Instead of commenting Joseph once again placed his hand on the hill of Maria's foot. His hand just barely stretched the length of her hill but it came no where near covering it. An odd feeling came over him as he noted Maria's toes and how they wiggled. For a moment it seemed like she was using her toes to wave at him and before he could think about what he was doing he'd leaned forward and gave Maria's foot a kiss.

The moment Joseph's lips met her foot Maria let out a slight yelp. Before she could even think about what she was doing she had pulled her leg back though there was a massive grin on her face. "What was that for?"

"I. I um have no ideal."

At first Maria said nothing but just looked at Joseph then an amused giggle escaped her. "Well don't do that it tickles and besides I prefer to get kisses else where."

"It tickles?" As he spoke Joseph began work on the foot that was still within range.

"Yes!"

Once again an odd feeling came over Joseph though this time he knew what it was. Without a moments hesitation he wrapped his right arm around Maria's massive leg and began to very gently run his fingers over the pad of her left foot. He actually had to regain his grip seconds later as the muscles in Maria's leg seemed to explode forcing his grip to loosen. Fortunately she didn't pull her leg back this time as he would have been going along for the ride.

"Joseph!"

It was impossible for Joseph to keep from grinning as he heard Maria burst into giggles seconds later. While he couldn't see what was going on behind him it was clear he was onto something as he heard her laughing. There were several moments in which she was clearly trying to tell him to leg go but her giggles overwhelmed her ability to speak. "So it seems that it's gentle force which is your weakness."

"St. Stop it! You!" Before she could finish Maria had nearly fallen over onto her side laughing. It was with supreme effort thus that she bit down on her lower lip and began to set up while reaching out for Joseph. Unfortunately her effort proved futile as once again laughter overcame her and she fell to her side.

"I have you n" a massive tail slamming into Joseph's mouth stopped him from speaking. The tail didn't stop at halting his speech though but quickly wrapped around his face covering both his nose and his mouth. Immediately he noted a new found difficulty in breathing but he didn't relent on tickling Maria's foot.

At least she still had control of her tail. As Maria wrapped it around Joseph's head she had no intention of hurting him. She wasn't going to just stay there helplessly either. She just had to keep him from getting enough oxygen to continue his attack. Fortunately the vigorous pace at which he was working his arms called for a lot of oxygen. Unfortunately it was very hard to keep her tail taught without hurting him while being tickled.

***********************************************************************************

Mirara gave a sigh as she snapped the dead branch off the tree. "We came through here just three days ago. I can still smell our scent."

In response Nora gave a nod and looked around. All around them were leafless trees with then branches some turning white some turning black. The roots where turning black. There was a few splotches of white on the trees and the ground had been covered by a black muck. The entire area stunk of rot. "It's all dead now though."

"I believe I heard something about other sisters finding sites like this. What do you believe we should do Mirara?"

A low growl escaped Mirara as she looked around. Find out who had done this was the dominant thought in her mind but she pushed it away. "Sniff around and rip of anything that you believe may give our brothers a clue as to what happened. We'll take a sample with us back to the village but we're not actually going to take it into the village. Make sure you both remember this place encase one of our brothers wants to come back and look around."

There were no words of confirmation from either sister as they both began to busy themselves searching the area. Mirara for her part took a moment to look around and took in a few more breathes of air. A slight scent hit her nose seconds later and she found herself wondering to the side. The scent was faint and each time she tried to find it again she had to take several breathes. She soon found what she was smelling though as she began to move away several bits of debris. Resting under a few bits of black foliage she was a bit surprised to find a tiny healthy acorn. She wasted no time retrieving it.

***********************************************************************************

"It's a dryads acorn." Mirin couldn't help but note as he looked at the tiny seed. Typically dryads were bound to a given tree. However, they could move by producing certain acorns and sending them out. These acorns contained part of the dryads essence and could be used to form a few tree so she could abandon the old. Though this meant starting over from a sapling. It was a dangerous act that dryads tended to avoid unless they felt there was truly no choice.

"Is that why it wasn't like everything else there?"

"I won't know for certain until those samples you brought back are examined but I believe so. The natural purifying abilities of a dryad would have protected this acorn. I'm actually tempted to examine it further but that won't do."

"Huh? Why not?"

"Mirara I want you to find a nice place within the safe zone of our community to plant this acorn. The dryad might have moved on but if she hasn't then I believe we should do it. We have no way of finding the dryad who made this acorn but if they haven't formed a new tree yet then she may be brought to us."

"Alright."

"Oh. Also make sure all our sisters know to protect the tree as well and to be careful around it. I'll make sure that our brothers know of its presence as well."

"That sounds good. So what are we going to do about the dead area though?"

A sigh escaped Mirin as he shook his head. "I'll send a brother to go burn the area and make sure there is no residual magic. Give me about two hours to find someone and could you send two or three guardians down this way to escort him?"

"Sure but Mirin you seemed really tired right then."

"It's not that I'm tired physically it's just I'm tired of not having the needed resources. I'd love to send a group of brothers to look at that location or even go myself however I can't do that. We don't have enough people who have the time. I'm tired of not having the resources we need."

"I understand. I can't say we're doing much better."

"You mean you can't patrol like you'd want to."

"Unfortunately no. How goes setting up the new system though?"

"It should be finished within a week. Once the system has been set up we'll be far more aware of what comes into and goes out of our secure locations."

"Um I know you said you're busy but could you explain what it is exactly?"

"The basics sure. Effectively we're making golems and stationing them to observe certain key locations however these aren't ordinary gollems. That's not to say they're particularly powerful in fact in many ways they're far inferior to standard golems."

"Then what's important about them?"

"Well they can't walk around or grab things they can't even speak verbally. If you saw one you'd probably believe that it was just a stone. However, what they can do is network their awareness with a central golem which can communication the information and they can be produced very rapidly. We're positioning them all throughout the area to act as additional eyes and ears."

"Oh that sounds pretty clever. Who's ideal was it to make use of such golems?"

"Well. It was mine. Though I can't say the ideal is entirely of my own design. I had some inspiration. Anyway, Mirara don't forget to take some time to yourself to relax."

"I know. I'm probably going to spend some time with Markus."

"Are you two getting along well?"

"Yep. I'm hoping that he'll be joining our community soon. I understand that he still wants to leave on some levels but I hope he realizes he can have a full life here with us as well."

"I'm certain that you can show him that."

"Hey Mirin. If we're so hard pressed why don't we call in some more allies?"

