Vythin stepped out into the sunlight, stretching and running a finger along his new artifact fitted around his neck. Bronze colored with a gold and black fractal pattern adorning the exterior, held together with strands of what seemed to be diamond. And now I should be able to transform without any effort, he thought. Vythin focused and did so, transforming into his dragon form, noting that he felt no heat radiate from his chest, instead the warmth came from the gorget. He reverted to his human form and smiled.

  His ears twitched slightly as a noise he was not familiar with reached his them - clack, metal on stone. Very heavy footfalls. He followed the noise and found a...creature, made of metal that was pushing a broom through the street. Slate was busy last evening. I should check on him. He went into Slate’s temple and descended to find the workshop door sealed. Vythin knocked, and after a few moments Slate appeared - quite bedraggled in his appearance. "Did you not get any sleep?"

  Slate shook his head and rapidly spoke, "Too much to be done. I’ve finished all of the golems. The Titansteel Defender - that’s what I’m calling it - is stationed inside the portal hub. We also have several Iron Servitors - metal men with gears - to do menial tasks. I’m not quite finished with the designs for the Peacekeepers - enforcing order and laws in the city. I should have the pattern finished today and production start overnight."

  Vythin reeled back for a moment before regaining his composure, "I’m going to prepare to entertain our guests today. Are you interested in attending?"

  Slate waved Vythin away, "No. I leave politics to you." He smiled, "I’ve never really been a people person - except when it comes to my students." He pointed at the artifact, "Did you name it yet?"

  Vythin shook his head, "No, I hadn’t thought of it."

  Slate grinned, "You really should - all artifacts I’ve heard of have some name."

  Vythin nodded, "I’ll think about it." He turned and departed as the workshop door shut behind him. I do hope he takes some time to himself. It can’t be healthy running yourself ragged like that. He left the temple and made his way to the residential district. There he came across quite a humorous sight. Yvilli was sitting on a bench on the edge of the boulevard. In the center of the street, Kalinor had cast some sort of spell that created an opaque, black barrier around himself. Matthew and Mary both had short sticks in their hands, and little sparks were flying out of the tips as they yelled short incantations.

  As he approached, Vythin heard Kalinor giving the children feedback, but he wasn't very good with kids based on the tone he had. "No, you’re not saying it right! Slow down a little bit - smooth is fast."

  Matthew lowered his stick and groaned, "But I want to do big flashy spells!"

  Kalinor sighed, "You don’t get to learn big flashy spells until you’ve mastered the basics."

  Mary smiled and said the incantation again, slower and more pronounced, as a blue beam flew from the tip of her stick and shattered a barrier.

  Kalinor smiled and pointed at her, "That’s what I mean, Matthew. Just slow down a bit, focus on really pronouncing the words."

  Matthew begrudgingly did so, seeing a darker blue beam fly from the tip of his stick shattering another barrier before clapping excitedly.

  Kalinor waved his hands and the sticks floated out of the children’s grip and into his hand.

  The children groaned, "But we want to do more!" they said in tandem.

  Kalinor spotted Vythin and waved, before gesturing to the children. "You can’t always get what you want. And remember the first rule of spellcraft - everything you do costs you Quintessence. And what's the second rule?"

  "No spells without a wand or staff," both children said together.

  "Good! Go get some breakfast."

  Yvilli ushered the children inside one of the nearby residences which already had a well-appointed look to the front, various ivy plants cascading up the wall to mark it from the other buildings.

  Kalinor walked over to Vythin, looking him up and down, "I’m not normally a fan of jewelry, but you make that work."

  Vythin ran a finger along the bottom of his gorget, "Thank you. It’s finished, finally. My arms are really stiff though," he said as he rotated his shoulders.

  Kalinor smiled, "I heard from Isaac that you’re expecting representatives today. Mind if I come along?"

  Vythin clasped his hands behind his back and filled his voice with as much authority as he could muster, "Now, I’m not sure we can just let any person attend meetings of this grave importance."

  Kalinor chuckled, "You should use that voice when you’re dealing with them. Project that dominance," he said as he gripped Vythin’s arm and squeezed it. Vythin blushed and took a short step back. Kalinor lifted his hand and his face washed with an apologetic look, "Sorry, too forward?"

  Vythin shook his head, "No, I’ve just - well, never, umm...had someone interested in me like that? I’m not sure how to respond."

  Kalinor laughed out loud, doubling over before coming back up and wiping a tear from his eyes, "I’m so sorry! I misread that entirely." He rubbed the back of his head and smiled, "Shows what I know about reading people."

  Vythin smiled, "As for the meeting, you may attend. But unless you plan on staying here in the city, I’d prefer it if you didn’t contribute to the discussion."

