I didn't know exactly how long it took for the girls to get ready, but after what had to have been an hour of them giggling and chatting in the back, the girls finally stepped back into the temple's great hall, transformed.

  They took my breath away.

  Tristan was wearing a long blue dress, one that hugged her frame in exactly the right ways. A long slit revealed her toned thigh nearly up to her hip. The top hugged her chest, stopping just below her shoulders, highlighting her beautiful skin and angular collarbones. Her long black hair was pinned up, revealing her slender neck. Her makeup was light and nearly natural, accentuating her natural beauty with a light smokiness around her eyes and a blue shimmer of some sort of glittering substance that made her high cheekbones pop. To top it all off, a golden choker set with a small, single ruby at its center rested against her throat.

  Vral, on the other hand, had changed out of her leather pants, replacing them with a long leather skirt that had high slits on both sides, revealing her muscular thighs and part of her hips. She'd changed her vest, too. This one was almost a corset, but one that was low cut and cropped short, revealing every one of her abs and her ample breasts. She'd even gone to the effort of applying some gold dust to her cleavage, which glittered in the fading light. Her hair, which she usually left down, was now braided with golden threads, and she'd added more of that exotic white makeup to her cheeks, chest, and ears, highlighting every curve.

  "Damn..." There were no words.

  When she noticed me looking at her, Tristan twirled, revealing the cut of her dress in the back, which opened from a clasp around her neck all the way down to her wide hips. Looking over her shoulder, she bit her lip and asked, "Do you like it?"

  Picking my jaw off the floor, all I could manage out was an eager, "Fuck yeah, I do."

  Tristan giggled and did another twirl, thrusting her hip out as she landed in a pose.

  Beside her, Vral was grinning like a madwoman. "Look at our boy drool." Giving Tristan's ass a little slap, she added, "Of course, he likes it. You're wearing it."

  Tristan's entire face and chest turned red as she stammered out, "R-really?" She looked down at her dress. "Does it work for me?"

  "You kidding?" Vral brushed her fingers down Tristan's back. "You're a fucking eleven."

  I nodded repeatedly. "Yeah, what she said!"

  Tristan smiled from ear to ear.

  Sticking her tongue out and stepping forward, Vral struck a pose next to Tristan, placing a hand on her wide hip and leaning forward, showing off the immaculate curves of her breasts, which were barely contained in her half-corset, half vest. "What about me?" Her red eyes sparkled at me. "Do I hold up to our girlfriend?"

  "You both..." I had to swallow. We weren't going to end up going anywhere on this date of ours if I didn't contain myself. "You both are... goddesses." I wasn't just saying that, either. The light filtering in through the skylight made them both glow, and in the shadow of the Goddess's statue, they looked like they belonged right where they were, for all to worship.

  Vral's grin widened as she turned to Tristan. "He thinks we're goddesses, Tris. Maybe he should drop to his knees and pray to us?"

  Tristan chewed on her lip before whispering, "We can take turns."

  I nearly sprinted across the hall right then and there.

  Goddess, grant me the serenity to not rip their clothes off...

  Tristan, clearly seeing my struggle, crossed the distance between us and, with a light, playful smile teasing at her lips, leaned forward, cupped my chin in her hand, and kissed me deeply.

  As she did, Vral sauntered up, crawled onto my lap, and kissed down my neck.

  "Maybe we can enjoy an appetizer before we head out," Tristan whispered as her lips broke away from mine.

  "It's been too long. I need way more than an appetizer right now." Vral's fingers pulled on the buttons of my tunic as she kissed down my chest. "If I can walk after this, you both fucked up."

  "Neither of you is going to be able to walk after I'm done with you." I grabbed Tristan's neck and pulled her lips to Vral's.

  Vral bit Tristan's bottom lip before devouring the latter's lips with her own.

  Giggling, Tristan's hands trailed over Vral's sparkling green skin, slowly trailing down to the knots holding her vest closed, and the supple breasts beneath. Slowly, teasingly, she pulled the first knot open, causing Vral's chest to nearly spill out.

  "Oops," was all Tristan whispered as she started pulling at the next knot.

  "Mmm, I need this so bad," Vral whispered.

  My hands trailed up her thighs, pulling her dress up as they did, revealing her perfect, thick, delicious thighs. When my fingers finally found her hips, one single thought filled my soul.

  My life was the fucking best.

  BOOM!

  All three of us jumped. Then, we each groaned a weary, dreadful, soul-weary groan.

  "No." My heart dropped. "No, no, no!" I shouted, my voice echoing all through the old hall.

  Vral snarled as she slipped off my lap. "Now?!"

  Tristan thumped onto the pew next to me and dropped her chin into her hands. "One night. Was that too much to ask?"

  We all knew that sound. It was the sound of someone using [Recall]. And we only knew one other person who could use that skill, one who was alive way back when this city was a thing back in the Fourth Era. If she were here, that meant it was time...