"Well we already have. Pera has been tasked with locating her father so he can help us get in touch with the other druids."

"I guess after all of this we're going to be a little bit in debt to our allies."

"This does concern them but I believe we should be grateful for them not siding with the enemy or leaving the burden on us. We'll just have to make sure to let them now we appreciate that."

***********************************************************************************

Phinila had a wide grin on her face as her daughter approached along with a rather familiar face. "Desmon it's good to see you."

"You as well Phinila. I see you've been taking good care of our girl and yourself. You look a bit taller then the last time I saw you."

A slight chuckle escaped Phinila and she gave a nod. "Well I don't know if I'm taller. Perhaps you're just shorter?"

"No. I don't believe so. So what are you doing out here?"

"I'm here to greet the two of you and make sure you're comfortable of course. You may be here a while as we didn't know when you'd be arriving."

"What? I'm the one sent for and I have to wait?"

"Well we are quite busy."

"Ah well it's alright. That just means I'll have time to catch up with our daughter more. So have you been doing well Phinila?"

"As well as can be expected during these times." Phnilia couldn't help but grin as Desmon came within arms reach and she found herself looking down at him. The fact that he was slightly below her chests put a smile on her face that she couldn't remove. "From your scent I'm guessing you haven't been in human form for long."

"I've spent the last months living as a bear attempting to get further in touch with the true nature of the animal. I believe I've made progress. Though if we're going to talk about such things I believe we should excuse Pera for the time being. I already gave her the story on the way here as she gave me the story of what has been happening here despite me insisting I'd rather here about what's been going on in her life.. That was some incident at the beach and it's hard to believe you were attacked directly."

"It was a shock to us all believe me." As she spoke Phanilia turned and began to walk. While her legs moved her tail extended back and wrapped around Desmon so that she was pulling him along.

"Um Phanila where are we going?"

"I figured we'd head over to my house and you could take a bath. I meant it when I said you smelt like you hadn't been in human form in a long time."

"Hey now I thought you said you liked my scent."

"No. I said you smelt very tasty. Of course, that's not necessarily a bad thing but it's not a good thing when around so many of my sisters. I also doubt my brothers would like you smelling like all the out doors either."

"Pera tell your mother that I don't smell that bad."

"Well actually dad. You kind of do."

A long groan escaped Desmon as he shook his head. "Fine fine. You know it's not like I never groom myself or wash off."

"Well this time you're going to use soap. Then again. Perhaps we shouldn't wash you off right when we get home."

"I'm leaving!"

Desmon couldn't help but grin as he looked back to see Pera come to a dead stop and begin to walk in the other direction. "I'll see you later today Pera."

"Um make that later this evening sweet heart."

"No more details or suggestions!" Instead of waiting around Pera quickly began to sprint away.

"She's sure grown a lot since I last saw her and I'm not just talking about her height. She seems like she's going to be catching up to you in size soon enough. Do you believe you're ready for that?"

"Yeah, honestly I expect our daughter to make keeper some day and I'll have to look up to her."

"You know you could probably make keeper if you wanted to push for it."

Phanila smiled a bit and slowed down long enough just to give Desmon a kiss on the forehead. "Thanks for the vote of confidence but I don't believe so. I just don't have the mentality to be a keeper. Besides all that additional responsibility would get in the way of my current life style."

***********************************************************************************

"The frost bombs were a response to an immediate need as were the fire potions. They weren't meant to be a long term alternative and we've built up a sufficient stockpile to begin thinking of longer term alternatives."

"What are you talking about Dan? At the moment the most any of our sisters carry with them is seven. That's hardly enough for a long drawn out battle. Even if each of our sisters had a supply of seven during the attack upon our village they still wouldn't have had enough to repel the kobolds by themselves."

"That's another important point though. How many potions can our sisters pack on their person without hindering themselves? I would say twenty at the max and that's pushing it. With a shaper though they could carry at least fifty charges in less space then twenty potions."

"That may be true but think of how our sisters fight. In all likelihood they'll end up shattering the shaper as well and those aren't easy to make. Just the silver involved in their development is a serious problem. We don't have the resources of the outside world."

"Silver can be recovered and reused if the shaper is damaged though. As important though are the potions. You said what if the shaper is broken. Well that means the shaper is broken and the potion they have on them is useless but the shaper can be repaired. What happens if they break the bottles or even a single bottle that contains an alchemical formula though? We get a nice explosion or a release of cold that is likely to set off the other potions. At least in the case of a damaged shaper we don't end up with a massive explosion of cold or heat."

"Okay Dan you have a point there but what about this. It takes several hours to make a single shaper during which many potions can be made. Do we have the time to make enough shapers for our sisters to use factoring in the need to repair the damaged ones?"

"I say that we do. I strongly believe we've built up a large enough stock pile of combat potions that we can begin working on the shapers."

"I don't agree. In one serious battle all of those potions could be consumed. Just because our sisters haven't encountered many problems now doesn't mean they won't soon."

"You overestimate how likely our sisters are to use those potions. Keep in mind the only reason spells of any type were needed was the village was in danger. If our sisters had intercepted the kobolds further away it would have been an easy task for them to slaughter them. They weren't calling upon our magic to help them they were calling upon our magic to help protect us."

"What about those sisters that were injured during the fighting? It was clear they were losing numbers."

"The rate at which the kobolds were declining in numbers far exceeded our sisters injuries."

"You claim that but what proof do you have?"

It was impossible for Dan not to grin as he looked at the questioning brothers. "At the point of our interference in the battle the kobolds numbers had been reduced by roughly twenty percent of their total. The total that would be attacking that is. This was estimated by making use of data obtained from Fera as well as life scrying in the region as well as by noting the total mass of kobolds we had to deal with. On the other hand though only seventy three of our sisters had been forced to retreat from the actual fighting. Of those seventy three fifty two of them would have been rejoining the battle shortly. Only four of those sisters had been seriously injured enough that they wouldn't be able to rejoin the battle within the day. The kobolds were losing fighting strength much faster then our sisters and in reality the numbers don't give an accurate picture of what was happening. Of those sisters who were taken out of the fighting most were guardians."

Mirin couldn't help but grin as he glanced over at the brothers who had been giving Dan a hard time. Numbers could be such a wonderful thing to shut people up. They were other issues though. "I see what you're saying Dan. However, we've also determined that this was the weaker kobolds we were facing. There wasn't a shaman amongst their ranks or any that could be termed as a leader. If they had a few shamans or even other kobolds to serve as leaders and guide their attack they would have done better."

