On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Thirty-One

“I’ve heard rather a lot about you.” I said as the weaselkin party took their seats. They had a prime position since they were one of the lords of the seven surviving major branches of the Fae, and it was closest to the seats of our allies, considering that they were also family. “It’s good to finally meet.”

“Is it now-now?” Shaetanao said, his tone questioning.

“Father, do not-not be rude!” Shaeula declared, her lip curling, showing off her teeth. “It is too late for regrets, and you should have none anyway.” She breathed out, calming herself. “Take-take a look around. At the Spring we recaptured, and then rebuilt. Your daughter, your pitiful, foolish, arrogant and weak-weak daughter has achieved all this. But not-not alone. Never alone.”

“Father, we have been through this, discussed it.” Anna offered, a touch warily. “Little Ula has matured, she is no longer the little one, small girl she was before. I am rather saddened at this, Ula was cuter before, adorable then, but … I am also proud. We are the weaselkin, greatest of the Beastkin Fae, and little Ula now shines as bright as any of us.”

I smiled at Anna, who nodded back. She had certainly given me a beating to test my mettle, back then, but she genuinely adored her sister, and unlike Shaeraggo, had been almost reasonable, once I had demonstrated my affection for Shaeula and my strength. As if noticing my thoughts, Shaeraggo looked down, guilty, and Selensha patted him on the back, while his other wife, Phaelae, watched on, her expression complicated as she looked at Shaeula. It doesn’t seem she is over-fond of her…

“I am aware of this.” Shaetanao said, and his words sank into me like a heavy weight, almost forcing me to listen. Yeah, his Majesty is solid, as you’d expect from a Prince, I guess? “I have not sought you out-out, despite my… reservations.” His blue eyes were radiating his League, again oppressing me, but the difference between us, while it was something I could feel, and would doubtless weaken my strength against him if it came to battle, it wasn’t so overwhelming as to be hopeless, like I felt against Nurarihyon.

“You would not-not find it comfortable in the Boundary, father.” Shaeula pointed out what I was thinking, rather uncharitably, but I did feel a warm glow that she would take my side. “You would not-not be able to use your true strength without great repercussions.”

“I do not need my true might to crush a bug flying around you, my Shaeula…” he frowned. “…though you endure my presence well.” He then withdrew his League once more, it settling down into a feeling that displayed his power without being aggressive. “I… can not prevent your relationship. I have no wish for my precious Shaeula to hate me more than she already doubtless does-does.”

Shaeula seemed surprised at that. “I do not-not hate you father. I hate none of my family. I am disappointed, rather often in fact-fact… but family are special.”

“Well said!” my sis piped up. Seeing all the weaselkin looking at her, she frowned. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m Aiko, my bro’s sister… uh…” she flushed, realising how stupid that sounded. “I mean, I’m Akio’s sister. I haven’t known Shaeula for long, but I love her like she’s my own sister, and I know my bro does too. What more do you need, huh? Love conquers all.”

“Love… conquers all? Naïve.” Shaetanao said softly, his words carrying great weight. His blue eyes met my sister’s equally sapphire orbs, and for a moment I felt sorry for him, as he clearly had a great weight on his heart. “If only life was so-so simple. Love is a luxury, and sometimes a poison.”

“Bullshit.” My sis swore. “I get that love can drive people to do crazy things, I’ve studied some of the stories in history class. But a luxury? If that’s what you think, I feel sorry for Shaeula.”

As the conversation heated up, Eleanor turned to Yukiko-san, who was sitting near to her. “Does this always happen? Airing dirty laundry in public, I mean? Have they forgotten we’re here?”

As the four-tailed fox laughed uproariously, Yukiko-san sighed. “Oh yes, this is rather standard for them. I remember Conclave, where they rehashed their pasts in front of hundreds of priests and shrine maidens. I didn’t know where to look. We Japanese are rather reserved and don’t like making our personal matters public, so… I wonder, is it his British side that makes him such a good sharer?”

