#jemine | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

elwynten · 4 months

Text

Chapter 46

New Recruits and setting up shop.

The Hestia Familia got the go ahead from the Guild to be able to open a store, or two. Which means we now need to find a building to either rent or buy. I would like to find a building on Northwest Main Street, West Main Street or Southwest Main Street. That way it would be fairly close to Hearthstone Manor and also be in the main traffic area of both adventurers and non-combatants alike.

Since we were about finished going through Folkvangr, we would need a place to move all the items to so we can sell them. So, getting a store was one of the first things on the list to do.

I stopped by the Blue Pharmacy to talk to Miach. As Taima and I walked into the shop, Nahza greeted us.

"Hello Eilwyn and Taima. What may I help you with?" Nahza asked me.

"Hello Nahza, I would like to talk to Miach if he's not too busy. Hi, Jenim." I replied.

"He just went to make tea. You can go through."

"Greetings Eilwyn, Hi Taima." Jenim, Nahza's Companion said in greeting.

I nodded my head in understanding. "Thank you, Nahza." I told her.

"Hello Jemin." I told Jemin, again.

I looked at Taima. "You stay here unless I call you. Okay?"

"Okay, I'll talk to Nahza and Jenim."

I went through the door that separates the pharmacy from their home in the back.

"Knock, knock." I said as I walked into the apartment. I didn't want to surprise Miach.

"Hello?" Miach said as he poked his head around the corner. "Ah, Eilwyn. What brings you here today?"

"We got the go ahead to open the store." I started as I walked into the kitchen where Miach was making tea. "I wanted to know if you had thought about going in with us. I know that would mean moving your business and home, but you'll be closer to or on one of the main streets. And I can help you out with a new place to live." I said.

"People are starting to shop here because of your Familia winning the war game. I'm not sure it would be a good idea to move right now." Miach told me.

"All you would have to do is post a sign in the window saying when and where you'll be relocating to. Besides, since we're going to be selling items for the hearth and home along with weapons, it should help bring more people into the store. People looking for furniture or weapons would see your potions and that could bring in more sales. At the least, people will spread the word and that should bring in more sales for you." I tried to assure Miach.

"What about where my Familia will live? Buying or renting a place that big will cost a lot of money. Plus buying or renting something with an apartment big enough to house all four of us will cost a lot more. Even with your Familia putting in the majority of the money I don't think we could afford it." Miach informed me.

I chuckled. "All we need to do is find a place big enough for Welf's weapons and armor, your potions and salves, a restaurant and for the hearth and home items, because a place for your Familia to live will cost… 'nothing'."

Miach looked confused and doubtful. "How can a house or an apartment cost nothing?"

I grinned and waved my arm. "Like that." I said and pointed at the portal to a Pocket Dimension. It's the same kind of PD that the Hestia Familia lived in until we moved into the Hearthstone Manor. I walked to the door between the apartment and the store and opened it up.

I called out. "Nahza! Are you free for a couple minutes?"

"No one's in the store right now, but there is no telling if someone will come in." Nahza replied.

"Taima and Jemin can watch the store and if anyone comes in Jemin can let you know." I suggested.

Miach was just staring at the portal to the PD with his mouth hanging open. "H-how did you make a different word?" Miach asked me.

I chuckled as Nahza walked into the room. "It's not a world it is called a pocket plain or pocket dimension. This one is around ten miles across, in the middle is a good-sized house and the terrain can be set to what you like. Right now, it has a forest around most of the edge of the PD, there are a couple creeks or streams and ponds along with an ocean and beach over that way." I told Miach and Nahza pointing off to the left.

Nahza like Miach stared at the portal to the PD with shock and surprise on her face.

"B-but how can you create something like this. The gods can't even do that." Miach asked me.

I shrugged my shoulders and sighed. "I really need to record the story about how I received all of these powers and abilities." I told Miach and Nahza about the accident, hearing a voice in the blackness and receiving all of the powers and abilities.

"You mean, someone or something gave you several abilities and powers and one of the powers allows you to create the Companions you gave Nahza and the others and also the ability to create this pocket-what did you call it?" Miach stated.

I nodded my head in agreement. "That's about it. I don't know who or what gave me all these powers and abilities. All I know is Taima, my Companion, was there when I woke up and I could do some very amazing things." I added to my story. Then to answer Miach's question. "It is a Pocket Plain or Pocket Dimension or PD for short. When I joined the Hestia Familia, I opened one so we would have a nice place to live until we could find a better place." I informed Miach and Nahza. "Besides there wasn't much room in the hidden basement under the church. You should know about that Miach, you've been there a time or two."

"Ya, you are right. I have been to the room under the church, and it isn't very big. Hestia knows about this PD thing of yours?" Miach asked shocked.

I nodded my head in agreement. "Yes, she does, because she lived in one until we were able to move into the Hearthstone Manor." I said. "The best thing to do is fix a door onto a wall so it can be locked and when the door is opened, it matches the portal or opening, to the PD.

"Let's take a look." I suggested and stepped through the portal.

I led Miach and Nahza into the PD, around the house and then gave them a tour of the house. "Although the house you use doesn't have to look like this one. You can set it up as you want or need as long as it is no more than 232.25 square meders (2,500 square feet). And as you can see there is plenty of room to grow plants for your potions. You can put in a lake or ocean with a beach so you can go swimming in the evenings." I told them.

"Wait, wait, wait… what do you mean we can put in a lake or ocean in here?" Nahza asked surprised.

