The Emperor's Legacy - Crystal_Grace (2024)

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

"Are you sure about this?" the Emperor asked as I transcribed the scroll into my spell book, making use of the last rays of light as the sun went down.

I had hoped to rest, but then I remembered the Crown. It was somewhere in the Chiontar, and I couldn't leave it there for someone to try creating another Absolute.

The city was still burning, and people were still fighting, but Sorcerous Sundries had been open---likely to provide supplies to the defending force---and I had bought the scroll of Water Breathing.

We were sitting at the dock, still disguised as our elven forms, and while I concentrated on copying the words and diagrams, the Emperor watched the area for anyone who could get in the way.

"Taking hold of that Crown will attract the attention of gods," he insisted.

"I know," I said after writing the last word. I stood, used the necessary components, and granted us both the ability to breathe under water. "But I don't intend to become a goddess." At least not yet. "They should leave me alone until that changes."

"And what will you do with that power?" the Emperor asked as we jumped into the water, dismissing our disguises in favour of better mobility.

Swimming as an illithid was more pleasant than I had anticipated.

First, I will need to understand it, I said, trying to focus. So I will keep it safe while I research.

You know, illithid culture rejects arcane studies, he continued. Once renegades hear about you, it is likely they will come after you as well.

Whether they come as friends or foes, I will treat them accordingly. At the very least, meeting other free illithids would be an interesting experience.

The deeper we went, the stranger it became. I had prepared a ring of Light for when the darkness proved a problem, but as the sunlight faded, I discovered another way to see: temperature.

It was an experience like no other, if a little disorientating at first, and my fascination with my new nature only grew. I was so much better than I had ever been, and I wouldn't give it up for anything!

Gratefulness flowed from me without my control, and I felt the warmth from the Emperor when he received my message. He was happy to be appreciated.

And his happiness was exhilarating. I had to make an effort not to lose myself in my emotions.

Animals avoided us, but patrolling sahuagin came to investigate as we descended. They were just as vicious as one would expect, but aside from my lack of experience fighting underwater, they were not a challenge.

After defeating another small group of sahuagin, at last, we reached the source of the magic I had been tracking. Since both the Netherstones and Crown had fallen into the river, all I had to guide me was Detect Magic. Unfortunately, another group of sahuagin was investigating it.

It was a horrible fight. They had clerics and sorcerers among the fighters, but we could dominate their minds and slowly turn the tide.

You are truly a wonder, the Emperor said after the sahuagin were killed, some having become our food. The way you manipulate psionic power and arcane magic, alternating between them effortlessly, is... fascinating.

His compliment, along with the rush of raw admiration, pride, and arousal took my head for a spin. For a moment, I couldn't think or move. I was a vessel for emotions burning my body from within.

Forgive me, the Emperor said, running a tentacle delicately on my face while he anchored me, holding my arm tightly. Your performance is so outstanding I forget you are a newborn. Take a deep breath and focus on the water touching your skin. Do not fight your feelings. Let them flow through you. I am here with you. I will not judge you or your emotions. I followed his guidance and soon, I was calm and focused on our task once again. Well done. And he almost ruined it all, but his amusem*nt at my imbalance made me appreciative instead of overwhelmed.

Thank you, I said, entwining a tentacle with his. You are a wonderful mentor.

His tentacle caressed mine and let go. I shook myself out of the desire to continue and looked at the dead sahuagin around us, which helped me focus.

I checked the corpses for useful items and found two of the Netherstones, indicating they had been searching for a while. Or maybe they just got lucky. When I reached one of the pieces of the Crown, I understood their reluctance to get closer. That thing was emanating a powerful aura, and it wasn't pleasant either. But I needed it, and I collected it.

This object had been the source of every change in my recent life. The very powers I had were enhanced versions thanks to it. I could do so much with it. I could start a whole new breed of illithids! I probably already could, but the Crown would ensure their power.

The Emperor's interest grew and I had trouble maintaining my focus---my composure---but I succeeded. Before I could do anything, I needed the other parts; I couldn't afford distractions now.

Now that I had one of the parts of the Crown and two Netherstones, I no longer needed Detect Magic to guide me. I could follow the items' desire to reunite. And what a pull it was! It could not be ignored.

Unfortunately, the remaining items were in opposite directions, which made me uncomfortable the entire time I was heading towards one of them. But there was one good side to this: it didn't allow me to be distracted by any other thoughts or desires beyond collecting the pieces.

