Chương 109: Chapter 106: Always Supervise Your Dragon

It occurred to Moeldywn, as she bounced along in her royal carriage, that traveling was much easier to do when she wasn't in charge of running a country. As little as two months ago, if she wanted to hit the road and go on an adventure, all she'd have to do was instruct her maids to pack a few bags and leave several notes for her various staff. Now… she needed a procession. It's for business… not pleasure. It's for business… not pleasure.

She kept her face schooled into a regal smile, meaning very little emotion was showing while she repeated the mantra inside her head. Truthfully, if her insides were free to burst out, she didn't know what sort of mood she'd be in. It ranged from annoyance to excitement, to frustration, to exasperation, then to apathy… before eventually circling and starting over.

Most of her roiling emotions felt rather negative on the surface, but they weren't all so; it was undeniable that she found the prospect of "getting out of the house" to be enticing. Excluding her trip on the back of a dragon, it had been… decades, possibly? Years, at the very least, when she last left Horizon. At least the quality of carriages had improved by leaps and bounds over the last hundred years.

Synthesized wheel-coverings alone made riding on a bumpy dirt path tolerable, and Moeldywn figured producing these… [Tires]… kept certain [Alchemy] shops in business by themselves. And then there was the improved seating, with luxurious filling and some sort of coiled, firm suspension. Even if she pressed her hand down with force, the seat would spring right back into position. Long gone were the days of fabric draped artfully over the top of a wooden box, and with them, the dread of a deadened backside.

One could never discount the importance of a well-tuned posterior. On more than one occasion, Moeldywn was sorely tempted to break into the royal coachhouse and dissect a carriage or perhaps kidnap an [Engineer] to have him explain it to her in great detail. For as much time as she spent sitting at her desk, she'd rather not have a sore butt or legs. The only thing that kept her from letting her curiosity run rampant was her image as a stately royal. Never mind the nobility, what would the peasantry think?

"Your Majesty, thank you once again for arranging all of this on such short notice." Moeldywn was not alone on this trip. It was not a vacation, and she was certainly not sneaking out of the castle to sniff around at what her dragon was up to. In this coach with her was Lady Miralde Hartwick, Horizon's Chief [Civil Engineer], and Lord Aaron Talisbury, [City Clerk].

Of course, one of Moeldywn's Collectors of Intriguing Tales (a rather capable [Maid]) was riding along to keep up appearances, but she was there more to watch over the two non-combatants rather than to keep Moeldywn safe from them.

"Think nothing of it," Moeldywn said offhandedly.

"It's my duty as Queen. A new settlement has cropped up and we need to make sure the records are set straight at the beginning."

"All the same, Your Majesty," Lord Talisbury rebutted, "You didn't have to oversee everything personally. We all know how busy your schedule is these days."

"Perhaps that's why I decided to get out," Moeldywn shrugged, watching the trees pass by as they rolled through the forest.

"A chance to stretch and see things with my own eyes."

"Can there really be a brand new settlement of halflings?" Miralde mused. She was younger (by Moeldywn's standards), roughly in her late thirties or early forties, and had only been appointed to her post about 5 years ago. Moeldywn gave her a cool, confident stare.

"Never underestimate the power of a potentially immortal being with unfathomable levels. Especially when they're bored." The two civil servants on the bench across from her shared a nervous glance.

"Are you saying that an adventurer did this?" Miralde balked.

"By themselves?"

"No," Moeldywn smirked, turning back to the window.

"I'm saying a dragon did."

The royal procession pulled into Abbyton in the late afternoon. Workers were coming in from the fields, the smoke of cooking fires was billowing from chimneys, and the place had a quiet charm reserved for sleepy little hamlets secluded from the bustle of the world. The place was perfect for halflings, Moeldywn had to admit, and perhaps, if history had panned out slightly differently than it had, the Little Folk might have settled here originally instead of in Eastshire.

In fact, as her valets were preparing to escort her from the carriage, Moeldywn could see several of the Little People glancing at her procession train as they meandered slowly into the village… on their way to a pub, no doubt. But no matter how much their presence intrigued her, Moeldywn was not at liberty to hop down from the carriage and run after them. As this was a very formal, very official visit, she made sure to send word ahead.

