A Mage's Tale Ch. 12

"That didn't really happen."

"Ask your father. I do believe you call this bimbo, Aunt Lorette?" I muse.

"He's telling the truth." Fred confirms. "Duke Taltrinsk sent a 2500 coin dress to your Aunt. She put it on and tramped around the party finding Taltrinsk and then fucked the one guy he hated most."

"That makes more sense then the reasons I heard in rumor, thanks for clearing that up Fred." I say.

"Your mother and I thought showing you about sex would prepare you for things like that, we were wrong. And once we started we didn't know how to explain or fix the problem we caused. I'm sorry Adella, I was trying to help you become a strong women, not a neurotic one." He says to her.

"And with that my job is done. You are all free to dress as you wish in the morning." I say stepping towards the stairs.

"This was part of your plan?" Adella asks.

"Nameless?" Fred asks.

"I told you and Cathy both I can't fix this. I can make Adella see her parents as people who love her and make mistakes, get embarrassed seeing nude women. Clear a path for you and her mother to talk about and work out what happened and the whys. Like her Aunt. Not sending her to someone to make it alright but grow as a family and learn together. All it took was stripping you all naked and waiting."

"Are you some demon or something?" Adella asks.

"No, I just keep one as a fuck toy. Good night." I say and bolt up the steps before anymore dumb question fall out of their mouths.

Looking around, Caldoria is not here. I reach the bed room to see the two I expected sitting up waiting for me, Nix and Cross. Nix pats the cushions between them as invitation. I walk over and sit in the offered space. Nix pats my shoulder, Cross lays her head on the other.

"One more and you get a special reward, pervy godfather." Nix jokes.

"Can't I wait on that?" I whine getting a snicker from Cross.

"You could be lucky, I guess." Nix giggles.

"What did you find out from Talantia about the Gorgon?" Cross asks.

"A little more but, not what I would say useful. We'll have to ask Tempis. She did say her and her sisters talked to her often enough. She should a lest be able to tell me the Gorgon's name."

"Was there anything useful in the book Val sent?" Nix asks.

"I never got a chance to really read it. So maybe." I reply.

"She's a born Gorgon, her powers are proof of that. She may be able to control her sight and petrification. Her liking flowers and berries are a sign she hasn't fallen into desperation and madness. I've read it." Cross says.

"So hows that help us?" Nix asks.

"It still doesn't give anything like what language she speaks, what if anything I should give as a gift or, how she would likely react to me just showing up." I say.

"I have a feeling this is more of a test by Aqua then huge problem dealing with the Gorgon. IF the Gorgon has the abilities Aqua says, the Gorgon will know why your there, what you want, how you plan to help her. This is a test to you, will you trust a goddess's word and go or not." Cross says matter of factly.

"Cross is right, I was so caught up in your worries I missed that." Nix says.

"Meeting her should go well. Bath, wear pleasant clothing, and don't take any weapons." Cross adds.

"Just like that you think?" I worry.

"Your not taking your own advise. Think about it from her side. Alone, seeing what others will do before even getting there, giving a chance at new experiences she hasn't thought to look for. Are you going to do anything to the person offering that if they show up wielding a hand shake and some pleasant company." Cross says.

"Treat her like a member of your harem and she'll love you for it." Nix adds.

Leaning back I let their advise sink in as they cuddle next to me. Before I know it the sun is up and preparations to go to the festival are well underway. The Royal family is in good spirits, I even get a good morning from Adella. My ladies are frittering about ready to shop and socialize. Tempis asks me to bring her something back but isn't sad or upset about not coming along.

The trip is slow going with all those men in the King's guard trudging along. When we reach Cholesta, Lord Helzury is quick with smile and greeting for me then scampers to the Royal family. We take our couch close to the festival area to set up for the day. In what seems minutes the ladies all scatter into the crowds and I am left to fend for myself.

I'm almost giddy. It has been a fare bit of time since I just walked around. Not having a woman at my side or a purpose getting to where I was going. The crowds were lively and sellers had many interesting things. I make my way to a grillery offering roasted chicken. I find a seat and get food. A leaky man drops into the chair next to me.

"You have a funded look about you. Interest you in any assistance in locating special items, recreations, sport?" he says leaning closer flashing a mages supply hand sign.

"I have need of potion brewing. Perhaps even an ink or two. Whats the rate, and name, friend?"

"Helurd Elbeck, most just call me Beck, 10 silver for the day, more if your shopping could draw hassles with law types." Beck says.

"Well, Beck. Here's one. Clean up and let me eat. If you aren't as grating on my senses when you return, you'll have a client." I say tossing a silver coin in his direction.

"Yes, Magus." he says taking up the coin and backing away.

I finish my chicken and step away from my table. Looking around the crowd I see Cross and Nix keeping an ever watchful eye on me. I don't see Beck. Well the lose of a coin to be rid of him was a bargain. I make my way to the ladies just as Beck steps from the opposing wall of people. He is still damp at the edges having a look of just bathing.

"Magus, where would you like to start sir?" Beck asks.