"I can't dispute that but that would be the same for potions or shapers."

"What is to stop them from intentionally targeting the shapers though?"

"To be honest they probably will once they see what is happening. However, what's to stop them from having their shaman try to set off the potions our sisters are packing in advance or telling the other kobolds to strike them there? At least with the shapers the worse thing that would happen is our sisters lose their weapons. In the case of the potions we get an explosion."

"That is true and it would be easier on maintenance."

"What!" Shot throughout the room as several brothers turned to Mirin. "What are you talking about? The shapers will be harder to maintain."

"You're wrong. The potions our sisters are packing on themselves now are degrading. As time goes on they'll lose more and more of their power and we'll have to keep replacing them. This isn't the case for shapers. I for one am for halting the production of potions and beginning work on shapers."

"Do you seriously believe we can make shapers sturdy enough to endure our sisters use?"

"They're grown women not children they can be careful. Besides we make glass bottles that can."

"They're contained in special carrying cases and you know it!"

"Then we adjust the carrying cases a bit."

As Joseph listened to the happenings going on around him he glanced over at Dan who seemed to be relaxing now. "They're starting to yell."

"Yeah."

"I thought they were more orderly then this."

"They'll get rational again in about five minutes and starting making compromises. That or Mirin and several other rank eights will shut them up. So how have you and Maria been doing? We haven't been able to really talk as of late or spend any time together."

"Maria is coming home every day with her feet tired and hurting which is astounding to me. I never thought her legs got tired or her feet got sore. How is Mina doing? Is the baby alright?"

"Mina is doing fine and the baby should be as well. Though she's starting to stress. She doesn't want to risk any complications during our child's birth you see so this war came at a very poor time. I've been helping to keep her relaxed though."

"How so?"

"Many messages, a listening ear and sweet treats to help her relax. I think she'd feel better though if she felt like she was doing something."

"Hey Dan it's been a while since I last got a chance to check but how is the life bloom doing?"

"What don't you two young fellows find our for yourself."

At the sound of the elder voice both Dan and Joseph turned to see Nathan setting behind them. The old man had a wide grin on his face. Dan was the one to speak. "Sorry Nathan were you trying to listen?"

"Indeed I was. Your conversation seemed very important and I thought maybe I could give you a hand. All of this is giving me a headache though why don't we take a moment to step out."

"Um what about the vote?"

A sigh escaped Nathan and he stood up. The room was made to hush almost immediately. "Me and these two young fellows are voting for the production of shapers and the relegation of potion creation to a few trusted claimed totaling no more then a dozen. Now we're stepping out while you all yell some more."

***********************************************************************************

"So Nathan what did you want to talk to us about?"

"Well it's about the life bloom and the fact that we need an extra set of hands or two working there. That is additional experienced hands."

"What for?"

"Joseph you know that life bloom of yours lets energy flow into our world from the mystic plains. We've also established that it isn't a linear growth but an exponential grate of increase. That's a lot of energy that's going to be flowing into that room and while current safe guards can handle it we've got another method we'd like to make use of. We've been trying to set up a system in that room which will allow the energy to flow to our sisters. Now with everything that has happened we had to put that on hold but we're ready to begin working on it again and we'd like you two to help out."

At first Dan and Joseph said nothing but took a moment to look at one another. Neither of them had heard anything about this. Joseph chose to speak up first. "Are you certain that you don't need us working on weapons for our sisters?"

"I am certain. This is a more powerful weapon then the potions or shapers after all. Besides we can leave such tasks to the less capable you two are a bit beyond that."

"Well have you already done the calculations to insure that it's worth the expense?"

"Oh indeed we have. We've done it seven times each time after retaking the data. The energy gained would be worth it."

"Well alright then. I wouldn't mind helping out though I have to ask. Why haven't we heard about this before?"

"It was decided that this is something we'd keep quiet from our sisters as well as some of our brothers. We don't want any form of interference in this work. Naturally they are some that know about it which we'll be introducing you to if you agree to help and keep quiet."

Dan gave a quick nod. "I'll be quiet as long as it won't hurt our sisters or well me."

"The same goes for me. I would appreciate it if you would explain why we're keeping this a secret though."

"The simple reason is to avoid interference. You see Joseph well." A sigh escaped Nathan as he placed his fingers together. "The energy gain will be worth it based on our calculations. However, the material cost will be significant. If you were to check our supply reserves you'd find that we've already secured a rather noticeable amount of silver for our efforts and well we made need more silver."

"You mean to help direct the energy."

"Well yes."

"Um Nathan given that Silver is needed for the shapers I'm not sure if that's a good thing."

"I would agree though we believe this system takes priority over the shapers."

"How about you give me and Dan some time to work on ideals for this. I'm certain that we can come up with an alternative to silver. Something that we can obtain or make more readily don't you agree Dan?"

"Hm Joseph do you believe that we could use focusing crystals as part of the relay system? Like the ones that are used to tip mystic staffs?"

"Well I believe so but that's a lot of crystal to grow if I'm picturing the current system properly. Let's go take a look though."

"I swear you two are something else. I just mention the ideal and you're already thinking of ideals. Well come with me."

***********************************************************************************

Mina gave a sigh as she stepped into her home. She could hear the sound of paper being turned and notes being taken which meant that Dan was hard at work on something. This meant something had changed. If he was taking his work home with him that meant he wasn't working on the potions anymore or he was trying to find a better way to do it. She made no move to call out to him though as she walked towards their room.

The right type of crystal could be used to transfer energy to a central hub. One had to be careful though when doing this. Typically metal when used to transfer energy could heat up depending on how much energy went through it. Crystal did the same however unlike metal which could easily expand crystal wasn't so forgiving. It expanded yes but it would shatter far more easily then metal and the energy released tended to be far more disastrous. So Dan had to make sure he had his formula correct. Unfortunately the more energy that was transferred the more refined the crystal and thus the formula used to grow it had to be. Currently he was going over old notes and documents trying to remember techniques he hadn't used in a very long time.

It was impossible for Mina not to smile as she stepped into the room. Dan still hadn't noticed her. Whenever they'd first met Mina had already been a keeper so Dan had actually been slightly below her crotch whenever he was standing. She'd been allowed to grow even more since then though and with him setting he didn't even seem to come up to her knees. This made Mina smile and gave her a naughty ideal as she walked over to Dan. He was so focused on his papers that he didn't notice her standing behind him or her legs slightly to either side of him.

