Chapter 398: Catching Up, Part 2
Hey nerd.
Yep, it was definitely Bellona holding the pen now.
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Tsk, Enyo's staring over my shoulder and I can't get rid of her! Give me a minute...
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Ok, the succubus is gone now and I can write in peace. I know she said she was gonna look at my part of the letter after but I'll be posting this through Transmit before she gets a chance to! Also, if I just asked, I know she'd respect my privacy anyway. I read her part though. Thinking she could hide things from me by putting her silly guesses and assumptions about my actions in the middle and hoping I would skim read over them! What kinda person does she take me for!?... But yeah... I did talk with the courtesans and I have been a bit more 'girly' lately. Don't judge! I can hear you laughing from here! Next time I see you I'm gonna wrestle you if you dare laugh. I'll admit it, I'm doing it primarily for you so don't mock me... Although I am also doing it for Enyo a bit... But don't get me wrong, I've been enjoying it or else I would have stopped!
I guess I'll start with the topic Enyo ended on because, unlike her, I don't have an order for this and I'm kinda just rambling on about whatever comes to mind in the moment. Like I said, I'm also making sure my skin is healthy and clean because I don't want anything to be 'off' when Enyo and I... You know... It's difficult, ok?! First of all, she's my sister and that's weird enough as is! Second of all, have you seen her body? Or, I guess, can you remember it? It's pretty damn perfect and that would make anyone self-conscious! And finally, doing all that stuff has helped me relax and destress about the whole situation anyway. I should take more long baths instead of quick showers, they're good for unwinding, sorting through everything in my head, and feeling less anxious about... Well anything, really, but you know what specifically in this case. Yes yes yes, I get it, it's going to happen, I'm not denying it. And yes, I know you're not going to be as passive anymore either. I get it! I'm fine with it, I just want a little longer to really feel ready for it and then I'll just do it, I don't need any reminders! Besides, it's not like I won't enjoy it or anything, I know that side of things will be fine. That damn horny freakshow is a pretty good kisser... Though I would probably rather be kissing you, I guess.
Honestly, I'm more worried about what comes after. Sure it will feel more natural than it does now but, knowing Enyo, she's going to want it a lot right? Any advice on how to fend off this damn woman or am I shit outta luck? Well whatever, I haven't given in to lust lately so I should have energy left to spare until you get back. See? I plan around this stuff!.. Although maybe that's the problem and I should just do it instead of trying to control everything from A to B to make sure it's perfect... I keep telling myself that it would all be easier if I just closed my eyes and let it happen but it's not that easy for me, ok!? I don't how neither you or Enyo felt embarrassed doing this stuff but I am! It doesn't help knowing that Enyo is going to share the memory of it with you. I know I can't stop that from happening but it's going to feel like there's a third hidden person in the room spectating! Damn creepy perv!... Not that I really mind, 'cos it's you, but this just feels all kinds of wrong even if it really isn't... Whatever, I've decided to let things go further soon enough. Two weeks of delaying at max and then I'll bite the bullet... But I'm not wearing those damn clothes we were given! Not only is it embarrassing but the look in Enyo's eyes when I wore it were seriously scary you know?!... I'll save wearing that for you, I guess, because somebody might as well enjoy it or it would be a waste. You're not as bad as Enyo, so I'll feel more comfortable embarrassing myself for your pleasure, but you can be a bit of a perv sometimes too... Speaking of clothes, you also owe me that dress up session when you get back! Don't forget it! If you two are going to keep bullying me then at least let me bully you two in return here and there. No, seriously, if you try to pretend you don't know what i'm talking about I'll find Enyo a whip! I haven't told her, for your sake, but I've seen one for sale! It's serrated and everything! Tread carefully, funny man!...
I'll end this topic by saying this once and only once, so don't ever expect me to repeat it, especially not to you directly... Although knowing you you're going to bully me and remind me but I'm being vulnerable and honest here so don't exploit a maiden's heat you damn punk... But I really am looking forward to being physically intimate with you. I don't think I've ever said that before so I want to make it clear that I'm not avoiding you or anything as I know it can seem that way. I've not been putting it off because I'm a prude, or whatever nonsense Enyo was spouting, it's literally just because the situation was strange from the start and it felt odd going into things so quickly. It still feels like I need time to process how quickly everything moved along as Enyo sort of thrust me into all of this before I was ready. That decision ended up being for the better, otherwise God knows how long our relationship would have taken to actually even start, but I wasn't mentally prepared for anything that followed. Not to mention the whole blood-related thing that really came out of nowhere, throwing another wrench into the already complicated stuff between us. So don't think that just because I'm hesitant for us to sleep together I'm not... Well, you know, excited to be with you... Maybe even Enyo a little too.