I chuckled. "You can set up the PD just about any way you want it. You can choose what kind of environment you want around the house. That means the house can be set in mountains or by a lake or even on the beach by the ocean. You can put in creeks or rivers that flow from one side of the PD to the other side or into a lake or ocean if you have them. All you have to do is, the first time you enter the PD is go to the house where there is a 'tablet'. On the 'tablet' you choose how many bedrooms, bathrooms and their sizes and the rooms for the rest of the house. You can choose to have a gazebo and patio behind the house. Then you choose what you want the environment to be. You can even set the weather, so one day you can have it snow then 80 degrees the next day. Although we had the temperature around 80 degrees with a light breeze, every day." I informed them.

"Are you sure you're not a god?" Miach asked me.

I chuckled. "I'm not a god and I have never indicated that I am a god. I just happen to have abilities and powers that make it look that way, but that does not mean I am a god." I said and shrugged my shoulders.

"So, if you would like to set up shop with the Hestia Familia, I will set this up at the new store for you to live in. Although the other employees might use the patio for break times and to eat lunch or supper at." I told them.

Miach and Nahza looked at each other. "Do we have time to talk with Cassandra and Daphne about it?" Miach asked.

"Not a problem. Take a few days to think about it and to talk it over and get back to me in three or four days." I offered. "And I'll show Daphnie and Cassandra the PD if they don't believe you when you tell them about it." I said and chuckled.

"Oh, and as a bonus the kitchen restocks itself every day, so you don't have to buy any food if you don't want to." I added.

"Thank you, Eilwyn. This is an amazing offer. Especially after giving us the grimoire." Nahza said.

I gave a small bow to Nahza and Miach, turned and left the Blue Pharmacy with Taima.

===================

Hestia, Cindy, Kimmy, Wiene, Sky, Fia and I are in the dining room when Horn walked in. "Lady Hestia, Eilwyn I believe I have found some low-level adventurers that will fit in with the Hestia Familia." Horn told us.

"Oh, that's good." Hestia said. Her twin ponytails were bouncing around in her excitement.

"Have you talked to them about joining our Familia, if so, would you be willing to let them know to meet us here?" I asked Horn.

"I did talk to them. I told them the Hestia Familia might be interested in letting them join their, I mean our, Familia" Horn said and blushed when she corrected herself. "And they seemed interested."

I chuckled. "That's okay Horn. It takes a little while to get used to belonging to a new Familia." I assured her. "Could you ask them if they could come by tomorrow evening around six in the evening?" I asked.

Horn had a thoughtful look on her face. "I should be able to do that." She told us. "I also thought about what I want to do here. There isn't enough people for me to be in a Battle party yet. I was thinking that I could help around the manor if you approve." Horn told us.

I nodded my head in understanding. "That's fine. We want you to do the work you want to do. If I may ask. If we get more adventurers, would you want to go into the Dungeon?"

"Since I was Freya's assistant. I haven't been in the Dungeon for quite a while. I don't know if I would want to do that again. Besides I am only Level two."

I nodded my head in agreement. "Makes since. Although you might go into the Dungeon again a few times to give it a try to see if it'll work for you or not. If not, I'm sure we can find something for you to do. Haruhime can use some help and if you can cook, we could use a full time cook so Mikoto doesn't have to do any cooking after a day in the Dungeon." I suggested.

"I'll do what I can, but I haven't done much cooking before." Horn told us.

"We can also help you rank up, if you want. But your being Level two doesn't matter to any of us. If you want to learn to cook, I'm sure Mikoto would be willing to teach you, or you can just help out in the kitchen or you can help Haruhime with keeping the Manor clean, or a little of both. But as I told you before, you can take some time to think about it. We are even opening a store to sell all of the extra things from Folkvangr along with other things. So, working in the store is an option. I'm just tossing out ideas. If none of them suit you. Feel free to come up with something else you would like to do." I told Horn.

"You have given me several ideas to think about, thank you." Horn told us and excusing herself she left the room.

==========

The next day shortly before six o'clock, I was sitting in the living room along with Horn, Bell, Welf, Lili, Kimmy, Haruhemi and Hestia. All of our Companions were out in the yard waiting for the potential recruits to show up.

[We have company.] Taima sent to me. [Two males.]

"Taima says there are two males here." I informed everyone.

"They should be Felton and Keao." Horn told us.

Before they could knock on the door, Haruhemi opened the door for them. "Welcome to Hearthstone Manor." She said as the two guys walked into the living room.

A girl opened the gate and walked into the front garden before Haruhemi could close the door. Haruhemi stood with the door open so the girl could enter the Manor. "Welcome to Hearthstone Manor." Haruhemi said to the girl and motioned for her to enter the building.

Haruhemi escorted all three into the living room and offered them seats. She gave a bow and left to go to the kitchen.

Once the three possible recruits were seated. "I am goddess Hestia." Hestia started. Then she indicated Bell. "This is our captain Bell Cranel and our self-appointed vice-Captain Eilwyn Tengee." She said indicating me, grinning at me.

I grinned at Hestia and shrugged my shoulders.

Hestia continued the introductions, pointing to each person in turn. "The person that let you in is Haruhemi our maid. You know Horn. Welf Crozzo is our smith, and he is also an adventurer. Next is Lili, she is Bell's supporter. Fia (In their Chianthrope form) has just joined us, she's still trying to figure out what she wants to do. And last is Kimmy, she is a member of Eilwyn's Adventuring Team." Hestia finished introducing the members of her Familia that were in the room. "There are a few more Familia members but they are off doing other things… Now may I ask, who are you?"