"These two are with me." Pointing at Cross and Nix.

"Yes sir?" he ask.

"You need keep this in mind. I won't be tracking into some dark smelly back alley." I say.

"Yes sir." he says.

"I have need of potions and brew equipment." I say and get a raised eyebrow from Nix.

"Well there are a number in town, only two of those have no temple trappings. Which means there is only one sir. The other is well over towards the types of places your companions might get less then polite offers for services, shall we say." Beck explains.

"Lead on Mister Beck, Ladies lets shop." I say taking their arms and pulling them along.

We travel on the main roads through town. Beck gets a few comments about his state of clean and jibes that he must be smitten again. He laughs and waves them off. On a secondary street but in view of the main road a tall block building with narrow windows sits with a brewer's flag and sale's board. Beck walks us over and opens the door to us.

Stepping inside it is far cooler in here then on the street. Beck calls up the steps to Cuon's the owner. The shelves are neat, floor clean and, prices well marked on every item. In whole the place looks proper, looking closely small oddities stand out. The tags have a line of shapes along the left edge, potions are just stacked into the rack with no rhyme or reason and the faint odor of burnt sugar.

"Beck old man, you bring me a customer. It's been awhile. Greetings sir, look around everything is clearly marked." he says.

"Master Cuon's was it, do you take special orders?" I ask.

"It depends, common potions or specialty brews. I don't make a lot of these myself so..."

"I'd be better off looking for a brewer else where is what your saying." I state flatly.

"I'm an off the shelf, dealer." Cuons says.

"I see, we'll look around, while we're here." I say.

"Oh please do, everything is clearly marked." he repeats.

Cross picks up on it, giving me a questioning look. I nod towards the door. She stays close to it watching. Nix shivers and for a second is visibly naked. Beck gasps his face reddening, Cuon's looking right at her shows no notice at all. I take my cloak and wrap it over Nix's shoulders.

"Mister Cuon what is the burn time on these heating logs?" I ask holding one out for his inspection.

"A long time, couple of days, I mean hours." he says.

"That's amazing, and these bottle burners?" I ask.

"They never go out. They are clearly marked." he smiles rubbing his hands over each other.

"Beck my friend I am going to need a cart. Here are five coins get the cart and come back here to help load up. Excuse me Nix." I say pressing one of the lightning wands into her hand as I step past her.

"How big Magus?" Beck asks as I pull him to the door,

"Two wheel pull cart. Something you could haul three goats in. Can you get something like that." I ask.

"Yes Magus, 30 minutes to long?"

"No with all these clearly marked items, I will hardly notice." I say.

Coun smiles big and Beck steps out the door. Cross locks it half a minute later.

"Were is your Master, Cuon?" I demand.

His face goes white. A liquid voice of telepathy says, "I have never been detected so quickly, Master Ryktis. Your skill as a wielder of magic are most impressive."

Cuon skitters up the steps passing a robed figure coming down.

"You mind attacks will only enrage my guard and hold no threat with my Nixie companion."

"I intend you no threat. I am Scelene the Mind-Flayer. I have been peacable in this city for 12 years. Why make trouble with a friend of the King and new Mer-Queen." the voice sooths.

"What is it saying?" Nix ask fear edging her voice.

It reaches in it's sleeve and removes a stick. "Calm Nixie, I am no threat." The voice comes from the stick instead of into my head. "What was it that uncovered my presence? So I may endevor to improve my hiding place."

"Cuon, he isn't human and is color blind as you are. The smell of masking, burnt sugar hangs heavy in the air. You redid the spell with in the last day, I may have not noticed in another day or two. It was really clear when Beck blushed seeing Nix without clothing even for a moment, Cuons never saw her cloths to begin with, did he?"

"You are correct in all of those things. Ray Cuon is a morphed raccoon."

"Why not use a cat? They see in color." I ask.

"They also get hard to keep from fucking any man they see when in heat." Scelene answers.

"That would be a problem." Cross says nodding.

"You have two bottles of living fire mixed in the everlasting burners. And the state of your potion rack is disturbing." I point out.

Scelene hisses but it feels like laughter. "I see, living fire looks much the same to lesser evolved beings. What would you suggest, Master Ryktis?"

"Adopt a gifted human child as an assistant. Teach and learn together." I suggest taking the living fire off the rack and setting them to the counter.

"Interesting. The youth would be grateful and loyal. What was it you wanted brewed, Ryktis?"

"Liquid skin. Firstly, as a trial. If the quality is good I can see me doing a lot of business with you."

"I have none on hand, but then no one does, I can have you three bottles the night after next. To gather and 36 hours to brew. 35 gold coins a bottle, 60 now, the rest when picked up. Is this acceptable?"

"Yes, Scelene agreed." I say offering my hand.

It laughing hiss again but takes the offered hand and shakes it.

I do root around the shop and pick out some items, spending 300 on that stuff then putting another 60 up for the liquid skin. Scelene bows and returns to the second floor sending Cuon down to help Beck secure the boxes in the cart Beck returned with. Cross and Nix watch me intently and don't relax until we are blocks from the shop.

