Welcome to Gaia! ::

Shale’s grip tightened as he stirred. His well ordered mind was as jumbled a mess as his hair was and he struggled to reconcile the gaps in his memory. But, chaotic thoughts or not, Ilea smelled great. She felt great too. Thoughts skipped about, dancing around something that he was forgetting. It had something to do with why it felt like they were laying on the floor. Where were they again?

Ah, that’s right. He had gone to help Ilea deal with her former master’s private quarters. He had altered the rooms… and then…

His eyes snapped open and his awareness suddenly flooded the room. Ilea looked like she had been beaten. She almost looked like a wild animal had gotten to her, not that any normal beast would have survived trying anything. But, the look on her face said that she was savoring the afterglow. It was a look that she wouldn’t have if it hadn’t been the two of them.

The room didn’t seem to have too much obvious damage to a casual eye but there were deep gouges in some parts of the wall and some pieces of the table had actually been broken off. There were even places where powerful claws had punctured straight into the stone of the floor and the walls. The most obvious change to Shale was that some of the chains and other bindings had been broken or slashed and lay in pieces on the floor.

A very calm and rational part of Shale Elkiel’s mind deduced that the two of them had engaged in a violently passionate bout of intimacy and that Ilea was positively beaming over the results. That part of his mind was also, unfortunately, not paying sufficient attention to the surrounding environment. In particular, it wasn’t paying enough attention to the powerful surge of panic and creeping horror that had taken control of the rest of his mind and was busy trying to get his body to run. It was making very strong progress, though his body remained on the floor for some reason, and had succeeded in causing the majority of his body to change its shape.

In fact, only his panicked eyes remained the same.

His body was much like a wolf with fur black as night, yet tinged with deep blue and purple where the light struck it just right. He also had four tails tipped in razor sharp bladed spines and covered in alternating strips of fur and bone white scales. These tails were rigid with tension and his back paws faintly scratched at the floor, seeking purchase but too unfamiliar to be used effectively. A faint whine escaped from his throat as he finally gathered enough of his wits to fully understand what he was sensing.

“I completely lost control!” He thought, practically screaming in the depths of his mind.

Shale’s world had changed. Sound, sight, smell, and sensation had all changed. Ilea’s scent seemed to fill the world. While panic filled the depths of his mind, its waves never managed to crest. At every surge, his body trembled. At every surge, Ilea’s scent was there to calm it. Her touch was there to pull it back down.

The panic was strong, as was the shock. He had believed that his demonic form had been completely extracted and destroyed. Discovering it this way was unheard of! His thoughts were racing, bouncing from the damage to the room to the numerous marks on Ilea and himself and the sensory information from his newly gained form. The flow of information was swift but uneven, punctuated with surges and moments of total stillness at unpredictable times.

It was too much.

Normal demons could take their demonic form with little to no effort. Shale was far from normal. He was far more than a normal demon but also far less, in certain ways. The altered state of body was a strain that he could not maintain for long. Even with Ilea’s comfort and support, he couldn’t handle the ramifications of his outburst and the change in his body at the same time. He shifted back with a soft whine that transitioned into a groan as the change progressed.

Shale had regained much in his short time with Ilea. But, he had gained far more than what he had before. In fact, he had gained things that he had never thought of wanting. But now, on the floor of such a room, another of those things rose to the surface.

He needed her.

Every part of him demanded her, cried out for her. His grip on her tightened again and he pulled her closer until there was no room between them at all. His hands began to slowly explore every place where he had marked her as his lips found her neck. Last time he had lost himself in her. This time, he found himself again the same way. Urgently and tenderly, he expressed everything he felt without words. Ilea had saved him, restored him, motivated him, and inspired him.

Everything else could wait.

This time was slower and less violent but no less intense, leaving Ilea barely conscious and Shale feeling quite thoroughly fatigued. It had been a busy and draining day. He rose from the floor first, lifting Ilea and carrying her from that room into the newly shaped lounge. The couches were his objective and he gently laid her on one while he went back to the other room for their body suits.

The changes to the rooms would not keep them at a soothing temperature like what he had done in the Amber Forge. The coolness of being underground would remain and the floor would likely be cold year-round. However, the couches, desks and work tables radiated a gentle warmth to maintain a comfortable area around them. After all, most who decide to stay in one place and read or write usually want to be warm enough while doing so. This area of warmth would also soothe some of Ilea’s sore muscles and relieve fatigue to a limited extent.

