Chapter 5.25 - Castle in the Sky

Unlike previous refugee groups, this group had the hardest acclimation. Everyone was trying their best to be civil, but the prejudice held by these two groups ran deeper than the Planetouched.

But as the weeks passed, Serin had less and less instances of panic. And now it was just a bit of fear.

But Serin had to trust his citizens to handle themselves accordingly. Today was the day he would finally leave the valley. He took with him a set of representatives from each of the races excluding the elves who were still setting up their grove in the new region called Biome. Unlike Foundry, Biome was built to be partitioned off to meet the needs of various citizens. So while the Gole were still building their encased structures of stabilized environment and the dhamphir were building their specialized glass and stone homes to block the sun, the Forest Elves were in meditation, slowly growing a forest of the most wonderful trees Serin had seen. Although the trees were growing quite fast, a habitable forest looked like it would take more than a year, but Isil nodded that its construction was worth the wait in their lives. It would be home.

The trip would not take as long, as the floating building that was to act as their embassy in Thul was fully constructed, and in lieu of carrying it across the road, Serin and his team would be pulling it through the sky.

The first time Jeffrey and Iris saw the Mansion that would act as an embassy being pulled by a ship, they looked ready to faint.

But in no time, the representatives were on board, and the ship was off. Hassan at the help first vertically powered the ship above the clouds, and then followed the guidance for navigation from King Jeffrey.

It took only three days to sail the distance between capitals. Between an increased speed of a ship, the constant movement, and the direct flight nature of the type of movement, It took no time at all for the crossing. Although sadly Serin learned that even in the air, those prone to sea sickness would suffer, as Ephraim and the other Demis were stuck with sour stomachs for the entirety of the trip.

Serin then saw it. From the sky, as their ship began to descend, there was what looked like a mountain range covered in a permanent mist.

King Jeffrey smile, "Below us is home. To those who are not from the kingdom, it is impossible to find the place. However I can guide Captain Hassan effortlessly through the cliffs to our home, because to us, the impenetrable mist is quite transparent."

As the Cutter made its way through the fog, it seemed impenetrable. The sounds of wild beasts could be heard from above and below, and soon enough jagged edges of cliffs could be seen within feet of one side or the other. Then Jeffrey smiled, "stop in 50 meters. We are here, and it seems the whole nation came to welcome us."

It was when they came up that the fog seemed to left, and the sight in front of the Passengers of the Cutter were amazed. Hewn into the sides of the cliff was a small town. Rows of walkways were filled with adults and children looking at this ship moving through the air, tugging a floating building behind it.

As the ship came to a stop, Captain Hassan's people set out a special floating gangplank with roped sides. Jeffrey was the first to disembark and went to a very motherly woman standing in shock. "As promised, I come back bringing with me good tidings, and the most wonderful of news as well as our new ally. Surely you can forgive my absence, my queen."

Then the woman, whom Serin knew was named Mary, came to her senses, looked at her husban and hit him with a broom. "It absolutely does not! I was worried sick this past month thinking you never to return!" She then hugged him

Serin laughed at the encounter, as it reminded him of his own parents.

***

"So how does this door work?" The floating Mansion that was to be the Haven Embassy in thul had two entrances. The first was a heavily barred gate with both a guardshack and multiple homunculus on patrol. Inside there was grass, a botanical garden, and the main residence. It would seem like a normal mansion if the whole thing wasn't built to float in the air.

The most peculiar part is that in the fence there was a doorway with no restrictions. It looked like a light screen, but had no resistance.

Master Tyber smiled, "This is what we call a mirrored portal. It's sister portal is installed in the gated area of the Thul Embassy in Haven. Should you enter the portal from outside the embassy here in Thul, it connects you to inside the embassy grounds in Haven. And should you enter the portal from inside the embassy grounds here in Thul it connects you to outside the embassy grounds in haven. The magics are a bit more complex then a normal portal, but this one is stabilized. In essence there is no restriction of movement between the homeland of and embassy complex of each nation."

It was impressive, as well as mind boggling. Jeffrey then smiled, "Does this mean that our trading can commence?"

Serin nodded. Then Mary intervened, "you must understand Serin, we are not a rich nation. It seems most of the resources that we have gathered you also have access to." She watched as boxes and boxes of goods were being offloaded from their ship. "I am not sure what promises my husband has made, but other than tamer magics, you greatly hold the upper hand."

A small banquet had been setup on a floating terrace next to the embassy with food and goods being brought from Haven in real time and immediately dispersed to the people of Thul. Serin could tell from their complexions they were not receiving the best of diets. But Serin smiled,

"Queen Mary. Have you reached the requirement for citystate yet?"

Mary shook her head. "We have the population and security, but every other aspect is lacking."

Serin nodded. He knew of its difficulties. Serin spoke up. "Currently We have entered into an alliance. We in Haven wish for you to progress. To that end we are assisting you though the difficult times. We have opened our schools to your younglings. I have even worked with the tailors from our world to produce a uniform for them that matches your nation. In return a master Tamer is to be sent to educate our youth. So in my eyes, that trade is even."

Serin then looked at the embassy "We have an embassy in each other's land, which will allow for instant travel in between. Jeffrey must have told you of our methods of acquiring vast riches for those who are strong enough. We can open up our Dungeon to your people. Other than the standard entrance fee per person and 20% tax on acquired goods, there is only one restriction on your people." Serin looked sternly. "Some things in that dungeon are too powerful to let out of our nation. So each time you go in it will be with a highly experienced guide. Even as our ally it is too dangerous for certain things to be taken outside our nation." Serin then relaxed his gaze, "Have no fear. Should you get that far down in the dungeon, we will still give you credits equal to those item's worth.

