, those were the days.”
"I can quite imagine Miss Tina." Gale replied, giggling. Still, she took a moment to get a blanket, and pull it up over Lae's form, though not fully tucking her in. No point if she was going to risk tossing and turning in her sleep, especially with the potential for getting sick yet further.
Twelve hours later
It was too late for breakfast in the manor, but that did not deter Lae’Lein who through bleary eyes saw Tina cooking her a ‘proper hearty breakfast’ while she nursed a caramel latte and a hangover sent from the gods to punish her for her hubris.
Galestrix walked into the dining room, noting it was quite nearly lunch time. "Ah, morning Lae." She said, bright and chipper, almost eagerly awaiting the groan and dismay to arise from the volume. Before she could get a complaint in however, "I was talking with Heinrich while you slept, and he figured he'd meet you personally, before we decide if we're going to have you continue to use the guest room, or if we'll help you get to your apartment."
She glanced towards the door, mentally sending Heinrich a message via the GEIST, letting him know that Lae'Lein was awake, in the dining room, and clearly nursing away a hangover.
The man walked in, Tiamer scales still shiny and new. Learning to do scale care was a pain, but not as much as the hangover she was feeling. "Yep, that's a morning of misery if I've ever seen one. Had enough the morning after some pretty wild raves to know." The prince shook his head after entering, before turning to Tina, "Miss Tina, you mind getting out some of that herbal blend I keep stashed in the cupboard?"
"Should help more than the caffeine from her coffee. Bit of a medicinal mix I remembered from my mother, but still makes very good tea." He offered before coming up and taking a stool at the other side of the counter from Lae.
“Ssssh, shush. My head feels like it was hammered by a thousand Fucon metalworkers. Keep it down.” whispered Lae, who sipped her latte. At Heinrich’s voice, she turned towards him. She quirked her eyebrows as she judged him. The warrior was unimpressed. The love spurned woman was pleased that Gale’s mate was at least fetching enough.
Snorting, she lifted her mug. “Trust me, this is my lifeblood by now. I assume you are Heinrich Pine? Two questions: What’s a rave? And what will be your weapon?”
"Only their metalworkers? I'm impressed. I would have expected to to imply their new 'industrial engineers' that the NDC so graciously trained." Gale said in response, chuckling. "And this is entirely your own fault you know. You know your tolerances for drinks." She pointed out, smirking.g at Lae while she did so.
"A rave is a form of underground party, not a battle. Also, although trained to fight, I'm a scholar and professor. Heinrich Oaklen by the way, but you can just call me Heinrich." He offered the response with a small confused bit of concern, casually given, as she asked about his weapon.
The prince surely hoped she wasn't trying to challenge him to a duel. That would be a mess, awkward, and likely none helpful for her hangover. "My wife has spoken very highly of you. It's nice to meet more of her family.", Heinrich added, offering a hand in greeting.
“My tolerance is a work in progress.” Lae retorted, before turning to Heinrich. “Well, that’s no good. You need a weapon if I’m to test you. I must make sure you are able to defend Galestrix! Lobah tradition demands it!”
"That's roachshit and you know it Lae." Gale said in response to Lae's declaration to 'Lobah tradition'. "And I can defend myself. I had to pass NDC Basic Training before I could get registered as a pilot. Plus I serve as Heinrich's bodyguard when he decides to have odd visits out and about in places." She continued nodding.
Heinrich offered up his hands in a calming gesture, “Now now, things don’t have to go to that extreme. I’m a gentleman and not a fighter by nature, a scholar as I have mentioned. I have seen more war and violence in my lifetime, then I care to partake in more than necessary. It is after all, why I was adopted as an orphan.” This was starting to look like a rather escalatory situation, and one that he would rather not bare arms for, or be cornered into doing so.
“Please Miss Lae, perhaps it would help to treat your headache and nausea before getting into anything too serious. You are a guest here in our house, and it would be rude to even think of such activities regardless, before ensuring you are properly seen to. Besides, my idea of combat has never been with the blade, but bullet and magic. You would find me a most inadequate opponent when it comes to the sword.” He added as well, hoping to use all those diplomatic teachings from his father to good use for once, and perhaps deter things from going… rowdy.
“Gaaaaaale!” shouted Lae, as she turned to her sister, flustered and angry. “Staaaahp, you’re suppose to let me fight your boyfriend and then when I’m winning, you team up with him to win with the power of friendship and violence! Stop flipping the script around!”
Crossing her arms and pouting, the Lobah continued her rant, muttering just loud enough to be heard. “Honestly, here I am ready to help you deepen your relationship like a good sister and this is how you treat me. Hmmmpf!”
"Dear, considering he took a plunge that the NDC wasn't even sure was possible in the first place to become a Vaigain, I think our relationship is deep enough as it is." Gale admonished Lae, grinning as she looked past the Lobah at Heinrich with a roll of her eyes and shake of her head in amusement.