You know I overthink things often, despite being relatively straight-forward, so my reluctance should just vanish once its all said and done and I have experience with it. Maybe starting with Enyo is the correct choice so my time with you won't be me just stuck in my own head, wondering if I'm doing things right or not. Ever since Enyo shared memories with me of her bedroom romps with you I have been looking more and more forward to it because I want to have that kind of fun with you too. I'm somewhat nervous I'll screw it up. Not that it really matters, obviously, but no matter how much I tell my brain that it won't stop it from fretting over every single minor detail... Tsk, I feel like some girly girl trying to make a good impression for the boy I like and it's a weird feeling that I blame you for. Take responsibility properly when the time comes, alright? I know we wrestle around and jokingly insult each other but I like being treated like a woman too every now and then, like at the international party, so... You know... At the very least don't comment on my chest size or I'll never forgive you. See, this is your fault too! If you hadn't been so fixated on insulting my chest maybe I wouldn't feel so worried about this and would have done it all sooner!... No, that's an excuse and I shouldn't blame you, I'm just timid with this kinda stuff even though I hate to admit it. Yes yes, the bold Bellona is bashful when it comes to bedroom stuff, yada yada, point and laugh... But it's only because I care about you. So I'll say it again, irrespective of bedroom rough stuff, treat me properly... Tsk, I'm droning on and on about this and making myself sound like a fool. I'm moving on otherwise I'll wind up getting annoyed at myself and just throwing my body at Enyo's to get it over and done with so I can scrap this letter and never need to send it. Just because I'm not saying it to your face that doesn't mean it's not hard writing this stuff and being completely open. It's never easy but I trust you not to throw it back at me because you're good at comforting people... Ah I'm being sentimental again. This topic is doing my head in so screw it! It's bad enough I waste my time in the bath thinking about this stuff.... I'm changing the topic and I don't care if its abrupt!
What next... Well, we're all feeling a little peckish so I think we're gonna go out and get some grub so, on that note, food! Send us plenty! I wanna eat something nice... Hm... I know Enyo said to send whatever you felt like but can I request some curry? We passed by a place selling some on the way but we'd already eaten that day and didn't wanna stay around overnight just to eat there. I've been fiending for some ever since and I feel like I deserve it as a reward for being honest! A nice meaty curry will abate my cravings so pretty please? With a cherry on top?... Enyo just poked her head around the corner... Can she read minds? Did the word 'cherry' invoke her presence because she's so obsessed with mine?! Creepy woman. Well she's gone now, I shooed her off again, so I'll get back on track. But yeah, some food would be great. Bonus affection points if you somehow manage to send the curry over today in time for dinner!
Speaking of things you can send over... Presents? Nah, I'm kidding. I know you won't give me them until we meet face to face again, so I'll be patient, but Enyo was right in that I want a hint! Gimme something to ponder over while I'm in the baths! Other than, you know... There's not much entertainment here, unfortunately, so I'm kinda just finding ways to pass the time. There were some young girls playing around in the baths and they roped me into playing I-spy and hide and seek with them, that's how bad it's gotten! I should have brought some books along or something.. Not that I really enjoy reading much but it would have been better than nothing. Enyo keeps offering 'entertainment' but I think I know what she has planned and I won't be fooled by that crap! For the most part I've resorted to playing with Appa or watching Allie do some alchemy here and there. Maybe I need to find a new hobby... I would play games, race around in cars, and watch films all day if I could! Alas, poor Bellona. Maybe I can pass some time by making bubble teas with the unique ingredients found around here, that ought to be something interesting... Bah! useless husband! Come home and entertain me with your silly antics! Seeing that explosion from before is making me excited for our magic sessions to resume! Plus we can go on dates and pass the time that way too.
So how's Xasca? Is it... Uh... Sandy?... Look, I'm not really good at this whole letter thing, it's the first one I've ever written, so don't expect anything long of well thought out like Enyo's! I'm already running out of things to talk about. I prefer talking to people face to face if possible as conversation just flows more naturally, you know? Oh, wait, Nibbler! That's right, I wanted to talk about Nibbler! If you say he's cute, I believe you. I really wanna meet the little fella now! You've gotten my hopes up so he better be the sweetest thing otherwise I'll be let down. It's a shame he's been through some tough times but he'll live well in the sect from now on, I'm sure of it.
