Act One Finale – Part 6c – Aftermath – End of Arc 8, End of Act 1
“My ass still hurts.” Shiro protested, rubbing at her bottom, as Eleanor opened the way into the basent of the Tower, in Material London. “How about you, Shaeula?”
She laughed, touching her own rear with a smile. “There is so-so discomfort, but as a punishnt, it falls rather-rather short, no? I know you enjoyed it as well, Shiro.”
“Maybe so. But Aki went hard on us. Brute.” She snorted, but with the twinkle in her eye I knew she was happy.
“Enough. You’re embarrassing Eleanor.” I chided, and as we entered the room of treasures, she shook her head.
“Oh, by all ans, talk about whatever kinky sex orgies you get up to at night. I can see the tabloid headlines now, Knight of the Realm and Lady of the Garter in steamy sex party, chandeliers shattered from all the swinging.” She snorted, dryly amused. “The press would have a field day.”
“I haven’t accepted yet. There’s still a lot to consider.” I denied her, and she shook her head.
“It’s a done deal. By then, the initial shock of the public should have worn off and the civil unrest stabilised. It might distract the masses.” She replied.
“Hey, so, is that what you’re into?” Shiro asked her slyly. “You imagining swinging on these chandeliers yourself?”
“No!” Eleanor gasped, red-faced, even her ears and neck pink. “I most certainly am not. I am a very elegant lady. I don’t dream of such things!”
“Sure, sure.” Shiro teased. “Anyway, this is cool, seeing it from this side. But whoa, the floor!” She pointed, and we could see the damage from the mysterious destructive adherence had spread to the Material as well, and broken, lted items were everywhere.
Eleanor clicked her tongue. “Who knows what priceless artefacts Max destroyed. My brother… he will be waking up tonight, right?” she said, and I nodded. At that, she exhaled in relief, clenching her fists. “Excellent. I have arranged outfits for you all, to attend his recovery gala. A lot of press will be there, so you have to look dignified and beautiful. It will show the world Britain isn’t down and out, and that we stand with Japan and you stand with us. But more importantly…”
“Yes, we can ask if he knows what Max stole.” I said.
“Exactly. But first…” she gestured to the treasures.
“I’m a bit excited.” Shiro said to Shaeula, who nodded her agreent. “Shit, this is like shopping for legendary gear in an MMO auction house.”
“I should warn you again, there is no guarantee an item will match you. You can’t just take one and have it work. There needs to be a connection.” Eleanor warned. “Also…” she addressed , her face in a frown. “I know grandmother agreed your sister, your fiancées and key allies could also try, but don’t cheat us. We need these for Britain too.”
“I’ll be moderate.” I laughed. Chen Na cowered a bit at that, and we had agonised over whether it was wise to let her have an item from here. In the end, since she was restricted as Haru-san’s Chosen Hero, and she had risked her new life as we tasked her to, it was decided to give her the chance. It might make the difference between life and death for Haru-san…
“Very well. Move around and try and feel an item calling to you. You’ll know, just as I did with my armour. Then when you go to Avalon, you’ll find the true form with you, and should understand it.”
“I see. All right. Let’s take a look.” Letting my mind drift I wandered past the patch of the burned area, and soon I was staring at a pair of worn brown leather boots. Boots, huh? That was surprising, as I had expected a weapon or armour, but then, Bjarki had put heart and soul into forging Storming Moonlight and the Twilight Brigandine, so casting them aside seed a pretty shitty thing to do. I could feel the boots wanted to co with , so taking off my (rather expensive) shoes, which I then tucked under my arm, I slipped on the boots, and felt a rush of connection. My Eye flared, and I could see their na and their abilities.
Seven-league Boots of Godwin the Watcher – Item Class [Noble] Item Type [Rule]
These boots are forged from leather from sacred cows of the Gwartheg y Llyn. These boots are comfortable and will fit any foot, and will carry the bearer many steps in a single bound. They carry a geas in the leather, that in exchange for the cri of slaying one of the cows to make the boots, the bearer must always strive to alert others of an invasion. In service of this, seven leagues may be taken in one step. Should the geas be broken, the boots will squeeze the feet of the breaker of oaths until bone and flesh are naught but mush.
