Bonus Chapter: Blossom Caretaker (Patreon)

Author's Note:
It's a tradition in my family to give presents on Christmas Eve (Not just Christmas Day) so here is a present for all of you 🎁❤️
This is a “canon” bonus chapter that I didn’t get into the book earlier (and not sure it will end up in the “finished” version) but I hope you all enjoy it. This takes place shortly after Murinah’s death but before Phoenix returned from that mission she was sent away on.

“Good morning, my lovely blossom,” Marcus said to Patricia as she walked through the door to the smaller dining room they preferred to use in the morning when it was just the two of them after having gotten the children on their way to their various jobs and lessons.

“Good morning to you, my mighty evergreen,” the priestess replied, giving her husband a playful kiss on his forehead as she moved to sit beside him.

“I think the twins forgot their lunches again,” the slightly older runeforged said, taking another bite of his fresh toast with marmalade as one of the staff brought her a plate of breakfast as well.

The plate was still fresh and hot, made up this morning but kept in a stasis container until her arrival. She took a bite of the fresh eggs and almost moaned aloud it was so good, “Remind me to give Emilia a raise. We cannot let her get poached by another House. The way she can make breakfast this well seasoned and the eggs so perfectly poached is practically priceless.”

Marcus cleared his throat, “So that’ll be me dropping off the lunches.”

“I’m not even sure which twins you were referring to dear,” she pointed out, taking another bite followed by a drink of aplet juice.

“The ones that always forget their lunches,” he said with a roll of his deep green eyes that almost matched the metallic markings on his umber skin.

Patricia had always loved her husband’s emerald eyes though none of their children inherited them. One of the stipulations they had made before ever getting married would be that the first ten children would carry the Wayland trait of her bright blue eyes, a tradition upheld for generations.

“You know I need to be at the Citadel this morning,” the priestess reminded, “Meeting with the High Priest. Do you have the time or should we get one of the staff-”

“You know I don’t like relying on the staff for that,” her husband interjected, “Our children need to learn enough responsibility that they don’t end up completely incompetent as adults, always relying on others to fix their problems. They’ll end up seeing the staff as tools instead of people if we let them.”

“Right, well, I hope you don’t end up late or don’t mind letting Philip and Phineas feel some actual consequences and skip a meal,” she said, taking a bite of her own toast with ruebean marmalade and actually moaning that time, “Seriously, how does a Crystal Caste Cook manage to make something this divine?”

Marcus’ eyes had locked onto her after her vocal slip and then seemed to hold back a grin as he asked almost too casually, “So, Pati, it’s been a few years and with the youngest twins able to go to school now have we decided on when we’ll be going for the next round of little ones? We could do something different and try the more natural way…”

The Priestess of the Cultivator gave him a wicked grin, “Is that the Cultivator whispering in your mind or the Lover?”

“Can’t it be both?” he asked, returning her smile.

She laughed and said, “We can talk later about that but it’s a tentative ‘yes’ now I’m going to finish this godly meal before I end up late.”

“High Priest Yakoby,” Patricia began patiently, “I know your research would benefit from it but we simply cannot kidnap a young woman just because she is a rare species that we have yet to gain genetic samples for.”

The much older Emerald Caster was pacing in his personal laboratory again near the top of the Cultivator’s Citadel. Plants were everywhere and it was almost impossible to maneuver through the various counter spaces without brushing against one. Many were entwined with another type of plant as the runeforged man was attempting various methods of hybridization.

“But it’s a Wayfarer!” he replied, tossing his hands up in frustration before gesturing to the plants surrounding them, “Do you have any idea what I could- I mean we could gain from the knowledge of their genetic adaptability?!”

“Of course, High Priest,” she said with a placating nod, “But this is not a rare flower we’re talking about, it’s a person.”

His shoulders slumped slightly, “Right…” then he perked up, “Maybe we could just convince her to help? Your brother could try to persuade-”

“You think a Fallen Paladin would help the Cultivator in convincing his Protégé to donate a piece of herself for experimentation?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

“I heard rumors that he rededicated to another god recently. Perhaps he’s not so hostile towards the clergy as we thought?”

Patricia pinched the bridge of her nose, wanting to strangle her idiotic brother for flaunting his new position so flagrantly. He clearly missed the notice that knowledge was power, or maybe he was just so comfortable having physical power that he no longer cared about the strategic kind. She swore he would be the death of her someday.

“Yes. He did rededicate,” she confirmed but dashed the man’s hopes the next second, “To the Avenger. Apparently, he doesn’t care much for people betraying him… or being cruel to those he holds dear.”

The lanky man seemed to wither a bit more at that and she could almost see the various scenarios playing through his mind of what might be in store for him should the Paladin deem his own goals as “cruel”. Then he cautiously began saying, “Perhaps you could convince him-”

“Convince the Blade of Pure Wrath?” Patricia interrupted, both brows raised now and she laughed, “I can barely convince him to not follow that Wayfarer around like a personal guard dog.”