It wouldn't be fair to the poor elders of Abbyton or the members of the church to drop by unannounced. Instead, Moeldywn stretched, fluffed the ruffles of her billowing skirt, and made herself presentable. She waited for the guards to take up their stations so the coachman could announce her. She noticed the door rattle slightly as the external handle was gripped and heard somebody take in a deep gulp of air.

"Presenting: Her Royal Majesty, Queen Moeldywn Ansillica Paratina de Hestia du Eutevor!" She kept her face neutral and managed not to roll her eyes. Part of her wished she could skip this pointless ceremony. The hundred or so commoners in attendance didn't care who was on the throne so much as whether they were being mistreated. There was a distinct possibility some of these people didn't even know the name of their monarch.

In the most dire cases, it was easy to assume that the longer a person's name was, the more noble they were. So… when all else fails, hit 'em with the full name. Moeldywn cast her eyes across the plaza at the gathering of people, noting several finely dressed individuals who'd gotten down on their knees. Ah. It seems some people had manners drilled into them. And at the head of them all… was Bishop Francis Larkin.

"Your Majesty," the Bishop said, dipping his fingers into some [Holy Water] and sprinkling it down on the ground in front of him.

"Welcome to Abbyton."

"Father," Moeldywn said regally.

"I didn't expect you to be here in person."

"You might say that this sleepy little hamlet has become quite important as of late," he chuckled.

"But, perhaps we'll leave such discussions for after the pleasantries?" Moeldywn glanced behind her as the two Horizon officials looked around with mild frowns. To their credit, their scowls weren't born from a predisposition against rural communities or countryside folk, but rather stiff backs and tired eyes. The doors of several other carriages opened and the support staff all disembarked. Normally, a survey of a new settlement was handled by a team of people, so that's what Moeldywn brought.

"I meant to house the entire expedition in Abbyton while they worked," Moeldywn frowned, turning toward the Bishop.

"But I was told accommodations are sparse. Father, what is going on in your village?"

"Ahaha," the old man laughed weakly.

"I'm not sure you'd believe me if I told you."

"Try me," Moeldywn said flatly, crossing her arms over her chest.

"But first, is there nowhere my people can sleep? We've brought tents and provisions for camping, but Lord Talisbury and Lady Hartwick are nobles. They put up a brave face, but they aren't used to roughing it." Moeldywn heard a slight squawk from behind her; the [City Clerk] probably didn't expect to get called out, especially from someone who looked like a pampered princess.

"I'm truly sorry, Your Majesty," Bishop Larkin said regretfully, "But due to the influx of adventurers, the visiting [Scholars], the extra hands we've hired for the fields… and now some curious halflings who wish to stay in a, ah, Big Person inn… we've quite thoroughly run out of rooms." The man did look incredibly apologetic, as if having to admit that he couldn't accommodate a royal request physically pained him.

But he paused for a moment, took on a thoughtful look and turned his gaze to the east, back towards the abbey.

"Perhaps it might be bold of me to suggest, but it occurred to me that we have some rather…unorthodox options available," he mused.

"It's not much better than camping out in the open in a nearby field, but your people are welcome to set up tents inside of our [Greenhouse]. At the very least, you won't have to worry about local monsters spawning on top of your bedrolls and there's a guard by the door. I trust the royal engineers will be suitably respectful to our grounds." Moeldywn was already nodding along, prepared to jump at any offer of assistance…until what exactly the Bishop said replayed in her ears.

"I…may have misheard," she laughed lightly.

"In a…[Greenhouse], you say?" Something was tickling the back of her brain. Hadn't somebody busted into her office not too long ago to expound on the intricacies of a supremely built greenhouse?

"Yes!" A familiar voice enthusiastically called out. She looked to find the culprit of that conversation, Headmaster Veloran, rising from the crowd.

"I believe this was the one I described to you once before!"

