Name: Patrician Fun With Draco Pater

Introduction:

In the beginning there lied a vast nothingness known as the Oblivion, but as time ticked onward the cosmos began to form and from the Oblivion came a great light known as Balur and an over looming darkness called Orsit.

These two beings pushed and pulled one another, spinning together to form the Sun, Planet, and Moon - the first celestial bodies. From the planet them came the Trimvirate the first generation of deities who had Ethen who formed the land, Lerist who formed the waters, and Arvda who formed the skies.

The Trimvirate formed the world to their whims, creating the various regions and spawning forth the civilized races and beasts of the land, water, and sky who came to rule and spawn forth the many stories of triumph and despair in the 1st Age of the Planet's history.
As time went on for the 1st Era there appeared a danger to all of life. The remnants of the Oblivion which did not form the creation of cosmos managed to come together and in a desire to return everything to it, posed itself as a threat to all of existence.

The Triumvirate in fear of the Oblivion gathered the many races of the world together in an alliance to fight against it and when their powers were not enough the gods summoned forth warriors from another realm, pulling them to the Planet to be their champions and dubbing them as Invaders.

The summoned Invaders fought against the Oblivion to protect the Planet and at the end they managed to be victorious, but to the Trimvirate who knew that the Oblivion would return after it's defeat every time in an eternal cycle they created a summoning system which would pull in a new generation of Invaders to deal with it.

In the 7th Era the largest amount of Invaders were pulled on to the Planet by the summoning system of the Triumvirate to stop the Oblivion and after the great battle settled - many of those who desired to return home were allowed to go back to their world. And for those who had no intentions of leaving the Planet the Triumvirate allowed them to stay so that they may continue on with their new lives on the Planet...


Prelude:

Gathered in an office made out of wood and what hosted several shelves of books, three chairs around a dark desk, and a large window which peered into a grassy lawn were three beings. The first of them was draconic creature who stood bipedal and easily towered over the other two as it stood 7ft in height. It's body contained several scars which ran across it and from it's back was a single wing and tail which lied slumped on to the floor.

On to the beast's left side was a miss arm and wing which left it with two stubs, the draconic creature contained scales of a crimson color and had two horns protrude from its head. It was well-dressed being adorned in large white robes with gold, black, and scarlet coloring with a sheated sword hanging to its side by a tight belt.

This draconic creature was one that was not common among the beasts or races of the world as it was an Invader - a person summoned to the Planet from another world to take part in the 7th Era's - Oblivion Crisis and from the time of it's summon to the world it had made name for itself as a soldier to the Illyian Imperium as it managed to survive the battle against the Oblivion, slay Pyros Omega, and participated in the Third Gaellian War which allowed it to rise to the position of Legatus of the XIIth Legion of the Illyian Imperial Army.

The beast's name in the records of the military was known as Novis Act Calladonis though it's original "Player Name" from the Life of Fantasy Online (LoFO) was 'Sarate IO'. To the side of Novis was an older voluptuous woman who appeared to be in her mid-thirties and 5'5'' foot in height. She wore a long black dress with gloves and heels, a long white veil that covered a black draconic mask she wore drapped to the ground. Underneath her mask the woman had bright azure colored eyes, she possessed long silver hair that descended past her waist, and attached to her hip an azure blade.

The woman too was from the MMORPG known as LoFO, but she wasn't the same type of Invader like Novis as she was instead a customized NPC that Novis had bought and sunk money into customizing. During the summoning of Invaders to the Planet there was a lot of NPCs brought alongside their Masters by the Gods and since then they were given their own individual life - acting out the will of their character descriptions.

Ever since his arrival to the Planet the woman has stuck with the Novis as he moved around the world; she was there when he took part in the battle against the Oblivion and saved his life after became unable to continue the battle by dragging him out of the field and into safety as the other Invaders kept fighting.

The original name that Novis had bestowed upon her as an NPC was 'Alatari' and he had written her to be the servant of the "Dark Gods" - a character who would say and do the most outlandish of things to be "intimidating" to others. Yet in this world she was known as 'Pretoria Nebro Lucretia' the Praefectus Castorum of the XIIth Legion though she referenced herself among crowds of peopl as the "Dark Winged Valkyrie of Destruction, Death, and Despair" though nobody actually called her that.

Sitting at the desk in front of Novis and Pretoria was a stern man of his early 40's known as Julius Argeus Malroyce the son of a Senator in the Illyian Imperium, a companion of Novis, and the new Legate of the XIIth Legion. He had wrinkles across his tan faces, possessed wild side burns, and black hair which was styled back as he wore a scarlet robe over an adjusted black tunic and pants. In his hands was a document that he had finished reading and signed with a pen.

"I have retired, Malroyce." Novis said speaking, "The Emperor has my regards." Looking down at the paper Julius smiled, "I can see, though it is a real shame you won't continue to serve. Ten years is a short time for a Legate to serve." he said handing over the paper to Novis who took it into his arm.

"Ten years is enough time for all the things I have done" Novis replied. Julius nodded his head, "True enough those ten years were very productive. The Labriva Province you will be moving to will issue your pension every two weeks - It'll be the same pay as when you were a Legatus and the requested estate has been granted."

Novis smiled showing off the fangs in his mouth, "Thank you, Julius.". "No need. It is the least that the Imperium can do for someone like you and besides - you've allowed me to be promoted ahead of time." Julius said laughing, "I pray your journey be safe my good companion and that Mother Ethen guides you well."

Julius then stood up and extended his hand for a shake, "And I too pray that the campaigns the Imperium sends you on are safe and that you return bearing your shield or carried upon it." Novis said before grabbing Julius hand and giving it a final shake goodbye. Novis then moved his attention on to Pretoria who was seemingly bored with the conversation and was twirling the hair behind her pointy ears, "We can go now."

"Ah, finely. Tis body ached with the tips of a thousand blades waiting for this idle chatter to end." Pretoria said in a high tone, she then turned to Julius and gave him a nod of respect, "Fine men are always the hardest of workers, Julius. Never let go of that burning will.". Julius smiled as Novis and Pretoria escorted themselves out of his office and into a long hall made of marble, red rugs, and open windows that showed a long grassy yard and a clear day.

As Novis moved forward Pretoria kept to his pace. Despite being together for a long time Pretoria was never told of the reason why Novis suddenly desire to retire- after the Oblivion Crisis ended she remembered enthusiastic he was to sign up and serve. The whole object of retirement was only brought up to Pretoria two weeks before he sent his letter to the Emperor and notified Julius about his promotion to Legatus.

"So what lies next for us? We who come from a world that is surrounded by mysteries and peril and who were pulled into a new world that touches the borders of the abyss known as despair?" Pretoria asked of Novis. He raised the paper in his right hand and stopped in his tracks to answer her, "I am 42 years of age in Human years, but in this race's body I'm still young and spring as a chicken."

The body that Novis inhabited was that of his Avatar from LoFO - a Dragonkin a race of intelligent bipedal dragons who in the new world were not known to exist among the civilized races of the Planet. In this body he could live as long as a Dragon lasting a thousand year and for the Dragonkin 42 years of age is nothing more than a stage in childhood, but for him a Human under the flesh of a beast Novis had enough.

This was the time in life where he would reflect on his life and decide how he would spend the rest of it - working or comfort. Originally Novis was transported to this world as a Chronomancer at Level 20 and since that time he has been on a series of wild adventures which he could fit into a book, but he has really grown tired of it.

"I have spent the last 10 years fighting and struggling in this world." Novis said continuing where he left off, "Conflict after conflict- from the 7th Oblivion Crisis to facing Pyros Omega and even fighting in that Third Gaellian War."  Novis facial express became downfallen "I just cannot do it anymore...I had enough. I want to retire and live out the rest of my days in comfort! This is the reason why I join the army and quickly rose to the rank of Legatus!"