  Kalinor nodded, "That’s fair. I don’t know much about politics anyways. But I do know the person being sent from Starhold...well the person who is most-likely going to be there. Her name is Emilia Grish. And you can bet the other Capital cities will follow her lead on any negotiations. So, my advice would be to direct your words to her."

  Vythin frowned slightly, "And you said you knew nothing about politics."

  Kalinor grinned, "I know how to get what I want from people." He held up his staff, "Plus, Emilia is familiar with me. When she sees the staff, she will know who I am. That should rattle her a bit." The two entered the small home and were joined by Isaac who descended from upstairs. After a quick meal and brief conversation, during which Isaac declined the offer to be at the meeting, Vythin and Kalinor arrived outside of the gates in front of the portal hub. Vythin waved a hand and with a flash of gold a large triangular table appeared with one corner cut short. Chairs made of jade along with a full spread of luxurious and sumptuous foods and wines appeared. The corner cut short had a large gold throne instead of a chair.

  Vythin sat there, and Kalinor took a seat to his right, looking quite impressed. "With someone like you around who needs trade?" the mage asked with a sly grin.

  Vythin nodded sagely and put on his authority-filled voice, "True. But, it’s important to spread my influence far and wide. How else will we entice people to move to Bastion?"

  Kalinor gave a thumbs up and pulled up his hood - once more guising himself as a mysterious mage. After a short time the door in the tree opened and a woman walked out - the same that Kalinor had described. Vythin stood and slightly tilted his head in a nod, "You must be Emilia Grish. Please, take a seat," he gestured to the seat opposite him.

  The woman bowed at the waist as her wings unfurled slightly, the black and deep blue feathers flaring outwards for a moment before she took the offered seat. "I apologize for arriving early, your grace. But as they say, ‘the early bird gets the worm’ - no pun intended."

  Vythin chuckled, "Welcome to Bastion, Representative Grish. I am Vythin Goldenscales. Refer to me as Vythin."

  Emilia smiled and leaned forward, gripping a wine glass and taking a sip, "Titles are so boring and formal anyways."

  Vythin nodded, "Agreed." He glanced over as the door opened once more, and a large group of individuals filed through one by one over a few minutes, until every chair was filled.

  Introductions were made and pleasantries were exchanged as Vythin stood. "Thank you for coming. I am Vythin Goldenscales, representative of The Destined, who reside here in Bastion. If you are wondering where exactly you are in Heimfold - we are in the middle of the Starfall Badlands." Looks of concern crossed the faces of those at the table as Vythin continued, raising a hand, "Do not worry, the falling stars will not harm you while you are near or inside the walls." He gestured upwards and felt the heat radiate from his chest as he focused his will. A large ball of light appeared in his hand, not blinding but bright enough that one must squint to see, as he threw the sphere well above the top of the walls. The orb exploded upon impact with the barrier surrounding the city, the light making a crackling noise and making a lattice-work pattern as the blast spread along the barrier before fizzling out.

  He lowered his hand, "Now, we are here to discuss this momentous opportunity. As you well know by now - we have a means of travel unrivaled across Heimfold." he pointed to the tree, "And a golem stationed within. We are here to decide how this may benefit everyone." He looked around the table, "Why don’t you take a turn? What do you seek from this partnership?"

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  Emilia stood and gave a slight bow, "Well, Vythin, on behalf of my fellow representatives here, we thank you for your hospitality." Vythin nodded and waved for her to continue. She smiled and took her seat, "The Capital of Starhold, representing the concerns of the Siltar Republic, are quite interested in negotiating for a trade deal. We wish to use this city as a hub for trade across Heimfold. As this city is located in the Siltar Republic, you are of course entitled to having a representative at the Starfall Hall should you wish to join the parliament."

  Vythin held up a hand and spoke, "My companions and I wish to remain a neutral party, not showing favor to any one Region. All are welcome here - from the Vaysha Rift to the Krekyo Dominion."

  Emilia’s face flushed with frustration for a single, almost immediate moment before becoming a placid once more, "As you will. Before making any deals, however, may we have a tour of the city?"

  Vythin nodded and stood, "Very well - a flight around the city seems more than fair enough." He stepped a short distance away from the table as the individuals began to whisper amongst themselves. Vythin focused and transformed into his dragon form. Some at the table swore to the gods above, a few fell out of their chairs. Vythin knelt down so his head - the size of the table - rested next to them, his eye focusing on Emilia who gulped as her facade broke and filled with fear. Vythin chuckled, "Climb on board then, and hold onto my spines. You wouldn't want to fall."

  The various representatives slowly climbed up Vythin, and after a short delay the whole group was mounted atop his back. He stood and went to the gates, pushing them open with one enormous fore-claw before taking to the skies within the city. He described each location to them and detailed some of the amenities available, taking some time to hover near the temples, before returning to the gate and shutting it behind them as they all took their seats at the table.