Dan knew that the crystal would have to be able to survive vibrating at an extremely rapid frequency. This meant it would have to be exceptionally pure but he believed that could be managed. What was causing him some serious issues though was trying to figure out the exact components to use. His mind was made to shift gears slightly as he felt something warm press down on top of his head and then begin to move slightly.

Mina couldn't help but grin as she gently rubbed her lower lips against the top of Dan's head. "Hey sweet heart what are you doing?"

Blood seemed to flat out stop going to Dan's brain as he realized what was rubbing against his head. Instead it seemed to divert to his crotch, his eyes were made to widen and he felt his entire body tense up. "Just. Um just something to help with the. Help with the life bloom. Yeah.

An amused giggle escaped Mina as she pushed down a little harder. As she did so she could feel her lips part slightly as she deposited a bit of her wetness atop Dan's head. "Mm you don't say. Do you suppose that it could wait for a few?"

"It's kind of. Well It's kind of important." Even as the words left his lips Dan could feel his penis pushing against the front of his pants. It was actually kind of painful. By now though he was very aware of Mina's massive thighs to either side of him.

"Please? We haven't been intimate for a long time now."

Dan couldn't help himself as he took in a deep breath. His arms reached out to either side of him and he grasped Mina's thighs to the best of his ability. He leaned his head back and raised himself up slightly so that he pressed his lips against her lower lips. Her lips easily engulfed his and as he kissed her he noted and tasted her wetness on her lips.

"Ah! That feels good. I can feel so much of your face pressing against my lips." A delighted giggle escaped Mina as she reached down and placed a hand against Dan's face pressing it more firmly against her crotch.

Dan had to raise up in his seat to remain comfortable as he continued to press his lips against Mina's crotch. As he did so though he felt her lips parting and for a moment it felt like he could slip his head inside of her. No such thing was happening though he was surprised by just how much of his face he could get inside of Mina now. Soon he had to back away to take a breath and fortunately her hand allowed it. "My someone's excited."

"You've been so busy with work that." A sharp gasp escaped Mina as Dan once again pressed his face against her crotch. Her legs were made to wobble and suddenly she stood up for fear that she may collapse onto Dan. "Dan please you've been so busy lately. I need you now though."

"Well I'm not going to say no to that." As he spoke Dan moved to stand up though he didn't need to. Before he could begin to bend his knees Mina had lifted him into the air and began packing him towards their bed.

***********************************************************************************

"Dan what on earth got hold of you?"

"Mina."

"Ah. No need to say more. Well I doubt you have much at the moment but I was able to get some work."

"Who said I didn't have much to show?"

"Oh. Well I just figured Mina would have you too busy last night to really work."

"She had me very busy for a while. Really I didn't get any work done last night but while I was laying their with her I had a few ideals and managed to get them written out before coming here. I believe I know the plants we can use to make a crystal which would meet our requirements."

"You mean it could handle five hundred thousand ziron?"

"If we purify it enough it would be able to handle eight hundred thousand. Though I would like a larger margin of safety then that."

"Wow. Would you mind if I examined your calculations?"

"I'd be a little worried if you didn't want to. Anyway, how did your work go last night?"

"I was thinking about the mstyic system that we would use to send out the energy. We both know that if we give our sisters magical items they'll probably degrade with time and making those that won't is very difficult. Why don't we give them shapers instead though? That way they won't be harmed by our sisters using them."

"How do you intend to do that?"

"I don't have it all worked out but here. You read what I've got written out and I'll read yours." As he spoke Joseph handed Dan his calculations so far.

"Sure thing. So Joseph how long do you believe we'll be working on this?"

"Until it's finished probably. One thing I have to wonder about though. If Nathan wanted us to keep quiet about this why did he take us out of the room using such a public method?"

"It was to let the others know we are working on something important."

"Doesn't that go against secrecy?"

"Perhaps it would back in the societies we come from. Here it's a great way of saying leave these two alone so they can focus. We'll probably be pestered for information but we have to keep quiet about that one."

***********************************************************************************

Alex couldn't get his stomach to settle despite long since emptying it. Currently he was leaned over a large cluster of stone heaving while a group of kobolds looked on. They were shamans of the spirit who'd brought him here.

"Human hurry up. The master has more work to be done."

"My body is exhausted. I don't know how much more of this I can take."

"Human will hurry up or human will suffer." Nidon gave a low growl as he looked at the human mage. The kobold shaman would be considered one of the spirits greater successes. For the past few weeks they'd been working on making the human more receptive to their master while he worked. He felt they'd done a good job but the human was complicating things.

"Haven't I done enough so far? Thirty seven of your kind have already been lost today in pursuit of your masters goal."

"Numbers not important! They replaced soon."

"Damn it well if there losses don't matter to you then at least let me rest. I haven't been able to keep any food down since this all started and my body is being pushed too hard."

"Making excuses!" Nidon gave another low growl then turned to the other kobolds. "We begin now."

"What? No! Not yet!"

Despite Alex's words the shamans began to chant. The ritual was one to open up the target's body to the habitation of some form of spirit. Alex already had a contract with their master which allowed habitation but this brought it to a new level. It allowed their master to more easily share knowledge and to more easily make use of Alex's. It did produce a slightly greater strain on the hosts body but Alex was holding up well enough for Nidon. "Eat after master is with you then food stay down."

There was an attempt on Alex's part to speak but before his lips could open he felt something slam into him. His entire body was made to shiver then locked up seconds later as he felt his vision growing darker. It didn't fade away though rather the world seemed to become veiled.

"Master are you ready now?"

"Yes. How are the most recent children."

"All dead master. Each lived longer then the last though."

"Good then we're making progress. I'll resume my work."

"Human was complaining about starving."

"I see. Then bring me something to eat while I work. Something that the human would need."

"Wait master. Was a mistake. One child did not die from birth. It is strange to us though seemed dead at first then moved."

"This child doesn't exist in the humans memory."

"He left after eggs stopped hatching."

"Yes. Nidon then what about the child?"

"We examined child when born. Tested it. Child died during the testing but was much stronger then previous ones. Took far more force to fracture skull."

"That is good news indeed."

***********************************************************************************

"Desmon I hope you didn't mind the wait too much. I realize it was rather long."

"I didn't mind the wait. I had good company and it gave me a chance to catch up with Pera. So Mirin do you have any specific questions or would you just like me to start telling you what I know?"