"In great detail," Moeldywn said flatly. Sadly, she hadn't committed much of the man's ramblings to memory, as she had (foolishly) assumed it was the ravings of a scholastic enthusiast. She was regretting her oversight now.

"Old Larkin here is quite correct," Izrizar enthused.

"The [Greenhouse] is more than capable of housing your crew. As I've said before, it's quite roomy!"

"I thought you might have been exaggerating," Moeldywn sighed.

"I see that I was mistaken. Well, no matter. We'll add one peculiar [Greenhouse] to my audit of this visit." She turned to Izrizar and gave him an exasperated shake of her head.

"Don't you have an academy to run?"

"Well…yes," he admitted sheepishly. But he quickly perked up and hastily added, "With the new [Aetherstone], travel is just too convenient!" Moeldywn groaned but said nothing. Instead she turned to her officials, who'd just finished rounding up their troops.

"I trust you know your business, so I won't demand your schedules. So long as you report back to my office regularly, take all the time you need."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lady Hartwick said.

"And you as well, Bishop. We'll take you up on your offer to stay in your [Greenhouse], if it truly has space for 17 people."

"My girl," Izrizar laughed, "It has room for 17 hundred." Hartwick blinked at his words before giving Moeldywn a blank stare, but when she glared at the man, he didn't seem to be joking. Or, at the very least, he was determined to run his joke to the absolute limit. Very well! If he wanted to play pranks on a kingdom official survey, Moeldywn would just have to see how he liked it when his morning coffee was frozen solid. She was fairly certain that, as a [Mage], she outranked him.

"Shall we set up camp now?" Lord Talisbury asked. Technically, as far as the survey was concerned, Lady Hartwick was in charge.

"Or after supper?"

"Mmmm," she said thoughtfully.

"Actually, I think I'd like to take a preliminary look at the proposed shire. Bishop, is there someone who can escort us?"

"Actually," Moeldywn cut in, "I have a request on that front. Father, a group of adventurers I'm familiar with sometimes call the abbey home. They're a modest group, around rank 3 if I recall, and call themselves [Sunrise]. I wouldn't be too surprised if you've never heard of them. Ah, as well…if they aren't around, I shall leave our escort to your discretion."

"Hmm," Bishop Larkin rubbed his chin.

"Ah! I believe I do know of them. Young Alastair Trevain is a [Paladin], and I've been told his party frequently helps out around the abbey."

"Their [Mage] just recently advanced into an [Arcanist]," Izrizar chimed in.

"She's taken an interest in ancient casting techniques."

"Oh?" Moeldywn perked up. This was the first she'd heard of Ellesea evolving her class. She really needed to keep better tabs on those kids, especially after all they recently went through. … If for no other reason than to keep Meliastraza pacified. Bishop Larkin sent a runner back to the abbey to see if [Sunrise] was available, and within a few minutes, two nervous-looking youths were being led her way. Or at least one nervous youth.

Alistair had the air of a man who knew his place and wondered why he was being summoned to serve above his station. His companion, on the other hand…. The [Hunter] looked just as free-spirited as Moeldywn remembered.

"Bishop, we've been told that we're needed for an escort?" Alistair asked as he walked up.

"Indeed," Moeldywn cut in, stepping forward. She watched with some small satisfaction as his eyes widened in recognition, but she stopped him before he could debase himself on the ground.

"A simple kneel will do," she said airily.

"Though, I suppose your manners are better than your friend's." Alastiar glanced up, realized Jessica was just standing there, and quickly tugged down on her pants. She startled with a yelp and quickly bowed her head, though she looked entirely insincere in her fealty.

"What was that for?" Moeldywn heard her hiss.

"Don't you recognize the princess when you see her?!" he hissed right back. Jessica's eyes widened and Moeldywn smiled. Yes, this was going to be a good little vacation.

"So, tell me…what have you all been up to?" Moeldywn asked as several brothers from the abbey led the carriage train behind the abbey to unload their cargo. Normally it wouldn't be possible to hold a private conversation in such a public space surrounded by a crowd of civil servants, but Moeldywn knew various privacy spells.