Ilea’s bodysuit understood his gestured instruction and slithered from where it lay to rest itself on the back of the couch where Ilea was resting until she needed it. Shale’s own suit was unceremoniously donned as he emerged from the Crimson Conservatory, so he thought of it although he had not formally named it, and strode to the couch where Ilea lay. Once there, he gently lifted her head and sat so that her head rested on his lap with his fingers gently running through her hair again and again.

His mind was focused again, and clear. But, he could still sense that his more primal demon nature was going to be a repeating factor in his life from this point on. Still, while he frowned briefly at the thought, he couldn’t bring himself to actually dislike or reject it and the frown faded quickly to be replaced by a soft and thoughtful smile. He replayed the events of the previous hours in his mind, those that he could recall. It was almost like hearing Ilea’s words again. Her praise and brilliant joy at both his work and his transformation warmed him from within. He hadn’t known her for very long. Even humans had relationships that developed slower. But still, he couldn’t imagine being without her.

He gazed at her resting form tenderly before reaching into a subtly concealed pouch that was at the end of the couch and pulled out a thin blanket that resembled silk but radiated warmth like the couch. He carefully placed this over Ilea to cover her from the neck down and tapped the edge that touched the back of the couch, causing it to cling there and resist slipping. They could rest like this for a little while. But, they would have to get back to work sooner or later.

Though, thinking of work reminded him of the female servant who had brought him word of Ilea’s situation. That had taken both bravery and independence. Taking initiative like that would likely have earned her a terrible death under the previous lord of this castle. It was a thing that Shale would have to reward. Well considered initiative was a trait that he found valuable. Those who could be proven to have it as well as loyalty would be indispensable to stabilizing this volatile and dark region.

He would need to learn that servant’s name. She would likely be getting promoted soon enough.

Shale’s hand slipped down to Ilea’s shoulder as she lifted her head. It took him a couple moments to make the jump from what he had been considering to what she was hinting at. As he understood, this was a project that Goh had rebuffed out of fear and jealousy.

His interest was far more than simply piqued. A subtle smile spread over his face.

“Of course, Ilea.” He said, whispering softly as he leaned down to barely brush her shoulder with a kiss. “I’d be happy to take a look at your work.”

He had a strong feeling that there were no notable flaws, unless Goh had deliberately corrupted the knowledge he gave her. There was a strong possibility that he had done so, however. For all his raw power, his actual magical knowledge was quite limited. If he had been just a little less obsessed with regaining his godhood he might have truly become impossible to fully destroy.

Shale’s thumb traced Ilea’s cheek as he watched her face. This was an important thing, a moment of growth and another sign of her development and growing strength. It was time to see what she was able to do while under that moron’s defective mentorship.

It was a pleasure to watch Ilea move. Her enjoyment was pure and strong, personal and decadent. Shale could clearly see that she relished every sign that he… cherished her. Her every little moment of growth from the touch of her lips to the small signs of uncertainty as she continued to bloom by his side. Still, she would likely be walking a step behind for awhile yet. Eventually, he was certain that he would be able to savor the sight of her walking beside him. For now though, there were other matters to attend to.

Shale stood as Ilea walked down the hallway, noting that the servant had been given a task and sent elsewhere. That servant… he needed to think of a proper promotion for her. But, there were three other issues to address while he had a moment alone. He had to be quick. Neither the servant nor Ilea would dawdle.

First, Shale strode quickly to the desk. He had felt a familiar form during the reshaping. And, there it was. It was small but it was still a piece of one of Ilea’s daggers. They meant too much for him to simply dispose of them. He had cleansed them of Goh’s blood instead. For now, he picked up the shard and took it into the Conservatory. He would see to the repair of the daggers later.

His body suit had suffered damage during his earlier… outburst. He removed it again and laid it out before him on the table that had already seen so many interesting forms of use. Now it would see another. He drew from the shadows in the room, threads of glittering darkness slipped into the suit, binding and repairing the damaged portions of the outfit and further strengthening it with subtle magic to dissuade flames and cold. His time in King Lareth’s company taught him that his loyalty might not always be enough to protect him from his passionate King’s wrath and the guardian of the castle would not simply sit by idly if the King seemed to be in danger. These enchantments were potent and well concealed, but Shale was certain that they would only serve to slow down such power as those two could command. The completed suit looked much as it had before, but it was slightly more embellished with delicate patterns in ruddy gold and amber that somehow glittered with hints of blue.

It was time to test the most important alteration.

