Through the Storm

[YourFNF]

So little background first. This story started out as a simple fet piece and quickly ballooned into something approaching novel size. It's basically kitchen sink scifi fantasy/with a bit of wizard of oz thrown in, focused on queer characters and themes. Currently no diapers but I plan to add that in, there are quite a few wetting and messing scenes though.

 

CW: For Sexual content, and implied PTSD

 

 

Through the Storm

 

 

It is a night so dark and stormy as to be almost cliched, wind howls, lighting flashes and thunder peels as a young girl runs for cover. Bri, short for Briana, is racing to get out of the storm, but is already soaked. The first thing to lose the battle was her chucks, she can feel her socks squelching in her soaked shoes. After 20 minutes, even her water-resistant canvas overalls and chore jacket are starting to be infiltrated. As she races down 40-mile road she tries to decide how much of the blame for her current situation is her parents and how much is her own dam fault. They had yet another fight, about what she couldn’t even remember at this point. Probably the usual stuff. Her parents were stereotypically staid midwestern white Anglo-Saxon protestants. Bri was an out and proud bisexual tomboy, one of only a handful of students in her small high school’s gay straight alliance. She likes video/tabletop games, books, science, working on machines, film, makeup (especially special effects), and rock/metal. None of this sat well with her folks aside from her ability to fix the farm equipment. They fought constantly. Bri had recently turned eighteen and was about to graduate high school, she was hoping for a scholarship that would be her ticket out of here. Her grades were certainly good enough and all her friends were making their own escape plans. There was nothing holding her here. Her back up plan if she didn’t get the scholarship was to move in with/work for her cousin in Tannersville who owned what was possibly the last video rental store in the state until she could get a certificate for teaching ESL, save up for a plane ticket and visa, then jet off to Paraguay or Czechoslovakia. What Bri didn’t know was that she was about to get her wish just not in the way she expected.

 

            Bri pushed these thoughts out of her head as she charged forward fighting the storm. She had been walking for hours before it hit and was about five miles from her house. But there was a gas station a half mile up the road Mr. Andrews the kindly old man who ran the place would let her crash in the back office and she could wait out the storm. However, something wasn’t right. As more lighting flashed in the sky she could see that the clouds had turned an eerie sickly greenish yellow looking color and seemed to be almost glowing now that she looked closely. Her heart began to beat faster as her first thought was that a tornado might touch down soon. Then suddenly more lighting flashed, and the clouds briefly turned a deep almost black plum color before going back to the previous yellowish color.

 

            She didn’t know what the hell to make of it, all she knew was that she had to get to that gas station. Mr. Andrews had a storm shelter that could be accessed through the work area under the lift in the garage. If a twister was going to touch down, she sure as shit did not want to be outside when it happened. She could talk about this later once she was safe, Ms. Myers who had taught her Earth/Space science course sophomore year would probably find it fascinating. Suddenly there was a lighting strike mere yards in front of her causing Bri to fall flat on her but in surprise and shock. A loud roaring noise like the voice of God filled the air. Thunder peeled like an artillery barrage as lighting crashed to earth all around her. Bri was not a timid a girl and had gotten into a few scrapes and adventures in her eighteen years but this raw display of nature’s fury would have unnerved just about anyone and she couldn’t help letting out a scream. Suddenly everything went white and then she was falling somehow surrounded on all sides by a coruscating sea of blue energy the roaring noise seeming to come from everywhere and she felt a strange chill and could actually see frost forming on her clothes before everything went black…….

           

After an indeterminate amount of time Bri slowly begins to come back to consciousness “What? Where the hell am I? What? What happened? There was that freaky storm and the bad trip and then I’m in the woods?” “What the fuck?!” Bri is in a meadow clearing smack in the middle of an unknown forest. Aside from the frost on her clothes which is rapidly sublimating into mist, everything is strangely normal. Actually, the scene is quite breath taking Bri thinks as the warm light of dawn spills into the clearing revealing that it is filled with dozens of varieties of wild flowers. But as she gets up and walks around something is subtly off about these woods. Not in a bad way just something is different, but she can’t quite figure out what. It’s definitely mixed deciduous forest like the woods around her house but there are lots of small inconsistencies. She doesn’t recognize most of the flower species and there are these weird vines that look like purple ivy with black round berries on several of the trees. Then there are the odd-looking squirrels with their bright red almost orangy coats and pointed ears with white tufts. Those along with several bright iridescent species of birds fliting through the trees are definitely not native to Indiana.

 

Still why’ll she has always been more at home in town than the woods or fields, she still possesses a not insignificant amount of wilderness and survival skills thanks to the instruction of Uncle Brun. Using these skills, she strikes out into the woods trying to find her way to a stream or creek. She figures if she can find that; one, she’ll have a source of water, and two she can follow it down to a lake or larger river where they’ll probably be people of some sort. As she hikes through the woods, she can’t help but think back on the time she spent growing up with Brun. Never was someone more aptly named then the 6’9”, barrel chested, Norwegian American. At forty-three he still had a weightlifter’s physique and his head was crowned with a mane of fiery red hair and a bushy beard both neatly braided. He likes to hunt and fish and just spend time in the outdoors in general. He also happens to be gay and married to a husband of ten years who is both his business partner and best friend. Despite some casual bigotry people rarely bothered the big man or his partner, especially not after the evening back in November 2012 when six “storm front” bickers got rowdy in Mel’s bar and decided they wanted to do a little queer bashing… and promptly got their asses handed to them by Brun, who managed to take them out while inflicting minimal injuries. Despite his size and hand to hand skills Brun was a gentle giant and actually felt some small amount of guilt over the injuries he was forced to inflict. He especially loves children and most between age two and thirty in the town consider the big man to be a favorite uncle, Bri included. He would often take her and her friends on camping and fishing trips over the summer. This where she picked up the skills she was going to use to get out of these woods and with one hell of story to tell Brun.

 

The weather is warm, and she quickly sheds her chore jacket tying it around her waist. After several hours of hiking she comes to a small creek. “Yes! Next stop civilization.” Bri, really thirsty after her hike, kneels down cupping her hands to scoop water from the creek as she quenches her thirst. However, as she relaxes by the creek the sound of running water makes her aware of another bodily need. Bri being used to hiking and camping doesn’t even hesitate as she stands up places her jacket on a nearby rock and unhooks the straps of her overalls. As they slide down to her ankles her black “Sisters of the Elder Fire” t-shirt and white full-cut briefs are exposed to the air. She slides her briefs down in one smooth motion as she pops a squat before letting go. Bri sighs in relief watching her pee shoot out from between her legs and splatter onto the dirt. After finishing she looks around for something to wipe with. The nearby cattails look perfect and she cuts some of the fluff off with her multitool and uses it to wipe with before pulling up her pants and heading off, following the creek downstream.

           

Five days of wilderness travel have passed since we last saw Bri and this is where we pick up.....

 

            As Bri continues her hike she keeps checking her phone to see if she can get a signal, the solar panel built into the case is keeping it running, but there’s simply nothing to pick up. It’s so weird sure signal can be patchy in the rural area where she lives but not even a hicksville part of Indiana has zero signal period. Out of curiosity she turns on the phone’s AM/FM function. At first, she gets only static but then she manages to pick up a few garbled broadcasts but can’t make sense of them. Frustrated she gives up and goes back to keeping her eyes peeled for food. She hasn’t eaten since dinner last night, if you can call a bunch of raw wild onions and cattails dinner, and is already getting hungry. She manages to spot a bush with what appears to be wild raspberry’s. Cautious about eating potentially strange fruit she plucks one off the bush and takes a tentative bite, her senses alert for the tell tale bitter alkaloid taste that would signal a potential poison. It is indeed a raspberry and very fresh ripe and delicious one. She rapidly downs two cups worth of fresh ripe wild berries the sweet sticky juices staining her mouth and fingers before she licks them off. As she continues walking Bri picks up several more nonsense broadcasts one them almost seems like a 40’s style news bulletin, something about fighting in Brosnaw? “Is that like in the Balkans or something?” Bri thinks to her self. 

 

Bri continues her hike for several hours before coming across a most welcome site around six p.m. as the late afternoon sun is getting low in the western sky. “Oh, thank God. YES! YES! YES!” Bri can’t contain her excitement and relief as she starts jumping up and down. In front of her is a dirt road unmarked and just wide enough to be classified as two lanes. Bri exhausted from her ordeal decides to make camp under the large oak next to a stone bridge that crosses the creek, reasoning that eventually someone will drive by that she can hitch a ride back with. Hell, it wouldn’t be the first time Sheriff McAllister, his deputies, or one of the neighboring counties’ sheriff’s departments had found her sleeping rough, picked her up, and driven her back to her parents. So, she gets to work making camp.

 

First, main course; she takes some of the purple vine and nots it together into snares which she sets. Second, sides; she gather’s some more of the raspberries before setting them down safely along with some kind of wild onion she found growing next to the creek and some kind wild green that taste tested safe. Third, fire; She spends an hour collecting firewood for tonight making sure that she plenty, including a large amount of greenwood. She wants this fire to make a lot of smoke both to keep bugs away and to attract the attention of passersby. Fourth, bedding; She makes a platform of branches next to the firepit she’s dug then layer’s cattails, tall grass and leaves on top making what she like to refer to as a “monkey” nest. It’s now almost dark so lights the fire using her zippo and goes to check the traps hoping she’ll find dinner. It turns out to be Bri’s lucky day as she finds a rabbit struggling in her snare. She goes up to it and picks it up by the scruff of it’s neck. It’s naturally freaked out as it senses the reaper approaching, she can feel it’s heart beating like crazy. It looks at her wild eyed as she draws her grandfather’s K-bar from a sheath on her ankle. “Sorry little guy.” After bringing down an animal Brun always gave thanks to the spirits and Fryer/Freya. While she considers her self agnostic something like that seemed appropriate. “God, look after this little guy for me, please. Little fella, sorry again, but I have to do this.” And with that she brings the knife down in one smooth stroke cutting off the rabbits scream as a single tear rolls down her face.

 

            Bri is sitting next to the fire thinking and enjoying the warmth that drives back the nighttime chill as she whittles a large stick she found early on into a spear. She wants to go fishing tomorrow in the creek; assuming a car doesn’t show up by then. She still feels a little guilty about killing that rabbit, but she has no idea if and when help is coming. This road could be an abandoned old logging road left for nature to reclaim or it could be that the whole county is under some kind of state of emergency after that storm and rescue teams are simply too overwhelmed to be looking for one person. Regardless she’s not going to panic; if she heads east she’ll eventually hit I-74 or state road 421. If she heads west I-65, north is Indianapolis. She figures she’s probably closer to I-65, so if she’s not seen any one in two days she’s going to head west on this road. That will give her some time to rest and recover sense her legs are killing her. Until then she needs protein to keep going and that rabbit is starting to smell delicious, guilty conscience or not.

 

            After skinning and gutting it she figured the best thing to do was stuff the fruit and veg inside Mr. Rabbit and slow roast the whole thing under a bed of hot coals in a separate area of the fire, letting all the juices mix and marinade together. After stuffing the rabbit, she wrapped it in a bundle of tall river grasses and placed it in a separate area of the fire pit. Using a stick, she sweeps some of the hot coals on top covering it. That was two hours ago and Bri is now going to check to see if the rabbit is done. She sticks her homemade spear in to the coals, using it to dig out the roast. She leaves the tip stuck in the coals to char and harden as she checks the rabbit for doneness. Upon opening the bundle, she is greeted by a mouthwatering smell. The rabbit is now a golden-brown color with bits of char in places, Bri sticks the blade of her multi-tool in and the juices run clear. She carves off a piece chewing and savoring the wonderful flavor. “Well Mr. Rabbit I’m sorry you had to go out like that, but your sacrifice is not going to be unappreciated.” She begins to carve up the rabbit skewering pieces on sticks that she had whittled to a point and charred clean in the fire. First a bit a rabbit then a bit of fruit and vegetables. She soon has a neat row of rabbit kebabs on a bed of grasses and she proceeds to tuck in relishing her first proper meal in close to a week. “That was delicious the only thing that could have made it better was a cold beer and some of that fancy restaurant bread.”  Bri sighs contentedly enjoying the primal pleasure that is a warm fire and a full stomach.

 

After about thirty minutes of relaxing and listening to the weird static’y broadcasts, something about the coronation of a new king in a place called Zeramar?. Bri gets up to stretch and try to work out some of the soreness in her legs. The sky overhead is breathtaking and bright with countless stars and larger smears of light possibly indicating distant galaxies. Something seems off thought, the night is almost too bright. Then she realizes the reason why…. There are two moons! “What the fuck! Was there something in those plants?!” But this doesn’t feel like a trip everything is to clear and solid and in focus. It’s just that something that shouldn’t exist does. She continues to search the sky but none of the constellations are familiar although that one star there might be Polaris but she’s not a hundred percent on that. She does manage to the spot the familiar light of the milky way which tells her that she’s probably at least still in the same galaxy. I wonder if I got struck by lighting and I’m going to wake up in the hospital any minute now with a story about a weird ass dream to tell. But that didn’t seem right either there weren’t the usual gaps in logic and continuity that signaled a dream. “This so freaking Twilight Zone like any minute I expect Rod Serling to start narrating. Wait could that really be it? That weird ass storm, there was that blue vortex, was that a wormhole? Did I just do like a Dorothy, John Carter, or Samurai Jack?”

 

Bri is almost hyperventilating right now. “Ok calm down Bri everything is going to be fine, you’re going to find some people who’ll explain the weirdness and it’ll all make sense. Fuck! I really need a drink but I’m in the woods and there is no booze, so I’ll just have to deal. Okay breathe, deep breaths, in and out.” Bri continues to take several deep calming breaths as she tries to sort her headspace which has just had all the furniture upended and scattered by a thunderous cosmic revelation. She decides that the best thing is to focus on immediate survival and deal with the weirdness later. Acting on this she proceeds to clean up the camp moving the rabbit carcasses about a hundred yards or so away, so it won’t bring the scavengers to her camp but is still exposed so that the critters can still get something to eat. It just seems appropriate to do it that way. After washing her hands and banking up the fire she sits down to meditate and clear her head before drifting off into uneasy sleep around eleven.

 

 

 

 

Ch. 2

 

Later that evening Bri is startled awake by a loud howl “Awrooooo!!!!” Bri still groggy leaps up adrenalin rapidly countering her drowsiness as million-year-old instincts kick in and she grabs for her spear. “Awrooooooo!!!” Bri senses alert scans the dark forest that surrounds the tiny island of light that is her camp fire. Then all is silent except for a small breeze that shakes the trees. All is still except for the pixie haired young girl standing alert and practically vibrating with tension an anachronistic wood spear held in her hands contrasts with her modern clothing. The forest is dark and filled with shadows made by the swaying branches that seem to dance. Small moonlit clearings can just be made out. Then from the forest emerges the largest wolf that Bri has ever seen in her life…..

 

The beast is huge standing almost as tall as horse with jet black fur. Beneath bright yellow eyes, gleaming white fangs drip saliva. Thoughts of national geographic documentaries about prehistoric megafauna, various DnD games, and the “Lord of the Rings” movies all play through Bri’s frontal lobe and hippocampus. Meanwhile her amygdala is shrieking and gibbering hysterically at the reappearance of an ancient enemy thought long dead, before running off to find a cupboard to hide in. The creature slowly saunters up to her camp. It’s yellow eyes and white fangs gleam with reflected light and it seems to have an unnatural lack of fear for either primates with sharp objects or fire. Suddenly without warning the beast lunges at her. Bri lets out a terrified and shriek that surprises both her and the wolf when surging with adrenalin it morphs into a war cry. Bri instinctively avoids the charge pivoting and bringing her spear to counter. It’s a hit and the beast yelps and snarls in pain as the spear jabs it in the shoulder. Spinning the spear in a flourish she screams her defiance. “Come get some bitch!!!” Bri has been in several schoolyard and parking lot brawls, mixed with hours of watching/studying Bruce Lee, and the various self defense techniques Brun taught her. So, while not the most skilled or technically proficient fighter, she knows how to handle herself. Which is why rather than charge in and waste energy she uses her superior reach and waits for the wolf to come to her.

 

It is more than happy to oblige as it barrels in but Bri once again evades and counter attacks eliciting another shriek of pain from the wolf. “Ole, motherfucker.” The wolf backs off for a beat pacing in front of Bri, almost as if it’s sizing her up with an uncanny and almost intelligent? gaze. The wolf seems to charge again but it’s a bluff and as Bri moves to jab at the wolf she overextends and leaves herself exposed as the wolf charges in earnest this time. It hits with a force that would be the envy of any defensive lineman and knocks her to the ground. “Ayeeeeeehhhhh!!!!!” Bri gets her spear up to block just in time as the wolf’s jaws seize around the length of wood instead of her throat. Attempting to get free Bri lands several solid punches on it’s face but they don’t even seem to faze it. Thinking fast she jackknives up under it pushing up off the ground and….. Kicks the big bad wolf right in the balls with both feet.

 

“AWOOOOOOOO!!!!!”. Seizing the opportunity as the beast rears back in pain she tries to jab the spear up through its mouth and the soft palate, right into the brain. Unfortunately, she misses, and the spear becomes lodged in its cheek. Still partially pinned she uses the distraction to pull her grandfather’s K-bar from her ankle sheath. And just as the wolf snaps off the tip of the spear she lands a solid hit with the knife stabbing it through the eye. This finally makes it back off howling in pain. Bri gets in a few parting slashes before scrambling up the oak, just before the wolf jumps up to snap at her heels….

 

Bri scrambles ever higher into the broad twisting branches panting with exertion. She eventually finds an area were the main trunk has partially split, creating a little hollow that she can tuck herself into and rest without fear of falling. Bri tries to think of plan but really there’s nothing that can be done except wait and hope that either the wolf leaves or some one show’s up to scare it off. She checks her phone 2:00 a.m. Bri tucks herself deeper into the hollow and tries to get some sleep but just can’t, she keeps waking up every twenty to thirty minutes. The wolf is still there, she has no idea why it doesn’t just leave and go find an easier meal. It’s now around 4:00 a.m. and her bladder is becoming painfully full. She hasn’t gone since shortly after six but there’s nowhere to pee. Bri gasps as she suddenly feels a spurt escape into her panties. “God I can’t believe this is happening. Bad enough that I’ve been stuck in these fucking woods for close to a week and that Cujo down there wants me with fries and ketchup, but now to top it all off I’m probably going to piss my pants. You know what fuck that! If I’m going to piss my pants I’m going to do it on my own terms because I feel like it!” And with that Bri spreads her legs as wide as she can and relaxes her hold on her over taxed bladder. “Shit that’s really warm but surprisingly not horrible. It’s gonna suck though when this cools and gets all sticky.” Bri’s panties are quickly soaked followed by the seat of her overalls and her groin. Eventually she is soaked from ass to knees as a small puddle fills the hollow. “Well maybe I can get some sleep now that it doesn’t feel like my bladders about to literally explode.” Bri thinks to herself as she drifts off back to sleep

 

It’s 5:56 a.m. when bri next wakes up. The sky is turning that particular shade of grey that signals dawn will soon arrive. She is cold and clammy, and the wolf is still doing its best Grim’s Tales routine sniffing and huffing around the base of the tree. “Wow seriously? way to hold a grudge asshole!” She flicks the bird in it’s general direction. “I seriously hope some one shows up soon.” Bri can hear her stomach rumbling and it feels somewhat bloated. She’s going to need to empty her bowels soon. “Really? Really? Well this is just the perfect way to top off the day I’ve been having or is it days now? Might as well get this over with.” Bri pushes and grunts as a turd the size and shape of a bratwurst slides into her underwear. “Well I just ruined this pair of briefs might as well finish.” She pushes, and several more smaller pieces and then a longer piece fill her panties, smushing together. By this point Bri has stopped giving a fuck and just want’s a hot shower, a big breakfast, and bed. She doesn’t particularly care about the order.

