" She's back for one of the preliminary tournaments, that's why."
"NO, she's back for good this time. That earth-mage guy turned out to be a..you know..". A sly wink and a nudge in the ribs from Thissil made Horace, gate keeper of Gladiopolis, almost spit out his ale.
"Did you see that girl that was with her? Amazon Breeder material if I ever saw it. I would risk a broken nose and bruised ribs just to caress those breasts of hers. And that tiny waist... those long legs! Wwwwwooow!" Said Saul wistfully.
"Why would The Arms-Master of Jade find a student among those shrews? But I do admit some of those girls are lookers. That girl was her student and she's going to enter the Tournament to be eligible to be one of "The Ten." Pratorus was the leader of the guards and prided himself on cutting through rumors and getting the truth.
"And how did you come by that information Oh-All-Knowing Pratorus? The same place where you got that black eye?" Joked Thissil, sipping his beer.
" As a matter of fact, yes." Said Pratorus smugly.
All three guards spat out their drinks and began to ply Pratours mercilessly with questions.
"All right, all right, here's what happened. It started when they went to the " Steers Hoof", you know, that fancy inn that only masters, their students, and the rich are allowed in? I was there because Master Julia asked me to bring Amy, that's the girl's name, to the inn for dinner. You're right about her body, she IS a buxom girl. Anyway I was ....."
" Amy". Began Julia." A few things about this city, first of all you need to be a little more confident in how you carry yourself, head up, shoulders back. I know you want to show me respect, but here you have to look like you are proud to be my student."
" I AM proud to be your student." Answered Amy.
"Then act like it, at least a little. By the way, you must wear this." Julia produced a small ornate badge that she pinned on Amy's dress at the shoulder." This badge has the crest of my rank of Arms-Master, this lets people know that you are my student. Wear that with pride young lady."
"Yes Master!" Amy said as she stood up straight, shoulders back. Her firm breasts pointed upward, stretching the fabric of her dress.
"That's the spirit! Now for more practical matters, we will go to the Master-Weapons-Crafter to see about getting a blade made for you."
"A blade? Made for me?" asked Amy.
"Yes. You need a weapon that is made for only you to use, one that fits your style and abilities. Then we will need to find a suitable gem for Gnessis to use to enchant the blade. You may be fighting creatures or opponents that ordinary weapons will have no effect, you must be prepared for anything, at least as much possible."
Amy produced the small sack of gems that she got from her cut from Og's wager. (see "Unfinished Business")
"Good girl!" Said Julia. " Being a Arms-Master has certain advantages and privileges...but it is always wise to have a lot of money on hand."
As they made their way through the city Amy noticed that several street fights were taking place. All in what looked like designated areas. Crowds of people where cheering the fighters of their choice, wagers openly taken.
There was one contest that caught Julia's attention. She was recognized instantly and was lead to the front row, with Amy following. One combatant was a large, thick, muscular woman. The other was more slender but very quick and lithe. Julia watched both fighters intently and whispered to Amy her observations about their styles. The larger one relied on brute strength, but was quick for a big woman. The smaller one showed more talent and grace, but lacked power. During one melee the smaller one made a serious mistake in which the larger contestant took instant advantage of and ended the fight with a powerful headlock. Cheers came from the crowd as the winner raised her huge arms in victory. When the victor noticed Julia, she proudly stepped in front of her, hands on hips. Julia showed no reaction and motioned to Amy that they were leaving. Amy could hear the crowd murmur and the large Amazon spit out a curse.
" Master?" Asked Amy." What just happened?"
" Street Fights are legal here. But money being wagered is not the only thing that happens. Warriors looking for masters use these fights to gain attention and a reputation. If a Master nods to either the victor or the defeated, that fighter has gained a Master. It is a great stepping stone for one to have a Master, especially if they are "One of the Ten". The winner of that contest was presenting herself to me to see if I would take her as a student, I refused, which is my right. I already have a student." Julia looked Amy intently.