Eleanor shook her head. “The British are reserved as well. Stiff upper lip and all that. At least we were, times are changing. But… I certainly wouldn’t be comfortable doing the same.”

“I suppose at least he’s learning.” Yukiko-san said. “Since he invited Shaeula’s family before the others, this could be considered private I suppose. Poor Tsukiko. She’ll have it rough…” Even as she criticised me, Yukiko-san was smiling gently, but I was more focussed on the conversation between my sis and Shaetanao.

“You believe I wanted to put my precious daughter at risk? You think any-any of us wanted this?” He flared his League, and my sister went pale, blood draining from her face, body trembling. Seeing the situation starting to deteriorate Anna and Shaeula were calling for their father to stop, and I leapt to my feet, using Void Motion to suddenly grasp Shaetanao by the wrist as he raised a hand, pointing angrily. My sis staggered to her feet as well, refusing to be cowed.

“I don’t care what you wanted, jackass! Wow, you so do not get it. All I’m saying is…” She bit her lip, a thin trickle of red leaking down her pale skin. “…you’re an idiot.”

“Enough. Calm yourself.” I ordered. His League was hitting me as well, and he tried to shake free of my grip, but with Body Enhancement running I clung on. I stared into his eyes coldly, and after a moment he smothered his anger, forcing it down, and the League diminished once more. My sis slumped back into her chair, and Shaeula ran over to her.

“Aiko, are you well-well?” As she nodded weakly, Shaeula turned on her father, her anger making sparks of lightning crackle on her fur.

On seeing that, Shaetourach was wide-eyed. “So it is true-true then. Lightning.” He whispered.

“Father, you disappoint me.” Shaeula sighed. “It is as Aiko says, we cherish each-each other as sisters. For you to bully her so, it is quite-quite intolerable.”

“I’m fine…” my sis said bravely, and Shaeula turned to her, amber eyes glowing.

“Yes, there is no-no injury.”

“Unhand me, before I lose-lose my patience…” Shaetanao shook his wrist again. His wife was looking particularly uneasy, and I couldn’t help but glance towards the hooded figure of Urakaze, who was biding her time.

“Lose your patience? With what?” I said, tightening my grip. I’m slightly stronger physically it seems, especially with Body Enhancement running, but with his League weakening me and strengthening him, he can break free if he puts in some effort. Fortunately he doesn’t seem to have lost his reason… “We’re meeting for the first time, father-in-law, and this isn’t a case of us needing your approval. But just because we don’t need it doesn’t mean we don’t want it.” I let go before he could shake me off, so I could maintain the illusion of control. “Now we should all calm down and talk this out. After all, we need a united front if we are to seize this upcoming pivotal moment in the history of the Seelie Court.”

“Father, do not be angry, calm your fury! I understand, my precious Ula came back changed, and he is the reason, the cause. But it is not a… bad thing, wrong matter.” Anna looked at us, shaking her head. “While my Ula is perhaps less cute, the way a small faun, helpless chick, would be, she now is adorable in other ways, different manners.”

“Yes, that is quite-quite right.” Shaeraggo agreed. He rose, asking my sis if she was fine, and a little surprised, she nodded. On seeing that, Shaeraggo nodded in satisfaction. “Father, this mortal was brave enough to challenge me with the bow. She lost, of course-course…” he said proudly, and I snorted, amused that Shaeraggo never seemed to change. My sis simply shook her head, keeping silent. “…but she did not shy away from my advice, or claim her defeat was due to ill-chance.” He paused. “It has been a while, girl-girl. I am eager to see how your skills have improved.”

Behind him, Phaelae looked worried, eyeing my sis warily, but Selensha whispered to her that Shaeraggo had no interest in her, and even if he did, it would never happen, as I’d prevent it. That stings a little. Sure, Shaeraggo isn’t exactly the ideal man I want for Aiko, but if she genuinely fell for him… I mean, I’m marrying a number of Fae, and aren’t monogamous, so to criticise… My sis looked at me and winked, making a gagging noise, and that momentary worry vanished.

