Chapter 63

Chapter 63

A/N: So I'm changing jobs next week. I have no idea what effect if any this will have on my writing. The hours should be about the same, but my writing has never really been constrained by time, instead of being limited by my ability to imagine the scenes ready before sitting to write. The stress and excitement of a new job might tire me out and make it harder to write for the next few weeks, but it might not do anything. It might even inspire me to spend more time imagining the scenes if I get bored. Hard to say. We shall see, and you have been warned.

----------

Neleh was accompanying Alexis towards the capital of the elves. She assumed Nimue would make contact with her in a few days anyway, so she might as well already start traveling. Since they didnt want to reveal the existence of the doorways to Alexis, they decided to travel by carriage. The human prince had seen the arches active while staying in the duchy capital, and had most likely made some assumptions on what their function was. It was something a little different to reveal the existence of doorways that didnt require the existence of pre-built stone arches, and were invisible to the normal eyes. The prince might view the doorways as a threat, instead of a convenience and a logistical tool.

Estelar was left in charge of matters in Nan Yanoi, while they took the large carriage along the enchanted roads of the duchy. Shiori and Asheara had naturally followed along. Asheara came because of her duty as the limiter and both of them came for their training. Shiori was also just a curious type, and wouldnt miss something like this if given the choice. Shiori had grown more attached to Neleh as time passed, which was somewhat out of Nelehs expectations. Of course the time they spent together would make people more familiar, but most of that time Neleh took the role of a strict teacher and trainer. Thats why she had asked Asheara to be a gentle mother figure for Shiori, but for some reason Shiori was much less interested in that. This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

It was after two days of travel that the expected communique from Nimue came. Neleh, can you get to Rhianon in a fairly timely fashion? We have some situations developing, and I think your input might be useful. Nimue asked sending a magical message.

On my way. Im also bringing some baggage along. We should be there in few days. Neleh replied with a small smile.

Baggage? Im not sure I like the sound of that. Its not something troublesome is it? Nimue asked suspiciously.

Well, that depends. It might be something you really like as well. Its all in how you utilize my present. Nelehs amusement could be heard through the magical message clearly enough. Nimue decided that it wasnt worth the trouble to try to fish for more information and amuse Neleh even further. She wasnt going to get any straight answers anyway.

The trip itself was fairly uneventful. Alexis was clearly attracted to Neleh, but was also feeling a little apprehensive now that he had a better picture of her power, and he also felt a little bad about the spirit ritual going wrong from his point of view. He didnt know the real reason Neleh had taken so many days to wake up. Most of the trip was actually spent with Shiori teasing Alexis about whatever happened to catch her fancy, or her asking countless questions about the human continent. Shiori also finally found someone besides Neleh who could match her in the various games she liked to play. That said, Shiori was still winning more than she lost, to the chagrin of the prince.

Neleh spent most of the trip getting used to the changes in her body and mana. The mana part was easy, since she kept casting countless tiny spells with negligible effects, slowly getting the hang of the changes. She had spent quite a bit of time purifying her mana anyway, so it was only a case of something coming earlier than she expected. The purer a persons mana was, the more effect she got for less expenditure. Training to control her strength within the confines of the carriage was more difficult, but after running a series of exercises, she had now gotten to the stage where she wasnt breaking things accidentally anymore. She didnt want to spar with anyone yet in case of an accident, but she had reached a functional point already.

So far she estimated that the effects from establishing a connection with Malassa had raised her strength roughly to the level where she would have been while fully utilizing the power of her Ignasia previously. It was a bit of an odd feeling to have as much strength as her previous maximum effort, except without any effort spent this time. She had the feeling that this was not the extent of the increase in strength; instead Malassa was easing her in. There would be more in the future. She assumed she was now about equal to Estelar in strength, while the expert Great Silver was fully utilizing his inner strength. Well, at least her power now matched her skill with a weapon. She hadnt tried properly using her own inner power yet, and was somewhat interested in the changes there. One step at a time though. One visible change was that previously she had been able to fully hide it when she was using her inner power, aside from the glow of the Ignasia, but now there would be a telltale black and purple aura around her, which would show to anyone watching that she was utilizing the darkness element.

Shioris training had also reached an important crossroads. It was the last night within the JaoeTinukai territory when Neleh decide to bring the subject up with her. Shiori and Asheara had been running through their normal training routine that evening, and Neleh had asked Asheara to give them some privacy after they had finished.

As you might have noticed, your training so far has been mostly about developing your physical strength, your knowledge of the universe and the amount of psionic power you have. I havent really been teaching you how to utilize that power properly, aside from using it to strengthen your body. Neleh started.

Ive noticed. Having good foundations and all that. Is that about to change? Shiori asked eagerly.