The three sitting on a couch looked at each other for a couple moments. Then the girl stood up. "I'm Pembe Moondancer, I'm a sword mage, and I'm level two." She said then sat back down.

Pembe is a Half Elf, 5' 4" tall with blue hair and amber eyes.

The boy on the opposite end of the couch from Pembe stood up. "I'm Keao Mouzer and I'm a level one adventurer. And please don't make fun of my last name." He said, blushed and sat back down.

Keao is a 5' 4" tall Cat Person, with black hair and blue-green eyes.

"I won't make fun of your name if you don't hold my last name against me." Welf told Keao, with his usual smile.

"You're a Crozzo?!" Keao stated with big eyes. "I-I'll do that. It's a deal." He told Welf.

The last recruit stood up and bowed before speaking. "I am Fenton Helum a level two adventurer." Fenton stated bowed again and sat back down.

Fenton is a 5' 7" tall human with brown hair and brown eyes. He is also dressed like Take's Children dress. Fenton is not from the far East, but he wishes he was.

Hestia looked at Bell. When Bell saw Hestia looking at him, he blushed, so I stood up. "We are all glad you want to join the Hestia Familia. But there are a few things you have to know before you join. First, we are nothing like the Freya Familia was. We don't spar for hours on end, and we do 'not' try to kill our fellow Familia members. We will not allow that here in the Hestia Familia. Sparring and getting hurt is one thing, but sparring and almost killing your sparring partner is totally different, and we do not allow that. Second, we consider each other to be family as well as friends and we help each other out when needed and we support each other. That means if any of you are having a problem, we want you to come to one of us and ask for help. We will do everything we can to help you if we can. If we can't help you, we'll try to find someone that can help you out." I told them.

All three of them looked at each other and at Horn with shock and surprise on their faces.

Horn nodded her head, yes. "Eilwyn is speaking the truth. The Hestia Familia is nothing like our old Familia. Here they all care about each other and support each other. They are more of a family than many families I have seen." Horn told them.

while all of this was going on, I was peeking into their minds to see what they were thinking, how they felt about us and to see if it looked like they would fit in with our Familia. So far it looked like if they joined the Hestia Familia, they would work out well, although it might take a little time for them to adjust to how we do things, just like it is taking time for Horn to adjust to how we do things.

"Third, do not treat supporters as second class. We have two supporters in our Familia and they both work hard and make it easier for the adventurers to fight and kill monsters. So, if y'all treat a supporter badly you will not like what happens to you." I made sure they knew how I felt and how our Familia felt about how they should treat supporters.

"As an example, my Team's Supporter, Rosni wanted to rank up. So, the rest of my Team took turns taking Rosni into the Dungeon so she could kill monsters while another member of our Team took the roll of supporter. Also, Bell went into the dungeon by himself for a while, but once he hired a supporter his earnings went up by three to four times. So, supporters do more than just follow adventurers around." I explained.

"Bell Cranel's loot went up that much just because he hired a supporter?" Pembe asked surprised.

Both Bell and I nodded our heads, yes. "Yes, it did. I was so surprised by how much I could make by just hiring a supporter. They are treated badly by many adventurers, but a supporter is worth their weight in magic stones." Bell proclaimed.

"We can talk more about that later." Hestia stated.

"And last, for now. Everyone, as long as a Familia member works outside the house, as an Adventurer, in a shop, and so on, they give the Familia ten percent of what they get to the Familia. The rest of what you make is for you to do with as you please." I finished. "Do any of you have any questions?"

Again, they looked at each other, then Keao raised his hand.

"Keao, correct?" I asked. Keao nodded his head, yes. "Please go ahead." I told him.

"I-if I join the Hestia Familia, will I be able to live here? I guess this is the Hestia Familia's home." He asked.

Hestia nodded her head in agreement. "Yes, this is the Familia's home and as long as we have room any and all members of my Familia can live her. Right now, you can have your own room, or you can share a room if there is someone you would not mind having as a roommate. As long as both roommates are the same sex that is." Hestia informed him.

I looked at Hestia and cleared my throat. "Are you sure about that?" I asked her.

Hestia looked shocked for a moment then grinned at me. "Well… if it's a boy and girl in the same room, they have to have known each other for over six months and both parties have to agree." Hestia corrected herself.

I chuckled. "That's better, thank you lady Hestia." I told Hestia and put my arm around Fia's shoulders and hugged her to me.

Keao nodded his head in understanding. "That's good because I don't a have long term place to live right now either. If you'll take me, I would like to join the Hestia Familia, and I'll try to do everything I can to live up to what goddess Hestia expects of her Familia." He told Hestia.

"One last thing for now. The Hestia Familia has its secrets just like every other Familia has their secrets. We don't expect you to tell us any of the Freya secrets although you might be asked for general information about the Freya Familia. And since the Freya Familia has been disbanded, keeping Freya's secrets are up to you. With that said, we expect you to keep all of the Hestia Familia's secrets even if you do not agree with those secrets." I told them.

All three nodded their heads in agreement. "That is expected." "I would never tell my Familia's secrets." They responded.

Hestia had a big smile on her face, but she looked over at me. I nodded my head, yes. "All three should work out well after they get adjusted to their new Familia." I told Hestia.

Hestia jumped up and clapped her hands together. "All right then. Any of you that really want to join my Familia follow me." She told the three.

All three stood up and looked at Hestia.

