“Well, that’s something you’re going to have to figure out, Kitty,” Estalia said, approaching slowly. She’d used the name so often when Kanae was a child. She reached up to cradle Kanae’s face, smiling slightly as she teased gently. “You being tall causes all sorts of problems, you know? Come down here.”
“Is it really so wrong that I wanted a little extra height?” Kanae asked, a smile flitting over her lips, but leaned down obediently.
Estalia stroked Kanae’s face gently, then leaned forward and gave her a gentle, chaste kiss. Then she pulled back and spoke, her voice soft. “Please don’t disappear on me again? I know I’ve made my mistakes, Kitty, and I’m trying not to make them again. I’m not going to pen you up or make you into my vision of what you should be. I want you to be yourself. And when you need to talk… I’ll be here, waiting.”
Kanae felt her hesitations begin melting away, and while a part of her wanted to distrust her mother, another part of her was just happy to not have the weight of having to hide hanging over her head. Finally, she nodded and murmured. “As you like, Mother. As long as I have the freedom to do as I will… I’m not going to hide anymore.”
“Good.” Estalia said, smiling brilliantly as she let go of Kanae’s face. “Now, I just have to ask… how did you get the transmutations to last? We had trouble making even permanent ones last more than a few hours, as I recall.”
“Well…” Kanae squirmed a bit, hesitating, then looked away as she cleared her throat. “I… had the enchantments carved into my bones. It’s an enchantment that’s powered by my mana.”
Estalia winced sympathetically, looking at Kanae in fascinated horror. “Really? You had them carve enchantments into your bones, darling? That… I can’t imagine the pain it must have caused.”
“It worked,” Kanae countered, grimacing as she remembered the pain she’d gone through. “Not something I’d care to go through again… but it worked.”
“I suppose it did, at that,” Estalia said, then walked back over to her chair and plopped into it. “Now, why don’t you tell me about your life as Kanae, darling. I want to know what you’ve been up to.”
“Are you going to talk about my father?” Kanae asked, settling into a chair as she watched her mother, unable to keep her lips from curving into a smile.
“Not right now. Maybe next time we get together… I suppose it’s been long enough that I can talk about what happened,” Estalia replied, smirking. “You kept your survival a secret, I can keep a few more under wraps until I’m satisfied.”
“Fine, fine,” Kanae said, then sat back and took a deep breath. It was going to be a long conversation. Even if it was going better than she had expected it to.
Chapter 46
Rose came out of her daze slowly, a smile still on her face. Estalia’s visit was almost a blur in her mind, at least compared to the last while with Isalla. The warm glow permeating her was one of the most pleasant feelings she could remember, and she didn’t want to move.
That was why she opened her eyes, blinking as Isalla pushed the sheets back and began squirming toward the edge of the bed, her skin glistening where light touched her. Rose half pushed herself upright as she protested. “Isalla? What’re you doing?”
“Sorry, sorry… I just thought I heard Estalia and Kanae… and it sounded like Estalia was getting ready to leave,” Isalla explained, pausing and flushing in the dim light. “I didn’t want her to go without at least saying farewell, especially since we kind of… abandoned her.”
“She’s leaving?” Rose exclaimed, sitting up abruptly. A sense of shame washed over her, because she knew Isalla was right. They’d left Estalia rather abruptly, and that hadn’t been polite. After Estalia had come all the way out to see them, it made Rose feel quite guilty. She shouldn’t have left with Isalla, even if Estalia had encouraged them to.
“I’m not sure; I just thought that was what I heard,” Isalla replied, relaxing visibly as she began searching for her clothing again.
“Well, we’d better check,” Rose said, looking around and quickly starting to get dressed. It wasn’t too hard, thankfully, since her clothing stood out against the dark floor. “I’d be mortified if she left while we were in bed.”
