It was it bit later in the morning, the sun high in the sky as Delphia, my ladies, and I flew back towards Kharie's village. After the girls had thoroughly drained my balls a couple of hours ago, the breakfast Delphia made had hit just the right spot. The vigorous exercise we engaged in during the morning had left all of us pretty damn hungry.
During breakfast, all of us had discussed the next course of action. All of us were enjoying our time here, but we needed to get moving soon. I had obligations to Martin as well as new questions for him, and each day ate away at the previous time frame of the month we had before Karovac arrived in Arbigold.
Terroth and Marina also wanted to get back to Kelsa, as they not only missed her, but they wanted to introduce her to Nazumi, who had decided she was going with them. I was happy for them, as was everyone else, and I had to give the man some credit. For all that he reminded me of most harem anime protagonists, at least he wasn't clueless about the women that wanted him, although I was pretty sure Marina was a big factor in that regard. We all agreed she was good for him.
I put my thoughts on hold as the Yellow Plains Village appeared in my vision, and made haste, passing over the boundary of the village overhead, and flying directly to Kharie's home. I decided to fly over their home, and I began lowering us in the back of their yard where Terroth and Rory had their work buildings set up. It was easier than knocking, and I was really betting on one or both of them being up and working on shit.
My hunch proved to be the right call, as the moment we all landed, our presence was instantly noticed, and we even got a welcome surprise that made me smile. Both Terroth and Kharie emerged from the forge only moments later, and Vikoss broke out into a grin as he waved at us.
"Welcome back my friends." He said brightly, meanwhile Kharie was already moving at a fast walk towards us, a big smile on her face.
My eyes couldn't help but admire the sight before me as Kharie got closer. Yes, she was still just as beautiful as ever, her hair tied back in a ponytail that left only one blonde and her singular black bang framing her face. Her choice of attire today was also... distracting. A tan colored tank top that left her toned arms and shoulders bare as well as leaving her midsection exposed, where I could see lightly toned abs surrounding a surprisingly cute belly button. A hint of cleavage could be seen at the V of her tanktop, showing off the soft and healthy skin of her modest chest. She wore tan shorts that clung to her shapely hips that ended at roughly mid thigh, allowing me a nice view of the soft and smooth flesh of her toned legs and thighs.
"You're back!" Kharie exclaimed as she reached us, closing the distance on Delphia who stepped forward and wrapped Kharie in a hug.
"Of course we are, sweetheart. How are you feeling today?" Delphia asked as she brought her hand up to gently stroke the back of Kharie's head.
"Better." Kharie said with a smile, letting out a happy and contented sigh at Delphia's affectionate touch, "I slept all throughout the night. I woke up just as the sun was coming up, and I feel more rested than I have in... well... a while."
"Good. I'm so happy to see you up and about." Delphia said, stepping backwards and keeping her arms on Kharie's shoulders as she appraised her, "And look at you. Such a strong and pretty young woman."
Kharie's cheeks turned an adorable shade of pink as she fidgetted in place, but the small smile on her lips gave away her appreciation of Delphia's words.
"I... thank you, Delphia. I can only pray to the Framework that I look half as good as you when I get older." Khaire replied, which made Delphia let out her girlish giggle, her cheeks also dusting a slight pink.
"I knew I liked you. Thank you too, sweetheart." Delphia said, and both women just smiled at each other, the sight putting a smile on my face.
Delphia and Kharie soon stepped back from each other, smiles still in place, and the beautiful yellow furred fox woman turned to my ladies and I with a genuine smile.
"Cecila, Clarissa," She said, nodding a greeting at them before her eyes locked on mine and she blushed even more, "Elias. I'm always happy to see you all as well."
The look she gave me was adorable, and I truly found in that moment that I was going to miss being able to see her once we left. I still couldn't explain the feeling that I felt within myself, but it told me that this woman was one I wanted in my life, as stupid as that may sound given I just met her a couple days ago. Even so, that same feeling led me in the direction my life was currently taking, with two beautiful women who stole my heart, and more slowly working their way into it, not to mention everyone else I can call family and friends.