Amy felt a surge of pride within her. But she observed that Julia kept referring to "The Ten" as if she were not one of them. But she was the "Arms-Master of Jade"..singular.
The smell of molten metal and soot greeted them as they entered the dark, dinghy shop of the Master-Weapons-Crafter. Weapons of all kinds, sizes and descriptions were on display: Swords, spears, throwing maces, staves and battle-hammers.
" Helloooo....Demetrius...come out! Stop hiding!" Called Julia.
"Alright...alright..you don't have to shout and I wasn't hiding you loud-mouthed wenc..OH...Arms-Master-Julia! It's been a while. Rumor had it that you left Jade for good."
A stout dwarf appeared out from behind the counter, came over and clasped Julia's hand. " And what can I do for you?"
" I have a job for you, Amy come over here please. Amy, this is Demetrius, the best arms-crafter on Jade. He can tell just by looking at someone what weapon that person would be the best suited to use. Do what he says." Julia walked over to lean against the counter letting the Dwarf and Amy have as much floor space as possible.
" Pleased to meet you Sir." Amy said as she made a little bow.
" I didn't know you were looking for students from among those Amazon Breeders." Said Demetrius.
"She's not a Amazon Breeder. She is my student and will enter the tournament in a couple of months." Said Julia with a hint of annoyance.
"Could of fooled me with a figure like that." Said the Dwarf gruffly. " Now hold still and let me look at you." Demetrius looked Amy up and down and walked around her, narrowing his eyes as if he were suspicious of something." Hummfff...on second gander you look a little sturdier than I first thought." He went over behind the counter and produced what must have been a steel rod 4 inches in diameter and 4 feet long, the muscles of his arms bunching into hard knots." Here..." He said as he tossed the rod to Amy...which she caught with one hand." Hummm...now hold one end and extend your arm out thusly, yes like that. Now do this..."
Amy's "test' lasted for fifteen minutes. The last thing he wanted her to do caught her off balance.
"Yes, you heard me right young lady. Grab the bar by the ends and bend it." Demanded the dwarf.
Amy hesitated but a sharp look from Julia made her comply. She bent the bar quickly and easily, making it look like a hairpin.
" Now grab both ends of THAT and bend it again." He said, tapping his foot.
Amy gulped.
"Amy....don't hold back. You can't fool Demetrius . This is important." Julia was serious. " Do what he says."
Amy took both ends of the twisted metal and easily bent the doubled rod one more time, taking less time than before, indentations narrowing the places where she gripped the bar.
" Humphh...Just as I thought. Come back in one month and the weapon will be finished...Masters Privilege." The dwarf turned on his heel to leave the room.
"Please, Sir. I would like to pay for it, if I may." Amy proffered her sack of gems toward the dwarf, giving him permission to take as many as he wanted.
" You heard me young lady...this is Masters Privilege. There is no charge from one master to another in dealings like this." Said Demetrius.
"But Sir... Master Julia told me that you are the best Weapons-crafter on Jade. I wish to respect that talent with compensation."
" Well I never heard the like." With a small nod from Julia the dwarf took three gems from Amy's sack." Now this is rare, young people showing respect for their elders and a sense of value. Now both of you git along now. I have a lot of thinking and work to do."
"That was a nice thing to do." Julia said softly as they left the weapons shop. She placed a hand on Amy's thick shoulder and squeezed it a little. She was surprised at herself for being physically demonstrative for the first time toward Amy, but Amy didn't pull back.
"Thank you. I want to bring honor to your name."
"Yes, now." Julia cleared her throat." Lets find a place to stay and get some food. I know a good place to eat called the " Steer's Hoof". Great food but overpriced lodgings. Let's get going...I'm starved!"
" There are several things I have to take care of, stay here and get us settled. Stay here and rest." Said Julia.
" But I'm not tired." Said Amy. " Why can't I go with you?"
" Masters business. There are places that only Masters can go and do certain things, those of which I cannot tell you now. Amy, you must learn to trust your Master."