  My life was the fucking worst.

  Standing, I adjusted my pants and rebuttoned my tunic as the girls started walking back toward the rear of the temple. "Wait," I called to them. "We can just talk to her real quick and come back—"

  "No," Tristan said with a loud sigh. "We all know it won't be that easy."

  Vral stomped her foot, then kicked a crumbling pew, causing what was left of it to shatter into pieces. "The moment's ruined now."

  Tristan gave her a sympathetic look. "We can try again tomorrow?"

  "No!" Vral shouted. "We're gonna be balls deep in a quest by this time tomorrow!"

  She was right. We all knew it. "We'll make it up to each other," I promised, giving them each a longing glance.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  After kicking another pew, Vral disappeared into the back without another word.

  Tristan walked back to me, gave me a lingering kiss, and whispered, "We will," before following Vral into the back.

  "Fuck." I reached into my inventory, tore out a pair of work clothes, and got changed. After shoving my dress clothes back in, I marched out of the temple and looked east, toward the Dreaming Crown. There, at the top, where dozens of lights shone in the growing darkness, I could barely make out the shimmering trail descending from the heavens that [Recall] made when it teleported us places leading straight to the center of the tree. It wasn't visible in the daytime, but it definitely was visible in the evening and at night.

  Faye was totally here.

  As if she'd read my mind, I heard words echo inside my soul.

  Hey, chosen buddy! I'm sorry I'm so late! It's been wild over in Evron lately.

  Despite my higher self's best efforts, I just didn't have it in me to answer yet.

  I know you're here somewhere, my friend. Where are you at? I'm looking forward to catching up!

  Using every technique known to me in order not to mentally scream at her, I took a dozen breaths before answering. We're down at the old temple.

  The Temple? Wow! It's been so long. It's amazing to be back here!

  I gritted my teeth. Amazing. Yeah. How'd you know where to find us?

  I went to Light's Hope first, but when I didn't find anyone, I asked around and found out you were here. Luckily, I still had the recall point saved, so it was as easy as a thought for us to get here!

  Wow. How lucky for us.

  There was a pause. Was that... sarcasm?

  I sighed. No, of course not, Faye. You totally didn't interrupt our date night or anything.

  Another pause. Shit. Do you want us to come back later?

  Us? Was Kasimir with her? Great. No. It's fine.

  Faye hesitated. It doesn't sound fine. You seem tense.

  I had to hold back from telling her exactly which part of me was tense a few minutes before. It is what it is. We're already getting dressed.

  Dressed? I could almost "hear" the wheels click. Sorry, buddy.

  You should be.

  Well, uh, I can't believe you reclaimed this place! Look at you, doing amazing things! And Tristan, huh? She used incredible magic. And Vral's rebuilding her tribe? Amazing. I always knew you all had it in you.

  Even through the mental link, I could feel Faye pretending to be all bubbly and innocent. You're trying to butter me up.

  Is it working?

  No.

  Behind me, the girls' voices echoed out of the open doors, getting closer with every second.

  Will we see you soon? Faye asked.

  Yeah.

  Sorry to cock block you, my friend. All I can say is that, even if it stings right now, there will be other days for you to get freaky with your gorgeous women, you lucky dog, you.

  I rolled my eyes just as Tristan and Vral exited the old temple.

  Vral was wearing her leather pants and vest again, and she'd wiped most of the white makeup off. Behind her, Tristan was wearing her white robes, and only her smoky eye shadow remained.

  Stomping up to me, Vral grabbed my shirt, yanked me down, kissed me, then shoved me away.

  Tristan walked up next, wrapped her arms around my neck, and brushed her lips on mine. "Vral and I were talking. When this quest is over, the three of us are officially going to Fairview. For real, this time."

  I had no idea how long this quest would take. Would Ro and Na-Ya be alright if we took off for a while? "What if—"

  "They'll be fine." She kissed me again. "We need time together, and they need time to learn how to do all of this without us always being there."

  I nodded. "Yeah, okay." Inwardly, I knew that I'd end up teleporting back to check on them, but I kept that to myself.

  Tristan eyed me critically. "I felt that."

  "Stupid roots."

  With a single pat to my cheek, Tristan walked past me to stand beside Vral.

  "Hurry up!" Vral pulled at my hand. "Let's go talk to the stupid hero so we can start this stupid quest so we can go on a stupid vacation!"

  "I can teleport us," I offered. I'd gotten pretty good at using [Recall] these days. At least, I didn't end up in rivers all that often anymore.

  Vral bared her teeth. "Fuck no! That bitch can wait." Shuffling, she added, "Also, my panties are an ocean right now. I need to cool off for a bit."

  Tristan snorted. "Same."

  As they spoke, I took the liberty of adjusting my pants. "Big sigh."

  Vral's head whipped around. She looked like she was going to punch me. "Why'd you have to go and become all important? I liked it better when you were a nobody."

