Hearthglen

by Daniel Schinhofen

  Sean blushed, “I tried to stop that from happening.”

  “I figured,” Fiona giggled. “She seemed disappointed when she asked me today if that feeling would happen again.”

  “More than a little crush, it would seem,” Myna giggled as well.

  “Gods,” Sean exhaled. “Yeah, that isn’t happening.” Looking up at the cloudless sky with a put-upon expression, Sean briefly wondered if all the women around him were some sort of plot by Morrigan.

  Exchanging a glance, Fiona and Myna smirked, but let the matter drop. Fiona coughed to get Sean’s attention. “We also wanted to discuss money,” Fiona said. “We made a good amount of bronze today from the cutlery. The hair clips went fast and I made sure to tell them all that today’s prices were much lower than they would be going forward.”

  “Okay, where does that leave us?”

  “You need to pay Ida a stipend as your apprentice. It’s so she can buy her own things; two large copper a tenday will suffice, because we’re covering her food and shelter. It’s normally paid out on Oneday. I have that set aside already, plus another couple of copper for her extra work today. Myna and myself would like something similar, if possible—”

  “You’re going to get more than that,” Sean interrupted her.

  “As Life Bonded, we’re lucky to get anything,” Myna said. “I know we aren’t normal Life Bonded, but please keep it in mind. Unless…” Licking her lips, Myna’s next few words came out fast, “you’d publicly declare us your wives.”

  Sean stopped as her words pierced his heart. When both of them looked back at him, he could see their fear and concern that Myna might have gone too far. Those looks cut into him, and his own desire to call them his in front of everyone surged forward. “Can we do it today? How do we get it done?”

  Both women stared at him in shock, their eyes shimmering with unshed tears of happiness. Coming back to him, they took his arms in theirs. Fiona answered him, “There is no set path, Sean.” She looked into his eyes searchingly, “You mean it?”

  “With all my heart, Fiona,” Sean said, kissing her lightly.

  The squeeze on his other arm made him break the kiss and turn to Myna. “I mean it for you as well, Myna, my silly kitty,” he told her, kissing her in turn.

  “We will comport ourselves as your wives, then, and not as your Life Bonded. Some will question our forwardness, but once it’s explained, that should stop. It will diminish your standing—”

  “Fuck them, Fiona,” Sean interrupted her. “I could give two shits about what others think of me loving you both.”

  “I love you so much, Master,” Myna murmured softly from his other side. “I never thought I would be loved like you love me. I swore my soul to you for revenge, and I want that still, but now I want to make you happy even more than that.”

  Leaning over to kiss her head, Sean smiled. “You do that by just being beside me, Myna.”

  They walked along arm in arm for a bit. Sean caught glimpses of derisive looks thrown their way by people they passed, all focused on Myna holding his arm. You’ll learn in time, Sean thought as he tried to ignore the looks. Maybe I should actively try to change the world a little. Make people see that Myna and others like her are more than equal to them.

  “We were sidetracked,” Fiona murmured, pulling Sean back to reality. “We’ve paid Ryann for the year already, which is good, but we should plan to re-engage her in a year, unless…”

  “Unless?” Sean prompted when she trailed off.

  “Sorry,” Fiona said. “I got lost. We’ll also need to pay for the maid. That should be about a silver, or less, for a year. I’d also suggest we find someone to run the front of the shop.”

  “I suggested that already,” Myna said, reluctantly letting go of Sean’s arm when she saw the looks being shot at them.

  “We should,” Fiona agreed. “Finding someone will be difficult. I’ve already asked around and a few people said they were interested in taking the position, even if it came with a strict Agreement. I asked them to come to the shop on Tenday. We should also look into getting a Messenger Fairy; if the one I had delivering a message is willing to continue working with me, we can see about adding them.”

  “That was the short person at Gern’s right?”

  “Yes. They’re used by the rich and powerful to deliver messages, instead of relying on others. They live in colonies and will run messages for a fee; getting one to agree to be in your employ is a mark that you’re worthy in some circles. Messenger Fairies don’t work for those who are weak, unless there are extenuating circumstances.”

  “Like the one at Gern’s?” Sean asked.

  “Gern was the front for a larger merchant group. The Life Bonded there were not his, but of the larger merchant house. They were given to him when he opened his shop in Oaklake to give him more prestige and make the job easier,” Fiona replied.

  “Ah, that makes a lot of sense,” Sean muttered. “I was wondering about them and the barmaids at Gosrek’s inn. I haven’t seen a lot of Life Bonded otherwise.”

  “I don’t know the maids’ stories, but it’s likely they agreed to it instead of facing harsh judgement from a magistrate.”

  “This is the shop,” Myna said, pointing at the shop.

  “Well, let’s see about new clothes for all of us,” Sean said. “After all, my wives will need clothing that reflects their status.”