"Besides getting yourself thrown in jail, that is." She let out a tremendous sigh and had to fight the urge to bow her head in apology. Behind closed doors where she could be herself was one thing, but out in public, she needed to present the image of a confident ruler.

"I'm sorry for that whole debacle. You should never have been put into that situation to begin with. If I do not see her, please inform the Barnes girl that she has nothing to fear from the Marquis. For his part in accosting the [Saint], he's been forced into early retirement. And you, Jessica…I know Lady Brandywine herself has healed you, but how are you feeling?"

"Me?" The [Hunter] jolted, "Uh, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, you," Moeldywn smirked.

"And…I'll let it slide since we're amidst company, but do try to remember to call me Melody." Both of them looked like they wanted to protest, but Moeldywn pressed on.

"Look, I've said it before. I'll say it again. As senior member of our dragon's hoard, I must look out for my juniors. As if the recent events where the bringer of doom herself descended upon my poor city in your defense were not proof enough, you have gained a certain degree of protection. Against the ravages of time itself, if I am to be any indication. Perhaps there will come a day when we look upon each other as equals. But until then… how are you? Truly?" It was a touch odd asking that question so freely.

Moeldywn hadn't had somebody close enough to her to be vulnerable with, not since her Philip died. She'd tried it with her son and her grandchildren… but it wasn't the same. They were more concerned with keeping up appearances than genuine relationships. As such, she was terribly out of practice, and the question came out rather forced. Moeldywn cringed, wondering if they'd actually answer or if she should change the subject.

"Full," Jessica answered at length. Moeldywn blinked and looked at the girl.

"Excuse me?"

"You asked how I feel," Jessica repeated.

"I feel full." Moeldywn wanted to stop dead in her tracks and question what the girl was thinking, but they were in the middle of a procession heading to the new halfling settlement. Alastair shook his head ruefully but smiled.

"You'll have to forgive her," he laughed.

"What she's not telling you is that she made a deal with Melia. Whenever she needs to turn back into a dragon and eat, Jessica tags along." Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

"Right," Jessica grinned.

"I made a deal with a dragon and apparently that's a thing. Can't back out, so now I'm a feasting buddy." Moeldywn nodded sympathetically. If only everyone knew how dangerous it was to make a deal with a dragon… she certainly did, so she couldn't hold Jessica's peculiarities against her. But…becoming a dragon's "feasting buddy" wasn't something she ever expected to hear.

"So she takes you feasting?" Moeldywn asked.

"Eh," Jessica grunted.

"It's more like, Melia doesn't really like to eat alone, you know? She's social. So she wants somebody to chat with when she turns into a huge beast and terrorizes the local monster population."

"Really?" Moeldywn asked. Her interest was piqued; she wouldn't mind going along on one of these…food trips.

"Yeah," Jessica laughed helplessly.

"She eats everything. Doesn't matter the size, the rank, or even the zone. She's taken me up the mountains north of Sienna where [Thunder Lizards] roam around…she eats them. She had a hankering for fatty fish…so we went to Lakeridge for some [Threshers]. She eats those too. Recently, she's had this kick for [Crimson Cattle]," Jessica trailed off with a groan, her hand inadvertently traveling to her stomach.

"Is there something wrong with [Crimson Cattle]?" Moeldywn asked. Yes, they were reasonably high level, but as the [Hunter] said, Meliastraza was ridiculously high level and no monster would ever pose her a threat.

"Yes," Jessica stated firmly.

"I'm her feasting buddy, right? Meliastraza doesn't like to eat alone. So you tell me, what's a girl to do when the giant dragon starts an impromptu cookout and serves up 5-star meat on a stick? I can't say no to that."

"She cooks for you too?" Now Moeldywn was getting jealous. Perhaps she really did need to bully her way into Meliastraza's next mealtime.

"Yes," was all Jessica had to say in reply. Moeldywn watched her rub her stomach again and shrugged.

"Well, if you need a new [Tailor], I can make some introductions. It's no good to live in denial."