The final Netherstone had gotten stuck deep within a crevice, but I managed to pull it out with some magic. The Crown's pieces, however, were moving towards me. That very likely meant something or someone had gotten hold of it.

Unsure of what else we could find in the bottom of a river that was supposed to be safe for travel and trade, we hid behind a large rock among thick algae. It would do nothing if whoever approached could see temperature, but it would at least serve as a barrier.

It wasn't long before the bearers of the Crown's parts appeared. Merfolk.

I thought stories of them in the Chiontar were just that, stories. But as the small group approached, bathed in light cast by an orb one of them carried, they completely blinded me for a moment. The good thing was that if they needed light, they didn't know exactly where I was, even if they were being guided by the Crown's parts. If I stayed where I was, they probably wouldn't even know I was there.

Merfolk culture was unknown to me, but it was probably safe to believe they hated illithids--any intelligent being who knew about illithids should at the very least fear them--so I disguised us once again, assuming our elven shapes.

They were getting closer, and as soon as I made myself known, they stopped. Understandably, they were wary, but they didn't attack on sight.

The Emperor remained hidden as I talked to them, just in case something went wrong.

They had come to investigate the explosion and found the pieces of the Crown, but also had to fight many sahuagin in the way. It was strange that so many sea devils were in the area, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Absolute had played a hand in it too.

Convincing them to release the piece to me was way more difficult than I had expected, however. Their leader thought bringing this back to their city would gain them favour and help in their conflict against a people I didn't quite catch the name. I probably could have offered to help them with that, but I needed to take some time for myself before I got into other people's fights. So I did the next best thing, and promised that I'd help if they still needed me in the future.

While they returned to their people, the Emperor and I returned to the surface. I had no idea how I would fix this Crown, but at least it was now safe with us.

Chapter 2

Chapter Text

The closer we got to the surface, the more overwhelmed I became. Without the pressure of the Absolute or the Crown's retrieval, I was at the mercy of my feelings. The Emperor, thankfully, was being mindful of his and limited how much of them I had access to.

Otherwise, I was pretty sure I would collapse. Or implode.

Nobody bothered us as we made our way to my room in the Elfsong. Us stayed outside, guarding the door, just in case.

There were no need for words, no need for pleasantries. We each knew what the other felt, what the other needed---what the other desired.

I didn't know how to do what I wanted in my new form, but as I took the Emperor closer to the bed, I trusted him to show me.

It was one thing to have sex in the malleability of a dream, and another to do it in the material world, but for a competent magic user, the world was malleable, and for an illithid, everything was possible with the power of their mind.

We began in our humanoid shapes, slowly undressing each other with careful motions while our lips danced against each other. His tongue brushed with mine, entwined in a way that almost broke the illusion, but we both knew what we were and what we were doing. The illusion held, and so did our pleasure.

His hands were strong as he explored my body, a contrast to my soft touch around his. I moaned into his mouth with every touch, every lick, every nibble, every scratch, and every time he sucked my tongue. The pleasure was incredible, and I wanted more and more of him.

When clothes no longer covered us, he pulled me tight against him, and I felt his arousal against my belly. The sensation took me back to our time together in the dream and, once again, the illusion almost broke. The Emperor pushed this moment a little harder into my mind, anchoring me in the present, and maintained the illusion.

I broke our kiss to look at his body---flawless skin over taught muscles, and a deliciously thick and long co*ck---erect, glistening, and waiting for me.

Looking back into his eyes, I licked his lips and pulled him to the bed with me. He climbed between my legs, and I immediately wrapped them around his hips, loving it as he started covering me in kisses.

His lips and tongue were cold against my feverish skin, and I wished he wouldn't stop. When he sucked my neck, I melted under him. He nibbled, and I pushed my nails into his back. His groans of pleasure were mixing with mine and it was all I could hear.

The Emperor rubbed my thighs as he latched onto my nipples, sucking hard and licking gently, squeezing with his teeth as his nails dug into my skin. I was a puddle under him, my mind completely overwhelmed by my feelings and his.

The world was a pleasure bomb about to explode.

He held me tight when he pushed inside me, and our moans filling the room mixed with the wet sounds of our joining. He filled me even more deliciously than before, now that my mind and body were truly one. Every push and pull drew delirious and exciting sounds from the both of us, multiplying the overwhelming pleasure we shared.

His emotions mingled with mine as much as his pleasure did. I couldn't tell where I ended and he began---we were one entity lost in unimaginable pleasure and love.

Unfortunately, we were already reaching our limits---the pleasure greater than the energy we had available---and our minds convulsed together, spasming as our bodies trembled with the grandest pleasure I had ever felt.