“Maybe if we-”

“High Priest Yakoby, if you are determined about gaining her assistance then I believe we should wait. Let her come to us and probably wait until after the blood moon has finished. No good will come from antagonizing Lord Wayland.”

The man gave a heavy sigh but nodded in agreement. She gave a smile and a slight bow as she bid her leave, “Good. Then I will return to my own duties, potion supplies are in high demand after all.”

He bid farewell and gratitude for the council as she returned to her own floor that she normally worked on. As a Blossom Caretaker, her Class was well equipped for cultivating the rare flowers that grew in the shared lab that took up the entire floor of the building. Her Plant Aspect gave her the proper attunements while her Growth Aspect gave the wonderful supportive abilities to increase their production drastically. The Protection Aspect helped her make targets heartier and could properly detect what they needed to thrive. Then her final Aspect, Myriad, helped tie it all together with replicating the boons and resulting yield.

Her entire purpose was centered around growing her garden and supplying the multitudes and she couldn’t wait to hit Emerald soon and see what else she would be capable of. First, though, she needed to survive the political garbage fire Paul was dropping atop her.

Patricia collapsed in one of the plush chairs in her study, exhausted from the day and the chaotic family dinner she had just escaped from. She loved her children and loved having so many little ones running around and bantering with one another but some days she just needed a quiet study and a strong drink before facing her next responsibility: politics.

She had been running most of the family’s affairs for years now after her father decided to not spend a fortune on Ruby Monster Seeds just to live longer. He was well beyond his years and had never really been the same since her mother died in the last blood moon.

Despite all their wealth and status, being in the wrong place at the wrong time when a monster spawned could still take everything away. After all, monsters didn’t care about anyone’s ties to the nobility or how many Mana Bits they had.

“Are you sure about that double dozen?” a raspy slightly feminine voice said from the doorway that Pati could have sworn she closed behind her.

“Twenty four will mean one for each type of magic and a spare to pick whatever,” Patricia said logically.

“But you're not even half-way and I could already hear the cacophony of dinner from the rooftop,” the old woman replied with a chuckle and slowly walked in, a tall elf trailing after her while petting a small black kitten.

“Is that your Familiar holding another Familiar?” Pati asked with a raised brow.

“Fen assures me that Bliss is not actually a Familiar like him and that the chimera is ravenous,” her aunt explained with a wide grin wrinkling her face even more. “I would think you of all people wouldn’t let a young Caster go hungry.”

The priestess shook her head and waved the elf back towards the door, “I’m sure Emilia will have some scraps or even make something special for the furball. I swear people on this tundra have absolutely no resistance to small things with fur.”

The tall elf gave a respectfully subdued bow and exited with the mewling kitten in tow as the elder sat in the chair across from hers and asked, “So, my little flower, will you enlighten me as to what has come over your foolhardy brother?”

She groaned, “Drinks first, then complaints,” the younger Wayland commanded, begrudgingly getting up from her seat to go pour herself and the old aunt a glass of manarin wine.

“I’m not here to complain,” the older Caster reassured, “I’m merely trying to understand why he thought to not at least warn us of such an impactful decision. He didn’t seem to forget that part the first time around when he suggested joining the Purifier.”

“Perhaps he thought we’d say no?” she suggested.

“Bah, you and he both know the only thing we’d say no to is one of the dark gods and the Avenger just barely misses that mark.”

She paused for a moment, “I guess when you put it like that, it could have been a lot worse than some minor neutral deity with a penchant for violence,” she admitted, taking a long sip of her drink before topping it off and returning to her chair, handing the extra glass over to her temporary companion.

“Worse as in executing the heir of a rival House?” her aunt asked, taking a sip of the offered drink.

Patricia groaned again, sinking further into her chair and cup, “I have to write an official statement and everything after that debacle.”

“I thought there wasn’t any proof of Paul’s involvement?”

“There’s not but I need to make it clear where we stand in relation to both House Ruwena and House Teras, and that means a public ‘official’ letter to the Aristocratic Assembly explaining why we hate Ruwena and love Teras now.”

“Remind me again why we love House Teras again?”

“Because they aren’t evil traitors and can stand being in the same room with Paul?”

“Ah, yes, that’s right.”

A brief moment of silence fell as they both took another long drink from their glasses.

“I overheard the staff complaining about that merchant woman again.”

The priestess wanted to melt into the cushions, or the wine, as she asked incredulously, “Have you brought me any good news?”

The old auntie seemed to ponder on that for a moment and as her hope was about to disintegrate the woman said, “Everything is prepared for the celebration of Spring’s Renewal tomorrow.”

Patricia perked up slightly at that, “That’s good. I was a bit worried with everything going on that we might not be able to have everything prepared in time. Will everybody be there?”

“Minus one wayward Paladin and his Protégé,” the elder said, “I know the girl has been given a new mission but your brother just needs his sister to convince him to attend.”

“Why does everyone seem to think I can convince Paul to do anything?”

“Because you were the one who knew he would come home.”

