Ch.28

[Tirdas, 27th of Sun’s Height, 4E: 221]

After the debacle of stumbling upon the fact that Shade and I were Starving to death, along with the sexy shenanigans that ensued, we had cleaned up and organized ourselves. “You made these?” Neethsi asked Shade and I in awe as he examined one of the Meen-Rei Muskets, having unraveled it with his magic like it was a floating puzzle.

“Yes. it was quite easy after recreating my hammer and with Shade helping with the runes.” I said with a cheer as I showed my Hepha to my dinner-mate! He/she's my mate, not food!

“Then why call it the Meen-Rei Musket instead of the Shay-Rei Rifle?” Neethsi questioned and I snapped my fingers at the same time as my sister with shared toothy grins at one another. Rebrand! At least we didn’t file for a patent yet! Wait.

“Patents exist here, right?” I asked warily and Shade nodded eagerly to find out.

“Of course they do. Even if the Empire may be crumbling, the concept of a free and open market is shared across all countries save the Dominion. Without the Empire, holding a patent may be harder though. However, with Twilight and I involved; your patents will be spread through the Ebonheart Pact swiftly, don’t you worry.” Neethsi waved his hands and reassembled the first Shay-Rei Rifle with the same ease he’d unraveled it.

“Oh~ you scrumptious morsel! I could just eat you up~!” Shade squealed as she hugged our mate and I yanked her off of him in caution. “I-I meant figuratively! Figuratively...damn it, being a magicka-vampire sucks.” Pfft, literally. “Well, let’s get this done, the sooner it’s in ink, the sooner we can hammer out more to outfit the troops.”

“Yes, let’s get this done. I want to talk to Princess Supper, I mean Twilight! I mean my friend, not food. People are friends, not food.” Oh gosh. I’m Bruce from Finding Nemo~! At least my dietary needs can be met from restore-magicka potions. “Why is this only a problem after I find out I need to eat other people’s magic?”

“Probably because the method you discovered also ties into your fetishes.” Neethsi pointed out and I felt my face heat up. “That said, Rarity should be done talking to Twilight by now. Let’s take these to her office so we can get started on making them since I’ve gotten all of the immediately useful Wayshrines finished.” Yay~! Neethsi is joining in on the crafting~!

At least I know we’ll have a sexy snack on hand if we get hungry or hungry~.

📜

[Middas, 28th of Sun’s Height, 4E: 221]

Berserker was thankful for his armor’s self-contained environment, including maintaining a cozy 25.55℃. He pitied the soldiers under his command as the regional military operator chosen by Twilight, since it was fucking hot. Tomorrow was apparently ‘Fiery Night’ where it was known as the hottest day of the year to the point the night to come both before and after might as well be day. “Fuck. Not even Australia was this fucking hot.”

The assembled troops to arrive from the north, especially the nords, poor sods, were drenched in sweat. Many had even forsaken their armor or risked being cooked alive in it. Besides, heavy metal armor was not to be worn on this campaign. The swamps of Black Marsh would drown any fool without gills. Berserker was the exception due to the extensive featherweight enchantments on his Praetor armor so he could walk on clouds like pegasi.

“I’m gonna have to put in a big commission for new armor that can regulate your body’s temperature better. Probably should’ve thought of that sooner.” Berserker shook his head at his oversight in this matter with the equipment and wellbeing of his troops. His fault, his responsibility. “Goddammit.”

“Are they going to run off our magicka or soul gems?” A nord soldier asked hopefully. Nords generally shunned magic, so if a nord warrior from Skyrim is asking for magic, it’s serious.

“No. I want them to wear something practical first. We’ll worry about using magic to give the wearer a passive boost later. Perhaps even design new armor where it wouldn’t be weighing down on you all the time, coupled with that.” Berserker explained as he thought it over. “The Dwemer are a rather good source of inspiration with all of their inventions and advancements they made in the past.”

“A shame they aren’t around anymore.” Said Golnis Viddyn, the Redoran commander of the troops sent from Morrowind. “The things we could learn from them. If only Yagrum Bagarn, the Last Dwemer that was in Divayth Fyr’s Corprusarium, didn’t travel to other planes again once healed.” The grizzled old veteran wore a full suit of bonemold like all of his soldiers. It was a possible answer to the armor issue since it was as strong as steel yet as light as scale armor.