"YES MAMM"
"I will be back soon." Julia left Amy alone in their room. It was comfortable enough with a great view of the city, another of the perks that came with being the " Arms Master of Jade". As a matter of fact, Amy liked being alone at times, to study and to think She spent this time alone going through her warm-up exercises that Julia taught her. She again looked out the window and when she was sure nobody could peek...she took off all her clothes and did her exercises nude. She liked the way her body responded to the workout, the stretching movements were designed to keep her flexible and lithe. She found herself putting a little more intensity in this session and when she was done, her skin glowed from the sweat. Any workout would be incomplete if she didn't flex her favorite bodypart...her biceps. She didn't know why, but to see the mound of muscle grow bigger and bigger, to feel the power rush into her arms pushing her flesh higher and higher made her feel confident and happy. At times she thought she could even hear the muscle grow. From deep inside her she felt contentment. It was not a bad thing to be strong, she would not be ashamed of herself. What if she could get bigger? The thought made her giggle. "Am I not big enough?" She thought as she flexed her bicep one more time. "Am I not big enough?" She said to herself when she held her huge, firm breasts in her hands. They had weight, but felt light on her body.
A knock at the door startled her. Grabbing a towel (A big one) to wrap around herself she went to the door.
" Master? Is that you?" She asked.
"No Mamm." A mans voice came in answer from the other side. " Master Julia sent me to fetch you for dinner. She was detained and sent me to escort you to the "Steer's Hoof."
"Okay...I have to bathe a little and then I'll be ready...not more than 10 minutes."
" Yes mamm." Pratours said. She sounds like a good girl he thought. The lecher in him wanted to see if he can sneak a peek, but she was the student of Arms Master Julia and thought the better of it. It's not wise to annoy an Amazon Warrior.
" I'm ready now!" The door opened and what greeted Pratorus was something he did not expect. Here was this tall, pretty girl wearing a short, white dress with a gold belt cinching what must have been the smallest waistline he 'd ever seen on a girl her height. As he looked up he couldn't help but notice her big breasts, nipples prominent under the fabric. She looked more like a candidate for those Amazon Breeder shrews than a student of the fighting arts.
" My name is Amy Anderson. Yours?"
" The name is Pratorus ma...mamm. I'm one of the city's guards."
" Then my safety is assured, let's go. I just now noticed that I'm hungry too." She reached over to take his arm and they walked through the city streets to the famous Inn.
Julia was right, the food was indeed delicious! Amy insisted on serving Julia and the guests she entertained. Conversation was lively so the need for ale was high. Amy went to get another round of drinks from the tavern when a big familiar voice boomed through the "Common Room".
" Well...well..well.. looky here sisters. An Amazon Breeder by the looks of her. But noooooooooo..She is a STUDENT of the famed and fabled so-called Arms- Master Julia Brigand, the Master that turned tale and ran away a few months ago. No one knows why, maybe she was getting soft." The victor of the street fight earlier that day loomed tall over Amy. At 6'8", Helga was one of the biggest and strongest Woman warriors on Jade. And she was not shy to tell and show the world of this fact. Thick bulging muscles covered her body, replete with striations and dense vascularity.
" And to think she accepted you as a student and not me. What do you all say? I say that Julia a non-factor now...a washed up former master that she should stoop so low as to pick a softie like this as a student."
All this time. Amy stood her ground and looked up at Helga, silent and not moving. Even when after the end of her tirade, Helga poked Amy on the breast with a thick finger Amy did not respond.
"Nothing to say..eh..either you must think I'm right or your too scared to move." Helga then tried to grab one of Amy's breasts, but failed when Amy neatly deflected the gesture.
"Oh.... the kitten has teeth. I could tell you are not from here, only the strong survive and get fame and fortune, SEE." Helga came close to Amy and flexed her huge bicep, veins popping out all over. Amy guessed that arm must have been 27" around.