"We need to assign one of the rooms for just updating Falna's." I said and stood up. "I believe there is a good room just down the hall." I told them as I removed my arm from around Fia and stood up. "Excuse me Fia." I said and took Hestia's hand, bent my arm and put her hand on the inside of the crook of my arm. I escorted lady Hestia and the new recrutes to the room I was thinking of.

I opened the door to the room and let Hestia enter first. The room looked like it might have been a small office even though it is empty right now. The room is about half the size of one of the bedrooms. I created a massage chair and placed it in the middle of the room.

"One at a time in the room with lady Hestia while she gives each of you your new Falna." I told our new members. "When all of you have had your Falna changed, I'll give you a tour of the manor and you can pick what rooms you want. So far everyone has taken rooms on the third floor." I said and shrugged my shoulders. "After you pick your room, you are free to go get your belongings." I finished.

"Why are there all those animals in the front yard?" Pembe asked me.

I chuckled. "Those are our Companions. Almost everyone in the Familia has one, and if any new members prove they are trustworthy they will get a Companion as well, after being a member of the Familia for a month." I told Pembe.

"So, we get a pet if we prove we can take care of them?"

I shook my head, no. "They are not pets, nor just animals. They are known as Companions. They are as intelligent as most humans, they have abilities that help them, and their partner can also use those same abilities. And you and your Companion can talk to each other telepathically or mind to mind." I tried to explain.

"I'm not sure I understand. They look like animals to me."

"Since you'll be living here, you'll see what I mean."

Pembe didn't look convinced, but she shrugged her shoulders. "If you say so. I'll wait and see."

Hestia Looked at the three new recruits. "Who will be first?" She asked.

Keao shrugged his shoulders. "I'll go first." He told Hestia.

"Okay, sit on the chair backwards then, and the rest of you can wait outside in the hall." Hestia said and turned to the chair.

I made sure the other two left the room and I closed the door to the room behind me. "I have something to do for a minute or two. I'll be back shortly." I told Pembe and Fenton and headed down the hall.

I entered an empty bedroom and closed the door. I then opened a portal to Pern and walked through, then I closed the portal behind me.

I headed to the Armory. In the Armory I 'found' weapons and armor for the new members of our Familia. They each have the standard runes as all the other weapons that I take to Orario have. A Bonding Rune, Extended Range Rune, an Elemental Control Rune and if it is a ranged weapon it has a Doppleganger Rune on it as well.

Keao Mouzer uses a sword and buckler shield. Although the buckler is a little different. His buckler has a gauntlet on it so when the buckler is on his arm his hand fits in the gauntlet. There are two short spikes on the gauntlet and two longer spikes on the buckler itself.

Fenton Helum uses a bow and arrows and a double Halberd Spear. I will have to do my best to not call him "Harcourt Fenton Mudd". And last is Pembe Moondancer, our second mage. She has a four feet long staff that at the top end flairs out enough to make a six-inch diameter ribbing that she can use as a club or mace if she needs to. Her staff also lets her use mind more efficiently. She will be able to use her magic twice as much before going mind down. And of course, each weapon is also a Hestia Weapon.

I also 'found' armor for Fenton and Keao both with Bonding Runes and an armored robe for Pembe.

I spent a couple hours on Pern updating everyone that was interested on what is going on in Orario. Then I headed back to Orario and the Hearthstone Manor.

I opened a portal to the empty room at Hearthstone Manor and walked through. I closed the portal once I was back in the empty room I had left from. I opened the door to the room and headed back to where Hestia was giving her Blessing to the new members of the Hestia Familia.

Keao was still in the room with Hestia. That's not really a surprise because Hestia has to write all of her Falna onto the person's back, and that can take several minutes to do. I waited until they had all received Hestia's Blessing so I could take them on a tour of the manor and so they can pick out what bedrooms they want.

I again watched Hestia give the new recruits their new Falna. I was trying to learn how to give a Falna so I can give the Xenos a Falna.

I took the three new members of the Hestia Familia on a tour of the manor. I showed then where the kitchen and dining room are. Where the library is and where the taken bedrooms on the third floor are.

"You can take any room that is unclaimed. We would prefer if you picked one close to everyone else, but it is not mandatory. It's just easier on our maid, plus it is easier to get to know each other."

Pembe took the room across the hall from my Team's room, although she and the other new recruits didn't know about the PD yet. Fenton and Keao each took a room down the hall across from Welf and Bell.

After all, three had picked out which rooms they wanted, I gave them their new Hestia weapons. I explained what the Runes did and that Pembe's staff has Ice Control, Keao's sword has fire Control. And Fenton's bow has Doppelganger with dust arrows, fire, Ice, Gravity, and electricity, and his double Halberd Spear has Electrical Control.

I demonstrated how the Bonding Rune, the Elemental Control Runes and the Extended Range Runes work, and as usual they were shocked and surprised. "And remember, you don't have to worry about going mind down when you use the Elemental Control Rune from your weapons, because they don't use mind. Just don't become too dependent on the Elemental Control because there will be times the element you can control won't work on some monsters or it will be weak against some monsters. You will have to practice with the Extended Range because it only starts at two feet but the more you practice the farther it will extend until it reaches its maximum range of about twenty feet."

"This is amazing! Freya never gave us any weapons. We had to buy and maintain our own weapons." Pembe told me.

I shrugged my shoulders. "It's something I started when I joined the Hestia's Familia. So, it's not a Hestia Familia thing or idea, it's just something I want to do to help out any new members. But keep that under your hat. We don't want people trying to join just because they think they'll get a new weapon for joining our Familia." I told Pembe and the others. "You can say, it's one of those Familia secrets."