  Both women smiled at him, but Fiona’s smile faltered. “I’ll Shape my own; it will be easier that way…”

  “Oh, right,” Sean said, deflating a little.

  “Are we going to visit the leatherworkers after this to see about armor for Ryann?” Myna asked.

  “We should,” Sean said as he opened the front door. “But first, let’s see what we can do here.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Sean, Fiona, and Myna were all smiling when they finally got home. Ryann sat in a chair focusing on her blades while Ida was chatting with a small Messenger Fairy.

  “Welcome home,” Ida said. “Fiona, Ven came looking for you.”

  Ven the Fairy took to the air, hovering right in front of Fiona. “Miss, your message was delivered, and the deal was agreed upon. It will be here on Oneday or Twoday. This concludes our agreement.”

  “Wait, Ven,” Fiona said softly. “Can we talk for a moment?”

  Ven fluttered to the coffee table, landing on it. “You have another job for me?”

  “In a way,” Fiona smiled. “Sean here is a Shaper and is looking for a Messenger Fairy to help him with his work.”

  Ven buzzed into the air and spiraled around Sean in a glittering, silver streak. After a few loops, they returned to the table. “He reeks of power,” Ven said. “Will you pledge honesty for this talk?”

  “I pledge to honestly answer, on my power,” Sean said, taking a seat on the small sofa next to Ida.

  “Are you with the Queens or the nobility?” Ven asked.

  “No.”

  Ven frowned, “Do you seek to hurt me or my kind?”

  “No.”

  “Would you treat me equal to your Bonded if we come to terms?”

  “Yes. However, there would need to be an extra Agreement, concerning mine and my Bondeds’ secrets.”

  “Due to your power and not being involved with them?”

  “Yes, and due to who my Bonded are.”

  Ven seemed to think for a moment, then turned to look at each person in turn. “Your power lies in all of them, but not equally. Two are more filled than the others.”

  “They are both Life Bonded, and I have been with them longer,” Sean replied.

  “What Agreement would you seek?”

  “Not to divulge any secrets of mine or my Bonded, on your life.”

  Ven almost hit the ceiling with surprise. “My life? Your secrets can’t be worth that.”

  “They are. They honestly are, on my own life,” Fiona said.

  Ven settled back to the table and looked hard at Fiona. “You still
live… hmm. May I think on this?”

  “Of course,” Sean said.

  “We will be asking others starting tomorrow, Ven,” Fiona said. “The offer is not going to stay open for long.”

  “What would be my profit?”

  “What would you want?” Sean asked.

  “Home for me and my paired, coin equal to your highest paid Bonded, and an oath that you will never harm either of us nor put us willingly in harm’s way.”

  “If that’s all you want, I would be willing to Bond you, if you’d like.”

  Ven’s wings— which had been constantly moving, if slowly— stopped dead. “Bonded?” the androgynous creature asked. “You would Bond with a Fairy?”

  “Why wouldn’t I?” Sean asked, then looked at Fiona biting back laughter, clearly confused by the reactions.

  “Fairies can’t hold energy,” Myna said. “They are viewed much like intelligent carrier doves, and not worth the time and effort to Bond.”

  “It’s said that they are devoid of Talents,” Fiona continued. “Most would view it like Bonding a dog or horse.”

  Ven’s lips curled into a grimace at their words, but they didn’t try to refute them. Sean shrugged, “I could give a fuck less what others think.”

  “Truly?” Ven asked, shooting off the table to hover in front of Sean’s eyes.

  “Truly, if you wish it. I would need your paired to take the same vow of secrecy if they are to live here, as well.”

  “I shall return once I speak with Venn,” Ven said, flying to the door.

  Myna opened it for the Fairy. “We will await your return, Ven.”

  After she shut the door behind the Fairy, Myna giggled, “Always willing to do what others would never consider. That’s our Master for you.”

  “I’m coming to realize that,” Ryann said, setting her blades aside. “I would never have imagined a Bonded Fairy until today.”

  “He does seem to care for everyone in his own way,” Ida murmured to herself, but three pairs of ears heard her.

  “How did your tasks go?” Sean asked, changing the subject.

  “I have six blanks. I was resting when Ven showed up,” Ida said, pulling the small copper proto-clips from her bag.

  “I was modifying the shape of my blades slightly,” Ryann said. “It takes me longer than it would any of you.”

  “You’re still expanding,” Fiona said. “You can do more today than you could before.”

  “I know, and I’m humbled by that, but… I want to be equal to you and Myna.”

  Myna smiled. “You will be in time. Have a little faith.”

  “Very good job with the clips,” Sean praised Ida, then turned to look at the blades Ryann had been Shaping. “Why the more pronounced curve?”

  “It felt right to me,” Ryann muttered, looking down.

  “Going with your gut can be the right call,” Sean said, seeing her embarrassment, “nothing wrong with that. We’ll re-Shape your practice blades to match before we fight tonight. Speaking of which, I think it’s time.”