The air in the place was getting tense, some people felt that a fight was eminent. Chairs were moved away and in one corner wagers were starting to be taken. The odds favored the Big Amazon, but one wagerer put his money on the Buxom, pretty lass.
Tenseness soon gave away to anticipation.
" I take insult from you..you wallflower! That the Arms-Master of Jade would choose a shrimp like you over someone more worthy as I am. You must PROVE your worth...NOW"
" I will prove my worth at the tournament." Amy was calm amidst the growing hurricane.
"Since when is a tournament the showcase for buxom, busty girlys? I will maintain the integrity of the tournament by punishing your daydreaming!" Helga's voice rose to a scream.
"Now lady's..please sto....." Pratorus could not complete his intervention of this melee due to the fact that a large fist found its way to his right eye, sending him tumbling toward the wall of wagerers. They in turn yelled at him for trying to stop a fight.
" NOW IT'S YOUR TURN." Faster than many people could see, a powerful, knuckled fist was careening toward Amy's delicate cheek. The crowd anticipated a sure knockout. But all was cut short as fast as it started. For the mighty fist was caught in a mighty, vise-like grip. Surprise, anger, then unspeakable pain registered on Helga's face as her fist was crushed in a blink on an eye. She came down on one knee with a thud, her limp hand hung from her wrist. Crushed bone forming five little sacks that a moment before were fingers.
The voice came from one of the private booths, all eyes looked and saw the Arms Master of Jade. The silence was deafening.
Amy walked over and bowed deeply to Julia.
" I'm...I'm sorry Master. I didn't mean to trouble you or your guests." Amy hung her head.
Quickly scanning the area she assessed the situation easily. Noting the frustrated faces of the onlookers and the big woman warrior grimacing in pain. But one face she saw that was grinning maniacally was that of Demetrius the dwarf, collecting what must have been his winnings. He noticed Julia and gave her a knowing, but mischievous wink.
What anger she had quickly subsided and lifting Amy's face she told her that they will talk about this event later. It was late and they needed to rest for the journey the next day would be a long one.
Helping Pratorus to his feet Julia thanked him for his effort.
" She didn't say anything except she was to prove her worth at the tournament. She took a lot of insults directed at herself and you. But didn't move until she was swung at. It's not her fault.. Mamm."
"Yes I know Pratorus. Now you know why she is my student." Julia said as she turned and motioned Amy to follow. They left the Inn and quickly made their way to their lodging for the night, but the rumors made their way faster through the city than they could walk.
" Yup..that's how it happened." Pratorus was basking in his celebrity. " I escorted them back to their Inn. Humph, as if they needed it. And I could see them talking. I couldn't tell if she was scolding her or not, but at first Amy was hanging her head. Then they stopped and Julia said something to Amy which made her happy I guess, for she then held her head high and walked with more of a spring in her step."
"Did you see them ba...ba...bounce...didya? Didya?..HEY!" Saul was shoved off his chair by Thissil.
" Now I know better than to be so obvious with two woman warriors, but she was a sight. Kinda makes me fell good inside just to look at her, you know.. peaceful"
"Peaceful my eye, with a body like that!? Suuuuure. Say, do you think they will come back?" Asked Paul.
"I don't know. But I do know that I will be at that tournament two months from now. I asked the boss for the time off"
" Hey, the boss only lets two people off at a time. I gotta get my request in! " Said Saul as he ran toward the door.
"Over my dead body you will!" Cried Thissil as all the guards ran toward the door. Leaving Pratorus with the bill.
"It's near noon, and I earned the right to sleep late if I want to. And how's a man to sleep late with all that racket going on outside? Sounds like a barroom brawl."
This was the first thought Eldrin Gneiss had as he woke up from his slumber. The teacher of Arch-Mage Dr. Theodore Diggers lumbered or rolled out of his bed, almost tripping over the covers that entwined themselves around his legs. Donning his morning robe, he made his way down the stairs and to the front door.
