The Wandsmith [LitRPG, Isekai, Harem]

After tending to the last of the more severely injured, those whose sunken eyes and hollow expressions spoke of long captivity, Ori left them with Bis'quin, who had become the natural centre of the survivors' attention. The lamia sat up propped against a crate and speaking to those around him, his presence already forming the beginnings of a new order.

Ori turned, his boots sinking into the soft earth, and was joined by Ruenne'del and Freya. Rue moved silently, her emotions carried in a sombre intensity, while Freya landed on his shoulder with folded wings and a pensive expression. Neither spoke.

Up ahead, Tess stood apart from her parents, Ricoh and Selene. They held themselves with quiet formality despite their dirt-streaked clothes. Ricoh was lean and upright, his grey-streaked hair pulled back. Selene, composed and dignified, wore a pale tunic with faint embroidery and kept her hands neatly clasped. Four other elves stood beside them: two teenage boys and in addition to Tess two younger girls. One clung to Tess's arm; the other, likely older than Tess, stood as a stern reflection of their mother.

Tess had changed too. Her cloak was gone, and though dirt still clung to her boots, her new tunic was clean. She watched Ori approach with a thoughtful expression, tinged now with an edge of nervousness he couldn't quite place. He slowed, realising this wasn't going to be a casual chat. The stillness, the straight backs, the held breaths, the practised postures, and Selene's Greater Rank aura, that of a High Elf, if Ori wasn't mistaken, all left an impression. Was this a united front preparing for conflict, or negotiation? Either way, they had shifted quickly from grateful strangers to a household offering formal welcome to another.

Ori almost chuckled at his own nervousness. He had killed a god, but meeting the parents of a girl he liked was still as nerve-racking as ever.

"Hello again, Ori, was it? This is our family. Ricoh, my husband. My sons, Timothy and Sisal. My daughters, Juelyn and Elison and of course, Tessalyn."

"Yes, hello again, Lady Selene. Allow me to introduce my bonds. This little one is Freya Creisidottir, my first familiar, an Aurora Pixie and senior lecturer at Vespasian's Arcanum Collegium Deo. And…" Ori hesitated, glancing at Rue for confirmation, which she gave through their bond along with a slight nod, "this is Ruenne'del Tuatha Dé Danann, Princess of the Seelie Court."

Ori heard an audible intake of breath from Tess, while Selene took the introduction in with no visible reaction and seemingly unsurprised.

"My other familiars are currently scouting the region, so I apologise for not having them here for introductions."

"Three familiars in total. A Dire Strix and a Lesser Lightning Elemental, according to my daughter?"

"That's more or less correct."

"We are near a cabin by a nearby pond from which we intend to stay for the short term," Selene said. "You and your bonds are formally invited to visit and will be granted guest rights in accordance with society customs for the duration of your stay, should you accept."

"I… thank you. I graciously accept," Ori replied, somewhat uncertain of the meaning of her offer as he tried to recall the details of guest rights. Freya seemed nonplussed while Ruenne'del's courtly demeanour had turned her expression into a careful mask though amusement and curiosity flickered clearly through the bond.

"Excellent. If you'd please follow me. It shouldn't be long until we arrive."

"Sure," Ori followed the elves through the woods. For a moment, he considered asking Freya through their bond for advice on elven etiquette, but decided against it, feeling it would be rude to have private conversations in such a setting. Instead, he tried to ease the awkward atmosphere with small talk and hopefully inoffensive subjects.

"Tess says you've been in Dremshire for some time?"

It was painfully awkward, but despite the stilted nature of the conversation, Ori believed he had managed the brief walk without putting his foot in his mouth.

It was approaching late afternoon by the time they reached the pond, which was more accurately a small lake. A log cabin sat on the edge of the rocky bank leading down to the shore. Modest in size, it was just large enough for cooking and sleeping, with most of the living space devoted to an oversized patio.