"Now, if you want to stop belly aching, I think it's high time the two of you actually got to, ya know, talking. And no weapons!" Gale said, patting Lae on the shoulder before walking away, though she paused a moment to yell to Lae about the use of weapons. She had some work she herself needed to do with the NDC Air Corps, and unlike her social life, she couldn't exactly put that on hold.
“Safe skies my love, may your wings carry you far beyond any horizon” was Heinrich’s response as Gale was making her departure, giving the traditional goodbye for pilots that had been around for longer then most remember. After, he turned back towards Lae, offering a reassuring smile after her pouty attitude. “Your sister may be the younger of you two, but she still always has immeasurable common sense beyond her years. So let's talk, I want to know you Lae, especially someone so important in the life of my wife.”
“Eh?! Wait, Gale don’t leave meeee!” Lae yelled, as she was abandoned by her fellow Vaigarin. “You know I hate small talk!!”
As no answer came to her, she stiffly turned her head towards Heinrich. And after quite an awkward pause, she simply smiled and said, “Sup?”
She really hated small talk.
“So you’ve taken a liking to manga, but does that include anime by chance? One of the other wives and I quite enjoy such material, and often take time to dress up for conventions. Even dragge Gale to a few, and my, is she usually popular haha.” Heinrich took the chance to lead the topic, hoping to break the ice and possibly bond over a common interest. Hopefully this would break the ice as he got up to pull a drink from the fridge a few paces away.
“Oooh, I see that you at least have mates with good taste.” Lae said, “As for myself, I’m a great avid fan of the media your kind has brought to this land.”
“Then you'd likely get along with a number of them. We have a few wives who enjoy films, and videogames as well. Asteri is my fellow weeb, and we’re usually sharing light novels when not working, or down to… other activities.” Heinirich was starting to get a fair bit more eager and engaged in the conversation, even though it felt like he was only prying out slivers of replies at a time. He had almost slipped into mentioning some of the family’s more vigorous pastimes for a moment, but managed to pull back to a less crude answer.
“A fellow purveyor of culture?” Lae asked, eyes alight with the glint of a nerd who might’ve struck good and found a fellow fanatic,“What kind of anime do you like? I really like the martial art ones.”
“I tend to enjoy mystery, historic, sci-fi, and admittedly rom coms as a guilty pleasure. We make a point to watch together at least a couple nights out of the week. You are certainly welcome to join us, or even browse our library of media, and even books.” Perhaps the offer would coax some more fuller responses out of Lae. Hell, maybe Heinrich had even found the button topic to draw her out into some nerdy rambling. “I went to the con where we met Asteri, dressed as Shemlock Belmes. The crowd couldn’t get enough of Gale as herself though, most never having seen a Vaigarin, and thought she was in costume.”
“Really? I’d love to! I’ll be sure to bring some of my own collection.” Lae said, nodding excitedly. Her training had sadly left her little time to find fellow people of culture with which to exult the glory of anime. Perhaps this young welp wouldn’t be so bad…
“Hahaahahaha, I’m sure she loved that! Gale always loved when people would gawk at her.” she retorted, smiling knowingly. “I really wanted to go to that convention but sadly I was busy training some snotty whelps.”
“Not sure how you would have gotten there, it was out in the colonies. Normally I don’t make a habit of going quite that far to go to one so far away, but as mentioned earlier. Father had some work for me out that way, but it was nice getting to see my cousin though, and we even met a real half succubus named Draco.” Heinrich replied, fully bought into the conversation himself now with a chuckle, explaining more on that day and what they had been up to on Andraeste. “She actually hitched a ride back with us for similar reasons of having work here in the capital.”
A small thought crossed his mind on whether he’d see her again, even if their first impressions were a bit awkward. Maybe he should go visit his uncle and say hi to Silvana, see if she knew where Draco was. But that was hardly important at the moment, as all his attention was on Lae, a kind smile on his lips as he chatted away with the Loba Vaigarin woman who had adopted the religion of weebinism it seemed.
“‘Tis a shame. I’ve not yet trained in your nation’s flying machines, unlike Gale.” Lae mused, eyes staring far away. Far from the room, the house. Far from the country and the planet. “I wonder what it’s like. To sail the sea of stars, to find new worlds, to meet new beings.” Chuckling, she turned to Heinrich. “Maybe there are other beings similar to the Vaigarin out there.”
“I mean that was basically us meeting you to be fair. So a lot of uncertainty, and tension in wondering if it’s going to be friendly aliens, or trading one problem for another. It was a great relief when things worked out, and our two peoples have begun to grow a lot closer”, Heinrich said with a bit of relief, happy that they had, otherwise he might not be here with both women at this moment. A beautiful wife, and her sister who was actually quite beautiful herself, even if a bit eccentric. “You could always come with us, the next time I have to go on such a trip?”