Ouch, That’s quite the curse. It didn’t matter though. I thought that the boots did suit . I feared Japan being invaded again, and I hated being too late to help. There’s probably spatial elent involved too. I wonder…
“Grulgor is happy!” He laughed. He was clutching a stone in his hand. I was confused, but looking at it, it made sense, the unremarkable pebble the size of a baseball actually had such a fearso na.
Tathlum - Item Class [Imperious] Item Type [Rule]
This simple sling-stone of basalt has been imbued with great hatred for Fomorians, Trolls, Giants and other large folk of evil. It will seldom miss its target, and is bound by geas to return to the wielder when the target dies. A giantkin wielding Tathlum must be strong of spirit, lest Tathlum turn on the wielder. Any who spares an evil giant will invoke Tathlum’s wrath.
“I see. Well, you do like throwing things.” I agreed, though I was a little worried about him carrying such a troll-hating weapon.
“ next.” Shiro said excitedly, wearing a rather ragged faded cloth of gold around her shoulders. “I can see it in my mind, it’ll be pretty on when it’s restored.” She grinned. “So, what do you think?”
Mantle of Tegau Gold-Breast - Item Class [Imperious] Item Type [Artifice]
This cloth-of-gold mantle is woven from fine cloth and golden threads, and will protect a faithful woman from harm, increasing her good Fortune, and any man who seeks to touch her without consent will be cursed to ill-luck and repelled. The geas bound in the cloth is one of faithfulness, should the wearer break their vows of troth to her chosen husband, then the good Fortune will be inverted, and the mantle will shrink and refuse to be removed, forever revealing her sha.
“I think you’re actually surprisingly sweet.” I said, laughingly hugging her. As she blushed and squird, Tan spoke up lazily.
“Her head is rotten, full of pink poison. If I had known that the princess was this foolish, I would have given her the Favour and simply returned ho.”
“Now I know you don’t an that, Tan!” Shiro laughed, and they bantered for a bit, before she turned to , eyes earnest. “I think it stems from my past. I was always beautiful, yet so frail. I had a few close calls, let tell you. Of course, you know I was still white as snow before we… well, pledged our troth, I guess.” She grinned. “I have no fear of the mantle ever shrinking on . Now, Hyacinth is looking desperate for your attention, like so sort of overeager puppy, so I’ll let you go. For now.” She grinned. “I still owe you payback for last night.” She winked.
“Akio, looooook what I have!” she grinned, holding a large, rusted and battered cookpot or cauldron. It looked dreadful, but she was ecstatic.
Cauldron Of Dundrennan Abbey - Item Class [Noble] Item Type [Rule]
A foolish wizard imprisoned a Fae within this black-iron pot and buried it in a dungeon, believing it was responsible for a great plague. The Fae, poisoned by the iron, died, and in death its curse beca geas, and the cauldron did indeed beco a carrier of plague, spreading it virulently. The plague still lives within the pot, as does a fell nature energy. The bearer will be likewise afflicted with any plague they spread, making this a treacherous item.
“Damn, that’s dangerous, but… so very you.” Since she was as eager as Shiro to be praised I did so. “I just hope that you can adapt to plagues. Not all of them will be caused by spores. Well, we can always test it carefully.”
Eleanor peered at the pot, surprised. “I can’t believe it. Other than the troll, none of you have weapons. Is that fine?”
I nodded. “Yeah, we make our own, or get professional help. In fact, your sword isn’t anything special, is it? Maybe we can get you a new one. Any preferences?”
“I would feel bad, my sword has been with a long ti, but… one like yours, maybe?”
“Dream ooon!” Hyacinth scoffed. “Such is mooore than you deserve. For now. Prooove a loyal ally, and Hyacinth will put in a good word fooor you!”
“That seems awfully disingenuous considering you are clutching a gift I gave you.”
“Nooo, we won this saving yooour worthless life!” Hyacinth shot back, and as they argued, more out of habit than any genuine ill-feeling now, I thought, I felt a powerful adherence, turning to see Shaeula holding a sword. She seed puzzled, as she didn’t use swords, though she had enjoyed using the Dagger of Light, which Daiyu was now holding, along with the elental bells.
“Akio, this called to -.” Shaeula said, and I analysed it, before gasping in shock, the light of my Eye brightening.
Mortal Fragarach - Item Class [Imperious] Item Type [Principle]
A degraded copy of the sword of Nuada Airgetlám, gifted to a mortal king so that he may rule justly and defeat all enemies. This sword carries the wind, and neither the bearer nor anyone the blade points at can speak falsehoods, lest the wind punish them and snatch their voices. The blade draws the wind to cut effortlessly, and only if wielded by a descendant of the Tuatha Dé Dannan it can show true might, commanding the winds.