"Well I do have a few exact questions. Desmon we believe we're dealing with a spirit of nature that has fallen out of sink with the other spirits and probably has no desire to return to it. Furthermore we believe we're dealing with a spirit of decay. Can you confirm this?"

"All indicators I can find says it's a natural spirit yes but you'd be wrong to say it was a spirit of decay. Rather I believe it's a combination."

"You mean more then one spirit is working against us?"

"Once again yes and no. I'm talking about their leader right now though and what I mean is I believe the spirit that leads them is a mixture of several different types of spirits. I believe you have some knowledge of such beings."

"Yes but such spirits are generally reviled are they not?"

"Oh they are. There is no doubt about that."

"So what combination do you believe we're dealing with?"

"It behaves like a spirit of decay and it's chosen the kobolds to be its pathogen which will decay this entire forest. That said from what I've seen of its power I believe it was a spirit of decay that consumed a spirit of disease and probably a spirit of death. However, instead of harmonizing the two other spirits warped the first into what we're dealing with at this moment."

"So do you have any ideal of how to deal with such a spirit?"

"By deal with I'm assuming you mean get rid of. Well the most obvious thing to do would be to find the spirits true name. However, so far I haven't found any spirits that could provide that information. I could try summoning the spirit even without its name but I doubt that would be successful. It's unlikely that the spirit would answer such a call from those it knows as enemies. Your best bet is to enter the spirit realm and hunt for it."

"Our sisters are objecting quite strongly to that ideal."

"That figures. Well I could enter the spirit realm and search for it but it's not something I wish to do alone."

"Well then it's fortunate that we don't give up just because our sisters object. We've been in preparations to delve into the spirit realm and glimpsing into it as best we're able. I was wondering would you be willing to join us? Your knowledge as a druid may give us a new insight in that place and a better chance of finding what we're looking for."

"Normally I prefer to go with other druids but let's here about these preparations you've been making."

"We've already been warding a room to provide a sort of door and some protection as well as prepared a few potions. There will also be some brothers protecting us from there."

"That sounds good but are you sure you want to do this? Even if you enter the spirit realm physically the who you are there and the who you are here isn't always the same. There will be things revealed that perhaps you want to keep hidden. So I want your word that should this reveal any knowledge regardless of what it is I will retain my freedom."

Mirin couldn't help but lock up as he listened to Desmon and realized the truth of the situation. To Mirin's knowledge Desmon didn't realize that there were no bestial version of the brothers. There was no doubt that he would suspect as much but even he hadn't been to certain locations and only had certain information. "I'll have to go and talk it over with the others."

"Let me know what you decide. However, in a war I wouldn't recommend keeping too many secrets from those who would aid you."

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"You want me to use this?" Mina couldn't help but feel awkward as she looked down at the ax before her. The weapon was clearly meant to either be used as a two handed weapon or be used by one very large being. The axes head was so large it would have looked humerus in a human's hands considering it was nearly as wide as a human was. When compared to Mina though the weapon looked to be little more then a standard if very well made war ax.

"Indeed we do Mina. It was decided we need to increase our combat abilities so we're arming certain sisters."

A sigh escaped Mina as she reached down and picked up the ax. The weapon had some actual weight to it that its size wouldn't have indicated though it still seemed light. "Shouldn't you be giving this to another sister then Mirin? I mean do I really need a weapon considering how powerful my body is?"

"Well it's due to that powerful body you were chosen to carry this weapon. Mina we can't really afford to lose this blade so we can't exactly give it to a sister which we fear may fall. However, we can't just have it laying around doing nothing either. By giving the weapon to you we're protecting the blade as well as increasing our overall combative abilities."

"I thought you were giving out shapers and potions to do that though."

"We are but this goes beyond that. Please Mina, we need you to carry and use that weapon in battle. I know you're confident in your strength as are we all however this will enable you to do even more."

Instead of commenting right away Mina held the blade above her head before quickly swinging it down. She couldn't help but notice the sound the blade made as it cut through the air. "This is just very strange. So what all does this weapon do anyway?"

"Well first and foremost it's one of the few weapons we have that can endure being used by you. Secondly it should do a nice job of extending your reach and thirdly the blade does have some innate magic that awakens while being used in combat."

"Which is?"

"In the hands of a human the blade would serve to increase their strength, stamina and healing however we don't expect you to respond the same way. However, your body should still be able to make use of the energy the weapon yields permitting you to fight all the harder."

"I was kind of hoping for something that would let me kill more then a few kobolds at once. That was the real problem before."

"True however can we be certain that it'll be the real problem the next time? Mina do you really feel that out of place holding onto a weapon?"

A low groan escaped Mina as she gave her head a shake. "Yeah. I mean. It feels like I'm saying that I'm not confident enough in my body to rely upon it. It's kind of embarrassing."

"So you'd rather protect your pride them do a better job of protecting your sisters, brothers, mate and unborn child?"

"No! Of course not! How could you even ask me such a thing!" As Mina spoke she spun around to Face Mirin. She didn't realize it at the moment but her body had actually tensed up after hearing what he'd said.

"Then why are you so reluctant to take up a weapon?"

Instead of responding right away Mina took another moment to look at the ax. "Fine. I'll make sure that it's put to good use. Why did you take so long to get a weapon to me though if you wanted me to use one?"

"In truth? We had to figure out which weapons you're least likely to break. We're fairly certain that even you can't break that ax though. At least as long as you're not intentionally trying to break it."

"So are any other sisters getting weapons like these?"

"We're planning to give one to Maria though we haven't been able to pick the one that most complements her abilities. The two of you have some of the most powerful mutations we've seen in a very long time after all."

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Allen felt a little awkward as he carefully read the volume level on the beaker for the third time. After this last reading he picked it up and emptied the powder into an even larger container making it a point to add the powder to the fluid slowly. As the two were added he noted bubbles forming as the liquid began to turn clear. "Niton I believe that this batch is done."

"Already?" As the alchemist looked up from his own work he had a smile upon his face. He had at first been rather worried by the prospect of having such a young brother helping him but Allen had done well so far. The two of them were currently working on preparing the bases for what would in time become a frost bomb, fire bomb or an energy retainer.

"Haha very funny. I know I'm going slow I just want to make sure I get it right."

"Hm." As Niton walked over to Allen he only needed a moment of examination to see that the solution had been mixed properly. "Speed comes with practice." With those words Niton picked up the container and sealed it before placing it on a large rack that would later be retrieved. "I do believe this is your last batch of the day though."