“Oh… Thank you, that’s a very kind offer but my training...” Lae replied, the surprise on her face quickly replaced by a furrowed brow and a thinking expression. “Well, my training with your soldiers has nearly come to an end. Soooooo, I suppose, I really don’t have any compromises.”
Giggling, Lae turned towards Heinrich, a smile wide on her face. “Yeah, I’d love to!”
“Excellent, I’d much appreciate the company, and I rather imagine Gale would enjoy more time with your company. And who knows, there just might be!” Heinrich was elated that she had accepted the offer, already wondering what venture they could drag her along on. “Also, you are fully welcome to come and stay here with us, permanently even. Any family of Gale’s is family of mine, and thus likewise”, he added cheerfully.
“It will be good to reconnect, and to see if she’s been keeping up with my training. A sister worries, you know?” Lae sighed, thinking back to all the times she’d tried to make Gale join her in martial arts training. Didn’t Gale know that mates wanted women that could beat the shit out of them? At least that’s what the manuals said… Lae was snapped from her thoughts by Heinrich’s offer.
“You’d offer me a place in your home? Truly? That is most kind!” Lae said, surprised. “To nest another speaks well of your virtue. It would be dishonorable to refuse.”
“Excellent, I can easily have any final arrangements finished then for you, just leave me a list of any needs. Also welcome to the family Lae, I look forward to living together under the same room going forward,” Heinrich kindly offered as they sealed the arrangement with a shaking of hands, happy to have more life brought to their household. At least this time it was a far more casual affair, but knowing Gale, there was never a non-zero chance things would become far more exciting down the road in the future…
Obsidian City
Normally Galestrix Bahum, Princess Consort to Heinrich Pine, and the granddaughter of Uledor Bahum, the Bahum Family Elder, didn't get involved in reports of trouble with Vaigarins in the city. However, the description she'd heard about this particular one had given her reason to check it over. Especially considering the Vaigarin in question claimed to know her, and her grandfather personally.
Walking up to the Crimson Foxhole, where there was quite the crowd outside looking in. Working her way through the crowd, Gale had to get a little more physical than she preferred to do so. But soon she reached the door, and opened it, quickly seeing the copper scaled being at the bar with several Abree-family branded bottles in front of her.
But, it was also seeing the woman in question that quickly settled Gale in being glad she'd come. Sure, she was dressed like most of those in the NDC would be dressed, but those scales, the tail, wings and horns gave her away. As did what she looked like besides.
"Lae'Lein Lobah, what in the name of the Stars is going on now? You're apparently making a scene that reached me in the Obsidian Palace." Galestrix stated, crossing her arms as she gave her elder sister an unhappy stare. She had an idea of what might have happened, but she wanted to hear it from her sister's own mouth. If she was sober enough to speak coherently that is.
“Ghaaaleee!! Mah sister!” Lae yelled, the flush on her face as evidence of her many previous drinks. Despite the proclamation of sisterhood, the only resemblance they had was the same golden eyes. Lae was nearly a head shorter than Galestrix and more lithe with the muscle tone of a trained martial artist. Yet her body was also curvy and elegant, showcased by the open jacket, crop top and ripped tight pants she wore. In contrast to her casual outfit, her belt bore two proudly ornate weapons, swords of Tiamer curved design in the traditional long and short set but with Lobah designs.
She lifted herself from the seat and hugged Galestrix tightly. After a few moments, she pulled back suspiciously. “Did you get bigger again? I swear you weren’t like that before.”
Gale blinked in surprise as her elder sibling hugged her. The contrast in attire between the two was pretty stark, as Gale was dressed in a more formal outfit, with a sheer bodystocking climbing up her body, with an opaque skirt and neck mounted flaps helping to cover her from undo nudity. Hanging from her shoulders were a pair of sleeves which helped cover the top of her gloves.
Her legs were sheathed in dark thigh high boots with a tall heel, and she was so very much tempted to start tapping with one of them. "That didn't answer my question. And I won't answer yours until you answer mine." Gale stated bluntly. She normally didn't act so blatantly blunt, but with this particular Vaigarin hugging her, it was honestly better. Especially as drunk as she clearly was.
"What is going on Lae?" She asked again, just in case Lae had not caught the question the first time. Of course, the crowd's gaze had shifted to focus on Gale, owing how... enticing her attire was.
“Don’t even remind me. So I had this date with one of those humans, and I tried to keep an open mind, you know? New horizons and all that. But he was just a complete dungheap. Seriously, like he got my name wrong every two times, he kept interrupting me and he ordered the food for me.” The Lobah prattled on getting angrier and angrier. “And then he just kept calling himself a sigma? Like he called himself non-conforming, self-sufficient and just stroking his own ego. I swear I met Yilas who were more humble. AND THEN, just as I was leaving he tried to win me back and tried to stop me from leaving. Bastard didn’t have the decency to not bleed on my best dress.” She finished her rant, clicking her tongue in annoyance.