An "Oh" sound came from Pretoria who looked away from him for a moment and then back. Since arriving to this world the only life she knew with Novis was adventuring just like they did in their old world- from her perspective she thought the two of them joining of the Imperial Army after the dealing with the Oblivion Crisis was because they were going to continue their adventuring through the military and to experience the life there. She had not considered that a comfortable retirement life was Novis personal end game.

"And so you are retiring to have a pension to support yourself?" Pretoria asked as Novis nodded his head with a smile. "Then what am I - the one who sows discontent and chaos, the one who brings misfortune and despair to those worms on the battlefields going to do?" She asked curiously. Pretoria's entire life on the Planet was built around going on adventures with Novis, even in their old world, and well if she didn't really do things with him they weren't really that enjoyable.

Novis placed his hand on to Pretoria's shoulder, "You've been with me since our transportation to this world. You stuck with me for the last ten years and when I was need of help saved me and cared for me, Alatari. I have no intention of ever abandoning you...and I don't mind spending my peaceful years with you." From their years together Novis had grown attracted to his NPC, but he never really acted on it or talked about it. Originally he thought she would have long moved away from him after becoming her own person, but when she didn't he assumed that Pretoria was acting on NPC impulse to continue following him as her creator.

And yet there was always something about Pretoria that he couldn't help fall for; perhaps it was her loyalty, her cheerful disposition, or just in general how fun she made things for him. "I really wouldn't mind spending my peaceful years with you. As more than companions of battle and travel- I would like you to become my woman. Novis said bluntly with an intense stare.

Pretoria paused and Novis could see her face slowly turn red as she blushed, "That is a strong way to put things. Charging the enemy hord while their shields are down and spears are raised. To not know if you could survive the intial dive of blades waiting for you."
"She's so corny." Novis thought as replied to her comment, "I'm not good at confessions and sometimes you need the direct approach." It didn't take Pretoria long to think about Novis question and to respond to it, if she was happy adventuring with him then surely she could be happy living beside him, "I don't mind living with you."

Novis leaped back a bit in excitement at her answer and letting out several laughs, "That's great!" he then turned his paper and began to tell her of how he set up his retirement life, "As a former and distinguished Legatus you know I've been offered acres of land for my service, but personally I would rather live in a more humble and established life without much duties to perform."

"So from now on you and I will be staying on an estate in the City of Arhaul a festive hub close to the Basin of Melliodonna." Novis then moved back to Pretoria and took her by a hand "Our entire lives will be paid by the Imperium as long as we stay on the estate. From morning to the night the estate bequeathed to us will have public servants who will clean, cook, wash, and entertain us as long we provide housing and food for them and then our tax at the end of the year will be reduced."

Pretoria smiled, "So this is why you joined the Illyian Imperium? Why you slayed Pyros Omega and fought in the Third Gaellic War?" Novis nodded his head and spoke with an enthusiastic voice "Performing legendary tasks for the state just to secure the highest position and retire early for the benefits is the best."

"It really it is the best." Pretoria said giggling and maneuvering herself over to Novis left side as to take him by the arm as the two of them started to continue down the hall.

***

In hall which housed a fine brown rug stood Novis who was standing outside a spare bedroom door who was hastily stroking his chin as he shook his leg. Surrounding him was a group of five male servants dressed in red tunics, tan pants, and boots all of whom were contracted to him by the Imperium as to be of his service as long he took residency to his state. "Please do not worry, Sir." One of them said trying to put Novis at ease, "Everything will go fine. Several of the women are mothers themselves and a nurse is with them." another spoke.

It had been 11 months since Novis had moved into the estate in Arhaul and while in the middle of delivering his taxes to the tax collector's office he had received word from one of the servants who rushed to find him that Pretoria had gone into labor, causing him to dash across the streets and forgetting the carriage he had taken to get back to his home in the far back area of the military district in the city. By the time he arrived home Novis was told to await outside the spare bedroom that the female servants had brought Pretoria into.

The estate that Novis was bequethed was a pars urbana built on a hill. It had a lascivious design with mosaic floors and frescoes on the walls and cielings in certain rooms. There was total of five bedrooms and a personal office all on the second floor. Three restrooms, a large personal kitch, a large bath, a dinner room, and a library was on the first floor. Across from the estate was a pars rustica - the place the contracted servants slept, cooked, and what was filled with other rooms for their use.

Since their arrival Novis and Pretoria had been living a very private life. They know of their neighbors many retired and active centurians and other officers of the military, but weren't acquanted with them as they spent a lot of their days indoors or city-seeing in the city as if they were tourist. In this world the Illyian Imperium took strongly after the Roman Empire of Novis world, but were far more advanced due to the prescene of magic and had acquired some luxuries that were not available to them.

When exploring the city people who did not know of Novis and Pretoria would often consider them to be weird; some would confuse Novis as Pretoria's pet or Pretoria as Novis slave despite the two of them being married for the last ten months. Though to those who believed that Pretoria was a slave accosted by Novis he couldn't blame them on those thoughts.

The body and strength that Novis has inside of him made things really complicated when he got into the nightly affairs with Pretoria especially involving the parts of her body that were large and supple. Even to his best effort not to, sometimes Novis would leave bruises and scratch marks across her body though he did find a way to make things work and within the second month of their arrival Pretoria fell to pregnancy and morning sickness.

Pretoria let out a loud shrill from behind the spare bedroom's door along with the sound of crying which caused Novis to perk up his ears recognizing the cries as the sound of babies. He waited being riled up as Pretoria let out another shrill and then Novis stormed past his servants toppling over some of the men to grab hold of the door handle to force himself in which caught the attention of the many women inside by surprise.

"Is everything alright?" Novis inquired. From what he could see there was multiple towels in the rooms; those covered in blood had been put into a pile to be washed in large bucket of water by some of the servants while those that were fresh and heated were being handed over to the servants acting as nurses.

Looking to the bed Novis could an aired window hang above Pretoria who sprawled out in a white dress her with bottoms missing. There was a warm cover thrown over huge bosom, her hair was a complete mess as she wore her silver dragon mask to cover her face, she never took the thing off unless completely alone. From the look of it Novis could tell that she noticed him, but she seemed out of it and looking to the bed stand next to her there lied a set of herbs, water, and a pestil and mortar with some green liquid inside.

It seemed that the nurses used herbs to put her at ease and perhaps even to the lessen the pain had numbed her. The sound of crying continued to ring in the room as some of the men servants peered into the room while a few of the females moved out of Novis way to make room for him. He moved forward to see two babies wrapped in warm blankets next to Pretoria's left side on the bed.

The head nurse a lady in her 50's stepped forward looking up to Novis, "Sir, Her Lady Pretoria has given healthy birth to a boy and girl without suffering from any kind of complications." she said. Novis smiled as he looked at his precious children. Novis could see that his son took strongly after his mother with some silver hair and looking like a normal human with azure eyes, but his daughter was completely different as she took after Novis.

She possessed crimson colored hair and small patches of draconic scales appeared on her cheeks and two horns came from the top of her head. "How great." Novis said as his daughter inherited his draconic features, they were two beautiful halflings.

From his experience with other Invaders who had produced children some 9 years ago and a few books that talked about descendants of Invaders it claimed that they would be far different from the people on the Planet as their skills and talents would be far above the average person and that they would be destined for great things by inheriting the classes of their parents later in life. "Compared to other children they are actually destined for great things." Novis thought as he dropped down to his knees and placed his head at the edge of bed next to his children and to face Pretoria who was beyond happy and streaming a few tears.

Pretoria looked Novis in his eyes with a tired smile, "I had weathered the flames of perdition and returned with glory." she said speaking about the children in her own special way. Novis simply agreed and leaned over kissing Pretoria's forehead, "What will their names be?"

That was a good question- for the last 9 months the two of them had not settled on the names of the children. Pretoria was busy adjusting to her new life carrying them and not doing anything to endanger herself and Novis was really waiting on her hand and foot to ease every burden she might have had. He even slept in a spare bedroom to give her more room to sleep in the master bedroom.