“Let’s hope they don’t come back, at all. With how long they’ve been gone, they won’t come back to reintegrate into modern day Tamriel. They’ll likely try to conquer it instead.” Berserker stated as he took out some paper and started writing down a list of things. “I understand the archers and crossbowmen are resistant to the idea of using the new rifles, but please ensure they return the old weapons.”

“That’s for the elves and lizards to be concerned with. Us nords don’t lease weapons, we give them. They’ll do what they want with their bows and crossbows.” Birnil the Maul-hand, the leader of the nord contingent sent to lilmoth, scoffed at the very idea of his troops relinquishing their old weapons. To be fair, if that was how they operated, then fine. He wasn’t their babysitter.

“I’ll have a strong word with any of my men giving you trouble.” Captain Miun-La Theertius stated. The police-minded argonian guardsman may not be suited to the invasive and generally uncaring mindset of a soldier at war, but he was still a capable commander able to manage his regiment with discipline and honor. He didn’t dislike Miun-La, he just wasn’t the right person to handle a war-time crisis. At least in this instance he could trust the argonian to do his job.

“Good. Now, remember to drill the troops on the new formations. The musketeers will be at the front to whittle down the enemy as they approach. They will retreat behind the vanguard line when the enemy nears melee range. They can use the muskets as shortspears, but despite the blade being ebony, they are not optimal melee weapons.” Berserker reminded them and they all nodded in understanding, even the ice-brained Birnil wasn’t going to shirk his men’s training.

“What about the aerial contingent? Will they continue using crossbows instead of muskets?” Miun-La questioned, since his troops included a sizable number of pegasi. As the only airborne military force outside of the still-new airships, they were a precious tactical resource and thus were often trained to maintain their distance from what Berserker had learned from Twilight and Rainbow Dash.

“Hm, probably have to stick to crossbows. We don’t know how well the rifles can handle high altitudes or how well they can handle the recoil without being on the ground. Although...yeah, that could work.” Berserker nodded as he kept writing things down. “Tell me, do any of you know what a firebomb is and if so, how to make one?” He asked the men around him.

“What sort of question is that, serjo? Anyone with any mind to them knows all it takes is some hard booze in a bottle, a rag and a spark. Or if you’re wanting to be more militant, a clay urn full of pitch and a weak blackpowder charge with a fuse does wonders. Those are more dangerous than you would imagine though. Blackpowder in volumes lesser than to fire a cannon tend to fizzle out or fail to ignite entirely.” Golnis shook his head. “We’re better off teaching basic Flames or Firebolt spells to the troops to avoid nasty accidents.”

“Molotov. The first one you explained, we’re gonna need lots of those.” Berserker said and his chain of command all winced.

“You’re telling me to order my men to surrender their Sujamma and Flin to make bombs? I’d have better luck telling them to cut their ears and claim to be cursed humans. Redoran they may be, but they’re still hot-blooded folks who cherish their drink. You’ll have to ask someone else to sacrifice their booze.” Golnis replied with another shake of his head.

“I’m not about to go out there and risk being lynched by my men on such orders. Try to take a nord’s mead? You’d be madder than Sheogorath to attempt that.” Birnil shuddered, likely fully knowing what would await him should he attempt it.

“Using fire in the swamp is a dangerous gamble. Gasses could go off at unexpected times. The humidity and the Hist won’t let it spread, but that doesn’t mean it won’t cause extensive damage before it burns out.” Miun-La advised. “I would suggest instead to use lightning urns. They’re a traditional weapon of my people, made using excretions from the shock-magic wielding beasts of the marsh.” The icy-eyed argonian suggested instead to intrigued nods from the others.

“Hm, okay, fire is out of the question. Thank you for your input.” Berserker crossed out the usage of anything based on fire. “Lightning and what else?” He pointedly looked at Miun-La.

“Always stay away from the water unless you can breathe it. Wear light armor. Do not ignore disturbed ground or sections of the swamp where the surface has been recently passed through. That is a quick way to die to an ambush predator. Take both a preventative immune booster before leaving the city as well as potions of cure disease and poison along with restoration potions. As for tactics, draw them towards the water. My men and I will take care of most problems that way.” Miun-La informed the group before Hermais appeared over the table.

“Coffee?” Hermais offered Berserker, the smell of the brew bemused the commanders. “These men still survive on Depressants and have not met the joys of Stimulants.”

