SK4 - Chapter 6 and 7 - The Picnic Date (Patreon)

[Author Note - Once again, this is a super beefy chapter and I probably should have split it into two, but I didn't -- it's really two dates in one. As per usual or what I often do, I don't think the explicit chapter will be next and we will instead skip to chapter 8, hence the title of this chapter as a placeholder for now, to come back to later. Anyway, enjoy!]

Nick knocked on Shara and her father’s door, dressed in some cultivator robes similar to what Star Oni wore. They were dark blue with black accents rather than their purple colors, matching the colors of his family.

While Nick was preparing, Shara had requested that before their date, they would start with tea with her father again. That shifted his plans for wanting to wear an outfit that might tease her a bit, but perhaps the need to entice her was over with.

Shara opened the door, the large, purple woman had a wide smile on her face. Her pink hair was done up again, but with golden hair clips this time. Thankfully, he could see that she went with a braided ponytail in the back. This matched their need to travel later. Her skin-colored horns even had golden rings on them, looking elegant and mysterious to him.

The room was the standard room of the hotel-like place, though Myron had grabbed one of the few suites available, which meant it had a kitchen and a decent-sized living room area, with rooms separate. It truly looked like just about any hotel room Nick had ever been to, with a clean, comfortable looking leather couch and chairs, and coffee and end tables.

However, he could tell that a lot of that was shoved to the side, as now they were far too close together. An Asian rug or carpet was laid out across the hardwood floor, which Myron was sitting on. The implements she used for tea were there, the brazier and kettle, stone bowls, whisk, ladle, and more. Then, oddly, there was a…large bonsai style tree. The room actually smelled a bit like tea already.

After he sat down across from Myron, once again, she flitted about and prepared the tea leaves, using a ceremonial, Asian method. There was a zen-like focus as Shara whisked the tea leaves, and prepared Nick and Myron’s bowls. She was usually calm and reserved, but this went well beyond that. The practiced ease as she went through the motions was impressive, every small movement of her hands, her posture choreographed to somehow display respect and mindfulness.

Nick knew that these ceremonies had some roots in Zen Buddhism, and the very essence within the room stirred as she went through this ritual. Shara was somehow paying respect to her father, but also Nick, in this ceremony. He fell into a calm, meditative state as she continued, closing his eyes and enjoying the aroma that was starting to fill the room as the tea leaves were steeped and prepared. Even with his eyes closed, he could feel her every movement, and they were still relaxing even if foreign.

Perhaps, if the essence was a bit denser and he spent some time in meditation, he could actually gain something from it. Instead, he just enjoyed the calm, relaxing environment Shara was somehow creating–like magic.

The two bowls were eventually filled, and placed in front of them. The two men lifted their bowls and smelled the contents, and observed them. It was some kind of green tea, but the color was a bit off. It had a yellow, orangish hue, and the smell had a hint of sweetness.

Drinking it at the same time as Myron, it tasted just how it smelled, or perhaps even better than that. The tea actually energized him, like a potent medicine filling his body. It was like all of Shara’s effort somehow went into the drink itself, empowering him.

He looked at Shara, and the girl actually had a small amount of sweat running down her neck. Just how? The girl could crush boulders with her bare, slender hands, but some simple, slow, whisking motions had somehow taken a lot of effort.

The two took turns taking sips, and Nick was sure to compliment it, as was custom.

“I’m really not a tea guy, but this is amazing. It smells fantastic, and despite being some kind of green tea, it has some kind of almost fruity, apricot flavor. You might make a tea guy outta me, Shara. I’d love some more.”

Her smile grew wide, and she bowed her head slightly in response as she added another ladle full to his bowl.

Myron nodded, “Yes, I love how the flavors turned out this time, I can feel the stress just easing away from me. Excellent work, my little treasure.”

She smiled and bowed her head once more, and Nick could feel that she had finally relaxed, but beamed with pride. Nick never imagined so much effort could go into something so simple, and for it to make such a significant difference somehow. He was sure magic was a bit to thank, but he was truly amazed.

Myron took another drink from his cup, then said, “I am glad that we were able to keep a few of our special trees in my bag.” He gestured behind him, and what appeared to be some kind of bonsai tree, about eight feet tall, sat. “The essence here was finally not so chaotic that I thought it pertinent to let it breathe a bit. Still, we need to find a better place for it and the rest.”

“Damn, you got trees in that sparkly sack of yours? Crazy. You know, the garden of reflection might be a perfect place to keep that, if you don’t mind sharing it. I’m sure we can even get someone to take care of it for you.”

Shara nodded. “Yes, I told father that. It’d be nice to have something more private for some of our trees we would like to keep in the family, however.”