"After you get settled in, you can go into the Dungeon as a group, or you can go in with either my Team or Bell's Team or both. It is entirely up to you. Now with that said, go and get your belongings and get settled in. If you need any help, just ask and we'll do what we can. If you want, you can take a couple days off to get acquainted with everyone and the manor before you start going into the Dungeon again." I offered.

Fenton shook his head in disbelief. "I still can't get over how helpful and caring this Familia is. In the Freya Familia it was everyone for themselves." He explained.

"I should add that we are friends with the Miach Familia, the Hephaistos Familia and the Takemikuzuchi Familia." I informed them.

"Ya, I heard Mikoto joined the Hestia Familia so she could help you in the war game." Keao said.

"Yes, she did, and we are all grateful she did. Her gravity magic helped out a lot." I replied.

I turned to Pembe. "Pembe, I don't know how you feel about being touched by non-elves. But here we are fairly touchy-feely. By that I mean, we give hugs, we touch each other on the hands, arms, shoulders, back, and heads. I can understand not wanting to be touched by strangers. So, we hope you can get over any Elf feelings or beliefs about not being touched by non-elves. You won't be kicked out if you refuse to be touched by anyone here but… you will miss out on a lot." I informed Pembe.

"I'm only half Elf and my Elf mother didn't have much to do with the, not being touched by non-Elves or the Elven attitude that elves are better than any other race. As you said, I don't like being touched by strangers, but shortly the Hestia Familia members will not be strangers." Pembe assured me with a smile.

I nodded my head in agreement and understanding. "That's good to know." I said and smiled at Pembe. "Go on and get your belongings and get settled in." I shooed them off.

Now all I had to do was introduce them to Wiene, Sky, Fia, the real Wiene, Sky and Fia that is, and the other Xenos and see what they think about living with talking 'monsters'.

===================

A couple days later I announce there will be a Familia meeting after supper. The meeting is mainly for the four new members, but it will probably be better if everyone is there. With Bell, Welf, Hestia, Mikoto and the others there, it will give me back up and the older members will be able to support me when I tell the new members about the Xenos.

I set up the meeting so it would be in the PD. That way when I reveal Fia, Sky and Wiene are 'monsters'. Fei and Sky will be able to fly around. And so I can shut the portal to the PD. That way if Horn, Pembe, Fenton and Keao freak out they won't be able to run off.

Once everyone was seated, I stood up. "I'm going to tell you about a Familia secret. But it is also a farther-reaching secret because a few others know about it. It still needs to be kept secret though." I started.

"Get to it." Welf says.

I chuckled at Welf. "There are always preliminaries before the main topic. You know that Welf."

Welf nodded his head in agreement. "I know. I just prefer getting right to the point." Welf said with his usual grin.

"To the point, then. This is for all of the new members. You might have heard stories about singing in the Dungeon and voices being heard when there is no one around." I said.

Horn nodded her head in agreement. "I've heard stories like that. I never believed them, though." She admitted.

"The stories are true." I continue. "This will be very hard to believe, but… There are intelligent monsters in the Dungeon." I told them.

"No there's not!" Fenton stated. While the other three nodded their heads in agreement.

"The farther down in the dungeon you go the more intelligent the monsters are. They know how to work in groups and how to strategize their attacks. That takes intelligence. But the intelligent monsters I'm talking about have human level intelligence and want to live in peace with humans. You see these intelligent monsters are attacked by both humans and other monsters." I started to explain.

"W-what are you talking about!? We kill monsters because they would kill us if they could!" Pembe exclaimed.

I nodded my head in agreement. "True, but there are a few monsters that would rather not attack you or fight you. They are called Xenos. Everyone in the Familia other then you four, have met and talked to some of the Xenos." I informed them.

"That's crazy! You can't be friends with monsters!" Keao almost yelled.

I chuckled. "Again, that is mostly true. There are very few monsters that are friendly. Or at least don't want to fight humans. And I should point out that you have been friends or at least friendly, with monsters since you moved into Hearthstone Manor." I told them and pointed to Wiene, Fia and Sky.

So far Keao hadn't said anything. He just sat there listening with a shocked expression on his face.

"If all of that is true, how do you tell the difference between the monsters that want to kill humans and the intelligent monsters that don't want to kill humans?" Horn asked.

I nod my head in understanding. "It's not always easy, but the regular monsters will attack you on sight. The intelligent monsters that don't want to kill humans will try to avoid a fight and will probably try to avoid you all together." I tried to explain.

"Okay, but how do you tell the difference between the two groups of monsters?" Horn asked.

"When you go into the Dungeon figure that all of the monsters are out to kill you. It is better to be safe than sorry. Other than that, the intelligent monsters will camouflage themselves to avoid a fight unless they are a newly spawned Xenos." I told Horn.

"How can a monster camouflage themselves?" Pembe asked.

I chuckled. "Quite easily. I didn't really want to show you this so soon, but…" I said and turned to Fia. "Fia, if you would show them how a Xenos can Camouflage themself?" I asked Fia.

Fia looked a little scared because she doesn't want anyone to know she is a monster herself. "Are you sure?" She asked me.

"I'm sorry you have to do this so soon, but we knew it would have to happen sooner or later. Besides you're stronger and more durable than they are so they can't hurt you. Plus, you know I won't let them hurt you, Sweetheart." I told Fia.

"Okay I'll do it." Fia said and shifted to her natural Harpy form with her Extra Arms.

Pembe, Horn, Keao and Fenton all stared at Fia with shock, surprise and fear.

