A gust of wind blows and both Little Kitty
and Panda Kitti watch something with great
interest as it fly's by and lands in front of SpaceDog. Another witch
appears as her cloak is removed, She bows down and kneels prostrate at
SpaceDog's feet.
[Sister
Sister] "Star Lord SpaceDog,
is your sister, my mother, Bonnie Jean Vanadis, Freyja, expecting you?"
[SpaceDog]
"Get up silly girl. No she is not expecting me and I want to keep it
that way for now. So, I'm your uncle? Hmmm... curious."
[Sister Sister]
"Shall I call you uncle?"
[SpaceDog whispers]
"If we are related as family, then you know what you should call me."
[Sister Sister
whispers] "Yes Freyr."
Sister Sister puts
on her cloak and says as she vanishes,
[Sister Sister]
"Angela, you are relieved and I will keep watch this long night. May the
Goddess keep you safe."
Angela bows to the
invisible witch and turns to the others already already
following Fontana.
Going down the path to the village,
they
notice the landscape changes a bit. The stream they were following earlier
is now a bit larger and flowing stronger with a lack of vegetation apparent. The terrain has
become barren and
tall rocks line both sides of the ravine. The stream disappears ending
in a whirlpool and swallowed by a hole in the ground. Farther along the path
in the distance they see snow covered
mountains. Fontana walks alongside Lady
Robin pointing out some of the features,
[Fontana]
"We used to mine minerals in the rocks up ahead on that side. It's rich with iron,
cuprous, magnetite's, lead, tin and aurum, more commonly
called gold."
[Lady
Robin] "How far is it to
your village from here?"
Fontana snickers.
[Fontana]
"We
turn when the mountain in the distance is no longer there."
The group continues along the path just a short way when...
[Lady
Robin] "Wait! It's
gone! What happened
to the mountain?"
[Fontana]
"First
there is a mountain, then there is no mountain then there is. And we..."
Fontana
backs into a large flat
rock face and is suddenly gone.
As LeeZee turns around the
corner seeing Robin standing alone.
[LeeZee]
"Where did
Fontana go?"
Staring at the
flat rock face with her eyes looking a bit bewildered she points to the
rock.
[Lady
Robin] "He was just there!"
[Angela]
"It's
a riddle and a clue and a way to conceal the village entrance."
Angela walks into the rock and she too disappears. From the
rock wall we hear her voice.
[Angela]
"Don't
be afraid. Get your ass and gear and come on."
LeeZee
runs, slams her elbow into the rock face at the wrong place then
stumbles a bit and falls through the rock. The 4 male hounds
howl at the same time, then just the females howl before all run full charge into the rock
wall. They too vanish. Robin turns to SpaceDog and Panda Kitti with her
mouth wide open trying to say something with her eyes closed just as
SpaceDog grabs her hand and Kitti's paw, all three go towards the
rock.
When Lady Robin opens her eyes, she sees a
large crystal structure similar to the one inside the QETS. Its glowing
brightly and illuminating a cavern filled with other glowing jewels
along the walls. The dogs have gathered in a circle around the crystal structure
and everyone else is holding hands waiting. LeeZee finishes patching the
minor scrape
on her elbow with a dressing. Fontana, SpaceDog, Trixie and Angela in unison,
[GROUP] "First there is a mountain. Then
there is no mountain. Then there is."
The crystal goes
dark and a side of the cavern vanishes revealing a mountain and a tree
so large it looks like its touching the clouds. Fontana says to
the group.
[Fontana]
"Welcome
to Alfheim, home of The World Tree. We still have far to
walk before we reach The Village of Elders, so lets get moving."
[Angela]
"I'm sure SpaceDog is anxious to see
his sister. Would you like to fly there with me?"
A smiling Angela
says. with a twinkle in her eye.
[Angela]
"How about it Star Lord?"
[SpaceDog]
"Nope, nope ,
nope, not gonna happen... not yet, the timing is all wrong but you go on
and don't tell her I'm on my way."