"Yeah Pera should be coming buy to get me soon. I'm thinking she's going to take me to meet her father."

"Are you excited about that?"

"I don't know. I mean he's Pera's dad so I want to know him but then again he isn't a brother either."

"From what I hear you did quite well with the orcs. I'm certain that you'll be fine."

"The orcs weren't the father of my girlfriend though. I've got two reasons to be nervous this time."

***********************************************************************************

"So did things go well with Mirin?"

"We talked for a while and he asked for my help. I asked for something in return and he needed time to think about it."

Phinila gave a slight nod and while she considered asking Desmon for what he'd asked for she chose not to. If it concerned her or Pera she would be informed. "Well I hope the request wasn't too demanding."

"They want help with something which might involve some information you all don't want to share. I just worked to insure my safety and freedom is all."

"Ah!"

Upon hearing the sharp rise in Phinila's tone Desmon quickly retracted his hand. "What?"

"Don't you go start picking at that duck. I went through a lot of trouble to cook it just right and you're going to wait for our daughter and her boyfriend to get here before you start snacking."

A low groan escaped Desmon as he gave a nod. "I swear I believe I prefer eating with the wolves. That way I tend to get to eat first or very soon."

A slight giggle escaped Phinila as she looked at Desmon. "I don't know if you'd want to try that here. I mean you'd end up having to wait for me to finish then there would be our daughter. Of course after that technically you should get to eat but I highly doubt Pera would be happy with her cuddle bug being made to eat last."

"No. I suppose that she wouldn't. Setting in this chair feels very awkward by the way." As he spoke Desmon glanced over the side of the chair and at his feet which were dangling in the air.

"Yeah. I'm going to have to look into getting some taller ones made. Then again I suppose I wouldn't have to. I just need to find a keeper who is getting some new furniture made to fit her scale and then take her old stuff."

"I swear. How do the humans that choose to live amongst you get by? Especially those who are the maters of a keeper."

"Typically there is always a few specially made chairs for our brothers. Like the way the one you're setting in was set up to make it easy for you to climb into. Though it's rare that a mate has to make use of such a chair or is really allowed to make use of a chair."

"Now why is that exactly?"

"Well typically I've found my sisters prefer to hold their mate at the dining table. At least whenever they're dining at their homes."

"Oh interesting. I've only seen your dining habits at your dining hall. So with the increased size is that building going to have to be redesigned?"

"It doesn't have to be just yet. I believe that it will be though to prepared for the future. I'm thinking that we're going to start digging down though rather then building the structure up. We really don't want to make the village stick out too much after all."

"That makes sense. So has Pera started holding Allen whenever they eat?"

"Hm I don't actually know. Oh wouldn't it be sweet if she held him today?"

"Yeah but let's not let them hear us talking about this."

"Nat!" With time Phinila spun around to face Desmon. "I swear if you try to snack one more time I'm going to make you wait in the setting room."

"Yes Mam."

***********************************************************************************

"Mom, Dad I'm back and I've got Allen with me." As she spoke Pera made no move to set Allen down but continued to pack him towards the dining room. This wasn't an actual conscious thought but rather what felt natural to her even as she entered the kitchen and found her parents waiting for them.

"Welcome home Pera. Allen it's nice to have you over."

"Thanks miss Phinila."

Pera more skipped then walked over to Desmon even as she continued to pack Allen. "Allen this is my father Desmon." It was only at this point that Pera bothered lowering Allen to the ground though she continued to stand by his side.

"Pleased to meet you Desmon. Pera's told me a bit about you. It must seem strange living in a home after spending so much time out in the forest."

"It's nice to meet you as well Allen. The building isn't so bad but I swear staying in human form is kind of rough after spending several months as a bear. You sort of get used to the fur coat."

"Well don't just stand there Allen." Instead of waiting for Allen to respond Pera picked him up and made her way over to the side of the table opposite her father. Instead of pulling out a chair for herself and Allen though she only pulled one out for herself and quickly deposited Allen atop her massive right leg.

For a moment Allen didn't know what to say. Suddenly he felt very much like he was with his mother as Pera placed two plates before them. One was clearly meant for him though he didn't know which as Pera began to place various bits of food on either of them. While she was doing this though she actually began to bounce her leg slightly. "Um Pera?"

"Yes Allen?"

"Could I at least pick what goes on my own plate?"

There was no immediate response from Pera though she felt her cheeks warming up. "Oh Allen I'm so sorry I don't know what I was thinking. Here."

"You don't need to get me my own seat I mean this is fine. I just want to pick my own food at least."

"Sure and sorry about that."

A sigh escaped Allen as he stood up and began to gather his own meal. Instead of just working in silence he looked at Desmon. "So how have things been in the forest as of late?"

"They've been rougher then normal. So Allen is this the first time Pera had tried to feed you?"

"Well it isn't the first time but it's the first time in a long time."

"I didn't mean to. It's just you looked so cute setting on my leg and I have a pretty good ideal of what you like to eat and it's easier for me to get it for you and." Pera couldn't help but grin as she looked down at Allen. "I know I'm being a bit too pushy aren't I?"

"Oh just a little."

"It's a good thing the two of you have been friends for so long. Anyway, Allen Pera tells me that you're helping the elder brothers prepare for the next attack. What are you up to exactly?"

"I'm helping to prepare the base solution that will either be turned into a frost or fire bomb. It's not dangerous in that state so long as you don't do something silly."

"Something silly?"

"Well if you drank it the solution would react with your insides and probably blow you to bits."

"Ah I see. The last I remembered your mother was quite the protective type though. How did you convince her to let you do that?"

"Um she knows the brother that I'm working with and trusts him a lot. She actually asked for me to be allowed to help him."

"After you asked her to let you help?"

"Yeah. After seeing Pera fighting on the beach I couldn't just set around and do nothing."

"That must have been something else. Were you scared?"

"Yeah, it was pretty frightening even whenever I was in the middle of the circle. I was able to use a bow and arrow to help fight though so that made me feel better. At least while I was shooting arrows I felt like I was doing something."

"I swear Pera are you worried that something is going to swoop down from above and carry Allen away?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You've got your tail coiled around around him like a snake and you don't seem to have any intention of letting him out of your lap."

"Ah whoops. My tail can have a mind of its own at times."

