Land and Sea

The crowd parted as she returned to the river bank, walking barefoot with her sandals in one hand. Ra's footprints were sandwiched between two others, unlikely sisters whose arrival had shocked her. Her thoughts returned to the day of their introduction.

[A few days earlier]

"Clear the rune! I'm shutting it down." Ra spoke an incantation, and the power circulating around and through her faded into nothingness. Her dark eyes glanced at the young woman holding her hand.

"Hello," the redhead smiled brightly, her freckled face blushing slightly. "I'm Sasha, and this is my sister Sarah."

The redhead carried two daggers and wore black armor bearing a raven insignia. Ra's first impression was that she was the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen until the other stepped forward.

The smaller woman had white hair and skin shaded between light blue and gray. Her lavender eyes hinted at danger as if a predator lingered in their lovely depths. "Greetings, Sister Ra. I'm Sharah'lyn Jol, the younger sibling of QJ." The dark elf glanced at Sasha and nodded; whatever she conveyed in the gesture caused the redhead to disappear.

"Another ghost?" Ra wasn't surprised to witness it; QJ had the same ability. "Is that something everyone in your family can do?"

Sarah shook her head. "Sasha is a rogue who specializes in infiltration."

"I see. Why did she introduce you by a different name?"

"Sarah is what my family calls me." The young dark elf took a moment to take in her surroundings.

The Sandhealer compound was surrounded by a two-meter stone wall. It had been moved into the capital when Ra returned from the City of Ancestors. There were several two-story structures set into a square. There was a notable absence of young adults; most inhabitants were either very old or children.

"Come inside, and we will speak further." Ra gestured for her to follow and continued walking. "Where did your sister go?"

"She's close. Beyond that, I can't tell." Sarah took note of the impressive staff of the Water Wielder. "That's a nice staff."

Ra nodded in agreement, holding it out for Sarah to examine. "QJ helped me get it. It's the nicest I've ever had."

"Hmmm... It's not bad, but I like mine more." Sarah mirrored Ra, holding out the staff so Ra could see.

[Matriarch] ( Magnum Opus)

Bone Staff Shotgun [Racial Treasure]

Specification: Dark Elf only.

Description:

The finest work of a Grand Master Gunsmith.

This weapon is made from Drake's bone and

has been intricately carved in gold with the

names of all the Clan Jol Matriarchs. A perfectly

balanced staff that doubles as a pump shotgun.

Additional Description: When wielded by the current

Clan Matriarch, all damage is doubled. Weapon damage

is based on whichever skill is highest, staff or shotgun.

"That's a gun? Like QJ has?" Ra pursed her lips slightly. Her staff aided her healing abilities, while the other was a pure weapon. "It is beautiful, but I like mine."

The dark elf nodded knowingly. "Of course, because QJ helped you get it. However, QJ made this..."

"QJ made it?" Ra's expression changed slightly. "May I hold it?" She held out the Water staff in exchange, her smile widening as she examined the gold runes etched into the bone surface.

The swirling tip of the water staff turned solid when clutched in Sarah's grip, causing the dark elf to frown. "I see... Only you can use it. Mine is limited to dark elves."

"Dark Elves? Is that why you appear different than your siblings?"

Sarah nodded, walking beside her companion while Ra studied the racial treasure. "Yes. I have three mothers; Mora Jol, Leah Fintree, and Talia Riley. I was birthed by the first."

"And Sasha?"

"Sasha was birthed by Leah while QJ and Ren are Talia's." Sarah never really differentiated between the three growing up. She often played them against each other, depending on what she wanted. "Ren is my older sister that you haven't met. She is one of the summoned, like QJ and our father, Quinn."

As an LAI, Sarah and Sasha were raised knowing about both worlds. She deliberately used a term that Ra would understand since her exposure to QJ's world was nonexistent.

Ra sighed heavily. "This is a Magnum Opus; I shouldn't be surprised. I've seen QJ's intellect at work. He opened a riddle-door during my quest that withstood our greatest scholars for generations."