 

As Bri sit’s there in her mess debating whether she should try and make a run for it she hears a high-pitched whine coming up the road signaling the approach of some kind of vehicle. “Oh Fuck Yes! HEY!!!!! Over hear!!!!” Bri shouts at the top her lungs climbing out onto a limb and waving her arms wildly and swinging her jacket over her head. A pair of headlights stab through the early morning gloom. Charging down the road silhouetted by the first rays of dawn like the proverbial cavalry is a large boxy looking pickup. At first glance it seems to be pure vintage 80’s but instead of the roar of a gasoline engine it makes an incongruous high-pitched whine. The vehicle slaloms to a stop in a spray of dirt in front of Bri’s besieged campsite. Causing the wolf to snarl and turn to face it. Bri surprised to see what she first thinks is a girl but then realizes is an adult hops out of the passenger side. The person in question is only about four feet tall and has reddish purple hair and she starts yelling at whoever is in the driver seat. “Oh shit, Gwyn it’s the Warg and it looks like it treed whoever was camping here.” A brunette woman who appears to be in her late thirties/early forty’s and wearing kaki cargo pants and a white dress shirt hops out of the cab. “I see it Renny.” “HEY!!!! I’M UP HERE!!!” “We see you kiddo, hang on to something, it’s going to get all John Woo in a minute!!” the smaller person, Renny, yells.

 

Bri drops down and hugs the limb, just as Renny claps her hands together in a gesture that almost seems like prayer before screaming “Combustar!” Her eyes glow with eldritch fire and a detonation roughly equivalent to a 40mm grenade rips through the clearing flinging the warg back several yards as it lets out an agonized howl. “Forza!” Renny brings her hand down in a chopping motion and it seemed as if the invisible hand of God had reached down and pimped slapped the warg as it goes flying even further. “Quit screwing around Renny and finish the damn thing” Gwen yells as she pulls some kind spec ops modded M4 carbine from a rack in the truck and begins firing off three round bursts at the warg. Which is now hightailing it at full tilt for the tree line.

 

Gwen advances in a low rolling crouched walk, continuing to let off bursts at the fleeing beast. Renny points at it a look of intense concentration on her face before she yells “Parazitaz!” The warg freezes unable to move… “Combustar!” A blast goes off like a landmine underneath the warg flinging it high into the air before it lands with a dull thud and is still. Gwen runs up to it triggering a burst. Click Click. She ejects the spent mag and with a practiced motion slams home a fresh one before placing her boot on the beast’s back and the muzzle against it’s head. Brurup! She triggers a final burst before yelling out “All clear you can come down now!” Bri can only stare in astonishment at her rescuers.

 

After taking a minute to recover she shakily climbs down out of the tree… and promptly falls the last five feet landing flat on her back. This knocks the wind out and smushes her mess completely flat. “Owwww” Bri lets out a low grown that indicates pain that is dull but not necessarily intense, just more I am so done with this shit kinda of pain. Gwen and Renny run up to her. Gwen “You Okay dear?” “Yeah I’m fine cuts and bruises, exhausted but okay…” Bri trails off as between the stain on her groin and thighs and the smell, the disaster in her pants is pretty self-evident, and both Gwen and Renny have clearly just become aware of it. “And yeah I kinda pissed and shit my pant’s because I was stuck in a tree all night with no bathroom, so yeah that was extra fun on top of everything else.” “It’s okay sweet heart, it could have happened to anyone.” “My names Gwen and this my wife Renny.” “How about you? Name and pronouns if you have any that you prefer?” “A… Bri… she/her” “Well Bri I figure you probally want to get out of these woods so what do say to coming back home with us? “That sounds great do you have food?” “Yep, hot bath or shower as well your choice.” “Sweet! Wait…. earlier was that fucking magic!?” Bri’s mind has been racing in a million directions at once and between that + sleep deprivation she is just starting to process what happened earlier.

 

Renny “Yep, your looking at one of the baddest sorcerers and artificers in the Zeramar region.” “Zeramar?” “Shit I’m not on earth, am I?” Bri’s legs start to give out and she sways a bit before Gwen catches her and has her lean on her shoulder. “Shhh, it’s okay dear, you’re going to be okay. I’ve been exactly where you are now. And it’s going to be fine. But right now, there’s at least another five wargs out there from that one’s pack and until a slayer squad gets here and can clear ‘em out it’s not safe here. I’ll explain as much as I can afterwards. So, let’s get you home and cleaned up, okay?” Bri nods and Gwen helps her to the truck. Renny pulls an old towel out from under the seat and places it on the middle of the bench seat and pats it signaling to Bri that she should get in. Gwen takes out the mag and ejects the round from chamber before tossing both into the glove compartment and placing the M4 back on it’s rack before climbing into the driver’s seat. Renny climbs in next to an exhausted Bri and buckles her seatbelt. As they drive off Bri falls asleep with her head resting on Gwen’s shoulder.

 

Gwen looking down at the down at sleeping girl on her shoulder can’t help but feel her heart pulled by something she can’t explain. The way she survived in those woods and fought off that warg, it’s simply incredible. Even bruised, battered and filthy; she seems to radiate so much strength, life, and personality. “Renny…” she finds her voice low and gravelly with emotion “Gods this is going to sound completely off the walls nuts but…” “We found our third child?” “Yeah!” The two women’s hands find each other as they break down softly laughing and crying.

 

After about twenty minutes they reach the house. Bri slowly stirs back to life as the truck pulls into a small circular drive and is greeted by an amazing site, the house is effectively a hill with doors and window’s cut into it. There are two out buildings in a similar style to the left and right giving the circular drive they’ve pulled into the appearance of a courtyard, in the center is a pear tree that shades a small round grassy area in the middle of the drive. Hopping out of the truck Bri can’t help feeling an immediate sense of fondness for the place “It looks like a hobbit house straight out of “Lord of the Rings” her voice is a mixture of confusion, bemusement and wonder as she takes it all in. “Well it was owned by a very nice hafling couple, the Burgsons who built it in the traditional style. Bradon and his wife Edna were both herbalists, cantankerous sort but brilliant in their field and they both had a razor-sharp wits and biting sense of humor. Their constant good-natured battles of wit and verbal sparring were legendary in the village.” Renny chimes in “They were as you kids say; ‘masters of the snarky comeback.” 

 

Gwen continues “When Edna died Brandon couldn’t stand to be here because it reminded him constantly of her. He sold the place to us since whe had just gotten married at the time and were looking for a house to settle down in after two years of traveling. He left for Brosnaw with one the relief missions, he still sends letters to village from time to time.”  “We added the out buildings after that, so we could have storage and workspace, keeping the style so that everything felt more cohesive. A year after we moved in Callie was born and then Liam two years after her.” “Liam and Callie? Your kids?” “Yep they should be up, we called a head before leaving town. We had heard about the warg pack sighting and while both are technically adults now and can handle themselves…” “Come on love you know they would’ve taken the piss right out that fur ball, hell Bri the badass here managed to give it a few good rounds with nothing but a pointy stick and a knife, I saw those cut marks on it’s face.” Bri blushes at the compliment.

 

“Still I was worried and in full Valkyrie bitch/mamma bear mode and burning rubber to get home. And I’d say it was the right call.” Smiling at Bri as she says this. “Anyway, I think you’re going to like Callie and Liam. And…. I also hope that with time you may come to think of them like a brother and sister….” She trails off as she leads a stunned Bri to the front door thinking to herself amazed and surprised “Holy shit, does this mean what I think it does? It’s like something out of a movie!”

 

As Bri walks up the front steps she notes the intricately carved doors that taper to a point forming an arch. One strange thing that catches her attention is that there is no door knob just two flat brass panels where it would normally be. Renny places her palm flat on one of them and there is a loud thunk made by an internal mechanism. Then the door swings open seemingly of its own accord. “Should we attune her now?” Renny says turning to Gwen. “Yeah it I’ll only take a second and we might as well get it out of the way.” “Attune?” “So, you saw what Renny did earlier, Bri?” “That was magic right? I’m still trying to wrap my head around that.” “I prefer to think of it as a science that is still in it’s infancy, but Renny says that takes all the fun out of it.” “Anyway, the point is that on this world it’s very much real. This house for example.” Gwen makes a sweeping gesture with her arm. “Is protected by dozens of heavy duty wards, think of them like the membrane of a cell. They only let in things that are approved or harmless and keep everything else out. They do this, as near as I can tell by recognizing something’s atomic resonance pattern.” “So, by attuning me you make it so that it recognizes my signature?” “Exactly dear. This way you’ll be able to come and go freely. All you have to do is place your hand on the door panel.” Bri does so and Renny begins to recite in Gnomish “Guardian spirit hear and obey. We welcome this one into our household, treat them as friend and kin.”  There is a strange warm tingling sensation in Bri’s hand before a musical vaguely British sounding voices chimes out. “Welcome Brianna newest member of house Daniels-Finnthighearn.” Bri’s eyes go wide and she smile’s as she steps across the threshold.

 

            Bri’s first act is to scan the entry hall, it is a couple yard’s long the ceiling is surprisingly high given the former occupants and was probably designed to accommodate taller guests. It is cylindrical in shape. There are low reddish-brown half panels of wood lining the walls. The rest is a light cream-colored plaster, with floors that are a little darker than the panels. The slightly stodgy appearance is softened by the assorted clutter of domestic life. Including several tapestries showing various scenes of Gnomish life, including at least on battle and various colorful throw rugs. “You can leave your shoes there, hon.” Gwen says as she points to a rack next to a bench cabinet that is cluttered with various assorted varieties of footwear. They range from formal heels and loafers, to work boots, to various brightly colored pares of modern sneakers.

 

Before she sits down Bri notes a corkboard above the bench equally cluttered with various memos and reminders. After working her well worn converses off and tossing them onto the rack she makes an impulse decision to take off her grey ankle socks and digs her toes into one of the rugs, it is exquisitely soft and Bri continues to flex her toes, savoring. Renny and Gwen hang back a couple feet watching intently as Bri explores her new surroundings. Walking over to a side table with a mirror over it she picks up one of the numerous family photos covering its surface. The photo is in full color and show’s Gwen, Renny and an unknown boy and girl standing in a square fronting a large neoclassical looking building as various people go about their business. The kids appear to be somewhere between ten and thirteen. They have Gwen’s height and nose, but Renny’s overall elfin facial structure, large expressive eyes and pointed ears. Their hair seems to be the same as Gwen’s.

 

Bri is startled out of her study of the photo by two people loudly and simultaneously shouting “MOM!!”. The kids from the photo, now clearly grown adults, still retain some of that childhood energy as they charge down the hall, pulling Gwen and Renny into a family hug scrum. “Hey kiddos!” Gwen and Renny chorus as they embrace their children tightly. “How are you guys doing?” “Good, we were worried about you though, I mean the wards would have kept the wargs out of the house, but what would have happened if guys had a flat or a breakdown?” Gwen smiles and hugs them tighter stroking their hair. It’s at this point they notice Bri. “Mom who is that?” “This is Bri she’s an off-worlder like me. We found her lost in the woods and treed by one of the wargs. We managed to take care of it. Now she’s going to be staying with us for a while.” “So, she was in a tree all night? Is that why she shit her pants?” “Callie Daniels- Finnthighearn!” Bri’s skin feels hot, flushed and her face turns crimson “Sorry Bri, I can be a bit over direct at times. This is my little brother Liam.” The handsome young lad smiles and nods politely. “I’m glad your here and I hope that for however long that is you’ll feel like family.” She says as she goes up and hugs a surprised Bri.

 

As she squeezes Bri she’s bouncing on her feet a little bit. “I’m actually super executed to meet another off-worlder, besides mom I mean, I’ve only met like two.” “Can I ask you something what’s it’s like eating at a McDonalds, Gwen says they suck but I’ve always been curious.” Gwen has a bemused smile on her face “Callie is high-functioning autistic. We’ve known since she was two and was delayed when it came to talking, and would often scream or rock when upset. Then there was the time when she was three and got into a box of parts for a project I was working on and sorted them by shape. We took her to a neurologist in the capital who had trained off world just to be sure after that happened and to get her started on a behavioral therapy program. She’s actually amazing at math and has been able to do calculus since she was twelve.” “Mommmmm!” “Sorry sweetheart, didn’t mean to embarrass you just wanted to bring Bri up to speed since she’s going to be living with us” “It’s okay just that’s such a Mom thing.” Callie huffs a little bit. “Well, I’m going to go help Bri get cleaned up.” Liam chimes in “Sounds good mom, I haven’t slept all night so I’m going to crash.” “Ditto” “Sounds like the kids have right plan love.” “Okay dear follow me, bathroom’s straight ahead at the end of the hall.” An exhausted Bri follows Gwen as the others head for bed.

 

Gwen leads Bri through a set of swinging wooden doors decorated with a trident wielding merman and mermaid that opens into a magnificent spa like room that causes her eyes to go wide and her jaw slack. The center piece is a large tub that borders on a small swimming pool. Water circulates through it continuously with hot fresh water pouring from a large brash chute into the tub and exiting through an outlet at the other end. Bri’s eyes continue to rove across the room taking everything in, while Gwen stands off to the side smiling. The room is completely tiled in a light almost but not quite sky blue with gold and green arabesque like patterns interposed throughout. The entire room is furnished in teak and brass. In the right corner directly across the from the door is an area in closed by frosted glass. Going counter clockwise the next thing she notices are a cluster of shower heads in the center right corner followed by a sitting area of low couches, another screened glass area but missing a door, and finally a small area of gym equipment. “Holey Shit!” “This is freaking unbelievable!” Gwens grin widens “We only have one bathroom in the entire house, but we go all out with it.”

 

Bri’s faces slowly moves through several expressions, starting with intense concentration and ending with confused surprise. “So, do you guys like, bathe together?” “Yep.” “Okay that’s super weird! Sorry didn’t mean to be rude. Just a bit of culture shock, coming from middle of nowhere Indiana. Also, my folks were big on the religion so…” Gwen laughs. “It’s okay it took me a hell of a long time to get used to bathing with Renny’s family, even though they were super nice about it and made it clear it was always my choice. And I grew up with a pair of old hippies in Brooklyn.” Gwen has a look of playful teasing on her face. “So, you would get naked with your in-laws and take a bath together?” “Yep, like I said it was weird at first but after a while it became really nice. Communal bathing and grooming, particularly with family, is a huge part of the culture in the Fey Lands.” “So, your wife isn’t human?” “Nope she’s a gnome.” “But I thought based on their looks, Callie and Liam are your biological children?” “Magic” Gwen says with a mischievous naughty grin on her face. “Ah, that’s actually really cool. So, the whole bathing situation? Sorry I kinda got us on a tangent.”

 

“It’s okay dear. So, as I was saying… In Gnomish society they don’t traditionally have an idea of a room set aside simply for urination or defecation the way we do on earth.  Instead a large single-family home or several smaller apartments will have a spacious room that is dedicated to the care and health of the entire body. Yes, there will be a screened off area for taking care of your business but that’s only a small part of it. There are typically areas for bathing, exercising, a sauna and other spa type stuff, areas for lounging where people give each other massages, masturbate or have sex….” “They do it in front of each other!!?” “Yes dear, sex and masturbation are just considered one more of the body’s functions and nothing to be ashamed of or hide from other people.” “Sorry to interrupt it’s just…” “Culture shock, I’ve been there” Gwen says with a bemused expression.

 

 “Although a lot of the times the lounge area isn’t even used for sex, gnomes will go there if their feeling down to just have someone hug them or platonically cuddle. It’s not uncommon for people to ask complete strangers for hugs if there having a difficult day.” “That actually sounds really awesome!” “It is…” “Which brings me to a question I wanted to ask.” “Do you want me to bathe you?” Despite knowing where this was going Bri is still a bit flustered. Normally she would never even consider the idea, but she is currently splayed on a bench by the entry way almost too exhausted to move. Last night she could have died. Right now, having someone hold and gently touch her while sitting in a warm bath sounds wonderful. “I can’t believe I’m saying this but, I’d really like that.” “Well then let’s get you out of those dirty clothes, rinsed off and into the tub.” Gwen says, happy for the chance to bond with the potential newest member of her family.

 

“So, if you can just sit up for me real quick, Bri.” Gwen walks up to her and unhooks the straps of her overalls and pulls them down to her waist exposing her “Sisters of the Elder Fire” t-shirt. “Oooh, I love that band, Callie got some of their CDs for her 15^th birthday from a dimensional trader. We’ve have sung along out of key to ‘Righteous Anger Victorious’ while driving into town more often than I can count!” “You’re a Fire Sister?! No way!” “Yep, way” Bri and Gwen grin like idiots at each other as they fist bump. “Okay now I just need to lie back real quick and lift your but. Bri does so and Gwen hauls her overalls down and off in one swift motion. Getting a clear look at Bri’s formerly white panties, now stained almost completely yellow, in the process. “And if you can sit back up and lift your arms.” Bri’s t-shirt goes up and off, exposing her bright pink sports bra. Gwen smiles encouragingly. “So how do want to handle the whole poop situation. I’m assuming that if I just drop my undies it’s going to go everywhere.” “Don’t you worry, I’ve got a plan.” Gwen says as she helps Bri up and let’s her lean on her shoulder as they walk over to the area screened by frosted glass. Bri doesn’t actually need the assistance walking but it’s nice to be held….

 

As they enter the area screened off by the two glass walls Bri looks around confused. This looks like it should be the bathroom proper and the six sinks line up against the wall look normal enough but…. Instead of a standard toilet there are six brass troughs with a pipe sticking up behind them and what looks like a little nozzle coming off the pipe. “So, are these like, Japanese toilets?” “In this case Gnomish but same basic principal.” “Squat toilets are also fairly popular in France and Greece in addition to Asia and Africa because some perceive them to be more hygienic, sense you don’t actually touch the thing. The reason we have them is that Renny insists that she gets constipated if she uses sit toilets regularly and I can never say no to her. It’s that damn face and those big eyes. She pouts, and I just melt. It’s just to God damn cute.” Gwen smiles fondly and at the memory and Bri can’t help but grin herself.

