<31 August 2024, MIRROR DEEP RETREAT, ????> [Theo and Julia] "The Proposal is this," Theo said after holding a whispered conversation with Julia, "first off, one of you should run back to the lobby, and leave to talk to the merchant. You should have one more use of the access crystal for the day, so you can come back. When talking to him, you should ask if he has any of the items that we discussed, you should also ask the cost of transporting four people to the Sorrin Family lands, and you should also ask if he has materials for..."

Theo and Julia dug through pouches that were sitting outside the bath. Finally, Theo pulled a scroll from his pouch and continued, "... for a Mana Condenser."

Renno stood up, "Items to prevent Mana Poisoning, materials for a Mana Condenser, and the cost to transport to the Sorrin Family."

Renno changed and rushed out. Theo took a moment and then turned to an attendant. "Is it possible that we could get food?"

"Refreshments have been arranged in the attached room." The attendant said.

"Alright, why don't we go and get some food in us, it'll be a while before he gets back," Julia said.

"What do you mean?" Velna asked.

"This place is operating under time dilation." Theo said, "Every hour here is one minute on Earth."

"That's..." Joshua said, but was interrupted.

"That's cool!" Sarah said, drying off with a towel that engulfed her. "I don't know what dill-a-ton is, but it sounds cool!"

Joshua chuckled and patted his daughter on the head. "It's Dilation. Die-lay-shun."

"Die-late-un." Sarah said, trying out the unfamiliar word.

"Die-lay-shun." Joshua said slowly.

"Dilation," Sarah said, and then high-fived her father when he nodded that she got it right.

They spent the next several hours lounging and eating before Renno returned.

He joined them, sitting at the table. "So he gave us some good news and some bad news. The good news is that he has the items and materials you requested, or at least he claims to be able to obtain them. Bad news is that the transport to your lands is going to cost around fourteen gold a head."

Joshua deflated. Julia mumbled quietly to herself. "So... fifty-six gold total?"

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Theo nodded. "It's doable... We won't have any other money left, but we can make up for it. Also, I am sure that we could trade for some of the items."

"There was one more thing," Renno said, "he said to 'tell Lord and Lady Sorrin that I will happily start a tab for the family and we can work it out later."

"Hmm." Theo hummed to himself. "Normally, I would be hesitant, but he seems on the up and up, and he did swear his prices would be reasonable."

"Let's just do it, we can figure it out later," Julia said, and Theo nodded.

"Alright, here is the plan." Theo said, "You four are going to go back and tell Borgan to start a tab for us. he will probably make you swear an oath to the system that everything you are putting on the tab is as directed by us. So you should each get an item that will last you a month of protection in an A-plus mana density, and also get transport for all four of you to the Overlook."

"You..." Joshua was speechless. "You have the money to do this?"

"We told you a little bit of what happened to us, but it has resulted in a fair amount of currency and a good amount of value as far as items."

"The wealthiest person back at the tower had maybe five gold pieces to their name," Renno muttered.

"If you want to toss your money towards the bill, you can, but I would rather you buy what you think you will need personally," Theo said, then focused on Joshua. "You were a politician, and we will have need of those skills. As a dry run, why don't you try and get as much information as you can from Borgan about his plans and when he expects to be back on Earth, and see if you can get any more info about any potential leads on allies, or opportunities."

They started to rise, but Julia stopped them. "We are willing to bring you out, but you need to understand, this does not solve all your problems. If anything, it will probably just give you a different set of problems. We will welcome you and be glad to have you, but it won't be easy. If you are expecting a magical wave of the hand and then an easy life, I think that you should stay where you are."

"I understand..." Joshua said, looking slightly sad.

"Now, is there anything else you would like to ask before we all head back to our homes?" Theo asked.

"I..." Joshua looked conflicted, "I realize that we are already leaning heavily on you both, but there is one more person. Fred. He was the head of my security detail. He has no family, so he has just stuck around, and he is incredibly combat-oriented. I think that he could be a great asset to your Family."

Julia shrugged when Theo looked at her. And Theo nodded. "Explain to him, clearly and explicitly, what it will mean to him as you understand it, and also make sure that he knows that he will probably not be in charge of anything. I am not saying that to be mean or to imply that anyone would try to take things over, but I need that to be clear."

"Of course," Joshua said, nodding in agreeance.

"Alright, last thing." Julia said, "Would you all be willing to swear on the System that you do not intend to harm us and that you will not harm us for at least one year unless we attempt to harm you first?"

They all nodded, and Joshua spoke first. "I, Joshua Armstrong, swear on the System that I will not harm the Family Sorrin, nor its retainers or allies, for a period of at least one year unless I am attacked first."

A thrum of power smashed into Joshua, binding him to his words. Velna and Renno followed suit. Sarah was asleep, and Joshua scooped her up to carry her out.

They all walked out together. When they arrived at the lobby, Joshua extended his free hand. "We will see you soon, and I thank you for the opportunity."

"Looking forward to it," Theo said, shaking the man's hand. Then they all stepped up to the return crystal for the trips back to their homes.

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