  “I’m going to miss tonight; I wish to focus on dinner. What I’m making takes a bit of prep work,” Fiona told them as everyone got to their feet.

  “Might as well put these away for now, Ryann,” Sean chuckled. “Looks like you and me will be going toe-to-toe for our training session tonight.”

  “Good. I might win a few rounds,” Ryann said as she headed for the hallway.

  As they made their way to the stairs that led to the shop and out the back door, Myna caught up to Sean. “Master, there’s a public bathhouse a couple of squares over from the Crafter Square. I checked, and they do have private bathing rooms.”

  “Good idea, Myna,” Sean smiled. “I don’t like the idea of going a full tenday without a bath.”

  “I know,” Myna smiled. “It costs a large bronze, which is why no one bathes often.”

  “Is there a way to make a bathing chamber here?”

  “It would need to connect to the drain system the bathhouses and inns use,” Myna said. “You would need to talk to the Shapers who handle the reservoir, since they would be the ones to fashion the connections.”

  “Well, that’s a bust, then,” Sean sighed. “I don’t think they’re on very good terms with me. I’ll check, though. It never hurts to ask.”

  “It will cost quite a bit even if they do agree,” Myna said quickly.

  “Something to look into and maybe put as a long-term goal,” Sean said. “If I had a way to get rid of the water, we could just build a bath and not have to deal with that.”

  “I’m sure you’ll figure something out,” Myna said.

  Amused at her blind optimism, Sean shook his head as they exited into the backyard and smithy area. Lowering his voice, he switched topics, “How is Ida doing?”

  “She’s as eager as Ryann to learn. Once I’m sure she’s retained yesterday’s lesson, I’m going to move her onto the next.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll be working on my hammer skills while you do that.”

  “Try not to lose too much,” Myna said with a saucy smirk, then walked over to Ida.

  An hour later, they all trooped back up to the dining room. As they took their seats, Fiona came out of the kitchen with a pitcher of wine and cups for them. Sean poured for everyone, and Fiona came back out with the first two platters: one of salad, and the other piled with slices of meat that had been carefully seared. Setting the plates in front of Sean, Fiona took her seat at his right hand.

  Sean filled his plate first, then handed the utensils around the table. The flavors of lemon and vinegar dominated the salad, with the rest of the vegetables harmonizing and adding to the primary flavors. “The salad is good,” Sean said, starting to cut a piece of meat.

  “Thank you,” Fiona smiled, as everyone else chimed in with their own compliments.

  The taste of the meat made Sean’s smile broaden. Hints of garlic, onion, and pepper tantalized him, a little spicier than he was used to. Taking another, larger bite, Sean felt Fiona’s gaze on him. Once he could speak again, he complimented her again. “Really good, dear. Sorry I forgot to say. I wanted more.”

  Fiona’s cheeks pinked slightly. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

  Myna wavered between a smile and a frown, recalling that her meal yesterday hadn’t been as well received. Ryann was focused, her brow furrowed as she slowly chewed each bite, clearly giving it her complete attention. Ida was digging in with evident happiness.

  “Myna, now that we have proper stock for cooking, I’m sure your next meal will be amazing,” Fiona said softly when she paused to sip her wine.

  Myna looked up and saw only honesty in Fiona’s face. “I’m not so sure. Your skills clearly eclipse mine. Besides, if Ven was right, we’ll be being cooked for soon.”

  “I’ll be cooking tomorrow,” Ryann said.

  “We’ll have to get your training in earlier, then,” Myna said.

  “Yes, and Fiona will be working twice as hard tomorrow to help me with my hammer combat skills,” Sean said. “Also, Ryann, I need you to come with me tomorrow after my morning training session with Ida is over.”

  “I was going to ask if I could sit in like I did with Hans, when you teach the kids,” Ryann said, looking at her mostly empty plate.

  “That’ll be fine,” Sean replied.

  “I’ve arranged for the coal supplier to visit tomorrow,” Ida said. “I hope that’s okay.”

  “Yeah, thanks,” Sean told her. “Just need the metal suppliers to show up, too, so I can see about setting up deliveries.”

  “They’ll be coming with new stock for the smiths on Fiveday,” Ida said. “I’m sure they’ll come by to speak with you then.”

  “Just need to get more coin between now and then,” Sean said as he helped himself to a little more meat.

  “We’ll work on clips tonight while you’re out,” Fiona said.

  “I’ll help,” Ida said. “I don’t wish to go back to the inn for a few days.
”

  “Fiona, she’ll be in your hands. Let her Shape the blanks to make it easier on you and Myna,” Sean said.

  “As you wish, Sean.”

  Ryann looked at the food still on the platters and glanced at the others. Fiona, catching the glance, smiled, “I’m done, Ryann.”

  Myna took a little more meat and another helping of salad. “I’m good with this.”