  He reverted to his human form and joined them, "Enjoy the tour?"

  Several representatives looked quite impressed and nodded. Emilia spoke, "I think I speak for all of us when I say that this city is a marvel to behold."

  One of the other representatives stood, a portly Axan with Violet Scales - one of the advisors to the monarch of the Kingdom of Cruxia by his coloring - spoke in a deep gravelly voice, "The Queen proposes that each Region be allotted a small troop of soldiers to be stationed within the city to help ensure the interests of its citizens who visit are protected."

  Vythin waved a hand dismissively, "Out of the question. As you saw we have several golem constructs who patrol the streets not only performing menial labor, but soon to enforce laws and regulations. What I will allow for, however, is an embassy of each Region to be located near the city center. We will convert buildings to those purposes. Make no mistake, this is my city. And those who enter must bide by my rules."

  The Axan man bowed his head, "The Queen appreciates your hospitality and accepts this offer of an embassy, provided we may have our own soldiers present within."

  Vythin nodded, "Agreed. A small troop, no more than twenty, with the possibility of more being allowed as relations improve."

  Kalinor spoke for the first time, his voice very different - distorted and warped to be almost otherworldly in its etherealness but still maintaining its soft tone, "And no more than one mage."

  The Axan spoke, "Begging your pardon, Vythin, but does this man speak for you?"

  Vythin glanced at Kalinor and nodded, returning his gaze to the violet scaled representative, "He is my advisor on magic. He speaks with my authority at this table."

  The Axan bowed deeply and sat, "The Queen accepts these terms."

  Emilia spoke, "Well, that was one item on my checklist, thank you," she said towards the Axan who nodded, "But onto the business side of things. There is plenty of room for people to live and work in Bastion, but I noticed a distinct lack of raw goods except for your mine."

  Vythin shook his head and chuckled, holding his hand out to the side of him as he channeled his heat and a large stack of wood appeared - Ironwood, one of the most valuable crafting materials any carpenter would desire. "Raw materials are nothing to me. I’m a god of wealth, after all." He stood and paced around the table, continuing as he walked, "This city could be completely self-sustaining should I choose to have it be that way. The only reason you are invited to this meeting is because The Destined will have worshippers who wish to come here. That is my primary concern - that our worshippers will not be prevented from coming to this place and worshipping us."

  He stopped behind Emilia, placing a hand on the back of the chair and gripping it tightly, cracking the jade itself making her jump slightly, "And you would not want to upset a god, now would you?" He continued pacing, "Any individual that travels through our portal hub will pay a fee - unless they are emigrating to Bastion as a permanent resident. In addition, all sales within Bastion between non-residents will be taxed. We’ll say ten percent." Vythin took his seat once more and leaned on one of the arm rests, putting his head on his knuckles. "What say you?"

  The various representatives spoke in hushed tones among themselves, save for the Axan from the Kingdom of Cruxia who stood and bowed deeply once more, "The Queen finds these terms amicable and accepts. When may we begin to establish our embassy?"

  Vythin smiled, "On the first of Shine Season. And because you have faith in us, we shall reward you in kind. You will have your embassy closest to the center of Bastion. The prime real estate, as it were."

  The Axan bowed and in very rapid succession each representative stood and accepted Vythin’s offer, save for Emilia, who stood to address him. "I am afraid that ten percent is too high. Are you willing to come down at all?"

  Vythin rubbed a hand along the throne’s armrest, glancing down at the table for a moment before looking up and meeting her eyes, "Perhaps. I will go down to seven and a half percent. In exchange, however, you agree to allow us an observer at your Starfall Hall - not to vote or be a representative, but simply to listen to the interior politics of the Siltar Republic, since Bastion is located within your borders."

  Emilia frowned, "That can be done, but I must insist on five percent."

  Vythin smiled, I’ve got her. He stood, "Deal. My observer will be Orinor Rivers. I trust you know him?"

  Emilia stuttered for a moment, rage at the name crossing her face as she contained herself once more as she spoke through gritted teeth, "Of course. I’ll make sure he knows he is invited."

  "And Emilia, make sure that he is treated as if he is a representative, understand?" Vythin said as he smiled. She wasn't expecting that name, I'm sure. This should give him a massive boost to his intelligence-side of business.

  Emilia nodded and bowed her head, "Of course."

  Vythin clapped his hands and channeled heat as the table cleared and several parchments appeared with golden inkwells and sharpened quills appeared in front of each representative. A wave of lethargy swept over him, but he pushed it back. "Sign your contracts. Bastion will accept your business and your citizens."