Before they can react. "That is how intelligent monsters can use camouflage. Fia is a Harpy as you can see." I said and walked over to Fia and put an arm around her waist. "Fia is a sweet person. And yes, I said person because as far as I'm concerned and everyone else in the Familia is concerned, Fia and the other intelligent monsters are people that just happen to look different." I explain. I had also Nullified the Normalization I had put on Fia so the new recruits would know she is a real monster.

I heard, "monster fetish" from one of the four, I'm not sure who said it.

"Heeh heeh heeh." I chuckle. "I know you meant that as an insult, but I've lived around 'monsters' or monster girls for over a year now. Most of which don't live in Orario or the Dungeon. But that you will learn more about over time." I told them.

I put Normalization back on Fia. All four of the new members jerk and stare at Fia.

Looking back and forth between Fia and me, Fenton speaks out. "What happened? What! Happened! First there is a girl standing beside you, then she changes into a Harpy and now there is another girl standing beside you." He quarries confused.

I grin. "Every one of the Xenos have been given what is called Normalization. That means anyone that looks at them will see them as normal people and at the most will see them as somewhat exotic but nothing out of the ordinary. That means if you see any of the intelligent monsters, all you will see is a normal person. Although all of the Xenos have a human form they use most of the time. When you first saw Fia, that is her human form. What you see now is Fia with just Normalization." I explained.

Keao points at Fia. "You mean she won't attack us? She's safe to be around?" He asks.

I nod my head in agreement. "That's what I'm saying. Now if you or anyone else attacks her, Fia will defend herself to the best of her abilities. And If I'm around or anyone else in the Familia is around when Fia or any of the other Xenos are attacked. We all will come to their defense." I tell Keao.

"The Harpies I've heard of don't have arms. She has wings and arms. How is that possible?" Keao continued.

"Harpies and Sirens arms are their wings, so yes, they only have 'wings'. But I'm able to do a few things and one of them is giving someone Extra Arms. I gave Fia two extra arms so she has arms and hands so she can do things on her own, when she's in her natural form." I replied.

Keao looked thoughtful for a few moments. "Could you give us," Keao looked at Horn, Pembe and Fenton then back to me. "Extra Arms?" He asked.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha." I had to laugh at his question, but I nodded my head in agreement. "Yes, I can. But I'm guessing you really mean, can I give 'you' Extra Arms. Correct?" I asked.

Keao looked everywhere except at me, and his face was turning pink. "W-well, ya, I guess so." He admitted. "Having four arms would really help fighting monsters…" He looked at Fia then to me. "In the Dungeon, that is." Keao told me.

I nod my head in agreement. "Yes, it would. But, having four arms, most people would think you are a… Monster." I told Keao.

"But if you used that other thing where people see monsters as normal, then I wouldn't look like a monster, would I." Keao continued with a small grin on his face.

"Touche." I say chuckling. "You are quite right and a good point as well. I'll think about it. Although using four arms at the same time is much more difficult than using two arms at the same time." I told Keao.

Keao has a thoughtful look on his face. "I can see where that might be a problem." He admitted.

"Right now, there are three Xenos living at the Hearthstone Manor. Fia as you know, but Sky is a siren and last, although she was the first Xenos to live with us, is Wiene, and she's a Vouivre." I gave them the list of Xenos that live with us at Hearthstone Manor.

I smiled. "With the way y'all are talking and acting. I'm getting the impression that you don't have much to any problem with being around intelligent monsters." I said to them.

"It's bit to get used to. We spend most days killing monsters and now we will be living with monsters. So how do we know if a monster is one of those Xenos or not?" Pembe asked.

"Any monster in the Dungeon is a monster to be killed. That is the easiest way to tell the difference. If they go into the Dungeon, the Xenos will be in their human or demi-human forms most of the time. We might come up with something the Xenos can wear or carry to let people know they are friendly if they are not attacked. But that would be if they happen to be in their natural forms." I told them.

"Now if you see monsters in the Manor or in the PD. They are intelligent monsters, so they are friendly." I added.

==========

Giving Wiene, Fia and Sky a Falna.

I had watched Hestia updating my Team's Falna's and I had her explain what she knows about giving a Falna and updating them. Since Hephaestus has been in the lower world quite a long time, I also went to her so she could tell me everything she knows about giving a Falna and updating them. So, I should be able to give humans a Falna, and I am hoping I will be able to give Wiene, Fia and Sky a Falna as well.

I don't want to have to stick my finger every time I give a Falna or update one. I decided to create my own blood. since I technically have touched my own blood because it runs through my vanes, I'm pretty sure I can create my own blood. If that doesn't work, I can Nullify my durability, prick a finger to get a drop of blood. That way I will be touching my own blood. Drop the Nullification so my durability will be back to normal, or normal for me. Then I will be able to create my own blood when I want to.

I called Wiene, Sky and Fia into the apartment and explained that I wanted to try to give them a Falna.

"You want to give us a blessing? Why do that?" Fia sked.

"If I can give you a Falna or blessing, I will be able to teach someone we trust to be the 'god of the Xenos for when you live on the surface." I chuckled. "The other Xenos can live on the surface as a Familia, that is." I explained.

If you can give us a Falna. Why don't you be our god?" Fia asked.

"For one, I have Hestia's Falna so I belong to a Familia already. It would be difficult to be a member of a Familia and the patron of a different Familia at the same time." I replied. "This way Fels or someone else can by the Xenos' patron."

"But if you give us a Falna, won't you be our god?" Wiene asked.