With the forest and the distant valley of Straf reflected in the calm lake waters, it made for a picturesque resting spot, quiet and rustic, a home away from home that seemed to suit the not-so-humble roots of this elven offshoot.

"Ricoh, if you'd please tend to the children outside while I begin this discussion."

"Ma, shouldn't I—" Tess began.

"Please, dear. There may be burdens best borne by me alone. Trust that I will call you when the time is right," Selene said, glancing over her shoulder and holding her daughter's long, anxious gaze. Tess looked away, gave Ori an unreadable expression, and then stormed off from the cabin.

They stood inside the wooden building. The air was cool and still, despite the open shutters and the relatively warm, muggy day.

"Please, sit. If I were better prepared, I'd offer refreshments, but unfortunately... well, I hope you understand."

"I have some food and water, if you'd like some?" Ori offered.

"I... very well. Water would be appreciated, thank you."

Ori handed her a cup filled from his enchanted canteen. Selene remained standing after accepting it, her eyes fixed on the lake as she took a moment to gather her thoughts.

"I heard them call you Demon Bane and Redeemer before they died. Standing here now, I can sense the weight of your High Redeemer title. I witnessed with my own eyes Archmagic wielded by someone at the Nascent Rank, the very same someone who, if my daughter is to be believed, commands a beast of Immortal Rank. You have bonded not only a princess of the Seelie Court but also, if your concealed aura speaks true, someone of high elven royalty.

"You claim the ability to form a Taurna'diem with high elves, something I would have dismissed outright until meeting you. But now that you're in front of me, even I sense the potential, the implications of which are nothing short of terrifying.

"I am almost afraid to ask that which I must. Just who are you, Ori Suba?"

Ori was silent for a long moment as his thrice-split mind churned through the options available to him. Finally settling on a course of action, he sighed then spoke. "I would need an oath, to keep what I'm about to show you between us, Tess, and my bonds, for a year and a day, or unless otherwise instructed. As it will be an oath witnessed by a princess of the Seelie and backed by my own Will, it will carry more weight than ordinary oaths. Is this acceptable?"

Selene nodded. "I, Lady Selene of Strafhollow, exile of House Éclair-D'oran, do so thrice swear to keep the content and nature of this discussion confidential, and not to discuss or otherwise disseminate it to anyone save for you, your bonds, and my daughter Tessalyn—Oh."

Selene seemed to sag as the oath took effect.

Distantly, Ori felt the karmic ties and ancient fae magic binding around them, the weight of consequence settling squarely on the matriarch's shoulders.

"Here," Ori said, sharing his Page from the Library of Fates in its entirety. "I suggest you begin with the titled accolades. I'll answer any further questions once you're done."

In real-time, Ori watched as the stern, brown-haired elven woman turned pale, then ghostly white. Her hands trembled before she sat heavily beside the open shutter.

"Oh, spirits preserve us. High Human Progenitor," she whispered, then gasped, "Bondweaver…" Her eyes lost focus as she read, then re-read his page from beginning to end. "How much of this does my daughter know?" she asked at last.

"Not much beyond the Demon Bane part."

"Very well." Selene exhaled, then drew a deeper breath, managing to reclaim a measure of her composure, though her hands continued to tremble. "There is much I would like to ask, but I know better than to do so. Now that I know… perhaps a soul geas would have been more appropriate, given the quite frankly monumental nature of your existence."

"Maybe, but I don't intend to be hidden forever. Likely, events here will lead to rumours and speculation sooner or later. By which time, I hope to be powerful enough for none of it to matter."

"I see. And you've chosen my daughter to be swept into this maelstrom of fate. Why?"

Ori shrugged. "She seemed brave and determined. We met just after she had been knocked to the ground trying to barge past Awakened guards to seek aid after your capture. She's beautiful, or at least I think so. And I feel a resonance between us, perhaps the beginnings of the Taurna'diem—"

"Is that not something you could just manufacture on a whim? Surely your soulcrafting and nature as the Bondweaver make a mockery of one of our most cherished traditions?"