" Probably a bunch of the local urchins playing around or something...hummm...maybe a pink fire breathing Dragon would be enough to scare them, at least at first". He hoped to get a good laugh from his efforts. He liked to play practical jokes on people, especially kids.
The sight that greeted him upon opening the front door caused him loose the blood form his face, but when he noticed Arms-Master Julia sitting on the front steps to his castle, his dread turned to curiosity. For he saw one of his most dangerous creations, a magical martial artist he made to protect Brittany Diggers, fighting with what looked to be a rather shapely Amazon Breeder. What startled him was that she was winning. Punches and kicks were delivered to the magical being with graceful, powerful speed. After each exchange the magical warrior would get up and continue. Julia and her husband were almost defeated by that being.
"Good morning Gneiss...sorry to wake you up. I see you haven't solved the problem with this magical "protector" of yours." Julia said while munching a slice of bread with some cheese.
" WELL.." He said scratching his head." I thought I did. I had trouble controlling him so I altered the parameters that trigger his appearance. I thought I would make it outrageous. I made it so that he would appear when someone or something with the strength of 200 Were-Dragons was close by. Humphh..... Must be a glitch in the spell or something."
Julia looked at him for a long moment but the sound of the battle being fought reminded her that they have been going at it for 90 minutes or so. Amy didn't look that tired, but Julia had to get on with the day's business.
" Could you send him back to his pocket dimension please? We need to talk " Asked Julia.
" Uh..sure." With a wave of his hand the creature disappeared. " Now he'll come if 10,000 frogs came by."
" I hope THAT doesn't happen!" Said Julia. " I would like you to meet my student, her name is Amy Anderson, the strongest and one of the most gifted students I ever had."
To see this girl fight was one thing, but to see her close up was another. Amy jogged up to them and did a little bow toward Gneiss. Her outfit was drenched in sweat, almost to the point of transparency. Her skin shone brightly, reflecting the sunlight. He looked at her gold belt around her tiny waist and couldn't help but see a hint of her undergarments, the ripped skirt clinging to her sopping wet skin. Her breathing was deep and slow, her breasts rising and falling with each breath. Her pink nipples shown through the snug fitting top.
" I am glad to meet you...sir..Sir?"
An elbow from Julia brought Gneiss out from his appraisal of Amy. He shook his head and finally looked at her face. He could tell she was a pretty girl even though her left cheek was swollen and a little blood from her nose was kept moist from her sweat.
" Yes....uh..Yes..glad to meet you too. And what brings the Arms-Master of Jade here to my humble castle?"
"One month from now I will have a blade for you to enchant, It will be Amy's blade. And she will be entering the master's tournament that will be coming in a month."
" Not so fast there. Enchant a blade? That's going to not only take some time. But to find a suitable gem, that is going to be harder." Said Gneiss.
Amy went over to her travel bag and brought out her sack of gems." Sir... will any of these do?"
" Hmmm...this one will do...no...THIS one is better...wait a minute...a blue one will be best, do you have any...AH...HERE'S the one! Very high quality if I say so myself. Where did you come by such a nice little cache?" Gneiss held a large blue diamond to his eye with his thumb and index finger, looking at it carefully.
" On one of my previous-. outings." Answered Amy.
"One of these days you're going to tell me about these "outings" of yours." Julia teased. "Now then, Gneiss, is the enchantment possible?"
" Yes it is...you know the procedure. Bring the weapon and I will start to work on this gem of a gem."
" May I ask something of you sir? Would it be okay if I stay here and train with that magical warrior for a while? I could pay for our lodging here. The blade will not be ready for another month. If it is all right with my master." Asked Amy bowing.
"Amy, I have more master's business to attend to that will take about a month to arrange, legal things and the like. You have my permission to stay."
" Hold on there a second." Piped in Gneiss. " That thing is dangerous and not to be taken lightly. He has a learning enchantment that will make him more skilled each time he fights, your next battle may be your last. Plus that spell has a glitch. I will need to do some more work on him."