In the tradition of the Illyians the mother of the children would receive the first naming rights for a child born as they were the ones who carried and birthed them. "I want to call our daughter, Hestilies after the Dark God of Conquest." Pretoria said pleadingly. Novis looked to see if Pretoria was serious and it seemed to him that she was really intent on naming their daughter after one of the many Dark Gods that she worshipped from LoFO.

Novis signed and looked to his daughter, he kind of wished that he could have been the one to name her since she took after him, but... "Alright. This young one will be Hestilies." he said placing one of his claws under Hestilies chin and touching her little hands.
Novis then looked to his son, his normal o'l son. In the culture of the Illyian Imperium the name of men was something to be masculine, rough, and not something to be found in non-freeborn citizens. He would also need a name personal to Novis so that when he grew up he could easily be distinguished from his father as his own man.

Looking to the window the light of the sung and blue sky rained down on to Novis face, it was warm and calm, and just like that the name of his came to Novis. "Solus" Novis said to Pretoria who smiled, "Hestilies Act Calladonis and Solus Act Calladonus, I like them." she said as she started to stroke her babies heads.


Chapter 01: The Dream of the Childrens

It had been ten long years since the birth of Hestilies and Solas and from their time as babies to toddlers and now young children, Novis had done his best to raise them to make sure that they didn't have to struggle like he did to acquire a nice life. Pretoria as a mother gave them loads of attention and the regaled them with stories of their adventures and continued to act in her exaggerated manner, making long winded speeches with lots of titles.

Hestilies who took strongly after Novis from years of growing had produced horns of a dragon and a small tail, but she acted like her mother in reasoning. When she was small she took to exploring the villa and attempting to journey far from Novis and Pretoria's reach and when the time came for her to be taught by a tutor to become an educated and proper lady she would shirk her studies in order to participate in more physical activities.

Hestilies produced a lot of sweat from constant physical work, kept her clothes below wearing status as she always tore them apart so that she could be lighter, and then there was the fact that she acted like a man even against Novis will even as going as far to cut her hair and keep it low. When she turned seven years of age Hestilies told Novis that her dream life was to become a distinguished soldier of the Imperium which put him on the edge.

Novis had not become a soldier out of loyalty to the Imperium, but mainly so that he could exploit government benefits for his retirement and ther was the fact that he wanted his daughter not do something as stupid as join the military. Novis hoped Hestilies would become a lady of class, marry a man, and sire for Novis grandchildren and yet she says she wants to be a soldier.

Though the problem with Hestilies was something else there was some calm in Novis as his son Solus was different- he was more reserved and quiet compared to Hestilies even as a child and he didn't give Novis and Pretoria any kind of trouble. Solus would also be the one to try and reel back Hestilies though to no success and he prospered in his education with his tutor even going as far to study books in his free time.

Another stark difference that Solus had from Hestilies was that he kept himself constantly clean and his clothes freshly prepared and pressed, though there was problem with his long hair coming to his waste as that is something boy normally didn't do. Solus also partook in the use of good smelling perfumes and spoke in a gentle voice which could make him pass as a second daughter to Novis, but this wasn't something to get too worked up about. He was still a growing boy and would get out of this phase when he matured into adulthood with facial hair or fell for a woman.

While Hestilies dreamed of being a soldier Solus had told Novis that he desired to become a magician for the Imperium in order to serve as a researcher in the ancient magics. Though Novis can agree being a magician is a good career for someone like Solus, he still could not agree with his son being a member of the researcher part of the occupation as it was just like being a soldier.

If Solus was to be a researcher he would be someone traveling to far and distant places, fighting other magicians over research sites, and facing dangerous traps, raiders, monsters, and other horrors for something possibly historical or something not important at all rather than being someone researching or teaching the magics in a safe environment.

For the two of them the careers that Hestilies and Solus wanted was something filled with troubles and harships especially with conflicts around the Planet still going on. Hestilies would be sent on a campaign where she would risk severe injury as the enemy uses desperate and destructive tactics and then with the Magician society being elitist it will take awhile even for the most talented of people to rise up in popularity on their own.

"What should I do?" Novis said reflecting on his children until Hestilies voice broke his concentration, "Papa." Looking forward he could see his precious child now at the tender age of 10 standing before him at half of his height and wearing red color shirt and pants with sandals. Next to Hestilies was Solus who had grown to be the same height who wearing a long white robe that touched the ground.

Pretoria stood next to Novis seemingly happy and dressed in her casual house attire; a long white dress with bloomer underneath, she had removed helmet for once revealing her face which had a beauty mark on to the right cheek.

Novis paused before remembering what he was doing. At the age of 10 in the Illyian Imperium a freeborn person can become a citizen and receive certain rights -it took the commission in-charge awhile to send in the documents that Novis requested, but once he received them from the post-office he summoned his kids for them.

In one of Novis hand was two closed envelopes, "Hestilies. Solus. The two of you have reached that age where the Imperium can recognize you as citizens and taken a step to make any life you want for yourself." Novis said congratulating his kids while they smiled at him wide-eye'd.

Novis handed their enevelopes to them and they quickly opened tore them open using his fingers to pull out a single paper to certify their citizenship. "So we are citizens now? Full citizens?" Hestilies asked.

"Well not full citizens." Novis said "The citizenship you have now is known as Minor Civis - a time when you gain protection under the law on your own right. The time when you gain full rights to vote, join the Legion, be able to marry, and hold political positions though won't come when you hit 16 and become Major Civis." Novis said explaining the law of the Imperium ,"You'll be issued a second certificate then."

"That means we are only six years away from adulthood." Solus said staring at his paper and then looking to Hestilies with a confidant smile. "Papa can I ask you something?" Hestilies said drawing her father's attention to her, "Huh? What is it Hest?" Novis said responding to his daughter with the little nickname he gave her.

"Can you teach me how to use the sword?" Hestilies blurted out loud causing Novis to choke, "Excuse me?". Pretoria who stood next to Novis smile as she clapped her hands together in excitement to hearing those, "Ah! She has dawned~ The next generation of powerful the lords - the daughter of the Calamity Crimson Dragon and the High Servant of the Dark Gods!"

Novis looked to his wife being completely confused, "Hold on. Why are you congratulating her?"

"Father." Solus said speaking up and joining into the conversation. Novis then turned his attention to his son as he spoke, "I desire for you to teach me magic. Mother said you specialize in it."

"The silver haired mage with the blood of a dragon~ The one who will tower over even the greatest of Archmaages is going to start his story." Pretoria said moving on to Novis and grabbing on to his robe, "Novis they grow up so fast and to think they would take after us."

"Pretoria please." Novis said backing away from the grasp of his wife to address his children who looked at him, "Hestilies. Solus. I've been meaning to say this for awhile now."

"What is it Papa?" Hestilies asked, "Father do you have reserves about our dreams?" Solus said joining in. Novis stared at his children and spoke with some bass in his voice, "You two kids should not pursue the life of a soldier or magician. You two should pick good careers like blacksmithing, family raising, merchanting, or something to help you live the easy life."

Hestilies and Solus mouth dropped listening to their father's words. For years he had guided and cared for them- spoiling them mainly and only punished them when they did something wrong, but for the most part he supported them in doing a lot of things.

"You shouldn't go saying that." Pretoria said pulling Novis attention, "They are the proud children of the Dark Winged Valkyrie of Destruction, Death, and Despair and the children of the Slayer of Pyros Omega. Grand strength runs through their blood and their ability to triumph over all their obstacles is in them. We shall not limit them and allow them to grow."

Novis stared confused by Pretoria's long speech as she had gone on the defensive, "What are you talking about? Why allow them to grow if they are picking life paths that will lead them to suffering." he said trying to reason with Pretoria.

"To each his own path and a thread of fate. All paths that mortals walk has suffering, but from these paths one will be able to gain strength" Pretoria said stating her reason, "You're being overprotective."

"N-No. I just don't want our children to wast their live struggling as a soldier or a magician. We experienced it and it wa all a drag." Novis blurted and referencing the life that he had lived for the past ten years before settling down.

