Tiny Dungeon

“No.” Even as he spoke the words, Valterra felt a new anger creeping into his voice. His uncle attempted to speak and the Core cut across his words like a sword thrust. “I will not bind myself to a sleeping girl who has no knowledge of the arrangement.”

Trik’Weri sighed loudly and muttered something to himself in a way that prevented it from being heard. When he eventually spoke up there was a kind of tired resignation to it. “My boy, there is much that you do not see. I know that you distrust me. My very nature makes it difficult for anyone to trust me fully. I also know that I have a penchant for sarcasm, it is my way of coping with my responsibilities. Responsibilities that everyone seems to misunderstand.” His words were firm but there was an underlying sense of frustration that tinged it.

“I am not the god of trickery as some believe. It is a small part of my nature but not what I am the god of. I am the High Spirit of Mischief and Promises that Bind. That last section is what people refuse to see. When I make a promise it is binding and I oversee every bargain made and struck within the bounds of my pantheon and beyond.” The frustration grew more evident in his tone as he continued.

“Without me, priests would fear their gods stripping away their power on a whim. Without me, the fae would have free reign to go back on the promises struck with mortals. Without me, there would be no binding peace. Promises and bargains would rely on the honor of the men and women speaking them.”

Trik’Weri’s presence was like a storm now. “I have done my best to rectify my mistakes. The fae have apologized and I have wrung concessions from their goddess for the sake of peace. A gift has been given to soothe old hurts, providing strength and a companion for the future.” Slowly the storm subsided leaving behind only a tired god.

“I’m not saying it has to happen right away, or ever. What I am requesting is that you at least attempt a courtship. You could do much worse for yourself in a companion. I also realize that you are both still young by the standards of most races. Take your time, get to know each other, and if there is something there then great but if you are going to accept her into your Dungeon then it must be done with respect and there is no higher gesture of respect than commitment.”

Valterra stayed silent for a moment, digesting what had just occurred. The fae were deathly still and silent after Trik’Weri’s outburst and the Core didn’t blame them. His mind worked to sift through the god’s words and pull out the relevant information and he found that he had a better grasp of Trik’Weri’s frustration. He couldn’t imagine a life where you were distrusted at every turn.

He had to admit, having someone around his own age to talk to would be a nice change of pace. He was still leery, of course. He had no idea of what to expect from the girl slumbering within the seed but then again if she were like Ish’Matar then perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad. To compound the confusion and uncertainty were his Dungeon instincts that screamed at him from the sidelines.

The seed would empower his Dungeon immensely. New avenues would open up and his creatures could be guided along evolutionary paths that had previously been gained through fae blood being spilled. He also had a garden that would be perfect for the new tree to grow in, one already touched by fae presence. There were a lot of benefits but Valterra realized that the greatest would be the companionship.

He was honest enough with himself to realize that as he evolved and reached greater maturity he wanted to talk to other people. Geckodo, Wenigo, and possibly Iska’Seher, provided some means of communication and discussion but they worshipped him. That worship would tinge every conversation. Not to mention that his close relationship with the gods had probably influenced him to seek out conversation more than he had thought.

Speaking slowly, Valterra addressed his uncle. “I will accept the gift of her presence within my Dungeon. What comes after will be between her and me.” He could feel Trik’Weri’s presence relax a tad and he continued speaking. “I will also accept Cormac’s apology but I need further assurances. I am close to evolving and based on the last few this one will last for quite some time.”

He felt Natalia’s presence as she and her team raced back the way they came, disregarding the creatures in their way. Their speed was impressive and once again confirmed for him that they had been holding back considerably. Turning back to his uncle he waited for the situation to sink in and it was gratifying to see the wince-equivalent in his uncle’s presence.

“Ah, that would explain the anger. I’m sorry for springing this on you without checking. I can see now why Cormac’s sudden arrival and my proposition would make you wary. That wasn’t my intention.” Trik’Weri hummed a bit before speaking again. “Yes, I can see some concessions will have to be made. I assume you will want to wait for the Delvers to arrive?”

Valterra affirmed the question and they waited for Natalia’s team. When they did so they seemed quite shocked at the presence of the fae. They didn’t have weapons but their auras sharpened to points. Cormac and his team responded with an anxious shuffling, with Cormac placing himself between the other team and the female in the group.

Valterra spoke up before things got any more tense. “Natalia this is my uncle’s newest priest. He was an enemy and has just apologized on behalf of his people for what he did, bringing a gift to seal the peace.” He watched as her face grew confused before an understanding came to it. Her features twisted into a weird mix of suppressed anger and acceptance before settling into a neutral mask.

Trik’Weri spoke up and all of the mortals turned to him as he did so. “My nephew wished to wait for you since concessions will have to be made to allow his former enemies, the leader of which is now one of my priests, access to his Dungeon once he begins his next Core Evolution.” The confusion on Natalia’s face was now complete and she gave voice to one of the no doubt many questions she had running through her mind.

“Why wait for me and my team? What do we have to offer beings like you?”

“Protection,” Valterra said simply. Before Natalia could speak to deny his words he spoke again. “You and your team are highly skilled and your power puts you beyond my current strength and beyond Cormac Torgir and his team. Your presence here or nearby would protect my Dungeon from any schemes, regardless of whether or not those schemes exist.”

“I will not claim you,” Natalia said vehemently. “I have already made my peace with that and once we are done here I will need to report back to my superiors and at least tell them something.”

“Yes I would say claiming my nephew is off the table,” Trik’Weri said dryly and Natalia flushed. “The concessions I am talking about are not beyond you but it does require me to ask a certain question. Your response to it will either give Valterra what he needs or necessitate further discussion.” Trik’Weri made sure everyone was paying attention and then spoke clearly and slowly, with none of the flippancy he’d had previously.

“How would you feel about becoming a priest?”