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     The Rain drizzled allowing the boy to cry freely. Like many other families in the city state of Damocles he was there to mourn the loss of loved ones. For him it was his Father and First Mother. Second Mother would have a hard time taking care of him and his half sister, but that wasn't unusual nor would it be unusual when his mother became someone's new wife. Death just happened too often in the shattered realms for family's to be anything more then cobbled together fractures of what immigrants to the realms considered normal. 

     "Death and honor are what bring us together today. These brave cultivators gave their lives agents the monsters that attacked from the ryft and successfully closed the gate from that hellish dimension" pausing his speech the commander of the 1209th battalion nodded to a cultivator who with a wave of his hand started inscribing their names on the great defencive wall of remembrance.

     "For their great deeds each family will receive double the contribution points that their family members earned during the campaign. I know this can not replace the loved ones lost, I can only hope it can help prepare each of you for the next dimensional breach so that more of our brave warriors may live. May whichever God they believed in protect their eternal souls" With a stoic face the commander saluted towards the wall, then left.

    "Quick children we must get in line." Second Mother said.  "Or should I just think of her as mother now?" the boy questioned himself. Shaking his head he grabbed his mother's hand and walked with her and his sister to the proper line.

     They waited for hours till they were at the front of the line as they arrived the scribe looked at them and asked "last name?".

     "The Cheshire's" 

     With an adapt flip of his wrist the scribe grabbed a file from thin air opened it then spoke. "I see you lost both a husband and a wife. The husbands name was Zack Thorn, halve elf, served in three campaigns, silver stage 2 earth cultivator, correct?"

     "Yes sir".

     With a nod and a quick note he continued. "Wife Elizabeth Cheshire, drow, arrived in the realms five campaigns back, served in 4 campaigns, gold stage 2, duel plant and poison cultivator, correct?"

     "Yes sir".

"Is there a particular reason that they took on your wife's name instead of your husbands?" He asked with a hint of curiosity, as he gave a note to a young man who quickly ran off.

     "Yes sir both Zack and Elizabeth were immigrants to the realms. While Zack arrived as a child and was adopted, as the law dictates. He felt no particular attachment to his adopted family. Since Elizabeth was from Nobility in her own world. Having the spider queens blood in her or some such drow nonsense" mother realizing what she just said looked at her daughter with an apologetic look then continued. "Hmmm, anyway she was very attached to her maiden name so Zack just went with it. since despite her very domineering personality he loved her very much".

     With a note and a nod he asked "Your place in the family?"

     "Second wife, Marianne Farmer, human, housewife and well I work on my father's farm oh um copper rank 1 healing cultivator. I have been told I would be useless on the battlefield so I take care of the animals and children." Mother said fidgeting "oh I am 22 years old. Our marriage was arranged by my father"

     With a nod and a note "the children?"

     Pulling sister forward mother spoke. "Eldest child, Ivy Cheshire, ten years old, ¾ elf um do you want me to be more specific?"

     "No that's fine though… why is she so small at the age of ten? I could swear she looks at most 3."

     "It's the elvish blood sir. She ages about a third as fast as a human though she will practically stop ageing once she reaches maturity."

     Writing a note the scribe said "Understood continue with her stats".

     "Yes sir. she has finished two years of education, is a duel plant and poison cultivator like her mother, and is copper rank two."

    Looking at Ivy the scribe said "Ivy you have potential, and will probably be given more time then most because of your size, before enlistment use the time wisely and do your parents proud. " Ivy gave a shy nod then buried her face in her mothers dress.

     looking up he asked "The boy?"

    Stepping forward at strait as possible, while rubbing his slightly pointed ears the boy listened closely to what his mother said. 

     "Youngest child, Moriancumer Farmer Cheshire, six years old, ¼ elf will be attending school for the first time in the fall and has been working hard to learn how to read and write" his mother said with a proud smile.

    The scribe looked at Moriancumer and said "Moriancumer you look small for a six year old boy. It will make things tuff for you, but hold strong and grow to be an honorable man to do your father proud". 

       "I will do my who family proud. Father, and both Mother's proud sir, oh and you my call me Morty that's what Father always called me."

     "Hahahahaa, noted Morty.  Keep that spirit strong boy it will do you good". Wiping the mirth from his face the scribe looked over the paperwork for a bit before speaking again. "Let's see your spouses belongings will be here in a bit… ah, yes contribution points. Not bad, Zack Thorn earned 126 contribution points during the campaign by killing lesser demons before his death. While Elizabeth Cheshire…" with a slight intake of breath the scribe whistled " with the help of her coven she earned 1113 points by using her life blood to plant a mana tree sealing the breach while some kind of greater demon was trying to widen it. There is a note here saying that the elders hope that the mana tree will stabilize the area so less breaches occur. That will earn your family 2478 points. In addition because the elders hope that Ivy may be able to duplicate the process with the right help and by reaching the platinum stage." Looking up with a bit of shagrin the scribe said "hopefully without dying of course."