Gale groaned, reaching a hand up to pinch at her nose. "Please tell me you didn't punch him." She said, almost expecting the answer to be 'yes'. "As for me, I am not normally this tall." She said, to answer her sister's earlier question.
"How many bottles?" She asked, a proper question this time, realizing she was probably going to have to take Lae to her home to sleep off the booze she'd downed.
“I didn’t punch him.” Lae said before continuing smugly. “I punched, kicked him and then headbutted him. Hehehe, sucker. After that I went home, got new clothes and came here to unwind.”
Pursing her lips in thought, the vaigarin began to count with her hands before shrugging and saying, “A lot. I’m fine. Don’t worry! Your sister ain’t no lightweight. hic.”
With a sigh, Gale looked askance at the barkeep. He held up four fingers. "Okay, yeah, you're done. You and that damned Aserree brand." She grumbled. "Come on, let's get you to my place, since I doubt you could give me accurate directions to yours." Gale said, reaching down to help hold her sister up. Finding a taxi wasn't hard. Finding a spot to get them to park? A lot harder, as the crowd clearly wanted to know what was going on, and if they should expect more trouble.
“Okayyyy, Gale. Farewell, Larry! I hope you may defeat the pizza guy that has stolen your wife!” Lae shouted, waving at the bartender. As the women left, a single question could be heard. “Who the fuck is Larry?”
Once in, she directed the driver AI to the house. Sure, she had to pay a little extra since it was so close to the Wall, but she was fine with that. "Hey, Heinrich? Yeah, I'm not gonna be back to the Palace soon. My elder sister showed up, and is drunk enough to be a bit off center. I'm bringing her to our place so she can sleep it off." She said into the air, having called up Heinrich with her Geist.
“Ooooh, is that your bond mate? Hi, Gale’s bond mate! I hope you’ve been keeping her happy! Or else!” Lae yelled, either misunderstanding how a geist worked or simply not caring.
"He couldn't hear you." Gale pointed out as she ended the call. Of course, she hadn't needed to speak aloud for the Geist to work, but she did out of habit anyways. "Just, relax, and try now to coat the inside or outside of the vehicle with your dinner, okay?" Gale implored of her sister, settling into the seat and watching the city flow past as they drove on.
“Aye aye.” Lae replied, leaning back in the car seat. Taking a closer look at her half-niece, she smiled. It had been awhile since last they spoke to one another, so it was nice to see her again. She looked more confident. More grown up.
Chuckling to herself, Lae saddled up next to Gale. “Are you sure you haven’t gotten bigger? It seemed almost yesterday I had a little eggling following me around.” As she spoke, she began to trail her hands over Gale’s body almost as if measuring it.
"That was like, almost 70 years ago!" Gale muttered, huffing and crossing her arms under her bust and turning her head. Though she didn't stop her sister's touch. After all, it wasn't like Lae was going to do anything inappropriate.
"And besides, you and I have gotten drunk enough times since I turned 30 for you to know how my body is shaped." She pointed out. "It's not like our Tumnisian forms change as much as our Vaigarin ones." She continued.
“Awww, you make it sound like we need alcohol to embrace one another. Meanie Gale.” Pouted Lae, as she rested her face on Gale’s shoulder. With this new close proximity, Lae noticed something. “Huh, what’s this?” Without modesty or care, she grasped a small protrusion on Gale’s clothes, seeking to discern what it was.
“Eeeh?! Piercings?! Really?”
"Yeah? I got them a while back. You've only just now noticed?!" Gale said, and sounded shocked. "Now I feel like you haven't been looking at me." She said, pouting. Ah yes, the overblown desire for people to look at Gale in appreciation. A desire common in Vaigarin women, but not to the same level.
"Maybe I should make sure you sleep in a guest room instead of with me when we get to the house!" She threatened, brandishing a finger.
“Nooooo, please! I didn’t notice them because… because I had so much to see in so little time! That’s it!” Pleaded Lae. “I’ll be sure to commit everything to memory! Pleaseee?”
"We'll see. It depends on how you attempt to make it up to me between now and when we get there." She said, acting all proud and dignified, even if really, she was just enjoying this rare chance to do so over Lae. Normally it went the other way after all!
“When did Galestrix become so needy, I wonder?” Lae asked, as she gently nipped Gale’s finger, and began to suckle on it. Her hands began to softly caress the voluptuous body in familiar gestures. She didn’t mind reversing their roles as Lae had missed Galestrix dearly.
Gale chuckled, and shook her head. "I think we'll save that kind of play as a possible reward Lae." She said, grabbing the Lobah and hugging her. "I'm more curious to learn what you've been up to since we last saw each other, oooh, nearly a decade ago?" She teased, letting her own hands trace paths over Lae's body. Not in a way to excite or tease, but just to enjoy the feeling of her lithe form once more.