“I don’t blame you,” Isalla said, flushing even more as she slipped into her clothing. “I’m a little more concerned about Kanae, if I’m being honest. After what she explained…”
“True enough. I didn’t really figure out how things were from Her Majesty’s perspective, but if they aren’t agreeing, or if she’s planning to drag Kanae back with her…” Rose began, letting her voice trail off after a moment. Her feelings were tangled on the subject, as she both liked Estalia, and thought that Kanae deserved the chance to have freedom.
“Exactly. I don’t think they’re arguing, but I have to check,” Isalla said, then quickly ran her fingers through her hair, and Rose saw her wince as she undid a few tangles. “There, ready.”
“I’m almost there,” Rose replied, slipping on her gown again. At least it went on almost as easily as it came off. She was thankful that one of the changes she’d made at the spire had made her hair far less prone to tangling as she ran her fingers through it. Then she nodded. “I believe I am as well.”
“Right, then let’s go see what’s happening,” Isalla said, and Rose’s lover approached the door and opened it. She froze for a moment, and Rose blinked, then smiled at the sight.
In the main room, Estalia was standing still as Kanae helped her put on her armor. Estalia was speaking as the door opened. “…really isn’t that complicated, you know.”
“I can’t remember the last time I had occasion to help someone put on plate, Mother,” Kanae retorted, adjusting a strap. “Taking it off, certainly, but putting it on? That hasn’t been one of my duties since I was in the army. I’m sure I’ve helped a few people since then, but it’s been a rare thing.”
“I suppose that I should be thankful that you remember how to do it at all, then,” Estalia replied, her smile somehow warmer than Rose remembered it being. She was utterly enchanting, Rose realized dreamily. Yet at the same time, Estalia didn’t quite take away from Kanae’s presence. It was odd, considering how Rose felt that most of the time Estalia simply overwhelmed everyone else in the area. The queen glanced over and smiled. “Ah, I see that your guests decided to join us before I left, Kitty.”
“That they have,” Kanae murmured, and Rose blinked at the nickname, somehow amused.
“Kitty?” Isalla asked, sounding slightly stunned. Rose nudged her, and Isalla stepped out of the way, allowing Rose to enter the room.
“Oh, that’s just what I call Kitania sometimes,” Estalia said, glancing over her shoulder with a smile. “She was rambunctious and willful as a child, just like a cat.”
“Mostly you call me that in private, though. You must be in a rare mood, to share it in front of others,” Kanae murmured, moving on to another strap.
“Perhaps so. I’m just happy to have finally at least somewhat reconciled with my wayward daughter,” Estalia said, letting out a soft laugh.
“You’re leaving?” Rose asked, feeling a little unhappy at the thought.
“Yes, I am,” Estalia replied gently, looking over at Rose kindly. “While it would be quite pleasant to stay here for a while, we are on the edge of my domain, and I’m likely to attract unwanted attention.”
“Your guards have likely already managed that,” Kanae interjected quietly. “The townsfolk saw you heading this direction on the road this morning. It’s why I came back in such a rush.”
“Indeed? Still more reason to vacate the area while I can. Knowing that unusual guards were in the area is far different from knowing the queen herself visited,” Estalia said, letting out a soft breath of annoyance. “You have enough things to discuss and arrange without all the problems my presence will cause.”
“You mean we won’t see you again?” Isalla asked, her voice almost tiny. Her question caused Estalia to tur
n, putting her hands on her hips, and Kanae stood back, shaking her head slowly.
“Now when did I say that?” Estalia asked, looking at Isalla chidingly, her tone prompting Rose to smile. “I have to return to the capital, Isalla. You’re a darling young lady, but have you already forgotten what we discussed before? I’m willing to help you, and it seems likely that Kitania will help you as well. You need to decide what you want to do, then you can come to the palace and I’ll help you. So you will see me again, Isalla.”
“Ah, yes, we did discuss that, didn’t we?” Rose said, flushing slightly in embarrassment. “I’d almost forgotten about that…”
“That’s another reason she needs to go. My mother’s very presence has a tendency to distract or cause all thought to fly out of people’s heads,” Kanae added, her tone dry as she eyed Estalia. “Even if I’m happy that you weren’t reacting the way I expected, you’re still an incredible distraction, Mother.”