" Please Sir...I need the training. I could do some housework and cooking to help around the castle...do you have a lot of mirrors? I need them to cook with. Please?" Entreated Amy.
Gneiss found he could not turn down the offer from an Arms-Master and this earnest girl.
" Well...okay... I like to sleep in so the first meal of the day will be around noontime, cook whatever you want. And also-.
7.1
After the arrangements were made Julia was getting ready to leave. She said goodbye to Amy with a little hug.
" Now don't get too rambuckous Amy, he's an old man you know."
" What's this about getting old? Nevermind that.... I have work to do. Amy, you can get started in the kitchen, its kinda shabby, but that's your first job after you get cleaned up. Get along now." Amy did a small bow and hurried to find the kitchen, and then some mirrors.
A couple of hours later Julia was ready to leave, but she had to have a word with the old Arch-Age. Alone.
" Gneiss...I'm serious. I don't think your "Protector" has a glitch...she is VERY strong. If she is magical or not I don't know, find out. If her strength is magical that will change things..but really not that much."
" Yes Julia."
" And another thing...If I hear you've taken advantage of her in any way...."
" Y..y..you have my word." Said Gneiss with a gulp. He knew when Julia was serious.
"Now that we have an understanding. I will see you both in a month." Said Julia.
Gneiss closed the door and turned to walk to his lab when he noticed something odd...that smell coming from the kitchen. Could it be...REAL HOME-COOKED FOOD? He followed his nose to the kitchen and peeked in....
Amy decided that today would be different. For the last two weeks she held herself to a very strict regimen. She "trained" with the magical warrior for two hours, got cleaned up, and made the main meal for the day when Gneiss woke up. The afternoons were spent doing odd jobs that needed to be done. Then for the evening she would help Gnessis with the enchantment of the gem for her blade.
"Let's see". He would say. " We have to make it so that it will be effective against the undead, enchanted creatures, and were-folk of all kinds. (Even though most were-folk were good, one could never be sure.) And most important, the enchantments would only be effective if Amy handled the weapon and no one else."
"What about illusions?" She would ask.
" That my dear, you will have to learn for yourself. But if you were to become a student of magic, I could help you with that." Answered Gneiss.
Amy turned put to be a quick study, she helped find out how the magical martial artist's malfunction and fine-tuned the spell. If Brittany needed a protector, Gneiss thought, this one would be ready.
One day Amy left a note with sandwiches prepared on the kitchen table. She didn't feel like training today, she needed to rest. She packed herself some food and took a compass with her .She was new to Jade and didn't want to get lost.
The sun was out and the air seemed cleaner than before, she breathed in deeply and slowly, raising her chest and nearly tearing her top with her firm breasts.
She picked a direction and started on her little outing. The grass was lush and felt good against her bare feet. As she went on, something inside of her started to stir. It seemed like her body was pushing her to go faster like before in Riverglenn. She picked up the pace and soon she was running at a fast clip. Faster and faster her body carried her, all the while feeling weightless. Her breasts bounced very little when she was moving, and the land opened its arms to her and she flung herself in them. Some of the local animals took up the chase to run along beside her but gave up when they got tired.
She ran for what must have been an hour, not feeling winded or tired. She saw out of the corner of her eye a small pond framed on three sides by shade trees. This looked like a nice spot to relax for a bit, not that I need to. The pond was fed by two streams on opposite sides. The grass surrounding it was soft and plush. Taking all of her cloths off she took a look at the pond...hm...deep enough to dive in. So she took a little jog and dove into the cool, bracing water. Wonderful. She thought. She swam around for a while, washing off her sweat and walked out to get a blanket to lie down on. The grass was soft and she soon found herself asleep.
