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It's been three weeks since arriving here on the island Calabria, my studies are going well though, I've spent almost half that time recovering from my wounds during practice. With some testing done by the local magical school and Mavra and Serilda helping me, I've managed to learn the basic teachings of fire but they want me to practice with it more before moving on to the next phase of my training, none the less I feel honored to wear a red cloak of fire and my long sword while basic fills me with pride as I learn how to wield it.

Currently, I'm standing in a small ring, my leather armor and wooden sword at the ready, a vixen stands in front of me, her red fur clashing with her leather armor that has plates of bronze and her gaze is sharply on me. This is Danica, Fabrizio's older half-sister and a knight-errant, she is my teacher.

Danica readies her wooden sword and she says "Here's what I want you to do, I want you to try to break through my defenses with what you've learned so far. There is no set flow or form, but it requires focus and timing, brute strength will only go so far. Attack me!"

I charge with my wooden weapon, I come low and to the left to which Danica easily deflects, I jump back to avoid a quick strike from her but before I can strike she's already prepared for another attack, I quickly glance around her perfect stance, I decide to go for the center, our wooden blades clash and she locks our weapons together.

Danica says "Come on, stop trying to hit me and hit me!" and she forces me back.

I stumble as I try to regain my footing, Danica comes at me which I barely deflect in time and I just feel this hard pulse go through my arms.

Danica says "Your holding the sword too tight!"

The vixen gives a quick one handed swing which knocks my weapon out of my hands.

Danica points the tip at me and she says "And now, too lightly." with a smirk.

I say "Now, I'm dead." with a sigh.

Danica says "Your lasting longer with each mock fight, but you are reckless and your over thinking your approach. Even my stance can be broken, you need to be fast and apply yourself to the attack.", she puts on a light smile and she says "But you have the basics down, so we'll continue to build on that."

We put away the wooden swords, with Danica getting her personal sword, a masterpiece of a weapon. We start to head out, knights are roaming around and it's just another day at the castle. Thankfully the stares of everyone is dying down, but they still have their curiosity. I haven't gone into the city itself yet, but hopefully it's soon, I've always wanted to visit this kind of time period and the culture here has my interest. Donna Alcalee has also been helping me in learning proper etiquette when it comes to royalty and address.

The Don and I have even had our share of small talk, with him telling me some information about the greats houses, there's the Rinaldi who is set up here in Triskellian, the equine knights of the Avoirdupois to the east, to the west are the Bisclavret which is primarily wolves and to the north is the boar kingdom of the Doloreaux. There is also a group called the Phelan, all he has told me about them is that they are primitives that are mostly wolves and are a group of different tribes. If this is all just on this island, I wonder what else is here in this world. I really do want to at least visit these houses and see what they are like in person, though I would have to research their customs first.

Danica and I enter the throne room where the Don and Donna are and Mavra and Serilda are also present.

Fabrizio says "And there they are." with a light smile, "How's the training going?"

Danica says "He is improving, in actual combat his judgement and flow breaks, but it'll work itself out in time. But I think we have a diamond in the rough." with a smirk towards the end.

Fabrizio looks to Mavra and Serilda and he says "And what of him and the art of fire?"

Mavra says "His focus is sharp and pinpoint, he learned the two basic spells in about a fortnight, but we're having him still focus on them until his martial training is complete." with a light smile from both her and Serilda.

Fabrizio gets up and he says "In three weeks you've made a lot of progress. Between my sister, my wife and your friends, your turning into quite a sight. The population of Triskellian has actually known of your existence, we told them after you introduced yourself to us. I think it would be best if you head into the city and give everyone a chance to see you, after all they may think you are just a myth by this point."

I lightly smile and I say "I agree my lord, I've been looking forward to seeing Triskellian."

Fabrizio says "I'll send a few of my guards with you, Mavra and Serilda are well known here, so no miscreant will bother you."

Alcalee says "However, be aware of your surroundings, especially in Old Town, only thieves and murderers roam there. Especially at night, where even the knights and guards retreat into their holdings."

And so Mavra, Serilda and I head out with a few well armored guards, one armed with a warhammer and another with a shield and morning star... talk about sticking out like a sore thumb. Everyone has mixed reactions, some stare, most whisper and glance with all of them curious to say the least. I instantly become filled with wonder and excitement, the architecture from what I can tell closely resembles the design of the renaissance. Distant music chimes as loud bangs from a nearby blacksmith joins in, shops and taverns are performing their services. One building stands out the most, it's a massive cathedral of gleaming white, it's spires striking the air as it's massive halls, such a marval of beauty and engineering.