Nick smiled. “I’m sure we’ll be able to figure out something for you guys. I’m assuming your mother wants to be a climber, so we can always allot some essence for building out your residence. Now that we aren’t so starved for essence and DP, it’s no problem at all.”

Shara refilled their cups with her ladle, and so Nick decided to shift the conversation.

“So, this must be some kind of normal ceremony for the Star Oni?”

Myron chuckled. “It is. These meetings with the parents vary among our kin, depending on the circumstances. Often, those situations are based on the relative ages of the two parties, but this meeting is called among my people as the notification. It lets the man, or in rare cases, a woman, learn that the woman has identified the other as their Fated. How it is handled is then discussed among the two parties, and usually the families. In this case, you are both adults, so my presence isn’t really required, but it’s still common.”

“So the Star Oni girl can know even from a young age? Crazy.”

Myron nodded. “Many are blessed with such luck, yes.”

Shara frowned. “I…was always a little worried, as I came of age and still hadn’t found my Fated. Mother and Father were sure that we would just meet him during our travels, or perhaps he simply wasn’t born yet. It wasn’t until the Fate Eaters had started their attack that Father did some divinations, which led us here.”

Nick had been told at least a piece of that before. He asked, “What do the Star Oni men usually do with this knowledge? Do some reject this merging of fates too? Where I’m from on Earth, tons of guys would probably run out of this room, wanting to bed a few other girls first or something at least. Not many are good with that level of commitment from a simple meeting.”

Shara seemed to pout at this–perhaps, she was reminded that Nick more or less has already done this, but Myron laughed warmly. “I won’t say every Star Oni is man is a pillar of virtue, or that they are always faithful to their Fated like the women are–as you know, they have a very single-minded focus and devotion for their Fated, other men like trash in their eyes as romantic partners.”

He chuckled and took another drink of his tea, then continued, “However, as for the men, it’s as I’ve already told you. Being Fated to a Star Oni woman is sacred among my people, and most would be ecstatic to learn that they found the one for them. As for non-Star Oni, that varies as much as the stars in the sky. Most are quite happy with the arrangement, as if their fates had led them to value it in particular.” He cleared his throat, and leaned forward to whisper to Nick as he hid his mouth behind his sleeve from Shara. “Of course, any resistance is often um…beaten out of them quickly, it seems.”

Myron quickly snapped back from Nick as Shara coughed, and gave Nick what looked like a sad, deprecating smile. “In some cases, they might merge their fates within this very meeting. Though, usually… only if…the parents aren’t present.” She blushed.

Nick was surprised at that, and now, he really felt sorry for Shara’s first ceremony with him, and understood how that poor boulder got destroyed. Before he mentioned his other wives, perhaps it was on her mind to tell him and explain to him these things, and in her mind, they would have lived happily ever after.

He asked, “Really? Why is that, is there some reason to rush it?”

Myron replied, “It is rare, but there have been instances where waiting too long to mark their Fated has also ended in tragedy. As you know, the Star Oni women following our path cannot cultivate, and while strong for their cultivation, this limits them greatly and increases their risk. As warriors, it is not good to be weak. Then, because their fate wasn’t enhanced by merging their fates, their fate can come to its natural end, in a sense.”

“What happens to the woman in that case?”

Myron grimaced. “They live a life of terrible regret, and no, they never find a new Fated, and nor can they mark another–it’s like a part of them is lost forever. Some seek a new method of cultivation, outside our people’s path. Others…they fall into despair. Their hearts crumbling.”

Shara gripped her robes, her face contorted in pain.

“Damn. That’s rough.” Nick decided to change the topic, “So anyway, Elyra isn’t here, shouldn’t we have waited for her for this uh…notification?”

Shara’s eyes widened, and she shook her head fervently, and Myron cleared his throat. “I won’t say she won’t be a little…let down that she wasn’t here for this. However, I think it’s for the best. She can be a bit…overprotective.”

“So I already know I’m Shara’s Fated. You still invited me to this tea ceremony, though. How would this usually go? Lay it on me, Myron, Shara. I want the Star Oni experience. This way, Shara won’t feel like she missed out compared to her friends and others, too.”

Myron chuckled, and looked at Shara with a smile. “You’re right. Very well. It’s time to show my fatherly side.” He cleared his throat, and took on an air of seriousness as he flicked his sleeve, straightening it.

“Thank you for coming at our invitation, Lord Noblefrost. I invited you to tea with my daughter to inform you: that Shara has identified you as her Fated. Your pairing is written in the stars themselves, and your success and happiness as partners is destiny.”