When we eventually came back to see them, and if I still felt the way... I'd like to talk to her about it. Given how she kept looking at me, I didn't really have any doubts that she was interested in me. I wasn't going to hesitate on that, but I was already juggling a lot of shit at once and I was trying to pace myself a little. I still needed to properly give Sheila the attention she deserved. I really liked and cared about her, and I wanted us to get closer so I could show her how I felt.
Delphia exchanged a hug with Vikoss next, and it was always funny seeing the big man blush. I still had trouble believing this was the same guy who bitched and yelled at us when we first met, but I had to admit he was growing on me pretty quickly now. He was very earnest with his actions. He held out his hand towards me once Delphia let him go, and I smiled at the man as we clasped forearms.
"Good to see you again, brother." He said, making me raise an eyebrow.
"Brother?" I asked, and he smiled broadly at me.
"Of course. You've done a great deal for my family already, despite the unfortunate circumstances of our meeting." He said, before his eyes locked on mine with sincerity, "You are the reason Kharie still lives. To me... that makes you like family. So yes, a brother."
I couldn't help but smile at his words, and I nodded at him, grasping his arm tighter.
"All right. Then... I'm honored, brother." I said, and his smile grew wider, and I almost thought the man was going to start crying.
"You boys are too cute." Delphia said from the side, her words causing both of our faces to grow warm, and she giggled musically at that.
Vikoss grumbled something about being not being cute, and I couldn't help but sympathize with the guy. I'm not entirely sure what's cute about a 6"7' dude with white hair and red eyes either, so I really did understand how he felt. After composing herself and stiffling her laughs, Delphia turned back to Kharie.
"How nice of you to help your brother." Delphia said, and once again, Kharie flushed adorably as she twiddled her thumbs in front of her.
"Yes... well you see... I was looking at how the armor is coming along... because I want to do something for Elias too." She said shyly, her words causing me to look at her with interest.
"Kharie, you don't have to-" I said, but her gaze snapped up to mine, her eyes set and determined.
"Yes I do." She said quickly, before she blushed again, and continued in a softer voice, "I want to. It's the least I can do to show you how much I appreciate everything you've done. For saving my life... and saving me from myself."
The look in her eyes, the vulnerability showing within them, stopped any response to the contrary I may have had. I saved her because I wanted to. The thought of her dying genuinely made my stomach tie up in knot. I couldn't turn down her earnest want to do something for me in return.
"Okay." I said softly, giving her a grateful smile, "Then, thank you Kharie. I gratefully accept. Given what I know about you..." I said, trailing off as she smiled at me and nodded.
"A good set of armor deserves a good set of enchantments to go with it. I want to do that for you. I've been studying the materials being used to see what enchantments the armor can hold. It's not shaped yet, so the finished product could hold more... or possibly less than I have planned for it."
Her words had me smiling like a mad fool. I didn't necessarily need all of this stuff, but I wasn't going to turn it down. Badass enchanted armor was part of the fantasy world experience. She saw my expression, and continued with a shy smile that had my heart beating a bit faster.
"Obviously, there are some you don't need, and some not even I have the ability to do. I can't enchant it to raise your stats, for example. Yours far surpass mine... or anyone else's for that matter." She said, then tapped her chin with a finger, her pondering expression making her look way too damn cute, "Increased mana pool is off the table as well, given yours is endless. Still don't know how that's even possible... however, that means I can double down on other ones for convenience. Increased armor durability, self cleaning, self repairing, while also increasing the charges of the enchantments so they last longer since you don't need anything fancy."
"Wow. Really going all out for me, aren't you?" I said, giving her a smile that saw her face dusting pink, and sent her tail swishing back and forth behind her, "All of that sounds incredibly useful. I truly do appreciate you, and everything you are doing." I said, then turned to Vikoss, "That's goes for you too. Thank you both for doing all of this."