Ori shook his head. "Even if I wanted to manufacture false attraction with such a connection, I don't think I could. My nature, my affinities, are aligned towards freedom. For example, all of my bonds can be broken by any of my bonded, at any time, for any reason. You can confirm that with the page I've provided."

Selene crossed her arms, giving Ori a thoughtful look. "And this initial bond formed how? Does it happen with every elf you meet?"

"I don't know. I've probably met only two dozen elves, of which only half were female. Tess is the third I've felt this connection with. I was told once by Harriet that the bond could only form with someone they could love, and be loved by in return. For me, knowing this is impossibly valuable. I mean, given who I am, the nature of my existence, the challenges I intend to face, knowing that this is a signal that I've met someone with the potential to be someone I can love, truly trust and truly depend on, why would I risk damaging that with anything forced?"

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Selene gave Ori a long, considering look.

"In a way, you offer her everything she has ever asked for."

"I... do?" Ori asked in surprise.

"Yes. She's bottled up here, often lashing out in rebellion. This shire is too small for her soul, and she has always secretly resented being my lesser."

"Lesser?" Ori asked, puzzled.

"Out of all my children, she and Sisal are the only ones not born as High Elves."

"Why? I thought it was guaranteed if the parents were High Elves?"

"While I may be a High Elf, my husband is not. As a result, Altus Progenitus offers only the chance for our offspring to be born higher."

"Oh."

"This is something you could remedy, is it not?"

"Yes, easily," Ori agreed.

"And her Arch Elf evolution?" Selene pressed.

"She would need the Peritia, but yes, I will assist with that also, if she desires."

"Which would almost certainly make her a new Briar Queen. The thirteenth or perhaps fourteenth now, if I'm not mistaken," Selene sighed.

"This is to do with Rufus and the elven Overlord struggle, isn't it?"

"Yes. Perhaps such news has not yet reached you, but your first wife, Harriet the First, has recently regained her position as High Queen by ascending to the Pinnacle rank. Did you know this?"

Ori couldn't help but smile slowly, basking in the glory of her achievement, one in which his advice and borrowed talents likely played some role.

"Through Aethermancy?" Ori confirmed. Selene nodded in agreement. "She did mention she was going to attempt it. I'm glad it worked out."

"I'd not celebrate too soon. Many quarters are already pushing for her early abdication, as her rank wildly upsets the equanimity and conventions of the Briar Queendom. Should a thirteenth and fourteenth Briar Queen be revealed as heads of new elven lineages... well, chaos and upheaval would be the least of what will happen."

"Is this your main concern?" Ori asked.

Selene held his gaze steadily. "No. That was never my main concern. My daughter's well-being, her happiness, her sense of self—these are what truly matter to me. Tessalyn is bright, determined, and brave, but she's still young. And you carry with you a burden and destiny that would crush most by proximity alone."

Ori nodded slowly. "I understand. If she comes with me, it would be by choice, and if she makes that choice, she'll become strong enough to deal with it."

Selene's expression remained unreadable, unconvinced. "You say that as if strength is all that matters. As if power alone could shield her from consequence. But what of who she becomes? Will power corrupt her, or will she be never more than an accessory, forever in your shadow? Merely the common-born, lesser sister to your wives of higher lineage and status?"

Ori's frustration spiked sharply, deepening his voice until it resonated with a sound beyond words as if fate itself acknowledged his declaration to be true. "I am the Bondweaver," the table rattled as he all but growled. "Helping my bonds, all of my bonds, grow stronger is fundamental to who I am. It may even be the very core of my nature. She will never be neglected or left behind, unless she chooses to step away. But more than that, I'll help her become someone who can protect herself. I don't want followers. I want companions who stand beside me by their own will." He exhaled, looking towards his bonds, Freya and Rue, both returning his glances with nods of support and approval.

Selene regarded him for a long moment. "There is more at stake than personal growth. There are entire lineages that believe themselves chosen and your very existence will shake the foundations they stand on. And should she rise as a Briar Queen... There are relics, entitlements, and long-dormant houses that would see opportunity in her, or seek to use her to undermine each other in endless internecine conflict. Society's —Elven society's internal balance is fragile, and you walk into it with careless steps."