"He's the smartest person I know." Sarah exchanged staff as they walked in silence for a few moments. "When did my brother propose? Was it a grand wedding? Why all the secrecy?"

"Well..." Ra cleared her throat. QJ must have discovered the ceremony, but it was obvious that the information hadn't been shared with his sisters. "Let's get you settled, and I'll tell you the story over the evening meal."

[Back to Present Day]

Ra smiled at the memory of that evening. She had expected anger or disapproval, but she never would have guessed uncontrolled hilarity. Sasha laughed until tears ran down her freckled face, while Sara nearly passed out, gripping her stomach as she hyperventilated. Apparently, QJ was a noted prankster; for someone to pull such a monumental one on him... The younger sisters were instantly impressed.

Ra grinned when Sasha stealthed and faded away while Sarah remained at her side. The two sisters had been tasked with her protection. Neither sibling knew why QJ had suddenly assigned them to her, but they did receive a message from their father; more help was coming.

"You don't have to be nervous." Sasha's bright smile pulled her out of contemplation. "There must be a lot we don't know. If Robin is coming, then everything will be fine. Even someone like Jambo wouldn't survive the first clash with her."

Ra felt her stomach clench. Robin was on her way... The orange-haired woman was beautiful and deadly. "I did a bad thing. Maybe she's coming to punish me."

Sasha snorted. "QJ wouldn't bother assigning us as protection if that was the case."

Sarah nodded slightly. "Keep an open mind. Once Robin and Nimda arrive, we'll figure out our next move." The dark elf exchanged glances with her sister; neither was sure how far along Ra was in the developmental stages of LAI. After discussing it in private, they had mutually decided to put that conversation on hold. QJ would know what to do.

Ra's dark eyes glanced toward Leto, the port city that would host Robin's arrival. She pushed the end of her water staff into the soft sand. "Your father has three wives? How does he manage that?"

Sarah smiled slightly despite trying not to. She enjoyed a close relationship with her dad. The dark elf leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice in case Sasha was within hearing distance. "You want to know if he has a favorite?" she asked in a conspiratory tone.

Ra shook her head, but the question slipped out anyway. "Does he?"

Sarah laughed at the innocent question. "You're asking about my father, but in reality, you want to know about QJ."

Ra sighed heavily; for such a young woman, the dark elf cleric was good at reading people. "He loves this Songbird woman?"

"Yes. QJ keeps his cards close to his chest, but that much I do know."

Ra's expression said she didn't recognize the phrase. "Does that mean he doesn't share his thoughts?"

"Mostly. QJ is very difficult to read."

Sasha appeared directly between the pair, her green eyes dancing with humor. "Just between us, I suspect Tal is Dad's favorite. Although the consensus between our moms is that it's Leah."

Sarah nodded in agreement. "I think so too, but Dad is too smart to ever say." The dark elf shrugged off the topic. "In the end, it doesn't matter much. It works because our mothers are close. I can't imagine the difficulty in sharing a husband with someone you detested."

The freckled redhead winked at Ra. "No pressure..."

*********

QJ logged off and decided to shower quickly before seeing who was around. Half an hour later, he felt human again, so he walked into the kitchen, where Wu and Nina were chatting over sandwiches.

"Heya, guys." QJ walked past the kitchen island and opened the fridge, "Whose chicken is this?"

"That's mine. Help yourself, QJ." Nina smiled at him, "You going to hang around tonight? We could scare up a card game."

"Thanks." QJ grabbed the chicken and sat down. "Maybe later. I have to contact Robin and help plan her arrival in Leto."

"Lotte, Sato, and Breeze are in the pool, in case you are interested." Wu waited for Nina to look away before motioning with his eyes for QJ to go somewhere else.

QJ kept a straight face, "Really? I've been wanting to talk to Sato about some stuff." He finished off the chicken and then cleaned up after himself before leaving. Stopping at the door, he offered the pair a smile. "Thanks for the chicken, Nina."