 

“So how do I use one?” Bri says eyeing the strange toilet suspiciously. “Once you get yourself positioned it’s actually as natural as breathing. Just give me one second and I’ll explain. Lift your arms.” Bri does so and finds her bra whisked up and over her head. She stands there blushing. “No need to be embarrassed dear, you have a lovely bust, C-cup? “Yeah…” “There perfect love, you have nothing what so ever to be ashamed of.” Bri blushes even deeper as Gwen tosses her bra into a large laundry hamper. “Besides I’m about to let the girls out myself.” Gwen’s white dress shirt soon joins Bri’s bra. Gwen’s is lavender colored cotton with no wiring and it to goes into the bin with the other bits of clothing. Bri catches herself staring for a second before turning away. “

 

I appreciate you respecting my privacy and space dear, that’s what you should do. But I’m letting you know it’s okay if you want to look. It’s perfectly natural to be curious the first time you see someone naked or half naked in my case.” Bri accepts the invitation and takes in the sight of Gwen topless. Her chestnut hair freed from its bun hangs just past her shoulder’s, her kind smiling face is warm, friendly and has more lines from laughing then frowning.” Bri’s gaze shifts lower “Their Ds if your curious love” Gwen teases. They are quite firm and only beginning to show the effects of gravity, although her large perky nipples seemed to miss the memo entirely. And finally her stomach which has a little paunch and the ghost of stretch marks that have faded with time but will always be there. A reminder of the pain and joy of labor and delivery. Bri can’t help but find these things adorable and endearing.

 

“Your amazing” Bri stammers surprising herself. This time it’s Gwen who blushes. “Thank you, that so sweet. But enough flattery love, let’s get you cleaned up.” Bri has a puzzled look on her face as Gwen brings over a pair of safety scissors and a trashcan. “You particularly attached to these panties dear?” “No?” “Good, that makes this a lot easier.” She slides the trashcan underneath Bri and stands behind her. she can see that the formerly white high cuts are stained mostly brown in the back. Snip, Snip two cuts at the waist band above the hips and the ruined panties, plus most of Bri’s mess, falls into trash with a wet, plop! “And now for squat toilet 101” Gwen says in a playful teasing fashion.

 

Gwen leads Bri over to the toilets “So what you do is stand where the feet are.” Gwen points to a couple of oversized tiles with yellow cartoons of feet on them on either side. “Then squat down however much feels comfortable.” Bri positions herself above the toilet adopting a moderately deep squat. “And now you just let nature take its course.” “Oh, you actually want me to go? With you here?” “If you need to sweet heart. I can step out if that makes you more comfortable. Eventually though with this setup someone is going to walk in on you doing your business. I figured it would be less mortifying if it was just me the first time it happens.” “That actually makes a lot of sense, I just need a minute to get things going.” “No problem, take as much time as you need.” Bri spends several minutes trying to calm her shy bladder before she is rewarded with a spray of pee that goes on for a full minute, ringing and splattering as it hits the brass.

 

Bri thinking that she is finished starts to stand up… but her colon isn’t done with her just yet and before she can stop herself she lets out a loud wet ripping fart as something hits the toilet with a messy sounding splat. Worse yet Bri knows that from where she’s standing Gwen can probably see everything. Unable to hold back Bri feels a massive log snaking its way out of her as a smell like rotten eggs and week-old takeout fills the room. Both Bri and Gwens noses are scrunched up as the massive load plops into toilet. “I am so sorry.” “Why? Everyone poops, and everyone farts. I bet it felt good to let out that big shart earlier. And yes dear, I did get the full view of your cute little anus pushing out that massive poop. It didn’t bother me at all. It was adorable watching it contract and flex, I don’t know why I just find anuses funny. Every one’s got something that amuses their inner child I suppose.” Bri’s face is about as red as it’s going get. “Well then you’re going to love this!” Bri says as she lets out several loud trumpeting farts. Both of them are laughing hysterically like five-year olds.

 

As the laughter dies down “So uh... how do I…” “Right pedal flushes, left cleans your but.” Bri pushes the right pedal first flushing her massive load. Then she pushes the left and… makes a startled yelp as the spout she had noticed earlier shoots out an ice-cold jet of water, scoring a direct hit on her anus.” Gwen is grinning with amusement as Bri shoots her a steely glare. “It can be a bit Bracing the first time you use it…” Bri leans forward a little this time as presses the pedal. After a bit the water warms up and Bri begins to enjoy the feeling as it cleans her crevice. Gwen points to a small wand in a side holder not unlike the spray attachments you see on some sinks. “You can use that to get your front or for detail work, mind if I ?....” “Uh okay sure.” Gwen takes the spray wand and hoses down Bri’s kitten causing her to let out a little gasp her face burning with embarrassment. Gwen then blasts the remaining mess off Bri’s cheeks before giving her crevice one final rinse.

 

“So how do you guys not all have soaked pants if this is how you clean up every time you take a dump?” Gwen reaches to a small brass stand next to the toilet and grabs a large wash cloth. It is orange and white striped with a red C monogramed on it. “We each have a stack of these that gets washed at the end of the week. This is Callie’s because she normally uses the closest toilet. But you can borrow any of ours until we get you your own set. Just toss them in the hamper when you’re done. When you have your own, you can typically get away with one per day.” “Got it” Bri says as Gwen gently pats her intimate areas dry, before tossing the used cloth into the hamper.

 

As Bri stands up Gwen notices that she looks some what distant. “You okay?” “Yeah it’s just… You and your whole family have been really, super, awesome and great, it’s just I still feel humiliated over what happened tonight. I’m supposed to be an adult now; but you had to undress me, show me how to use the toilet, and clean my mess off my ass.” “I know it sucks Bri but I’m not sure what else I can say to reassure you that I don’t think any less of you. Although there is something I can do!” Bri has a look of puzzlement on her face as Gwen spreads her arms and legs wide, a big grin plastered on her face. Then the crotch of her kaki cargo pants darkens noticeably as a growing wet patch appears. Bri watches in astonishment at the wet stain travels down her legs darkening the inseam of her pants. Finally, there is a gentle pattering sound as a pool of pee forms at her feet as she finishes. “You just wet your pants!” “Yep, and it feels really nice and warm” Gwen says as she rubs her soaked groin and moans theatrically. A look of understanding appears on Bri’s face. She smiles and begins to laugh at the absurdity of the situation. “Now there’s a proper smile! Well then…. If you liked that you’re going to love this!”

 

Gwen drops her pants revealing pair of plain lavender panties that are now several shades darker. Gwen turns around, bends over and lets out several loud grunts, punctuated by the occasional rumbling fart; as she fills her panties with a massive load of her own. Bri can see them expanding as they struggle to contain the load. Ten minutes pass before Gwen loudly grunts, her stomach rumbling and gurgling as she makes one last push. “Well that feels better.” Gwen slaps her but, which makes a wet squishing sound and causes a dark brownish yellow stain to appear on the back of her soiled underwear. Bri can only stare in astonishment for a minute “Oh…. Uhhh.. Wow! That was…” “You can go ahead a head and hop in the tub sweetie, I’ll be along in a minute, I just need to rinse off.” “Okay, right, bath now…”  Gwen watches Bri stumble off to the bath a look of satisfaction on her face. “I think I finally got through to that girl.”

 

Stepping into the tub Bri finds that it’s deep enough to swim in and she does a few laps before going to float on her back. The water temperature is perfect and Bri finds herself wanting to drift off to sleep. It’s at this point that Gwen walks in. She can’t help but think how cute Bri looks as she floats there. She’s not a model but her long lanky limbs toned from shop work and time outdoors combined with her youthful breasts and brown pixie cut hair give her the look of young colt who could start galloping at any minute. Bri shyly takes in Gwens naked figure as well. Her toes are painted a deep purple and her hips while carrying some extra weight only serve to enhance her looks giving her visible curves. Her sex has a neat short bush of brown hair above large meaty pink lips. Noticing Bri’s attention she grins and turns around, flashing her a large cheeky moon before bending over, presenting mandrill like as she gives Bri an excellent view of her pink rosebud and sex. The girls break into a fit of shared giggles at this naughty display.

 

“Nice tat by the way” Bri says teasingly as she notices the tattoo of pixie that looks suspiciously like Renny kissing a full moon on Gwen’s left but cheek. “That’s got to have a story to it.” “Oh, it certainly does, it’s quite the bawdy tail, involving a drunken bet made on our honeymoon, in a tropical port town filled with an equal mix of local salts and wild tourists.” “I definitely want to hear about that at some point, but I’m actually kind of curious as to how you guys first met.” Gwen’s smile fades and her face takes on a pained stormy mien. Bri goes quite as she can tell that she has somehow accidentally touched on a sensitive area and has a confused and nervous expression on her face. Forcing cheerfulness “Come on dear let’s get that hair of yours washed!” as she motions for Bri to sit under the pouring water.

 

 

 

Ch.3

 

 

Bri sits under the falling water as Gwen scrubs the shampoo into her hair. Things are less awkward, but Gwen still seems distant. Bri decides to let it go and just enjoy the simple pleasure of having someone wash her hair. Bri and Gwen make small talk and she tells Gwen a little bit about her life before falling through the rift. Gwen is mostly following the conversation, but her mind is elsewhere as she thinks back to her first on day Solanus.

 

It was 1992 and Gwen Daniels was flying from New York to San Francisco. She had just completed her graduate work at CUNY in physical chemistry. After spending a couple weeks with family, she was looking forward to starting her postdoc fellowship at Berkley. Gwen was one of the 210 passengers on the fully booked flight. At 11:52 P.M. united flight 519 encountered a freak storm over the Rocky Mountains. The crew radioed to report severe turbulence and strange yellow green and dark purple clouds.  At 12:20 A.M. all radio contact ceased, and the plane disappeared from radar. No debris were ever located from United 519, despite a massive multimillion dollar search of the entire four corners region and the use of satellite imagery. The weather was severe, but it was a brand-new plain with a veteran crew. No one was sure how this could have happened. There were all kinds of outlandish theories about the fate of flight 519. But even the wildest conspiracies were nowhere close to the insanity of what had actually happened.          

 

United flight 519 had found it’s self the victim of a freak wormhole that transported it to another world… and an active battle field. The crew disorientated after flying through a strange blue vortex that appeared out of nowhere, looked around to see a sky filled with exploding shells whistling past them. United flight 519 was now flying over the war-torn country of Brosnaw. Captain Andrews, just back from flying air cover in the gulf, reacted immediately going evasive and squawking a mayday call. But even his experience, quick thinking and bravery wasn’t enough to save united 519. A loud roaring sound filled the cabin, along with the screech of tearing metal. Alarms blared as massive talons peeled off a section the fuselage and the cabin instantly depressurized. Gwen’s chair snapped loose with a scream of sheering metal and she found herself sucked out of the cabin and tumbling freely through the night sky. The last thing she remembers seeing was an enraged elder red dragon tearing united 519 to shreds as pieces of flaming wreckage and disturbingly human looking shapes fell to earth.

 

Somehow, either by a fluke of random chance, luck, fate, or a miracle; Gwen survived the several thousand-foot fall. When she came to she was still strapped into her chair bobbing gently in the shallows of a large river. But she wasn’t safe yet. Artillery and spellfire, fell periodically all around her as she struggled to shore. Making her way across an alien battlefield, bruised, battered, her clothes torn, bleeding, and covered in mud; Gwen desperately searched for a safe place to hide. She found it when she stumbled across an abandoned bunker, the scorched remains of a siege gun poking out the front. Climbing inside she drifted off to sleep, exhausted, as the guns of Brosnaw continued to rumble like distant thunder.

 

As the light of dawn breaks over the horizon a battle mage strike team from the coalition of nations was looking for a place to stop recharge their spell energy and catch their breath. They had received a sending about a freak dimension rift and an off-world aircraft apparently being destroyed by a rogue dragon who had been looting the conflict zone. They were still surprised to see a sleeping civilian in the bunker they had planned to take cover in. Gwen was naturally freaked out from being woken up by strange soldiers, but they managed to calm her down and explain the basics of what was happening. The leader of that team was a young Renny Finnthighearn.

 

While Renny explains the situation, Durzum a kindly middle-aged half orc goes up to Gwen and puts his hands on her forehead. Despite his gentle demeanor Renny can see this seriously unnerving for Gwen by the wild-eyed look she has on her face. Not really that surprising since first contact for her was a dragon attack. “Don’t worry miss, he may look like something that crawled out of one of the hells, but Durzum is a complete softy and our squad medic.” “Crawled out of the hells?!” he huffs indignantly. “My mother says I’m the most handsomest lad in all of Solanus.” “That’s because you have a face only a mother could love lieutenant!” The two continue to banter back and forth good naturedly as he slowly goes through the process of assensing Gwen’s aura. “Hmmmmm…” “Is it bad?” “It’s lucky” “Lucky?” “That or the Father’s own hand that you fell from a downed aircraft without a chute and only suffered a hairline fracture to your C5 vertebra.” “I get that magic is apparently a thing, that’s going to take a lot of getting used to, but how did you specifically figure that out?

 

Durzum explains as they help Gwen onto a gurney and strap a collar on her neck as a precaution. “Every living thing is surrounded by a field of vital energy, it’s aura. When there is an illness or injury it can be seen as a distortion in the persons aura. You had a distortion type that typically corresponds with minor fractures at the location of your C5 vertebra. Given that you are waking and only complained of soreness, I surmised that it was only a hairline.” “Huh, that’s nifty” The squad set’s off, moving as fast they can without jostling Gwen. They had already completed their previous search and destroy mission. Now they have a new objective, get the injured and confused off worlder to safety. During the entire walk Renny talks to her nonstop to keep her relaxed. She asks about earth, her family, her studies and research. From chemical research the conversation moves to thaumatology. Gwen is happy to have as massive and intellectually intimidating a subject as the existence of magic to focus her mind on. Before long both women are happily geeking out, there hands locked together the whole time.

 

It’s two hours before they make it back to base. Renny and Durzum personally escort her to the battalion’s field hospital. A nurse, who turns out to be a cat person, loudly announces their presence with a shout of “Human civilian with C5 fracture incoming!!” and uses a marker to sketch a symbol denoting spinal injury onto Gwen’s hand. From there it’s a whirlwind of activity as the doctors and nurses get to work on Gwen cutting her out of her ruined clothes in the process. Knowing that she’s in good hands Renny leaves to wright up her report and be debriefed, while Gwen is being poked and prodded by the medical staff as they asses her injuries. A few hours later the medical staff have confirmed that Gwen has only a hairline cervical fracture and can get up and move around if she wears a neck brace. Renny is now off duty and stops by to check on her.  

 

They chat some more before a major from military intelligence shows up to interview Gwen. He is accompanied by a young aid who is lugging a camera that looks like it would have been at home on the set of a Charlie Chaplin film. Also in attendance is the base psychologist, who doubles as the Chaplin. Their here to make sure the major doesn’t accidentally traumatize the patient. Gwen gives her account of the destruction of united flight 519. One of the many war crimes attributed to the dragon that pompously styles himself as “The Dread Wurm Teramatrix”. Renny’s mission was actually the last before her unit ships back to Zeramar.  Because of Gwen’s injury needing immediate treatment from an osteomancer and the obvious bond that seems to be forming, Dr. Grant the psychologist and Dr. Hedron, the emergency med doc who treated Gwen, decide to put them both on the first Airship leaving in the morning. Reasoning that keeping them together should make the recovery process smoother and less painful.

 

Gwen manages to get a small amount of sleep before a nurse wakes her up at 5:00 A.M. to load her onto the transport. Gwen looks quite the sight dressed in a pair of pale green scrubs, thick white socks, arms covered in bruises and her neck in a brace as she is wheeled along. The situation is made at least tolerable by the fact that it’s Renny who is pushing the chair. That and Renny brought her a strong cup of coffee from the officer’s mess that surprisingly tastes halfway decent. In only a short time she has grown to like the Gnomish captain. Her energy, sense of humor, and intelligence all make for a winning combination. Her expressive eyes and striking unusual hair color are super cute. Gwen blushes as she realizes that she’s crushing hard on this girl. Gwen isn’t exactly sure what her sexuality is, she’s enjoyed relationships with both men and women; neither gay, straight, or bi really describes her. She likes what she likes and that’s it. And right now, she seems to be liking Renny a hell of a lot.

 

As they head for the transport various enlisted personnel and junior officers snap salutes in Renny’s direction followed by a chorus of “morning captain”s and “Is that the off worlder? Pleased to meet you, looks like you’ve been in one hell of a scrape.” By the time they get to the airship Gwen is still pretty groggy and is feeling a bit overwhelmed from all the attention. The site of the massive craft causes to her perk up instantly though as she gazes wide eyed at it. Even to someone from late 20^th century earth it is an impressive sight. Shaped like a massive elongated V, a shiny metal gondola sits between and below to large dirigibles. Three massive prop-engines jut from either side. Renny wheels Gwen up the main gangplank which is wide enough to accommodate four lanes of traffic. She then takes her up to the infirmary to get checked into her room, where she and Renny share breakfast before relaxing for a few hours. At 8:50 A.M. a whistle sounds, and a voice comes over the loud speaker. “All hands. All hands. Prepare for takeoff. I say again, All hands prepare for takeoff.” A low rumble fills the entire structure as the engines start to warm up, Renny grins as she pulls Gwen to her feet. “Come on, I was able to get us permission to watch from the bridge!” She takes off pulling a surprised and smilling Gwen behind her.

 

They arrive on the bridge and its’ quite impressive. Rows of consoles with crew seated stretch three deep to an elevated catwalk in front of window. It is made of multiple glass panes, is dozens of yards wide and as tall as a two-story building. Just in front of the door is an elevated platform with some kind of large circular brass and wood contraption. Floating a few feet above it is a large cyan crystal that appears to be projecting a holographic display. Standing next to this a severe looking woman with raven colored hair and wearing a uniform screams authority figure.  Renny snaps a crisp salute as she approaches “Commander.” “Magus” “Her expression softens as a faint smile appears.” “You must be Renny, I’ve so heard much about you.” “All of it exaggerated I’m sure which is just the away I like it.” Her smile widens ever so slightly. “And you must be the off worlder I’ve also been hearing about. That took stones surviving that hellhole.” Gwen tries to stammer a polite reply.

 

“Well feel free stand anywhere you like as long as it’s not too close to someone’s duty station; were about to take off.” The catwalk seems to offer the best views, Gwen and Renny positions themselves directly in the middle.” At 9:00 A.M. sharp there is series of loud thumps as the mooring cables detach and the transport slips the bonds of earth. Slowly, at about 52 mph it ascends in a wide lazy circle. Gwen watches intently as the surrounding farms and countryside grow smaller and smaller until they take on the distant gameboard appearance familiar to any one who’s traveled by air. After fifteen minutes have passed. The sound of various radio transmissions fills the bridge. “Transport #82, this is Transport #1112. Preparing to pull into convoy formation. Transport #447 also ready to assume formation.” “Acknowledged triple one two and four forty-seven.”  The holographic display shows two more transports pulling up behind in a ponderous yet strangely serene fashion. It makes Gwen think of documentary she saw on “Nature” about swimming elephants.