Pouting, Lae relaxed in Gale’s arms. “Oh not much. Training, training and more training. It took awhile to master all the new tactics and weaponry that NDC brought, but it was worth it. Now, I’m on vacation. It’s been fun, until that stupid jerk.”
"Yeah? Sounds similar to me. I've ended up being a pilot in the NDC. And have had to do a few things of diplomacy and representation in place of grandfather. Of course, being with the Crown Prince has meant I've had to do a fair bit of it anyways, and learn." She said, chuckling. "But good to hear you're trying to relax some. I still think you should probably stop trying to use romance novels as a basis for how you get into a relationship with someone."
Chuckling, Lae’Lein smugly grinned. “Foolish child. I’ve evolved beyond that! With my new NDC reading material that is. Besides, you’re the one living the romance novel life, bonded to a Prince of all things.”
"HA!" Gale snorted, giving Lae a playful punch to the shoulder. "And I dread to learn what you've been getting out of those new novels. As for me, it was kind of just a series of unexpected events." She said, though pausing as the AI announced they would be at their destination soon. "Oop, guess I'll have to give you that tour soon." She said, smiling.
“Ooooh, your prince’s castle, eh?” said Lae while nudging her sister and wagging her eyebrows.
"Well, I wouldn't call it a castle per say. It's more of a manor in and of itself." Gale said, smiling and rubbing the back of her neck. "Though he did take a lot of effort to try and account for the various girls he's brought in." She explained, while gesturing out the window towards the home as they began to approach.
Lae pressed herself against the car window, wanting to get a closer look at the luxurious manor. When suddenly, the AI taxi grinded to a halt and opened its doors with a warm chime. Physics took over and the fearsome drunk Lobah found herself face planting on to the ground. Letting out a groan, she picked herself up. “Not… my best landing, heh.”
Gale chuckled, and stepped out of the taxi, and offered a hand to help Lae up. "Watch that first step." She teased, grinning.
Where the vehicle stopped, was actually not at the doorstep of said manor, but the start of the gravel road leading there. “[Error! Route to destination incomplete, rest of path not found…. Please remember to designate all private roads, and mark with guide links for taxi access. Thank you for choosing Dusker Transportation.]”, the AI in the computer announced and followed up with the company chime.
The drive was a decent bit long, gravel and packed dirt road lined by planted trees on either side. In alternating pattern, there were lamps on poles between every other tree, to light the path at night. A very faint view of the estate could be seen beyond the 300 meters or so of road. This included the sight of an approaching vehicle and the electric whirr of essentially a golf cart as it came down the drive, the head maid pulling to a stop to greet them. The tall and familiarly lithe Sykian dismounted, and made a bow in greeting, adorned in the head maid’s uniform.
“Welcome home lady Oakhum, the master called ahead to inform us of your arrival. Please take a seat and I shall drive you, and our guest, the rest of the way.”, the woman said formally, and politely, even as a slight mischievous twinkle was hidden in the depths of her respectful gaze.
Gale nodded to the head maid. "Come on Lae, let's get into the cart and get to the house proper." She said.
Lae, grasping the Bahum’s hand, picked herself up and gazed at the drive, the cart and the maid. She deadpanned at Gale, “Soooo, not living a romance novel at all. Gotchaaaaa. Just don’t turn into a Yilas, is all I’m saying.”
With a small bow to the head maid, Lae climbed onto the cart.
Gale chuckled, and followed suit, climbing into the cart. "Thank you for the drive, though I would have expected one of the maids to pick us up, not you Madame Ebony. Unless all of them are busy?" Galestrix asked, once she was settled into the seat.
“Wait, Madame Ebony? Isn’t she your employer?” asked Lae, surprised.
“Technically not quite true. I contracted her for my establishment, but here she is the boss. And as for having another do this, I simply wished to my lady.” Came the head maid’s reply, the elf climbing back into the driver’s bench seat. With a faint electric whir, the cart was restarted, before being turned around and driven back up the path towards the manor, the pair now onboard.
As they drew up to the estate that was the focus of the property, the multiple stories came into view. The building was three stories high, with a loft under the quite large steepled roof of the cabin themed exterior. Despite being an estate, it was built with the theme and styled construction of a rustic cabin, something that more fit with the thick woodlands it sat within. The lighting from the many windows were warm, adding to its simple charms, as a wrap around porch offered an inviting welcome. A wooden frame with small stained glass windows, held the front door with iron knocker, atop a short set of stone paver steps.
Ebony pulled the cart around the circular drive at the end, a cobble stone fountain at its center, and looped in front of the front entrance. Stopping softly before it, turned to the two women, “As I am sure I have said already, welcome home milady. If you head indoors, I will be with you shortly once I have parked the cart.”
Gale nodded, and helped Lae out of the cart, walking towards the front. "Of course. I'm thinking we find my sister here a good place to lay her head for a bit, and have a bucket ready. Knowing her, we might be seeing the results of her drinking sooner than we'd like." She said, partially in warning and to let Ebony get ahold of one of the maids to get what they needed while she drove the cart.