Yes, but before that you need to make some choices. As with training any other type of power, you cant learn everything at once. You need to have a certain amount of focus in your training. Its not like you wont learn anything from the other paths and options, but it is often better to start out with a limited focus and then expand later. This is not something you have to decide immediately, but I want you to start thinking about it. Neleh explained.

Alright, so what are my options? Shiori asked.

I think the easiest way to explain it, is to say there are two main axes your training can move on, and the ends of both axes are so different that they are somewhat mutually exclusive. The first choice is whether you want to go big, or go small. The first option is all about expanding the effect and reach of your abilities. Youll train to have your powers effect as big of an area or as many people as possible, as well as reaching further and further away with your powers. By its nature this type of training will make you more effective when fighting or helping a large group of people. Its also fairly flashy, and as such isnt something you do secretly.

The second option is all about control and efficiency. When going big, theres a certain element of letting your power go rampant to achieve maximum effect, whereas going small is all about exerting minute control over your power. Its also about exerting control over smaller and smaller details of your power and its effects. This also leads to increased efficiency and making the most out of the power available to you. Unlike the other option, this method is more suited towards secrecy, and against lone enemies.

The four of them entered Nimues study, as the tired looking empress looked towards the door. Nimue only gave a grunt and waved them deeper inside. Took you long enough. Did you decide to dilly-dally on the way? She suddenly noticed Alexis. What this? Since when have you dragged a human around? She had a nasty premonition.

Neleh thumbed towards Alexis. This is the baggage I mentioned. Think of it as a present. Prince Alexis. Neleh had a wide grin, and Nimues look suddenly sharpened at the mention of the title prince.

Alexis gave a small chuckle. He was getting used to Nelehs personality, which in itself was a cause for worry. Prince Alexis de Wolfe of the United Human Empire. Here on a wide range of diplomatic matters. I hope to get a proper audience with you when you have time, though I would prefer as soon as possible. There are matters we should discuss.

One of the twins, eh? Youre not often separated from what I hear. No matter, Ill have to ask you to give us some privacy for official matters. I promise to make some time for you later on. I have a few hunches about your reason for being here. Nimue said rather unceremoniously. She was also used to Neleh springing surprises like this on her.

After Alexis had left the room, escorted by a pair of guards, they finally got to the point of Nelehs visit. Youve most likely already heard some rumors, but this is about the demon-fairy war. Nimue said with a sigh.

I heard something about how their war had ended, but despite my efforts I couldnt find out any details. They made a peace finally? Neleh guessed.

Not quite. The Faeries were forced to surrender. The faerie continent is provisionally under demon control, although the demons havent really done anything about it yet. Nimue said somewhat glad that her efforts to keep the information suppressed had been so successful.

Surrender? The last I heard the faeries were winning! Not by a large margin mind you, but still winning. The presence of the great wyrms on the battlefield had given them the advantage. Neleh wondered with surprise.

Thats how the situation was until about a month ago. Then about a month ago a strange plague started spreading through the fairy ranks. They took measures to try and contain the disease, but their measures came too late. Now a majority of the faeries large cities have been infected. The queen of the faeries already caught the disease, the rest of their royal family has been quarantined to try and save them. Heres the worst part: the demons withdrew from contact on all fronts just days before the disease started spreading, as if they knew what was about to happen. The faeries had no choice but to offer surrender. The demons accepted their surrender, and now seem to waiting for the disease to run its course before taking any measures. Nimue explained with a sigh.

A disease spread by the demons? Thatsboth ingenious and utterly immoral. No wonder the celestials also seem to be in panic. They even withdrew Azrael. Neleh mused.

Thats not even half of it. You know how there were several celestials present to try and facilitate peace? Yeah, the demons didnt give them a memo about the disease either. Now several prominent and high ranking celestials are also stricken by the disease. I even heard a rumor that one of the celestials carried the disease back into one of their flying cities. I have no idea whether thats correct, but that would not surprise me. Elune, what a mess! Nimue cursed.

No. Nope. Im out of here. Neleh suddenly said getting up and walking towards the door.

What?! Where are you going? Nimue asked confused.

I know where this is going. If you tell me more about the disease, I might figure a way to fight it, or even cure it. That would require me to make the trip to the continent of the faeries. Ive got enough work with my own duchy. This is your problem to deal with. Neleh said with a sigh.

You might be able to cure it? Then you really need to help. We cant have the disease spread! Not to mention having a large chunk of the faerie race die. Also having them and the celestials owe us one, and a favor this big would be priceless! Nimue yelled in half panic.

Khali dammit! Faeries are one thing, but Im really not feeling like helping the celestials at the moment. Neleh knew she was only making excuses. She knew that the changes she had made in her duchy required mainly time at the moment, not her presence. In addition, the Nexus would allow her to return home whenever she wanted or was needed.

Also, you cant leave; Yunalesca also needs to meet with you! Nimue yelled after her.

Khali dammit! She cursed again. Maybe she could refuse to help the celestials. With any luck, Anauel would have also caught the disease