"Welcome QJ."

Lotte waved him over when he walked out of the house. She was sitting at the side of the pool with her feet in the water. Sato and Breeze were in the pool, hitting a giant beach ball.

"Let's get QJ's take on his!" Sato caught the ball and stared at him expectantly.

Breeze swam to the side of the pool, a big smile on her face. "We have a question for you, QJ."

Lotte nudged QJ under the water with her leg.

QJ put on a serious face, 'Let's have it then."

Sato grinned and paddled over, using the ball for a flotation device. "Is Virtual Sex better than the real thing?"

QJ shrugged. "How would I know that?"

Breeze lowered her voice, "Come on, QJ, it's just us. Those blue eyes and your wit, girls fall over themselves."

"I've only had virtual sex," QJ admitted.

"Huh?" Sato's face said he wasn't buying it.

Lotte turned toward him, "Are you being serious, QJ?"

"You do realize that most of my family are LAIs, right? Just about every first you can imagine was done virtually."

Breeze's face turned red for some reason, "The first kiss?"

"Virtual."

"Oh god..." Sato looked like someone who had lost their hero. "Falling down drunk?"

"Virtual."

Breeze shook her head, "I don't know whether to laugh or cry."

QJ brought up his hud, and his dad's face popped up a moment later. "Question for you, dad."

Quinn was sweeping out his garage; he sat the broom to one side, giving his son his full attention. "Ask away."

QJ kept a straight face, even though Breeze and Sato gave him the 'shut-up' signal. "Which is better, virtual or real sex?"

If Quinn was embarrassed, he didn't show it. He wore a serious expression while considering the question. Before answering, he glanced over his shoulder and lowered his voice to a whisper. "This is just a personal preference in order. Virtual sex with someone you know in rl. Virtual sex with a virtual person. Regular sex with a rl person.

QJ nodded slowly. "Got it, Dad. Thanks for the info."

"It's my duty as a father, QJ. I love these kinds of questions." Quinn closed the hud without saying anything further.

QJ glanced at his friends; they all seemed to be looking elsewhere. "Why does everyone look embarrassed?"

Lotte turned toward him, "I think we are a little shocked that you had that conversation with your dad."

"Really? You've met my dad, right? If he doesn't know, then who would?"

Breeze flashed a grin. "I guess you have a point."

Sato frowned at him. "I tried to hit on an NPC once. She punched me in the gut."

QJ and Breeze shared a glance, and then both started laughing.

Breeze took the ball from his hands. "Of course she did."

QJ nodded in agreement. "I'm surprised she didn't stab you."

Lotte shrugged slightly. "You're cute enough, Sato... A bit on the dorky side."

"Oh god..." Sato slowly sunk beneath the pool.

Lotte slid an arm through QJ's. "Robin and Nimda should reach port tomorrow morning, right? Do you know anything about the city?"

"Wu said it was called Leto. It isn't the biggest in the Basara Continent, but it falls under the jurisdiction of the Jesu tribe. With any luck, it will be a short stop."

Lotte's facial scarring was more prevalent when her hair was slicked back. "Was Robin your first?"

Both Breeze and Sato turned their attention back to the conversation.

"We're going there?" QJ grinned at the question. "Belle Silverleaf."

The name meant nothing to Sato and Breeze, but Lotte recognized the name. "Robin mentioned her."

QJ raised an eyebrow while moving his feet just enough to stay afloat. "Really? When did she say that?"

Lotte's scarred face blushed suddenly. "When we... used the spa at Briar Rose."

QJ grinned at the carefully chosen words but let her off the hook. "What did she say?"

"She said that you are catnip to the Silverleaf women, but they don't pursue you anymore because of Belle."

Whatever reply QJ was going to make was drowned out by Sato's sudden splash attack. "Dude... I want to be catnip!"

"It's overrated," QJ replied while putting the topic aside.