And as the Emperor shifted to lie beside me, our illusions faded to reveal our true forms. He was just as beautiful as before, his skin glistening with both lubricant and sweat, and his eyes were full of wonder. His love was my love, and my love was his love. I reached with a tentacle to caress his beautiful face and his delicious chest, and realised he was still inside me. I hadn't realised I still had any opening to push into, but I was even happier that he had remembered that I liked to stay connected, body and mind.

With a last effort of my exhausted mind, I formed the image-sensation of a kiss on his forehead, and fell asleep wrapped in his arms and tentacles.

I woke up in the Emperor's arms---my head against his chest as our tentacles almost danced together in their idle state. That was something I still hadn't gotten accustomed to. I could control them like any other limb, but once I stopped thinking about it, they'd move on their own.

Good morning, the Emperor said, holding me closer by the waist. How do you feel?

Wonderful, I said, running a hand on his chest. Wait, don't you know that? Can't you feel it?

I feel many things right now. He looked at me, those piercing purple eyes pushing deep into my mind, and I looked back into his. I know you do, too. And I know how it overwhelmed you last night.

I'm glad you were there to help me. Again. You truly are my guardian, aren't you?

As his mirth and appreciation mingled with my own, I moved to straddle his hips and intertwined our tentacles. He slid his hands to my hips and I kept mine on his chest, our gazes connecting us and keeping the world just where it belonged---out there.

I believe I am more than that, he said. Wouldn't you say so?

The twisting and rubbing of the tentacles were incredibly pleasurable, and at the same time, comforting. I would never have imagined that something so deadly could make me feel so good.

You definitely are, I said. You are my guardian, my mentor, my partner. In every way I could imagine.

His pleasure---satisfaction---washed over me like a powerful wave akin to an org*sm as he groaned under me. The absolute trust and appreciation I had for him seemed to have powerful effects. I was horny all over again.

Weren't illithids supposed to be cold and calculating monsters only interested in the domination of others? Why was I an emotional bomb hornier than a satyr?

He untangled one tentacle to caress my cheek. My feelings only intensified as my breath quickened and my heart raced.

You already knew general belief is wrong, he said as he continued to run the tentacle around my face, then moved to the back of my head. I shivered. In your... previous life---through me. Now you feel it yourself. He slid the tentacle down to my neck. The others were still intertwined with mine. Mind flayers have feelings. But those you have met have spent many years adapting to them. He slid the tentacle down to my chest. I no longer had breasts, but it was still sensitive to touch, and I trembled above him. And the elder brain helps them focus on their goals. He slid the tentacle down to my lower belly. Filtering out any emotions it deems unnecessary.

And how am I supposed to adapt to this onslaught? I breathlessly asked, almost overwhelmed by his and my emotions yet again.

With time, the Emperor said, caressing the inside of my thigh.

How long? I was tingling all over with every movement of his tentacles entwined with mine, with the pressure of his hands, and the slide of his tentacle on my body.

That depends on you, he said. But you are so special. So... exquisite. My breath caught with the intensity of his compliments, my body trembling, and I pushed my nails into his skin. He hissed, and held my hips tighter, his nails piercing me. You already are adapting beautifully to your new nature, he continued. You are... magnificent.

The emotional bomb set off, my mind going blank as my body burned with the rush of pleasure. As I regained clarity, I felt lips against mine, sucking them, and a tongue pushing into my mouth, rubbing against my own. Then I remembered I no longer had any of those, but the pleasant sensation lingered.

I tried to reciprocate, but once again, all I managed was a simple kiss on his forehead. I had never felt frustration this strong.

Don't worry, the Emperor said, caressing my cheek with the back of a finger. You will learn how to do that and more. Grabbing me by the hips, he moved me to the side and stood. Now, come. There is much to do.

I hate that you're always right, I said, standing.

Oh, but I remember you proving me wrong a few times, he said with amusem*nt.

See. You're right again, I said with mock annoyance.

With a motion of a hand, the Emperor pulled me into him, reminding me of that dream days ago.

You are... the best decision I have ever made, he said.

I didn't know how to reply to that. Surprised as I was, all I could do was hug him tight. And it was enough for the both of us.

Chapter 3

Chapter Text

Nobody bothered us the entire day, and we spent it taking account of everything we had and knew. We might have saved the city, but we were mind flayers, and soon we'd have to find another place to live. The Emperor listed every acquaintance he could reach out to and prepared a few letters, and I listed what I knew and where I could go to learn more about Karsus and Netherese magic. Our belongings lay in a pack, in case we had to leave suddenly.