“You would speak for them?” Shaetanao asked his children.

“Yes, I would, I do.” Anna said stoutly. “Please, father. We are here to listen.”

“Very well-well.” He declared, sitting down once more. Hmm, that… there was something off about his body language, something that didn’t quite make sense. No, is it… a sneaking suspicion in my mind, I decided to follow up on what my sis said that sparked the outburst.

“Good. Now we can discuss this rationally.” I also sat down, as did Shaeula. After a deep breath, I spoke, my words from the heart. “Love is a luxury? Like my sis, I disagree. I guess we are definitely family, we think alike.”

“Only because you raised her so-so.” Shaeula snickered. “She and Eri think much-much as you do. But I do not-not think that is a bad thing.”

I waved that aside. “Look, you’re a Prince of the Seelie Court, one of the most powerful of all Fae, right?”

Shaetanao nodded, puffing his chest proudly, reminiscent of how Shaeula usually did it, and I had to hold in a laugh at that. “I am indeed Shaetanao Gar Shae Dannan, Prince of the Beastkin, mighty warrior, great hunter, scourge of the Unseelie. You would do-do well to remember this and offer me due respect.”

“And respect you I do. But to me… the fact that you’re a Seelie Prince means less to me than that you’re Shaeula’s father.” I said boldly. “Look, why do you fight?”

“To protect the Seelie.” He declared without hesitation. “For the King, may his injury heal-heal soon, and the Queen.”

“Yes, fighting for your homeland, your people, it’s a worthy goal. But… as for me…” I looked at Shaeula, Hyacinth, Asha, Aiko and then the others. “…I put my first priority on family. After all, what use is the world, if it isn’t something we can share with those we love?”

There was a moment of silence, before Shaetanao shook his head. “Such is mere idealism. Do you… dare you think I wished to send my precious Shaeula, treasured memento of a lost-lost love…” Urakaze twitched at that, and those of us who knew she was here struggled to keep a straight face. “…into grave danger? I have responsibilities. I can not allow the Seelie Court to fracture, not-not now. If I did, simply out of my own sense of selfishness, then what of those that will pay the price?”

That’s a good point but… “What of them?” I said coolly, and he blinked in surprise before his expression returned to its regal calm. “The thing is… we know, don’t we? It was all instigated to hurt you, and to drive a wedge between the Night Parade and the Seelie. Perhaps there might be reasons for that which make sense. The Night Parade…” I looked at the four-tailed fox, who merely blew smoke from her pipe, grinning. “…I can’t find it in my heart to like them overmuch. They are whimsical, selfish, often abysmally cruel… but not so much evil as amoral. Might makes right. Even the system of Numbers works like that.”

“I know all this.” Shaetanao said, and I continued.

“I’m not prepared to allow those under my protection to be hurt and killed. Nor will I forgive those who do such things.”

“It’s quite true, the boy here is quite ruthless when it comes down to it. Many of the Parade died that day. Including the old Matriarch of the Kijo and her sisters. So much entertainment, it has been quite a while since I enjoyed myself so much. Perhaps on my travels…”

Seeing the male weaselkin looking ashamed, I set aside my thoughts on that. “My point is… I can ally with the Night Parade, when we have common cause, when our interests align. I don’t have to like them, or accept all they do. I would hope that perhaps in time, influenced by us and our ways of doing things, they’ll change. That might be wishful thinking, but… I agree. Quite often we have to do what we don’t want to.” As Shaetanao looked satisfied, I then delivered some stern words, my tone sharp. “But if my alliance with the Parade was predicated on the death or sacrifice of those I care for, then I’ll fight. And I’ll destroy them!”

“And so he did.” The fox laughed seductively. “Alas, the poor youngling, pride of the kitsune, he fell foul of you at your worst. I find I sometimes even miss him calling me an old hag. I suppose his eyes were clouded, I am young and beautiful still, and you were not an enemy he had any business provoking. Yes, the weak may bark and whine, but the strong bite!” She bared her fangs as she smiled.