"Hey, what are you trying to say…?" Jessica narrowed her eyes, all while Alastair snickered quietly. Jessica's complaints were loud and entirely ineffective. Moeldywn ignored her for several more minutes as they trekked up the largest hill on this path. Looking back, they should have taken a carriage. The proposed site for Abbyshire was only a 5-minute walk from Abbyton, so at the time it felt like more of a hassle than it was worth to corral everyone back inside.

Now that they were working their way up a somewhat steep path, Moeldywn was regretting her decision. As soon as she crested the hill, her complaints were washed away.

"By the gods…," she gasped. Next to her, Alastair wore the weary look of a man who'd been dragged through hell and back, and she could only guess how far his tolerance and patience had been tested. The reports had not been a lie. Abbyshire was real. Before them, in a sprawling meadow, were countless rows of burrows built into the hills. An entire network of avenues and alleys chained together to create, not just a neighborhood or a single halfling hall, but an entire shire.

Moeldywn counted a dozen freshly painted doors on the main boulevard alone, with many streets winding away into paths unseen. Behind her, Lord Talisbury and Lady Hartwick froze as they crested the ridge and looked down. Moeldywn quickly dispelled her privacy bubble.

"Is this…real?" Lord Talisbury gasped. Moeldywn could understand his disbelief. It took decades to build a settlement…and Meliastraza had done it in days.

"It's your job to find out," she said wryly, turning to face her civil officials.

"Prepare yourselves. I think your expectations on quality are about to be tested. If I know the builder, and I'd like to think I do, you'll be hard pressed to find structural faults and inconsistencies."

"Sure you jest," Lady Hartwick scoffed.

"You say a dragon built this? How? How does a dragon build? They have claws." Moeldywn raised a single eyebrow and Lady Hartwick cleared her throat.

"Your Majesty." That wasn't what Moeldywn was getting at, but she ignored it.

"The dragon in question is a devious troublemaker," she said seriously, earning an even more confused look in return.

"She'll just as soon do something simply because somebody tells her she can't. So…yes. A dragon built this. But don't take my word for it; I wasn't here. Do your jobs. Take a census. Draft a charter. Roll out allotments. These halflings followed the commands of a god to travel here, so they have every right to settle. And by all means, question them for the truth. Find out exactly who- or what -built these homes."

"To be truthful, I didn't believe the reports," Lord Talisbury said.

"Where do we even begin?"

"Not here," Lady Hartwick said.

"And not until after dinner. We're going to be here a while; better get settled in." Moeldywn nodded as the two heads started conversing with their team and handing out orders. Their attention was entirely occupied with a sudden halfling shire, so Moeldywn grabbed her two junior hoardmembers and politely excused herself. She did wonder briefly if they actually realized they just agreed to live in a [Greenhouse] for the foreseeable future… though knowing Meliastraza, it was likely to be a very magical [Greenhouse].

One she was now keen to investigate.

"Jessica, Alastair…take me to the abbey."

"What…is this?" Moeldywn asked. The two adventurers did as they were told and walked her back to the abbey. However, having expressed her desire to see Meliastraza's creations, thinking they'd take her to the [Greenhouse], she was flummoxed when they did not. Instead, she was standing in the shadow of a giant…nose.

"It's a [Moai]," Jessica cackled.

"I can see that," Moeldywn replied dryly. The first thing she did was cast [Inspect]. However, the system appraisal didn't give her nearly enough information. For one, it said nothing of the [Enchantments] she could feel embedded beneath them. When Meliastraza had told her about these, she failed to mention just how dramatically she'd [Enchanted] them. And the spellwork was impeccable. With an array like this, Moeldywn could create such devastating spells….

"Watch," Jessica said with a grin. She stepped up to the [Moai] with an egregiously sized sunhat; it automatically turned to face her. Jessica waved at it, patted it on the nose, and started telling it jokes. As far as Alastair was concerned, this was simply another day.

"You get used to it," he said softly. Moeldywn turned to look at him and he explained further.

"You live with somebody who's like a whirlwind, you learn to just…let it carry you."

"Sage advice," Moeldywn said.

"Especially with a gnome in tow. You've had it rough."

"Some days are harder than others," he explained.

"I'll be honest, sometimes I wonder where my place is."