He gestured to Shara, and Nick could see how proud he was by his smile as he spoke of her skills, “While waiting for her Fated, like most Star Oni women needing a place to direct their…energetic devotion, she has been trained in the several skills of a homemaker in addition to that of a warrior walking the Fatestrider path. She is an accomplished chef, a master of the Zen tea ceremony, as you’ve seen, and is skilled in the art of the dance, knowing several of our traditional dances, in addition to one that I personally have never seen. Shara is an amazing young woman, and any man would thank their lucky stars they had her by their side, and I am sure of it–even though I’m biased as her father.”

Shara was blushing with her hands folded calmly in her lap, but she puffed out her chest a bit at the proclamation.

Nick was suitably impressed. “You never told me that, you know some kind of special dance? Now this I gotta see.”

Myron smiled. “It’ll only be for the one she merges her fate with. To see it, she must choose you to bear her mark. If you’re lucky, you’ll earn her favor.”

Nick nodded. “Now I gotta try extra hard. I wouldn’t wanna miss out on that. I’m sold that Shara is an amazing partner.”

Shara beamed at him with a wife smile, and Nick had meant what he said. The focused chaos that was the Star Oni’s hearts was special. He had learned that a large part of their berserking was unleashing this chaotic energy within them. This had an impact on their psyche, and the way they directed this energy was through their Fated. As they grew, their ability to focus their anger and chaos required incredible focus and determination, and Shara excelled in this.

It wasn’t merely that the Star Oni were amazing–Shara herself was. To be so calm and reserved while holding on to such a chaotic energy, and staying focused for so long to become talented at many things, was a testament to her hard work and determination.

And soon, if they merged their fates, this single-mind effort would all be for him, and his future children. Of course, this stirred his desire for her, as he could never have too many girls with that kind of devotion.

They talked a little while longer, making small talk about their plans for the date and the coming weeks. Nick had a lot to do tomorrow, in preparation for their battles in the Heritage for their special structure rewards. He also had a lot of people to Judge in their prison, from the people of Shadowvale to the people of Silverbrook. Then, he also wanted to do at least one session in his Soul Forge, and then it was preparing for the eventual assault on the final wing of the mines, and then a war with the underground demons, and the Monster Kingdom. Things were going to get busy once again.

Eventually, he looked at the door. “Shall we go, Shara? If we don’t head out soon, we’ll have to rush since it’ll get dark out.”

“Oh! Yeah, we should get going. Goodbye, Father.” She gave Myron a warm hug, and leaned down to kiss him on the cheek. Myron smiled at this, moved.

When she separated, Nick grabbed her hand, earning him a big smile from her as they started to walk out.

But Myron grabbed Nick’s shoulder suddenly, stopping him. “One moment, Young Lord. Go on and wait for Nick in the lobby, my little treasure. I need to speak with Nicholas for just a moment alone.”

Shara hesitated, looking a little worried, but seeing how serious he was, she nodded and let go of Nick’s hand, leaving as he asked.

Nick turned and arched his brow at him. “What is it?

Myron cleared his throat. “This…is a bit awkward for me, but you’re not familiar with our people. I needed to… warn you.”

“Ah, there it is. Finally. I thought it was way too weird how you were pushing us together, trying to set us up. This that shovel talk?”

“What? Oh, no, in fact, you’re very lucky that Elyra wasn’t here, or she would have done that. It’s just imperative that you know… that when a Star Oni woman marks their Fated…they can be very…amorous.”

“Oh.” Nick snorted. “Heh, if this is a: ‘birds and the bees’ talk, I got that covered old man. I might not have any little receipts running around just yet, but my wives and I often sleep in the same bed, you know. And clothes are optional.”

Myron chuckled, and shook his head. “If it were only that, I wouldn’t bother to warn you. No, what I mean is….” He hesitated, and looked a bit embarrassed. He sighed. “When Star Oni women berserk, they become much stronger. And…when they mark their Fated, they can… go a little berserk, and become very amorous, and not want to stop. Too amorous. You understand?”

Nick’s eyes widened. “Damn. Thanks for the warning, old man. Not to worry though, I’ll take care of it. Good thing I’m that much stronger than her.” He frowned. “How the hell do Star Oni men handle it?”

Myron chuckled darkly. “Handle it? By bracing ourselves and…well… enduring. While they do hate the idea of hurting their beloved, some pain tends to be slow and insidious. Be careful.”

“Damn. Still, don’t you think you’re getting ahead of yourself? She is still pretty jealous and broken up about my wives, I’m not so sure she’s ready for that.”