Khaire was still blushing, but her smile was brighter than I think I've seen from her. That was a damn good sight to see, with these cute dimples creasing her pretty face, and a pair of slightly pointed canines that gleamed in the sunlight. Beautiful doesn't even begin tp describe her. Behind Kharie, Looking far less attractive to me since I wasn't into dudes, but no less enthusiastic, Vikoss gave me a grin that would have looked foreign to me a couple days ago.
"Don't mention it. I want to do this too after everything you've done. Stuff like this is what I live for anyways. It gives me a sense of purpose and it keeps me busy." Vikoss said, his sister nodding along with his words.
"Even Rory is doing something for you, although I'm not sure what that is." Kharie said.
"Where is that boy anyways?" Delphia asked, causing Vikoss to chuckle.
"Still sleeping. I got everything set up and ready for today before I hit the sheets. He stayed up far too late doing... well, whatevet he was doing." Vikoss answered, and Delphia nodded before a somber look crossed her face.
"Can we go inside? And can somebody wake him? It's almost that time, and after today, it'll be a little while before we can see each other again." Delphia said, and the two siblings looked at each other before nodding.
"Ah. I see. You had mentioned that already." Vikoss said, and I was surprised to see his ears droop from his acknowledgement, "I'll go get his ass up. We'll meet you all in the living quarters."
We all walked inside behind them, with Vikoss veering down a separate hall while we made our way to their living space. I took a seat on the couch I had taken the previous times, with Cici molding herself to my right side, my arm resting firmly between her soft breasts. Clarissa mirrored her, her chest feeling no less wonderful against me despite the difference in size. Delphia smiled as she took the couch opposite us next to Khaire who was already seated. I was surpirsed and a little amused to see Khaire looking at us with what looked like a hint of jealousy in her eyes.
"Definitely noted." I thought to myself, although "myself" was a loose term when I was literally connected to my women at all times. They felt my thoughts and where my attention was, and just sent me feelings of approval.
It had only been a few minutes before Vikoss appeared in the hall half dragging a groggy looking Rory along with him. Once they made to the living room, Vikoss eased his brother down into the had he had taken yesterday before Vikoss did the same in the chair next to his. Delphia smiled warmly.
"Good morning, Rory. Did you sleep well dear?" She asked, although her teasing smile gave away that she knew he did not.
"Yeah..." He said groggily, his mouth opening wide in a yawn, "All 2 hours of it. Not that I am upset. I... enjoy seeing you, Delphia." He said, before looking at the rest of us, "All of you. You are always welcome here as far as I am concerned."
Delphia smiled brightly at the man, looking both happy and somber. Happy because she truly cared about the 3 siblings, but somber because she wouldn't be able to see them for a time since the distance was so much longer without me to fly.
"So..." Kharie said, her ears drooping as she looked between us with a sad acceptance that made my chest hurt more than I thought it would.
Delphia gave her a smile as she patted her knee.
"This isn't a goodbye Kharie. It's just goodbye for now." Delphia said, bringing her gaze up to the other two, "Elias is a busy man, and he will be leaving later today. As you know, he is the reason why we are able to come visit you all. Honestly, I really need to learn how to fly." Delphia said with a small laugh.
"We figured as much. He did mention before that he'd have to leave." Vikoss said, still giving me that grin that seemed to be his new normal.
"I do. I can't say much... and part of that is because I don't truly know everything that will be asked of me, but I have prior obligations I have to attend to... and scores to settle." I said, my voice trailing off into a low growl.
I wasn't a hero, nor did I see myself as some savior. I still cared the most about the people in my life, but it also didn't sit right with me to sit by and let people suffer such injustices, especially ones that were so close to home. If scumbags from Ferendell were traveling into other territories and stealing people away from their homes and making them slaves... who else is going to stop them? And how long before they traveled further? How long they eventually try to go after the people I care about now, many of whom were Beastkin.
"That being said," I said, returning to the conversation, "I've really enjoyed the time out here. Meeting everyone in the other village, meeting you three... I still wish it was under better circumstances, but I am still happy to have met you all." I said, my eyes lingering on Kharie longer than anyone else, my gaze making her cheeks darken with a blush, "I won't bullshit any of you though, as I have no real idea when I'll be able to return, but I can assure you it won't be that long. I gotta come back for my armor, after all."