"What do you mean?" Moeldywn asked.

"You've got your team. You're the leader, aren't you?"

"More like the one everybody else expects to make decisions," Alastair laughed helplessly.

"I'm not cut out for it. I'm a simple man at heart, Your Majesty. I follow the teachings of the church…try to live by the light…and yet…I'm in a party with the [Saint]. A dragon wealthier than the gods showers us with gifts and I wonder what I've done to deserve this…or if something is coming that I've got to pay it back for. Like some sort of cosmic debt."

"That's the funny thing, lad," a gruff, dwarven voice said from behind them. Moeldywn and Alastair turned to see the newcomer…as did the [Moai].

"Braum!" Moeldywn said pleasantly.

"Braum Blastkettle! You're looking well. Has your team attempted to tackle the [Obsidian Mansion] yet?"

"Aye," he said, but he turned to face Alastair and continued his thought.

"Bein' selfless ain't about lackin' a sense o' self. It's about knowin' when to turn you time into them time." Alastair smiled, having likely heard similar platitudes countless times. But perhaps because it was coming from a very high-ranked [Paladin] who shared his Order and beliefs, he was more inclined to listen. At the very least, he adopted a thoughtful, distant look.

"I've been told this one is called Bob," Braum said politely to Moeldywn, letting Alastair digest his thoughts.

"And that one's Ferdinand. Or was it the other way around?"

"They named the giant heads?" Moeldywn asked in disbelief.

"No," the dwarf shook his head.

"The children did."

"The children…?" Moeldywn shook her head.

"We're getting off track. Was there something you needed?"

"Actually, Yer Majesty, ta answer yer first question: yes. The [Breakers] have officially cleared [Act 1]." His face took on a dark, complicated look.

"I'm glad we've got a week before it resets. I need time ta clear my head. I cannae say what Chaos wants to impart with this dungeon…I'll need ta meditate on it."

"I wish you luck with that," Moeldywn said honestly. For all that she was incredibly high level, higher than Braum even, she'd never set foot into a dungeon. She knew how people coped with the constant fear of death…but not actually experiencing it.

"As fer yer second question," Braum sighed, "I'd actually heard that tha group who'd discovered tha dungeon in tha first place was called [Sunrise]. I meant ta question them before we went inside, but we never had tha time. And…now I see tha ones I was lookin' fer were guiding you. I'll come back some other time."

"I don't need them both," Moeldywn said, peering at Alastair.

"And it looks like this one could use a bit of wisdom from a mentor."

"Indeed," Braum mused.

"Indeed. Well, Yer Majesty…until next time."

Moeldywn pulled Jessica off of the second [Moai] and had her lead her to the actual point of interest, the [Greenhouse]. Once again, Moeldywn's eyes went wide as she felt the magic permeating the building before she actually saw it. Before they rounded the back of the chapel, the hairs on the back of her neck shot up. She felt prickly, as if somebody had doused her in a fresh mana-bath… which wasn't something easily described to a non-[Mage]. As soon as they rounded the corner…

Moeldywn's eyes fell on the pristine, nearly transparent building with [Adamantite] support columns. She was disgusted. [Managlass]? For window panes? Such rare materials were hoarded for very special types of telescopes and delicate, precision instruments! Not to… trap heat inside a building! She was also green with envy… more green than the [Greenhouse], which didn't have a lick of green on it.

Jessica led Moeldywn up the path to the front entrance, where several brothers from the abbey were helping the coachmen unload the survey team's gear. Of course, Moeldywn had to take a look inside. … out of professional interest, of course. And to make sure her survey people weren't being mistreated. Certainly not because she felt the itch of potent magic calling to her and she desperately wanted to study it.

"Your Majesty," the guards said, bowing respectfully as she passed them by. She was about to tell them to raise their head, when she looked behind them.

"Is that tree…gold?"

"That's [Celestara's Tree]," a brother said reverently.