 

A flash of motion catches her attention as several old school biplanes swing in long arc in front of the airship, wagging their wings as they go. “Transport convoy this is guardian flight we are preparing to assume escort formation.” “Acknowledged guardian flight.” Gwen’s attention shifts to the holodisplay, fascinated as she watches the planes take position fore, aft, and to the sides. A fifth one circles the convoy in a slow diagonal orbit. Renny and Gwen continue to watch the activity out the window for another ten minutes before they realize that they’ve been holding hands the whole time. They pull apart awkwardly, Gwen is holding her arms crossed and Renny is scratching the back of her neck. “Come on I’ll properly introduce you to the rest of “One Eye” squad!” “One Eye?” “It’s kind of an old boogeyman story about a vengeful specter named One Eyed Jack. Who naturally had lost one of his for his many sins. It kind’a ties into the whole commando mystique of appears as swift vengeance from nowhere.” “Ah okay I get it.” As they walk off the bridge Gwen and Renny share a look before taking each other’s hands.

 

Over the course of the two-day trip Gwen spends most of the time watching the scenery roll by or hanging out with Renny and her squad-mates. As they get close to Zeramar City the mood is oddly sober. “So guys I’ve got to ask, why does everyone seem so bummed?” Darom a burly dwarf is the first to answer “ ‘Cus were all gonna resign our commissions soon as we get back to the capital.” “Oh?” “Aye, it’s probably the last time some of us will see the others.” “But..” “Why do it?” “Oh, the army’s been good to us and I’ve happily served king and country but I’m tired.” “Were all tired” This time it’s a half-elf women Lidia who speaks. Durzum’s rumbling voice joins the chorus.  

 

“Tired of death and watching others suffer as even with all your power you can do nothing.” A large dark-skinned man named Caleb chimes in next, his voice is deep musical and cultured. “Tired of being sent to broken lands to fix problems that cannot be fixed.” Darom “Some of us will miss the structure and sense of purpose that military life has.” “Not me!” Renny teases. “Oh, we know you’re a wild one captain” The mood briefly lightens, before even Renny becomes more sober “I think I speak for all of us when I say I’ll miss the friends I’ve made along the way, most.” All as one “Here Here!!!” ……. “Were all going for drinks to celebrate our retirement towards the end of the month, you’re welcome to join us Gwen.” “Aye we consider you to be an honorary member of One Eye squad and insist on your being there.”

 

“Really? all I did was fall out of a plane and hide until help literally stumbled across me.” “Listen lass! You survived a fall that could’a killed a hero from the dawn age! With naught but a small fracture and a motley collection of bruises! Then you hauled yourself across one the nastiest patches of mud in that whole bloody conflict to safety, alone and unarmed. They’ll be tellin that story for years!” Renny cuts in “You’re honestly one of the most badass people I’ve ever known.” Gwens faced is flushed from both joy, exhilaration, and embarrassment. “I’ll be there”. She says as the whole squad smiles at her.

 

As they descend towards the airfield, late on the second day, Gwen and Renny take in the view from the bridge. Zeramar city is a metropolis of approximately 3.43 million people. The center of society that has been industrializing for about a century now through a mix of magic and technology. Stone and Concrete skycrapers tower above smaller brick apartments and older historical buildings. Although the gothic and neoclassical looking towers of the Gods’ Ward and the national university give them some competition. A variety of car’s ranging from local turn of the century looking models to modern exotics from dozen’s of worlds clog the streets. The skies are filled with various magical and technological fliers corralled into neat lanes by municipal air traffic control, their even appears to be a sort of pedestrian lane for slower flyers. Gwen stares open mouthed as a being that looks a giant Portuguese man of war and a group of areomancers head for drinks after a long day at the office. Several districts are lit up with the glow of neon lights. All to soon though they are touching down at the airfield where a waiting ambulance whisks Gwen and Renny to King Ulfrich I Memorial Army Hospital.

 

The next morning Gwen has her appointment with the osteomancer who carefully knits the fracture on her C5 vertebra closed. Any sufficiently skilled medical thaumaturge could have done this but to be on the safe side procedure dictates that spinal injuries be treated by someone specialized in bone and or nerve regrowth. Since there is a 7-5% chance of aggravating the injury and a .7-2% chance of causing bone spur growth that could damage the spinal cord. An experienced and knowledgeable practitioner is needed to spot complications before they become a problem. As a further precaution Gwen will be kept in the hospital for a full two weeks of observation and physical therapy and have a follow up appointment in a month. During this time; Renny, who is waiting for her retirement paperwork to clear, stays by her side almost 24/7. She is worried about Gwen, she’s accepted that she seems to be falling for the off-world human and wants to help her. But now that the initial flurry of activity has died down she has become tense and withdrawn pacing her room and staring off into space.

 

Then there are the nightmares. Gwen wakes up screaming twice in the first week, startling Renny awake and bringing the nurses running. On the last day of the week Renny and Gwen have a screaming row. It starts with this… “Look I understand you’re hurting and I want to help. I care about you and I hate to see that.” “You understand? How the fuck could you! I’ve gone from starting my post doc to lying in a hospital on some alien planet! With weird ass aliens, and a war, and nothing seeming right! Gwen yells about how she can’t understand what it’s like to lose everything. To have your whole future, career, and family torn away from you in flaming cluster fuck, as the whole universe seem to lose its God damn mind. How she’ll never see home again. How she’s basically gone from college professor to refuge. “HOW THE FUCK COULD YOU UNDERSTAND THAT??!!!” “Your right…” Renny whispers “I don’t understand what that is like….”

 

“BUT DON’T YOU THINK I’VE ALSO SEEN SOME SHIT??!!!!” “I WAS THERE FOR FIVE GODS’ DAMNED YEARS IN THAT SLAUTERHOUSE THAT EVERYONE PRETENDS IS A COUNTRY!!!!!” “I’VE KILLED PEOPLE!!!” Renny goes on to tell Gwen about the first time she saw someone shot, the first time she saw someone die, a young corporal she was friends with. He was a gnome like her; who could have easily lived to four or five hundred, he was 50 fifty when he died. He took a bullet to the neck and the spray from his carotid artery soaked Gwen from face to stomach. She can still remember the coppery taste.  She tells Gwen about the people she saw reduced to giblets by artillery shells and evocation magic, including people she personally saw die screaming as fire that she had summoned consumed them. The innocents, whole families, subjected to torture and other unspeakable acts at the hands of various local warlords. The children lying in the streets their faces disfigured by various nerve or blistering agents that were used. All of this awful truth is revealed to Gwen. The whole time the nurses watch in shocked silence, before rushing in as Gwen and Renny collapse into each other’s arms sobbing as the tears run down their faces. And later that night they hold each other tightly not even consciously aware of it as the nightmares come.

 

The road to recovery will be long for both Gwen and Renny, but in the end, they’ll make it. Thanks in no small part to having each other. Over the next week they continue to slowly open up to each other, one of the staff psychologists, a support group for veterans and a group for people displaced by dimensional anomalies respectively. During her last week in the hospital Gwen is visited by someone from social services, who begins the process of helping her settle into her new life in Zeramar. Officially Gwen is considered an involuntarily displaced foreign national (subclass dimensional incident) and is to be considered a guest of the state for as long she wishes to remain. Or until she applies for citizenship. The first thing is to set her up with a Residents Card. This will give her full access to the healthcare system, allow her to use the various Social Insurance services, use of the education system, apply for work, and operate any vehicle she can pass the license test for. She cannot vote in elections. She will also receive her first UBI check and a large lump sum to help with resettlement expenses in two to three weeks. The social worker also recommends a class that is basically a crash course on the history, geography, and culture of Solanus with a focus on Zeramar. It’s designed specifically for dimensionally displaced persons from moderate to high tech levels. It’s offered at most community colleges in the country. She also recommends a similar class for Zeramarian Civics.

 

In between the seriousness life altering stuff, however there were some moments of levity. Gwen’s room had a radio and she decided to tune into one of the local music stations just as the DJ announced the next group. “And let’s give it up for the Swing Kings” as the loud pulsing improvised notes heavy on the sax and other brass comes on Gwen smiles in surprise “You guys have jazz?” “What’s jazz?” It turns out the that the music is a local style like jazz but different in several subtle ways called “Brass’er”. The women enjoy another opportunity geek out as they compare musical genres. They also share several laughs as they give dwarvish opera the MST3K treatment. By the end of Gwen’s hospital stay the girls are inseparable and Gwen gladly accepts Renny’s offer of being her flat mate while she figures out where to go from here. 

 

            The month is almost over, and Gwen is still trying to figure out how she wants to reassemble the various pieces of her life. The National University of Zeramar, seems like an obvious choice career wise. She’d have to take the regents exam in order to have her qualifications certified but she figured she could do that in her sleep. The colleges of physics, chemistry, and thaumatology had an interdisciplinary unit that worked on applied transmutation studies and the young physical chemist could see all sorts of opportunities there. Amazingly the investigation into the destruction of flight 519 had found her luggage. Her laptop was sadly trashed but one of the military’s artificers was able to recover the data which included her thesis paper and current research proposal. She had shown printouts to the dean in charge of the group, who was so impressed that she offered Gwen a position on the spot, and said that she could see her being on the five-year fast track to tenure. Still she wasn’t quite sure she wanted to get back to work just yet. She still felt like she needed time to process and get her head space sorted before starting on building a new life. If she was being honest she was still grieving for the old one. Maybe she could take some time to travel. This was as a certain playwright put it “A brave new world with such people in it” and she really wanted to explore it. She decided that she would discuss this with Renny before they headed to One Eye squads big send off. Renny…. Now that’s also something she’s going to have to put some thought into.

 

            The night is filled with boisterous laughter and shouting as One Eye squad valiantly strives to beat back the gloom and darkness inherent in potential final goodbyes. There are old tales told and war stories recounted, Gwen even shares a few of hers about grad school pranks and interdepartmental feuds. The liquor flows freely and old drinking songs are sung, as the friends try to work their way through The Pink Dragon on Parades entire stock. Eventually though all things must end and there are bear hugs, back slapping, and even a few tears. As one by one, the members of One eye squad say their goodbyes and take their leave. Until it is just Gwen and Renny left standing in the chill night air. Renny knows Gwen wants to go walk about to give herself time to figure out her life and the direction she wants. Renny wants to be supportive but is afraid of loosing her if she leaves. There’s only one thing she can do…..

 

“Gwen, I was wondering…. Could I be your tour guide to Solanus?” The silence is thick and heavy with tension “Shit! Did I blow this?” Renny’s mental question is answered with an affirmative no. Gwen rushes in and scoops up a surprised and amazed Renny. Cupping her backside in her hands as Renny’s legs instinctively lock around her waist. Renny feels her back slam into the bar’s brick wall, before her and Gwen’s lips meet. It seems as if they’re hungrily trying to devour each other as their tongues wrestle fiercely for several minutes. Renny shamelessly grinds against Gwen’s stomach her panties saturated with girl juice. Stopping to catch their breath Gwen and Renny stare deeply into each other’s eyes. “I’d like that, I’d really like that.” “Gwen” “Renny” in unison “I think I love you!” The girls let out a startled gasp staring wide eyed at each other before pulling into an embrace as once again the tears flow freely.

 

Rushing home that night the girls burst into their apartment tearing at each other’s clothes. Gwen now in just panties and bra shoves Renny onto the bed before hiking up her dress. Then she tears her hose to pieces before pulling down Renny’s saturated thong. Gwen makes a big show of sucking on the soiled garment. “God, these taste so good… I can only imagine what it must be like straight from the source!” The girls share a hungry wolfish look before Gwen dives into Renny’s sex pulling the top of her dress down to play with her breasts. “Your nips are pierced?!” Renny has two silver bars with a fine thin chain connecting them sticking out of her nipples. “Yep, you like?” “Oh hell yesss! These are gonn’a be fun to play with!” And Gwen spends the next hour doing just that bringing Renny to orgasm several times in the process, before overstimulation forces the girls to take a break. After resting and rehydrating, the girls resume their fun. The pace is much slower and less urgent now. Gwen and Renny take their time exploring each other’s bodies and figuring out what turns them on. This continues until around 4:30 in the morning when they fall a sleep tangled up together in blissful exhaustion.

 

After another month all the burecratic hoops have been dealt with and Renny is officially retired. The past month as been getting to know each other as Renny and Gwen spend time going on dates and doing other assorted new couple things. Renny has had a blast playing to tour guide showing Gwen the sites of Zeramar City and the surrounding country side. They catch shows and dinner in the neon lit Angathan’s court, check out the architecture and elaborate rituals in the Gods’ Ward, and see the strange live beasts at the zoological gardens and the fossilized ones in the museums at the university. The girls even watch a burlesque comedy show in the petal district.  For the past week most of Renny’s family has been visiting them. Enjoying spending time together in the big city. They are delighted to meet Renny’s new girlfriend.

 

  Now they are packing and about to head out on what will be a yearlong “sabbatical” for Gwen before she starts her fellowship at the university.  As they are leaving for the airport Renny is debating a momentous decision… Whether or not she wants to make Gwen her bonded partner. She loves her deeply, but she knows humans consider these things oddly permanent and exclusive. And they tend to approach them much slower. She doesn’t want to rush into things and hurt Gwen. However, she’s never been one to second guess herself or hesitate on a major decision. She wants Gwen, all of her, good and bad, for however long it lasts.

 

“Gwen…” She looks up confused, Renny’s eyes are wide and she’s shaking, freaking artillery fire never made her this nervous. “There’s something I want to ask you, to ask of you.” “Well Ask way” Gwen says forcing humor into tone, she’s spooked. The only time Renny’s ever looked this way is when one of them woke up from a nightmare. “Gwen Daniels… I desire you as my bonded partner. For a season or a lifetime, in good fortune or ill, however long the gods will… I desire you.” Renny speaks the ancient forms putting emphasis on the final word. Gwen is stunned as if she had been struck by a hammer “Oh! Oh my God! I… You want me to marry you?!!” “It’s a bit different in Gnomish culture but yeah that’s the basic idea, so yes….” “How… How would this work? Details?” Renny explains that traditionally this would make her and Gwen primary partners but that the relationship is not exclusive, they would be considered members of both Gwen and Renny’s families, and would hold property jointly. They would have the ability to mutually dissolve the relationship in an amicable fashion at any time they choose. Typical Gnomish bonding’s last for about ten to sixty years, and the people involved almost always remain friends and occasional lovers after it has ended.

 

Gwen spends several minutes thinking “Am I really going to do this? We’ve only been together for a couple months and yet…. Has anyone ever made feel like this before? I want this person more than anything. Oh my God I’m actually seriously considering getting married on a spur of the moment decision! Fuck! What’s wrong with me?” And yet she’s never felt so clear. A phrase pops into her head “Memento Mori” and her decision is made. “Yes. Yes! HELL… FUCKING YES!!!” Two people squealing with joy collide in a flying tackle of a hug. Gwen and Renny hold each other as they jump up and down, screaming, laughing, and crying all at the same time. Things are soon a flurry of activity as they call Renny’s family and the phone erupts with joyful shrieks and shouts. Then calling up the former members of One Eye squad who are all ecstatic, “Holy shit everyone! The captains getting hitched!!” Renny Scrambles into a cocktail dress and Gwen hurries to buy one. They head down to the Gods’ Ward and in an hour, they have their marriage license. Soon Renny’s family arrives and has somehow managed to acquire a large elaborate cake on short notice. They are also lugging bottles of mead and sparkling wine. Several deacons set up tables as the members of One Eye squad trickle in. Finally, it’s time.

Renny and Gwen are escorted down the aisle by Renny’s parents, who are positively beaming. The sound of the choir and organ echoes through the massive old gothic structure. Surrounded by family and old comrades Gwen and Renny speak their vows and a young badger folk priest in white and gold-threaded ecclesiastical robes pronounces them wed. Sweeping each other into a passionate kiss, the girls barely notice the thunderous cheers. After that there is a brief reception with cake and drinks before roughly thirty people stuff two limos to capacity and head to the girls’ favorite restaurant in the Agarthon district.

 

At 8:45 P.M. after a whirlwind exhaustingly wonderful day the newly minted Daniels-Finnthighearns climb onto an airship. Waving good bye to family and friends as they embark on their yearlong honeymoon tour of Solanus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ch 4.

 

The ending to this story all ways pushes back the darkness for Gwen and she feels her good mood return. Bri senses this and can fully relax as Gwen starts washing the rest of her. Arms and legs first. Then her stomach before working her way up to Bri’s pits. In the process she accidentally tickles her causing both women to burst into a fit of giggling. Moving on she begins to wash Bri’s breasts. Bri begins to feel a small amount of arousal but tries to brush it off. “Turn around hon.” Bri does so and Gwen gently scrubs her back before going lower and soaping up her cheeks. Bri’s faces flushes, then she can’t help but gasp as the scrubbing reaches her crevice. She can Gwen’s fingers repeatedly brushing against her rosebud. “Okay one more time.” Bri turns around and Gwen begins to clean her pubic area. Noticing Bri’s expression she stops. “Everything okay dear?” “Yeah no it’s fine….” “Do you want me to stop?” “No it’s just…” “Has anyone bathed you sense you were a small child?” “Just my girlfriend Katrina…”

 

“Ah… and you’re embarrassed because you got turned on?” “Yes…” Bri’s face is scarlet. “Honey it’s okay I still bathe Liam and Callie occasionally, you know how many times that boy’s popped an erection?” Bri can’t help but laugh “Oh my God!” “So, you wouldn’t be embarrassed if I start you know… making noise?” “Go ahead Bri, I have two teenagers, you couldn’t gross me out if you tried.”  Gwens finishes washing Bri as she makes small pleasure noises. “All clean let’s get you toweled off!” After helping her get dry Gwen dresses Bri in a fluffy white terrycloth robe with matching slippers and leeds her down the hall past several bedrooms. “This was guest room but now it’s yours.” The room has the same hardwood floors and has a deep rich purple wallpaper with gold diamonds. A light colored rug and bright paintings working together with a skylight to keep it from becoming oppressively dark. The bed is a medium oak with white and purple trimmed sheets and has two built cabinets next to it. There is a bookcase. A desk with a surprisingly modern computer. A fire place on the opposite wall burns merrily with two leather armchairs and a coffee table in front. “Wait how is that fire burning there are no logs or gas line!” “Magic.” Gwen says grinning, Bri smiles back eyes bright as Gwen digs through the spacious closet.

 

“Okay hon! This should work, drop your robe. You’re about the same size as Callie so this should fit you.” Bri shrugs out of robe. This woman has literally watched her take a shit and cleaned her vag while she made sexy noises. Modesty seems pointless. Bri chuckles to herself. Gwen is holding a thick flannel knee length night gown in a purple and white tartan that matches the sheets. She pulls it down over Bri’s head. Then has her sit while she pulls thick knee high purple socks onto her legs.