It was easier to stay calm when everything around me was quiet. The Emperor was calm, focused on his task, and that helped me do the same.

I wasn't surprised when Florrick visited us the next morning---bringing news. The city was safe once again, even if stragglers still needed to be hunted down. That was a great opportunity for us to acquire food nobody would miss.

I should probably start thinking about our food source. We couldn't just rely on criminals from the prison.

She told us there was talk of a celebration in the next few days, promotions, titles, and statues of the heroes.

I don't think they'll put up a statue of a mind flayer, I said, petting Us on my lap, who still showed as a cat to Florrick.

"Oh, they will not," she said, sipping from a cup of tea.

Florrick put up a perfect facade of neutrality and pleasantness, but I could see behind it all. I could effortlessly look into her mind and I could feel her strong emotions vibrating against me. She was afraid, but above all, she was anxious, which was understandable after everything she had gone through, and my new nature didn't help.

"They want your sacrifice to be remembered," she continued, "so the statue will show who you were before."

Make sure my pet is there at my side, I said, trying to ignore how uncomfortable she made me. And that my partner is, too. I couldn't have done anything without him.

"You mean the other mind flayer?" Florrick asked.

Yes. I asked the Emperor to approach, and when he appeared from behind the divider, Florrick jumped in her seat. This is the Emperor. You two didn't have time to talk before---we had to run to the Absolute---but he was invaluable in all of it.

"Ah, it's a pleasure, ehm... Emperor," Florrick stammered, placing her cup on the centre table. "That's quite the distinct name. Is there a special reason?"

It is a long story, the Emperor said, floating to stand beside me. His closeness helped to ground me, but I would prefer if Florrick left quickly.

"Perhaps one day you can tell me about it," Florrick said with a diplomatic smile. Her growing unease bothered me; it itched like rough fabric and was starting to suffocate me. "I can ensure the statue represents the three of you, but what shall the Emperor look like?"

With a few gestures and an incantation, I disguised the both of us. Gone was the intimidating mind flayers, and in their place were two elves. "This should work," I said.

"When you change your appearance so easily it makes me wonder how many... less usual citizens we may have among us." Her discomfort grew, and so did mine.

"You did have a vampire and seven thousand spawns," I said before standing. "Who knows what else is out there?"

Florrick was frozen on the spot. "What...?"

"Cazador Szarr was a vampire lord and he had seven thousand spawns locked inside his palace," I explained. "I can tell you all about it on our way to the sculptor." I needed her to be distracted from those thoughts if we would still discuss anything else.

I advise against leaving at such an hour, the Emperor said only to me. The sunlight will blind you.

"Or perhaps you could send them here?" I suggested. "I still need to recover, and I'm sure you're busy."

"Of course," Florrick said, standing up quickly. She was almost as relieved as I was. "There is much to do. I will send word and see to some business, but I will return with the artist later. And then you can tell me about the vampire."

"I'll be waiting," I said as I accompanied her to the door. Once Florrick disappeared down the stairs, I closed the door and turned to the Emperor. "That was worse than I expected."

"You did well," he said, floating towards me in his disguise. "She can be a key ally to us. She has connections, and after Gortash and the Netherbrain, she also has supporters."

"You're right," I said. "Maybe she can follow in Ravengard's footsteps. At least in part. We don't need the Flaming Fist harassing people any more than they already do."

The Emperor reached with a tentacle to caress my cheek, dispelling the disguise. Exactly my thoughts, he said with satisfaction.

"How do you feel about getting another statue?" I asked.

Yet another statue that does not represent what I am, he said, frustration tainting his mood.

"But it represents who you are," I said, stepping closer to hold his hands. "The biggest hero this city has ever had. Its founder, its saviour. Were it not for you, everyone would be a thrall to the Absolute."

If feelings were light sources, the Emperor would be glowing with appreciation and pride. And I loved knowing it was I who did it. He had been often worried and gloomy; it was great to see that he now had room for positive feelings inside him.

Are you trying to spoil me? he asked.

"I will take every chance to show you how much I appreciate you," I said.

As my disguise dissolved and our tentacles intertwined, there was no need for any more words. And all the unease left me.

When the sun went down, I made my way to Sorcerous Sundries. They had many rare books, and there was a chance that they would have something of interest to me. At the very least, they might have scrolls I could use.

What was my surprise when they not only had books about Karsus, but also a very specific book about the Crown itself! Except I couldn't read half of it. I needed more information. And hopefully a cypher.