“But matters are seldom so simple. If your choice is between the lesser-lesser of two evils…” Shaetanao insisted, his blue eyes shining with remorse as he glanced at Shaeula, who was merely watching as she sat back on her throne, arms folded imperiously. “…for example, if you had to choose between my Shaeula, or your sister…”

“I abhor sacrifice. I hate it.” I said loudly, drawing all eyes, as I let my League, Majesty and Charm peak. For a moment I was sure I could see a brief glimmer of admiration in Shaetanao’s eyes, but then it was gone. Perhaps I imagined it, or… “We’ve had to compromise too much already. Allies that demand sacrifice are allies I don’t want. Especially for petty reasons. I’ll be clear. I will never sacrifice Shaeula, Aiko, or any of the others on the altar of expediency. We will fight to the end if that happens.”

“Yes, I would much-much rather perish together, than live with the loss-loss of such a defeat.” Shaeula declared. Behind us, Hyacinth spoke up, a little nervous being in the presence of a Prince of the Seelie, but unwilling to hold her silence.

“I think there is nooo worse evil than simply demanding the pain of ooothers just to avenge petty, self-serving slights. Hyacinth will never allooow that again.” Her eyes were distant. “If I had been strooonger, wiser, perhaps everything cooould have been avoided, she would nooot…” her words faded, a darkly melancholy look in her violet eyes.

“That’s why we need strength. I want to protect Shaeula, Hyacinth, all the others. I’m a man, of course I want to protect those I love. But the best way to protect is to make it so they can protect themselves, protect each other.” Hyacinth’s words had moved me. She had such a deep core of pain within her, and while she claimed she didn’t remember, she clearly either did, or was remembering more as her stats increased. Perhaps one day she’ll tell us everything, and we can see what we can do to help soothe her sorrows… “Look at Shaeula. See how strong she’s grown. And she can be proud of herself. But more importantly, in a situation where it comes down to Shaeula versus the safety of another, Shaeula has the strength to shatter such unfairness, or if not, at least hold on until we can solve the situation. I’m tired of losing. I tasted it with the trainees and the death of Mine-san, with Tsukiko dying. The taste doesn’t please me.”

“It is still naïve, idealistic…” Shaetanao insisted. “You and Shaeula stand here as leaders, powerful voices, you can not-not rely on mere platitudes…”

“And I don’t. But what has sending Shaeula away achieved for you? Did it unify the Court, mend your feud with Duke Formor and the others like him? No, what mended Duke Formor’s relationship with you was our ways. If I was put in your place, I’d do things very differently. Allies who demand that aren’t worth having!”

“I admit, I didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye with Akio at first.” Princess Eleanor said, drawing attention to her. She then introduced herself, before letting out a long sigh. “I have apologised, and I meant it, even if Sir Arthur tells me I’m not the most gracious.” He chuckled at that. “I think I took my own prejudices out on him, because my uncle… let’s just say his relationships went beyond common decency, and I saw Akio reflected in that. But deeds speak louder than words. Our acquaintance hasn’t been long, but it has most certainly been meaningful.”

“Now you are doing it.” Yukiko-san said, and Eleanor flushed.

“I simply wished to share my support for their ideals. I… I don’t think I’m strong enough for that. Britain has always come first for grandmother, and she taught that to us. But… it’s a beautiful dream, isn’t it? I hope that sort of world is one we can reach…”

“Deeds speak louder than words.” I nodded, and Shaeula let lightning flash, sparks playing across the surface of the pristine lake. “Compared to when we battled, Shaeraggo, aren’t we all so much stronger?” I smiled. “Even your wife, Selensha, no?”

“It is true-true.” He conceded the point. “Even my darling Selensha has now mastered the wind. Feats which seemed-seemed to no longer be possible are now commonplace. I do so hate to admit it, but father… there is no-no better place for Shaeula.”