“Bri… I know this going to be a lot on top of everything else but….” Bri gulps nervous and unsure of what to expect. “Gwen and I have been talking and something about you connected with us. We know you’ve lost a lot and are probably still mourning that and if you need time think…. What I’m trying to say is… Would you like to be our new daughter?”  Gwen’s looks at her lips quavering, eyes wide. Bri is stunned. She’s always wanted to get away but this to much and yet… Bri to this day doesn’t fully understand the decision she’s about to make. “Yes! Thank you! Oh God yes!” A balling Bri and Gwen hug. The rest of the family comes running in “Guys…” Gwen’s face is tear stained and her voice horse. “I’d like you meet the newest Daniels- Finnthighearn!” Pandemonium erupts as everyone piles onto the bed with Gwen and Bri, creating what can only be described as a giant hug pile. There are tears, laughter, good natured teasing and ribbing; as the family welcomes its newest addition. Eventually everyone staggers back to their own rooms exhausted. Gwen tucks Bri into bed. She feels so warm, safe and comfortable. More than an in however long she can remember. Bri has one last thought before she drift’s off to sleep. “Yesterday these people were strangers and yet I’ve never felt this loved…..”

 

Bri wakes up about ten hours later groggy and disorientated. Then it all comes flooding back, it seemed like a dream or a hallucination. Except that she’s still in the purple and oak room with it’s cheerful fire place. A shutter somehow sensing she’s awake pulls back to allow late afternoon sunlight to fall through the skylight. Bri takes a few minutes to collect her thoughts. So much has happened. Her old life is gone but is that such a bad thing? She was never happy for long back home and while she’ll miss her friends, she had been planning her escape for years. She would always feel something to her birth family, but they hadn’t been close for years. She had hoped after moving out to find her chosen family like so many other queer youths. And in only a few days she had found it on this strange planet. These people have only known her for such a short time and, yet they seemed to love and accept her more freely than her birth family ever did. Sure, she had almost died, and it was probably going to be a while before she was over that plus all the general mind fuck of magic and aliens and kinds of weirdness exist.

 

But dam, if it wasn’t worth it. Besides a new family, she was getting to see things people only dreamed of. It was like being the protagonist in one of her favorite books, comics, movies, or games. I mean holy shit! She was on another planet not the first apparently but still…. She was on another fucking planet! And she had already seen amazing stuff. In that moment of quite Reflection Bri made a resolution, she was going to move forward with her new life. She wasn’t sure if she still believed in God, but something seems to have brought her here. She wasn’t going to waste time looking back.

Looking at her phone she saw it was 6:12 p.m. some one had left her charger out for her on the desk, so she plugged it in. She wasn’t quite sure what to do next but her full bladder and empty stomach made the decision for her. Bri makes her way to the bathroom and is grateful to find it empty. She’s still getting used to her new family and isn’t quite ready for all of them at once to see her taking her morning? No. Well first piss of the day. Bri grabs a cloth from the rack and goes to squat over one of the toilets, pulling up her sleep shirt as she goes. Her pee makes a soft ringing pattering sound as it hits the metal. She looks up and can see herself in the mirror, the golden stream exiting her is quite visible. She’s surprised by how simultaneously vulnerable, cute, and sexy she looks. The purple knee-highs bring the cute, her position the vulnerable, and her girl parts definitely bring the sexy. The socks also keep her feet warm on the cold tile and are super soft, as is the nightgown. She smiles as she rinses and dries off before going to sink.

 

Looking around as she washes her hands she notices a note taped to the mirror. Below it is a small wicker basket filled with assorted toiletry items. “Hi Bri, Renny and I got up earlier, but you were still a sleep. We found your phone charger and wallet in your jacket pocket along with your multitool, we put it along with everything else on your desk. Your clothes are in the laundry room. The basket below contains everything you’ll need health and hygiene wise. It’s five now, were going to do breakfast for dinner around six since everyone missed it the first time this morning . Feel free to join us if you want.

Love, Your Moms :)”

 

Bri smiles warmly as she goes through the basket. The first item she pulls out is a toothbrush, purple and white. Then a tube of “Dr. Grinman’s Dental Scrubbing Paste” emblazoned with a cartoon picture of a mustachio’ed grandfatherly doctor. There is also a thing of floss and floss picks. Second is a brass caddy containing a collection of glass bottles filled with fancy looking body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bubble bath, and even a face scrub/mask set. Bri’s eyes brighten in shock mixed with happiness as she see’s that the caddy has an engraved name plate. “Bri Daniels-Finnthighearn” It’s then that she looks over at one of the nearby shelves and realizes there are four other caddies just like hers. Opening the bottles, they all smell wonderful; a mix of mint, green tea, and several strange but pleasantly fragrant herbs.

 

Third is a stick of degree women’s black and white. Fourth are two razors, one a modern five blade “women’s” style, the other is an old-school chromed steel safety razor. Along with a jar label shave cream. It smells like a mix of sandalwood, coco butter, and peaches. Fifth are a hair brush and comb.  Last are two brown carboard boxes with the words “Daniels-Finnthighearn Family Pharmacy” above a gold circle surrounding a mortar and pestle surmounted by the alchemical symbol for brimstone. The first contains a mix of pads and tampons. The other is an assorted mix of thirty condoms. Both penetrative and receptive. Plus, a bottle of lube. Bri grins sheepishly as her face flushes.

 

            After brushing her teeth, God she had forgotten how gross they felt, and washing her face Bri exits the bathroom. She’s trying to find the kitchen. The house seems to be laid out in a circle, so she figures that if she keeps walking right eventually she’ll find it. Directly across from her is the living room. Its walls are the same wood panel and white plaster. Shelves of books, knickknacks, antiquities, and curios crowd the walls. They compete for space with a wide assortment of family pictures, together they give the room an overall warm vibe. The right-hand wall, facing the courtyard/drive has a large bay window with a comfortable looking bench seat. Directly across is another large brick enchanted fire place built into the corner. It crackles merrily in front of a low depression of padded suede leather with a built-in table in the center. Above the fire place is an oil painting of the family.

 

They all have a different kind of smile, Renny looks like she’s knows a hilarious secret. Gwen stares at the lake and mountains in the background, with a serene beauty that is somehow sad and joyful at the same time. The siblings hold each other in a manner that is affectionate but teasing. Clearly goofing off and trying to embarrass each other. There seated around a wrought iron table outside what appears to be a road side café or pub. The building looks like an old farmhouse and is made of white stone with a slate roof. A large tree with white bark like a birch but with purple maple shaped leaves, shades the outdoor seating area. Turning away from the painting Bri can see that to the left is a midcentury modern looking leather sectional in front of large flat screen and an entertainment center crowded with electronics. Half the titles on various media cases are in languages with completely alien scripts. A rat’s nest of cords and adapters connects the tv to what can only be describe as a large cabinet that contains the results of an old school radio, record player, and amplifier all making passionate love to each other.

 

Bri can hear shouting and laughter coming from an open arch in the upper left corner. Stepping through it Bri’s jaw drops in amazement there is a dining room and a spacious open plan kitchen with a breakfast nook; the rooms are separated by a bar. The dining room contains another fireplace to the right. Other than that, there is only a mission style looking table, chairs and side cabinet of dishes to the left. Callie and Liam are seated next to each other and talking in an animated Fashion. It seems to be about a web comic Liam is writing and drawing. But that’s not what’s grabbed Bri’s attention. She walks into the kitchen, eyes wide and seeming to flash as they dart about. Renny is in full on sorcerer’s apprentice mode as she prepares breakfast. Ingredient’s and cooking implements fly through the air in different directions, on various errands. A set of knives is rhythmically chopping fruit before two large animate forks scoop it into small glass bowls which fly onto the bar.

 

The far wall is dominated a massive commercial grade stainless steel range/stove. The top is split between eight gas burners and a griddle. The griddle is currently split three ways. Closest to the counter bacon, sausages and slices of ham are frying. To the center pancakes and french toast. To the right a large mound of buttery looking scrambled eggs which are promptly scraped onto a plate by a flight team of spatulas. Standing in the center of the culinary storm, waving a wooden spoon like a conductor is Renny. As some of the breakfast meats reach doneness the begin to make darkly comedic yelping noises as the leap off the griddle and on to waiting paper towel lined wire racks. Bri’s mouth forms an “O” and she clamps her hands over it trying to suppress a fit of laughter. Control becomes impossible to maintain however, when the toaster goes full “Lord of the dance” and begins working through a complicated Irish step number.

 

This gets the attention of Renny and Gwen, Renny speaks first “Well looks who’s up! Morning or should I say evening princess? I thought you weren’t going wake from your enchanted sleep until Zariel sounded the last day.” “Uh…” “It’s okay dear your other mom is just teasing.” Gwen tries to look stern but can’t hide her grin. “Breakfast will be ready shortly dear. How would you like your eggs?” “Uh if this isn’t too much… Could I get a Denver Omelet?” “You doubt my skills?” Renny says as she theatrically makes a sweeping gesture to the stove. A glass bowl and whisk come swooping in from behind in midscramble, before dumping their contents on to the griddle. Several knives begin chopping meat and veg. Bri grins and makes finger guns at Renny who bows still in full theatrical mode. “Is the furniture going to start singing something about being our guest?” “Nope because your already family love!” Bri’s chest hurts but it’s not heartburn. “So, what’s your poison carb wise? Pancakes, French Toast, or….” Ding! “Biscuits?” The oven opens and a wonderful buttery/bready smell wafts out as a tray of biscuits ascends surrounded by golden light. This triggers a momentary flash of one of Bri’s few happy memories from her old life.

She’s sitting at the kitchen table, she was six. Week winter sunlight was streaming through the windows. Her mother was making breakfast and had given her a cup of hot chocolate. She was reading a story book about a man that God loved so much that he took him up to heaven and made him an angel. The memory flash only lasts few seconds and Bri isn’t even fully aware of it consciously before it’s over. All she knows is that she feels something bittersweet that she can’t name. Then her brain switches to food as her stomach repeats its signal and the moment ends.

 

Seeing the agonized indecisive look on Bri’s face “All three it is!” Renny says teasingly. A stack of six pancakes, four slices of French Toast, and four biscuits fly onto a plate. Gwen chimes in “Everything should be ready shortly. Help yourself to anything you want. There’s mixed fruit, yogurt and fresh made granola on the bar. If you want something to drink….” Gwen points to a series of glass dispensers. “Water, milk both whole and chocolate, orange juice, grape fruit, and apple.” A flight of metal carafes comes in for a landing. “Ah good coffee and tea are ready. There’s also hot chocolate and cider.” “If after all this you need something stronger…” She points to a series of taps built into the bar. “We also have several local beers and hard ciders.” Bri figures hot chocolate and a stout will pair well together before she sits down. And yeah after everything that’s happened she could use a beer.  In only a few minutes Gwen and Renny join them and the conversation starts in earnest as plates of food float over and set themselves down in front of their respective person. Bri grabs several small bowls of jam and a tray of butter as she tucks in ravenously. It’s possibly the best food she’s ever tasted.

 

Over breakfast Bri gets to know the others better. It turns out that Renny is actually non-binary. She just uses feminine pronouns for convenience because that’s how she presents most of the time. Gnomes simply don’t have a concept of fixed genders the way other species do. The closest they have is that some traits are considered soft, refined and associated with the celestial heavens, others are hard, associated with the body and the earth. Water and Sky traits are considered intermediate. None are superior all are natural parts of the life cycle and any person can have any combination of traits. The closest thing Renny has to a gender in her own culture is a poetic descriptive phrase that acts as a summary of her traits. It roughly translates as “They who wield creations fire with song and dance, their dance is among the stars of heaven and the gods hold them dear.” “That’s beautiful!” “Thank you Bri it’s a little melodramatic, but then again I always did have a flair for drama.” A sugar bowl zips into Renny’s outstretched hand causing the whole family to laugh.

 

Then there’s the fact that because of natural aptitude with magic most Gnomes can alter their body to some extent at will. Renny has near total control. Which she demonstrates as her body shifts and stretches with a popping of joints. Bri dosen’t even notice the bit of omelet that falls out of her mouth and into her lap. To her it looks like a masterful CGI effect, undone by being simply to fantastical to believe. With less than a minute Renny has turned herself into a handsome Gnomish man with sandy blond hair. Bri can still recognize her eyes and parts of her facial features.  “Holy Shit! That is so cool!” Renny changes back, bows, and breakfast resumes.

 

Callie likes math, astronomy and physics and plans to study them at university. She also enjoys photography and cinematography and she frequently helps Liam with the layout of his comic. Unlike Renny her hair is a bright bubble gum pink. She has some magical talent, but it is still developing and nowhere near her mom’s. Liam is a handsome young man whose plain hair cut is more than offset by striking facial features that are a combination of his mothers’. He likes to write and draw frequently wandering the nearby woods sketching the plants and wildlife. His current project is a web-comic that is a mix of cyberpunk, slice of life, Lovecraft mythos and detective fiction. Reading a few pages that he shows her on his phone it’s clear that he has a sharp wit and an eye for satire.  He plans on studying either philosophy, literature, or anthropology, after spending a couple years at an artist’s collective in the capital.

 

Gwen talks about her work at the national university. Bri explains her background and how she got to Solanus including the fight with the warg. “You are such a badass cool new sister, who cares if you shit your pants!” is Callie’s response causing Bri to blush. From there the conversation moves to Gwen giving Bri a crash course on Zeramar. “So, you’ve heard us mention Zeramar before but you’re probably wondering what were talking about?” “Yeah, I figured it’s the country were in?” “Close, were about a hundred miles past the border in the frontier territories.” “Renny’s family all lives in town. It’s one of the autonomous Gnomish colonies you’ll find scattered throughout the region.” “So how does that work with your well…. Work?” “Brindmagarten is one the largest colonies with a mixed population of about 52,000 people. The national university system and the Seelie Court embassy jointly established a satellite campus there called Brindmagarten International University and Vocational Technology Center. So I only have to go into the capital on occasions when something important has to handled in person or I need specialized equipment.” “Okay that makes sense, so Zeramar?” Gwen is now in full professor mode and is becoming more energetic as she goes on. “Roughly 3,500 years ago a group of iron working nomadic tribes settled down upon finding a hill from which an eclipse and rare celestial alignment was seen. This matched the prophecy the tribe’s oracles, which they had claimed to have received from ‘a being of radiant light’. The city they founded would one day become, Zeramar…..”

 

 

Ch. 5

 

 

 

“Flash forward through several thousand years of history. Wars, the rise and fall of empires, the birth and death of kings, and the retreat of the elves. But also, the lives of ordinary folk those countless millions who make a nation possible. People raising crops and families, running shops, building the great cities. Or simply just trying to build a life worth living. Through all this that city is reborn as a phoenix so many times that historians have simply lost count. Where our story begins though is at a point three hundred years ago during the reign of king Leopold X crown sovereign of the kingdom of Zeramar. The country is almost at it’s current size and it’s about to begin its first round of industrialization. Leopold’s reign at first seems unremarkable he takes the throne at age forty-three and seems like a competent and able administrator, but there is a growing darkness in the man. Leopold slowly withdraws over a period of several years. He limits the number audiences and often sends proxies to state functions. He begins to confide in several close advisors that he thinks people are plotting to overthrow him or have him assassinated. First palace security is increased. Then he hires twenty handpicked private bodyguards and secretly has them taken to be mindwarped into fanatical loyalty. Nobody is aware of it yet but this the first line Leopold crosses, it will not be the last.”

 

“He begins to suspect old friends, his most loyal councilors and even his own family are plotting behind his back. They want the throne, he must strike first. People begin to fall to the blades of unknown assassins. Then come the midnight arrests and purges. Supposedly they will be released after ‘vigorous interrogation to determine the nature of their guilt’, they are never heard from afterward. Everyone from bakers to high lords and ladies are made to disappear. Even the Archbishop Tedron senior administrator of the Gods Ward, elected and anointed by the council of all faiths is not safe. The kings chosen enforcers cut down his personal guard and hall him screaming from his carriage in broad day light, on a crowded boulevard. The council sends of letter of censure, roughly equivalent to catholic excommunication, declaring his actions anathema, and demanding Tedron’s safe return. Leopold is to far gone for a paper shield to be effective and has Tedron publicly beheaded the next day. Everything explodes simultaneously with two final sparks.

 

 

“Leopold promised his dying father that he would always look after his nephew crown prince Aldric. His father had just died in border campaign, a flu took his mother several years before. The boy is now seventeen, possessed of a sweet and gentle nature, he is fond of music and the theatre. Aldric is the heartthrob of youths of all genders across the city and is constantly surrounded by admires. Naïve, sheltered, but extremely compassionate, the prince was surprisingly not afraid of getting dirty. It caused quite a stir when he was seen bathing patients and changing bed pans in the charity wards of several local hospitals.”

 

“Even the most radical antimonarchists seem to genuinely like him and he is popular throughout the country. Many hope that he can stop the madness. The boy and his uncle get into several heated arguments. Finally, one-day Aldric makes a serious error. Aldric and his uncle are having their final argument. Sensing a call to heroic action, filled with the brashness of youth and righteous anger; Aldric makes his move.” “Guards my uncle is no longer fit to hold the throne. You see yourselves that every day he becomes increasingly volatile and unmoored. By my right as crown prince and in the name of the holy Archangel Zariel and all the gods I command you to seize and detain him till a convention of succession can be called!” “You dare challenge me?!! YOU INSOLENT GOATFUCKING FOP!!!!” “In a fit of furious anger King Leopold X tosses his nephew from a fifth-floor balcony onto the harbor breakwater below. From this day forward, he will be known as Leopold the Forsworn and Forsaken. This is the penultimate spark.”

 

“The final occurs mere hours later. Still seething with white hot fury. He lashes out at one of his fiercest critics. The woman known simply as Kendra. She is a mystic, a philosopher, and is considered to be the living spiritual heart of Zeramar. An advocate for the downtrodden she works tirelessly to better the fortune of those left behind by Zeramar’s progress. Her poetry is well known to bring even hardened cynics to tears. She has written numerous treaties critical of the monarchy. For this Leopold has her dragged from her house into the palace square. She is stripped, beaten, flogged, and crucified. When dozens rush to her aid the guards open fire. Word spreads like wildfire and within hours people are taking to the streets holding candles and banners/placards with her image, calling for the king’s removal. The council declares her a martyr and publicly denounces the king. A national strike is called. Compounding the error, he orders the protests broken up by any means necessary. There is a scuffle, shots ring out, and the rioting starts. Within a week all of Zeramar is embroiled in civil war.”

 

“The country is divided between the Royalists and a coalition made up of the Free Zeramar faction, who want to end the monarchy, and the Order of Saint Kendra who want to see princess Andrea on the throne. She was spirited to safety at the outbreak of hostilities. The fighting is fierce and bloody as battle after battle rocks the country. This will be the first war to see the widespread use of cap-lock rifles and modern battle mage corps with heavy use of artificer devices. When combined with outdated line and volley tactics the results were even more catastrophic then they were for late 18^th and mid-19^th century earth. Tens of thousands died in the opening engagements. But Leopold had sealed his own doom even if he refused to admit it. At the start of the conflict he only had the support of a quarter of the population. The rebels didn’t have a trained army, but their ranks swelled with volunteers. Lashing out at the Council of all Faiths, murdering Kendra and prince Aldric had all been crucial strategic errors.”