Before Pera could begin to unravel her tail from him Allen placed his hand on it. "It's alright Pera I don't mind. Just don't go trying to feed me. I get plenty of that with my mother."

Before commenting Pera quickly leaned down and placed a kiss atop Allen's head before setting up. "I promise Allen that I'll stop trying to feed me whenever you remind me. I can't promise that I won't ever try again."

A sigh escaped Allen as he shook his head. "I swear at times I feel like I'll always be a child in my moms eyes and yours."

"Humph. So says one of the people that will be deciding how much we're allowed to eat for us in the future."

"Hey that's"

"What? For our own good?"

"Ah well. Okay you have a point."

Once again Pera was made to giggle and then she turned her gaze towards her father. "So dad how long do you plan on staying here?"

"I'm thinking I'll be here for a while. Mirin seemed intent on securing a druid's aid for a long time. I don't know if I'm going to be staying in your mother's home though."

"Where do you plan on staying though?"

"I was thinking I would stay local but return to my bear form. I want to continue my studies after all."

"Dad this close to the village you're liable to get eaten!"

"Now Pera don't think I plan on walking around with nothing to protect me. I plan on having this mark on my back." As he spoke Desmon held up a bit cloth. On the cloth there was a clawed hand but it was turned in the direction opposite of what brothers use to show rank. Pera recognized it immediately as an indicator that this person, animal or object wasn't to be harmed.

"So that will show up on your fur then?"

Before Desmon could speak up Phinila chose to "That's good but I'd suggest you make it as visible as possible. That mark won't do you any good if your head has already been torn off."

"Yeah I know. Mirin also encouraged me to either stay far away from the village or to stay within its confines do you know what that is about?"

Now Phinila spoke up. "He's probably worried that the distrusted will try something. I wouldn't put it past them to try to kill you then claim that it had been on accident and they hadn't noticed the symbol."

For a moment Desmon said nothing but looked at Allen. "Hey Allen I've heard about these distrusted but I've never seen one. How about you?"

"I've seen them before but not for long. They don't tend to stay around the village much and well my mom made it very clear to me at an early age that I should stay away from them. I think they stayed particularly far away from me because of my mom though."

"Are you sure it was just your mother's doing?"

"Huh?"

Desmon couldn't help but grin as he looked at Pera. "Well you have a few friends amongst the sisters don't you."

"Hey dad! Don't go talking like that."

"Oh so you wouldn't chase off a distrusted if you saw her looking at Allen."

"I'd kick her tail even if I had to get the others to help me if I caught one of them getting close to Allen!" Pera couldn't help herself as she suddenly set up strait while pulling Allen against her stomach.

Desmon couldn't help but chuckle as he gave a nod. "I swear I've seen mother bears that are less protective then you bunch. So Allen what do you think of that?"

"I well. I really don't mind. I mean it's not like I want to have anything to do with them especially after what I've been told about most distrusted. I guess that's judging them before I've met them but if Pera feels that strongly I should probably stay away from them. At times I wonder why they're allowed to stay though."

Phinila gave a sigh as she spoke up. "Pera a distrusted wouldn't hurt Allen as she would know what would happen if she did."

"I still don't want any of them near him. Besides how do you know she wouldn't decide to try something?"

Phinila couldn't help but grin as she gave her head a shake. "So Allen have you heard anything about changes to what's being made? Apparently there is a group of brothers pushing to have shapers made."

"I've heard a bit about it but it won't really affect me. The potions I'm working on would also be used to make the potions which would contain the mystic energy."

Desmon waited a moment for the conversation to slow down to speak up. "So Allen is that what you plan to do your entire life? Work as an alchemist?"

"I hope so. It's tough at times and there have been moments when I wondered if I should be doing something else but it's a well respected occupation for a brother and it lets me help my sisters. Though there have been times when I've considered studying to be a mage as well. Hey Desmon what do you do whenever nothing is upsetting the forest and you're living as a bear?"

"Well naturally I live as a bear. When there is plenty of food and nothing is happening to upset the natural world I tend to do a lot of sleeping. Every now and then I'll take it upon myself to try to improve the environment a bit as well."

"Doesn't that get boring at times though?"

"It can but that's a sign that I'm not being a very good bear. You see Allen the key is to live as a bear which often means repressing the human mind as much as possible. As a being with the body of a bear as well as instincts but the intelligence of a human I can solve many problems. However, that's not truly being a bear. It isn't enough to avoid using human methods though I have to keep myself from even thinking about them."

"That must be difficult."

"It can be. Well it's sort of like whenever I got my leg opened up. I was fishing where I shouldn't have been and my human mind knew that but I had to keep the knowledge away. Now you could say my animal side knows it very well now as well."

"Did you use any of your druidic abilities to survive the wound?"

"Well. I did actually hasten the healing and work to insure that it wouldn't become infected." Desmon was made to grin as he looked at his plate. "No matter how hard I'm trying to live as a bear I'm not quite ready to allow myself to die or lose a limb over something like that."

"Do druids every try to mix different animals?"

"Oh no. No. No. You see Allen whenever we alter our shape we're in part channeling the nature or even spirit of a bear. If we were to try to mix them we would have to find such a spirit to channel and honestly I wouldn't want to try channeling the nature of such an unnatural creature."

"I've read about druids taking on unnatural forms though. Bears so large that they simply don't exist in natures and wolves as well."

"Well Allen that's what we strive for. You see when he take on the form of a bear our ultimate goal is not what you see in the natural world. Rather it's the idealized form of the creature. You're talking about druids who have gained the ability to take on a form extremely close to that."

"Oh I think I understand. What about a dragon then?"

"You mean can we change into a dragon?"

"Yeah they're natural creatures."

"Ah well I've never met a druid who could change into a dragon. You see Allen dragons have a very notable mystic aspect to their nature. That's not something a druid can simply copy or really learn. I suppose that perhaps one who was both mage and druid could hope to one day take on such a form but I sure wouldn't hold high hopes for it."

"So what do you do whenever you reach that state? When you can take on the idealized form of whatever animal you're changing into?"

Desmon couldn't help but grin as he took a moment to look at his plate. "That's like asking what do you do whenever you manage to cure your sisters of their hunger."

"I see. So it isn't something you really think about."

"Yeah though I suppose that should I ever gain the ability to truly change into a bears idealized form I'll begin working on another then another. Until I can comprehend and represent natures full power."

"So you learn to do all this to protect the natural world?"