Myron shook his head, and gave Nick a small smile. “I see how she looks at you now, and I know you do too. If it doesn’t happen today, then I’ll know you really screwed something up.” He narrowed his eyes at him. “Don’t screw things up. You might have saved us from that bandit warlord, but if you screw this up and don’t seduce my daughter properly, it will have all been for nothing.” He grinned, and Nick knew he was making a bit of a joke.

Nick chuckled. “Never thought I’d get this kind of warning from a girl’s dad. You’re a pretty great father-in-law, Myron, and I’m glad to have you. I guess I better be getting going, or she’ll probably grill me about what we talked about.”

Myron grimaced, but nodded. Nick was about to open the door, but then Myron said, “One more thing. Please…take care of her. I know with you being her Fated it’ll probably be fine, but…she’s always been my wife and I’s little treasure. Still…a father worries. Surely, you can understand.”

“Don’t worry, Myron. If she becomes my wife, I’ll always treasure her, I promise you that. And I’ll promise her that, too. That’s a big thing for my people.”

“I know. And…thanks. For everything you’ve done for my people… and me.”

“There’s a whole lot more where that came from, old man. My people and me…we’ll all rise together.”

Nick walked out of the room, and headed down the hallway to the lobby. He found Shara looking a little restless, but she looked up with a large smile.

He reached out to offer her his hand once more. “Shall we go?”

She stood and took it, her smile beaming. They started to walk toward the exit, and she said, “What did my dad want?”

Nick tried to keep it nonchalant a little, but definitely couldn’t lie. “Huh? Oh, we talked about the Star Oni and how they endure, and your mother a little. Don’t worry about it.”

Shara frowned in confusion. “Endure?”

Nick knew he needed a distraction, and this was as good a time as any, as they stepped out the lobby doors and into the mall. The warm light of the almost atrium-like environment filled their view, and the elevator and the ornate fountain were not far away.

He pulled her in that direction, and said, “I got you a gift.”

“A gift?”

Bringing her in front of the fountain, he retrieved the box from his manly storage device–inlaid in his chest pocket.

Opening the jewelry box, it revealed two simple silver bracelets. There were star shapes intertwined in the center of the bracelets.

Shara’s face lit up. “They’re very pretty! Why are there two?”

“They’re a pair, and I just got them down here in the mall. I thought it was fitting for me and you. A couple’s jewelry, and I thought it represented us being Fated well. You like it?”

“I love it! Thank you so much…” She leaned down, and kissed Nick on the cheek. She put hers on as Nick put his on, and then she seemed to be inspecting his other wrist and fingers.

Nick chuckled. “What, looking for other jewelry on me? There isn’t. I certainly got the other girls their own jewelry, but none of them are paired. This will be my first.”

This appeared to make her even more happy, and she gripped his hand tightly with a large smile. They walked to the elevator and took it, and when they stepped out, they found the utility vehicle waiting–and Jasmine.

Shara’s lips curled, and she frowned as she whispered to Nick, “What…is she doing here? I thought…it was going to be a date with just us two.”

Before Nick could reply, Jasmine nodded fervently. “This is your date, just for the two of you! I’m just your driver, coming along to help out. Nick will be able to focus on you more if I’m here. That said, the choice is yours. Nick will be happy to drive you two, instead. As a girl, I see the appeal in that too.”

Shara looked a little mortified that she was overheard, but relented. “I see. I guess… it’d be nice to enjoy the scenery with him a bit more…”

Nick nodded. “Yup. And, we are going to be out in the wilderness, even if it’s pretty firmly within the first ring of my city’s influence and pretty safe with our watch towers. In a way, it’s dangerous to let our guard down and enjoy ourselves completely. With Jasmine there, it’s no problem at all. But if you’re really against it, I can call Birdy to watch over the area instead.”

Shara hesitated, before nodding. “Okay. Thanks for watching over us so we can enjoy ourselves, Jasmine. I…appreciate it. Really.”

Jasmine smiled, knowing that she really meant it. “No problem! I hope you enjoy it. Master just wanted to make sure you have the best time.” She got into the driver’s seat, and appeared to be making sure everything was in order.

Shara stopped him for a moment, sighing. “I’m sorry I’m so…difficult, Nicholas.”

“Don’t worry about it. I told you, I get it, and I mean that. And, you’re doing great. My hand’s not even broken.”

Shara looked at his hand, chuckling. “Thank you. Thanks for being…patient with me.”

The two got in and sat in the back, holding hands. She looked over the bracelets touching with a smile, and she leaned into Nick happily. Her head on top of his was a bit odd, but they enjoyed the ride out of the city together.