"Perhaps. My weaknesses are obvious, but for me, it's just another reason why I value my bonds as much as I do."

Selene studied him closely, then turned towards the window, watching reflections ripple across the lake. "Do you truly understand what your presence means? You are the High Human, and also the Bondweaver. The mere fact of either existence incites a primal fear among elves. Meanwhile, knowledge of a new Demon Bane will ignite the racial pride of humanity. When all of this becomes known… Spirits. If handled poorly, you could become the spark that ignites conflict on a scale Fate itself has rarely seen."

"I know," Ori admitted softly. "But I won't hide, not for long. And I never intended for Tess to walk into this blindly. She deserves to know the full truth."

Selene glanced back at him, her voice steadying. "Good. Because she must know everything. If this truly is a legitimate Taurna'diem, then I won't, and cannot stand in her way. But there must be no illusions. No half-truths. Only then can her choice be real."

Ori inclined his head slowly, acknowledging the weight behind her words. "Agreed. I promise you, she'll have the whole truth. Whatever decision she makes will be fully informed, and entirely her own. Any further concerns?"

"Myriad. But…" She sighed, almost defeated. "There is only so much a mother can ask of a prospective son-in-law. Just promise to do your best, please."

Ori nodded. "I will."

Ori sat with Tess beside the lake, its surface reflecting vivid greens and pinks from the aurora that heralded nightfall. After the tense discussion ended, Selene had called her daughter back. Instead of further negotiations or words, Ori and his bonds watched silently as mother and daughter embraced, crying as though no further words were needed. Ori and Rue then left to circle the small lake, their steps crunching fallen branches and the rocky shoreline. Rue's calm, reassuring presence allowed Ori's tangled thoughts to slowly unwind as afternoon turned to early evening.

Upon returning to the cabin, Rue departed with Freya, leaving Ori alone with his brooding thoughts, until Tess came to join him. Unlike Rue's tranquil presence, Tess radiated bottled intensity, a restless urge for action apparent in her turquoise eyes, her thoughts spinning nearly as swiftly as his own.

"If you could do anything, be anyone, or go anywhere in Fate, or even beyond, what would you choose?" Ori asked gently. He sensed she had countless questions and desires yet was perhaps paralysed by them. He now saw that despite her strength and independence, something within held her back.

"Why do you ask?" Tess replied, glancing sideways at him.

Ori shrugged. "I just want to know more about you. What you want, how you think."

Tess drew a thoughtful breath. "I planned on heading to Dremsway eventually, to Thorncross, near the inheritances. Not for an inheritance for myself, but to find…" she hesitated, then sighed. "A team. To awaken, travel, maybe join a guild. I wanted to test myself, to grow strong enough to just… be free. I love my family, but I don't want to stay here. I don't want to grow old here, to die here, always wondering what else I could have done. Sometimes it feels like my mother came to this place just to fade away. I won't become that."

Ori exhaled, relieved. "Then you're at least a little interested?"

"If it weren't for the becoming-your-wife part, I'd have agreed already. I've not exactly had good experiences with boys, and I didn't imagine myself settling into something so quickly. And my mother would have been… but now that seems settled, at least conditionally," she sighed again. "It's not that I'm not interested—in you, I mean. I think I feel that resonance you mentioned. But…"

Ori offered, "We can take things slowly if you prefer. Or I could leave and return later when you're ready."

She half-sighed, half-growled in frustration. "No… because I want everything else you're offering now."

Ori chuckled.

"Mother mentioned there were things you needed to tell me, big things I should know before taking things further. I saw how shaken she was, I've never seen her like that. So now I'm curious. Other than being Demon Bane, what other secrets could you possibly be hiding?" she asked with a provocative mock-glare, masking her curiosity and unease.