“I know,” Estalia replied, not a hint of shame in her smile. “Now then… I’m going to get going, so come down here, Kitania.”
“You aren’t going to let me forget that I’m taller now, are you?” Kanae asked, but leaned down to hug Estalia, somewhat to Rose’s surprise. The lack of tension through Kanae’s body was remarkable, compared to pretty much every other time Rose had seen the demoness. It was just another thing that made her respect Estalia more.
“Of course not, at least not until you decide to get a sane height again,” Estalia retorted, hugging Kanae firmly. “I hope to see you soon, Kitty.”
“We’ll see, Mother,” Kanae said, then let go.
Estalia turned to Rose and smiled as she extended her arms. “Now then, you didn’t think I was going to forget you, did you? Come on, Rose.”
“I just wasn’t sure, after last time,” Rose said happily, coming over and leaning down to embrace Estalia. She was just as comfortable to hug as last time, at least aside from the armor. After a lingering moment, she added, “Thank you for bringing Ember and the armor. No matter what choice we make, I’m glad to have it. You had a definite point about defending myself.”
“I’d far rather you had it and didn’t need it than the reverse,” Estalia said, hugging Rose tightly, then letting go and looking at Isalla. “Now, are you someone who likes hugs, Isalla? It was a pleasure to meet you, even if you and Kitty did lead me on a bit of a chase.”
“Um, sure,” Isalla said, blushing yet again as she took a few hesitant steps forward. “I thought it was the best idea at the time. Sorry about it, though…”
“It’s fine,” Estalia said, giving Isalla a hug as well. “I just have to tease, hm? Now, I’m going to go. I’ll have a few guards hiding out in the area, so when you’re ready to come see me, they’ll escort you to Silken Veils, and the teleporter there.”
“Alright,” Isalla said, seeming to relax a little as Estalia pulled away. “Thank you.”
“Oh, don’t mention it,” Estalia said, pulling away and smiling broadly. She waved at them, then headed for the door.
Then she was gone, and Rose blinked, then looked at Kanae. The other woman let out a sigh, then murmured, “Well, that changed things, didn’t it? Let’s see what we can decide.”
“Agreed,” Rose said, then paused as Kanae looked at the two of them.
“However, I think the two of you need to take a bath first,” Kanae said, a thin smile flickering across her face. “Otherwise you’ll be quite distracting.”
Rose blushed at the demoness’s teasing tone, and looked over to see that Isalla was blushing brightly as well. After a moment, she nodded, replying as calmly as she could manage. “Ah, you have a point. We’ll be back in a bit.”
Isalla took the chance to flee, but Rose chose to follow at a more sedate pace. She had to have some dignity, even if she was privately mildly mortified.
Chapter 47
Kanae sat back, watching as Rose pulled out the armor. While many people didn’t see items like the armor often, Kanae had known that Estalia would have made it valuable. No matter what her mother might say, someone like Rose was a prize worth preserving. That was why she wasn’t startled at the sight of it.
Isalla was gawking as the armor plates came out one at a time. The plate was multiple shades of red that gave it a flame pattern, though large parts of it were a deep maroon. Glittering against it were the gold runes of the armor’s enchantments, along with a large ruby over the chest, another on the forehead of the helm, and one set into each vambrace. There were even long, thin sections to protect the upper edge of Rose’s wings, and Kanae smiled at the sight of them. Estalia always had been cautious about her wings. Still, from the looks of things, the armor had been shaped to fit Rose’s figure without losing much protection, though with the magic imbued into the armor, even that was a minor sacrifice at most.
“I didn’t say anything when she showed it to me, but how could she possibly have had this made in the time she had?” Rose asked, holding up the breastplate and admiring it. “This was obviously made for me, and if I’m not mistaken it’s made of mithral. The armor alone would have taken weeks to make, let alone the enchantments.”
“Never underestimate what the right connections and what a well-trained group of artificers can manage,” Kanae said calmly, taking a sip of water as she smiled sardonically. “Mother always kept a group of trained artificers on hand, ones who were so used to working together that they could split the workload. I don’t know what the group is like now, but that has all the hallmarks of one of their projects. Artistic, practical, and strong.”
