< 24 August 2024, GRAND MESA OF SUMMER, A+> [Theo and Julia] Theo and Julia looked around, the instant change in location throwing them for a loop. Ordus was right where he had been and was about to speak. He was interrupted by an announcement.

>Planetary Announcement: The First Family has been formed. Lord Theo Sorrenson and Lady Julia Brahmin have formed the Sorrin family. This has filled one of the planet's native reserved slots. As a reward for the planet entering a higher tier of System Participation, everyone will receive a Cache Token. Honor to Family Sorrin. >Planetary Announcement: Planet Native Family Slots remaining 4/5 >Planetary Announcement: Unreserved Family Slots remaining 10/10

A Token of purple crystal appeared in front of every person on the planet, and they all claimed it, except for one.

Ordus's eyes glazed for a moment, and he must have seen that he was considered a founding member. He dropped to one knee in front of Theo and Julia. "Lord and Lady Sorrin, I just want to say that it is an honor to have been a part of this, and I look forward to my continued service to you."

Theo offered a hand to Ordus, who took it, and Theo pulled him to his feet. "I am glad to have met you, Ordus. I look forward to being friends with you for a long time."

Julia smiled at Ordus, and then Theo got a serious look on his face. "Now then. I think that I need to have a chat with our Dwarvish friend Yordo."

Julia's eyes sparked with anger, and Ordus got a disgusted look on his face. "We were able to secure him, and Kreldar fashioned a cell for him. Please follow me."

Ordus lead Theo and Julia down the stairs in the middle of the ramp to the unfinished basement. In the western most wall was a set of three cells with Kreldar on a seat outside of them, talking with Thrumli Stonewrend.

"An' here they are!" Kreldar said with a smile rising before bowing deep, his beard brushing his toes before he straightened. "Lord an' Lady Sorrin, I want ye' to know that I'm honored to be a part of yer' Family foundin'. But I also suspect that ye're here to speak with the VALDÛRIM!"

Kreldar said the last word with such venom that Theo raised an eyebrow. "I don't think I need to speak Dwarvish to get the feelings there. But we are glad that you are here, Kreldar, and look forward to building a fruitful friendship with you, but yes, we are here to speak with Yordo."

Kreldar nodded and led them to the last cell. Yordo was inside, still trussed up. His eyes shot wide at the sight of Theo. He began rambling in Dwarvish, and Theo was about to ask what he was saying when young Harbek came forward, and Theo felt a skill wash over the area.

>Local Message: Universal Translation Active

"I can only keep this up for a few minutes." Harbek said, "Cool down is an hour."

Theo nodded and focused back on Yordo. "Hello Yordo. Did you miss me?"

Yordo looked up. "Untie me ya' bastard. When my mother hears o' this, it'll be yer' head."

Theo shook his head. "No. I have half a mind to keep you bound in that cell until Primordial Flight ends and then see how far I can throw you off the cliff when it is done. I bet you would make an excellent reverse firework."

The blood drained out of Yordo's face. Theo took a deep breath, his anger having begun to boil. "But I am not a monster. I generally consider myself a good person. So, after Primordial Flight, you will be untied, and we will decide how you will leave. For now, though, I am going to try and have someone bring your mother here and hear her side of things as I somehow think that you are not exactly what I would call the brains of the operation."

That caused Yordo to fume. Theo continued. "If that is what you would like to happen, you will swear on the System that should your mother attack us, or if you attempt to escape or cause anything that I deem to be bad, you will forfeit everything up to and including your life."

A pulse of power told everyone that the System was listening. Yordo was paler than Theo knew a Dwarf could be. Yordo finally nodded and spoke in a shaking voice. "I will agree to that if you untie me."

Theo shrugged and glanced at Julia, who nodded. "I can live with that."

Ordus stepped forward and cut the ropes binding the Dwarf, who relaxed and took his first proper breath in hours. He looked up and appeared as though he was going to do something, but then he saw Ordus, Theo, Julia, Kreldar, and Harbek all had their hands on weapons or were watching him intently. "I swear on the System to abide by the terms that ye' laid out."

A thrum of energy told everyone that the System had witnessed the promise just as Harbek's skill ended.

>Local Message: Universal Translation Deactivated

Julia smiled, "Very well, now then, Theo, I think I need a bath, and we need a chat and some sleep so that we can get to work tomorrow."

Theo smiled at her. "Agreed."