     Mother's worried look vanished to be replaced with a half felt smile "of course".

     The scribe continued. "So as long as no breaches happen within a 250 kilometers radius of the mana tree. Your daughter Ivy, will receive 100 contribution points per year past the normal two years a breach would happen. Now take a couple minutes,  look through your spouse's property and then if you wish to spend some of your families points speak with my squire." The scribe pointed at the boy next to him, that was panting from having brought two chests over. "He will help you get back in line to speak with me. Then once I am done with whomever I am talking too, I will help you spend your points." 

     Mother thanked the scribe then with Ivy and Morty in tow walked over to the two small chests. Which held their loved one's belongings.

     They first opened zack's belongings. Inside was a will, a flower blossom, 4 potions, a journal, and 5 booklets containing techniques.

     Marrianne read the will out loud, "Dear Elizabeth you are the love of my life, it is alright that to you I am nothing, but a man. Regardless I love you I know you will care for Marianne, and Ivy, for you love them and please for all that is decent do not make Morty your concubine. I know he is not technically your blood relation, but ewww. Oh and I leave you all of my worldly blahs blahs blahs, except for the stuff I leave to the kids so hands off woman. With all my love Zack Thorn Cheshire" 

     After hearing the first part of the will Morty asked "what's a concubine?"

     Marianne blushed then said to Morty "maybe I shouldn't I have read that to you" ignoring the question she kept reading.

    "Marianne thanks for being there for the kids I am sure Elizabeth will take care of you sorry again that I don't love you as much as you desire. I leave you the health potions use them as you see fit to keep the family happy, healthy, and alive. I leave you my journal so you may share it with the children. Oh and make sure that Elizabeth does not make Morty her concubine… just to be on the safe side, don't let Ivy do it either because double eww".

     Morty asked this time with a bit of whine to his vouce "what is a concubine?"

     Marianna read even louder to avoid Mortys uncomfortable question.  "Ivy my beloved daughter first off don't" Marianna groaned to herself and decided that she was going to just skip that particular subject and let Ivy keep the letter to read as she saw fit. "You are to share the techniques with your brother. Work hard and learn them well. Despite four of them being very basic martial techniques.  They will strengthen your foundations and can be used to great effect regardless of what stage you are in or your style of combat, with perhaps the exception of a flying style of combat, but I would be surprised if either of you learn one of those. Also share the earth technique I know you specialize in plants and while earthen wall is an earth technique, you can still learn it and may be able to synergize it with your plant techniques. Next is the rose bud, it is called thorns grace a silver rank one artifac. It can take the form of either a whip or a rapier with a small amount of plant chi. Last but most definitely not least, I leave you my love never forget Father loves you and I shall eternally watch over you."

     "Morty, since you are reading this you are now the man of the house, even if your mother's remarry…  which they will. remember you are to protect them the best you can whether that's from monsters or men always watch out for them.  Take care of Ivy I know she is your elder sister and well a drow who tend to be… difficult to deal with but, I have faith in you. You are to screen her suitors. Oh! and whatever you do, don't eat anything she or your first mother make for you drows are master of poisons and other things… anyways, I left some techniques share them with your sister, hopefully you will gain an affinity for earth like mine, don't let your first mother bully you… And last but not least, son I love you and am proud of you forever and always."

     With tears misting her eye mother passed out the items along with the section of the will related to each person. 

     Next they opened first mother chest inside was her will, a collection of books, a tool bag, a collection of armor? A nest of spider? And a piece of black onix so dark it hurt ones eyes to look at.

     Having learned her lesson from Zacks letter and realizing that Elizabeth's letter would probably be way worse Marianne quickly skimmed through the will to avoid uncomfortable questions. She was very glad she did. 

    Blushing cherry red, mother told her children only the important bits of the will "Elizabeth's will is very long so I will summarize. Cough cough. She left a note for your father none of which is necessary for you two to hear. I am to take care of both of you and love you like a mother regardless of anything else, she left directions on how Ivy should be trained, she left me her romance novels until Ivy is of age, and her toys" covering her mouth she turned an even brighter shade of red. 

     Taking a moment to breath she tried again. "I mean woman products. Cough cough and her clothes and other items of no real import" with a wave of her hand Marianne quickly stuffed that part of the will in her pocket never to be seen by Ivy or Morty again. "Anyways let me read what she left you Ivy. Hmmm dear Ivy now that I have died you are Queen of the cluster irregardless your father and brother are my thralls so no touching." 