The lake had grown as a result of the merger, Nick could tell. It was now several miles across, and even the river inlet and outlet had thickened. A few boats on the lake were fishing, and Jake saw the rescued mermaid among others working. Sand, gravel, and clay were being collected up for construction materials, the lake providing numerous important resources for his city.

Wagons pulled by oxen carried stone from the quarry, and farmers worked the land surrounding the city. From what Nick could see and what he had heard in town, the land seemed quite fertile. The stalks of wheat grew higher than what he thought was normal, and the wide variety of crops seemed to almost shimmer green in his view. It was the essence, both from the land and from the farmer’s actions.

“Your city sure is lively, and the people all seem happy to be here. I feel that the essence is different from the wilderness…clearly better for cultivation, even if poor overall.”

“Definitely. Most of the people here came from a place where the essence in the city was sparse and they couldn’t progress at all. Here, they can all cultivate through their professions, usually by completing quests and challenging themselves to do better.”

“I can see how that would be a big deal, and how they would be grateful. It was a surprise that nearly everyone can cultivate here on Orion. Our realms usually have mortals who could never absorb the energy of the heavens.”

The ride continued for a time, and they separated from the road. Jasmine drove them around the lake, the two talking as they enjoyed the scenic view. Many of the trees near the city had been cleared out both for farming and for viewing area for the towers, but on the other side of the lake they were numerous, as the terrain had recently shifted.

They arrived at an opening next to a copse of trees, a nice little grassy hill on nearly the opposite end of the lake. Seeing his kingdom in the distance on its hill with all its splendor reflected on the lake filled him with pride, its high towers piercing the sky.

“Your city is really pretty, especially for a city not even a year old.”

“When I first saw it, it was nothing but boarded-up ruins and crumbling homes. We’re making something special, I can feel it.”

Jasmine got out, and quickly laid out a thick quilt as Nick and Shara got out of the utility vehicle. Nick grabbed the picnic basket, and laid it out on the quilt.

Jasmine smiled at them. “You two have fun. I’ll be on the lookout, and totally out of the way! Pretend I’m not here, but just call me if you need anything.” She shot a web into a tree with her hand like a certain spider themed superhero, and then sped off in a blur, her spider legs on her back having pulled the webbing tightly.

Shara just tilted her head questioningly, then shook her head as Nick motioned for her to sit down near him. She sat down in the sieza position, with her legs and feet underneath her knees and butt.

Nick copied her and opened the basket, and started to place everything out on the picnic blanket. He had a tray of sandwiches of various kinds with some toppings and dressings on the side, cut fruit including some essence fruit and other Orion staples, and a pie from a local bakery.

“I made a few types of sandwiches because I didn’t know what you’d like. I got some fried chicken breast, some ham and cheese, and a few roast beef. Then I got some lettuce, cucumber, shredded onion and tomato on the side, and a few choices for sauces.”

“Which of your wives…made all this?”

“None of them. I made all of this myself, though I bought the pie.”

“You did?!” Shara was shocked.

Nick held his chest with one hand, giving her a wounded look. “What, you think I can’t make a sandwich and cut fruit? I’m hurt. I’ll have you know I can operate a knife, and a stove top.”

Shara blushed, and looked away. “It’s just a surprise. You almost made it look like you were allergic to work… when it has nothing to do with fighting, at least.”

Nick chuckled, as he poured two cups of iced tea from a thermos. “I play it up a bit. I’m totally fine roughing it–my life on Earth wasn’t exactly glamorous, you know. Most of my girls, especially Jasmine, just love to pamper me. So I let them, and show them that I enjoy and appreciate it. That’s why every chance I get, I try to pamper them right back, usually with the fur brush, but each of the girls likes something different. That’s why I made all this for you. What would you like on yours?” He got the bread ready, along with his tongs out. Of course, he gave them two experimental clacks together.

Shara smiled at this. “Okay. I think… I want some fried chicken. And I guess… I think I’d like some of that lettuce and tomato on mine. And…that sauce smells good.”

After arranging her sandwich for her, he handed it to her. She took a bite, and she smiled as she chewed. Nick made himself a roast beef with all the toppings and mayo, and started eating his.

Shara said, “Now… I feel bad. I didn’t get to show my charm and make something, too.”

“I got to have your tea again, and it was pretty damn good! I hope this iced tea isn’t too bad. But how about the next picnic, we’ll both make stuff. I wanted to do some barbecue, but I didn’t want to spend too much time cookin’ on the date itself. I figured it’d take long enough just to get here.”

“Next picnic…” Shara blushed, and had a small smile on her face as she looked away.

Nick teased, “Damn, was the sandwich so bad you don’t want to come again? Or was it the tea, is iced tea sacrilege to you or something?”