"Y-yes... the armor. Of course." Kharie said, her ears wilting and her tail stilling behind her. I never knew before coming to this world how a reaction like that could make me feel like absolute shit, but it did, and I quickly responded to reassure her.
"And I'll want to check up on all of you. You all mean a great deal to me now. More than I ever thought possible." I said, my eyes gazing softly into Kharie's warm brown eyes.
Her blush deepened, but the smile that appeared on her face moments later helped to ease my mind.
"I will want to see you all too. I love being around you three. Besides... I have to take care of my children, after all." Delphia said, her voice firm and full of warmth.
The three didn't say anything for a long moment, they just sat there and stared at her like how one stares at a person that they never knew they needed in their life until they were suddenly there. Khaire acted first since she was so close, putting her arms around Delphia and pressing herself close until her face was buried in the woman's collarbone. Delphia's smile was full of affection and warmth. She really had a way of moving people.
"Perhaps then you can all meet the rest of my family, and those I call friends." Delphia said softly, and when Kharie tensed against her, she stroked the back of Kharie's head, "I talk about you three to them all the time. They are just as excited to meet you all as well, but we all decided it's still too soon. The people in our village are still traumatized... the wounds are still fresh and need more time to heal. For us, and for you three."
Kharie stilled against her, meanwhile Vikoss had a guilty look on his face, while Rory still looked like he was trying to wake up. The way he swayed in his seat almost had me laughing, but I bit it back. Not an appropriate time right now.
"I would like to meet them... but I know many people will probably hate us... and I can't blame them." Kharie said softly, her voice barely audible.
"You may not, but I can." Delphia said without hesitation, her voice a surprisingly low growl, which made all 3 siblings, as well as my girls and I, to look at her in surprise, "I have never once blamed you three, even when... everything was happening to us. Your brother, his followers, their sins are not any of yours. I understand their hesitation, I can truly sympathize with them, and I will even understand their anger and their fear... but I will not tolerate open disrespect or blame being pushed on any of you three. The time I've spent with you all has been enough for me to see how wonderful and caring you are. You three already blame yourselves even though you shouldn't... but that can be helped with time, but I'll be damned if anyone else dares to add to that."
Kharie stared at the woman, her eyes shining with fresh tears at the obvious care, protectiveness, and maternal affection the woman radiated. Delphia really was one of the kindness and most gentle souls I'd ever met. Hell, I could see her soul, and it was exactly as I described. The way she presented herself, her want... no, her need to care for these three, it was simply who she was, and I would reign hell down upon anyone who seeked to take advantage of her or her family ever again.
"Her and mom would get along well." I thought with a smile, but then I thought about the way they both acted, calling me 'sweet' and shit like that, and I had to fight back a blush of my own. "Eventually." I amended.
As I sat there with my thoughts, Delphia had stood woth Kharie, and walked over to Vikoss and Rory and basically demanded they up for hugs. They did not argue, nor did it look like they planned to. They simply stood, and the four held each other, Delphia whispering words to them I decided not to listen to. This was their moment, and I respected that.
They stayed like that for a moment, and I just sat there with my loves at my sides, all three of us happy for them and the new bond they all shared.
"It really is sweet." Cici said, nuzzling her cheek against my arm, and I pulled her closer, turning my head to plant a soft kiss on her temple, which made her smile and bury herself further into me.
"It is..." Clarissa said, her emotions high, and her eyes red rimmed as she continued, "Family is more than just blood... it's those who love and support you regardless of those ties. I've never been happier in my life than I am right now with the both of you. I can see it on their faces. This is something they will never let go of."
I repeated my actions with Clarissa, my kiss to the side of her head making her let out a soft and cute little hum of contentment, before she too buried her face into my shoulder. I just smiled and rubbed her back gently.
I knew the feeling all too well. I would always have my mom if I could help it, but she was one of many people now. My lovely ladies, their families, and the people in my life now... they all meant more to me than I think I could put into words.