"Well yes. They're quite a few who devote their entire lives to destroying the natural world after all. So there needs to be some who devote themselves to protecting it."

"We protected this forest though."

"Yes but do you always protect the natural world? There is a difference between protecting land and a status quo and protecting the natural world. Some druids don't even feel that this forest is truly natural and have sought to undo it."

"What do they want to do to it?"

"They want to change it to how it was before the Luvarians came here and altered the land."

"You don't though?"

"Ah well even amongst druids there are different ideals as to what protecting the natural world means. Some of them see any artificial changes as unnatural and believe the land should be returned to that state. Others believe that as long as the environment is stable and healthy then it's in its natural state now."

"So you consider the forest stable and healthy?"

"No."

"Huh?"

"The kobolds have got to go. They're other elements in this forest that you maintain which need to be removed as well but those kobolds are first on the list. If they had their way with this forest they would turn the entire thing into a nesting area with only those areas housing creatures fearsome enough to protect them surviving. In this respect I consider the old Luvarians fools for even bringing those creatures into this forest and especially because they gave them a haven."

"They had a use for them though."

"That's not the point here though. The point is that they're bad for the natural environment. At least in this situation they are."

"Wouldn't letting the kobolds take over be letting nature take the path it desired though?"

"I don't believe so but then again I don't consider those creatures part of the natural order."

"Oh so you don't believe they are natural animals?"

"I do not and I know few druids who do. I actually believe that those druids who have said as such were more trying to get on others nerves then speaking seriously."

"What makes you believe that they're not part of the natural world?"

"In all the natural world as I know it I've never encountered any animal with such a single minded desire to destroy. The only being I know of that comes close would be other humanoids especially other humans."

"Huh? Humans just don't want to destroy though."

"Oh I agree with you but some do. I would say that I've seen humans who are far worse then kobolds whenever it comes to their capacity for destruction and corruption. However, I've never seen another species with such a high average as the kobolds. Even orcs and ogres aren't as destructive as they are. I don't even believe goblins are."

Phinila had been quiet up until now but chose to speak up. "You know we've tried to kill the kobolds off several times before. We've put some real effort into it as well. They're just not that easy to be rid of. I just don't understand it either. No matter how careful we are to make sure that we kill every last one of them there always seem to be more of them later on. Even with Fera's eyes guiding us and our brothers knowledge it seems like we never can find them all."

"Oh I know of those efforts. The death spirits still remember those happenings quite fondly."

Pera couldn't help but set up as she looked at her father. "Are you serious?"

"Yes I am. Whenever you kill that many living creatures in a single day the death spirits in the location tend to remember it quite well. As do the spirits of life. I'm not denouncing what you attempted though I just wish that it would have succeeded."

"Hey dad I've been wanting to ask. Okay when we killed a bunch of kobolds the death spirits in the area get stronger. Now death spirits seek to cause more death however generally after such slaughters life does really well in the area. I guess it's due to all the bodies providing food for the plants or scavengers. Shouldn't the death spirits be working to negate that?"

"Ah but Pera you're thinking of the death spirits as stationary. Generally after such events they move to another area and wait for the old one to recover. Now if the death spirits where to stay around and remain active then that would be a problem. You also have to keep in mind the type of death spirit you're dealing with that. "

"Could you give me an example?"

"Death spirits tend to stay around areas which predators frequent quite heavily. However, life continues to do well in that region. This is because these death spirits tend to be tied to a certain form of prey or a certain animal. While the spirits of life that frequent the region are of a different nature."

"So a death spirit that was bound to a pack of wolves or traveled with them wouldn't feel the need to go after a spirit of life that was tied to plants?"

"For the most part that's correct."

"What kind of death spirits do we encourage?"

"Now Pera are you sure you want me to answer that question? You might not like the answer."

"I'd like to know."

"Death is a naturall happening Pera. However, when a death spirits feeds on a level of death that's unnatural or unsustainable the spirit can be altered. These spirits actively encourage death far more then what one may consider normal. Whenever you do something like kill off a few thousand kobolds it's impossible for a few of these spirits not to come about. As long as these practices don't happen too often though then these warped spirits of death remain low in number and in time may return to what their natural state was. That or be consumed by spirits of life or other death spirits."

"Um spirits of life can consume spirits of death and do we ever help those?"

"Yes Pera on both accounts. While you and your sisters may cause a good deal of death you also sustain a very healthy forest. This helps the spirits of life and yes they will feed upon spirits of death."

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"Desmon thanks for coming."

"It's no trouble Mirin. So did you consider our agreement?"

"I have and so have others. It had been decided that your terms are acceptable. Any knowledge you gain on the spiritual plain that is not acquired intentionally will be considered safe. However, it is also required that you keep all knowledge pertaining to our sisters and to us a secret. At least the knowledge you gain during our work on the spiritual plain."

"What do you mean gain intentionally?"

"You're not to attempt to force the knowledge from us or go looking behind closed doors. Is that alright?"

"Hm yeah I can agree with that."

"Alright then. We plan on beginning our expedition into the spiritual plain come night fall. If you'd like you can take this day to."

"No. No. No."

"What do you mean no Desmon?"

"We are most assuredly not beginning our search during night fall. Mirin even the spiritual realm is affected by the passing of the day. If we're going to do this then we need to begin working in the morning. Then once you all have some experience there we can start looking into other times."

"Some of us do have experience. All of us who intend to go with you."

"Not happening. If I'm going along then this begins in the mornings."

A sigh escaped Mirin as he gave his head a shake. "You realize that we need your aid and you're going to use that to push the issue aren't you?"

"You had better believe it."

"Very well then. Next morning we will begin the search. You have the day and the night to make sure you've done what you wanted to do."

"Now that's better. I guess I'll be telling Phinila and Pera that I'm going to be helping their brothers look into something on the spiritual plain. Then they'll probably want to know who all is going with me and if I where to tell them it was some of their brothers they'd probably be up in arms."

"What makes you believe that?"

"We'll be going somewhere that they can't protect you. I've seen how they act and I know that's going to be very hard to accept for them. That said I doubt they'd want me to go alone. So who should I say is going with me?"

"Please just tell them that the brothers will be aiding you. As long as they believe we'll be remaining in the physical world and aiding you through spells everything should be fine."

"Alright then. If they push the issue though? I have no intention of telling an out right lie."

"I understand that one is your daughter after all and the other a close friend. If they should push the issue them tell them that you can't tell them everything that will be going on. Let them know it is important though."

End chapter 4