  The representatives all signed the documents and Kalinor collected them, handing them to Vythin. More pleasantries and farewells were exchanged as the representatives left.

  Kalinor stretched as the last one left and threw back his hood, "That went rather well." He nudged Vythin slightly, "Good job, you put on a nice show there."

  Vythin smiled and gripped Kalinor’s shoulder, "Thank you. It felt…natural, I suppose."

  Kalinor smiled, "Dragons are demanding, after all. What’s say we celebrate?"

  Vythin leaned a little on Kalinor as he felt the tiredness wash over him. He chuckled, "I may have gone a little overboard with the miracles today." He looked at the different pieces of furniture, the left over food and drink, and sighed. "I'll deal with that later."

  Kalinor helped him into the city, being a shoulder to lean on. Vythin could tell he was not the strongest person; very slim and wiry. I bet he has never had to work a day of hard labor. The two made their way to the residential district and Kalinor led Vythin to his room.

  "Thank you for your input today, Kalinor. Having a mysterious mage sitting at the table was a good maneuver"

  Kalinor smiled and rubbed Vythin’s leg, "Oh, it was nothing. But, thank you anyways. Get some rest, I’ll fill in the others for you." Kalinor began to leave and shut the door.

  "Wait," Vythin said. "Come here." Kalinor went back to the bed and sat down. Vythin smiled, "I did mention I’m new to this whole thing. Should I be making a move?"

  Kalinor grinned and stood, "You could, but I have an idea. How about tomorrow, to celebrate, we go to Oceanside. There’s an amazing restaurant there that you’d love. That would count as payment for helping the kids."

  Vythin smiled, "It’s a date then. Goodnight."

  Kalinor got up and began to leave, turning back, "Night for you. The day is still young.." He gently shut the door as Vythin lay back, closing his eyes as sleep took him.

  He woke the next morning, yawning and stretching before going downstairs. Slate was in the main room reading a book and eating an apple, papers filled with sketches stacked next to him. Isaac was sitting at the table, crafting a small tree in a pot and trimming it. Yvilli, the children, and Kalinor were nowhere to be seen. Vythin flopped down onto a couch.

  "Did Kalinor fill you both in?" He asked.

  Slate nodded and swallowed, "He did. Excellent work. The terms seem very fair. I took care of reshaping some buildings into Embassies and decorating them for each Region’s tastes."

  Isaac stood and walked over, leaning against the wall, "Bastion is ready. The Eastern District building - that large indoor farm - has been set up and I have crops growing in already. All we need are citizens and worshippers to come. Which could take some time, since I don’t imagine worshippers will arrive until trade starts."

  Slate stood and threw his apple in a nearby receptacle that made an odd, churning, metallic scraping noise before falling silent. "In the meantime, since everything is up and running, Isaac and I were thinking of leaving for a small while. No longer than a week. That undead mage you slew here was logging the locations of Aether Shards, remember?"

  Vythin nodded, "I do recall something of that nature being discussed."

  Slate nodded, "Well, after seeing your finished artifact - by the way did you name it?"

  Vythin smiled, "I haven't."

  Slate frowned, "Well that's your choice I suppose. Nonetheless! Isaac and I were going to track down a Shard for each of us to make our own artifacts. It would be wise to be well-equipped for whatever dangers may come."

  Vythin stood, "That makes sense. Go ahead, I’ll keep an eye on things here."

  The two other gods packed small bags of travel goods before bidding farewell and leaving the city. Vythin closed the gates behind them and wandered through the streets until he arrived at the fountain at the center, sitting down on the edge of it as several of the Iron Servitors cleaned the streets. A few groups outfitted with blunt weapons also strode by.

  Vythin undressed and went for a swim in the fountain, floating on his back and looking up at the clear blue skies. He stood after several minutes of floating, the water barely coming up to his chest. He made his way to the edge of the pool before hoisting himself out and re-clothing himself. As he did so, a shimmer of light to his side caught his attention. He looked in that direction, but saw nothing. Strange, I could have sworn something was there. He closed his eyes and focused on his other senses - heightened by his new draconic nature - sniffing at the air as he opened his eyes and chuckled, "Kalinor, if you wanted to watch you didn’t need to hide yourself."

  Kalinor appeared with a sheepish grin, "Sorry, couldn’t help myself from admiring the view."

  Vythin waved him off as he finished dressing, "I’m flattered. Isaac and Slate are off to find some Aether Shards. We have some time before people begin arriving. You said you wanted to go to Oceanside?"

  Kalinor smiled, "Yes. Let me just get Yvilli set up to deal with the kids, and we can go." He walked away as Vythin beamed with joy.

  It feels good to be wanted…But he is a mage. Be cautious, Vythin, he thought.