Pretoria was silent for a second and then spoke back up, "If something is worth struggling for then it must have value. By not letting them take the careers they want you are depriving them of their value and spitting over their pride. When they mature they will decide their own life whether you like it or not. So why not instruct them now so that they don't suffer as much later."

Novis stood silent next to Hestilies and Solus. Pretoria was correct, but she wasn't right as some of the things one fights and struggles for doesn't have value especially if they can end badly.

"Papa I-" Hestilies said breaking the silence between the family, but she stopped when her mother placed her hand on to her shoulder, "No need to say anything my blessed child. I the one cloaked in the ash and blood of a thousand battles, the mystic one blessed by the Dark Gods, and the tamer of a dragon's heart will be the one to teach you in the matters of fighting and magic."

"For real Mama?" "Mother are you serious?" Hestilies and Solus said as Novis stared blankly as Pretoria droned on with her speech, "I will teach you how to fight and survive, Hestilies" Pretoria said pointing her finger towards her daughter then shifting it over to her son, "And I will teach you the basics of magic from study to combat, Solus."

A whirly smile came upon Pretoria's face as she then pointed her finger at Novis, "I know your Papa is a strict man so I will make a compromise with him. From the progress they show me I will decide if they are able to continue their training or not and if I deem they are not worthy they must abandon their dreams. You can agree with that can't you, Sarate IO?"

"Sarate IO?" Hestilies and Solus thought. They never heard their mother call their father that name before. Novis stood a tad shock by such an agreement that Pretoria tried to strike with him, but since their education in fighting and magic would be continued based on Pretoria's own opinion it was kind of sketchy.

"You can't be serious, Mama?" Hestilies asked looking up at her mother, Pretoria started at her daughter with a wide smile, "I am serious. So what do you say?"

"I'll go through with it!" Solus said butting into the conversation and being quick to resolve himself with a determined stare "I am the best Papa and I'll make you train me.". Novis sighed and waved his hand, "Do as you desire, but Pretoria do not go easy on them just because they are children. Take it seriously."

Pretoria laughed as she slid her hand under his chin, "Foolish dragon. I who walks between the shadows of the damned and feed on the carrion of the slaughtered enemy have no reason to take on disciples in the matters of war and do nothing more than treat them as blind babies.". She then moved her hand away and balled it into a fist, "They will know the darkest fires of the Dark God and walk out transformed warriros such as I." she said gloating "For tomorrow we shall begin our examinations."

Novis then clapped his free hand against his side to draw his family's attention to him, "Well with that settled. You two are dismissed to spend the rest of the day doing your chores.".

"But I want to practice swinging a sword." Hestilies blurted "And I wanted to read." Solus added on, "Do we have to do them right now?"

When they little Novis had always assigned his children chores that they had to do every day without hte aid of the servants. They had to the end of the day to finish them and most of their chores were to wash their own clothes, to clean the dishes, or some other minor tasks to teach them personal responsibility.

"I will make an excuse for today since tomorrow is your examination day. You two can go ahead and do what you want." Pretoria injected. After hearing her words Hestilies and Solus bursted out of the room, racing through the door as quickly as possibly before Novis remembered that they still had their certificates for citizenship and moved towards the door, "Hey bring back the certificates so I can put them up."

The kids then turned around in the hall and came running back to Novis handing him their papers before taking off running again. Novis then turned back into the master bedroom and opened the first drawer in the bedroom dresser.

Novis shuffled through Pretoria's bloomers, lifting them up to find envelopes and certificates for citizenship for himself and Pretoria and he placed his children's under theirs before closing the dresser. Novis loved his children, but sometimes they were draining. He then moved over to the bed and sat down, taking a nice seat on the mattress.

Pretoria shuffled over to Novis and took a seat on his lap with a soft bounce from her large bottom, she then crossed her legs and hummed a melody, one from the soundtracks of LoFO where a player would havy completed a quest or leveled up as a sign of congratulations.
This was always something she did when things went her way and she believed herself to made an accomplishment. Slowly she backed herself until she was underneath Novis chen and began poking him on the side of his face,  "Are you upset? I was kind of rude and vocal earlier." she said in a gentle voice.

Novis stopped the poking of his face by grabbing on to Pretoria's hand and brought it down to her lap, "No I'm not upset. Trying to crush their dreams is something wrong..." he said bringing up the conversation from a few seconds ago. "But I do not want them to waste their lives doing something that won't have a pay off and instead take the easy path to happiness."
"Tis okay." Pretoria said flipping Novis hand over to feel the soft under part with her smaller hands, "You are just doing what a father does." She then gave him a kiss on cheek, "We will see how things will go and if they have any real potential tomorrow."


Chapter 02: The Training of the Children

Night had settled across the City of Arhaul as Hestilies lied cozied up on a large bed with some layers of cover thrown on top of her to keep her warm and her head sunk into two pillows as Hestilies papa Novis had just finished saying a prayer to Ethen of the Triumvirate asking them to continue their protection of over the family before going off to his room for the night.

According to Hestilies mama this habit of praying before sleep was something that Novis received during his time as a soldier. Invaders were supposed to be free to worship whoever, but to get on the good side of the nation and people they adapted to the culture of the people and their deities in the land.

From her point of view, Hestilies the prayers as something sweet of her papa to do, but it was also kind of problematic because he kept acting like she won't be able to protect herself and need to rely on the power of some other higher being. It was demeaning and making her look like a child.

As she put on a pouting face a short darkness jiggled the handle of Hestilies bedroom door and opened it which startled Hestilies as she lifted up. At first she assumed it was her papa checking to see if she was still awake, but once a soft male voice came out saying "Sister are you awake?" Hestilies recognized the person as her brother Solus.

"What is it Solus?" Hestilies asked questiongly as he moved into the bedroom. Standing up, Hestilies grabbed the bottom plug to the gas-light and pulled it down which lit her room so that she could see Solus in a long white tunic and slippers and his hair messy.
"I can't sleep sister, I'm worried." Solus said putting out hte problem that he had. Hestilies sighed as it always has been her thing to fix the problems that her brother had. Solus ever since he was little had always acted as if he was filled with confidence, but in truth he was indeicisive and slow to the draw of things. His greatest strength lied in his ability to understand complicated things as he was very book smart compared to herself, but still.

Hestilies moved herself to the edge of her bed and patted it as a way to tell him to take a seat next to her so that the two of them could talk. Solus then moved himself over to Hestilies side and placed his hands in his lap as Hestilies started to rub and pat him on the back, "I'm worried about mother's test. What if I do not pass?"

"Ah." She said in surprse, "You worry too much. You really think Mama would make a test we can't pass?" Hestilies said putting on airs. From her view mama was a rather outlandish character especially when she wore that mask, but Hestilies always knew that she had their interest first. She would often agree with Papa, but when she viewed something as a bad idea or she didn't like there was no way that Mama wouldn't put her foot down in opposition to Papa.

She knew how to weigh a situation for the better and knows how to act when she needs to. Hestilies could say for certain that their mother was going to test them, but she wasn't going to break them or put them on to the path of something unreachable. If was going to Papa who was going to administrate the test he would've made the goal impossible to complete at their level, but their mother was fair.
"Maybe I will pass, but I wish Father was more supportive of me." Solus said still grimacing, Hestilies scoffed "Papa doesn't play favorites. which made Solus look at her. For most of his life he knew father paid close, doting attention to Hestilies because of her draconic traits that she inherited compared to him.

Solus studied so hard so that his father would pay more attention to him as he's always been jealous of Hestilies. "Remember that time when you chased after me in the streets and you hit your forehead against a stopped wagon?" Hestilies said to Solus bringing up an event when they were six.

Solus remembered that day. Their father had brought them to the market with some servants so that they could buy foreign food that their mother wanted to eat for that night. Solus and Hestilies were ordered by their father not to wander off, but Hestilies still did so and when Solus went after her he ended bumping into a stopped wagon's open-end.