Mavra says "That's the Cathedrale de Tamoin, it's a powerful icon of the chruch. And people may even learn how to wield white magic there." with a light smile.

Serilda says "And to the left of it is the Old Tower, no one knows what it was for, it's an old structure that is slowly crumbling."

I look to the Old Tower and it is rough, but it looks amazing in it's own way, contrasting the cathedral with it's more sound and well-maintained structure. A massive aqueduct is streaming water with some going to wells, some to certain buildings and most going into what looks to be pipes. At the rounded end areas, Mavra informs me that the places over there are bath-houses. So Old town, is kind of rundown and falling apart, but the marvals hidden here are great examples of a characteristic era.

Serilda says "To the north are the shipyards where ships are laid down and built, to the east is New Town which has the entrence to the cathedral, the Dunwasser College and the market plaza. To the south is Dock Town where ships dock and you'll find people of practically every trade, banner and species."

I say "This city is amazing, the feats of engineering, the air of it's culture. It's all breath taking." my excitment finally getting to me as I brightly smile.

Mavra says "If your race is as advanced as it is and your so far ahead of us in technology, how does any of this amaze you?" with a raised eyebrow.

I can already feel people being curious as I say "To us, the medieval period represents a more... romantic time, one that captures our imagination and to try to see things from the eyes of our ancestors. So there is a form of familiarity... a land distant and yet close at the same time. The simple nature of things only adds to the complexity and the richness, as the medieval era also represents huge strides in culture, the rise of nations and reformation of political structure and religious structure. Some of my ancestors were knights, some legionaries but most were common folk and I often wonder what their interpretation of the future would be."

Serilda says "The next thing I expect to hear you say, is that your kind never experienced hardship." with a slightly sarcastic tone.

I say "Heh, I wish, mankind has had countless wars, plagues, famines... but those are tales for another time." with a sigh.

We enter New Town, it's buildings are just gorgeous, the shops here have far more activity with barber shops, painters, bakeries, more blacksmiths, to name a few of the types of stores, a large barrack housing with most of the aqueduct here and music just floods the air. Like before people start whispering doing the usual, but I think they quickly notice how much I'm enjoying their city and most simply give a light smile and go back to what they were doing.

I guess that since Dock Town is just south, they maybe are use to some more outlandish things. There are some things of interest pointed out, the Three Spears Inn and the Merchants Guild Hall. As for Dock Town itself, Inns and taverns are everywhere and ships have made anchor at the docks themselves and most look like merchant vessels with square-shaped sails. And I'm getting some looks as well, a few from sailors and marines but mostly from women hanging about... it doesn't take me long to put two-and-two together.

Mavra whispers "They are..."

I whisper back "I know." with a glance and a light smirk.

The tour thankfully goes pretty smoothly with us even going to the shipyards, a few ships are being built with one nearing completion, it's hull is massive and cannons are being loaded onto it.

I say "A warship?" with a curious smile.

I hear "Indeed, a third rate to be precise."

I look and I see a mouse with an array of tools and I say "She's going to be a fine ship." as I glance back to the vessel.

The mouse says "Aye, a man of good taste, but no coin. Besides, what would ye do with such a ship?"

I say "Hmm, I'm not entirely sure. Pirate hunting maybe?"

The mouse "Plenty of powder fer that, those 30 pounders aren't fer show lad." with a smirk and begins to rig up a cannon so it can be lifted.

With the tour complete, we begin to head back, but my attention instantly goes to the Old Tower, an old structure that's succumbing to time, whatever purpose it once has and lost, maybe it can be given a new one... if I played my cards right.

Serilda says "Getting ideas?" with a curious smirk.

I nod and I say "A few." with a smile back at her.

A woman comes over to us, she's wearing a white robe, adorned in gold pieces, her features match a skunk and she's holding a book.

The woman says "Hi, I'm Sister Lalaine and I've been looking for you." with a smile with her words having a slight german accent.

I blink as I think 'A priestess?' and I say "Greetings Sister, I am Adam." with a grin in return, "What's with the hustle?"

Lalaine says "I was told to bring you this." as she holds her book out towards me and she says "I do hope you find it useful." as she bows, she wishes me a good day and leaves.