Come on brain, think... Oh yeah, speaking of brains, it's good to hear you're finally using your own a bit here and there! Good on you for finally figuring out how that thing works!... I'm being mean... Enyo was right, don't be so hard on yourself all the time. Only Enyo and I, currently, are allowed to call you dumb! When other wives enter the picture so can they but, for now, it's just us. Speaking of other wives, found any yet? I don't much care about it, I'll try and get along with anyone because I'm not too fussy with that sort of thing, but Enyo's really on edge about it. This is pretty important to her and she wants to make sure no mistakes are made. She knows you trust her judgement without question and so she'd never forgive herself if she permitted a backstabber among us or refused a genuinely kind lover. She did mention something to me, and I'm not exactly opposed, but I think you might be? I don't really know but I wasn't given any authority to discuss it with you because Enyo wants to say it you herself. She did mention that she had an idea in her part of the letter regarding the harem, right? It was somewhere near the end, I think. It's not my place to say what it is, though, so I really will just leave it there... But, like she said, don't worry about it too much. This time the final decision really will come down to you and Enyo has no intention of forcing it upon you like she did when it came to me... Damn, saying that makes me sound like some kind of parasitic leech... I know you do love me but remind me never to say that again? It felt really bad likening myself to mandatory baggage!
Anyway, like I said, I don't have much to say that Enyo hasn't already, and I'm being called by the others because it's time to go out and get some food, so I'll wrap things up... I love you... I mean you should already be aware of that, though. Tsk, you already know I'm embarrassed writing this and I can just imagine that dumb smile on your face as you're reading this. you're a simpleton, pleased by the smallest things when it comes to us, but if it makes you happy I guess it's fine to say these embarrassing things every now and then. I feel happy too knowing you're doing well and, like Enyo said, the ring has been good company. It can't replace you but it does the job of reminding me it won't be long until I see you again... Unless you fuck off on another random journey and I wouldn't be surprised if you did... Just try not to take too long, ok? Life's more boring without you to play and mess around with... And Enyo won't leave me alone 'till you're back either so that's another thing... But she's not half bad either I guess. I complain about her but she's a great person in her own way... Ah man I definitely can't let her see this damn letter now otherwise I'll never hear the end of it. Anyway, I love you, blah blah blah, you love me, blah blah blah, see you soon, etc...
Send food, nerd.
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- Blo Blo
"Hahahaha." Ares was nearly cry laughing at the thought of Bellona calling herself Blo Blo. As far as Ares could remember she'd never done such a thing before and just the image he conjured alone of this moment was priceless. Having it immortalised in ink was glorious and this letter was going to be treasured forever in his Primordial Blade. It was heartwarming but also somewhat saddening because it just made him want to see everyone again that much sooner. Especially Bellona so he could comfort her and ease her worries but a note through Transmit would have to do the next time he sent something. There was a lot to catch up on face to face and their presence would soothe his soul. But what could he do other than sigh and be aware that this was his own decision? As long as he continued cultivating this would keep happening so, no matte how much he missed them, it was better he got used to being away from them for long periods of time now rather than later. Starting off with around a month of absence was way better than delaying it and then disappearing for upwards of a year for whatever reason. Also, at the very least, he could maintain contact through Transmit and that was handy at least.
Transmit was incredibly helpful! Ares would even be able to send the requested curry that Blo Blo dearest wanted, along with the aforementioned note as a follow up to the letters, and the food would still be warm after delivery! Actually, if Transmit was ever broke for whatever reason, they should seriously consider becoming a food delivery service because the meals are all guaranteed to arrive safely, quickly, and before they got cold.... Ah but Ares was getting side-tracked. The letter was important to him and he would keep it safely tucked away... Although he might bring it back out here and there just to read it for fun. Just thinking about his partners, daughter, and family put him in high spirits... Although he did feel somewhat guilty as he'd just walked away from Sandy not ten minutes ago and she didn't seem to have a family she could call her own. It was a shame she didn't know this joy but Ares could do nothing other than pity her and welcome her to the sect. She had the fellahins, at least! Although a lot of them were scared of her there seemed to be a few like Arla that were at least partially aware she was a gentler soul than everyone expected her to be. Also, such rumours would mean nothing in the sect anyway. 'Oh she's a horrifying cultivator? Yeah but does she hold a candle to Ares?' Sandy would benefit from not being the strongest around, reputation wise, and so she could have a fresh start after joining. Also Ares had a feeling she'd get along well with Enyo and Bellona and they could be friends, at least, and that was something!
Anyway, pleasant letter aside, the journey was nearing its end as people were already staring outside the carriage at, presumably, the Riddlemyd. If it was visible on the horizon then there would be another five to ten minutes at most of this journey left to sit through so it ought to go quickly enough. Ares nudged Aejaz, told him to send a letter to Trixie and Allie because they ere expecting one, and then peeked his own head outside the carriage to get a look at the destination himself. He wouldn't be able to see everything from all the way out here but, with his Omniscience and divine sight, he could certainly get a rough idea of what he was dealing with here.