Shara’s eyes widened, and she shook her head. “No, everything’s good! I like it. It’s just… I’m finding that I’m excited about the next time. It…feels great.”

Nick chuckled at how easy it was to tease her. “I might not always have time for dates, but I will always try to make time for you.”

She smiled at that, and they continued to eat their picnic meal, and Shara seemed to enjoy the simple fare. The cut essence fruit were delicious, though it seemed Shara couldn’t eat much of it because they contained too much essence inside. She switched over to the lower essence fruits, which were still good and easy to enjoy, as Nick had cut them up and removed the skins.

The breeze was nice and the ambiance enjoyable, the calming sounds of nature filling their ears as they talked and ate. The idyllic scenery was a charming choice of his, as he had spotted the location while they were returning to Frosthaven from the mountains, heading into the city.

“So, what’d you think of my sandwiches now that you’d had a few?”

“They were simple, but they were good–I’m a fan of them. The pie was good too. But now I’m really excited about the barbecue idea.”

“It’s a date. We’ll find some time and either head back here, or find another location. Let’s enjoy this for a bit more before it gets dark.”

Nick moved the plates back into the basket, and closed it up. Then he yawned and turned around, and bowled into her a bit backwards, causing her to giggle. It caused her to need to shift herself, to let him sit in her lap.

“There, now that is comfy. Now did you see that crazy super huge duck over there? It’d be almost scary, if I didn’t know it still probably isn’t more than maybe fifty pounds.”

Shara laughed. “I saw it, and you’re right. It will probably be quite aggressive.”

“If Kaya was here, she’d be trying to cook and eat it. She did that on our date, with a big ole deer.”

Shara chuckled, and to his surprise, it didn’t seem to bother her. Instead, she seemed to enjoy having him in her lap, an arm around his waist. His head actually ended up between her large breasts, which made it rather comfortable.

Suddenly, she said, “You…don’t mind it? That I’m the one…bigger than you? It’s one of the reasons that…we often end up with Star Oni men more often than not–they’re used to, or expecting it. At least, that’s what many of us speculate…”

“It’s different, but it’s very comfy. You’re big and plenty huggable.”

“Huggable…” She muttered, seemingly proud of this.

“And kissable.”

He shifted in her arms, and he had to tilt his head up, but he met her lips. Her lips were both big and incredibly soft, and only a bit of starlight burst out when they touched. She moaned into his mouth as the kiss deepened, and she began grasping his arms and running her hands along his body. Her hands eventually ended up on his butt, gripping it tightly as her breathing picked up.

Nick ended up on top of her, the kissing continuing, and wet smacks filled the air as they explored each other’s mouths. The girl’ large lips were extra soft to his touch, and felt great on his. Shara was extra responsive to his touch, and he could tell she was getting worked up.

Eventually, she pulled back, and settled in for a hug with a smile. They lay there for a minute, a blush on her face as she looked conflicted.

She eventually sat up, and held his head to her chest and said, “That…was wonderful. I…know I am falling for you… I just…still worry. Those girls never fight over your time? There’s already so many, and I know there’ll be so many more…”

Nick thought about his answer for a moment. “Those girls are all very giving, both to me, and each other. I’m not going to lie to you and say everything always goes perfectly between us, though–I can’t. When we’re home, everyone’s often busy with their own things, and the girls kinda work out their own schedule to find time with me, I guess. I also seek them out, of course. But in the Ordeal, we do get time in the Safe Zones together, we just never know how much we’ll have until it happens. With all the other girls seeking my time, it means it’s difficult to be fair about who gets private time with me. We had a small… I would barely call it an argument about that, with Rebecca feeling a bit left out.”

“Oh. I can see how that could be…difficult. What happened?”

Nick more or less explained what happened, that essentially, Rebecca was kind of alone in how she wanted her time with Nick to be private alone. But he also mentioned how all of the girls were willing for her to have her time first, to accommodate her.

“I see. I feel like it’s as you’ve said. They give me the feeling they will all be good friends to me, and kind. It helps that they are the way that they are, and that you care about our ability to get along. That reassures me that you won’t add tons of girls I dislike, or worse, hate.”

Nick nodded. “The truth is, there might be more girls in my life in the future, but the talented warriors who join my Ordeal party are likely to spend more time with me than the rest. With how our fates are merged and because you’re a warrior, I would think that means you joining my group would be very fitting, but you will likely need to work hard in order to catch up.”

“Kaya said that once I initiate…then I just might be able to reach the second Stratum pretty fast. You have those challenges underground in the mall, and if I do well in several of them, I should get a fair amount of essence. Then in a single Path of the Samurai run, I could move forward quite a bit, maybe even reach the second stratum in a day.”