[Lady
Robin] "Is there something wrong?"
[SpaceDog]
"I think she will be in shock
seeing me for the first time in over 2 centuries. But, could you please give
Bonnie Jean Vanadis something for me."
SpaceDog takes the
dragon egg off his back.
[SpaceDog]
"Tell her it's Istanna
and she will know what to do."
He hands the egg sack to
Angela.
[Angela]
"This is Istanna? When?
How? Rebirth?"
[SpaceDog]
"Yes, around
mid-day, magic
and yes. Shadowfax will be joining us later this evening and he is at
300% after the ceremony. He is just resting so no need to be concerned."
[Fontana] "He
was absolutely glowing with the return of his magic. I'll tell you all about
it later."
Angela takes the dragon egg pack and puts it on
her back.
[Angela]
"Yes, I saw
Shadowfax leave your group earlier. This is as light as a
feather. Air spirits are such amazing creatures."
Angela gives everyone a hug and licks one of Fontana's
ears during his
hug. Then calls to the animals.
[Angela] "Treats!"
SpaceDog and all the dogs noticed her command word.
Instinctively Panda Kitti also falls in with the dogs in a line. Angela watches her
familiar float over to Panda Kitti's shoulder and nods her head.
[Angela]
"Okay,
okay, I get the picture. You can go with them."
She produces 12 pieces of cured meat sticks, one
smoked fish for Little Kitty and some sugar cane for Panda Kitti and
says,
[Angela]
"Wait for it... paws!"
Using her magic, she suspends the treats about a hand away from each
animals outreached paw. When she slaps the Sugar Cane in Kitti's paw,
the treats begin to fall and she says,
[Angela]
"Go
for it!"
and not one treat hits the ground... Panda Kitti and Little Kitty
purr with delight and in unison sing out
[Kitti
& Kitty] "MEOW!"
Angela pulls her cloak over her head and disappears...
The Village of Elder
On the walk to the village, the group pass
under long rows of grape arbors that shade the road and supply
travelers with fruit. Assorted vegetables climb and
cling to the wood and stone structures. They pass many cultivated crops and an
intricate irrigation system keeping water flowing in the
fields providing runoff from the rain. Beasts of every kind graze the
many fields between the crops amid stone walls and fancy iron
with brass clad
gates. The hounds begin to weave in a pattern like a dance or someone
braiding hair as
they move down the road. Songbirds can be heard and the smell in the air
is very refreshing. White fluffy clouds with an occasional sprinkle of
showers produce rainbows in the cool breeze. As they get closer to the
village, more fruit and nut producing trees are seen providing a canopy
for the road.
Soon they come to several homes and eventually many closely packed
building where folk are busy with everyday chores; cooking,
cleaning, laundry, etc... We hear the hammering of a blacksmith as we come to a
congested area filled with market goods.
Someone shouts
outs Fontana's name and he waves his hand at his friend.
Speaking to SpaceDog,
[Fontana] "We
are almost at the village square. Any idea where you would like to spend
the night?"
SpaceDog ponders and looks around the square before
answering.
[SpaceDog] "Is the Water Works still open or The
Gallant Tree Inn?"
[Fontana] "The
Water Works burned on the last twin moons after a bar brawl. A black elf
somehow got into the village and was killed in a fight with a dark elf
who's family was kidnapped. It's been
rebuilt, but..."
[SpaceDog] "Smells like a
Vomitorium,
right? Never could find anything to get the smell of black blood out of
the floor,
could they?"
[Lady
Robin] "Vomitorium.
Is that a place in which, according to popular misconception, the
ancient Romans are supposed to have vomited during feasts to make room
for more food?"
[Fontana] "Even after
they removed all the timber, the faint smell of death still lingers in
that place and is now the 'red light/black star' district. Oh, next
to The Gallant Tree they taped into a hot spring and opened a bath house.
I highly recommend it and go there often. It has areas for males, females and family or co-habitants."
The big grin SpaceDog tries to hide is not overlooked by Lady Robin,
Kanda Kitti or LeeZee.