"The [Saint] consecrated it, and Celestara herself blessed it. It recently produced an [Avocado], which was made into a holy meal." Moeldywn's eye twitched. The recipe for that… holy meal was sitting on her desk. She turned away before she could get a headache. They spent several moments watching the group of surveyors get settled in, hauling boxes deeper into the [Greenhouse]. When Moeldywn thought about greenhouses, images of small shacks crossed her mind. Not an indoor forest.

She was about to try and walk around the perimeter, but Jessica stopped her.

"Maybe when you have more time?" the [Hunter] said apologetically.

"That'll take you a while."

"I was under the impression my job was mostly done," Moeldywn pouted. She'd already seen the shire part of Abbyshire, and now it was up to her minions to document it all.

"Maybe?" Jessica grimaced.

"But, ah, since you asked about all the stuff Melia made…." Moeldywn narrowed her eyes.

"What else has that gremlin done?"

She shouldn't have asked. Jessica led her into night. Literally…night. Moeldywn had never seen a real [Moonwell] before…because she'd never been to the elven lands. And, as everybody knew, [Moonwells] were the exclusive structures of elven temples and holy sites. So why was there one at an abbey dedicated to Celestara?! At first, Jessica shocked her deeply by disregarding the sanctity of the pool and walking into it. The [Hunter] turned, waved Moeldywn forward, and pointed up.

"Isn't it beautiful?" She asked, staring into the starry sky. Moeldywn's breath was taken away. Inside the influence of the [Moonwell], the sky was exactly what it should look like if the sun wasn't out. And yet… because this was something only that blasted gnome could ever think of making… there were decidedly aftermarket additions to this holy pool. Paved seating? Massaging bubbles? A clothes washing station? A place to draw clean, fresh water? Like some commonplace, multi-purpose bathhouse….

Moeldywn didn't want to leave. The water felt so… cleansing. So soothing. Jessica had to drag her away. As they left, Moeldywn spied an enchanted chest in a hidden nook. She peeked inside… only to find ice and a bunch of fruity, alcoholic beverages. She swiped one for her troubles and reapplied the camouflaging enchantments.

And finally, finally, Jessica decided to take Moeldywn to the culprit herself. Apparently, Meliastraza had built herself a lair. A lair! In the middle of a field! Once again Moeldywn found herself melting with jealousy as soon as she spied the [Obliteration Veil]! Because of course the dragon would carelessly leave something so powerful out on display for the world to see! Moeldywn actually stopped, pulled out a notebook, and began sketching, but Jessica wouldn't let her tarry.

Moeldywn made a mental note to bully Headmaster Veloran for all his studies on this matter. She knew he'd been escaping to Abbyton to play, but she didn't realize there were so many fancy toys! And there, in the middle of a nondescript field, next to a rank 1 spawning grounds, was the [Destroyer of Worlds]. Taking a nap. On a mountain of gold. Moeldywn had seen pictures of draconic hoards. She almost felt like laughing. Those reds and blues, extravagant hoarders, stockpilers of fortunes…

were so proud of their shiny vaults! And here, in a field, Meliastraza made their entire worth seem like pocket change! Ohoho, as soon as she got back to Horizon, she was going to call on those pitiful reds and lord it over them so badly. She! Moeldywn Eutevor! Belonged to a dragon that slept on the economic equivalent to a small country! Let those bastards puff themselves up and brag about their [Runecloth] bids now…. But she couldn't let Meliastraza see her puffing up her chest like a proud rooster.

Moeldywn schooled her face into mild disappointment, thrust her hands on her hips, and cleared her throat.

"Ahem." A giant, bleary eye opened and pinned her in place." Melllllody?" Meliastraza asked sleepily.

"Don't try to act all sweet on me, Meliastraza," Moeldywn chided. She hiked her skirt up and carefully attempted to shuffle closer. Gold coins were surprisingly hard to walk on.

"We both know you could sense me coming."" Mmmmm,"Meliastraza denied." Mmm eepy."

"Sleepy?" Moeldywn scoffed.

"Well, wake up! I'm here!" She said it to be brash and boastful, but Moeldywn didn't actually expect the sleeping dragon to obey. Such was her surprise, then, as the giant head lifted off the bed of gold, shaking roughly like a dog out of water, sending a cascade of loose money flying everywhere." Sorry," Meliastraza apologized sheepishly. Not for the first time, Moeldywn wondered how something so terribly powerful could have so little awareness of their own strength.