Afterwards he started to cry which made Hestilies come running back and caused their father to his raise his voice. "Papa threw a fit yelling at me and spooking the drive." Hestili said continuing where she left off. "Yeah I remember that. Father carried me home in his arms the entire time and made you walk behind him holding on to his tail." Solus said putting an end to the tale.

Solus remembered clinging to his father and how he buried his face into his hard scale neck, crying because hitting that wago really did hurt and he had a large bruise too. "Papa didn't look at me the entire way back." Hestilies said grabbing her brother's hand and looking him in the eyes.

Solus smiled and leaned over to hug his sister as she smiled back "Thank you, Heste." "It is no problem, Sol." Hestilies said as Solus hopped off the bed and headed towards the door, "I'll be going back to my room now, good night."

As Solus closed the door behind him, Hestilies turned the light back off and lied back down ready to go to sleep, "Solus you need more guts." she thought.

* * *

As the afternoon shined over the City of Arhaul, Hestilies and Solus stood in the large back court of their home dressed in loose clothing of shorts and shirts positioned in front of three bag dummies who were attached to large staked poles via rope.

Next to the dummies with their arms crossed and wearing their silver mask was their mother, Pretoria still in the clothes of the bed in a long tan robe and bloomers. Since the act of retirement she had forgone the act of training, but for her children she was willing to make an exception.

To see how things would go Novis himself had came out to the backyard dragging with him a chair where he took his seat. He watched carefully as Pretoria began to instruct her children on how the examinations were going to go.

"Before I can test you o'l child of the horrowing abyss I must see how capable you two really art." She said with enthuaism in her voice before directing herself to Hestilies, "Hestilies I desire to see your physical ability, then your form, and to test your strength." Hestilies then moved her attention to Solus "And as for you Solus. I desire to your knowledge on the fundamentals of magic and to see if you even cast a spell."

Hestilies and Solus looked seriously at ther mother, nodding their head, and resolving themselves to try their best. "Hestilies for your physical training I want you to do 20 push-ups, 20 sit-ups, and 10 laps around this court in 10 minutes." Pretoria barked.

After hearing those words Solus watched as his sister dropped to the ground and positioned herself to do push-ups. Hestilies was always the athletic type as she put all her energy into building her body's strength and stamina which allowed her to blitz through the push-ups into the sit-ups and then finally bolting around the long court.

Though she was quick the momentum that Hestilies used to start with ended up petering out during the few remaining laps that she had. "She did alright." Novis thought - Pretoria was good shape for a kid her age and while running she kept good form, began to pace herself when she became tired, and most importantly she breathed through her nose and mouth and exhaled with her mouth.

While Hestilies was finishing out her laps Solus simply stood and watched as Pretoria left for a bit and then came back carrying two wooden swords and tossed one to Hestilies feet while she was catching her breath.

"Those swords aren't steel." Hestilies said as her mother handed one to her, "Daft child of the dragon over there. The use of steel is no good if one does not use wood which began all weapons. Life can be gone as the wind if swung without restrain and the crimson currency is paid."

Hestilies blinked not fully understanding her mother's speech and looked to Solus to explain it to her, "Mother is saying you're not ready to use steel. You will have to use wood or you can hurt someone or yourself.".

"Oh." Hestilies blurted "But I heard soldiers get to use steel swords in their training.". Shen then waved the wooden sword around it was kind of heavy. "And they are soldiers to the Emperor paid for their training and you are not." Pretoria replied and rotating the sword in her hand, "Now ready thine weapon and show me your form." and then pointed her sword to the dummies.

Hestilies frowned a tad bit upset that she wasn't using a real sword then charged at the dummies swinging at their mid-section with a large swing which ended up cutting its belly. Novis as watched his daughter swing her sword he noticed that Pretoria's demeanor had changed and scowl appear on her face as the stuffed hey came spewing out of the dummy and Hestilies moved on to the other two.

On the second dummy Hestilies swung the wooden sword overhead splitting its head and for the last one she swung at the mid-section again, but aiming towards the chest. When she finished she backed away saying "I did great" and looked towards her mother who was shaking her head, "Your footing was terrible and you swung your weapon too wide." Pretoria said pointing out her faults.

"She was a novice so this was to be expected." Novis thought, but he admired that her physical strength was good and she could control how much force she can put into a swing, though for someone looking to join a Legion it would have benefitted Hestilies to read up on how they practiced their sword training.

"Overall while you have strength you lack form." Pretoria said finishing, Hestilies remained silent as her mother then pointed her wooden sword at her. "Alright now on to the final part, a match. The first to be disarmed, downed, or surrender loses." Pretoria said explaining the rules and Hestilies opening her mouth ,"Mama wait am I -", but before she could finish her sentence Pretoria closed the distance between them using only speed and struck Hestilies on the left side of her head.

Hestilies reared back in pain as Novis stood up for a second before quickly sitting back down. His fatherly instinct had just kicking in for that moment and he had forgotten that he did tell Pretoria just yesterday not to treat them as their kids during her little exams, "It's been ten years and she still hasn't lost her form."

"There is no time to talk, child. I am the enemy from a place far and unknown or perhaps close and known- I am the one who will salt your fields, plunder your treasure, take and defile your women, and erase your people from the annals of history." Pretoria said with a voice filled with malice as Hestilies started to recover and took grip of the wooden sword with both her hands, "Do you plan to mock me and stand there like a statue? Come at me!" Pretoria yelled.

"She doesn't have to go this far." Novis thought "Then again she has always been the type of person to speak visciously of her opponent during the heat of battle."

Hestilies gathered herself and then charged at her mother with the wooden sword and letting out a wide-horizontel swing. Pretoria blocked it and moved in to push her daughter back with a vertical swing which caused her to almost lose her balance.

"Come on. Is this all you can do? You talk about being a soldier, but you can't even fight." Pretoria said mockingly as Hestilies charged her again performing a series of three swings that were blocked. Pretoria then swung back striking Hestilies left arm which made her let go of the blade and hold it with her right hand as she tried to shake off the pain.

"This isn't fair." Hestilies blurted in response, "War isn't fair." Pretoria replied "If you were the enemy I would have longed sacrifiaced you to the Dark Gods. If you wish to change the situation here, simply be better."

Hestilies charged her mother again swinging the wooden sword faster and keeping it close to her and adding-in some stabs. Pretoria smiled as instead of blocking she started to dodge the flurry of attack, "It is a shame you aren't older. Things would have been more in your favor."

During the last attempted jab at her, Pretoria ended twirling around and struck her daughter in her right knee which made her drop to the ground ending the test. Pretoria sighed and dropped to meet her daughter at an eye-to-eye level and placed her hand on top of her red head and in-between her horns, "O'clipped winged valkyrie. I believe that you have the skills to become a soldier, but in your current status you would only make an average one with some above normal stamina."

Hestilies remained silent and sucked in the bottom portion of her lip, there was a little shaking inside of her, a fear of failure - one that she failed to impress her mother to receive training, "I tried."

Pretoria nodded and began stroking her daughter's head, "Trying isn't everything. I did promise your father I would not hold back, but I would also give you a fair chance" Pretoria then stopped and rose up, "I'm not the type to let things go as they are. Hestilies I shall count this as a pass for you."

Hestilies looked in shock at her mother, "Are you for real, Mama?". Pretoria nodded as she then addressed Novis who sitting back, "Crimson dragon. This girl has potential and shall be trained." He grunted he knew she was going to do something like this, but Novis too knew she wasn't wrong as Hestilies did have some potential.

Hestilies then rose up with a delighted smile and turned to her brother who seemed happy for her success, but also nervous for his coming test, "See. Don't worry Solus. You can do it!" Hestilies said cheering him on as Pretoria approached and stopped in fromt of him, "Solus-"
"Magic is the art of manipulating the world. In the First Era to make life easier the three basic Magics of: Earth, Storm, and Waves were created by the Triumvirate." Solus blurted. Pretoria knew her son and when he found himself to be in an uncomfortable sitatuon he was known to blurt out facts and other things as a way to cope. The best thing to do in this scenario was to either walk away or let him finish.