“I see you have finally wised up, my brother. I am most-most pleased.” Shaeula smirked. “As for you, Anna…”

“I have no objections, no issues.” She promised. “Not now, not anymore. Unions between mortals and Fae are often tragic, always melancholy, but…”

“But I’ve transcended my mortality, to an extent.” I admitted. “Now I’m a spiritual being as well, my lifespan is likely to be no less than Shaeula’s. In terms of status, I don’t think such things should matter, but if that’s a concern, well, here I brought some allies.” I gestured to Yukiko-san and Eleanor, as well as the kami. “I may not be royalty myself, as mortals reckon things, but I’m certainly not common.”

“Look at bro putting on airs.” My sis whispered theatrically. “He’s not exactly wrong though, is he? Just that house alone, that’s the house of a bigshot.”

“I do indeed-indeed desire to be kept in a manner befitting my status. But while my status as-as a princess is important to me… my status as simply Shaeula, lover, sister, friend, that-that matters more to me, father. When you chose to send me away…”

For a moment Shaetanao looked terribly pained, before his control reasserted itself, and Shaeula continued.

“… I know-know. I brought much on myself, allowing myself to be manipulated into a position where I disadvantaged you, father. Even so, it is hard not-not to feel some anger and bitterness over it. I should surely have died, father, alone and helpless.”

“I sent forces with you. It was only-only for a short time, until the political winds changed… and your mother, she too bears blame, she was to send you bodyguards I could not, powerful Kamaitachi. I did not expect you to be so troubled…”

“I will choose to believe you, father.” Shaeula sighed. “But if you are-are as shrewd as you claim to be, then surely you did not-not think that the plan of that worthless firefox would stop-stop there?” She turned to me then. “I consider myself the most-most fortunate of all. For the one who came to claim my life, instead claimed my heart.”

“It is why I disobeyed you and did-did go secretly!” Shaeraggo began, explaining that he worried so for Shaeula, and after listening for a while, the Prince of the Seelie stood, his League once more soaring. Seeing that, I stood too. We’ve talked it out, so… now the conclusion.

“I have many reservations. But you speak a bitter, harsh-harsh truth. I failed my daughter. We failed.” Urakaze twitched again at that, and I could feel her aether surging. I think there’s going to be trouble… “I loved your mother dearly…” he said to his daughter, though Annae and Anna both looked sour at that. “…but such love was not meant to be-be. The Night Parade is not as we are, they are… different. It is hard to accept. We think love will last-last forever, yet… oftentimes it burns out like a shooting star. Only leaving memories and regrets.”

“There’s a saying in the mortal world.” I said, not liking the melancholic turn the conversation had taken. “I think Eleanor might recognise it. It’s better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.” As my words sunk in, I shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know. I think it’s better to love and love, and never lose that, but I still think the saying is right. After all… whatever happened between the two of you, you have Shaeula as your memento. Which means your love couldn’t have been wrong.”

As Shaeula looked down shyly, I persisted. “Which is why it’s so important you never find yourself put in a position where you have to sacrifice those you cherish again, for mere political gain or stability. If Shaeula was killed, then yes, your love would only have borne bitter fruit. Fortunately…” I flared my League, and while it was not a match for Shaetanao’s, it carried my will and intent. “…that’s not a choice you have to make. Because Shaeula is mine now, and I’m hers. Together, we’ll decide what’s best.”

“You dare say that in front-front of me? Shaetanao Gar Shae Dannan, Prince of the Seelie?”

“Of course I do. There comes a time in every relationship where it’s time to ask the father for his daughter’s hand in marriage. I mean, we’re getting married whatever you say, but we’d certainly both appreciate your blessing. After all, family is a treasure, and Shaeula doesn’t want to have to cut you out of her life. I don’t want that either.” As he appraised me, I continued. “I’ve fought Shaeraggo for Shaeula’s sake. I was outmatched, but I still won. Of course, he underestimated me…” He looked abashed at that, while Anna and Shaetourach looked on amused, and Selensha patted his shoulder consolingly. “…but I could fight my hardest, go beyond my limits, because I wanted to make Shaeula smile, I hated her tears. Anna, despite being a total siscon…”

“Takes one to know one, bro…” my own sister muttered loud enough for everyone to hear, and Yukiko-san had to cover her mouth gently with one hand to hide her smile.