[Panda
Kitti] "Meow,
kitties don't like baths, meow. We would purrrfer to get licked clean,
meow!"
Kitti looking at Little Kitty who is still
on her shoulder. Both Lady Robin and LeeZee take SpaceDog by an
arm and Robin whispers,
[Lady
Robin] "I wouldn't mind
being licked dry after a nice Hot Bath..."
[LeeZee]
"Sounds
like a plan to me."
SpaceDog
begins to chuckle and turns left at the next street. When the street ends
they turn right where two building with a walkway between them is
dwarfed by the World Tree behind it. The Gallant Tree Inn looks very
small by comparison but is a lot bigger then any of the surrounding buildings.
Inside the stone and wood building,
a great staircase leads up to the landing around the upper floor and the 21 bed
chambers. On the first floor a dining area with both tables and booths
fill the right side of the room warmed by an open fireplace in the
center. The
kitchen is in back and a lounge is located on the left side along with entrance to the
public bath house and spa. When entering the
Inn, they are greeted by a short and extremely busty elf maiden with long white
hair in a long red and white dress who immediately stands up, bows, and in several different languages bids us
welcome. When she raises her head, her eyes grow wide open, a huge grin
brightens her smile, and she jumps up from behind the counter and shouts,
[~~Cyn~~] "DADDY!
You're Home!"
She runs up and hugs SpaceDog like he was a
long lost father, steps back, does a 360 spin making her long hair and
dress fly out, her chest shakes and falls back into place before composing herself, walks back
behind the counter, sits on a stool, puts her chin in her hands and smiles.
[~~Cyn~~] "How've
you been Star Lord?"
[Lady
Robin] "Daddy?"
Robin
questions and steps over to look at the elf, looks her up and down, looks back
at SpaceDog and again,
[LeeZee] "Daddy?"
SpaceDog begins to laugh hysterically, looks up, puts his hands
together, winks at Robin and LeeZee, motions with his fingers for them to come
closer, puts his arm around their necks and whispers loud enough for all to
hear,
[SpaceDog]
"She is one of my adopted children. I own this place.
She lives and works here with me, so, we have got a place to stay."
[Fontana] "So you're
the owner that nobody is talking about?"
SpaceDog turns
his head on its side looks at Fontana and shakes his
head yes. He then looks back to the counter where the elf girls big eyes are glued to
him and says,
[SpaceDog]
"Get back over here and give
your dad a
properly sinful hug Cyn."
Again she gets up from behind the counter
and shouts,
[~~Cyn~~] "Daddy, daddy, daddy,
daddy, daddy!! You're home and Cyn's been so lonely this past 2 twin
moons!"
She runs up and hugs SpaceDog again pressing her
soft chest hard
against his, steps back, does another 360 spin, hugs him again, backs up
and bows down waiting to be praised. SpaceDog places his hand on her long
white hair and pats her head making Cyn blush and then smile.
[SpaceDog] "Cyn,
my gorgeous child, I love you with all my 3 hearts!"
LeeZee with
an air of wonder.
[LeeZee] "You will never
stop surprising me Star Lord. What's next?"
[SpaceDog]
"Relax Captain Lindsey Smith.
We've got a lot to discuss before or after meeting the elders, so later we
need to talk. I think we could all use a good hot
bath, don't you?"
SpaceDog turns back to Cyn.
[SpaceDog] "Has..."
[~~Cyn~~] "Yes,
Angela came and delivered the package a while ago and told me you were coming and your sister
is in the co-ed spa, but I don't think she knows you're here yet. I've
reserved the best rooms overlooking the town for you. Will 5 be enough?"
[SpaceDog]
"We only need 3 rooms at the moment, my suite
and 2 others. Make that four. Fontana, you are staying the night,
my treat. We really have not made sleeping arrangements yet.
LeeZee? Kitti? Want to share a room together?"
[Panda
Kitti] "Meow
Yes!"