“It might be possible. The only reason why that might work for you is that you should have good foundations. Myron said while you ladies prepare for meeting your Fated, you are polishing your meridians and training with weapons at the very least, as well as pondering the dao. I dunno how much that will help you on Orion, though.”

Shara smiled. “There’s something else that will help me catch up, but don’t worry about that.” She let out a shaky breath, and her heart started to beat harder, which was easy to hear through her chest. She then said, “I think… I’m ready.”

“Ready? For round two?” Nick feigned being a little worried, pulling away from her grip and then grabbing his butt protectively. “I dunno if my butt can take more groping, I think I might have some bruises already.”

Shara giggled, knowing he was joking. “No, silly. For us to merge our fates. I’m sure that… you’re the one for me. Even if my jealousy is painful sometimes, you’ll bring me big smiles and plenty of joy. Plus…you can promise me that you’ll try your best, can’t you?”

“You aren’t so bad yourself. Strong, and very huggable and kissable. Ten outta ten, would definitely cuddle and make out with you again. And yes, I’ll do what it takes to reassure you.”

She smiled, shaking her head at his silliness and thumbed her bracelet, then looked to the sky. The sun was setting, and some stars were already starting to peak out and become visible. Some were probably actually planets, as some were in a line, matching the belt-like orbit they took on Orion. But there were certainly others starting to twinkle in the night sky.

“We can even see some stars, it’s perfect,” she said, before standing up. Nick looked around, then up at her. The girl was tall as hell.

“Should I stand too? It’s kinda awkward, with you towering over me and me sitting.”

She reached out her hands with a smile, and helped him stand. Still, he had to look up at her, with her being a couple of feet taller than him. The essence in the area stirred, and Nick could even feel his essence being drawn in suddenly. Within him, he felt a stirring within his Soul Core. If he wanted, he could reject this magic she was about to use, Archaen Law more than capable of rejecting it. Instead, he stirred his Soul Magic, preparing to make her his.

A burst of essence shot out of her, of the prismatic, multicolored light. It was a rainbow of sparkling color, that reminded Nick of Eirwen’s starlight and wish magic, or the odd devotion essence his wives seemed to fill him with.

The energy expanded outward in a sphere, and as Nick looked up, he could see even more stars twinkling. Constellations formed, lines running between the countless patterns above them. Millions of stars could be seen, the most epic night sky he had ever seen.

A halo-like aura surrounded Shara, and she smiled at him with pride. The skin-colored horns now took on that same prismatic glow, and it seemed she was waiting for him.

Nick’s eyes grew white as soul essence ignited. He read the desires within her soul, and then spoke the words of his oath “Shara Fatestrider, I offer you a Soul Pact to be my wife. If you accept, I swear to love and cherish you, to protect you and empower you as a Lord of Orion, and help make your dreams come true. No matter how many wives I have in the future, I will do what it takes to make you feel loved and treasured as we walk our paths together, into Eternity.”

He had read her soul, and he knew that Shara was worried about her mother and father, and her people’s future. Carrying the bloodline of the Fatestrider Matriarch, it was her responsibility to ensure that her people could continue walking their path. After seeing her people suffer at the hands of the Fate Eaters, she wished for her people’s success from the bottom of her heart.

“If you accept this pact, I swear to you that I will do everything in my power to ensure the Fatestrider Clan can find and walk their Path on Orion, putting control of their fates and success into their own hands, and without fully giving up on their heritage.”

Shara was moved by his promise, a small smile touching on her lips as she had sucked in a surprised breath at his proclamation. “Nicholas Noblefrost, you and I are Fated. It is the will of the heavens that you and I are together, our partnership written within the stars themselves. I place my mark on you, a symbol of my devotion and my love. I vow to love you and fight by your side, to be your partner in life and in the dao. As we become linked, destined to die at the same day and at the same time, or never at all, together for all Eternity: I accept your Pact.”

Her horns lit up even brighter, before shooting out like lightning, straight at his chest. And then, it was like too many things began to occur at once for him to keep track of them all, both to Nick and to Shara.

Searing his Soul Core with prismatic light, a pattern of starlight scattered throughout his Soul Core, producing an odd, marbling or fractal-like effect. And as this occurred, he felt something within him shift. A vibration, a thrumming of his Soul Core. Something about him became more, and he had a hard time putting a finger on precisely what it was. It was almost like his Concept had become stronger, but it was something different entirely.