“…was rather reasonable. Yes, she took pleasure in giving me a beating…” my own smile was wry now. “…but she did it because she wanted to be sure I was up to the task of protecting Shaeula.” I turned to Shaetourach then. “You, I don’t know. But you don’t seem too opposed to us.”

“I am not quite-quite as wrong-headed as my younger siblings.” He muttered. “And we have no right to complain, you speak-speak the truth. When father let himself be browbeaten into her exile, we lost the right to claim we cared about her safety and happiness above all-all else. So I shall let you take up our responsibility.”

“Brother Shaetourach…” Shaeula muttered, touched.

“As for you…” I said to Shaetanao. “…You don’t really want to fight me, do you? Your angry posturing, oppressive League… you’re testing me, I know.”

For a moment he watched me silently, before letting out a bitter laugh. “How did you see through my ruse-ruse? My anger is renowned in the Court. I am no berserker, like Duke Formor, but I have a quick-quick temper.”

“It’s the eyes.” I tapped my own. “You were too calculating. Besides…” I turned to Shaeula, who nodded. “I know you love your daughter, and honestly, who else but me could handle her? Because I think girls are like precious gemstones. They need polishing to shine, and they’re not as fragile as mere glass.”

“She was.” He said mournfully. “A flawed glass bauble, pretty but-but ultimately useless.”

“That wounds me, father!” Shaeula protested, while my sis laughed at her pouting weasel-face. “Though the truth is often-often painful. I had few gifts. My Eyes were my own, and I found the Fortunate Winds by chance, which is only-only proper, seeing as how that wind blows. But other than that, I was naught but a brat. I changed, thanks to Akio, Aiko, Eri, everyone here. I realised what-what was important.”

“And what is important to you, my daughter?” Shaetanao pressed, and all eyes were on us now, waiting to see how this would end.

“I want it all, father. I want love-love, I want power, I want our enemies to be vanquished. I want my family to support me, I wish for us all-all to live with Akio until the moon-moon itself is dust.” She smiled at Asha and Hyacinth warmly. “I am still quite-quite spoiled, father, and selfish. But… I am greedy for our happiness, not-not merely my own.”

“I see.” He paused, thinking, before his lips curled into a smile. “I must-must surely admit, seeing Duke Formor come crawling before us, eager to praise you who he once disdained was sweet-sweet honey, as was telling that sly fox Vulpatrius to go drown himself in the lake, that he could never-never have my daughter.”

“That fucking firefox, I would have cut his throat, slashed his neck as he slept!” Anna cursed.

“Yes, that decision disappointed me even more-more than my own exile, for Anna did nothing to warrant her sacrifices. At least-least for me, you had some meagre excuses, father.” Shaeula sniffed, and he did look ashamed.

“I was not in my right-right mind. Grief over you was weakening my will. But… no more.” He declared, before looking me in the eyes, and I could see his true self, proud, angry and full of self-loathing. “A mortal, dallying with my daughter, that has many-many pitfalls. But… could any be worse than that treacherous fox Vulpatrius? Though he would not have mistreated Shaeranna, I still-still feel the shame…” He took a deep breath. “Are you prepared to put your very spirit to the test, swearing Oaths that cannot be broken, proving your resolve, the depths of your feelings?”

“Say-say it how it is, father. It is love.” Shaeula said, and he grimaced, before changing his words.

“Very well then. Prove your love. Swear to me, and I to you. The Oaths of a Prince of the Seelie, of a being of my might-might and power, such will bind you to the very core.”

It’s been a while since I’ve sworn Oaths. But… “What do you demand?” I asked, and he quickly explained.

“It is quite-quite simple. There are three pitfalls. First, you must live as long as my daughter does. I would not-not have her lament, as I do, for lost-lost love.”