"Then the ascended gods came and they created magic based on the concepts of the world such as dreaming, cooking, and others. The common magic system known as the Tier System appaeared during the 1st Oblivion Crisis thanks to the Invaders who had a special system of catergorizing and organizing their different magics." Solus then fell silent after giving a brief history of magic.

Novus nodded his head as son did a good job and the common system of magic employed by everyone is the one based from the Life of Fantasy Online MMORPG

"That is enough- You have studied a lot shadow of my life, but you are someone who still hasn't grasped the art of conversation." Pretoria said clapping for her dear son, "And since you know the history I believe you know the fundamentals to spellcasting too?".

Solus nodded his head as his mother droned on, "Hmph, I expect nothing less from the Valkyrie of Destruction, Death, and Despair's successor. The silve hair child who will reap the fields of battle of the enemies hopes and secure victory only for himself."

Pretoria then shuffled herself over to Solus side, "Then we will move on to our test. You will be casting the following spells that I say and the one's who can cause harm wil be directed towards the dummies." Solus tok a breath, licked his lips, and declared himself ready, "I can do this."

"Well its obivous that Solus is going to pass." Novis said watching. In this world magic was a skill one could learn from repeated practice and due to the Tier System the most common magic Novices have learned will be done through Cantrips and of the 1st Tier Spells. It would be extremely unlikely for Solus to have learned 2nd Tier Spells without unlocking his potential and obtaining levels in a Class like the Invaders and other individuals in this world.

"You will cast these spells in the following order: Magic Hand, Message, and Novice Illusion" Pretoria said as she placed her hand on Solus shoulder. Taking in a deep breathe he focused on his first spell 'Magic Hand' - a spell whcih generated a spectral hand that performed a single task in a range of 15 feet.

The first thing Solus did was gather the aether from around him and focused on where he wanted the hand to appear desiring to place it in front of him. After only a few seconds of concentration a child's blue hand floated in front of him and he shook it; it was solid, but cold and faded away as quickly as it appeared after shaking it. Solus was rather giddy and excited to move on to his next test involving the use of 'Message.

This was a Cantrip Spell which had a range of 100 feet and allowed for the transportation of thought words from the caster to a person they knew. Solus turned to stare at his father who was watching him from afar and thought of the perfect words to send to him 'Message' he said casting the spell.

Staring at the ground blue writings started to appear in front of Novis reading "Father are you watching me closely?". Novis acknowledged it and raised his hand up and gave him a thumbs up, showing that the spell worked and he was watching him.

"Now on to the third spell." Solus thought and taking a step back he planned on casting 'Novice Illusion' a simple magical spell that would create a stationary illusion no bigger than a 3-foot cube in a 15 foot range. Solus focused and thought about a simply black book lying on the ground in front of him, a mist of blue aether shimmered over the area, and then a black book appeared.

Since the spell was an illusion there was two different ways to cast the spell. The first was to cast the spell and concentrate on the illusion keeping it out for a period of time based on the user's desire of having it out or to pour magical energy into the illusion and have it out for a defined period of time. Solus choose the latter and the book stayed out for 30 seconds before disappearing.

Staring at her brother Hestilies was amazed at how talented he was in the art of magic, "Solus really worked hard, huh?" she thought. During their free days she always remembered him holding himself in the family library reading book after book about magic and attempting to cast spells by his self, "Maybe I should've read some books on how to fight and did what they did." Hestilies thought.

Pretoria looked to her son and patted him on his back "He's got talent." she thought as she pointed to the ruined training dummies, "I now desire to see your combat abilities. To see if you have what it takes to brave danger and defend yourself blessed child. You will cast Magic Missile a Tier 1 Spell and hit all the target!"

Solus stared at his mother being a bit concerned. He knew of the spell that she was talking about from his books on magic, but he never really used it before as he spent most of his time messing with Cantrips. "Do it, Solus!" wooted Hestilies.

From his memory of the spell Solus knew that it was supposed to conjure aetheral darts which would release a small force upon contact with an object. Taking a deep breath Solus focused and conjured three balls of light blue aether around him, a nervous chuckle came out of him "I'm doing it."

Looking towards his mother, Pretoria was simply staring and waiting for him to do something. Bringing his attention to the targets Solus sent one of the aether balls flying towards it, it was fast and let out a large 'bap' sound once it struck the target's stomach which left behind a small hole.

Solus then switch to the other two remaining dummies sending the last two aether balls at them which too landed with large 'bap' sounds and left holes in them. Relaxing he then turned to Pretoria who brought him in for a hug, "You did a good job. But you do need to practice more the darts didn't manifest fully which reduced the force they made when they hit the dummies."

Solus let out an "Oh." as Pretoria then let go of him and looked to Hestilies, "You two have real potential, but for now you're average...But even with averageness you two can reach your dreams with enough practice."

A smile came upon Hestilies face as she became giddy and moved over to Solus jumping up and down while Pretoria continued on "So as your mother and mentor from now on I will be guiding you two.".

"I told you we could do it!" Hestilies said as Solus chuckled, it seemed that she was right about last night's conversation which made him silly to worry about failing. Hestilies then turned with Solus to their papa who was still sitting down  in his chair staring, "We passed Papa!" Hestilies yelled.

Novis didn't respond, stood up, grabbed his chair, and started walking towards the entrance of the home, but then stopped for a second look back. "Congratulations." He yelled to them before going inside.

"Is he really upset about our dreams?" Solus inquired, but Pretoria viscously shook her head "That old crimson fang of the empire just an overprotective and catuious dragon. He's just scared of a what if situation. I'll have a word with him tonight."

"Do you think you can convince him, Mama?" Hestilies asked. Pretoria looked away from Hestilies for a second then back at her with a large grin, "I could convince him in many ways. You two shouldn't worry about it, but be more focused on your training as from now on you two will be practicing and studying under me once you finish your tutoring, everyday of the week."

Solus and Hestilies responded with a quick "Yes" as explained to them their trainign regime and then dismissed them as she dealt with cleaning up the dummies and court.


Chapter 03: The Family Bath

As night settled upon the City of Arhaul, Pretoria sat alone in a large pool of hot water with a rag and soap, scurbbing clean herself in the main bath downstairs in order to prepare for tonight's rest, "It feels so nice." she said letting out a sigh of relief.

Slowly the double doors that served to the entryway to the bath room opened and Pretoria looked back to see her daughter walking with a fold white rag, towl, soap, and a pair of night robes in hands. Hestilies moved to a neighboring table where she set down the robes and towel next to Pretoria's clothing and towel and walked into the bath.

"Hello, my lovely child!" Pretoria said gleefully as her daughter took a seat next to her on the bath's steps. Pretoria leaned over and started rubbing her daughter's face and head, a common act that she had done ever since she was a little girl and they took baths together.

"Stop that Mama!" Pretoria responded as her mother continued to give her more affection before backing off, saying "Sorry. Its only natural I get to clean my daughter.". Hestilies ever since she turned 8 had always told her Mama that she was grown enough to bathe herself and she didn't need her to do it, but her mother never listened and insisted to do at least some cleaning.

Looking towards he mother, Hestilies examined her. She was without her mask as there was no servants around so she could show her face, "Mama is quite beautiful" Hestilies thought. She was a woman in her fifties, but her body and appearance was like that of a woman in her thirties - she was robust and good health as according to the servants its like she never aged.

Compared to her body which was rather flat in all departments Hestilies could easily see her mother's feminine traits; she possessed an robust bossom bigger than the average hand, her hips, thighs, and buttocks were bigger too. "Will I have a body like that when I become a woman?" Hestilies thought. This had always been something to concern her as she always desired to be a woman who rather masculine and with muscles than soft supple parts and her flat chest was also more suited for wearing armor.

"Hest you did a good job today." Pretoria said referring to their intial training test. Hestilies nodded her head towards her mother as she began to wash herself and her short red hair, "I did good enough, but I need become better."