“Quite interesting indeed.” Tan declared, showing interest. “A sword from the legends. Not the sword of course. Do you think such a weapon would just be lying here, rather in the hands of the Endless Knot? But many pantheons copy their treasures, gifting them to mortals as rewards or prizes. This is one such. Even so, it is a treasure.”
“Fill in, don’t keep waiting!” Eleanor asked, excited, and when I said it was a Fragarach, she smiled, giddy. “I read about that in my classics lectures. But… wait, wasn’t Max supposed to have beco a Gods’ Chosen of Nuada? Why didn’t he take it…? Wait, should I just let you walk out of here with such a powerful item, matching my armour? I’m torn…”
“It is mine-mine.” Shaeula insisted, though her smile said she knew Eleanor wasn’t serious. “Is that not-not right, Hyacinth?”
“Yes, sooo quit complaining. Stronger us is strooonger you!”
“I know that. That’s what allies an.” She sighed. “So, what has your Chinese girl got?” she asked, only for Chen Na to look downcast.
“This.” She offered, holding out her hand. In her palm was a small glassy stone, with a smooth hole in it.
Adder Stone - Item Class [Powerful] Item Type [Foundation]
This stone has accumulated natural blessings over ti. It has converted this to a source of light, which can reveal the unseen and the bearer often goes unnoticed. As a sign of entry for the Druids of old, that which rejects is strengthened, and that which traps is bolstered. If used against those blessed by nature, the Adder Stone may shatter, cursing one to blindness.
“I see. I think it might enhance your barriers.” I said. It’s the weakest treasure, but it’ll do. All of the items have a downside, but I doubt we’ll trigger any of them. It’s just sothing to be aware of. That gives an idea… “Eleanor, next ti we are in the Boundary, I’ll check out your armour again. I don’t want you to accidentally break your geas, whatever it is.”
She nodded. “I have an idea of it.” She frowned. “I don’t want to speak of it though.”
“I see. Is it a bad thing?” I asked, curious, and she shook her head in denial.
“No, but it puts at a disadvantage with… never mind. There’s no need to say. You’ve all gained your treasures, right?”
“Yes, thank you. These will improve our strength a lot.” I praised her, and she shifted a little, seemingly happy with the praise. “Now we just have to finish growing this side of the Ring Gate, and then we can go back to Japan.”
“Eager to be rid of ?” She said pointedly, which I thought was rather cute, and so did Shiro, who started teasing her. Hyacinth and Shaeula joined in, and even Grulgor got in a few jovial digs, surprising yet again. Only Chen Na kept out of the way, clutching her Adder Stone. Yes, it’s been a long ti away from ho. Everything seems to be in hand, but I still don’t like being away from my Territory for too long. Eri too. I know she says she’s fine and Kana’s looking after her, but… well, no matter. Soon we’ll be ho again, and then, if all goes to plan… Rank 4 in Tokyo, Kyoto… and even London. The task ahead is epic, but I have an idea how we can succeed…
*********
“Nervous?” I asked, and Shiro laughed, looking amazing in her deep black ballgown that ford a stunning contrast from her silver hair that looked ford from strands of fine tal. She was also wearing gold bracelets, necklace and earrings, all of which were shockingly expensive. My poor wallet. I’ve had to buy dresses and jewellery for the girls who aren’t here, since it’d be too much to expect Eleanor to prepare those too. I even did it for Asha, damn my mory for perfectly rembering her body size. Tsukiko-san as well.
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“Yeah, I agree. I an, I’m the woman who got a treasure that symbolised her faithfulness. I’m clearly all good!” she psyched herself up.
“Grulgor says you are amusing.” He was like , dressed in a new, deeply expensive suit. His was black, whereas mine was white. White wasn’t my usual colour, but the girls wanted to try it on , and it did look rather dashing, I had to admit.
“Yeah, laugh all you like. You don’t have people who know you watching. The world will see this. Are we really sure?” Shiro questioned again. Beside us, Hyacinth was now ready, in a fiery red gown and similar gold jewellery to Shiro. She still didn’t entirely feel comfortable wearing such finery and standing equal to the others, but she was slowly accepting it, which made happy.
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