The hug broke between Delphia and the three others after a few more minutes, and upon seeing Kharie and her brothers glancing over at us now, we all stood and made our way over to them. While Cici and Clarissa exchanged hugs with Khaire and short goodbyes with Rory, Vikoss approached me and held out his arm. I took it, and I didn't even protest when he pulled me into a hug and slapped me on the back.
"We will miss you brother, but I know you'll be back. Your armor should be done in roughly a week, but you can stop by whenever you have time. With Kharie's help and the materials I'm working with, I have no doubt it'll be the best set we've ever made." He said, and I chuckled as I patted him on the back as well, which caused him to grunt.
"We'll miss you too. Thank you for doing this for me, and don't worry, I'll come back to see you all as soon as I can." I said, and Vikoss leaned back and gave me a grin.
"I'm sure..." He said, before he turned his head and gazed fondly at his sister, "I'm sure you'll miss some of us more than others."
I didn't say anything, but my gaze lingered on Kharie long enough for him to notice. In a softer voice, he added on to his words.
"I wouldn't mind.... you know. I've never seen her this happy... at least not in a while. I see how she looks at you, and how you look at her. I can see there is something there, and if that something keeps that smile on her face... then I truly wouldn't mind." He said, his earnest words catching me off guard.
His words didn't embarrass me like I thought they might, nor did I want to brush them off or pretend like that wasn't the case. It was just pretty fucking unexpected, but I answered him honestly since I had no reason not to.
"I am interested in your sister. She is special. I can't truly explain it, but... yeah." I said, scratching my cheek, "I just don't want to rush anything. I already have a lot on my plate."
He gave me a cheeky grin that made my eye twitch.
"I'll say, and that plate seems to be full of women. Not that I'm against that. I'm sure I could have a few myself if I actually put myself out there. I just... I want to make sure Kharie is cared for with whatever she decides." He said quiter, and I smiled earnestly at the man.
"That choice is hers. Just like the rest of the women in my life. Just know that if she does one day decide that choice is me, I will do everything I can to make her happy." I said, and the man smiled at me, and patted me on my back again.
"Then like I said, I'm okay with it. And whatever happens, no matter what it is, I have your back." He said, and his words struck a cord with me, the same as with Martin.
I had no issues with being surrounded by beautiful women, but having good guy friends in my life was something I was starting to realize I never really had. There was Keith once upon a time, but I barely thought of him anymore. It all made me realize he was kind of shitty friend, and now the good times we had were tainted by the bad ones I remembered, and of the person he became before he was killed. That still didn't affect me as much as I thought it would... not sure what that said about me.
Yes, I was a different man than I used to be, but even so, a part of me told me that these people would have accepted me even if I hadn't become what I was now. Cici had without reservations and the thought of her even back then reminded me once again just how damn much I loved her.
"Thanks, Vikoss. Same goes to you and your family. You need anything, just ask." I said, and he nodded at me before loosening his grip on me.
"Enough of the mushy shit for now." He said, his words making me chuckle, "Say goodbye to the others."
I smiled at him as I stepped towards the others who had just finished saying their goodbyes a moment before. Rory stepped up to me next, and I happy to see him meeting my eyes this time.
"It was a pleasure to have you and your mates as guests..." He said, before he then bent over and bowed to me, "And once again, thank you for saving Kharie and bringing her home. I... would not know what to do if we had lost her."
"Of course, Rory. I'd do the same thing for all of you." I said, nodding my head at him, "And we appreciate you having us in your home. Next time... I hope to only bring good news, and have the same given in return."
He nodded somberly, his ears flattening agaisnt his head while his tail drooped. This kind of reaction from the Beastkin people I've met really made you feel bad, even if you didn't do anything wrong. Still, after a moment, he straightened, and his ears and tail perked back up again.
"We will look forward to your return. I am making some things for you as thanks for what you've done. I'm not sure how much help they will or will not be... but I still want to express my gratitude in the only way I can." He said, and I nodded at him with a smile, and held out my hand.