He donned the bodysuit once more and took a step away from the table to have sufficient room. Then he closed his eyes in concentration and willed himself to change forms. The change happened smoothly, but slowly. It was nearly a full minute before he stood with good balance on his paws and felt that it was complete. The change in balance was dramatic. He felt strong, physically strong. It was the first time that he had felt like his body could fight, rather than just his magic. He flexed his tails and moved them around, accidentally bumping the walls and table several times before he started to get a feel for their reach and flexibility. He would need a lot of practice in this form to truly make the most of it. But this was a good beginning. He changed back, calmly and slowly. When he stood again in his normal form, he took a good look at his remade bodysuit. It had adjusted to the change and had not suffered any damage. The garment had also added somewhat to his natural defenses in his demon form as well.

Shale allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction at the success of this minor but vital project. He had practiced his new form, repaired and improved his bodysuit, and collected the small shard of Ilea’s precious dagger for later repair which now rested within a small pocket of his bodysuit. It had been a very productive period. But the servant or Ilea would likely be returning soon and it would not do to be unprepared.

He reclaimed his staff and returned to his seat, restored the blanket to the couch’s pouch and placed his staff standing upright beside his knee. It rotated slowly, glowing with a dim and ruddy golden light. He was still seated in this position when the servant returned, bearing food and wine. Ilea’s orders, no doubt. He granted her permission to enter with a small gesture and conjured a small stand to support what she had brought out of shadow and magic. Only when she had set down the food did Shale speak.

“What is your name?”

Baron Shale’s gaze was keen as the sharpest edge and as dispassionate as though he were observing the qualities of a stone. Indeed, he was. He was trying to determine this girl’s potential.

Being born of this place and having attracted Goh’s attention without desiring it meant that there was something special about her. The fact that she had survived and succeeded in remaining so intact was a testament to her tenacity and endurance. Her initiative meant that she instinctively understood the concept of service better than most. Shale’s newfound hedonistic streak also took note that she wasn’t bad looking at all.

No she wasn’t.

But…

Ilea was several orders of magnitude better on that score, to say nothing of every other level of comparison that Shale could come up with. His hedonistic side registered this girl’s attractiveness in much the same way that a scholar enters an obligatory footnote into a report. It was worth noting but not worthy of action. Though, it might be a useful trait later. Time would tell.

“Your initiative was well considered and timely. You know how to serve well.” Shale said without emotion touching his voice. “I will offer you a promotion.”

Shale’s staff glowed brighter for a brief moment as he drew from the Amber Forge to weave amber and shadow into a living golem in the shape of a three headed snake made of blackest shadow with gold edging on its scales and eyes of glowing amber. The body of the snake, as it formed on the table, was long and loose and slender. It seemed such a delicate thing, yet it radiated power and authority. It would make it difficult for those with no resistance to domination to disobey its wearer. Yet, it also had fangs concealed within its mouths. Treason against Shale or Ilea would cause it to bite its wearer, sealing them in a timeless moment of burning agony for three days before it would let them die. Of course, this would only matter if treason occurred. If not, there was no reason that Kirsa would need to know about it. The snake curled upon itself and looked at Kirsa with three pairs of glowing amber eyes.

“If you accept, pick up the symbol of your new position. It will take its rightful place, as will you. This promotion will place you above all of the other servants on the main floor. You will be responsible for overseeing all common tasks on that level, including the maintenance of the throne room.”

Shale then fell silent and waited. Goh had never allowed promotions. Kirsa would likely not know what to do. Still, this would be an excellent way to see if she had a greater measure of ambition than of terror. If she reached out to touch the serpent it would slither up her arm, under her clothes, and wrap its body around her neck to become a choker. One head would position its gaze forward and would rest at the center of the collarbone. Each of the others would look right and left, respectively, and would rest at the midpoints between the shoulder and the neck on the collarbone. It would feel warm and metallic, soothing and empowering. Yet, it also would allow its wearer to sense the difference between their power and that of their master with greater… accuracy.

Baron Shale sat quietly as his servant accepted her promotion, watching every detail and motion. She had ambition to spare and her pride was blooming quickly, very quickly. For all the power of Shale’s magic, that choker shouldn’t have effected such a dramatic change unless there was already a strong and assertive personality underneath it. She would need some oversight to ensure that she didn’t grow too… confident. But, he was more certain now that she would be of great use later.

He let her go with a silent gesture. Her rank might have increased but she was still very close to the bottom. Greater acknowledgment would be unwarranted at this stage. His eyes seemed to stay focused on the space where Kirsa had been standing while Ilea came in. But, this was mostly because he didn’t want her to see his curiosity and the strength of his interest in these guards that she had made.

“Kirsa. She has potential but, you are right. She will need to be watched closely. Her talents and bloodline could be of great use, but her place will have to be… very clearly understood.” He said to Ilea once they were alone and she had voiced her opinion. “Keep an eye on her for signs of growth as well as signs of … excess.” If Kirsa could be groomed properly then she might make for a decent Lady in Waiting for Ilea. It would be another step in the direction of having Ilea at his side instead of behind him.