 

“Many staunch conservatives who would have never even have considered insurrection against the crown now marched on the capital with old hunting muskets, farm tools, and sabers. Carrying banners with the martyr’s and the murdered prince’s visages, all ready to die for princess Andrea and Zeramar. Their battle cry was for Saint Kendra and Aldric the true king. Meanwhile youth brigades of republicanist or early protocommunist bent charged out of the cafes and universities and into the streets. They attacked army convoys with rocks, pistols, molotovs and pipe bombs. Now was the time to rise and they would see the birth of a new nation, a new birth of freedom. Even if the price must be their lives. They charge forward fearless with cries of revolution victorious on their lips. Outraged by the purges aristocratic families who had supported the crown for centuries now used their fortunes as a war chest. When combined with the thousands of donations pouring in and the support of the new industrialist class it allowed the rebels to hire dozens of free companies to stiffen their ranks and train the raw volunteers streaming in by the thousands. Even the navy effectively declares neutrality, stating that they will stand down active operations until a convention of succession is called.”

 

“Enraged by this act of mass mutiny Leopold calls for all the naval senior staff to stand before him and face court martial. They decline to appear. With his entire navy now effectively a.w.o.l and his forces taking heavy casualties Leopold was becoming increasingly desperate. He started approaching the kinds of off world arms dealers that make their living catering to the needs of petty backwater tyrants. As well as the less scrupulous mercenary companies. From them he was able to acquire magrifles, beam weapons, heavy support magguns, shoulder launchers, and plasma cannons. They were even able to provide him with an armored company’s worth of tanks and fighting vehicles. Factory fresh from Tydon Heavy Industries. To pay for this he began a program of asset seizure that cost him even more support.”

“These new terror weapons were first deployed to destroy the rebel supply depot at Greenford. Located at the confluence of a tributary of the Zeramar and the Silver Highway rivers, it had only been known for two things before this, picturesque countryside and shipping warehouses. The battle would be over in less than day; 22,335 died on the rebel side; 7,382 on the royalist. This battle also saw the death of the silver dragon Jadel an ancient archmage 4,382 years old who had sided with the rebels. Jadel managed to take a good chunk of Leopolds armored forces with them however when in an act final vengeance, they scorched the planes with an entropy curse that had the force of a ten-kiloton yield tactical nuke.”

 

“The rebels would respond with the creation of the spell gun and the crystal lances. Massive siege and artillery support weapons that fling explosive shells dozens of kilometers or fire searing beaming of light respectively. After six months entire divisions began to defect to the rebel cause. Even one of the elite crews of one of the Tydon MBTs changed sides, taking the state of the art war machine with them. This was especially humiliating for King Leopold. The navy now declares for the rebels and blockades the capital. By the end of the year the capital is under siege and an increasingly desperate king hides in his bunker. Completely lost to all reason he has partnered with a group that unknown to him are actually a group of necromancers. One of countless such groups of opportunistic sociopaths scattered throughout the multiverse they consider Nyarlathotep to be there model and wish to attract its attention. Unlike ninety percent of such groups which never move past garden variety serial killer status this one is a global scale threat.”

 

“In addition to their leader possessing archmage level thaumaturgical skill they also had off world scientists with advanced knowledge of bioengineering and genetics. They had been harnessing the massive energy unleashed by the conflict in the hopes of attracting the interest of the Crawling Chaos. Now they prepared to complete the ritual by unleashing one final horror. “The Red Horseman” an engineered strain of fleshing eating bacteria that worked fast enough for the effects to be seen in real time and that caused massive internal bleeding. It had a ninety-seven percent mortality rate and was resistant to both conventional antibiotics and magical healing. Even nanites and med-engineered bacteria/phages could only stop it in sixty percent of cases. All that was needed was to give Leopold a couple preloaded shells and promise him victory.”

 

“Woah Woah hold on! Back the hell up! Nyarlathotep?!!! That’s fucking Lovecraft shit!!! Are you telling me that’s real?!!!” “Yes Bri, unfortunately it is.” “But how?” “Most scholars of the multiverse believe that everything is ultimately energy/information. People, objects, even entire universes have a pattern that repeats and ‘echoes’ for lack of a better term. Most often resulting in minor variations rather than exact copies. Everything that was, is or, will be; it exists in a swirling entropic maelstrom endlessly being created and destroyed. All of space all of time is it.” “So, it’s like what a mash up the Hindu world soul and Plato’s forms?” “That relatively close all though nobody understands it’s completely, I don’t think that even the ‘gods’ do.” Gwen is smiling with a distinctly maternal looking pride at Bri’s quick response.  “H.P. was a flaming racist asshole but he was also most likely a sensitive as well, able to tap into what one could call the collective unconscious, gestalt mind, or world of forms. That is the underlying dimensions closest to the chaotic heart of the multiverse.” “Wait does that mean gods plural in general exist?” “I don’t know if there’re actually gods or just sufficiently powerful aliens; I guess you could call me a naytheist. But yes” “Shit, wow that’s a lot.”

 

Bri looks unsteady almost grey. “You Okay sweetheart?” “Yeah I just got pimp smacked upside the head with a big o’ll stick of cosmic understanding. I just need a minute and…” Gwen shotguns the last of her stout slamming the glass down “Probably something stronger…” Gwen looks concerned but nods at Renny who looks over at her before speaking “I’ll get the 182” “182?” “Our battalions custom reserve.” Renny plonks down a bottle of something clear in front of Bri. Its label is a simply a unit badge with 182 above it in big bold gold letters. Renny pours a shot. Which Bri knocks back in five seconds before slamming the glass down. The firing burn scorches her throat. “Dam that’s like best vodka on top of best breakfast!” “I’m good now, thanks Renny!” Renny simply beams. The ritual more than anything seems to have steadied Bri. “So are there others?” “Countless, all brilliant, mostly creative types. L. Frank Baum was thought to have had visions of the Fey Lands. Some believe that Lewis Carol actually recorded the visions of a girl with similar abilities.” “Okay so mind still being blown.” “Ready to get back to the history lesson?” “Yeah although I’m not sure necromancers providing Louie the 14^th meets Dr. No with a bioweapon is any less of a mind fuck.” Everyone at the table can’t help laughing at this latest bit of snark.  

 

“It was dawn on a misty November morning. A few solitary bursts of artillery fire weren’t unusual, typically it was one or both sides zeroing in the pan and elevation of their guns for a new target. Then the mists turned red and the screaming started. The winds carried the plague towards the rebel lines in circling the city walls. Within hours the casualties civilian and military number in the thousands. General Durman the dwarvish commander in charge of the frontline operations seals his command bunker. The doors are reinforced plate steel and lined with rubber gaskets while an elaborate purification spell keeps the air breathable. It won’t be enough. Within sixteen hours the bacteria have literally eaten the seals. It takes an additional hour for the screaming to stop.”

 

“There surviving rebel forces launch a final desperate push breaching the walls in a barrage of artillery fire. They were largely unopposed as the remaining defenders had fled for their lives trying to escape the plauge. As they got into the city proper slowed hover do to rubble and scattered pockets of resistance, fighting more to escape the executioners noose then out of any true conviction.”

 

“It seemed like nothing could stop the spread of the plague in time. The conflict had just taken on a much larger dimension. But just when things seemed to have spiraled completely out of control, a peel like thunder split the air. An all-out cacophony that can be heard for hundreds of miles. It sounds like mountains crashing to the ground. A thousand voices singing in ten million languages accompanied by the ringing of countless bells. Massive booming grey thunder heads rolled in from nowhere flashing with lighting. Dogs howled and animals across the country went berserk. Mages, priests, and sensitives on Solanus and even planets dozens of light years away were struck down in fits by visions and ecstatic hallucinations. The instruments of off worlders began to detect a massive energy build up. Then the ground began to shake, and a massive denotation rocked the city shattering windows and knocking tiles off roofs. The clouds began to glow with golden light as the Archangel Zeraiel general in The Armies of Light appeared above the city in full glory. Witness accounts vary to its appearance but in general it is agreed that Zeraiel was roughly comparable in size to the Sear’s Tower. Some described it in terms of a massive humanoid figure with millions of ordinary sized faces making up its head. Others saw a gryphon with an antelope’s body and a human face. Most who saw it directly only reported a blinding light before collapsing into a seizure. Seven thousand lesser celestial beings attended it singing in voices of haunting painful beauty. The fighting stopped as people across the city ran for cover or threw themselves prostrate.”

 

 “One person described the experience of hearing it as.” “I could see, no I was the whole universe. I could see it all, the whole universe, from beginning to end. Including my own life not just once but in countless variations, past present and future. I knew everything I had done or would do good and bad. I was balling because I was more sad, happy, angry, scared and just everything than I had in my entire life. I simultaneously felt more alive and close to death than I ever had in my entire life.” “Then a loud voice cried out” “IT IS, WAS, AND SHALL BE DONE AS IS MY COMMAND, AS I HAVE BEEN COMANDED!!!!!!!!!”  “Everything went silent except for a tinnitus like ringing not an actual sound but an after effect of the sudden absence of sound as a wave of blinding white light rushed out ward from the city in all directions, to encompass the globe. Ships in orbit sent out panicked distress calls as their sensor arrays overloaded from the radiation surge, thinking some crazy bastard had set off multiple antimatter warheads on an inhabited planet. Finally all was still and silent…..” 

 

“All of this really happened? It’s like something out of a freaking movie?” “I found it hard to believe myself at first but it’s a matter of historical record. You can even find crude early photographs of Zariel’s appearance. Most are overexposed or simply to lowres and blurry but in a few you can clearly see…. something.” “So, what happened next?” “Somehow the blast had wiped out all trace of the plague including documents and lab samples from existence. Zariel descends in humanoid form.  Photographs taken at the time seem to show a seven-foot-tall androgynous being with skin like living marble and twelve wings sprouting from it’s back riding a golden chariot pulled by seven beings with gryphon bodies and human faces. It was wreathed in golden light and forty-nine flaming swords swarmed the air around it. Descending to the palace the remaining guards ran screaming except for the ensorcelled twenty. With a wave of its hand Zariel shatters the enchantments holding them. They collapse in shock screaming and clawing at themselves as they remember all the horrors they were forced to inflict while under mind control. Zariel touches each of them on the forehead.” “Be at peace child, what was done by and to you is not your fault. You are loved, you are forgiven.” “The formally ensorcelled guards go still as a deep dreamless sleep overtakes them.” “As for you…” “It turns to Leopold” “Judgment has come…..” “From what can piece together King Leopold was made to experience every single act of suffering he had inflicted on someone else, although no one knows what really happened. Just that the screams could allegedly be heard miles away.” “Thus ended King Leopold X’s reign…..”

 

 

“Two million lives lost, a country shattered. It would take the next century to rebuild but Zeramar would rise once again as the phoenix.”

 

 

 

 

Ch. 6

Gwen then goes on to explain the formation of the current government. With Zarial leading negotiations a constitutional convention is called. The document is carefully crafted to avoid a second civil war between the monarchist and antimornarchist factions. It guarantees certain basic civil rights such as freedom of speech/expression, fare treatment in the criminal justice system, checks on crown authority, basically standard stuff for any democratic republic although it is a hybrid government. The monarchy will remain as the executive branch and shares control of the military with an appointed minister of defense. A legislature is created divided into four equal chambers. The Chamber of Lords represents the nobility. The Chamber of Merchants the industrialists. The Chamber of Guilds represents the unions. The Chamber of Citizens is a free for all in which any one can run for office with each administrative district and the territories being assigned seats based on percentage of population. A separate Judiciary is also created that along with legislature will act as a check on the crown. The monarch reigns for life but the legislature can declare a vote of no confidence and remove them if it passes with seventy-five percent or if they are convicted of treason. This known as the “Great Reconciliation.”

 

After a century tensions were once again running high as economic inequality remained a significant issue. Not everyone was benefiting fully from the recovery. Strikes and food riots were becoming more and more common. Many whispered fearfully about the possibility of a second civil war. King Ulfrich I, a shrewd pragmatic man that many referred to as “the chess master”, was not going to let that happen. He announced a plan for sweeping reforms that was met with massive public support. Using this plus a network of political allies he had spent decades cultivating, he got the legislature to announce a referendum on a series of constitutional amendments. This would include the social insurance, national medical, and education system. The social insurance system guaranteed every citizen a universal basic income check as well as providing a fund for disability/sick leave, family leave, and disaster/farm insurance. Access was guaranteed to all citizens and permanent residents.  The government has existed in this form basically right to present day. All though industrialization has largely killed the nobility and the Chamber of Lords is basically a rump political body.

Bri asks a few more questions before the conversation shifts to general geography and then pop culture. Which is basically a mish mash of different things from thousands of worlds. With Terran, Zeramarian, and several other local nations, plus a few major other species dominating. The world is generally more socially progressive than ours. The technology is all over the place running the gamut from Star Trek to Amish. Magic blurs the lines even further. Overall, it’s probably comparable to earth in the early 20^th century. Local video broadcast is in its infancy, with radio and landline being consider state of the art by local standards. But Amdar Technologies has set up a comnetwork with full multiversal capability providing internet access to any one willing to pay. Although Zeramar has a contract for all government facilities and citizens/permanent residents can get free access at universities, schools, libraries, and rec centers. The family has satellite access to the network. By the time the conversation winds down three hours later dinner has been finished for a while and an exhausted Bri heads for bead early. Drifting off to a deep dreamless sleep.

 

Waking up the next morning Bri walks into the bathroom only to see a naked Callie having her morning pee. Bri and Callie both notice her starring “What?” “Oh sorry! Still getting used to this!” Callie laughs “It’s only a vagina little sis! Do you have one?” “Yes?” “So, it shouldn’t be that surprising. Tell you what, we never got to do all the wild sibling shit as kids, so I’ll show you mine if you show me yours?” Bri laughs as she pulls the night gown over her head leaving her in just her knee highs. She squats down facing Callie as both girls spread their lips and release their pee. Bri notes that Callie like her, no their, mom has much thicker lips and a bigger clit than her. What really catches her attention is the neatly trimmed patch of bubble gum pink pubic hair. “Wow when you dye your hair you really go all out!” “It’s not dye, I can naturally alter my hair color.” “Wow that’s really cool Callie!” “Thanks Bri.” The awkwardness now gone the girls finish getting ready as they make conversation.

 

Given that it’s now almost ten o’clock Renny has made frittatas and fresh fruit for brunch. Gwen “Bri now that your part of this family we need to discuss the practical details of what that involves.” Renny “In Gnomish culture we have a phrase that roughly translates as “all as one”. Meaning that both in society we are both individuals and pieces of a larger by working together we develop are own innate talents and move toward a complete self. Both in society and the family everyone plays a role based on their innate talents and interests.” Gwen “For example I work at the university and together with Renny run an artificing and repair shop. We work on everything from magic wands, to tractors, to iPods. That combined with Renny’s military pension provides material support for this family. Callie does the books and generally handles the family’s finances and helps Renny with the cooking. Liam cleans and does general house work as well providing twenty percent of his UBI and payout from crowdfunding/ads to the family’s general fund.”

“So, you want me to do some chores to help out? Okay that’s totally reasonable. I know that this isn’t a relationship based on owing people, but you guys have been great to me. I’m an adult now and I want to help out.” ….. “How is it that our youngest daughter is so mature? She sure doesn’t get it from me!” Bri blushes at Renny’s good natured teasing. “What do you want me to do?” Gwen “Well what would like and what do you think you would be good at?” “I’ve always gotten good grades but I also like working with my hands, could I help out in the shop and with maintenance around the house?” “That would be excellent, we’ve been wanting to hire extra help so that we have more time for research and ourselves. Do you want to go to university?” “Yes! Can I?”

 

“Of course dear. Once we formally adopt you you’ll have your citizens card and can start taking courses in either summer or fall term right here. Or if you want you can go to any national campus in Zeramar. You’ll have to pass the entrance exam of course and take the subject placement tests but that shouldn’t be a problem for a bright girl like you.” “I think I want to stay here until I get my bearings.” “And were happy to have you.” Gwen is smiling from ear to ear. “So, we’ll start you next week at sixteen hours that plus your UBI check should put you at about the equivalent of $58k annual in US dollars.” “Holy crap flinging monkeys! That much!” Renny chimes in “Your family and the artificing business is good money because people that can do both spell work and have a STEM background are a vanishingly small group.” “Our family and our clan always treat our workers well and like I said you’re blood now on top of that.” “Thank you so much!” Bri spends the rest of brunch in amazed silence “I can’t believe how much had changed. A week ago, I was miserable and wondering what the hell I was doing with my life. Now I have this amazing chosen family, a cool part time job working with magic and scifi gadgets that pays great, and I’m going to start college soon. This is so freaking awesome!”

 

After brunch Renny stands up. “Okay Bri ready for the grand tour?” “Yeah I’m excited to see the rest of this place.” “Well you’ve already seen the living room feel free to use any the entertainment devices there. You’re already intimately familiar with our spa facilities. Gwen said you completed potty training in record time. Congratulations, Callie didn’t get that down till she was four, took us an entire year!” “Mommmmm!” Both Bri and Callie blush breaking into embarrassed laughter. “This room itself is pretty self-explanatory so let’s move onto the kitchen.  The door on the right is the pantry and this…” she pulls open a large steel door on a track “Is the freezer!” “You guys have a walk-in freezer!?” “Yep everyone in the family tends to rotate through each other’s houses sometimes we get members of other families in the clan staying over as well. It’s rare but there can sometimes be twenty to thirty people staying here with all the guest rooms filled and people camping in the living room or even on the lawn.”

“Dammm!” Liam pipes in “You’ve probably got somewhere around two hundred to three hundred Piblings, cousins, and grandfolks now! Don’t even get me started on in-laws!” Bri is doing her best fish impression. “Wow, suddenly the whole commercial kitchen thing makes a lot more sense.” “And you’re welcome to anything in it not specifically clamed with a post it note. Although because of the aforementioned hoard of relations we all have minifridges in our rooms where we usually keep our special snacks and drinks, we’ll have to get you one next time we head into Brindmagarten proper.” “So, do you all do the whole family circuit?” “Sometimes, don’t worry though we wolln’t through you into the deep end on that. I’ll introduce to my parents and some immediate family before everyone piles into town for “Springs Final”, what was often called Beltane or Mayday on earth.” Bri’s face and shoulders noticeably relaxes with relief.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[YourFNF]

Going through a door on the left they enter a hallway with three doors. To the left is a set of steel doors. “That also leads to the bathroom.” Going through a door on the right Bri finds her self looking at a huge room with the roughly twenty-foot walls completely covered in book shelves broken at regular intervals by a fireplace/sitting area in each wall. In the center is a large brass and glass tube sitting under a skylight. It is ringed by a circular wooden desk with twelve computer work stations. Bri can see that it contains hundreds of small crystals flying in erratic orbits around a single large one. Sparks periodically leap between them. Tucked in the upper right corner is a crescent of desks forming a separate work area “This the libray/office, where we nominally run the business from but really it’s all Callie.” “This is incredible!” “What that’s thing in the center?” “It’s basically the house server. It controls the house intranet, wards, helper functions, and whole lot of other things.” “Wow, how does it work?” “Crystals act as both data storage and logic gates we think it’s using qbits but honestly nobody fully understands how it works.” Bri spends a couple minutes excitedly exploring the contents of the shelves before they move on.