“Ah, thank you.” Berserker took the mug after pulling off his helmet, willing to endure the heat on his head to take a sip. “Oh, how I missed you~.” Those around him saw his face for the first time and were surprised by his appearance, but not enough to comment. He looked like a breton with his rich but not dark skin tone and the tribal tattoos. They’d all assumed he was a nord.

“What is that invigorating aroma?” Miun-La questioned eagerly and took a mug offered by Hermais. He took a lick with his tongue and winced. “Bitter, but it has an earthy undertone and aftertaste. Maybe with some sugar or milk…or sap. Maybe honey.”

“First taste of something new and the grumpy guy has already offered a bunch of ways people already doctor it.” Hermais giggled before she gave mugs to the nord and dunmer, who sampled the drink. Birnil spat to the side and pulled his flask from his belt to pour alcohol into it while Golnis hummed while he chugged the hot fluid. “Well, that kinda defeats the purpose…”

“Lass, I don’t know what you are or where you’re from, but something this bitter can only be medicine. Medicine is best served with mead.” Birnil sipped his spiked coffee and put his flask away. “Besides, this brew reminds me of the goods the East Empire Company once shipped to Skyrim from Summerset and Elsweyr. They have plantations all over in the cat’s country.”

“Enough chit-chat fellas. Let’s get to work once you’re done enjoying your coffee break.”

📜

[Turdas, 29th of Sun’s Height: Fiery Night, 4E: 221]

“Ugh...ugh...ugh…”

“Stop groaning, it isn’t helping anybody.” Shade moaned where she laid on the floor next to me, the only thing remotely bearable in this sweltering, hellish heat that sapped all the strength from the body and caused everyone, soldiers included, to shelter in shade or risk heatstroke. “I wish Neethsi had let me see the frost magic tomes. I could chill us off then.”

“Hey, girls. I got you two a present.” We heard Berserker’s voice before he draped something over us and we were already starting to cool down. Oh, finally, sweet relief from this terrible heat~. “Yeah, I decided to pull off some bullshit to help people with this damned heatwave of a day. These cloaks will help stave the heat off. With my daughter’s help.”

“Hey girls! Sorry it took so long to get to you, but I’d figured you would’ve transformed into your Atronach forms to ignore the heat.” Hermais apologized from her customary place hanging around her dad’s shoulders.

“...Fucking damn it.” I snarled to myself as I cuddled under the cooling blanket with my sister, who was likely kicking herself for not considering it either. “We don’t consider our Atronach forms our true bodies even if they are. We were born in flesh and even though there are times I have alien thoughts about this body, I still prefer being in my mortal...flesh body.”

“Then there’s the dissonance between our sense of values. In Atronach Form, we don’t have hormones driving our actions, so we tend to be really impersonal and even have a tendency to consider ourselves superior to others. I bet the only reason sis didn’t have that problem at first was the shock and revulsion she may have had for her true form considering how she got it.” Shade added on and I nodded meekly.

“Well at least you two discovered you can still be complete horndogs in your elemental state too. That probably helps. Anyway, I’m going around sharing these blankets with everyone because it’s stupid-hot and humid here normally anyway. It uses your magicka, so if you feel tired then it’s because you’re drained. Falling asleep isn’t dangerous, but it will be rough waking up unless someone takes off the blanket.” Berserker warned us before he left the workshop.

“Well, so long as we have this thing over us it’s nice and cozy. Let’s get back to making muskets.” I said before we got up, sharing the blanket draped over our shoulders and sat back at the worktable with my hammer ready and Shade’s magic humming.

📜

[Fredas, 30th of Sun’s Height, 4E: 221]

It is still hotter than Satan's asshole outside. Or rather, would Dagon or Molag be a more accurate comparison? Molag, Dagon is actually Chaotic Neutral while Molag is Chaotic Evil. Either way, the army wasn’t marching into the swamp until the heat from Fiery Night died off to near-bearable levels. Those blankets are a blessing, but they drain magicka too much to be used during combat.

“Still hard at work, girls?” Rarity asked after she entered our part of the workshop and we both perked up excitedly at the sight of the radiantly gorgeous mare who still had a bit of excess magicka if her ‘invisible breeze’ mane and tail were an indicator. She isn’t a proper mage, so she may not have used up all of the magicka I pumped into her to pump out of her...my eyes trailed down to her breasts, then her groin and I licked my lips. So much delicious magicka…

“Down sis. Yeesh. I’m hungry just looking at her too, but at least act like you can see her clothes.” Shade elbowed my side and I sheepishly stopped eyeing Rarity as food, but not as fun. “How are you doing Rares? I see you worked Bersie’s blanket into a cape.” A fashionable white shoulder cape too that went well with her simple powder blue dress.

