Mythran's Master Of All

Ren and Nathalia kissed each other for a few minutes, until the female dwarf that picked Nathalia up at House Neram, stomped over.

“What's going on over here?” She said.

Ren turned his head to look at her, and saw that several women around them had fainted from his public display of affection. He let Nathalia go and turned towards the female dwarf when she came to a stop near them.

“She proposed!” One blushing woman said. “Oh, my nerves.” She said and fanned her face with a hand. “I've seen people kiss before... but that...” She sat down on the ground. “Oh, my...”

“I told you that having him come along would defeat the whole purpose.” The female dwarf said to Nathalia.

“Please accept my sincere apologies.” Ren said, and bowed to her.

All the women gasped at the same time, even the well-armed women guarding the caravan.

“I didn't intend for this to happen; but since it has, I'll do my best to live up to my responsibilities.” Ren said and stood up straight.

The female dwarf stared at him with wide eyes for several moments, before speaking. “W-well... see that you do.” She said and kind of wobbled as she walked away. Another female came over to help her, staring in surprise at Ren.

“That was laying it on a little thick, Ren.” Teepo said.

Sorry, but I had to diffuse the situation before it got out of hand.

“It's not out of hand now? You're back to being engaged!”

I know! Ren thought. I don't know what came over me to accept her proposal like that... after I read what Lucy wrote... telling me she'd never touch me again... I just... her over-reaction made me over-react.

“I'd say!” Teepo said. “I only wanted you to sow some oats, not buy the farm.”

Ren smiled and turned back to Nathalia. “I really do need to gather some ore and things.” He said. “I think we should stick with the caravan until we're near the convent, then veer off into the mountains.”

“That sounds good.” Nathalia said and looked down at herself. “I won't be needing this robe anymore. My training has been cancelled.” She said and laughed. “It's starting to get itchy, too. I didn't bring any spare clothes with me, though.”

“Let me help you with that.” Ren said and walked over to a clear area. He took out some wood and built a table. He set it on the ground and took out enough fabric for what he wanted to make. He cut out the pieces, dyed them to the right color, and sewed them together. Nathalia's eyes widened as he finished, and Ren turned to her.

“Your clothing, My Lady.” Ren said, and held out an exact copy of the dress her father had made for her.

“Ren... Ren, I... you really did memorize all of Da's work.” Nathalia said in wonder, and took the dress. Ren flipped the table up on it's end and draped a large piece of fabric over it, making it into a changing room for Nathalia. He held open the edge of the fabric, and she stepped inside. A few minutes later, she came out wearing the dress, and carried the robe in her hand.

“It's perfect.” Nathalia said and gave Ren a hug. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome.” Ren said, then stored the cloth and table.

“W-w-what are you doing?” The female dwarf leading the caravan said as she came back over.

“I don't need training anymore.” Nathalia said and handed the robe to the female dwarf. The smell of food filled the area and a lot of women's stomachs rumbled. “I'll still be coming along for a while, but I'll be with my fiance, not in a cart.” Nathalia said, and took Ren's hand.

The female dwarf looked at their hands, then at their faces, and sighed. “Fine. I hope you can keep up while walking in that dress.”

Ren shook his head. “She won't be walking.” He said and went over to where Princess was still tied to one of the carts. He tightened the saddle a little, and pat the side of Princess' neck. “My Lady will be riding in style.”

Everyone stared at him in surprise, even Princess. Ren turned to her and whispered. “It's okay. She's really light.” Ren enchanted the saddle with a double glyph, one for Enhancement (Ren chose Toughness) so the saddle could survive the enchantment, and Antidark to make anything that sat on the saddle lighter. Princess nodded and Ren smiled. “Thanks.”

Nathalia came over to Ren and looked at his mount. “You're going to let me ride her?” She said and pat Princess on the other side of her neck. “She's quite the noble mount.” Princess stood a little straighter and almost preened.

Ren smiled. “That she is; and yes, you're going to ride her.”

“I haven't ridden since I was a teenager.”

“It'll come back to you.” Ren said.

Nathalia looked down at her dress. “I think side-saddle would be best.”

Ren nodded. “We can worry about that when the caravan moves out again.” He said and looked around. “Everyone's eating at the moment.”

Nathalia looked as well. “Should we join them?”

Ren shook his head. “I've brought enough food for about a week. We can eat some of that, if you'd like.”

“I would.”

Ren took out the table and the same piece of cloth he'd used before, and set out several plates of food. He made 2 chairs quickly, and they sat down to eat. When the other women started to gather everything up half an hour later, Ren stored the remaining food, chairs, table, and cloth. He and Nathalia walked over to Princess and Ren untied her from the cart. He led them both towards the road and waited by the side. They didn't notice when the Sending Stone started to glow, until they heard Narhilda's voice.

“This is just another test. I hope everything is okay.” Narhilda said and the stone stopped glowing. Ren looked at Nathalia and smiled. “Go ahead.”

Nathalia pat his arm and touched the stone, then told her mother what had happened. 5 minutes wasn't long, and the stone stopped glowing before Nathalia could finish the whole story.

“I think she got enough of that to get the gist of what happened.” Ren said. “The next time we hear from her, she'll either be overjoyed or angry.”

“Why angry?” Nathalia asked.

“I kinda jumped the gun.” Ren said. “After I explained to her why I wouldn't, or shouldn't, marry you... and then I accepted your proposal.” He shook his head. “It was a rash decision, and I didn't think about the consequences.” Ren cupped the side of her face. “Nathalia, it might have been rash, but I did make the decision. My friend once told me that I was in this for the long haul, and with you by my side, I am.”

Nathalia put a hand over Ren's.

“You've also broken new ground by doing something that no one has ever done before. Your name will be written into the Annals of Dwarf History... right next to mine.”

“Really?”

Ren nodded and dropped his hand.

“That's... really nice.” Nathalia said and her face flushed a little red.