I took a sip from the wine, then started to explain: “Iron Rock has a great location in the centre of the continent. It is small and at least officially independent. With the collapse of the Empire it becomes less relevant to the dwarves as they reopen the old tunnels. So Iron Rock is looking for new opportunities and protections.”

  Izanami nodded, I continued: “They already have an academy and due to their trade they are used to different races. It is a place where dwarves, elves, humans and beastkin interact frequently. That means they are already open to other cultures, and possibly other creatures. What we can do is boost the academy, offer them knowledge. It will attract gifted people from all over the continent. Powerful nobles will send their children, leading to more interaction between the nations. Most importantly, it will be a rather diverse place. So why would they not accept a few fey, or demons, if they behave?”

  “You want to send teachers?” Izanami asked.

  “Among other things. Lilith has succubi in place. We have to be careful, if they pretend to be human, or elven, and get exposed it will create backlash. But I do have a good reputation and Lilith works with me. With our deeds we are already changing people’s views. I will personally offer my protection, to ease people’s fears. Summoning demons is not unheard of. We just have to introduce them slowly. I can offer to send fey to keep the demons in line. At first we will make sure they look relatively humanoid.” I suggested.

  “My people are preparing books.” Lilith added. “I will hand Iron Rock some knowledge while starting a subtle campaign to change public sentiment. There are novels that show succubi in a favourable light, for example. I will also encourage newspapers to write about our war against the Empire and the Inquisition. We want to separate the demon horde that attacked Iron Rock from my succubi. And we will paint Amaya and Lucy as shining protectors who will keep the bad demons in line.”

  “You do have the reputation of a master manipulator.” Izanami said.

  “Thank you.” Lilith said with a smile.

  “And we are introducing a new transport method, the train.” I added. “It will be a machine that moves fast on a rail network and connects important parts of the world, with Iron Rock at its centre. It will be good for trade and make it easy for people to visit the academy.”

  Izanami contemplated that, while sipping her wine. “I value my connection to the Dominion and my trade with them. Are you offering me a partnership in this endeavour?”

  “The first train will run from Iron Rock to my county. But we can build a connection to your portal, or somewhere close by. You could send your own fey to Iron Rock as well.” I offered. She seemed concerned that we planned to compete with her.

  “I will need to see this train but I think I could find a suitable spot for it. Aerin would certainly agree to such a proposal. I assume you would want access to my gate?” She asked.

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  “That would be helpful. Otherwise I would have to set up my own and worry about powering it.” I replied.

  Izanami nodded. “If you don’t have a natural connection it can be quite expensive to operate a gateway. Which brings us to hell. There are no stable connections. Do you intend to simply summon the succubi? If you want a deeper connection, and potentially trade, you would need a better method.”

  “That part is tricky.” I admitted. “I do have a gate, which Beira used to enter the fairy realm, and I am familiar with rune magic. I might be able to change it and connect it to hell. The problem would be powering it. Sacrificing people is not an option. Enough mages powering it, like once a month during a ritual, might be a solution but not an ideal one.”

  “Oh? Beira had one of the old gates? Would you be willing to show it to me?” Izanami asked.

  “Sure. Maybe not in here though, it would ruin your furniture.” I replied.

  Izanami nodded. “We can do it later, outside. I have to say your plan sounds reasonable and I would be willing to enter an agreement. You will be allowed to use my gate and in return I expect your train connection and a few spots for my people in Iron Rock.”

  “Lady Izanami, is that wise?” Chione asked. “If you get involved it will get the attention of many old powers.”

  “Amaya is already involved. The return of the Lady of Storms alone will get a lot of attention. Then there is Beira. That she is playing with souls is not something the ancient dragons will ignore. The question is only how long it will take them to find out. I have gotten complacent myself. Beira should have been stopped long ago. If anything this shows that I should get more involved again.” Izanami concluded.

  Izanami looked quite happy. I suppose immortality had one major weakness, boredom. A new project, or simply some exciting things happening, might be a welcome distraction for her.

  “So, how many tails do you need to be an ancient power?” Lucy asked.

  That was an interesting question. Of course, Lucy was not a normal kitsune. Becoming my warlock turned her into one, or triggered the evolution. Both of our circumstances seemed rather unique.

  “Seven.” Izanami answered. “At that point they are usually at least 1000 years old. Of course, some kitsune stagnate and never grow more than a few. And some are rather talented and grow faster.”

  “Why seven?” Lucy asked.

  “Because there is a noticeable shift in power. This would be equivalent to an archfey gaining their domain.” Izanami answered, while glancing at me. Was she wondering why I never told Lucy? Of course, the true answer was simple, I did not know either. But the word domain did make me think…

  “Domain?” Lucy asked.

  Then I had a revelation. Domain, it made sense!

  “It’s an upgrade to your aura. You remember how the forest felt alive when Izanami used hers? Or how I can summon an entire storm with mine? Your aura can always empower you, suppress others and manipulate your element, to a degree. But once it becomes a domain you gain true control of your element. It’s not just about creating some clouds, rain and lightning bolts. Within my aura all of our lightning spells and abilities are stronger. It does not just enhance me, it enhances the element for all allies.” I reasoned.

  Izanami nodded, then looked at Lucy. “What have you done with your aura so far, Lucy?”

  Lucy scratched her head. “Mostly empowered myself. I can cover my fox form in lightning, enhance my spells…”

  Izanami smiled, she seemed to enjoy teaching. “Exactly! That is the first stage of using your aura. While it can always be used to make other people feel your presence, and intimate them, that is not the most important function. Once you reach four tails your powers will shift. You will still be able to enhance yourself but it will affect your environment in a larger radius.”

  “Huh. So what is the difference between that and a domain?” Lucy asked.

  “Covering a city in ice would be a second stage aura. Being able to really manipulate the ice would be a domain.” I reasoned.

  “Exactly. While fighting in a field of ice, as an ice mage, would already be beneficial, the true control makes a big difference. You are not just enhancing your ice spells. The whole environment, the whole domain, will empower them.” Izanami added.

  I really needed to train more with my aura. I felt like I had not used it to its maximum potential so far. I also needed to train more with Lucy. Her aura was the key to more tails!