I look at the book and it looks like some kind of religious bible, it's dark blue cover depicting the symbol of S'Allumer, the primary religion... in other words a book practically useless to me. We soon find ourselves back at the Don's residence where the Donna meets us just in front of the main doors.

Alcalee says "Welcome back, I trust everything went well?" with a light smile.

I say "Yes mi lady, everything went without any issue.", I put on a smile as I continue "Triskellian is a beautiful city and I look forward to getting to know it better."

Alcalee lightly nods as she keeps her smile, she looks to everyone else with those ice blue eyes of hers "I wish to speak to Adam alone, when he's done he'll resume his schedule."

Mavra, Serilda and the guards give a light bow and Alcalee motions to have me come with her and I simply follow suite.

Alcalee says "Now that the city has seen you, maybe they'll want to interact with you to get a better sense of you."

I say "I did have an interaction with one on the way here, a priestess."

Alcalee says "That explains the book, looks like you got the churches attention. If anything they want you to study it."

I sigh and I say "Permission to speak freely mi lady."

Alcalee says "Always good Adam. What's on your mind?" with a curious smirk.

I say "I have a... negative view when it comes to religion, it's been abused to cause war, misery, starvation and it's honestly a con to rob money from masses so that greedy and corrupt people hold power and sway. The crusades and the dark ages that lasted for a thousand years being prime examples."

Alcalee thinks for a moment and she says "I can understand your point, there are cases were zealous fanatics have launched attacks on one another... but S'Allumer itself doesn't promote violance, some people just take it too far sadly and cross that line. There are crusaders and inquisitors, but you are far more likely to see priests and people of healing who practice white magic along with some paladins who may use it offensively."

I glance to the book, I think for a moment and I say "Hmm, I'll think about studying it, it wouldn't hurt to read it for reference."

Alcalee nods at my words and she says "May I ask a more personal question?"

I say "Of course mi lady." with a light nod.

Alcalee says "How were things back where your from? You don't really talk about it at all and you don't say anything about your family. I'm wondering because some of the guards and maidens can hear you crying at times."

I think 'I knew I was going to get asked this sooner or later.' and I say "Back home, things were falling apart and to say I was freaking out would be an understatement. My mom left both me and my dad for some old high school lover, I got home from school one day and she was gone, I felt betrayed, angry, confused and lost and my dad was doing his best to keep me together." as I start to feel sad and angry, my eyes becoming wetter with each word said.

Alcalee gently embraces me, she says "I'm sorry to hear you went through that, a mother doesn't abandon her kids."

I say "It did teach me though, that blood isn't as thick as a lot of people think it is, it's actually quite thin. That there's a clear difference in being a mom by blood and attitude, blood means nothing." as I can just feel the scorn in my veins.

Alcalee puts on a sad look, I guess she wasn't expecting such a deep cut and she says "What you speak is the truth and you're under a lot of stress from it."

I take a deep breath and I say with sigh "I try to keep it to myself so that others don't worry."

Alcalee says "Keeping your emotions bottled up isn't the same as keeping them in check, you need a way to release your emotions in a more positive way.", she puts on a thinking look and she says "Hmm, how would you feel about a comfort woman?" as she lets me go.

I say "A... comfort woman?" sounding it out and I say "Do you mean a bawd, or something like that?" trying to understand.

Alcalee says "Well, they can be used for carnal reasons... but they are more often for emotional and mental support. And she'll bunk with you so that way you'll always have company."

I blink as I take in her words, I guess it wouldn't hurt to give it a try and I say "May I choose who it is?"

Alcalee nods and she says "Of course, let's head to my office and we'll get you situated."

I follow the Donna into an elaborate office, cherry red oak making up most of the room, fine rugs and dressings, an impressive bookshelf and desk with a fire place and a window to the outside.

Alcalee sits down as she readies a pencil and paper, she waves me over to her and she says "So good Adam, in terms of appearance and species... what do you fancy?"

I think and I say "Hmm, let's start with species..." already I feel my mind go blink.

Alcalee rolls her eyes for a moment or two "Well, bats are a good choice as they have a way of reading people. If you want a little more cuddle factor, a sheep is a good choice or even a rabbit. Most commonly there are wolves and foxes who are more general but are what your more use too."

I think and I say "Hmm, what if I said that I would like her to hail from the Bisclavret?" with a curious look.