Everyone turned and walked away. Harbek stayed behind, chatting with Thrumli. Kreldar commented on the young Dwarves. "Those two 're goin' to be the best of friends an' I think that ye' should reward Thrumli. He helped alot with this issue."

Theo glanced back at the young Stonewrend progeny. "I will keep that in mind. Ordus, Kreldar, Thank you both. But I think our guests can be left alone for a while. Go get some rest. Julia and I will check on Hestia and then go to take a bath."

Kreldar nodded, heading off, and Ordus bowed slightly before walking away; Julia let out a sigh, taking Theo's hand in hers. "Alright, check on Hestia, then bath time."

They both walked towards Hestia. As they did so, they looked around and saw that almost everyone was asleep, and Julia spoke. "You know, it's rather peaceful considering what is going on out there."

They both looked up at the oddly motionless Dragon in the sky, its massive frame and wings moving ever so slowly across the sky. They arrived at the Plinth, and each of them placed a hand on Hestia's core. A deep, robotic voice spoke into their minds.

"Homestead Core Currently Unavailable. Please return in four hours. All Homestead Core Functions are operational."

Theo looked surprised at that. "Well, whatever is going on, I hope she is okay."

"Me too." Julia said, then shrugged, "it's not like we can really do anything about it. Let's take a bath and get some sleep. Then we can check on her."

Theo nodded and placed his hand on the crystal that Julia had pulled from her pouch.

<24 August 2024, MIRROR DEEP RETREAT, ????> [Theo and Julia] >Local Message: Universal Translation in effect "Greetings and welcome back to the Mirror Deep Retreat," Laurel said. "Ah, Lord and Lady Sorrin. Congratulations on your achievements and the establishment of your family. Also, thank you for convincing your core to allow the connection. I will reevaluate your status and make the necessary adjustments. I shall also display the prices that you are now entitled to as per our deal."

Theo and Julia both nodded; Laurel waved a hand at Theo first.

Theo Sorrin, Heir of the Earth - 012 Stat Full Base Level: 12 STR 52 29 Class: Heir of the Earth DEX 34 24 Race: Human CON 76 56 Age: 25 INT 36 25 Bound To: Julia Sorrin CHA 21 9 Titles Earned: 19 META 35 13 Personal Mana Rank: A-

"A class evolution, a mana density increase, and...." Laurel paused. "Oh, interesting. Congratulations, Theo Sorrin. You have grown even more interesting."

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Theo nodded, confused, "Thanks, I think?"

Laurel nodded, waving a hand at Julia, "And now you."

Julia Sorrin, Hearthsoul Keeper - 012 Stat Full Base Level: 12 STR 21 8 Class: Hearthsoul Keeper DEX 23 11 Race: Human CON 57 40 Age: 23 INT 45 31 Bound To: Theo Sorrin CHA 42 26 Titles Earned: 18 META 66 42 Personal Mana Rank: A-

"Also a class evolution, a mana density increase, and..." Laurel stopped talking and looked up at the two of them. Suddenly, both Theo and Julia felt as if they were being looked at by this entity for the very first time. Power radiated from Laurel, and she stared intently at them for a moment.

"Um, Laurel?" Theo asked awkwardly. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course, Lord Sorrin." Laurel said, "I must apologize. That must have been uncomfortable. Needless to say, both are rather unique. I am not permitted to say anything about what I discovered."

Julia glanced at Theo, who just shrugged. Before either of them could say anything, Laurel spoke again. "Very well then, due to my indiscretion and as a congratulatory gift, I will provide a mana rejuvenation free of charge. Please follow the line. We can discuss your new prices at a later date."

"Okay," Julia said.

"What is a mana rejuvenation?" Theo asked.

"Mana Rejuvenation is a service provided by the Mirror Deep Retreat that supercharges the body and rejuvenates many aspects of the body. This is achieved using powdered Mana Essence and the application of some highly focused skills. You will be given a massage with Phenix Flower Oil, and then you will bathe in a pool of mana essence-charged water." Laurel said. "It is a service with many benefits and no known side effects."

"Sounds good to me," Theo said, shrugging and turning to walk where the line led. "Thanks, Laurel."

"Thank you, Laurel," Julia said, moving to catch up with Theo and taking his hand.

They quickly made their way to the opulent room that the line led them to. They were ushered in by two women who completed the massage with Phenix Flower Oil and then guided them to a bathing chamber.

They both quickly slipped out of the robes that had been provided for the massage and sank into the water that tingled with how much concentrated Mana Essence was inside it.

With a sigh, they both began to float in the rejuvenating water, still holding each other's hands.

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