“Mother is not-not dead, father, do not-not be so melodramatic. As for this Oath, I too will swear, father. For this one is as good as done.” She met my eyes, and I remembered her class Pledged One. When one perishes, so shall the other.

“Then put your very spirit, your existence into it.” Shaetanao said, League stabbing out like a needle. My Eye flared, and I felt I could almost see it, though it was intangible. Matching mine to his, Shaeula doing likewise, our Leagues clashed, and around us everyone shuddered.

“I give you my Oath, I will live as long as I am able, even one moment more, if possible, to live with Shaeula and all the others I care for. Until my last breath I will never give up.”

“I speak my Oath, I shall remain by Akio’s side, loving and-and loved, protecting those who will journey with us, and I too shall never-never surrender, never yield, for I have yielded the one-one and only time I ever shall.” She smiled at me, and even in her weasel-form it was pure and brilliant.

“Then I will offer the Boon of my blessing, so long as you do not ever mistreat my daughter precious memento of loves lost, and stay by her side, I will answer your call, should you be beset by foes you can not-not defeat.” Shaetanao pledged, and I could feel the aether within my body stirring, the adherence as well. It’s been a while since I pledged Three Oaths and Boons, now my skills are a lot higher and my perception far more sensitive I can feel what’s happening… “Second, I need-need your word that you will not betray the Seelie Court, for I hardened my heart and sacrificed my daughters for that cause. I would not have your actions put that to naught.”

“It already is for naught, father.” Shaeula scoffed. “It would-would have achieved nothing. Placating greedy scum like that firefox is surely-surely doomed to failure. Besides, he hates the Unseelie more than we do, you were a fool-fool to buy momentarily false loyalty with our happiness.” She looked at me then, a smile on her face. “Ah, this takes me back-back, to when we swore to each other. This too is trivial.”

“Yes, it is.” I agreed. “I have already given my Oath to help Shaeula climb to the top of the Seelie Court, and just as we have reclaimed the Spring of Clear Reflections, we will not rest until Salamandrastrae and all the lost lands are reclaimed.”

”Just as I have claimed my due as the Duchess of this-this Spring, I shall free the other stolen lands, unjustly taken, and should the Unseelie, Wild Hunt or any-any other enemies threaten them, we shall show them no-no mercy.”

“Salamandrastrae…” Shaetanao said, glancing at Ulfuric, the light in his blue eyes gentler. “You are both bold-bold, but if so… as Prince of the Seelie, all-all support I can provide to aid you will be provided, so long as it serves the Seelie, and protects the lands of the Fae.”

Once more the aether and adherence within us tightened, and perhaps because I was a Faeduine now, my spiritual being closely related to the Fae, I could feel the weight, the imperative to keep these given Oaths.

“Finally then…” he turned to Shaeula, and actually bowed his head. “I have tried-tried to justify my actions, but I have never truly apologised. Shaeula, I am sorry. I was too weak, too consumed by duty, to protect you. But now…” he looked at us. “It seems you have grown up, no-no longer the child I remember.” He admired her Kamaitachi form. “You resemble your mother, fair-fair Urakaze. Her fur was like ours, though the shade was slightly different, and her sickles were beautiful. Her eyes, they did-did mesmerise me, deep crimson in the amber, like brilliant flames. Her figure was lithe-lithe and graceful, her pride haughty yet deserved, her…”

Damn, this got uncomfortable all of a sudden. How did swearing oaths to earn his acceptance turn into this? Shaeula shifted, equally embarrassed, and Anna was scowling, making retching noises. At least it’s not just me who finds this excruciating…

“…winds pure and sharp, as biting and bitter as winter, her scent that of foreign lands, smoke and incense, her…” he continued, only for a loud voice to cry out.

“Please, spare us from this embarrassment-shame!” Urakaze cried out, hurling away her hooded cloak, unleashing her League and presence she had kept hidden. Her fur seemed redder than I remembered, and for a moment I wondered if Kamaitachi could blush. “Enough, you old fool-idiot Shaetanao!”