Looking at the left side of her daughter's head Pretoria could see the place that she struck her at had swollen a bit, "I'm sorry about that. Your father said to take the thing seriously." Pretoria said apologizing and trying to explain herself. She moved herself towards her daughter to plant a kiss, but Hestilies shifted away placing her hand on her mother's chest, "No don't kiss it. Stop it Mama! It doesn't hurt or anything."

A pout came across Pretoria's face as she crossed her arms, "I don't see anything wrong with kissing it. When you were little baby I used to kiss your forehead and you giggled and like its."

"But I'm not a baby, I'm becoming a woman." Hestilies blurted and splashing some water in the air, Pretoria sighed and looked to her daughter, "But you will be my little child always." she raised her hand and started rubbing Hestilies head and touching her horns which grew quite large becoming at least 5 inches in length.

When she was done Pretroai wthdrew her hand from Hestilies head and began to think about how fast her daughter had grown in only ten years. When she was really little she would always compare herself to her Papa as she wanted to be as tall and as intimidating as him, "You do know that you don't have to copy your Papa and become a soldier."

"Hus?" Hestilies said as she stopped washing herself to listen to her mother, "Your Papa only became a soldier to afford his retirement life." Hestilies started a bit confused by her mother's comment, "I don't want to become like Papa though." Pretoria dropped mouth, "Then why do you want to become a solider?"

"I want to become a powerful soldier- one who has no limits and fights against dangers like you, Mama" Hestilies said explaining herself. Pretoria satin silence as she carried on, "Papa is an amazing Papa, but he doesn't match the character you told me in the stories about your adventures. He's normal and boring unlike you, Mama."

"Boring?" Pretoria repeated, "He doesn't do anything!" Hestilies said raising her voice, "He's always reading or writing or spending time trying to do boring things with us like math. You throw like throwing darts and doing cool things instead, Mama."

"Math, writing, and reading are all important." Pretoria  said putting in a word of defense for Novis as Hestilies continued on, "And I can tell Papa puts a lot of attention on me because I have his looks." she then motioned to her horns, the scales on her skin, and short tail, "It really makes Solus, sulk."

When she finished Pretoria nodded her head, "You are right that your Papa puts more attention on you, but that is because you do take strongly after his appearance. You and Solus shouldn't worry about that though Hest. But as for your father he's just someone tired of adventuring and wishes to relax"

Hestilies looked into her mother's azure eyes, "Mama how did you and Papa even come to meet?". Pretoria looked away and then crossed her legs, this was an odd question as nobody has really asked Pretoria how she and Novis came to be together, from the time they were in their old world and into this one they just were.

"Well...we met a very long time ago. I wasn't a very good person back then, your grandparents took me to a cavern of the Dark Gods who accepted me as their champion and gave to me their powers to carry out their will" Pretoria said remembeing her backstory,

"From then on I just drifted from battlefield to battlefield doing bad things until one day it all blew up in my face." It had been so long that Pretoria had almost completely forgotten about her own past, "Afterwards I remember finding myself in the middle of a road standing before you father who gave to me a chance to journey with him. Ever since then I had always been by his side during his journies."

Hestilies stared as she watched her mother look down at her hands, "I don't know why, but ever since I met your father. I have always felt the need to be of service to him."  Hestilies couldn't tell if that water or a tear, but something streaked down Pretoria's face "And because of this desire to serve I have a happy life different from just fighting all the time and I have you and your brother."

* * *

Novis groaned as he entered into the bathing room of his estate dragging his tail and remaining wing behind him. Tucked in-between his only arm and body was a towel, rag, soap, and a large white robe. Unlike normal poeple he didn't have a lot of options of what he could wear to sleep or work in - standard pants and shirts would easily rip and be uncomfortable for him.

It was cheaper and more convienent for him to have his wardrobe be nothing more than large robes which he could slip on and off without much problems and what kept his body completely covered. Walking over to the desk he placed his robe and towl next to the nightly clothes of Pretoria which caught him off guard, "Oh these are Pretoria's."

Normally the family would bathe during the same time as the servants; Pretoria and Hestilies would join in with the female Servants and then Novis would join Solus in the bath alongside all the servant men, but for tonight the family had decided to bathe later than earlier. It wasn't normally like Pretoria to leave her things just out and about especially since it would be Novis and Solus time to bathe.

"Did she just forget them?" Novis shrugged ,"I'll kust collect them when I leave out." he thought as headed towards the pool of water tipped his big toe in to get a good feel for the water temperature. It wasn't hot, but a nice warm sensation did travel up his foot. He moved in closer, submerging himself in the water and letting out a loud groan, "That's it.".

Novis could feel his entire body heat up, the color of his scales were no longer dry as the water washed over them, "Taking baths are the best." he blurted. Looking at his hand Novis remembered how human it used to be - how human he used to be until coming to the Planet as an Invader and his body becoming that of character from LoFO.

As a member of the Dragon race, Novis had become a cold-blooded beast. He can't stand cold or too hot environments for too long periods of time as he required respite from them, every two months he would have to cast off the scales on his body by having Pretoria help rip and pluck them off so new scales could grow, and there were some foods that he could no longer enjoy like certain vegetables, fruits, and breads as a lot of his new diet consisted of meat and dairy.

Then most importantly there was his accomplishment as a man which was replaced with something else entirely which had a few bonuses and a lot of negatives. Thinking about Novis sighed as he leaned back submerging himself deeper into the water as he missed his old human body. A loud click came from behind him as the door to the bathing room opened and Novis looked back at first expecting to see Solus walking in, but instead was greeted by Pretoria carrying a glass of wine which was watered down and a towel wrapped around her body.

Most of the wine in the Illyian Imperium wasn't what one would call wine and was instead alcholic syrup which was hard to gulp down without mixing it with other things. "Oh you finally arrived." Pretoria said looking at Novis with a smile. "Were you waiting for me?" He asked curiously, thiking about it had been some time since the two of them bathed alone with each other.

"Are you coming to keep me company?" Novis inquired with a wide smile and a cheerful tone, Pretoria took a sip from her drink, place it on the desk, and walked to the edge of the pool to sit down where she placed her feet into the water.

"Cease the acts. I could give you the company fit for a king and you would not know what to do with all of it." Pretoria said looking at Novis and beginning to stroke the top of his head as Novis let out an interested "Oh" as Pretoria continued to talk, "I did not wait for you to keep you company. I've come from the weary waters of a dragon's child to speak about their message."

Novis then let out a flat "Oh" as things weren't going to go the way he thought they were going to go "So what is the message? From which child?" he asked. Pretoria stopped rubbing Novis head, "The one who inherited the flames of the dragon."

Novis rose up out the water to take a seat at the edge of the pool next to Pretoria interested in the conversation as she was referring to Hestilies, "What did she say?" Pretoria examined Novis expecting him to know the answer, but he just stared waiting for her response, "She wants the dragon to tone down the over protection on her" she said waving her hand.

Novis frowned, "Is that it? I let her train under you and she still thinks I'm being overprotective?"

"No that isn't it." Pretoria replied, "Solus is having issues about you not paying attention to him due to him lacking your features.". Novis fell silent for a second, "What? What do you mean? Does he think I don't give him enough attention?"

Pretoria looked at Novis scales, "You know the lack of a horn, a tail, and scales of a dragon. He thinks you are paying more attention to Hestilies because she has them." Novis felt a little a bit shocked, he loved children equally, Hestilies having some of his draconic features doesn't mean he wouldn't spend or put all of his time with Solus, "Solus is a smart boy. Why would he think such a thing?"
"I came to tell this because it is worrying Hestilies and you should take care of your kin, Papa." Pretoria said and standing up. Novus felt a little worried by the news, "Yes. I'll take care of this- I mean Solus shouldn't be thinking that way."

"I know you will settle it. You are a dragon who rips asunder the barriers which try to keep you from your treasure, a dragon that reaches the end.".Pretoria said letting out a little chuckle. Novis looked at her with a smile for her kind, but strange words. As he continued to stare his eyes started to wander as he began inspect his wife.