With that business attended to, he finally allowed himself to look at the guards that Ilea had brought. He had to suppress a twitch. They were… heavily customized. Each one, right from the start, was clearly adjusted with meticulous care. In fact, they did arouse his concern a little. Ilea’s insecurity was written into their design as well as practically shining forth from her body language. He didn’t want to cause her distress. Goh had been very careful to destroy her previous attempt with decisive prejudice. He would have to be very careful with his criticisms. At this point, these were Ilea’s best work.

He stood, slowly and easily. His staff in hand, he walked to the end of the line to examine the first of his new personal guards. He began by examining it visually, walking around it and studying the materials and organization. Then he stood in front of it and tapped the butt of his staff on the floor, creating a small spark of magic that hopped to the floor between the guard’s feet and grew into a circle that emitted waves of light upward as it scanned the golem’s internal structure and magical makeup. After a few moments, the spell faded and he moved on to the next one. The procedure was the same with each. It wasn’t as hard to maintain a neutral expression as he thought it would be.

They were fascinating. Obsessively detailed, honed, modified, and perfected in each particular over and over again. They were almost a perfect depiction of how Ilea served. Total commitment, total loyalty, no inherent contradictions or self-defensive desires at all. Unfortunately, that combination isn’t always ideal for every position. Though, here it seemed necessary. Shale had always avoided using souls. They carried fragments of the being they came from and that could be troublesome if they were given complex orders that were open to interpretation. Yet, these seemed to have been made at ease in their new forms. In fact, there were elements of the design that made Shale think of rumors regarding the possibility of Necromantic Resurrection.

Though, there were no records of anyone succeeding in that particular feat.

He had finished his examination. It was time to give his assessment to Ilea. He turned to her and gestured for her to come to him and stand before the last of the Elite Guard. Then he cast a slower and more persistent version of the spell he had used to examine their magical makeup so that she could see exactly what he was describing.

First, he put his hand on hers and guided it to touch the center of the magical web that flowed through the guard. He then used the bond to expand her perceptions just a hair. With that tiny boost she should be able to feel the qualities of the flow much like having a hand in a stream of water. While she had done an amazing job with these guards, there were flaws.

“You’ve done very well. Many who learned from proper masters spend their whole lives and still fail to approach the level of skill you already have. These are capable of standing against many of my own. If they had been at Goh’s side, the trap… would likely have failed without other efforts, or sacrifices.” His voice was even but his touch was warm and certain. “The imperfections that I see are simply the product of the complexity of the layered modifications. These will serve by my side very well but I want you to see how your skills can further improve. Seeing these, I am even more certain that your future power and achievement will be… amazing to see.” A smile spread across his face unconsciously as he said this.

Then he proceeded to point out the specific points where layered modifications and repeated alterations had constricted or diverted the flow of power, making the guard slightly less efficient. There were also places where certain fine tuning elements had been adjusted to be a little too precise, making the guard more vulnerable to disruptive magics and attacks. The flaws were small and each one was a product of Ilea’s devotion to the task, her devotion to her master. As that relationship had been tainted from the start, such a clear product would have flaws in its fundamental psychology and architecture. However, for all that, Ilea’s natural ability and grasp of the material had carried through and produced a series of masterful creations. After he finished with the one guard, he moved down the line and showed Ilea everything that he saw. There were several that only had small weaknesses or flaws but they were planted so deep within the structure that they were interfering with later modifications and having a more significant effect. Thus, they went down the line.

Shale knew that Ilea was probably going to feel terrible after this, but it was the final outcome of this that needed to be positive. This would teach her a great deal about streamlining and simplifying the magical architecture of her constructs. It would make it easier for her to make more of them, faster, and avoid any inefficiencies. It would allow her to stand more powerfully at his side, with elite creations of her own answering her call instead of her needing to use ones that were from Shale’s army.

After finishing his analysis and explanations, Shale proceeded to go back down the line with Ilea. This time, he showed her exactly how to correct the issues and imperfections that he had described before. He walked her through every step, teaching her every skill involved along the way. It would be a lot to learn in a short time but Ilea had bet a lot on this moment. He had every intention of giving her a suitable return. And, when they finished with the last one and the polishing was done, he took her by the shoulders and turned her around to face him.

“I am proud of you. These are amazing work and I know that I can expect even more of you in the future. Thank you for this precious gift, my Ilea.” Then he leaned down to kiss her lips gently and softly.