Jeffrey was confused, "How do we know if we can't have something?"

Serin smiled, "Because the guides will tell you so. Each of our dungeon guides has memorized all restricted item drops on their floors and will ensure you do not find something you should see. I promise you, these items will bring you more harm than good."

Serin then brought out a chest. "This is not forever, but some items will be kept until a full determination is made. This chest is a gift from you. Previously it was a state secret but its discovery caused the Desert Sons to be sent to our doorstep."

Serin opened up the box and there was a thin blue sheet of ice on the bottom, sides, and top of the inside of the box. "This ice never melts, and the items within are kept at below freezing. We use chests like this in every home to store meat. Which never spoils at these temperatures."

Jeffrey was amazed. This would greatly help for his nation of Tamers. Serin smiled, "This is a gift for you. I will let my merchants sell these chests to your nation, but I ask that they do not extend past your nation."

Iris commented, "this item seems to be of great benefit not as a military item but as an item for the people. Surely every people of every nation can benefit."

Serin looked at Iris, "It might seem harsh but the reason is simple. We can agree that the Northern Kingdoms and Grand Wood Alliance are enemies. Should this technology reach their kingdoms, their people will be given a great boon, and be that much less likely to revolt, legitimizing their regimes. It may seem harsh now, but if these people want access to such great technologies, they must attempt to emigrate to one of our nations."

The logic was sound, if a bit cruel. Iris could only nod.

As crates continued, Serin smiled, "I believe we need to set you up with gardens like ours, only larger."

This time Queen Mary interjected, "At what cost Lord Serin? You offer to solve all of our people's problems but you have yet to introduce your own."

Serin smiled, "We are not without our concerns. The first reason we do so is that King Jeffrey, despite the oddities of our nation, greeted our people with open arms. As two smaller nations working together, we will be better off than our neighbors who constantly fight."

Serin took a sip of mead. " Also you will soon hit city state. I am not sure what perks you may select, but by ensuring all of your needs are met, you can instead focus your nation on something to grow. Because all our needs were so easily met and because of our vast array of magics we were granted the dungeons. I am sure should you grow in power like us you will be granted the ability to pick an equally wonderful perk. So although we are not on equal footing yet, I am investing in your country knowing that one day we will be."

Serin then looked at Dana. Dana, representative of the changeling people, was able to explain the next part that made Serin blush. "We also are low in population. So much so that we recently established a second courtship holiday. We would be grateful for assistance in that."

Mary was a bit taken back, "You want children? What if they wish to come here?" Serin smiled, "That is simple enough. If all instruction is done at our school, then the children of dual nations can choose when they plate which nation they wish to join."

Mary looked, "I will have to think about it and discuss it with my husband."

Serin answered, "Of course. Take all the time you need. Hasan will be flying back and in a few months we will request a representative to bring you the next building, a floating greenhouse, a gift from our nation to yours."

Mary was near tears. "Kings and Lords don't do this. They don't speak plainly and help each other. They spy, and assassinate, and steal, and plot, and scheme, and war. Why Lord Serin? Why not just wipe us out and be done with a possible enemy?"

Serin laughed, "We do all of those things too. Just to the three other Nations, to keep them in check. Hell, we have weapons of mass destruction aimed at their capitals loaded with toxin shells at all times, and two of those nations are under permanent debuff after the announcement rites. We have 3 enemies around us."

Mary was appalled, but Serin continued. "But your husband represented his people and greeted us as a fellow nation. He could have joined the others and attempted to garner favor with them by denouncing us as well, but he didn't. Not knowing his power, he openly greeted us and even joined an alliance. That is why we are friends."

Mary then asked, "you would not have shelled us as well would you?"

Serin laughed, "I would never attack an ally. But when we build the artillery, we built 6 cannons. When I first met your husband, he was tagged with a tracker. I tell you this as a sign of friendship. After his alliance I removed said tracker. I am kind to my allies, but I am not a fool enough to not prepare for the worst outcome."

Mary was stunned at his honesty, "I can see now what you have endured with three belligerent nations and the lengths you have had to go to in order to prepare for betrayal and violence."

Serin looked, "Queen Mary. We now have an embassy with you. So long as we both maintain diplomatic relations, we will both prosper. Jeffrey might not have told you but our embassies when manned gain us Kingdom Points passively, which help with administration of a Nation through the purchase of various abilities, items, and buffs. If you doubt my sincerity, you would be accurate. The other reason why I am giving away so many goods to my ally is because of another benefit."

Serin then displayed a display on his alliance page. It showed the Kingdom of Thul - Ally

Under it, the kingdoms' stats were greyed out, except those that Jeffry had mentioned he needed assistance with, such as food, structures, childcare, and various amenities.

"Jeffrey asked for my help, prompting this action to be given."

Aid - By sending aid to your ally that benefits them in one of their areas of need, you will be given Bonus Kingdom Points. Additional rewards given based on amount of aid rendered, length of aid process, and need of recipient.

Mary slapped the back of Jeffrey's head, which Jeffry responded to with "I didn't know this would happen." Mary then yelled about dirty laundry.

***