  Shrugging, I said, "Yeah, me too."

  Tristan wove her fingers through mine, then reached out and took Vral's hand, too. Pulling us into a slow, comfortable walk, she said, "Let's look on the bright side. We can still take a lovely evening stroll."

  "Yeah." Vral huffed. "I was about to get split in half, but sure. A stroll's just as good."

  Trust me, I wanted that, too, my beautiful goblin lover. I wanted it, too.

  ***

  After Vral took us down just about every alley in the city to spite Faye, we reached the large gates that led to the waystone at the base of the Dreaming Crown. With a press of our hands to the glowing crystal, the world bent around us, and we instantly found ourselves in the throne room, where dozens of people were gathered, chatting, eating, and drinking on the many tables and desks we'd pulled up from the city below. Since the buildings down in the city were largely ruins, the harpies had been letting the civilians stay up here with them. However, now that we were approaching five hundred heads strong, plus all the people visiting from elsewhere, space was getting tight.

  Scanning the room, I saw that Thokrim and the dwarves from Tinker Town were off to the side, chatting away at a large, square table with Elise, Davik, and Khadrel. Falwell and Urik were seated in a small two-top on the far side of the chamber, a small candle flickering between them. Berik, Ark, and Grort, along with nearly twenty of the newly minted Ash Eaters, were seated on the farther half of the large row of benches we'd repurposed for use as makeshift picnic tables. The other half of the benches was populated by the Templars from Light's Hope, sans Ro, Na-Ya, Renard, or Varga.

  Those four were seated at a large round table set in the center of the room with Ushai, Irileth, and two other familiar faces. Faye and Kasimir were with them. Faye looked the same as always, dressed like a frumpy medieval college student. Unlike her, Kasimir was dressed in overly ornate wizard's robes, complete with a literal wizard's hat. Everyone but Kasimir was plucking away at the fruit, nuts, and vegetables placed in the center of the table. From the vibes coming from it, they were talking about the most important stuff in the throne room. They also looked like they were having the least fun.

  "It's the king and his duchesses!" Falwell shot out of his chair and pointed at us. "All hail!"

  Nearly everyone shot out of their seats and started loudly chattering.

  Giving the guy a withering glare, I held up my hands and said, "Please, everyone, sit." When they didn't, I added, "I'm not the king yet, guys."

  No one cared.

  Instead, once they saw us, a dozen people leapt out of their seats and rushed toward us.

  I tried to position myself between the girls and the citizens, to create some space, but it was no use. In seconds, we were swarmed.

  "My lord!" A man shouted. "Can you have the dwarves come to the eastern district soon? My home only needs a little bit of work before I can live in it again!"

  "My duchess!" A woman clung to Tristan's hand. "Please, pray for my children, that they might come back to me!"

  "Lady Vral!" A man fell to his knees in front of Vral. "Will you send your people to the southern district in the morning! We're in desperate need of help with..."

  As more and more people joined the fray, I couldn't quite follow any one story. But I understood. To them, I was their king already. The girls were their leaders, too. That much was clear. And a king was needed by his people. We had so much to do.

  "All of you, seat yourselves!" A booming voice echoed in the great hall. "Now is not the time for requests!"

  Looking up, I saw that Ro had stood. He had a large scepter in his hand, which he was holding high, and his amulet, the one Ura-Elathiel had given him to signify that he was chancellor of the kingdom we were building, was prominently displayed around his neck.

  Beside him, Na-Ya had stood as well. Holding her hand out to the people, she said in a strong, empathetic voice, "We will continue doing all that we can to help you. But tonight, our king and his wives must discuss important matters with our guests. Also, remember that they have worked day after day to restore this place to its former glory." Her voice grew stronger as the crowd turned to listen. "Please, give them this time to rest and recover. No good can come from an empty stomach and a weary soul."

  The people looked at one another, then us, then back at Ro and Na-Ya.

  "Your grace," The woman who'd been clinging to Tristan kissed her hand and stood. "I know that you have done all you can."

  Smiling, Tristan wiped her eyes. "All the same, my good woman, I swear I'll pray for you tonight and every night until your children are returned to you."

  The woman sobbed as she walked away.

  The man who'd knelt to Vral pressed his head into the wooden floor and said, "Forgive me. I've no right to ask for anything after all your kind has done for us."

  Uncharacteristically, Vral pressed her hand to his shoulder and said, "We'll get there. I promise. It's just going to take time, alright?"

  The man lifted his head and nodded before standing and walking away. As he did, the rest of the crowd dispersed, too. When the people had returned to their seats, I shot a grateful glance at Ro and Na-Ya. "Thanks," I mouthed to them.

  Both nodded.

  "Come on," I held my arms out to my girls. "Let's go catch up."

  Tristan and Vral hooked their arms in mine, and together, we walked to the table, where Faye and Kasimir were waiting.