Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 114: Honorable Fools

Daniel slowly opens his eyes as he feels a gentle motion of fingers through his short hair, as much petting him as idly combing his hair as a soft humming comes from directly above his head. The tune is gentle and slow, unfamiliar to Daniel, but no less peaceful and comforting than a lullaby.

The 'who', though, is a little surprising. Petting the top of his head as it rests on her lap is Vaergraes, the former-demon queen and now archpriestess of the Uhl'tall living in the Fievegal. In general, she's a fairly reserved and laid-back advisor, consulting on worldly affairs, though more experienced with the demon-kin and the tribes that she was able to unite for purposes of fleeing the Devourer.

She and Daniel have regularly had a cordial relationship, but she looks genuinely gentle and affectionate as she hums with her eyes closed, idly letting Daniel rest.

He shifts, and she twitches, murmuring, "Oh! You're awake, Daniel. Welcome back." She watches him as he sits up, and Daniel looks around. They're still in the arena, and Hekate, specifically, seems to be getting lessons on some kind of magic from Ryuogriar and Reignleif. Geirahoel and Wenlianna are strangely not present, and the others are mingling with various people of Mattarglos.

Daniel replies gently, "Thanks. Sorry, I was a little surprised."

She puts on a slightly disappointed smile. "Were you disappointed that it's me?"

"N-No! Of course not! I'm just... surprised. Hekate or the dragons, maybe, but..."

"But, we have never been intimate?" asks Vaergraes, knowing the answer.

Daniel nods once to confirm.

She smiles gently. "I am still a woman, and we still spend plenty of time together, do we not?"

"Uh... When you put it that way..."

She smiles, cupping her cheek, "This worked out, since Ryuogriar expended most of her magic initially healing you, and I had to continue. Hekate is now attempting to learn healing magic in a hurry."

Daniel chuckles. "I see... That... explains some of it." He touches his chest, which is no longer in screaming pain or bruised, though he can feel a little soreness, and he's rather tired. "Thank you, truly, Vae."

She smiles happily. "My pleasure."

"Are... archpriestesses allowed to be lovers? Because I wouldn't mind sneaking off with you."

She giggles. "I accept, though, not right now, I'm afraid." She puts her hand on his thigh, adding softly, "I'd prefer to move slower than... some of the others, but, I'd like to... demonstrate some Uhl'tall 'customs' when we return to the Citadel."

"Sounds like a plan." Daniel takes her hand, and he brings it up so he can kiss it, causing her to blush. "I don't like to be presumptuous, but now that I know,..."

She chuckles, joking, "I understand. And, it looks like our private time is now at an end." She looks to the side, where Hekate notices that Daniel is sitting up. "Daniel!"

She abandons her attempt at healing and runs over to Daniel and Vaergraes. The human mechanic climbs to his feet, taking Vaergraes's hand to help her up. "Hey, Sweetpea!"

"Are you alright? Are you still in pain? I can try healing you next!"

Daniel pets her head, and she scowls lightly at him. "I'm fine now, thank you all." He scratches his cheek, glancing at the Grand Premier, who is talking boisterously and cheerfully with Neith and Magnir. "How'd I do?"

Ryuogriar chuckles as she hears this, having approached, and Hekate replies, "You got real beat up, but you kept staying in the circle! It was awful to watch! Don't do that again!" She hugs him, and Daniel wraps his arm around her back. "Why not? It was kinda fun... in a dumb way."