Lae interjected, in an offended tone. “Whaaaaat? Are you implying that I’m a lightwe - Brrrhhhu” As if to defy her own words, her cheeks bulged as she struggled to contain her dinner. Chokin’ the vile swill down again in a loud gulp, she shivered. “Eeeeehww. Yuck. Yeah, a bucket would be nice and some water too.” she said, leaning into Gale. “I’m so glad my little eggling didn’t forget her older, beautiful, fearless and grace- bloooobhg”, she mumbled as another blast of vomit threatened to spill forth.
“Yes, yes, yes indeed. You get her inside quickly before she fertilizes the front flower beds. I will ring Tina and have her prepare a guest room and the needed items!” Ebony called back as she pulled the cart away and towards the car port. Perhaps not where one would usually put such an insubstantial vehicle, but it was as the master wished as the only place where vehicles were kept.
Gale gave Ebony a quick smile before focusing on getting Lae into the house and to the room in question. Chances were, Tina would find them pretty quickly, owing the Geist system, and guide them to where the room in question would be.
Spotting the Tumnisian woman hurrying towards them, bucket in hand, Gale gave her a smile. "Thanks Tina. Lae, bucket's here." She said, sure that would lift some of her spirits. And hopefully avoid too much splash.
Desperately, the Lobah sought the bucket, once again spilling her guts, both metaphorical and actual. Seeking another lungful of air after the latest blast, Lae blinked at her food. “Seafood? But I didn’t order the surf and turf! Or did I…?”
Lae’s line of thought was broken as she once again began to heave into the bucket. It seemed despite her size she was a voracious eater. Tina, the Tumnisian maid, simply stood beside the Vaigarin and patted her back. Tina was one of the older maids, but one who’s mature beauty and pleasantly plump body made her just as appealing as the younger women. Her hair was a small curtain of chestnut ringlets that framed her olive skinned face with a soft and kind smile. She turned to Gale.
“My my, I must say it was a surprise to hear that you were coming with a sibling, dear. Is she the lady’s younger sister?” she asked.
Gale smiled and shook her head. "Older." She replied, helping Lae get into a bed while the bucket was clutched in the Lobah's hands. "A whole century older in fact."
Lae lifted herself from the bucket momentarily to interject. “‘Am her auntie!”
Tina giggled, helping Gale lift Lae into the bed. “I see, I see. Will anyone be picking her up, Lady Gale?”
“NAaaaaooooh.” wailed the bedded dragoness, as she curled herself sideways into the bed. “Nobahdy whants a faighting tombody like me… No mhales want meeeee.” Unfortunately, the Lobah had reached the crying stage of her drunkenness. Tina, for her part just kept patting her back.
Gale shook her head. "Likely not overnight. She may head out in the morning, but for now, she's our guest of the evening." She replied to Tina, whilst helping keep Lae's hair out of the way. "As for you declarations, you just keep going about things in ways that make it difficult for you and those you could be with dear." She admonished Lae, without outright declaring what was the source of said reasons.
“Ehasie for you to say… Miss ‘got a alien prince sugar daddy,’” complained Lae, who was fighting an uphill battle against sleep. “I neezee a proper mate like that…”
Soon only soft snores were heard from the copper scaled woman. Tina, smiled softly at the sight, “Awww, look at her sleeping like a babe. Nothing like me when I had drunken blenders. Hohohoho, those were the days.”
"I can quite imagine Miss Tina." Gale replied, giggling. Still, she took a moment to get a blanket, and pull it up over Lae's form, though not fully tucking her in. No point if she was going to risk tossing and turning in her sleep, especially with the potential for getting sick yet further.
Twelve hours later
It was too late for breakfast in the manor, but that did not deter Lae’Lein who through bleary eyes saw Tina cooking her a ‘proper hearty breakfast’ while she nursed a caramel latte and a hangover sent from the gods to punish her for her hubris.
Galestrix walked into the dining room, noting it was quite nearly lunch time. "Ah, morning Lae." She said, bright and chipper, almost eagerly awaiting the groan and dismay to arise from the volume. Before she could get a complaint in however, "I was talking with Heinrich while you slept, and he figured he'd meet you personally, before we decide if we're going to have you continue to use the guest room, or if we'll help you get to your apartment."
She glanced towards the door, mentally sending Heinrich a message via the GEIST, letting him know that Lae'Lein was awake, in the dining room, and clearly nursing away a hangover.
The man walked in, Tiamer scales still shiny and new. Learning to do scale care was a pain, but not as much as the hangover she was feeling. "Yep, that's a morning of misery if I've ever seen one. Had enough the morning after some pretty wild raves to know." The prince shook his head after entering, before turning to Tina, "Miss Tina, you mind getting out some of that herbal blend I keep stashed in the cupboard?"