     A sigh came from Ivy with a barely audible whisper "Moma was always so romantic." 

     With a worried look at Morty who rolled his eyes as if to say girls. Marianne kept reading. "As Queen I bequeath you dominion over the spider cluster treat you sisters and their thralls well. Make sure to sacrifice to them living meat daily, I leave you two movement techniques. Spider stride for you and Perfect servant so my thralls may serve in thine court, and last I leave you the sacred art of traps as contained within the Onix memory palace when you are prepared to suffer in ecstasy, place it on your forehead. Share the Onix memory palace only with those that are yours in body, mind, and soul. As a full blooded drow raised by the Dark Mother. I can not understand this (love) that is so prevalent in this culture but, I understand pride and I am proud to call you Daughter. The now and future Queen of the Chesire household."

      It's at this point Morty changed his question. "What is a thrall?"

      While Marianne tried to think of some way to get out of answering, Ivy answered the question is a wistful voice "it's when a slave loves their master so much that they would never deny their masters wishes."

    "Hmmmm, dispute what first mother wrote I don't think I am her thrall."

    "Why not?" Ivy asked.

    "Because I told her no and ignored her all the time when she told me not to do stuff. Like when she forced me to drink the potion's that had her and my blood in them, or when I played with the spider's, or when I ate half a pie even though she told me not to touch it… that was a really good pie." Morty rubbed his stomach. Then said as tears started to form in his eyes "I guess I will never get to eat first mothers strawberry rhubarb pie again."

    Marianna looked on in horror as Ivy in her small voice asked "if you weren't Mama's thrall would you like to be mine?"

    Morty wiped his eyes. then after a long pause, in wich he seemed to think about the question said "no, didn't first Mother say that wasn't aloud?"

    "Even if I made your favorite pie everyday?"

    with a conviction to his vouce said "No, I would rather have my elder little sister that I could say no too." With a mischievous glint in his eye Morty asked "Besides if you did that… wouldn't that make you my thrall?"

    Ivy gasped, then whispered to herself "Can females be thralls?"

    Finally able to speak Marianna said "Fffocus chi... children the… there is still Elizabeth's letter to Morty." 

    Ivy and Morty choirised back "yes second Mother." Then listened as she began to read.

     "Morty… I know you like my cooking so I have left you my cookbook… protect your sister for she is now the Queen of the Cheshire house. I want you to know that as a drow I do not understand this (love) thing but,I am proud to call you son."

    With a sigh of relief Marrianna said "now children we need to get back in line so we can talk to that nice scribe again."

     When the squire saw them getting back in line he rushed over and helped them cut to the front of the line.

     It was not long before they were called forward again. Once again the scribe asked "Last Name?"

     "Cheshire" 

     The squire looked up with a surprised look saying "you came back?"

    "Yes sir, you said you could help me use some of my points?"

     "Of course… this is just the first time anyone has taken me up on that so I. Nevermind. How can I help you?" The scribe asked as he pulled back out the Cheshire's file.

     With a deep breath to steady her nerves Marrianna said "There are several things first off how much would it cost to send a message to Elizabeth Chesires coven, so i may ask them to get in contact with me about Ivy's training?"

    "That won't cost a thing, I will write down a note in your file, and a message will be sent out in the morning. Next?"

     "We… meaning Elizabeth, Zack, and I have already spoken to the educational board they told us that they could only delay Ivy's enlistment for 10 years. Which would mean she would at most have the body of an eight year old when she is enlisted. Unless we pay the tradition 100 contribution points per year for her to be placed at the end of the que. So I would like to spend 1200 points so that she may have at least the body of a twelve year old before being enlisted." 

     "Are you sure once i write it down the points cant be unspent, and that is a lot of contribution points, and just because you spend the points it does not guarantee she won't be enlisted. It just puts her farther back in the que. Besides, the points could be used food, housing, techniques, cultivation aids, tutoring, and or weapons?"

     "I am sure. This was my family's decision for several reasons. First by buying them now in fourteen years when she would normally be placed in the que she will most likely be last and, while I believe in our government there are always people who can bend the rules a little bit more for their children. Making them my daughter's unwitting shield. Second, knowing that she will be able to continue to learn and grow in school will make her a more tempting personal disciple and aid for a teacher removing the need for a tutor and maybe even techniques and or aids. Third by spending them now the cost is lower, who knows if next year they will decide it has to be 200 points to be placed at the end of the que. Fourth I won't be tempted to spend the points on frivolous things."  Taking a deep breath Marrianna asked "what was next?"