Most dragons would never apologize for being themselves, much less for being woken from a nap. Hell, most dragons wouldn't talk to humans unless they were sufficiently high level. Still, Moeldywn maintained the charade of disappointment.

"Well?" she said.

"What do you have to say for yourself?"" I just apologized?" The giant head tilted cutely, though most would probably be terrified.

"For not coming to greet me when I arrived," Moeldywn said haughtily, raising her chin.

"You're forgiven."" Thannks-""But not for everything else."" Eh?"

"Meliastraza, do you have any idea what you've done?"" No?" the dragon answered honestly. And that was the real problem; sometimes, the gnome did things so unspeakable because, to her, they were as common as breathing, and yet she never understood how impossible they were.

"You've given me quite the headache," Moeldywn pouted… which must have triggered something inside the great beast's mind. Meliastraza sat up, actually sat up to her great and formidable height, and peered down at the ground. Moeldywn would never be afraid of Meliastraza, but she was reminded again of how small she was in comparison to the Archdragon." Oh no,"Meliastraza wailed." Is it because I haven't given you a bear today? Hold on! I have one right here!"

Moeldywn stood perfectly still as a giant claw lowered right in front of her. A blast of suffocating magic slammed into her as a portal was opened… and a [Melii Bear] plopped out. She stared at it, dumbfounded, until her traitorous fingers itched and slowly raised, hovering toward the goods. Moeldywn shook herself and stared up at the dragon.

"Do you think a single giant bear will make up for your transgressions?" A second portal opened up, and another bear was deposited in front of her. Moeldywn's eyes twitched and she fought desperately to keep the smile off her face.

"Fine. Do you think two giant bears will make up for your transgressions?"" Forgive me?" Meliastraza begged, though it was clear she had no idea what she'd actually done. She was just distraught over seeing her princess pout…which was a singular ability Moeldywn had over the giant beast.

"Fine," she said with an exaggerated breath.

"But I'll be taking these." The bears were sucked into her inventory.

"Now…tell me exactly what you're planning, turning Abbyton into a multi-pantheon valley of worship." The gigantic head lowered so the eye could peer at her seriously for several moments. Then, with a flash of light, it was gone, and the bubbly little gnome was scrambling over a massive pile of loot, desperately trying to reach the princess.

"What are you talking about?" Meliastraza asked, holding her hands up high. Moeldywn sighed, leaned forward, and picked her up. Did gnomes have no shame? Especially huge, hill-sized dragons disguised as gnomes?

"I'm talking about Abbyshire," Moeldywn said tiredly.

"You built a settlement for a group of pilgrims on a holy quest. Moore now has rights to this place. Do you think his followers won't try to establish a temple?"

"I mean…they needed homes, Melody," Meliastraza grumped.

"I couldn't just let them sleep outside. Or in inns. That would have taken decades!"

"I'm aware," Moeldywn said dryly.

"And how about the elves?"

"What about the elves?" Meliastraza parroted.

"Do you seriously not know?"

"I mean, I built a [Moonwell]?"

"See! So you do know!"

"But, like, we needed a new well, Melody! There's so many people, the old well wasn't cutting it! So I made a new one. It's better!"

"I'm sure it is," Moeldywn sassed.

"Right!" the gnome had the audacity to grin and nod.

"Did you know? You can purify [Mooncloth] there! I've already made 4 bolts!"

"4…bolts, you say?" Moeldywn froze, instantly thinking of the prized elven fabric. It was almost exclusively used to make [High Priestess] robes.

"Yup!" The gnome chirped.

"Actually, I used some already. Didn't you get that bear I sent you? The one that glows in the dark? Pretty neat, huh?" Jessica watched Moeldywn's face go white as a sheet and started cackling. Eventually, Moeldywn hiked the gnome up in her arms, demanded that she cook her dinner, and got over it. As for that bear…all the more reason to make it a really rare edition. Perfect for collectibles.