Alcalee says "It wont really make a dent in the species all that much... but it does narrow it down to bats, red foxes and wolves being prime choices."

I think for a few moments and I say "I'll go with... a bat, a fruit bat if possible." with a light smile.

Alcalee nods as she writes that down and she says "Any specifics?" with a light smile.

I say "I want her to be older then me and also taller then me. In terms of looks, I don't really care."

Alcalee writes it down and she says "I'll head on down and see what I can do. If you go they'll try to take all your gold and more."

I say "Thank you mi lady." with a light smile.

Alcalee heads off to... where ever and I head to my room to study and practice my fire magic to some degree by lighting candles and moving one flame to the next. I hear a knock, I answer it and there stands Alcalee and next to her is an anthropomorphic fruit bat, her hair is brown, eyes as green as emeralds and her fur a coolish grey, I'd say she's about half a foot taller then me at least and she's wearing a purple gown.

Alcalee says "Good Adam, this is good Maeve. I hope you both enjoy each others company." with a flashy smile.

Maeve looks at me with her striking eyes, she scans me and she says "It is nice ta meet you." her voice coming off with an irish accent.

I say "It's nice to meet you too." with a light smile.

Alcalee says "I'll see the both of you later, have fun." maintaining that smile and walks away.

I invite Maeve in, she enters and I close the door, her eyes look to the candles, she looks at my book and to me.

I say "I was practicing my magic when you arrived, I'm studying how to use fire."

Maeve says "Just when I thought you couldn't get any more interestin.", she looks me over again and she says "The Donna was right, you aren't scary at all." keeping her smile, but she also sounds relieved which catches my attention.

I think 'I feel like I'm missing something here.' as I feel my curiosity kicking in, my eyes scan her as well, her frame is tall and thin, her membranes are elegantly put under her arms, her fox-like head being distinct, I hold out my right hand to her and I say "I know your curious, if you want to you can feel my hand."

Maeve moves towards me, she takes my hand and she starts to feel it, her hands are lightly covered to bare of fur and her skin while gentle is kind of tough. I glance to her hands and I do notice something interesting, her wrists have marks that look to have strained the skin, almost like...

Maeve says "So smooth and kind of cold.", she looks to me and she says "And your whole body is like this?"

I nod and I say "That is correct." with my full attention going to her.

Maeve puts on a puzzled look, I think I have her full curiosity for a moment at least, she brings me into a hug, I feel the membranes of her wings wrapping around me and she says "I'll keep ya warm." with a welcoming smile.

I hug her back as I feel her breath hit me, Maeve brings us over to the bed where we sit as she pulls me in, I can feel the gentle heat being trapped by her wings and I just feel comfortable, so comfortable I give a light yawn as I feel my head lay into her.

Maeve says "There ya go, just relax. Don''t get too comfortable if you want to eat though." with a joking giggle.

After a few minutes, I feel my stomach rumble and so we leave my quarters and head to the mess that I've been eating in with Serilda and Mavra, we reach the mess and I see them along with Danica, they look over at us with welcoming smiles, but when they see Maeve they become very curious, I know I'm going to have to fill them in, but I'm sure they'll have a few words for me too. Maeve and I grab our food and join them with the three ladies still having curious looks.

I say "Hi ladies, this is Maeve. Maeve, these are both my teachers and my friends, Mavra, Serilda and Danica." with a smile and my gaze shifting between the two.

Maeve smiles and she says "It's nice to meet you."

Mavra says "It's nice to meet you as well." with Serilda and Danica giving similar responses.

Danica says "Are you a new maiden? I haven't seen you before."

Maeve glances to me, which catches me off guard which catches her full attention... what is going on here?

I think 'I guess she wants me to say something? But last I checked Danica asked her the question. But if this silence drags on it's going to get awkward pretty fast.' and I give Maeve a thumbs up under the table as I get ready to butter my bread.

Maeve says "Well, I guess you can say that. I've been hired to be Adam's comfort woman."

The three canines stops what their doing and instantly look at me, their looks are not in my favor to say the least.

I say "Before you guys say anything, it was the Donna's idea. She said that if I had a comfort woman it could help prevent from crying in my sleep."

Serilda and Mavra look to eachother, they sigh in understanding while Danica looks to them.

Mavra says "So, what your saying is that... she's basically someone to cuddle with?"