"What the hell, Nameless." Cross blurts.

"Like I knew going in? Calm it down Cross." I retort.

"What are you going to do with that stuff anyway?" Nix asks.

"Make all of you feel good and protect the island, the skin is Vale stuff, for Val." I answer.

They nod and off into the festival we go. Gather up the others as we go. Join the Lord and King at his home for a buffet and fireworks display. The Princess and Vinissa comparing their opinion of me had Blank about in tears with laughter. The tournament was spirited and the joust was the best I had ever attended.

Camping on the lawn of the Lord's Manor was enough to get a game of childish antics and a racier game of spin the bottle causing a number of other guest to flee in fear. The royal family slept in the Lord's home. I enjoyed that festival greatly as did my harem. The ride back to the island had a feel of melancholy. Much as any after such fun filled days. But I felt for a few of them it held more, Nix just gave me a look.

Tempis was happy all over with the barley husk pillows we got for her. Getting the horses stabled and couched off loaded we gathered for a meal. Everyone told their favorite part of the festival. When it came to my turn I found my favorite thing of all was seeing them so relaxed and happy, followed by the fireworks.

"Remember me that way, cause when we get back tot he Vale I'm moving in with my boy friends." Clue said with a smile she didn't feel.

"I'm surprised you came in the first place. Not just getting a taste and jumping off the couch and going right back." I say giving her a hug.

"You knew?" Clue asks.

"Two of them giving you all that lovin compared to a little play time with me, duh, mores better."

"Your not upset or sad or nothing?" she asks.

"I am sad but not enough to make you sad by not going to live with them." I say.

"Why can't you be my size like all the time and stuff?" she scoffs.

"Sorry, but we already knew that part." I say.

Blank looks at me, "I want to go back to the capital, I love you and all of you but I want my life back, Vilkirk is dealt with, if I can't have more..." voice fading to tears.

"You will always be my Blank, Jillian. But I can't give you more and I won't hold you from finding it else where. You saw how happy I was when Clue got her boys to play with. That goes for any of you. I will always care and have a special place in my heart for you but if you want to go find what I can't give or promise with someone else. Go, with my love and blessings. And all of you remember, if you need me, I will always be there to help the ones I love." I say giving the all a heart felt hug, each in turn.

"I want to go home. But I'm to afraid of what they will say." Stacy says, "I know you would be gentle and kind to me but, like Blank not mine alone. As much as I want to have you, do so would only make it hurt more. So could you please take me home?" Stacy asks as a tear rums down her cheek.

"We'll take you home, and be here if ever you want to come back." I say to her as well. "Oasis do you want to be free of your obligation to me?"

"No, but I have felt very under foot with the royals and Calidoria. I would better serve you as your shop keeper in the Vale, with the promise of being rode hard and used sweetly a few nights a week while your there." she says.

"What about Anyta?" I ask.

"She has out grown her what of me, she played with me in the hopes I'd give her to you again. She was also afraid of my penis. When I had it, kinda did a number on her. I will care about her but, my heart is my own, my body for now is yours and I like it that way, even if you make me boyish again." Oasis says.

"Cross? Nix?" I ask.

"Mage you need me, and I, you. Don't you dare try getting me to leave you." Cross growls.

"I'm just a fluff buddy and envoy to the Consort. You can't fire me, or stop fucking me. I'd never forgive you." Nix says waging her finger at me.

The roar of laughter from us all is much needed. Tempis is confused by the want more can't stay thinking of the other women. She gets to have what she wants and a safe place. She is a happy siren, just waiting for her feathers to grow back so she can fly again. Then she'll jump me more. Again giggles and hugs.

A day at the island to plan, Blank is picked up by the royal caravan just after breakfast. Cross and Oasis get Stacy all packed and the couch loaded. They will take Stacy home, less looks and odd questions to answer that way. Clue gathers up, packs the trinkets that Caldoria gave her and runs off for the Vale on foot. I stand with Nix and Tempis waving until she is out of sight. Nix puts her hand on my shoulder.

"It's better this way." she says.

"I know, for all of them. Doesn't mean being left doesn't still sting a little. Even thou this makes things a lot easier for me." I say.

"You want to go talk to the Gorgon? While you have time without Cross panting for it." Nix asks.

"Your every bit as bad you know." I say.

"And that's a bad thing Master Goodlove?" she asks while grabbing my ass.

Tempis gets in on the game by grabbing her ass. I read through the book, think about the distance I will have to fly, and don the ring. I give it some magic and it goes active. Giving myself a second to feel, I have nine hours if I turn it on now. I grab a sling bag toss the movers wand and some snacks in it. Kiss Nix and Tempis before stepping of the ledge and flying.

Being removed from the chains of gravity is amazing. Tipping across the tree tops making a me shaped hole in the side of a cloud for a few seconds before it melted away. Landing on a low peak I look out over the many miles of green forests and fields below. How Tempis can wait so calmly for this freedom to be hers again gives me a new respect for the flighty siren. I turn towards the south west and take flight.