 

 

Heading through the final set of doors Bri finds her self in a bedroom tastefully decorated in light woods. The bed spread is done in green and the walls are a pleasant soothing mint shade. The bed is easily king sized. There is a large walk in closet with a vanity setup. “This our room but your always welcome here, sometimes we’ll lock the door if we want privacy but in general it’s an open-door policy if you want to talk, borrow something, or just cut through to the kitchen quickly.”

 

Exiting the room, they are now in the hallway of bedrooms. “Okay just as I thought one big circle.” “Yep” Callie opens the door on the immediate right “This my room” It can only be described as in your face simultaneously fem, goth, and geek. The walls are convered in either rich pink satin, meme, band or science posters. The fireplace, bed and desk are all a dark mahogany like wood. The L-shaped desk is a disaster area of electronics, books, and cosmetics. “I think we’re roughly the same size so feel free borrow anything from the closet that catches your fancy.” “Thanks Callie” “No probs it’s what sisters do. Want to see the coolest part?” she says grinning “Sure!” Callie keys something into her phone and suddenly the ceiling turns into the night sky in full to true life 3d, Bri can even feel a chill breeze and smell wood smoke. She turns a circle eyes wide. “How can one house have this much cool shit!” “It’s awesome right? Moms put it in for my tenth birthday when I really started getting into astronomy. It can play both live and recorded.” “Well I got to check my email for info about summer classes. You ready to continue the tour?” “Mind if stay and look at this some more?” “No problem sis.” Callie and Bri lay back on the bed as Callie spend twenty minutes pointing out the different constellations, before the tour resumes.

 

 

 

[YourFNF]

“My rooms over here, same general policy” Liam says as he opens a door further down the hallway. “You painted all this?” The walls are covered in abstract art depicting a mix of family history and pop culture. The “bed” is a sunken pit filled with a mattress, blankets, and pillows. A desk with an all in one touch screen computer and several other electronic and art supplies sits next to the closet door. The fire place is built into the wall with a tile mural above it. Next to the desk is a drafting printer. Several works in progress sit on stands. “You like?” “Hell yes! My new brother is super talented!” “Thanks” It’s now Liam’s turn to flush with embarrassment. “I’m going to get back to work Renny will finish the tour.” “Okay, but you got tell me how you did this.” “Deal”

 

“So what next?” “Well were going to get you some new clothes.” “In town?” “Nope right here.” Bri’s brow is furrowed and her eyes scrunched up in confusion. Walking through the steel swinging doors from early she finds herself in some kind of workshop or utility room. The walls are white painted concrete and lined with various work benches and machines. The commercial washers and dryers are easily recognizable. A set of brass plated doors probably lead to the bathroom? spa? health center? To the left is freight elevator and a weird compact spiraling ramp. “So where are the clothes?” Renny has a ‘I’ve got a secret’ grin on her face. “Were going to make them, see that machine there.” “Yeah?” She points to something that looks like a cross between a 3D printer and vending machine “That’s a Tydon industries 4600 series organic matter processor. It takes organic waste and turns it into any number of different Textiles, paper products/wood substitutes, and plastics.”

 

 “And that…” she says pointing to a hulking assemblage of steampunk looking wood and brass. “Is one of our custom built thaumaturgical autolooms. We’ve set it up so that they communicate so that the entire process, design and manufacture, is seamless and only takes three steps. Ready to give it a try?” “Yes please!” Renny chuckles as she places an electrode cap over Bri’s head. “You can either browse the catalog or if you have something specific in mind just concentrate on that.” Bri does so and the machines sprin to life with a chorus whirring noises followed by a loud beep. “Now we have the cloth” as she pulls several bolts from the recycler. “And all we have to do is load into the loom and you’ll have your first outfit.” In less than a minute a pair of bikini panties and a matching bralette drop into the bin below the machine.

 

They are bright yellow with little cherries. “Ooh these look so cute!” Renny says as she picks them up “I so want to see you wearing them.” Bri was never a particularly modest person and after the last few days… She casually hauls her night shirt up and off, before pulling her socks off. Flinching slightly as her bare feet meet the cold concrete floor. Pulling on her new underthings she can’t believe how amazing they feel. “Holy shit this has to be the best fitting bra I’ve ever worn! And the material! It feels so freaking good against my bits!” A pair of midthigh length shortalls and an alien meme t-shirt drop into the bin along with a pair of white knee highs. “That’s synthcotton #127 it’s light weight, incredibly soft, and is self-cleaning/repairing. All of which means your bits are going to feel amazingly cool and dry.” Switching to a stage whisper “Trust me, I know. I can get downright swampy in the summer and Liam, that poor boy….” Both girls bust out laughing before Bri can finish getting dressed. “You look great Bri” Bri makes finger guns….. In less than fifteen minutes Bri has a complete set of spring/summer clothes, including swim and athletic wear.

 

 

[YourFNF]

“Ready to see the basement?” “Yeah I’m definitely curious about that.” Riding down the elevator Bri and Renny find themselves facing a large heavily reinforced steel door. “That’s the main utility control room with power, water, sewage and HVAC all being handled from there. We’ll cover that next week when you start your first day of work. Up here is the medbay” Renny leads Bri through a set of sliding acrylic doors into a room that is tiled in white and is filled with space age medical devices. “We have everything you could need for most medical situations, including an autodoc diagnostic/surgical system” she points at an exam bed that has several robotic arms suspend from it and a state of the art med scanner.” Indication the large tube imbedded in the wall. Callie and Liam were born here. My Aunt Nadi is an OB and did both deliveries.” “Woah that’s really… profound?” “Yeah, Actually the smell of the antiseptic here and seeing this place actually makes me get a little misty eyed. We made them upstairs in that bed me and Gwen. Then right here we saw them for the first time, watched them take their first breath….” Renny is smiling but her eyes are watery. “Woah…. That’s beautiful” “Thank you sweetie, and now I’m here with my newest daughter” She says as she pulls Bri into a crushing hug

 

“And finally, we have the rec room and full gym.” The rec room looks like half tasteful jazz or comedy club with rows of theater seats and tables in front of a stage, half arcade bar. With the bar surround by pool, darts, foosball, and air hockey tables as well as a bunch of arcade machines. “You guys must have some seriously fun parties!” “Oh yeah; by the end of the night happy, drunk, in various states of undress people sprawled everywhere!”  Bri can’t tell whether she’s serious or joking. “Wow that’s quite the facility!” Walking out of the bar Bri finds herself on oval track above a gym with just about every kind of equipment imaginable and a full-sized basketball court. Walking down she can see an Olympic sized pool with diving boards through a glass wall. Walking out the air is cool humid and smells like chlorine. Renny notices Bri’s conflicted expression “Should I go for it? I doubt she would mind and it’s not like these people aren’t going to be seeing plenty of my tits and vag. Screw it…” Bri is out her new clothes in less than thirty seconds and takes a running start before diving into the pool with a splash. “Having fun?” “Yeah I haven’t been swimming in months.” “So no time like the present.” Renny drops her sweats kicking them off as she pulls her t-shirt off and dives in. Splashing Bri and kicking off desperate water fighter that ends with the two exhausted and floating on their backs.

 

“Ready to get out?” “Yeah I’m kinda cold.” “No worries the sauna should fix that.” They spend a good twenty minutes discussing plans including what courses Bri should take, what her jobs going to look like, etc. Bri can’t help but think that for someone who is in her seventies her new mom looks amazing “I think it’s cool that you and Callie can have such interesting hair colors naturally.” Noting that Renny’s neatly trimmed pubic and arm hair is the same vibrant color as the hair on her head. “Just one of the many awesome things about me! I notice you prefer the clean shave look?” “Yeah just always felt nice to me although if I could get to be such an interesting color I might consider growing it put every now and then.” “I can make that happen if you want.” “Seriously!” “Seriously” Bri is bouncing up and down on her seat. “Let’s do it!” “What color do you want?” “Uh let’s go with a classic and say blue.”

 

Renny smiles as she places her hand on Bri’s head. “That’s it?” “See for yourself.” Renny is wearing a smug satisfied grin as Bri stare at her reflections now deep blue hair in a nearby mirror. “Now for the piece de la restance!” Renny briefly places her hand over Bri’s pubic region before pulling it back. Leaving her to watch in open mouthed amazement as she sprouts a luxurious thicket of blue pubic hair in seconds. Getting up to look at herself in the mirror she can see that the same thing has happened to her pits. “Thank you so much. This is so fracking cool!!” She squeals as she pulls Renny in for a sweaty hug.

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

[YourFNF]

Bri and Renny head for a row of showers against the wall sitting the water to warm but not hot to help them cool down. Both of them had had a couple bottle of water in the sauna. Renny leans back against the wall spreads her legs and lets go. Bri figuring that this is apparently the new normal does the same watching the pale-yellow liquid splashing onto the tile before it runs back down between her legs and into the Drain. After toweling off Bri and Renny go to take her new clothes and put them up in her room. As they are doing so they run into Gwen who can’t help but notice Bri’s new hair style. Turning she glares and says sternly. “Just what exactly did you do to Bri’s hair?” her smile however betrays the lack of actual seriousness. “Isn’t it cool Gwen!? And that’s not even the best part!” Bri’s drops her shorts giving Gwen a full view her new landscaping. “You two are way too similar for you’re good.” Is all she gets out before she breaks down and starts laughing. The rest of the day is spent hanging out. Callie and Liam showing Bri their personal favorites in the arcade. Bri finds herself accidentally reffering to Gwen and Renny by their first names but they reassure that it’s fine and this going to be an adjustment period for everyone. They also tell her that Callie and Liam frequently do this for clarity, using mom when their excited or want to show affection. Bri changes into a new pair of extremely soft cotton shorts that are pale blue and festooned with cartoon donuts plus a mint green cami; before climbing into bed.

 

[YourFNF]

   Bri is walking down the hallway of her highschool she’s just had a fight with the resident mean girl click, what were their names? Doesn’t matter, just the usual shit to the effect of how she’s a freak and should kill herself for the benefit of humanity. But wait why is she in school it’s night? Everything seems fuzzy. Bri can feel her hair stand on end, she doesn’t know how but something is following her. It’s not friendly. She starts running barreling through the doors at the end of the hall… and finds herself crashing through the woods. Somehow, she knows what’s following her, but she can’t name it. She knows it has sharp teeth and she can feel it’s breath on her neck as it’s about to catch her…… Then she is back in bed as she realizes she is screaming and soaked with sweat. “Gahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!” Bri takes a few deep panting breaths to calm herself. “Shit that was intense. Stupid freaky ass dream. Your cool girl it’s just the stress.”

 

 

             But Bri is still too unsettled to go back to sleep so she wanders the house for a bit before finding herself in the kitchen rummaging through the cupboards for something, she doesn’t know what. Looking at the bar she see’s a bottle labeled “Draco Noblis: An invigorating and restorative blend of high quality whiskey, botanicals, and spices” “Yeah this a bad idea… but no way in hell I’m getting back to sleep without some pharmacological assistance. And with the week I’ve had I deserve it.”

Bri heads back to her room with the whisky, a twelve pack of local brand cola from the fridge, a bag of ice, a glass, and a bunch of snacks. Then proceeds to spend the next two hours getting properly pissed. At which point the entire twelve pack of soda and half the bottle are gone. Bri is sprawled, face down, spread eagle on the bed. Empty food packages and wrappers scattered everywhere.  Meanwhile Gwen has gotten up to use the restroom noting that Bri’s light is on and her door slightly ajar. Cutting through the kitchen she notes the open and disordered cupboards. After taking care of business, she decides to check on Bri. Pushing open the door kicks a can further into the room. Bri wakes with a startled. “Wusss at?!” she looks at Gwen with wide eyed panic.

 

 

            “Shit I’m sorry! I dind’t m’ mean ta. I ju… it jusst happened. I sorry I drank all tha booze.” Bri’s speech is quite noticeably slurred and tears are beginning to stream from her red eyes. “I’m sorry mommy!” Gwen lets out a sigh that is concern tinged with amusement. “It’s okay dear” she sits down next to Bri and begins rubbing her back. “While this isn’t exactly the best way to handle it, you’ve had quite the week. Am I right?” “Yeah” Bri sniffles “Nightmares?” “How did you know?” “Because I have them to”…….

 

 

Gwen takes a pull from the bottle and proceeds to tell Bri the story of how she and Renny met and the process they went through together trying to learn to live with the darkness left inside them by the conflict in Brosnaw. Twenty minutes later both are sobbing when Renny walks in. “Everything okay?” “Yeah, Bri had a nightmare and decided to handle it by getting shit faced. We got to talking and stuff came up.” Renny nods her head a knowing expression on her face. Gwen turns to Bri “You want to sleep with us tonight, sweetie?” “Yes please!” Gwen smiles as she helps a very unsteady Bri to her feet. Renny climbs in on the left, Bri scoots into middle, and Gwen ends playing big spoon to Bri’s little. It isn’t long before all of them have drifted off back to sleep.

[YourFNF]

Bri wakes up the next morning to an unpleasant sensation of feeling like rodents have been nesting in her mouth, a foggy haze crowding her brain, and a very strong urge to pee. On the plus side being smushed between Gwen and Renny is wonderfully warm and comfortable. As the fog slowly clears Bri has another realization, one that instantly causes her to snap to full alertness. Both her and the bed are very wet. “Morning Bri.” “Gwen did I?.....” “Have an accident. Yes you did dear.” Gwen can feel her tensing up. “I know it’s upsetting to have this happen twice in one week as a newly minted adult, but you have nothing to be ashamed of. The mattress is self-cleaning and has frankly experienced far worse things than a drunken bedwetting.” Looking down at the back of Renny’s sleep shirt she can she a massive wet spot. “But I soaked you guys as well.” Renny chimes in “Can I let you in on a little secret? Whenever we have a really bad flu neither of us can be bothered to get our asses out of bed, so it usually gets soaked in pee. Takes about five minutes to dry.” Gwen interjects “Hell since were already covered in piss, I’m not going to bother getting out of bed and enjoy another ten minutes with two of my favorite people.” As Gwen pulls her in tight Bri feels something warm and wet splashing against her backside. She gasps in surprise knowing full well what’s happening. Then Renny hikes up sleep shirt. Baring her sex and letting out a relieved sigh as a jet of clearsish liquid arcs from it and onto the bed. Bri’s own overtaxed bladder lets go in sympathy and she moans in relief. “That feel good Bri?” “God yeah feels like I had a swimming pool in there.” The ladies snuggle back up together under the blankets deciding to stay a little while longer in their now very warm bed.

 

[YourFNF]

As they get up all the girls are completely soaked. It’s especially notable on Gwen’s grey pajamas with the entire left side from ankle to chest being soaked plus her stomach, groin, and thighs. Bri and Renny are covered in pee from the stomach down. Bri staggers and groans. “You okay?” Both Renny and Gwen ask. “Yeah just weirdly light headed” Gwen scoops Bri up into her arms. “Yeep!” “Sorry Bri, don’t want to risk you taking a tumble.” “Okay” “You want bath or shower?” “Shower.” They head out into the hall where they run into Callie and Liam. Bri turns nuclear hot red. Liams only reaction is “Must have been one hell of a party.” “Yeah it’s all fun and games till you piss yourself.” Liam nods sagely. Callie meanwhile is bouncing up and down with excitement. “I remember when I was eight and the voice actors for ‘Digi Battle Station Nova’ came to our school and I got super excited and peed myself. There were actually super nice about it and I had a lot of fun. Can I pee myself as well now Mom?” Gwen shakes her head trying hold back laughter and looks at Renny who is wearing a text book shit eating grin. “Go for it kiddo!” is Renny’s answer “But your cleaning up the floor.” Gwen finishes “You are so weird sis.” Callie squees with joy before spreading her legs in a power stance. Looking down excitedly as a wet spot spreads across her green and white striped shorts for a few second before a pattering stream hits the hardwood. As it tapers off Callie splashes her bare feet in the puddle and cups her groin. “It’s so freaking warm!” “Dork.” Callie sticks her tongue out at her brother.

[YourFNF]

Once in the bathroom Gwen turns on the shower before placing Bri under it and stripping off both of their clothes. Taking the shampoo, she begins to scrub Bri’s hair, which has somehow managed to get pee in it, while Renny does the same for Callie. Both girls are blissing out as their hair is rinsed and their moms gently scrub them from head to feet. “Bri would you like me to do some landscaping?” “You don’t have to Gwen, but I’d like that.” Working with a pair of scissors and a razor Gwen turns Bri’s wild blue bush into a neat triangle pointing to her sex. “Looks good!” Both Renny and Callie are giving her a thumbs up. Bri Stands under the water trying to clear her head from the returning fog as Callie scrubs Renny and Renny scrubs Gwen. While they’re drying off “You still seem not a hundred percent baby, how are you feeling?” Bri’s stomach is starting to do weird unpleasant things. “I don’t I know. I’ve never had a hangover like this before.” “Oh Fuc...” Bri claps a hand over her mouth and sprints for the toilet area.

 

She just makes it, collapsing on all fours above the brass trough. With a heaving wrenching gasp, last nights munchies come up in a massive load of sick. Gwen comes over and holds the naked shuddering girl from behind stroking her hair and stomach, as she attempts to heave her insides into the toilet. “That’s it Bri get all that nasty junk out, your doing good baby.” Bri’s eyes begin to water and she let’s out several shuddering distressed gasps. “Shhhh. It’s okay baby it’ll be over soon. That was a magically active liquor that you downed last night. Most people start with one shot every four hours until they know how a new one will affect them. It also helps the body acclimate to avoid side effects like this. Renny can you assence her?” “Sure I’m not a medic but I have had basic first aid.” Going over to Bri she place a hand on her and opens her third eye. “Her energy nodes are completely scramble but doesn’t look like anything other than energetic food poisoning. Although if she’s not over it by tomorrow we should take her in to an urgent care clinic.”

 

After several minutes Bri’s stomach is empty and Gwen gives her a glass of water to rinse out her mouth. “Let’s get you dressed and onto the couch so can rest and watch some TV.” Renny snaps her fingers and an oversized jersey style t-shirt with the words Capital University Gryphons and the number 42 on it flies into the room and pulls itself onto Bri. “That’s my old Jersey from when I played Thrund Ball at university. It’s kinda of a weird mix of rugby, lacrosse, and a Japanese game show, they’re playing a special match today, so we can watch, and I’ll show you what it’s all about.” “Okay that sounds fun.” Gwen tucks Bri under a bunch of blankets before leaving and coming back pushing a cart. “Here’s a thing of electrolyte water, I don’t want you getting dehydrated. And be sure to take these.” She say’s handing Bri to pills. “Ones a generic NSAID and the others anti-nausea.” Bri takes a swig of water with the pills. “I also got you something to fill you up without irritating your stomach; vanilla, chocolate or strawberry?” “Uh chocolate?”

Gwen hands a bottle labeled “UltraMilk Nutrion Shake: Chocolate Banana Flavor.” Bri has an “are you kidding me look” on her face but cracks it open and takes a sip to be polite.”