Panda Kitti looking at LeeZee who nodes in
agreement. Little Kitty sitting on Pandas shoulder bats Pandas ear with
her paw and telepathically says "Meee too."
Cyn gets out the keys and a bunch of bed sheets and towels from the supply
closet. Cyn looks at the dogs,
[~~Cyn~~] "Pups? The usual room
close to your master?"
All the dogs sit up in agreement
except for Marina who rolls over on her back letting Cyn know she will sleep
anyplace she can. Cyn hands the key to room 3 to LeeZee, the key to room
2 to Patty Smith and puts the key to room one between Robins breasts.
[~~Cyn~~
whispers] "Let Daddy fetch that... Oh, and here's your key Fonna. I will tell Angela where you are staying."
She winks at
Fontana heading towards the kitchen. Panda Kitti hands over the
basket of fruits and vegetables to Cyn who accepts them with a
smile.
[~~Cyn~~] "Take
your things to your room, go to the baths and wash, and tea will
be served just before the suns set, and Daddy, welcome home. I'll make
your favorite curry tonight along with some sweet potato crepes."
On the side of the inn, a
covered walkway leads to the the hot springs areas and 3 guest baths on
the second floor. On the ground floor, there are 3 larger public
baths and all are fed by a hot spring. Before SpaceDog took over
the Inn, he used some very sophisticated equipment to survey property and burned several large holes
in the rocks all the way down to the hot volcanic underground water
chamber. While
doing this, he had tapped into one of the roots of the world tree
and found it to be an exceptional source of minerals that enhance and
rejuvenate almost all living things. A sign detailing the source of the
water is posted at the entrance to the bath house.
When the guests enter a room, they find
a small table with 2 chairs, a chest for storing supplies at the foot of
a large bed, a wardrobe for clothes, a wash basin and an assortment of
dragon glass and ceramic containers. On 2 of the walls, thick tapestries hang
baffling any sounds from adjacent rooms. In the wall opposite the door,
2 large clear glass framed windows are surrounded by stained glass. On
either side of the windows, shutters can be opened to allow fresh air
into the room. The rooms are very comfortable and apparently heat comes
from under the flooring. There is also a chamber pot in case of
emergencies and the out building is located in the back and contains
stalls for male or females waste recycling. From the top of the stairs,
turning left takes you to the covered hall that leads to the private hot
springs spa open only to the inns guests. The group soon gathers
to explore the luxuries of their new accommodations...
Bathhouse and The
Awakening
On the first floor, the Public Bath House has an attendant taking money
or bartered goods, providing towels and baskets for holding cloths or
other belongings. There are thick opaque glass windows surrounding the bath area for lighting
during the day but the bath is closed at sunset. The public bath pools
are also lined with tile; blue for men, pink for women and gray and
white for families and couples. There are also changing rooms.
Entering
the open air spa on the second story across from the Inns guest room,
there is no changing room, only 3 baths divided by opaque stone walls
about 2 meters high. Behind the walled-off rooms, each huge pool is
lined with assorted large smooth black, blue, gray and white tiles.
Flowing from holes in the wall, waist deep hot water flows out on the opposite side into wash basins.
Underwater benches provide seating along the sides. On one side of each
bathing pool is a raised area for towels and other needed cleaning
items. A hand rail is provided for easy entrance into the water. Looking
up there is no roof, only a clear sky with sunlight in the morning,
shade in the afternoon from the World Tree and stars in the night sky.
Torches are not allowed for fear of contamination but wax candles
provide light near the wash basin areas.
The group of companions finds their respectful rooms. LeeZee unlocks the
door and Panda Kitti enters first, pounces on the bed. Little Kitty flies across the room, floats down and
perches on a cushioned chair.
[Panda
Kitti] “Meeeow! This feels so nice.”
They purr
together. LeeZee drops her heavy pack and sorts out some of her gear
before dropping everything including her clothes stripping down to
nothing, wraps herself in a towel and heads out the door to the spa.
[LeeZee]
“Lock the door if you go out, ok?”