A heritage quest had completed when she accepted his pact, and it seemed his connections to most of his Followers shifted. He wasn’t sure what it was, but it felt a lot like Soul Fortress. However, golden light had also begun to cascade around Shara, as she suddenly cried out in pain and she fell to her knees.

The essence of Orion rushed into her, and he only barely understood what was happening, since he could see her Soul Core forming. She was being initiated into Orion as she became his Archaen Wife, her Dantians altered into the cores of this world, it appeared.

Eventually, the essence and golden lights stopped, and Shara was just breathing heavily, visibly, no worse for wear. It seemed she had become an Archaen version of the Star Oni, just like the rest of his wives.

Her sparkling, starlight aura still shimmered around her, along with the bright energy contained within her horns. Then, the stars in her eyes only increased in their brightness as she looked at the ground in front of her. Otherwise, there was very little change that he could visibly see.

Nick was a bit out of it too, thanks to the change within his connections. “Are you alright? I had…no idea that was going to happen.”

Shara was a bit out of it. “I’m…mostly fine. I just feel like… so much was shoved into me. I see Orion’s Menu now, so I must have joined it. It’s asking me to select a class.”

“That’s kind of important, you may want to do that right now, before anything else.”

She nodded and she seemed to take a look, so Nick decided to take a look at his prompts.

[Heritage Quest Complete. You have an Outlander Follower and Wife.]

[Trait Earned: Outlander Heritage]

[Through your Soul Pact, Followers who initiate to Orion should better retain their traits and specialties, your Soul acting as a shield and bridge to the essence of Orion as their spiritual roots are altered. Wives will automatically be integrated into Orion as their Soul Core is formed.]

Nick groaned. “It’s great that it gave us that, but it would have saved us some headache if I knew that was what was going to happen, huh?”

Next, he looked at how Orion interpreted his promise.

[Soul Pact: Shara Fatestrider]

[You promised Shara Fatestrider that you would find a viable Path on Orion for the Fatestrider Clan to walk, that matched their ancestors. On Orion, there are many ways to accomplish this, and your Quest will be deemed complete when Shara herself feels you have been successful in this.]

She seemed to select her class, a smile on her lips. “There was only one Epic Class and its name was fitting enough, so I picked it. Archaen Fatestrider Warrior.”

“Damn, Epic? It’s good that you’re okay. Here, let’s sit down and rest for a bit, to recover from…that.” Nick sat down next to her to hug her on the quilt.

When he touched her with his arms around her, it was like a jolt of electricity ran through her. Her eyes snapped up to his, and a smile bloomed on her face. Her eyes lit up, the stars within her iris glimmering in the light.

Shara’s voice was gentle, but full of emotion. “There you are, my love. Finally, I feel like I can truly see you.”

Nick chuckled. “Yeah, I’m right here. A lot happened, but I didn’t go anywhere, you know.”

She hugged him tenderly, a satisfied smile on her lips. The girl stayed on her knees, and was thus kind of towered over him as he sat.

“I’m so happy that I found you, my fated, my destined. Now that I’ve found you, I’ll never want to let you go. My heart is full to bursting.” She leaned down and kissed his lips, and starlight exploded again, her kiss starting soft and chaste at first. He returned the kiss, hugging her back and conveying his feelings he had for her.

What he had for her was far from love in such a short period, but he wanted and desired her for everything that she was and would be, and knew that love would certainly build in time. Just by becoming his wife, she was his forever. And that was enough for him to go to the ends of the world for her.

Moaning into his mouth as they kissed, her tender kisses became more daring, more fervent. She quested for his tongue as she parted her lips, as if she wanted to drink and eat Nick up.

Her breathing was picking up, and starlight was gathering in her chest. It was as if her heart were producing the starlight energy, and some of it was being drawn into her Soul Core. Likely, some of it was also heading into her mind, causing her to go berserk.

“Nicholas.”

Shara’s eyes started to take on a fervent gleam, and it was a little freaky if Nick was honest.

“What is it?”

“I…want you so much. And I feel like… I won’t be able to hold myself back. It’s like…when we fight…but different.”

“It’s alright. I want you too–”

She bowled him over, her lips crashing against his as she kissed him fiercely. From on top of him, she began to kiss down his throat and neck, moaning all the while. Untying the belt of his robes, she started to undress him, but Nick grabbed her hand and stopped her.

“Er–wait a minute. Jasmine had set up the portable cottage, over there. Let’s head where it’s more priv–oof.” Nick grunted as Shara got up and lifted him over her shoulders mid-sentence, then began carrying him over to the cottage like a sack of potatoes at a full sprint and in a steely grip.

Nick was confident in his strength before, but how was she suddenly so strong? As it turned out, he just might have to…endure.