As he saw her, his words halted, and he let out an incredulous voice. “Urakaze?”

“Of course it is I-me, who else?” she snorted. “Considering this old fox is here-there, you should have expected me too, here in the moment of our daughter’s triumph-glory, no?” she frowned, not liking the hostility she was receiving from Anna and Annae. “I did rather like-enjoy your oaths. I always found that a quaint custom, but… you did destroy the moment.” She turned to Shaeula. “Daughter, those were rather like marriage vows-bindings no?”

Shaeula grinned. “Yes, they were indeed, performed before-before my father. So let us finish, for I wish Akio and I to be joined with your blessings. And then-then…” she grinned savagely. “Perhaps another lost-lost love can be rekindled, and your hearts healed, father, mother?”

Seeing the looks from those around us, I resisted the urge to shake my head. Somehow, I don’t think it’ll be that easy, but… “I think the final Oath is simple. Shaetanao, I promise to make your daughter happy, to wash away any remaining sorrows she feels from her past treatment. I can’t promise her my love alone, there’s too many others I treasure, but I will spare no effort so that she can smile, have fun, reach her dreams and be her best self.”

“I like it. I too…” Shaeula grinned. “Akio, I will-will always do my best to make you happy, for you are my other half, the full moon to my new. No, not-not just you. Aiko too, Hyacinth, Asha, Eri, Shiro, Hinata… all the others now, and those who shall come in future. For to accept your love is to love all.” She turned to her father. “I thank you for raising me thus far. I was a poor-poor daughter, though I have done my best to change. This is not-not goodbye, merely a change in our relationship. For now it is for Akio to shelter me, protect me. But a father is always a father, just as…” she looked at Urakaze. “… you shall always be my-my mother. So be happy for us, support us… and together the past is dead, and a brilliant future is all-all that awaits us!”

“Yes, I have a bit of a strained relationship with my own father.” I admitted. “It’s much better now, but even so, I still find it hard to be open with him sometimes. But… give your blessing, and all mistakes can be forgiven.”

“Yes… yes.” He seemed thrown off by Urakaze, but then he puffed himself up, League surging, tangling with ours. I get it, he doesn’t want to seem pathetic in front of one of his lovers. “Happiness… I see. So, live long, fight for what is ours, and know joy. Yes, such Oaths are simple and fitting, and indeed… are much-much like a vow of binding. But that will not suffice.”

Shaeula opened her mouth to protest, only for Shaetanao to surprise her. “No, a grand-grand ceremony should be held. If you are to marry, my Shaeula, then you must-must simply be regal and majestic, admired by all. I cannot say I care-care for you sharing…”

You hypocrite! From what I hear, you’ve got as many partners as I do! I kept that in my heart, as he continued.

“…but you are right. I allowed that wretched firefox to beguile me into nearly losing both my daughters to pointless cruel fates. I can hardly complain. So I offer my final Boon. For life, support, for honour, power, and for love… my blessing.”

“Father…” Shaeula was crying, and her family was looking on wryly. The fox was chuckling, poking fun at Urakaze, while Eleanor and Yukiko-san were joking that this was yet another private matter shared too widely with an unrelated audience. My sis was tearing up too, though her smile was radiant, and Asha and Hyacinth were hugging, happy to have gained acceptance from Shaetanao for being with me as well as Shaeula. As our Leagues diminished, the needles quieting, my aether and adherence surged, and my Eye flared brilliantly, my whole body shuddering, a painful discomfort searing deeply within me.

Your Class, True Faeduine, has increased from level…

What’s going on? As my Eye blazed, Shaeula too started to shiver, as though she was feeling a similar sensation, and even Shaetanao staggered momentarily. As I blinked, amber letters filling my vision, I saw Urakaze leap forwards, concern in her eyes, and despite the pain, I smiled. Maybe there’s a little more hope for Shaeula’s wish to come true than I thought…