Panda Kitti rolls over onto
her back and paws at the air making purring sounds as she quickly falls
asleep.
[SpaceDog] "I don't know about you, but I'm
ready for a good long soak in the Hot Tub."
Walking up the stairs going to his room with a towel in
hand, he finds the door to the room locked. SpaceDog hunts for the key and finds Lady Robin
bending over showing its hidden location.
[SpaceDog] “Did Cyn put that in your
treasure trove? I bet she wanted me to go fetch it like the dog I am,
right?”
SpaceDog produces the key from its hiding
place in a flash so quickly that Lady Robin never felt a thing and holds
it up like a prized possession.
[Lady
Robin] “How did you?”
Robin is puzzled
by SpaceDog's tricky fingers. Unlocking the door he
tosses the key back into Lady Robin’s treasured chest. On entering the
room, SpaceDog sits and removes his boots before walking over to the
wardrobe where he removes his wool tuxedo and shirt. Robin enters the room
and looks around.
[Lady
Robin] "What's
that sweet smell?"
SpaceDog points to the large
tree sitting between the 2 windows with ornaments and pieces of
paper tied with string hanging from the branches,
[SpaceDog] "That
my dear is the smell of a newly grown World Tree. A seed pod landed on
my head and I planted it 69 days ago and that is how much its
grown. I'm not sure if I should plant it outside or cast a spell on it
to stunt it's growth and make it a bonsai. Smells refreshing doesn't it
and the hot tub smells the same because I tapped into one of the roots
of the World Tree."
Robin sits on the soft bed.
[Lady
Robin] “How many children do you have?”
[SpaceDog] “Biological children only
two. I have only seen one once shortly after he was born. His mother,
Gerd, left and took him with her and in all my travels throughout the ages;
I have never come across her or him again. That day in history is the only time
I have been banned from traveling. Please, don’t ask me why. The
other is a half elf by the name Rosemary. I lost touch with her and her
mother shortly after she matured into an adult.”
[Lady
Robin] “Sorry! I didn’t mean to bring up bad
memories.”
[SpaceDog] “Don’t get your knickers in a twist.
Over
my lifetime, I have adopted over 500 children like Cyn, Dee, Ruu and…”
[Lady
Robin] “Now I’ve met Cyn and I take it she is your
latest adopted daughter? She's very sexy if you ask me.”
Lady Robin begins to get undressed and turns away from SpaceDog
who's removing his trousers.
[SpaceDog] “It was a package deal. Cyn, Dee, Ruu
and CeFuu run The Gallant Tree as my adopted family. Cyn and Dee are polar
opposite twins and are like night and day yet both are geniuses and get
along with everyone. Ruu and CeFuu are also twins but son from
different mothers. Their now deceased father, Harri, was a good friend of mine for
many cycles and also the father of Cyn and Dee. Yes, I know it gets very
complicated.”
SpaceDog wearing
only a towel, walks over to what looks like an old chest and opens it
revealing a cooler with cobalt bottles like those found in the QETS,
takes one out and waves it in Robins direction. She declines while
looking at all the interesting artifacts surrounding the room. He puts
it back and gets out a light blue clear bottle. When she
finely turns around he's walking out the door.
[SpaceDog]
"Lock
the room and join me in the spa."
The Bath
On entering the bath house, they find LeeZee having her hair washed by a
young elf with dark skin and 3 other elves and a woman soaking in the
water. SpaceDog removes his towel and steps in.
[SpaceDog] “Bonnie Jean
Vanadis, it’s been far too long sister.”
A gorgeous long haired brunette
sits and with a bit of a sarcastic undertone in her voice.
[Jean Vanadis] “Damn Freyr, I thought you dropped
into the 8th realm of Hel and lost your way home… Sheesh! What brings
you back from the dead anyway? Have you been chasing those Valkyrie
wenches again? Who’s the redhead? How’s Shadowfax doing? Where is my son
and when will he come to see me?”