Erotic images again knocked at the gate of her dreams. In times past she was reluctant to let them enter, but this time and in this place all seemed to encourage her to let herself go, for it was okay to feel loved, not only by a special someone but also by oneself. She could feel a slight tingling on one of her nipples. She could feel it become larger and harder as it became erect. Larger and harder, she let her mind dwell on those two words. What would it be like if SHE were larger, and stronger? Bigger breasts, bigger nipples, and bigger muscles? Would the feeling be more intense? Would it be selfish for her to become even more than what she is now? Not to hold back, that thought kept coming back into her mind. Would her friends accept her? Yes...they would... She loved all of her friends. She even loved Julia as she would her own mother. Julia spent time with her. Amy's own mother was too busy being a doctor to spend any time with her. When Julia praised her Amy knew she was honest, for Amy had to earn every grudging word of praise from her master.
The images became more lucid as time went on. Amy imagined herself becoming bigger and stronger. She flexed her biceps and they swelled larger than ever before. Her firm breasts became larger and rode higher on her chest. Her erect nipples were now harder and fatter than ever.
A small moan escaped from her lips and she opened her heavy eyelids. Then she saw what caused that tingling sensation on her breasts. A large butterfly was perched on her erect nipple. She could feel its small legs as it climbed up on her. It was the most beautiful butterfly she had ever seen. She opened her eyes fully and just stayed still, watching what the insect would do next. It seemed to turn to look at her, then flew away. It would seem the land and nature of Jade accepted her.
How long was she asleep? She didn't know, but the sun was now about an hour from setting. She got dressed and ran back to the castle. Just in time to get the evening meal prepared.
" I must say Amy that this meal was delicious...well all the food you made for me is good. How did you learn to cook?" Asked the Mage.
"My mother taught me when I was very young. And when she graduated from medical school and started to work, I taught myself from then on. Having a lot of hungry friends also helped too." She laughed to herself when she remembered how ravenous Serena would get.
" How was your little jaunt in the country-side today? I hope you had a nice quiet time. Teaching and training could be so bothersome at times...I know..." Gneiss became oddly silent.
" Well, I was thinking about a bad habit I have, I've been getting better at it, but I still seem to hold back on things. I'm afraid that my friends would think I'm stuck-up and not understand. I'm afraid that I would be left alone. They told me they would accept me...but...I don't know. I don't want to loose them!" Amy said in a rush.
"If they are your true friends, they would love you and accept you as you are. You love them don't you?"
"Yes...I do." Said Amy earnestly.
" Then the matter is settled...you must let them love you."
"Thank you..Master Gneiss."
" Now... lets go to the lab... there's this enchantment that I'm working on that needs one more thing...the problem is that I don't think this artifact exists on Jade. It's an old relic that I read about in a book from another dimension called......."
Two weeks later Julia came back form her " business" and brought Amy's blade. When Amy held it up, she fell in love with the sleek blade.
"Demetrius gave back one of the gems he took. He said that this blade was one of his best pieces of work. Gneiss, here's Amy's blade. Is the gem ready to complete the enchantment?" Asked Julia.
" Yes Julia..lets see....AHHHHH...yes...yes.... the work of a Master alright. It will take a week to bond the gem to the blade, powerful enchantments take this long. Can you stay for the week? Amy is making....what's that word she used?...bruch?...no...brunch-..yes..Anyway, she's cooking up the main meal of the day..join me?"
Julia didn't want to sound too anxious." Why yes...thank you"
Conversation was lively during their meal. Julia noticed all the repairs done to the castle and how clean the place was. In fact the place hadn't been cleaned in over 10 years.
" She didn't do all the work herself did she?" Said Julia between mouthfuls of Lilithberry pancakes.
"No..she hired a crew from the local builder and a separate crew for the inside. She appeared to be a good organizer and the people working for her seemed to like her as a boss, especially the men." Said Gneiss with a wink." Say Amy...another helping of French toast if you will."
" Coming right up." Called Amy from the kitchen.
" I see you've taken a liking to Amy's cooking, you've got some color to your face since the last time I saw you."
" Yes...not only her cooking but it seems just being around her gives one a little boost."
" Yes..I've noticed that." Julia thought about her husband and how great their sex was when Amy was staying in their mansion.