"Should help more than the caffeine from her coffee. Bit of a medicinal mix I remembered from my mother, but still makes very good tea." He offered before coming up and taking a stool at the other side of the counter from Lae.
“Ssssh, shush. My head feels like it was hammered by a thousand Fucon metalworkers. Keep it down.” whispered Lae, who sipped her latte. At Heinrich’s voice, she turned towards him. She quirked her eyebrows as she judged him. The warrior was unimpressed. The love spurned woman was pleased that Gale’s mate was at least fetching enough.
Snorting, she lifted her mug. “Trust me, this is my lifeblood by now. I assume you are Heinrich Pine? Two questions: What’s a rave? And what will be your weapon?”
"Only their metalworkers? I'm impressed. I would have expected to to imply their new 'industrial engineers' that the NDC so graciously trained." Gale said in response, chuckling. "And this is entirely your own fault you know. You know your tolerances for drinks." She pointed out, smirking.g at Lae while she did so.
"A rave is a form of underground party, not a battle. Also, although trained to fight, I'm a scholar and professor. Heinrich Oaklen by the way, but you can just call me Heinrich." He offered the response with a small confused bit of concern, casually given, as she asked about his weapon.
The prince surely hoped she wasn't trying to challenge him to a duel. That would be a mess, awkward, and likely none helpful for her hangover. "My wife has spoken very highly of you. It's nice to meet more of her family.", Heinrich added, offering a hand in greeting.
“My tolerance is a work in progress.” Lae retorted, before turning to Heinrich. “Well, that’s no good. You need a weapon if I’m to test you. I must make sure you are able to defend Galestrix! Lobah tradition demands it!”
"That's roachshit and you know it Lae." Gale said in response to Lae's declaration to 'Lobah tradition'. "And I can defend myself. I had to pass NDC Basic Training before I could get registered as a pilot. Plus I serve as Heinrich's bodyguard when he decides to have odd visits out and about in places." She continued nodding.
Heinrich offered up his hands in a calming gesture, “Now now, things don’t have to go to that extreme. I’m a gentleman and not a fighter by nature, a scholar as I have mentioned. I have seen more war and violence in my lifetime, then I care to partake in more than necessary. It is after all, why I was adopted as an orphan.” This was starting to look like a rather escalatory situation, and one that he would rather not bare arms for, or be cornered into doing so.
“Please Miss Lae, perhaps it would help to treat your headache and nausea before getting into anything too serious. You are a guest here in our house, and it would be rude to even think of such activities regardless, before ensuring you are properly seen to. Besides, my idea of combat has never been with the blade, but bullet and magic. You would find me a most inadequate opponent when it comes to the sword.” He added as well, hoping to use all those diplomatic teachings from his father to good use for once, and perhaps deter things from going… rowdy.
“Gaaaaaale!” shouted Lae, as she turned to her sister, flustered and angry. “Staaaahp, you’re suppose to let me fight your boyfriend and then when I’m winning, you team up with him to win with the power of friendship and violence! Stop flipping the script around!”
Crossing her arms and pouting, the Lobah continued her rant, muttering just loud enough to be heard. “Honestly, here I am ready to help you deepen your relationship like a good sister and this is how you treat me. Hmmmpf!”
"Dear, considering he took a plunge that the NDC wasn't even sure was possible in the first place to become a Vaigain, I think our relationship is deep enough as it is." Gale admonished Lae, grinning as she looked past the Lobah at Heinrich with a roll of her eyes and shake of her head in amusement.
"Now, if you want to stop belly aching, I think it's high time the two of you actually got to, ya know, talking. And no weapons!" Gale said, patting Lae on the shoulder before walking away, though she paused a moment to yell to Lae about the use of weapons. She had some work she herself needed to do with the NDC Air Corps, and unlike her social life, she couldn't exactly put that on hold.
“Safe skies my love, may your wings carry you far beyond any horizon” was Heinrich’s response as Gale was making her departure, giving the traditional goodbye for pilots that had been around for longer then most remember. After, he turned back towards Lae, offering a reassuring smile after her pouty attitude. “Your sister may be the younger of you two, but she still always has immeasurable common sense beyond her years. So let's talk, I want to know you Lae, especially someone so important in the life of my wife.”
“Eh?! Wait, Gale don’t leave meeee!” Lae yelled, as she was abandoned by her fellow Vaigarin. “You know I hate small talk!!”
As no answer came to her, she stiffly turned her head towards Heinrich. And after quite an awkward pause, she simply smiled and said, “Sup?”
She really hated small talk.
“So you’ve taken a liking to manga, but does that include anime by chance? One of the other wives and I quite enjoy such material, and often take time to dress up for conventions. Even dragge Gale to a few, and my, is she usually popular haha.” Heinrich took the chance to lead the topic, hoping to break the ice and possibly bond over a common interest. Hopefully this would break the ice as he got up to pull a drink from the fridge a few paces away.
“Oooh, I see that you at least have mates with good taste.” Lae said, “As for myself, I’m a great avid fan of the media your kind has brought to this land.”