I nod which earns a more neutral look from Danica.

Serilda says "Well, from what we've heard Adam, your nightmares can get really intense."

Maeve looks to me as I nod which causes her to put on a look of concern.

Danica says "So, you didn't go and get Meave to bring her here?" with a raised eyebrow.

I say "No, the Donna told me to say behind and she went out."

Danica says "That means you don't know how she was 'hired' then."

I blink as she said "Hired" with that shift in tone, I look to Maeve, I glance to her wrists and I say "Now, it makes complete sense." as I realize what has taken place.

Maeve says "I was purchased by yer Donna and gifted to ya."

I look between all four ladies and I say "Slavery exists here?"

Serilda says "It does, it's mostly done by the Bisclavret, for them it's just part of their life style in subjucating defeated foes, very rarey do they take innocent targets."

I look to Maeve who nods and she says "I was a ranger and protected my lords land, another lord conquered his land and I was taken by a slaver. I was treated pretty well as I gave em a good fight." with a smile at the end.

Danica says "I'm guessing my brother left that detail out. Understandable, it isn't a positive topic to discuss."

Maeve looks to me and she says "I take it slavery doesn't exist where yer from?"

I say "Slavery ended in the United States around a hundred and fifty years ago, to us it's alien at this point."

Serilda says "Talk about ironic." with a amused smile.

Maeve puts a hand on my shoulder and she says "Ya don't strike me as ah liar and in the few minutes I've known ya, ya aren't looking fer a 'fling'." with a light smile.

Mavra says "Hmm, come to think of it I don't remember Adam saying anything about sex."

I sigh and I say "Maeve, reguardless about what any paperwork says or whatever, you are a person, an equal. And the idea having a slave isn't one I would have."

Maeve puts on a brighter smile "I'm happy to hear that, but you need someone to lean on when sleepin. Yer teachers can't lay with ya without havin others whisperin, but with me no one would bat an eye at it. And when I held ya you practically melted, you relaxed and wanted to sleep."

Serilda blinks "Adam, have you ever had a womans touch, at all? Outside of hugs and handshakes?" with a curious look.

I shake my head and I say "No, I haven't."

Danica says "Well, that may change sooner or later it seems." with a witty smile.

I blush as Maeve giggles at that.

Mavra says "But Adam, is there a lady you do fancy?" with a raised eyebrow.

I look between all four of them as I think and I say "Not really, it hasen't crossed my mind all that much. Though I will admit, I am not all that use to female companionship, though at times I do feel lonely because of it."

Maeve says "Well, until ya find her, I don't mind keepin ya warm." with a smile.

The rest of the meal goes on without much fuss and only casual chatter with Mavra giving me my schedule for the next week. Maeve and I head back to my room where I decide to call it a day as I start to put the candles out.

Maeve says "Your instructors are very interestin women, two mages and a decorated warrior."

I say "Yeah, they are pretty awesome people. Mavra and Serilda were the first two I bumped into actually and they brought me here." as I lay on my bed with only the last candle remaining lit.

Maeve gets in with me "Hmm, so yer studyin fire magic and learnin how to use a sword. Do ya have any plans once ya finish yer trainin?"

I say "Well, I was thinking of being a knight-errant', going on journeys and exploring this world. But there is one thing I really want to do as well."

Maeve says "Which is what?" with a curious look.

I say "I want to buy the tower in Old Town and restore it." with a light smile.

Maeve says "That sounds like ah tall order, but not impossible.", she wraps her arms around me and she says "Are ya ready to go to sleep?"

I have the last candle go out as I gently hug the fruit bat and I say "I am." with a smile.

We both say our good nights and I quickly fall asleep.

.........................

Meave looks down on the human, her night vision giving her a full view of him, she warmly smiles as she gently pulls him more into her, to where Adam's head is on her chest, the heat being trapped from her wings providing a perfect insulated blanket.

Before Maeve can fully fall asleep, she can feel a few subtle twitches coming from the humans legs, based on the movement he seems to be running in whatever dream he's having, but something happens, the human lightly quivers and a tear leaves one of his eyes. Maeve lightly kisses the top of his head as she lays her head on top of Adam's, if the nightmares had this effect on him so quickly it must be extremely painful.

Maeve thinks 'I'll be yer watcher, rest fer now Adam, in Helloise's name I'll do my best ta help ease yer pain.' as she slowly falls asleep.

To be continued...