To the Proprietor of Mother’s Cupboard, Madam Malik,

I write to inform you that House Wayland will not be arranging a meeting between the young Miss Fraser and request that such inquiries cease. While we appreciate your enthusiasm and commitment to achieving the best financial opportunities for our Lord’s Protégé, her duties as an Adventurer have been-

“Since when is the Lord the one that gets summoned?” Paul said from behind her and Patricia jumped, not having noticed the swift and silent Emerald Caster sneak up behind her in her own study that was really more of a parlor, complete with half-finished bottle of wine on her desk that she almost cursed her brother for making her spill in her fright.

“Maybe if you were the one busy writing these letters then I would have more time to seek you out,” she snapped back in her annoyance.

“Pretty sure not having to write the letters was part of our agreement for me not abdicating immediately upon my arrival,” the Paladin replied flippantly as he effortlessly lifted one of the heavy plush armchairs to sit across from her desk. She didn’t normally have people sit with her at her desk, preferring the open sitting area by the wet bar on the other side of the room where she had been speaking with their aunt earlier that evening.

“Well, that’s why the Lord is now getting summoned,” she answered, setting her letter and pen aside to fix her brother with a stern gaze.

He shifted under the look and asked in an almost tired tone, “What did I do now? You already yelled at me for the rededication and the quest I got from it.”

“I still feel like I haven’t yelled enough about that if you're traipsing around the city in your new regalia as if taunting the world to attack us but that’s not why you’re here now,” she admonished, folding her hands together as she asked, “Now, explain to me why the Lord of the House will not be in attendance for tomorrow’s celebration?”

Paul scowled at her, “You know most festivities are put on hold during a blood moon, Pati.”

“Not when it’s going to last almost a year instead of a single month, Paul,” she stated flatly, “The people will die of despair.”

“Please,” the Striker said with a roll of his eyes, “A single year of lockdown procedures is not going to wipe out an entire city. Supply lines are being taxed enough to respond to the prolonged threat, we don’t need to add to it with feasts and decorations.”

“It’s the Equinox! You know how important the Quarter Sun Holidays are! And this one will not even be that grand, just the family doing the planting on the roof and the clothing swap and drop before having a nice dinner together. Surely you can be a part of it.”

The Paladin shifted again and gave a rare display of uncertainty, “I think the others might prefer if I wasn’t there.”

“Why do you say that?”

“You and I both know that I butt heads with the elders too much and the young ones are more afraid of me than anything else.”

“Maybe because you never spend time with them?” she pointed out and he grumbled in response, “I really wish you would have brought Phoenix as well.”

“I know you want to meet her in person but-”

“It’s not about that, Paul,” the priestess interjected, “She’s never experienced Spring’s Renewal. She has no idea what our customs are or why certain things are the way they are in the city. No idea what it is that our people celebrate instead of just what we fight against.”

The lord frowned at that.

“I know the holidays have never held much importance for you, seeming more a chore and obligation than anything else, but you told me she likes to learn and was kept secluded from most activities in her old world since she was sick all the time. Did you even ask her if she wanted to celebrate with us?”

Paul shook his head, his frown deepening, “I just assumed she’d avoid the crowds like I would. Plus, I needed her out of the city for a bit while I did my own quest.”

Patricia rubbed her face in weariness, so many things obviously wrong with his statements, “First, Family isn’t ‘crowds’ and, as your Protégé, she is welcomed to attend as such. Second, getting her out of the city so you could execute the noble heir that’s been bullying her is both drastic and manipulative and I’m not sure I approve.”

“It wasn’t just bullying like children, I told you-”

“I know, I know, ‘whatever retribution you served upon Noble Ruwena was something she did in turn’, I just wish you would tell me what poor soul was also in that woman’s sights that she would feed them to miserlings. I’m sure there’s another grieving family out there.”

“They’ve been informed and requested to remain anonymous,” the Paladin stated flatly, looking towards the bar that held a decent amount of alcohol, some of which was even strong enough to affect him.

“We’re getting off topic again,” she pointed out, “Will you please join your family tomorrow for the celebrations? Then maybe invite Phoenix for the next one?”

He scratched at his beard, standing as if to leave and she thought for sure she had reached the limits of this patience but he paused and looked back to give a relenting nod, “I’ll be there tomorrow but I’m not sure Phoenix will be ready to meet everyone by the next holiday. Maybe Winter’s Break.”

She rolled her eyes, “That’s nine months away! The blood moon will be over and everyone will expect both of you in attendance.”

To her ultimate frustration, her annoying older brother gave a smirk and said, “Just be glad I won’t abscond with her out of the city and onto our next grand adventure.”

“You are the absolute worst sometimes, you know that?” she complained but couldn’t help but smile slightly when she realized that she had at least half-won the battle and was making progress.

“Yep,” he fully agreed with her then made to leave again, only pausing at the doorway to add, “Happy Equinox, Pati.”

She smiled fully at him as she sighed and said warmly, “And a Blessed Spring’s Renewal to you too, my obnoxious brother.”