“Then you'd likely get along with a number of them. We have a few wives who enjoy films, and videogames as well. Asteri is my fellow weeb, and we’re usually sharing light novels when not working, or down to… other activities.” Heinirich was starting to get a fair bit more eager and engaged in the conversation, even though it felt like he was only prying out slivers of replies at a time. He had almost slipped into mentioning some of the family’s more vigorous pastimes for a moment, but managed to pull back to a less crude answer.
“A fellow purveyor of culture?” Lae asked, eyes alight with the glint of a nerd who might’ve struck good and found a fellow fanatic,“What kind of anime do you like? I really like the martial art ones.”
“I tend to enjoy mystery, historic, sci-fi, and admittedly rom coms as a guilty pleasure. We make a point to watch together at least a couple nights out of the week. You are certainly welcome to join us, or even browse our library of media, and even books.” Perhaps the offer would coax some more fuller responses out of Lae. Hell, maybe Heinrich had even found the button topic to draw her out into some nerdy rambling. “I went to the con where we met Asteri, dressed as Shemlock Belmes. The crowd couldn’t get enough of Gale as herself though, most never having seen a Vaigarin, and thought she was in costume.”
“Really? I’d love to! I’ll be sure to bring some of my own collection.” Lae said, nodding excitedly. Her training had sadly left her little time to find fellow people of culture with which to exult the glory of anime. Perhaps this young welp wouldn’t be so bad…
“Hahaahahaha, I’m sure she loved that! Gale always loved when people would gawk at her.” she retorted, smiling knowingly. “I really wanted to go to that convention but sadly I was busy training some snotty whelps.”
“Not sure how you would have gotten there, it was out in the colonies. Normally I don’t make a habit of going quite that far to go to one so far away, but as mentioned earlier. Father had some work for me out that way, but it was nice getting to see my cousin though, and we even met a real half succubus named Draco.” Heinrich replied, fully bought into the conversation himself now with a chuckle, explaining more on that day and what they had been up to on Andraeste. “She actually hitched a ride back with us for similar reasons of having work here in the capital.”
A small thought crossed his mind on whether he’d see her again, even if their first impressions were a bit awkward. Maybe he should go visit his uncle and say hi to Silvana, see if she knew where Draco was. But that was hardly important at the moment, as all his attention was on Lae, a kind smile on his lips as he chatted away with the Loba Vaigarin woman who had adopted the religion of weebinism it seemed.
“‘Tis a shame. I’ve not yet trained in your nation’s flying machines, unlike Gale.” Lae mused, eyes staring far away. Far from the room, the house. Far from the country and the planet. “I wonder what it’s like. To sail the sea of stars, to find new worlds, to meet new beings.” Chuckling, she turned to Heinrich. “Maybe there are other beings similar to the Vaigarin out there.”
“I mean that was basically us meeting you to be fair. So a lot of uncertainty, and tension in wondering if it’s going to be friendly aliens, or trading one problem for another. It was a great relief when things worked out, and our two peoples have begun to grow a lot closer”, Heinrich said with a bit of relief, happy that they had, otherwise he might not be here with both women at this moment. A beautiful wife, and her sister who was actually quite beautiful herself, even if a bit eccentric. “You could always come with us, the next time I have to go on such a trip?”
“Oh… Thank you, that’s a very kind offer but my training...” Lae replied, the surprise on her face quickly replaced by a furrowed brow and a thinking expression. “Well, my training with your soldiers has nearly come to an end. Soooooo, I suppose, I really don’t have any compromises.”
Giggling, Lae turned towards Heinrich, a smile wide on her face. “Yeah, I’d love to!”
“Excellent, I’d much appreciate the company, and I rather imagine Gale would enjoy more time with your company. And who knows, there just might be!” Heinrich was elated that she had accepted the offer, already wondering what venture they could drag her along on. “Also, you are fully welcome to come and stay here with us, permanently even. Any family of Gale’s is family of mine, and thus likewise”, he added cheerfully.
“It will be good to reconnect, and to see if she’s been keeping up with my training. A sister worries, you know?” Lae sighed, thinking back to all the times she’d tried to make Gale join her in martial arts training. Didn’t Gale know that mates wanted women that could beat the shit out of them? At least that’s what the manuals said… Lae was snapped from her thoughts by Heinrich’s offer.
“You’d offer me a place in your home? Truly? That is most kind!” Lae said, surprised. “To nest another speaks well of your virtue. It would be dishonorable to refuse.”
“Excellent, I can easily have any final arrangements finished then for you, just leave me a list of any needs. Also welcome to the family Lae, I look forward to living together under the same room going forward,” Heinrich kindly offered as they sealed the arrangement with a shaking of hands, happy to have more life brought to their household. At least this time it was a far more casual affair, but knowing Gale, there was never a non-zero chance things would become far more exciting down the road in the future…
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