"Will you will be leaving soon? After the enchantment is finished? I will need to teach her that teleport spell she asked for. Amy's a quick study. She helped me prefect that magical protector for Brittany, its working perfectly now. If she ever needs it, it will be ready.
" Hmm.. a teleport spell. That's okay but she can't use magic of any sort during the tournament. Warriors don't like the thought of fighter-magic-users, old fashioned thinking." Julia was annoyed.
"Yes I know."
"Well...I'm all for a nap. See you later Gnessis. Amy, I'm done. I'll talk to you later okay?"
"Yes Master." Answered Amy.
"Now Amy... if you change your mind about being only a warrior...feel free to come back and learn magic from me. I confess that I did a little test while you weren't look'in and you have some potential. You hear me?"
"Yes Gneiss"
"Julia..a word with you...please excuse us Amy."
When they were alone, Gneiss told Julia what he found." Her strength is her own, but I cannot gauge how strong she is. But she does have a very strong aura and prodigious intelligence. She caught on to that teleport spell quickly, and Julia." Gneiss voice became a whisper. "In a sense she must be guarded, that much talent, strength, and intelligence could be exploited or perverted. I'm not saying she's evil, but she's still inexperienced and could be corrupted. Teach her well and watch over her."
" I hear you Gneiss..but I think she is strong enough to stand on her own. As we all had to do at one time or another. Well, we better get a move on, there is still one more thing I have to do before I go to mother's. Why don't you come out to say goodbye to Amy?"
" Thank you for having me Gneiss, and for being my teacher even for a little while." Amy couldn't fight back the single tear that appeared on her cheek as she gave Gneiss a goodbye hug and a peck on the cheek.
"Good luck Amy..come back and cook...er..I mean visit." Gneiss slid his hands down from Amy's shoulders to her skinny waist. "You are welcome here."
" Good-bye and good health." Julia said as she and Amy turned and started down the path, Amy with her new sword slung on her back.
" As if I didn't notice.... I'm still a man after all. The way she had that sling come across her shoulder between those huge breas....ARRRGH!!!... I'm going to need a cold shower." Gneiss muttered as he stamped back into his castle.
The pair made the journey without incident. Rumor's evidently spread about the Amazon Breeder, an Arms-Master and a fight in a bar with one winner and a rich dwarf.
As they entered the gate Amy noticed one of the guards turn, point and disappear in a flash.
Julia was silent as they settled in their room. Amy sensed that something was on Julia's mind. Could it be about her training? She tried her best, no, she had done her best. If Julia had second thoughts about her, she will accept it. She had learned a lot the last three months. She actually got a lot tougher, that magical martial artist did pack a good punch.
"Amy...I have been thinking a lot about this and this decision doesn't come trivially. I have met with the city magistrate and have completed the formalities. If you will, I would like to adopt you into my family, not as a Diggers, but as a Brigand."
Amy was silent.
"If you need to think about it take your time...I know it's sudden. But it would be my honor to have you as my daughter here on Jade. I love Gina, Brianna and Brittanny with all my heart, but they have their own lives and have chosen their won paths."
Amy came over to Julia who took both her hands into her own. Again a single tear formed on Amy's cheek which was wiped off by Julia's finger.
"This is the second time I cried today, but to be so happy and honored twice in one day I am not ashamed to show it. I accept."
They hugged each other hard for a long time.
After the meeting with the town magistrates and the documents of adoption signed and witnessed, (Demetrius served in this capacity), Amy and Julia celebrated their new relationship at the "Steer's Hoof", Amy still insisting on serving Julia and the others.
Later that night Amy looked out over the sleeping city, thinking over the day's events. She was happy, and she let herself enjoy the warm feeling. She had her friends and she had a second "mother".
Amy as a scientist was always doubtful about the existence of God, especially recalling her past life as a "Sailor Senchi". But if there were a God, she would give Him thanks. Thanks for her strength, thanks for her body, and thanks for her friends and her new family.