 

“Dam! This actually really good, way better than these things are back on earth!” Gwen smiles. “It was originally created by Amada pharmaceuticals and marketed to people who couldn’t eat solids or had food allergies/sensitivities. It became so popular with the fitness and on the go crowds that they started marketing it more broadly. Which helped those previously mentioned folks out by making it more widely available and reducing the associated stigma. The reason this version tastes so good is the real chocolate and pureed banana that’s blended with a synthetic dairy protein that tastes and feels just like milk but without the down sides. It has 750 calories, a third of your daily vitamins/minerals, and a special blend of engineered bacteria and fiber to help you feel full and keep you regular.” “That’s actually really cool, but did not need to know that last part!” “Sweetie I’m your mom now and it’s my job to look after you. And that includes your bowels.” Bri groans in embarrassment as Renny clambers onto couch. “Okay nerds let’s watch some Thrund Ball!” Bri spends the rest of the day watching the game with her family as she recovers on the couch. Renny naturally slipping into the role of commentator. Despite the rough start this day is definitely going into the happy memories bin.

[YourFNF]

Bri spends the rest of the day on the couch watching the interdimensional vid bundle sandwiched between Callie and Liam, who do their best to explain the assorted mindfuckery of alien police procedurals, game shows, and soaps. Lunch is another nutrition shake, dinner is chicken soup and jello before Bri calls it an early night.

 

 

            The next morning Bri realizes it’s Wednesday and it’s already been over a week since she arrived on Solanus. Gwen explains that they’ll be heading into town where the formal adoption and immigration proceedings will be handled. Her grandparents will also be there for the proceedings and are eager to meet her. After that they’ll all go out to lunch at a traditional gnomish “traveler’s kitchen” that’s a family favorite. Gnomish traveler’s kitchens started as roadside eateries/inns where people away from home could get something to eat and have a friendly face to talk to. Traditionally one of the staff/family members joins you at the table and you cook the food together. After lunch they’ll do a little shopping, then they’ll head home. The rest of the day Bri spends in front of the computer, completely entranced with a whole new multiverse to learn about although she mostly focusses on her new home. She’s apparently going to have duel citizenship. That’s going to take a bit of time to wrap her head around.

[YourFNF]

That night after dinner Bri has her first family bath. It’s actually wonderful once you get over the awkwardness of having your new adoptive sister wash your privates. And once Callie starts on her hair she is in full bliss mode. There’s something primal in terms of the tactile pleasure of having someone groom you. Bri’s mind goes to those Japanese monkeys with the white fur you always see chilling in hot springs as Callie massages the suds into her scalp. She also can’t help giggling when Liam pops an erection while Renny is washing his penis. This gets Bri a stern glare from Liam to which she responds by smiling sweetly.  After the actual bathing is over they spend a good forty-five minutes just soaking and swimming around.

 

            After getting out and drying off Bri returns to her room. Standing in front of the mirror she looks at herself in just a towel and flipflops. She is conflicted. With all the excitement Bri hasn’t had a lot of time to take of personal needs. Now that she is fed, warm, and freshly groomed; she finds herself with one other thing she needs to take care of. Bri is feeling randy and that whole group bath did not help. She feels guilty because she really has started to think of them like family. Also, she hasn’t quite gotten to thinking of this place as her house so, there’s that awkwardness of rubbing one out in someone else house. Still she seriously doubts anyone here would mind…

 

            Bri’s hormones when the day, she drops towel and kicks off the flip flops. She spends a couple minutes checking herself put in the mirror and getting back in touch with her body. Bri finds a fantastic way to save time is to combine different forms of personal grooming into a larger selfcare routine. So, in this case mixing foreplay and skincare. Taking a bottle of lotion Bri Starts with her legs working her way slowly up from in between her toes to her thighs, next her arms feeling her skin, squeezing and applying different amounts of pressure. Her back is trickier but she get’s it done taking a moment to feel her cheeks as she works the moisturizer in. Next, she slowly circles her stomach almost tickling herself as she feels the soft skin. Working her way ever slowly, teasing herself, she can feel her sex getting wet as she slowly begins to brush and circle her nipples. Finally, Bri begins to work the lotion into her already slick pubic area. Gently circling her plump full lips, admiring her gorgeous new hair as she runs her fingers through it. Falling backwards onto the bed Bri is splayed wide open legs hanging off the bed as she begins plunging two fingers into herself. In and out the pace rising with her panting breaths. But it’s not enough Bri wants more. Her fingers slide lower slick with her juices they penetrate her rosebud as her wrist forearm rub her clit and lips.  Faster and faster until… A burst of heat, a loud cry, and Bri is gone. At the same time there is a knock on the door and Gwen pokes her head in. Just in time to watch her new daughter finger herself to a screaming orgasm and see the look of ecstasy on her face.

 

[YourFNF]

“Hi Bri, wanted to know if you wanted anything from the kitchen before I start getting ready for bed.” Bri has a look of horrified mortification on her face. “Oh shit I am so sorry!” “For what? Masturbating?” Gwen’s face takes on a sympathetic worried expression. Bri looks like she’s about to cry. Gwen walks up and sits down next to her on the bed. “I got the nice new sheets you gave me all dirty and… and I” “Shhhh” Gwen pulls her into a hug. “Sorry I’m all sweaty and gross.” “You have nothing to apologize for, like I’ve been saying, I’ve raised two kids a little sweat isn’t going to kill me. I’m guessing that this was frowned on at your old place?” “More it wasn’t ever discussed and there wasn’t a lot of privacy with my aunt and two cousins living with us.” “Got it.” Gwen’s face takes on a conspiratorial cast and she whispers in Bri’s ear. “You want to know a secret?” “Yeah” “In this house if you need to rub one out just drop your pants and do it, nobody will care.” “Seriously!?” “We’ve been extremely restrained this past week in order to ease you into the unique dynamics of our family. Would you like to try it now?”

 

Really can she do this? Jill herself off on in front of someone whom she’s come to think of as family? Then again there’s something about the idea that pulls her. Some of it is animal, the kink of taboo/exhibitionism. But there’s also something more. Bri decides to go for it. After wiping her hands off with some wet wipes she begins to feel her skin slowly building up the heat as Gwen watches, smiling. Gradually as the fire builds, her breathing quickens. “That feel good baby?” Bri’s voice quavers “Y’Yeah” Gwen knows that this girl is an emotionally fragile place, she has to handle this carefully, the girl clearly has some family related head baggage. Gwen’s job right now is to let her experience those things she was previously judged and shamed for without those negative feelings. “Do you have a sex drive” “What? A yeah I guess” “Then it’s perfectly normally for you to masturbate. A lot asexual people do it even if they experience no attraction to anyone else. Different people need it different amounts but at the end of the day it’s just part of how your body works.” Gwen has started slowly stroking Bri’s hair, ruffling her blue pixie cut.  “I’d honestly be more worried if you didn’t. Your mental and sexual health are important to me. So I want you to do something for me.” Bri’s breathings has become labored as she plunges in and out herself.

 

“What is it?” “I want you to have a nice big orgasm. I want to know my girl is happy and healthy. Can you do that? Have a nice big cum for mommy?” “Ghuhh Yeah I’m so close.” “That’s it baby your doing great.” Gwen pulls her in tight as she feels Bri lock up, letting out a low grown as her thighs clamp down on her hand. Gwen is stroking Bri’s side “That’s my girl! You did a wonderful job and I am so proud of you.” “Thanks! That felt amazing!” Bri has a wide dreamy smile on her face and it looks like she’s not a hundred percent there. “Your face looks so beautiful when you climax.” Bri flushes “Thanks mom.”  “You look pretty sleepy now, you want to clean you up and tuck you in?” “Yes please.” Gwen takes some of the wipes and cleans off Bri’s sticky hands, thighs, and pubic area; before drying her off with the towel. After tucking her under the covers Gwen can see she’s already most of the way out as she plants a kiss on Bri’s forehead. For her part before drifting off, Bri realizes she feels cleaner now then she can remember. It’s as if that fire burned away more than just physical need, but so much shame, guilt and self-judgment as well. In that moment she felt loved, accepted, like she could just…. Be. And with that thought things fade to black……

 

 

[CDfm]

I really enjoyed this. I know you said you planned on going back and adding some diaper content. You don’t need to add anything for me to like this story. I am happy with it just as it is. 

[YourFNF]

12 minutes ago, CDfm said:

I really enjoyed this. I know you said you planned on going back and adding some diaper content. You don’t need to add anything for me to like this story. I am happy with it just as it is. 

Thank you new material will be out I just tend to jump from story to story and that was in the works from the begining. If you like this feel to check out my new story "Why I Wear Diapers After Work" or my first one that I will finish... eventually... "Riding Out a Blizzard in Diapers"

[YourFNF]

So after a long hiatus I'm returning to this story both nervous and excited. Hope I've still got it.

 

Ch. 8

 

Thursday is Entirely uneventful just more TV with the new fam and research, then it’s Friday. The day they go into town to handle the adoption proceedings and she meets the grandparents. Her alarm goes off at six, way too early for her taste. She staggers into the bathroom stripping off her pajamas and doing her business. As she brushes her teeth her stomach is doing summersaults. She knows there’s nothing to be scared of but it’s still a huge deal and she’s nervous. She could really use a chance to rub one out, but she doesn’t have time. Maybe if she does it in the shower?

 

            But she saw Callie getting washed up earlier…. Then again this is Callie the girl who pissed herself so she wouldn’t be left out of the “fun”.  Hell, her new sister would probably end up joining her. Mind made up Bri walks into the shower area, lathers up, rinses and jams one of the pulsing detachable shower heads up against her lady bits. She doesn’t even try to be subtle grunting and panting as she basically fucks herself with the plumbing. As she screams through her climax she looks over and yup, Callie has joined her.

 

            As she walks into the kitchen for breakfast Renny greats them “Sorry but breakfast is going to be cold today on account the rush. There’s coffee cake, Danish, cereal, donuts, yogurt, and fresh fruit. Drinks as usual.”

“What your mother means hon is good morning and glad to see you getting a move on.” Callie chimes in. “Sorry mom Bri started masturbating in the shower, which made me horny and then I had to as well.” Liam almost does a spit take with his cereal and Renny is snorting and chuffing as she tries and fails to hold back laughter.

 

 

Gwen walks up to a blushing Bri and pull her into a hug “Big day jitters?”

“Yeah”

“It’s going to be fine, just a bit of paperwork. You're going to love your new Grandparents.” Bri smiles

“Thank you…” Gwen smiles back and hands Bri a cup of coffee

“That’s what moms are for.”

 

[CDfm]

It was short. Actually very short. But it made me laugh so it got a like. Now please give us a proper chapter.

[Guilend]

I didn't realize i missed so much of this story. I am caught up now and loving it. Even the family dynamic is great. 

[YourFNF]

The rest of breakfast is chaos manifest, all three teenagers leave still stuffing food in their mouths. Liam and Bri looking especially comical with donuts hanging out as they struggle to get their shoes on from their it’s a mad scramble to get into the Subaru that is the second family car. All three youths squeezed into the back with Renny riding shotgun. It takes them about 30 min to get into town, Brindmagarten is surrounded by twelve outlying villages like a clockface, a traditional Gnomish design. Cardend being the closest at 7’oclock. Gwen pointing out the local grocery cooperative and Callie the semi-enclosed row of shops with the arcade at the end.

 

            Brindmagarten itself is gorges. Leafy treelined streets with buildings done in the traditional gnomish style featuring soring peaks and gables with connecting bridges. Although there are quite a few modern glass office buildings. Tramlines split the roads in half. They pull into a gated lot in front of a large imposing limestone building.  “Here we are the 22^nd Territorial Civil Offices and Court House.” Gwen and Renny take Bri’s hands and lead her up the steps waiting for them are an elderly Gnomish couple. “Mom! Dad! So good to see you!!”

 

            Renny pulls the two into a hug. Bri can see the resemblance in the faces. The man goes up to Bri and pulls her into a hug despite the height difference. “Tagark Finnthighearn and you must be Bri! We heard so much about, you all good of course” He laughs a surprisingly deep tenor. “Hells, I haven’t heard them this excited since Liam was born.”

“Thank you Sir.”

“Please call me gramps or papa Fin. Tagark if it’s too early for that.”

“My God this guy fits grandpa to a T even if I weren’t joining the family I’d probably think of him that way. Sounds good papa Fin.” He smiles back at Bri

“Halvi, dear or….”

“Mama Fin?”

“Well isn’t she a sharp one.”

 

            Zeramar’s bureaucracy is relatively efficient by the standards of such things but it’s still several hours as they wait to meet with their case worker. During this time Bri’s grandparents give her the basics on clan Finnthighearn. Numbering close to five hundred total people, like most Gnomish clans it’s a quasigovernmental organization that defies conventional classification. It controls among other things a midsized pharmacy chain, a boutique accounting firm and several artificing and enchanting shops. Aside from the pharmacy franchise everyone working for Finnthighearn is in the clan, with the pharmacy franchises being largely independent cooperatives.

 

            Eventually their number is called, and they are ushered into a small office. Bri finds herself in the embarrassing position of sitting on Gwen’s lap. “So Brianna or Bri for short correct?” Bri nods at the large orcish man “I’m Mr. Maruk and I’ll be your case worker today.” His accent sounds vaguely British. Now let’s see you came through a natural portal and as a licensed ascensor I can see the trace energy and verify that no further questions are needed on that. And you Mrs. and Mrs. Daniels- Finnthighearn?” He looks at Gwen and Renny.

 

“You wish to adopt Bri as your daughter?”

“We do” The two answer in almost perfect unison as they squeeze each other’s hands.

“Normally for someone your age Bri we’d be hesitant to allow an adoption so soon after entering Zerramar because it allows you to jump straight to citizen status.” Bri looks noticeably worried. “However….” He smiles. “The Multiversally Displaced Persons Act of 7557 provides for the quick resettlement and integration of persons involuntarily displaced by acts of others or the Supreme Mover against their own will and volition. You being scooped up by a Gnomish clan actually saves the government a lot of money, both of us paperwork, and you a huge amount of stress. You’re incredibly lucky.

 

            “Then there is the fact that in matters of family law we tend to strongly way each species culture in the decision.” Renny chimes in.

“In Gnomish culture while you are technically an adult at around 18-20 your still considered a ward of your family until about 36-40.”

“Ah so that makes it easier?”

“Correct you would be our ‘Demkenara’, it’s a term for someone who has lost their family through some disaster and is taken in by a new clan. It’s been recognized by the courts for thousands of years. We tend to find the lost and fold them into our family’s. Something in our bones just won’t let us leave someone abandoned.” She smiles

            “Which means I am more than happy to approve the adoption.” Maruk is smiling as all seven people erupt into yelling and hugging. “Now just one final bit of business.” He activates some kind of arcane device and Bri feels a surge of energy. “Let it be known that all statements are now on the record and under binding oath, please raise your right hands or equivalent appendage.” He pauses “Gwen and Renny Daniels- Finnthighearn, do you take Brianna into your household as culturally customary making her your ‘Demkenara’?”

“We do” In unison hands clenched

“And Brianna do you accept this invitation of your own free will and volition, with all rights and responsibilities inherent?”

“I do.”

 

“Then by the power invested in me as clerk of his majesties court I do witness and make binding this adoption. Done and ordered in the in the name of the free people of Zerramar and their chosen sovereign Ullrich II, in this the year 7619.” The ‘kachunk’ of a stamp hitting paper punctuates his statement. “Conragtulations to you all and may I be the first to welcome Zerramar’s newest citizen Brianna Daniels- Finnthighearn!”

 

 

 

 

[Guilend]

Darn, ran out of likes. By far i think this has to be your best written story.

[YourFNF]

39 minutes ago, Aries said:

Darn, ran out of likes. By far i think this has to be your best written story.

Thank you Aries

[Sarah Penguin]

Is funs

[CDfm]

YourFNF this just isn’t your day. I apparently don’t have any more likes to give today either. I would have liked to give it a like but can’t. I really enjoyed the ceremony it was more like a wedding. But then I have never heard of a ceremony for an adoption either so this worked. Hopefully I can give it a like when the next chapter comes. I am looking forward to reading more. 

[YourFNF]

8 hours ago, CDfm said:

YourFNF this just isn’t your day. I apparently don’t have any more likes to give today either. I would have liked to give it a like but can’t. I really enjoyed the ceremony it was more like a wedding. But then I have never heard of a ceremony for an adoption either so this worked. Hopefully I can give it a like when the next chapter comes. I am looking forward to reading more. 

Thanks CDfm

[YourFNF]

            The gnomish traveler’s kitchen is definitely one of the most interesting eateries Bri’s ever dined in. Warm wood and plaster walls mix with rich fabrics, there’s even some kind of birch like tree growing through the middle of the building. The seating is cushioned pits around a low circular table with a griddle in the center and a live band is playing Brasser on stage. Sure enough, one the staff is there cooking with them right at the table. The food is a kaleidoscopic firework. The cream sauce almost seems French, but the spice mix is almost like Indian? And that one root vegetable almost like parsnips but nuttier? There must twenty various kinds of herbs and spices. It’s freaking amazing.

 

            “So mom, about your tattoo I really want to hear the story behind that.”

“We’ll it’s kind of embarrassing, I was honestly hoping that you wouldn’t ask about that while out of the house.” Gwen is visibly blushing

“Ah come one hone it’s short, sweet, and hilarious. Perfect dinner conversation.” Renny is smiling mischievously. “Only you would consider me getting my….” Gwen cuts off abruptly. “Would make perfect ‘dinner conversation.”

“Ah come on mom I love that story.” Callie whines

“Yeah come on mom.” Liam is grinning

 

“Okay fine, you win.” Gwen has a look of beleaguered amusement on her face. “We had just gotten married and jetted off to the Spice Islands for our honey moon. It was your stereotypical tropical get away. Including the drunken partying and your mother was certainly do her best to get me out of my shell. She even got me onto a clothing optional beach.”

“Most beaches there are clothing optional dear, I’m just really good at getting you out of them.” Gwen shrugs

 

“By the tenth night of our trip, I was definitely in the spirit of things. We we’re at this dive bar down on the water, drinking with some of the locals, and Renny was being extra flirty that evening. What was it you said again?”

“That your ass was the only thing in this place that looked remotely good. No, delicious and that I wanted to eat it right here on the table. I know. I know. Not the most romantic or articulate statement but in my defense, I had had a shit ton of fruity holiday drinks by that point.”

 

            “And in my naivete, I naturally said I didn’t believe she would.”

“So, I said you want to bet?” Renny is getting quite animated grinning impishly as she recounts the story. “So at that point it was on, although I still didn’t realize she was serious.”

“I set the terms. If she wins ten thousand guilden to the charity of her choice.”
“And if you won?” Bri is leaning forward excitement on her face cheeks a bit flushed from the liberally supplied beer and cider. “She would get a tattoo to commemorate it.”

“Oh my God!” Bri is giggling hysterically at the realization.

“I know right?” Callie is laughing hard and almost snorts out her beer.

 

“So yes dear, my young gorgeous wife had me bent over the table with my shorts at my hips before I could even react and was making out with my asshole in front of the entire bar.”

“Holy shit!” Bri squeals

“That’s my moms.” Liam says smirking

“I asked her if she had enough and what is you said dear?”

“Fuck no....” “So I went back to work”

“And I came within thirty seconds.” Everyone including the host is laughing and ribbing each other over the story.

[Sarah Penguin]