The cloth on the carriage rustled and out came Ares' head, scanning the immediate area for threats before directing his attention to the floating, upside down pyramid on the horizon. Unsurprisingly it was huge! It almost looked like a flying aircraft carrier with a massive flat surface at the top suitable for a runway. Not that Ares could see up there from down below, and its top was hiding in the clouds so he couldn't be certain of its shape, but it was a safe assumption given the information that was spread around about it and generally known to the public. There was nothing atop the Riddlemyd if reports from scouts who could fly were accurate although that wasn't necessarily a guarantee. There was a barrier around the top of the Riddlemyd that prevented entry and it wasn't impossible for the barrier to have concealing runes on it that made everything within invisible. Any manner of thing, living or otherwise, could be resting up there and nobody would be any wiser about it.
As for the rest of the pyramid, it was rather blocky. Each segment was clearly demarcated with deep grooves and it almost looked like a puzzle block more than anything, like it could transform its pieces into a literal star ship and fly away into space. The neon bluish glow, that was ethereal, light, and just barely peeking out of the crevices, also added to the alien vibe this thing gave off. Not alien as in Scylla-type-alien but, rather, alien as in foreign, hi-tech entity with advanced inventions. Ares' first thought was that the stupid mecha fish he dug out of the ocean, while aboard the Federation, almost definitely came from here. If Ares wasn't certain before, he damn well was now! Ares hadn't necessarily pictured a techy aesthetic for the Riddlemyd but it seemed this place was going to be decently futuristic in parts. It came from a higher domain filled with modern technology, some of which powered by magical engineering, after all. Although, it was worth mentioning, there were also plenty of literal aliens that Sevorus had dumped in this realm without a care in the world so there would naturally be some weird horrors lurking in the Riddlemyd too. Sci fi and horror... A strange mix but for somebody obsessed with creating a perfect life form it kinda made sense. One was a more natural approach that generated abominations of nature and the other was the pursuit of perfection via cybernetics and the replacement of biological function with technological marvels. Who knows, maybe he even combined both avenues of thought at some point. Sevorus was just a maniac like that.
There really wasn't much else to the floating pyramid other than the four thrusters near the bottom of the Riddlemyd, by the downward facing tip, that were keeping this thing hovering in the sky. They must have been perpetually active for generations at this point so either fuel wasn't an issue or fuel in the higher domains could last a creation like this multiple hundreds of years at the bare minimum. It was probably the latter and this was jsut a normal duration for expert cultivators' toys. Hell a few thousand years might even be considered short, let alone a few hundred, it was just a different sense of time and how much it meant to each individual. Ares hadn't lived for thousands of years yet so knowing these thrusters had potentially upwards of hundreds of times his life experience just went to show why the world outside the Primordial Barrier was so advanced comparatively. As for Ares' guess about what secrets were hiding in this Riddlemyd, because his gut feeling told him there was at least one... The tip! Ares was willing to bet the downward facing tip of the Riddlemyd would open up and shoot a giant laser! Like the one the qwaker and the fish shot out. Sevorus seemed to have gone through a laser phase at some point, probably for combat related scenarios, and Ares couldn't blame him because they were cool. Ares was even coming up with a disintegration laser in the background of his adventurers day by day so it would be hypocritical of him to call such a thing childish. Still, that was where Ares' bet lay! He was wrong but guessing never hurt anybody!.. There was a secret regarding the Riddlemyd's structure though...
And that was really it. The outside of the Riddlemyd was not where the magic happened so it was actually a bit dull compared to, say, the Federation. The Federation was more outwardly interestingly and could wow a person who'd never seen it before whereas this was the opposite. Plain in appearance, mostly, with fascinating inner workings. In comparison the Federation's inner workings was jsut a bunch of rich assholes and it would be better to admire the Federation from afar... Still, there would be some more to the Riddlemyd that Ares could appreciate before entering because a mid sized settlement of sorts existed beneath the entrance. All sorts of businesses were set up there and it was where people staying in the Riddlemyd overnight hung around so it could get quite lively at times. Brawls were common too as a lot of the people there were rowdy adventurers or scavengers encouraging fights so they could loot from the corpses afterwards. There was a lot of bravado in the air of that place but all Ares had to do was either lay low or make an example of the first person who ruined that plan and he would be golden from then on. It's not like he wanted to cause a scene! He just wanted to enter the damn Riddlemyd! Although knowing his luck... Maybe he'd be fine today, though. It's not like he was planning on exploring the settlement today as he'd spent enough time on miscellaneous things already. He could always walk around some other time. For now, though, he sat back down in the carriage and patiently waited to arrive, minding his own business in the corner and occasionally bringing the letter back out again because it brought a smile to his face without fail every time!