      After a minute or so she gave her head a slight smack as if to say "duh" then started speaking again. "It's a little bit selfish but… I would like to hire a skilled matchmaker to help me find a man that will take care of me and the children. Someone who specializes in marital contracts so that I can ensure the children's protection. Um how much would that cost?" 

     "Hmmm the price varies between 50 points and 200, given your background and needs I would suggest grandmother Yaga. cough cough I mean Old Mrs.Yaga. She is a Witch, the head of her own family, formidable in her own right, and most importantly does this because she likes to brag about a good match treating everyone she helps as if they were a member of her own… as long as you don't make her mad, that is. Which is why even though she only asks for 50 points I would suggest you offer her more. Or you may pick from a list of matchmakers by price and I can tell you a couple of their successful matches."

     Mariana shook her head no as she started speaking "I trust your words and have heard of Yaga, form Elizabeth whom greatly respected her. If you could let her know that I will pay her 250 points, and offer a 150 points dowry as long as my future husband agrees to the rest of my requirements."

     As the scribe wrote a note "That is most generous of you. Grandma Yaga... I mean Mrs.Yaga will get your offer in the morning. She will let you know if she accepts your offer in 10 days if she does at that time the 400 points will be taken out of your account. If not she will send you a note of rejection and, you may go to the bank where they will help you find a different matchmaker. Is there anything else?"

     "Yes but, um how many points do we have left?"

      "Including your offer to grandma Yaga you have spent 1600 out of 2478 which means you have 878 points left." 

     "Thank you, let's see please put forth 50 points to pay for our current housing for the next year. 5 for wheat to seed, 5 for barley to seed, 5 for a packet of assorted vegetables to seed, 70 for a milking cow, 10 for feeder hay, 10 for school clothes for Moriancumer Farmer." Pausing she looked at Ivy and asked "Ivy do you need new clothes?"

     Ivy blushed and nodded her head and shyly asked "can I get a new brush, and maybe a doll?"

    Morty asked "Why do you want a new doll I thought you stopped playing with them a couple of years ago because it makes you look like a baby?"

     Ivy hid her face as she replied "It was only a month or two ago and I miss playing with them and…" mumbling even quieter "I think a doll would make a cute new home for the spider cluster."

     The scribe looked at the little girl with horror. As Marrianna continued talking "1 point for a hair brush, 10 points for clothes for Ivy Cheshire, … a doll… actually Ivy aren't your spiders useful for your cultivation?" Seeing her daughter nod she continued "I am going to put points in your school accounts for cultivating supplies so once school starts up again you can use your points to buy what feel is best. Ok, Ivy?" 

     Ivy pouted, because she really wanted a new doll now not in a month when school starts, but nodded when she saw the stern look on her Mom's face.

     Smiling Marianne continued pointing at each item on the scribes list as she said them. "40 for the children's meals for the school year, 5 for Moriancumer's school supplies, and 30 for Ivy's school supplies…. That should put our total at …1641 out of 2478… which would leave 637, so lock 137 in under my name and 250 under each of the children's names to be used only for." Pausing to look sternly at her children she enunciated slowly for them. "Cultivation supplies, techniques, and tutoring. Oh and only after they have signed note saying they have consulted with a teacher or qualified individual, about whether or not it will be helpful to their cultivation." 

     Blushing she looked at the scribe "I am afraid if they are left to their own devices Morty will end up stuffed with sweets and Ivy will have a hundred dolls."

     Smiling the scribe answered back "Most people would have used all the points on themselves.  With that amount of points you could have easily never had to work or remarry. Instead you invested in your children. Though I am curious why didn't you invest points to give Morty a couple years to continue his education?"

     "Gasp, oh Morty. I completely forgot that you age slower and also need extra time." Turning to look at the scribe Marrianna asked is there anyway I can move things around, maybe cancel the cow and lower the children's allowances down too 200 each. Then with the hundred in my account I could by him four more years of schooling." 

     "While you could give him your points and I am sure the school would consider being placed in the que as tutoring or cultivating help. Unfortunately as i have said once it is written it is permanent. So at most I could give him two years from his points leaving him with 50 points to buy resources plus your hundred would give him three years."

     "No, Second Mother. Don't you remember what you said this morning. We have to no matter what keep at least 100 points for emergencies. What if someone gets hurt or there is a drought, or a tornado hits or, I don't know something else bad happens." Ivy said in an adorably panicked voice.

     Dejectedly Marrianna looked at her daughter who mirrored her own stern look from not to long ago, hanging her head she said "move 200 points from Morty's school account to the que so he can avoid enlistment for a couple of years."

     After that it did not take long for the still grieving family to head home to mourn as a family, remenicing about their loved ones and crying freely. Knowing that they would have to burry their sorrow in order to survive the difficult days to come.