“What do you mean?” Isalla asked, looking up quickly. “I don’t know what the enchantments are.”
“She didn’t tell you?” Kanae asked, her eyebrows rising. She looked at Rose, and the angel shook her head.
“No, she didn’t. She just said that the armor was heavily enchanted,” Rose confirmed, frowning. “I suppose I should have asked, but it didn’t occur to me at the time. I was just happy to get it and Ember.”
“I’m not surprised. Bring the breastplate and vambraces over, and I’ll take a look,” Kanae said, sighing softly. “Hopefully she hasn’t come up with something new.”
Rose quickly retrieved each piece and brought them over, her curiosity obvious. She spoke after a moment. “I did notice that some of the runes had something to do with fire… I’ve some skill with fire magic, since I was tutored in it growing up.”
“Ah, quite understandable. I don’t know how the wielder of Ember is chosen, but it makes sense that they’d want anyone who used it to understand fire magic. It’d make your attacks more effective,” Kanae said, setting aside her mug before taking the armor and setting it in her lap. She examined it closely, her fingers running over the runes of the breastplate. It was oddly nice to touch such impressive armor again. Almost like being back home, in its own way.
“Oh? I didn’t realize that,” Isalla said, her voice musing. “You never talked about it.”
“Ember was more powerful than my spells, so I mostly didn’t bother using my magic,” Rose explained. “I practiced a little, but all of us were drilled in fire magic growing up. I wasn’t the best with it, though after Ember chose me, my talent strengthened.”
“Oh,” Isalla said, frowning. “I don’t think I was ever tested for magical talent. They just asked if I had any training when I joined the Order.”
“I wish they’d standardize testing, but the authorities never bothered. Magical techniques were as far as they were willing to go,” Rose murmured, obviously annoyed.
“No military wants the expense of raising large numbers of magi,” Kanae said absently, shaking her head as she pieced together what the armor did. Fortunately, none of the functions she could see were too unusual. “Training a mage takes a lot of time and effort, and even for angels and demons, trying to raise them from nothing is an enormous expense. It’s far easier to recruit those who’ve already been trained, or improve those of high standing or who have known talents wi
th useful magic.”
“Much is explained,” Rose said, scowling. “I hadn’t thought about it that way, but you’re likely right.”
“Maybe I should get tested, then? Could either of you test me for talents?” Isalla asked hopefully.
“I’m afraid I wouldn’t be the best for that, Isalla. I’m skilled with protection magic, including anti-scrying wards, and with midrange telekinesis. Primarily protection,” Kanae said, looking up at Isalla regretfully. “My talents were limited, so I chose to heavily focus on a narrow variety of magic, with a related type for offense.”
“I might be able to test you for fire magic, but it wouldn’t do much good,” Rose added, shaking her head. “If you have a talent, I wouldn’t be a good teacher.”
“Of course,” Isalla said, sighing. After a few moments, she asked, “Do you know what the armor does, Kanae?”
“Yes, approximately,” Kanae said, tapping the armor and smiling thinly. “Like most armor, it possesses enchantments to strengthen and harden the metal, while it contains magic that helps turn aside blows. It’s quite a powerful enchantment, too. More unusually, there’s an enchantment that effectively lightens the armor to make it easier to fly in without losing maneuverability. Based on what I’m seeing, I suspect the helm will help protect you from mental attacks, Rose.
“Another major benefit is that the armor accelerates your healing and protects from poisons,” Kanae added, tapping the central gem as she continued, a note of admiration in her voice. “This contains mana which neutralizes poisons and heals you. It naturally recovers, but in an emergency, you could recharge it as well. The armor further strengthens your body, making you stronger, faster, and tougher. As for the vambraces, each of them contains magic which amplifies fire magic, which is also charged over time by the gems. The suit as a whole mitigates any cold or fire attacks as well… it’s an impressive set of enchantments, I must say.”
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