“Yes, it is quite wonderful not to be cooked alive by the weather. The fact that this is technically a piece of winter clothing is a bit of a seasonal faux pas, but I’ll take that over laying in my basement in suffering.” Rarity approached and hugged us before kissing me. I instinctively pushed magicka into her and she hummed, then kissed Shade who had more control and avoided doing the same. “Mm, that feels so invigorating. Now then, I’ve come to retrieve you.”

“What for?” I asked as I ran my fingers along her arm before she released us from the embrace and with a flick of her horn, transformed the large blanket into two shoulder capes that she put on us. “Oh! Thanks Rarity. It’s been getting a bit difficult to share the thing together.” I hip bumped Shade, who snorted and bumped me back.

“It is no problem darling. Now come along. You’ve made enough of those weapons and now you’ve started filling the armory, so you’re done for now. I feel it’s time for a get-together before the battle tomorrow.” Rarity said and I felt relieved. I hadn’t been given a proper quota since the troops had just arrived on Middas and the numbers weren’t fully accounted for until yesterday.

“Will Twilight use this as an opportunity to brief us on what she needs done next for the Tree of Harmony?” Shade questioned and I wilted a bit. Right. I had been waiting for that news, but Twilight has been so damn busy lately I doubt she’s been able to finish divining the Equestrian Scroll that details the steps connecting the first and third scrolls.

“I won’t let her. You are busy up to your gills in work, ladies. After this battle, considering how well you two did with the prototypes, I’ve no doubt the Ebonheart Pact will make a contract with you to fill their armories with muskets.” Rarity tried to run her fingers through her mane, but they went right through her ethereal hair and she paused before she continued walking.

“I’m sorry if it’s upsetting you, Rarity.” I apologized, considering her magic hair was my doing.

“No dear, it’s not. I rather enjoy having ethereal hair that passively maintains the shape I always struggled to train it into. I’m just adjusting to not having to constantly maintain it.” Rarity replied and slowed down to walk between us and she put her arms around our waists, hugging us to her sides and smishing the sides of our busts against her’s...which I realized were all huge.

When did I passively consider being hyper-busty my normal when not being physically active or in armor? “Huh, I didn’t even notice the boost to your bust, Rarity.” Shade commented and I nodded in agreement with her words. Mm~ so much magicka-filled milk in those breasts...

“Which, considering you two are part of the romantic unit I’m involving myself in, both annoys and pleases me. You didn’t care what I looked like, you just appreciate my presence. Besides, we’re not going to be getting naughty. This is a fun outing with the girls.” Rarity informed us and I smiled. Spending time with them outside of official matters would be nice.

“Hey girls!” I jumped at the familiar female voice and saw Neethsi in her super-sexy female form, wearing a dress similar to Rarity’s with the shoulder cape and everything. She too wasn’t hiding her bust size and walked next to me. Is she seriously wearing heels of any kind? Why?! She’s already seven feet tall! “You said you knew a nice place to eat, Rarity?”

“Certainly, Neethsi dear. It’s a seafood shack on the docks. Quaint and unassuming, but the cook there has an incredible spice he puts in his food and I wanted everyone to have satisfying seafood before the chaos comes tomorrow.”

“Oo~! That place!” I jumped again and noticed Hermais, wearing similar clothes as Rarity and Neethsi with the magic cooling cape and a match for our body types walking next to Shade. “Okasi actually figured out a local variation of Old Bay seasoning. You’re in for a treat!” I suddenly feel like Shade and I are underdressed in our plain tunics and leggings.

“Whatever it’s called, it makes the food zesty and savory.” Rarity stopped side-hugging us, but she rested her hand on our hips, letting everyone who passed would know we were her’s. Unf! That makes me feel so good, to know she wants us so much. To think, just a week ago I would’ve spayed and neutered her for touching Shade. I may not like how I’ve been altered by the one manipulating my life, but at least I’m not about to maim my lover.

“I’m just glad we can be together today.” I said and reached out to wrap my hand on Neethsi’s hip, an easy task with her being a whole foot taller than me and boosted by heels. I didn’t even know there were heeled shoes in this world. “Let’s get there.”

Next Chapter: Ch.29 Estimated time remaining: 14 Hours, 3 Minutes