A Dream of Empire Ch. 009

"I understand of course, and I do see your point," Tatiana continued without missing a beat. "I obviously wasn't present for your 'light skirmish' against the slaves in Santaria. I imagine I'd feel differently about it if I had been."

Talos nodded, flicking his gaze away from the sorceress.

"Fifteen thousand," he muttered.

"Hm?"

Talos returned his piercing gaze to her. "Fifteen thousand slaves, Tatiana. That's how many we..."

The sorceress gasped. "Fifteen thousand... dead?" The man nodded sadly.

"Yeah. Over three pitched battles. Anyway, I suppose I see your point, too, regarding Alanna. I do hope that number gives you some insight as to why I choose to live with a limp, though. And that I've limped through life far longer than I've known her."

Tatiana nodded nervously, her lip quivering as Talos stared daggers into her soul.

"Because my full potential, Tatiana, is only that of blood and death. Nothing more."

Another nod. Tatiana rolled onto her back, sighing exasperatedly with a hand on her temple. "Will you be mad at me if I disagree?"

"Never," he said softly.

"Then I disagree."

"Mm."

"I think that's all just a convenient excuse for you to do nothing. Or... or to retire peacefully, and shy away from further adventure. It's been fifteen years, Talos. I saw you in Villjord. I recognize that you're... capable. Of greatness. And... I want you to know that I'm ready to support you again. Wherever."

Talos kept his thoughts to himself and one other for some time, listening to the faint giggles of elves echo off the stoneworks instead. He knew Alanna had stepped behind him during the silence, but she would also be aware that her proximity didn't change his response at all. She knew everything about him.

"Thank you, Tatiana. You know, your support back then really made a world of difference to me. I already knew my friends would assist me," Talos said, pausing a moment in remembrance of the fallen, "but finding someone fresh... you, who would do the same, did wonders for my courage. And I'll have you know that I feel the same of you. Of mutual support, if you ever decide on greatness yourself."

"Oh! Well. I'd never ask. I would hate to see what an Empire of Tatiana would look like. But... thanks, Talos." Tatiana grimaced when she heard Alanna step towards them, her words timidly falling away from her mid-statement.

Missed you sweetie, Alanna thought to her man. Or was it him?

Alanna only wore a flimsy, sheer nightgown, and her auburn hair was still very much wet from the pool. She knelt next to Talos, laying beside him. Talos shifted to his back and wrapped an arm around her, squishing the girl's lovely breasts against his side. Just as they should be.

Tatiana started to push herself from the ground. "Well. I suppose I'll lay out my bedroll inside."

"Don't leave for my sake, Tatiana," Alanna smiled. "I'll be quiet. I heard everything, anyway."

"I-I know. It's just... weird. I'm sure the feeling'll pass," Tatiana said breathlessly. She remained on her butt.

"Mm," Alanna mumbled, just like Talos did. "Stay a while? I won't mind if you cast the rally spell again." The enchantress's brows were raised in sympathy, but the pouting Tatiana seemed to need further convincing. After a nervous twitch, the sorceress laid on her back once more.

"I already did. Half an hour ago," she said quietly, frowning as she looked up at the heavens.

Alanna gave a coy smirk, while tracing an intricate design on Talos' chest with a finger. "Oh. Well, would you like to speak of magics with me? Perhaps transitional mutations?"

"Oh gods," Talos groaned.

Tatiana chuckled. "We could. Although, I think that would put poor Talos to sleep."

"She's right-"

Alanna wrapped a naked leg around Talos, preventing an easy escape. "Maybe he'll pick something up before he does. Just... go easy on me, Tatiana. I'm still a novice, but I am learning on my own time. Baaarely past applying Kahlida's law."

"Oh! You would appreciate my library in Redstone, then. I keep a copy of every book on transmutation. Have you read through Proprietorial Conservations yet? By Sindahir?"

"I've had it recommended," Alanna smiled warmly. "I wasn't thrilled to read a man's words on the subject, if you know what I mean. Did you find it helpful?"

"Oh yes. You'd be thrilled by the efficacy of your spells once you drill the Theory of Conservation into your head. I've been there."

Talos groaned, receiving happy glances and giggles from both girls. He wouldn't dare move from his back, though, knowing the time spent together would do everyone some good.

In fact, he didn't move at all as those two brilliant sorceresses discussed this nonsensical law and that ridiculous theory for another hour, since he drifted off to a silent sleep halfway through.