For a woman in her late 50s and who had produced two children, having the body of a young woman thanks to her class abilities was a very nice thing for Pretoria and by-extension Novis. Everything was still place; firm, young, vigorious, and she still had energy and time produce more offspring.

Pretoria looked back to see what Novis was up to. She became amused by the stare, but such a thing wasn't for the right time and place and with a flick of her finger a shadow sprung forth from the ground to cover Novis eyes. "Argh! I've been blinding" Novis said splashing some water with his feet and seeing nothing, but darkness.

"A dragon that desires treasures ought to deal with other dangers first." Pretoria said in a teasing voice as she walked away from Novis to the desk where her clothes and drink were at. She quickly slipped on her robe and bloomers and took hold of her drink and left.

The shadow which was stuck on Novis face slowly peeled itself off, restoring his sight and looking around Novis was left alone waiting for Solus to arrive to keep him company.

* * *

As he entered into a short hall which connected the main house and bathing room together, Solus was covered in his clothes of the day with a robe, rag, and soap in his arms as he hummed the hym of the Imperium. Solus stopped as he watched his mother leave out of the bathing room wearing her nightly clothes and drink in hand, "Mother. Did you just finish your bath now? Is Hestilies still in there?"
Pretoria was a little taken back as she didn't expect to come face to fact with her child, but she quickly recovered to respond, "Ah. No my little silver haired mage of destruction. I was waiting to see your Papa."

Solus paused, "Did you bathe with him?" he asked directly. Solus knew that his father and mother bathed with one another, but it was extremely rare for them to do it together. Pretoria took a sip from her drink and let out a "hmph" sound, "And if I did? It is not strange for family to bathe with each other- especially a man and his wife."

She then looked towards her son, "Besides I bathed and washed with you till you were eight." Pretoria said reminding him of their old family bath time. "Yeah, but I was eight then. I'm old enough to bathe myself and I don't need you to wash me." Solus responding to his mother trying to convince to her that he was becoming a man.

Walking towards him Pretoria rubbed her son's head, "No matter how old you get though you'll always be my little child. So there is nothing wrong if I bathed with you." Solus grimaced letting out a "Ew!" which caught Pretoria by surprise, "There is nothing good about a man bathing with his mother. Besides nobody wants to see you naked."

Solus words were a reaction to the conversation, but they were sharp and had hit Pretoria in her heart and spirit especially the loud 'Ew!', "What do you mean nobody wants to see me naked? Are you saying I'm old!?" Pretoria said with an expression of horror on her face.

Solus rolled his eyes, he couldn't understand why his mother was acting surprised by his words, "Mother you are in your fifties and you're not like the other young women.". Pretoria reeled back as her own son was calling her a hag, "I'm not- Ah, Y-Your father wants to see me naked. He thinks I'm as young other women."

"Argh" Solus said as he backed away, "Mother stop! I don't want to hear how Father wants to see you naked, that's repulsive.". Pretoria cringed and hurried past her son and down the hall. Solus looked back wondering if he had done somthing wrong, but all he did was tell the truth.

Solus then continued forward walked into the bathing room where his father was sitting at the edge of the pool of water staring back at him, "Hello, Solus." he said moving his tail and wing around in excitement. "Did you wait long for me, Father?" Solus asked as he moved to the desk in the bathing room to put down his clothes and towel, he removed clothing and then walked towards the pool to take a seat next to his father.

His father was a built draconic creature, most of his back and head area had scales, but towards his toros and inner part of his legs were soft, but still filled with muscle. Looking at himself Solus was a rather sknny figure and feeling his long white hair he felt compared to a lot of the male servants around he looked like girl, "I really ought to cut this hair." Solus thought.

"How should I go about telling him not to worry? Should I just be frank?" Novis thought as he moved his only hand on to his lap and exhaling a breath. Solus stared at his father and feeling that he had to break the uncomfortabl silence between he blurted out something that would start a conversation, "Father I saw Mother in the hall a few seconds ago."

Novis nodded his head saying "Yeah", but he didn't say much afterwards. Solus then kicked his feet in the water before looking around the bath lit by flames, usually when they bathed in the day there would other male servants around bathing as well or one playing a harp to keep everyone entertained. It would a be fun male only experience, but with just the two of them it was kind of weird.

"Father you never talk about yourself. Why is that?" Solus asked just saying anything to rid the silence, "Mother always told me stories about your adventures that the two of you went on in your original world before becoming Invaders. She claimed that you were so active then, but you never tell Hestilies nor I about this side of you."

Novis listened to his son and groaned. It wasn't like he didn't want his children to know about him or his life, it was just that he had no real reason to tell them about that life. His proud accomplishments in his "original world" with Pretoria weren't real as it was just a video game back then and his real world was something else entirely

Novis shifted his eyes away from his son and towards the pool, "I don't say much about myself because I'm an Invader who has had a lot of things happen to them." Novis said trying to make an excuse, "I'm just someone who doesn't have a reason to talk a lot about myself."

"I see" Solus said, "I heard after the 7th Oblivion Crisis was over that you had a chance go back home. Can I ask why?" The silence then returned as Novis started to put on a downtrodden face from the question, he started speak then stopped before speaking again, "A lot of Invaders who decided to stay did so because there was nothing for some of us to return to."

Solus perked up, interested by what his father's words, "Huh? What do you mean by that?". Novis gulped, he could feel his throat become dry as he tried to continued on with the conversation, "When I was around your age I lost my parents in an accident and was raised by grandparents."

Novis stopped for a second to think about what he was saying, he wasn't a big fan of talking about his past in the real world and iddn't do it for the past 20 years. He simply let all the memories of his time as human in the modern world become buried in the back of his mind, "My grandparents passed away when I entered into adulthood so I have no one to return to in my old world and lived alone, Solus. The adventures I went on with your mother was like a form of escape in my lonely life."

"Escape?" Solus repeaed. Novis shook his head, "Don't worry about it.". Thinking about his old life LoFO and Pretoria were just a game and NPC that Novis used to play in the real world in order to past his days in a single person's apartment.

A small feeling inside Solus started to rise as he listened to his father. It was sad kind of feeling, one that told him that he had perhaps gone too far with that simple question, "Father, I'm sorry for prying." he said in a low tone.

Novis shook his head, "No-no. You didn't pry into anything Solus. In fact it felt good to tell you about myself." Solus smiled at those words, "Really?" and Novis nodded, "Besides I'm glad I got to stay in this world to see you born. I'm happy to be your father Solus you're such a bright headed boy."

Looking at his father Solus could see what appeared to be some tears forming his eyes, "I love you and Hestilies so much, Solus. I just want you two to live a happy and easily life." there was a crack in Novis voice as he continued on, "I know you think I pay more attention to Hestilies because she has my features, but I don't. I love you two equally and if you want my attention Solus just ask."

Solus looked to the water of the pool thinking about the start of the conversation and his conversation with Hestilies from earlier on in the day, "I know Papa. I was just being jealous." Solus said trying to make his feel better, he then leaned over wrapping his arm around his father for hug, "So please don't cry."

Novis regained his composure, "I don't have tears. Dragons just sweat through their eyes.". Solus chuckled while Novis frowned, "What's so funny? I don't have tears he blurted" as Solus chuckles became laughter.

Novis then dipped his hand into the water, cupping it, and splashed it on to Solus, "Stop laughing." The wayer sprayed on to Solus caushing to flinsh and lean back from his father, "Ah, it got in my face.".

Novis started to laugh at Solus as he reached over to cup water in both his hands splashed it on to Novis, "Do you think you can get away with that?" he said in an aggressive voice.

"Oh, he thinks that he can take on his old man." Novis thought as he got up to move deeper into the pool of water. He raised ups tail and swung it downwards sending a large splash water over to Solus and the title floor, Solus kept  laughing as he enter into the pool fo water and began to engage in a splash fight against his father...