I nodded my head in agreement. "Technically yes I would be your patron. But that is because we need to know if a Xenos can receive a Falna in the first place. So, all I need to do is see if I can give just one of you a Falna. I have already talked to Hestia about it. She agreed to let which ever one of you I give a Falna to, will be an honorary member of the Hestia Familia. They won't be a member of her Familia. We will just say you are a member of the Hestia Familia." I told all three of them. "Plus, if I become the Xenos' patron. I know Iris, Kimmy and Cindy will want to join my Familia. that means Hestia will lose four followers and possibly five if Rosni wants to convert as well." I added.

"I'll let you give me your blessing." Wiene pipped up.

"I would like to be in your Familia." Sky told me.

"My too. I want to receive your blessing." Fia said as well.

I chuckled. "Why am I not surprised. Okay, I'm sure Hestia won't be surprised that all three of you want me to give you my Falna. If I can even give you one, that is." I told them.

I had Wiene, in her human form, sit on the massage chair we were using when Hestia updated our Falna's on. I chose to use my symbol or emblem from RWBY as the background emblem in the Falna. As far as I know every 'god' has a picture or symbol they put on their follower's backs along with the contract. Hestia's symbol is a brazier with a flame coming out of it. So, I'm going to use my RWBY emblem.

I'm also going to see if I can use English cursive in the Falna instead of the 'god's' hieroglyphs. If that doesn't work, I'll nullify the Falna and try it with another alphabet. If it works, I will be the only one able to read any Falna I give. Although their names and basic stats will be in koine.

I created a drop of blood and let it fall onto Wiene's back. Then I drew the emblem. When that was finished, I started writing the contract on Wiene's back. Since I have to put the person's name on their back for the contract. I put 'Wiene the Vouivre' as her name. I will about the same with the other two. Fia the Harpy and Sky the Siren.

I finished writing out the contract. Next, I tried to pull up Wiene's excela to see if I could do it. "It looks like it's working. I'm going to see if I can pull up your excela so I can make sure your status is as high as it will go." I explained. I was able to raise up some of Wiene's stats. And to my surprise she had a Skill. Now I kind of understand how Hestia feels when she updates my Team's status. Wiene's skill is 'Spirit Animal'.

"Um, Wiene… You have a Skill already. It's Spirit Animal, like my Team has." I told Wiene.

I put a piece of paper on Wiene's back and circled my hand over it. I pulled the paper up, is now has all of Wiene's stats on it. I step back so Wiene can stand up. I hand her the paper.

Wiene the Vouivre Level 1 Strength: A-887, Defense: B-744, Dexterity: S-926, Agility: S-965, magic: None Skill: Spirit Animal, I-0 Spirit Animal: Dragon Trigger Phrase: I am a Dragon. Release Phrase: I am a Chienthrope Spirit Animal: Dragon

"Well, it looks like it worked." I told Wiene. I turned to Fia and Sky. "Does that mean you both want me to give you my Falna?" I asked them.

"Yes!" Sky yelled excitedly. Then she cleared her throat and in a calmer voice. "Yes, please."

"Yes. I want to be in your Familia, Eilwyn." Fia told me bashfully, her cheeks turning pink.

I chuckled. "Okay then Sky, if you would take Wiene's place." I said.

Wiene stood up from the chair and moved to the side while Sky took her place on the massage chair. I went through the same proses as I had with Wiene, giving Sky my Falna. Once I was finished, I handed Sky the paper with her status on it.

Sky the Siren Level 1 Strength: C-682, Defense: S-923, Dexterity: A-872, Agility: S-909, magic: none Skill: Spirit Animal, I-0 Spirit Animal: Winged Manticore Trigger Phrase: I will sting you. Release Phrase: It won't sting.

Lastly Fia sat down on the chair. And again, I put my Falna on Fia's back. I saw that Fia also had the Skill: Spirit Animal. "I wonder if everyone I have given a Companion to is getting the Skill: Spirit Animal." I said thinking out loud.

Fia the Harpy Level 1 Strength: S-934, Defense: A-883, Dexterity: A-872, Agility: S-967, magic: none Skill: Spirit Animal, I-0 Spirit Animal: Winged Manticore Trigger Phrase; Take off. Release Phrase; Landing

"Y'all received the same Skill, Spirit Animal. Everyone on my Team has the same Skill. I think it might have something to do with having a Companions. If that's true, all of the Xenos will have the Skill, Spirit Animal when they receive their Falna. And Bell's team should receive the same skill because they all have Companions." I told Sky, Wiene and Fia.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I should show these to Hestia." I said creating copies of the papers I had given to the girls.

"Yall are level one. I know all three of you are a lot stronger than that, but when you first receive a Falna you start out at Level one. Y'all are high enough that you should be able to Rank up shortly. I would say if you registered with the Guild to wait five to six weeks before you try to Rank up."

"What will we have to do to Rank up to level two?" Fia asked.

"Fight something big. MY Team and I fought the Goliath on the 17th floor to Rank up to level three. Then a few weeks later we fought the Goliath again, but this time in pairs, to Rank up to Level four. Each of you fighting and killing two to three minotaur's each should be enough to get y'all to Rank up to Level two." I explained. "But as I said. You don't have to be adventurers if you don't want to be."

Usually, it takes one to two years before someone can Rank up. but, because y'all have Companions, you won't have to fight monsters to increase your stats. One of your stats has to be a 'D' ranking or higher before you can even try to Rank up to the next level. After you Rank up to Level two, I can add all Level one stats from your Companions to you so you won't have to fight monsters so long. That is what I've done with my Team." I told them.