[SpaceDog] “Will
you stop calling me by the name Freyr, please. Well it is good to see you too
sis. The QETS brought me here
and I'm not dead yet. I have not
even seen or been with a Valkyrie in at least 2 cycles. Jean, this is
Lady Robin and she is from Midgard. Lady Robin, this is my twin sister,
Bonnie Jean Vanadis. Shadowfax is doing exceptionally well for a young unicorn
and your son should be here after the moon are high. How long have you been the village elder? Did you get the egg? Where
are you living these days? Have you seen Gerd or Rosie?”
[Lady
Robin] “It’s an Honor to meet
you Elder Vanadis. Twins? You don't look like twins.”
Lady Robin says bowing her head. Both SpaceDog and Bonnie Jean burst out laughing and hug one another
before splashing each other with water like two children.
[Jean Vanadis] “Been an elder for 179 cycles I think. Yes, Angela
surprised me and delivered Istanna and I put her in the hot tub drying
room I converted into an incubation chamber. I’m living at
Tree Fort with my daughter Sister Sister. I still have not seen or heard anything
about Rosemary, your son or Gertrude, sorry luv.“
[SpaceDog]
"Yes we are twins but don't look the same. She kept her appearance
but changed her hair color I
changed my appearance with an artifact a while back so Odin does not recognize me."
Robin walks over to the
female tub on the other side of the community bath so she can have some
privacy.
The dark skinned male elf says,
[~~Ruu~~] “Hello Dad. Dee should be here as soon as she
finishes cleaning the bath down below. Speak of the demon child…”
Dee
throws a bar of soap at Ruu who catches it a hand away from his face and
sends it back double speed at Dee who catches it with her knife.
[~~Dee~~] “Love you too Ruu.”
LeeZee looks up while
having her
hair dried on some hot rocks by Ruu.
[LeeZee] “Wow, just one big happy family aren’t we.”
[Jean Vanadis] “And you are a friend of my brother?”
~pause~
[Jean Vanadis] “Wait! I know you… you’re my brothers Goddaughter
Lindsey?
Gracious you have grown from the child I met last time I saw my brother. Have your talents awaken?”
LeeZee almost in
a panic,
[LeeZee] “Will
someone please explain what this awakening is?”
[Jean Vanadis] “You mean he’s still keeping it a secret? How old are you?
Now,
cycles or years, does not matter. Tell me!”
[LeeZee] “I just
turned 33 a month ago. Years…”
Bonnie Jean makes a hand
signal.
[SpaceDog]
“Everyone out of the water except LeeZee
and sis. I want you Captain Lindsey Smith, sitting in the bath where you
will find a round seat in
the center! We are about to awaken your gifts. Remember what Istanna did
to you, a breath of energy with a kiss?”
Looking
at LeeZee and points to the center of the bath.
[Jean Vanadis] “You are
about to feel something truly amazing and the lesson will commence now!”
Bonnie Jean
Vanadis instructs Captain Smith.
[Jean Vanadis] “Put your hands on top of
my brothers head
and whatever happens, do not let go, okay?”
Kneeling behind LeeZee in
the water, she places one hand on LeeZees' hip and the other on her
shoulder. Closing his eyes, SpaceDog does the same thing to her opposite
side facing Captain Lindsey Smith.
Slowly,
bubbles start to rise in the water surrounding the 3. The
two siblings begin to breath as one. On each breath, a yellow
mist comes from both SpaceDog and Bonnie Jean's mouth and
surrounds the succubus. Suddenly LeeZee begins to panic and
shake her arms when the Star Lord and his sister begin to
chant in
dragon speak,
then elfish,
then something totally
unknown
to translation and when they stop the steam on the bath water
suddenly disappears as the water goes cold. LeeZee begins to
smile as tears fall in torrents from her eyes.... she then
lets out a scream!.
[LeeZee screams] "CHOCOLATE FUCKING ORGASM!!!"
Lady Robin running back
into the room half naked...
[Lady
Robin] "What just happened?"
Three World Tree seedpods suddenly fall from above
into the spa with an echoing Splash! Splash!! Splash!!!
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