"I suppose it's best I start from the beginning and tell you everything," Ori replied. "I was born and raised in a world, a realm maybe, either on the Material Plane or somewhere beyond Fate."

Without oaths or expectations of confidentiality, he began carefully, recounting his abduction by Melisandre the Wayward, explaining how he and others were targeted for the strength of their Wills. He described the prison complex at the edge of Twilight, a place built to break, siphon, or twist these Wills for infernal gain, turning captives into demons or tools for their advancement.

He detailed the hidden poison capsule in the false tooth, his broken leg, his meeting Freya as she teetered on the brink of dissolution, and their initial, adversarial familiar pact. He described arming himself from the armoury, wielding newly found wands, and entering the crucible.

He explained how the crucible was a forgotten divine-rank artefact misused for torture, its nine trials divided into three sets that reforged body, mind, and soul. He recounted each vividly: the first trial of annihilating fire, the second of an endless drowning sea, and the third, a forest of deceptive plenty. He shared the fourth trial, a dreamlike astral realm where his success awakened the crucible's dormant awareness, and the fifth trial of the void, which tested and forged his Will.

Ori continued, recalling the giant who summoned him to trap him, his narrow escape, and then the seventh trial, meeting Seraphine both briefly alive, then again after her death. He spoke of discovering his yet unknown light affinity, learning magic, and joining the Chromatic Order; his encounter with The Maker of Saint Donna, developing his soulcrafting affinity, confronting Eltitus, and witnessing Seraphine's ultimate sacrifice.

He recounted the final trial: meeting Harriet and Poppy, Briar Queen and Handmaiden, the looming threat of Harriet's mother's killer, and the profound understanding he gained about himself. He explained how Harriet had named him Bondweaver and how their Taurna'diem had empowered them both. There, Tess's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation.

Ori described his final transformation within the Crucible, his reunion with Freya, his bond and the evolution of Lysara, a wand spirit becoming a lesser elemental. He told her how rage had driven him to kill a corrupted god for nearly shattering Freya's soul, resulting in a divine curse. How the god's death had provided enough peritia to attempt Aethermancy, allowing him to survive and evolve.

He revealed his invitation to the Library of Fates, the Prime Dragon's guidance and boons, and his evolution into a High Human, leaving Tess openly staring in astonishment.

Ori concluded with the story of becoming the Demon Bane and the High Redeemer, freeing prisoners, including celestials and Ruenne'del's father, bonding with a Leanan Sídhe, and finally destroying while escaping Ghigrerchiax. Ending with him and Rue, clearing out Nests, his encounter with the Nameless Black Magi, and his quest to defeat the Name Eater.

Now, it was deep into the night. Throughout the tale, Tess listened silently, fully engaged, perhaps even a little enthralled. Ori's extraordinary story felt surreal even to himself, yet Tess, unlike her mother, seemed more excited than fearful. Perhaps walking her through his journey instead of just showing her his Page from the Library of Fate had made her feel that she too, if given the chance, could grow strong, allowing the distance between them to lessen.

"So now," Ori finished quietly, "we've been travelling north, exploring Aether rifts and other places based on the Prime Dragon's guidance. Lucas had been stalking me as prey, until I turned things around and convinced him to join."

Tess snorted, amused. "Convinced… I bet."

"That's pretty much everything," Ori concluded. "You're taking it better than your mother?"

Tess nodded slowly, tension easing from her shoulders. "I see it now. You're offering me my own trial, except the difference is I get a choice, where you really didn't." She laughed lightly, almost bitterly. "I'm strange sometimes. Why do I feel cheated for not being forced into those same deadly situations? Somehow, that might have been easier, at least for me." She sighed.

Ori tentatively reached out to take her hand. He wasn't certain, but it felt as though her words were a hint, that left to her own devices, she might dither and overthink. That she needed someone not to dictate her path, but to give her a nudge, to set the pace, to gently guide her toward where they both wanted to go. When their hands met, she looked at him, her eyes acknowledging the contact as her fingers intertwined with his own.