Wiene grinned from ear to ear. "That will make it a lot easier for us to Rank up quickly, right?" Wiene asked.

I nodded my head in agreement. "That's right."

"As a side note, if you go to the Guild to register as adventurers. Report that you are level one adventurers, and you are members of the Hestia Familia. Although, I should probably go with you when and if you register." I told them.

"Should we register with the Guild?" Fia asked me.

"If you want to be an adventurer, then yes, you have to register with the Guild. But if you don't plan on going into the Dungeon, then no, you do not have to register. But even if you do register as an adventurer, that does not mean you have to go into the Dungeon. You can just stay above ground and work at the Hestia store when it opens, or you could work around the Manor." I said.

"Think about it and let me know later if any of you want to register as adventurers or not."

"Can I be on your Team if I register as an adventurer?" Wiene asked. Sky nodded her head in agreement.

"I would have to talk to my Team to see if they are ok with any of you joining the Team. But I don't really see there being a problem with it. Although if y'all want to be adventurers. Y'all might want to be your own team or see if the new recruits would like to have you join them." I said but seeing Sky's and Wiene's frowns. "I'm not saying I don't want you to join my Team. I'm just giving you other options."

"We will be able to spend time with you in the evenings if we make our own Team or can join Finton's team? wouldn't we?" Sky asked.

"I would expect you to. Y'all are living in the PD with me and your part of my Familia as well as the Hestia Familia. So, yes, I would expect us to spend time together in the evenings. Maybe not all evening or every evening. But most of the time. We will be doing our own things some of the time." I assured them.

They all three cheered up at hearing that.

I smiled at them. "I need to talk to Hestia about the three of you being able to receive a Falna and also all three of you receiving the Skill, Spirit Animal." I told them and started out of the room.

At the door I turned back to the girls. "I guess this is a good excuse to go out and celebrate. We won't be able to tell anyone outside the Familia. The Hestia Familia that is, but we could still go to the Benevolent Mistress and celebrate." I told Wiene, Sky and Fia.

I turned back to the door and left. I heard the girls cheering as I left.

I found Hestia shortly after I left our apartment. She was in the living room reading "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." I had given her a translated to koine. It's not difficult to translate them. I have thought about giving Hestia the "Dragonriders of Pern" books to ready. I can tell her they are just stories about Pern, kind of like a history of the Planet or they are romanticised stories of Pern.

"Lady Hestia, do you have time to talk?" I asked Hestia.

Hestia put her finger between the pages and closed the book she was reading. "That Harry Potter would make a good adventurer with all the magic he is learning." She commented.

I chuckled. "Wait until the next book or two and he will know a lot more magic." I told her as I took a seat across from Hestia. I handed Hestia the papers of Sky, Fia and Wiene's status. "As you can see, I was able to give the Xenos a Falna." I told her.

As Hestia was reading the papers. "As you might notice, all three of them have the Skill, 'Spirit Animal'. I'm beginning to believe that anyone that has a Companion might receive that same Skill." I told her.

"I saw that Skill on Sky's status paper. I haven't read the others yet." Hestia informed me as she shifted papers to read the next one.

I sat quietly as Hestia finished reading the girls status papers.

Still looking at the last paper. "Yes, yes, it does look like anyone that you gave a Companion to receives the Spirit Animal Skill. Although no one on Bell's Team has received that Skill yet." Hestia said thoughtfully.

I shrugged my shoulders. "When was the last time you updated their Falnas?" I asked, then I continued. "They haven't had their Companions very long and the time a person receives the Skill might very." I offered.

Hestia nodded her head in understanding. "Maybe, you never can tell what's going to happen with skills." Hestia admitted.

"True, but you might want to keep an eye out the next few times you update Bell's, Welf's, Mikoto's, Lili's and Haruhime's Falnas. Along with Pembe's, Fenton's and Keao's as well. This could be an interesting happenstance." I said.

"Just what we need. Something else to bring attention to my Familia." Hestia groaned.

I chuckled. "I think with Bell and my Team ranking up so fast, we already have all the attention of Orario already. Something like everyone in the Familia having the same Skill shouldn't draw that much more attention." I offered.

"I hope so. Uuhh." Hestia said with a sigh.

"Well to go back to the original topic… The Xenos can receive a Falna. So, the Xenos can become adventurers once they start living on the surface." I told Hestia.

Hestia nodded her head in agreement. "Yes, that should work. What about your three? Are they going to be adventurers?" She asked me.

I shrugged my shoulders. "They're not sure yet. I'm going to give them time to think about it. but I think they are at least going to the Guild to register as Adventurers just in case they need to or want to go into the Dungeon." I told Hestia.

"I have been teaching them to read and write koine as well English. That way they can ready anything they need to read here in Orario. And if they want to, they will be able to read any of my books from Earth." I added.

"That makes since." Hestia told me.

"If you would like, I can tell Fels that the Xenos can receive a Falna." I offered.

"Oh, yes, would you please. You can get ahold of Fels easier than I can." Hestia accepted.

I'll do that shortly." I said as I stood up. "Well, that is all I wanted to talk about. I'll see you later." I told Hestia and gave her a small bow. I went back to the apartment.

#fanfiction #anime #Orario #DanMachi #Is it wroing to try to pick up girls in a dungeon #Bell #Freya #Hestia #Welf #Wiene #Fia #Sky #Hearthstone Manor #Monsters #Dungeon

0 notes