He stared at it for a moment, befors squaring his shoulders and grasping my hand in his, and we both shook firmly. Once we released from the handshake, I turned towards the only remaining person waiting for me. Kharie stood there with her hands clasped together and resting against her stomach, and despite being a beautiful woman who was a bit older than me, she gave off the impression of shy girl unsure of what to do.
"Kharie." I said, a smile on my face as I approached her, and held my arms out to her invitingly.
She only stared at me for a couple more seconds before she walked forward and met me, a soft smile on her face as our arms wrapped around each other, and I held her close in a soft embrace.
"I didn't think I'd be so reluctant to see you leaving already... but I am." Kharie said softly, her cheek resting against my chest, and one of her ears twitched and tickeled my nose, making me have to hold back the urge to sneeze, but I know my grin had to be just plain goofy looking right now.
"I have to go... but I'd be lying if I said I wanted to. It's peaceful out here." I said, then grimaced and added, "Well... it is now."
She giggled against my chest, and the motions from that caused her ear to flick against my nose and face again, the sensation making me laugh softly. Delphia and my girls watched with wry smiles on their faces, giggling to themselves like schoolgirls.
"I..." Kharie said, her tone soft, before she continued, "Thank you, Elias. For telling us the truth... even if it hurt... and for saving my life. It all means... so much to me."
I felt like she originally wanted to say something else to me at first, but I didn't press. I wanted to say more to her too, but now didn't seem like the right time. Once she was more sure of herself and thought about what she wanted, then absolutely.
"I really am sorry about your brother. I wish I could have given you better news, but..." I said, trailing off as I couldn't quite find the right words.
"But it wasn't." Kharie said, taking a deep breath before she leaned back to peer up at me, "I've come to terms with it. The man you killed... that was no longer my brother. I hate what he did... and I hate what he became... the things he did..."
Her eyes turned to Delphia in that moment, and the mature fox woman just gave her a sad smile, her eyes holding reassurance in them. Kharie smiled back, her lips trembling as she fought to hold back her emotions. She turned back to me, and her eyes were misty with the threat of tears.
"There is nothing to be sorry about, as there is nothing to forgive. What he and his men did..." She said, taking another breath in and out before she added, "You... simply killed a bunch of monsters." She said, and my eyes softened at her words as well as the emotions plain on her face. I pulled her back into me, and her arms around me tightened.
"I still don't like how it made you and your family feel. You are right though. I did kill a bunch of monsters, but I am allowed to feel bad for you and your brothers. Something like that isn't easy to deal with." I said, gently rubbing her back as I heard her sniffle a few times.
We stood there like that for a moment before I responded to what else she had said.
"Kharie." I said, my words causing her to peer back up at me once again, "I am glad you're safe. I truly don't want anything bad to happen to you. If you need me again, I'll come running... or flying, most likely." I said, my words causing her to burst into laughter before I added, "And please for the love of god, don't go back into the Dead Lands. I don't want to see you get hurt like that ever again."
My words made her smile brightly, happy tears falling down her cheeks as she rest her head agaisnt my chest again.
"I won't. I promise, Elias." She said, and I smiled, placing a hand atop her head and rubbing it gently between those adorable ears.
"Just call me Eli, Kharie. I insist." I said, and she giggled against me again.
"Okay." She said softly, holding herself against me for a moment longer before she began to disengage, "Then... I want you to come back as soon as you can. I want you to promise me that, Eli."
I smiled down at her, at her happy and blushing face, and at the tears that contained no sadness.
"I promise."
We didn't stick around much longer after that, as we a understood that ths longer we stayed, the harder it would be for us to finally leave. As the three walked us to the door, and walked us out of our home, Kharie gave Delphia one last tight hug. Delphia smiled, redness in her eyes, before she leaned down and placed a gentle kiss atop Kharie's head. Given the newfound wetness falling down Kharie's cheeks, I knew it would probably be a little bit longer before we left. None of us minded even a little bit. I just stood there and smiled as a mother held her newest daughter close to her chest.