When I returned to the Elfsong, the Emperor was disguised and keeping Florrick and two men company.

The younger man was a Fist; he was there to get my statement about Cazador. The older man was a noble interested in befriending the one who defeated the Absolute. He claimed he could open doors for me, if I kept him safe. He doubted people would want to cross us, since I had saved the city. I was sure this was a deal the Emperor would be more interested in, so I let him take care of this while I took Florrick and the Fist aside to narrate the events with the vampire.

I left out the fate of the seven thousand spawns. I didn't need them blaming me for anything vampire related in the future.

Florrick was appalled by the entire thing, shocked that nobody had realised what had been going on for centuries.

"This city's corruption runs deeper than we thought..." she said. "The Grand Duke had always tried to fix this, but he became another victim of that cursed brain."

Maybe we can get you to fill in his shoes, I suggested.

"Oh, that would require support I don't have," she said, but I could see this was something she desired.

You're one of the people who made our victory possible, Councillor, I insisted. You gathered allies in our time of need, fought for what was right even when it sent you to prison, and you know how to navigate the politics of this city. We have two empty seats, you could easily take one of them. People will remember you were a strong voice against Gortash.

This conversation, even though short, was making me exhausted due to Florrick and the Fist's emotional state. She was still stricken by anxiety and fear, and felt the loss of a man she deeply respected, aside from guilt for desiring his seat. The Fist was distracting me with lewd thoughts about one of his partners. He was so loud about it, even though his mouth was shut. I needed time for myself before this overwhelmed me.

So I inspired in them the need to leave.

"I will consider this," Florrick said and stood. The Fist quickly followed. "I should leave you for now. The artist will be here in the morning, but there are other matters we need to resolve. I will keep you updated."

Thank you, Councillor, I said with a smile and accompanied them to the door.

The noble was still deep in conversation with the Emperor and I left the two of them alone, grabbing Us and going to a corner to meditate. I couldn't enter a trance like before, but it helped me calm down and focus.

Chapter 4

Chapter Text

I had never been a fan of celebrations, and in my current situation, I simply despised it. The Emperor was a powerful anchor at my side as he held my hand, but I still felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders and I would crumble at any moment. All these people around the square exuded so many different emotions and thought so many different things that I felt tiny, powerless under the confusing and overwhelming fog. It was bringing forth every negative emotion inside me, and I couldn't wait for this to end. I would burst if this went on for much longer.

As the statue was officially presented to the citizens and fireworks went off in multiple colours and shapes against the nigh sky, all I wanted to do was to run away to a quiet place where I could be alone.

Alas, they still wanted us up there to receive our titles.

We were officially the Absolute's Vanquishers, joining the list of saviours of Baldur's Gate, and the Emperor gave a little speech, which, unfortunately, I was too stunned to hear. Under fancy clothes and disguised, only a few people knew we were mind flayers. Most believed the illithid heroes had departed to the Underdark shortly after their sacrifice, and "would be forever remembered for it", as the speaker said. The Emperor and I knew better than to believe it. The moment they had chosen to make a humanoid statue was the moment they had chosen to forget it.

Not that this meant a problem for us. We didn't need a statue to control the city.

And with the title came a gift: Cazador's palace. I already had many plans for it.

It had been about a month since the Netherbrain's defeat, and I still couldn't gather the courage to tell Grandma what I had become, but we exchanged letters. She knew I had helped to save everyone, just not how.

Life in Cazador's mansion was comfortable in more ways than one. We kept Cazador's thralls as our servants, and they were thankful for having better masters. I could have maintained the place with magic, but those people had been lost after Cazador's death, their minds ruined, and should I have to leave, the Emperor would have people to care for him and the house in my place. They weren't our thralls---even if we made sure they could not tell anyone by any means that we were illithid or what happened inside the house.

The dungeons were used for the less... savoury operations and possessions, and not even the servants were allowed there. It was safer that way for all involved. We hid its entrance so if any curious visitor decided to explore, they couldn't find it, and even an experienced explorer would have difficulty doing so.

Since my transformation, I had been occupied with a few things: getting used to my new nature---which I was struggling with the most---learning more about illithids, the Crown, and the Emperor. The latter was only difficult because he was a very dutiful man, focusing on building alliances and rebuilding the Knights of the Shield.

I helped him with that on occasion---it was one way to learn more about him and to get closer to him---but heading an organisation had never been a goal of mine. Yet, I knew it could be useful, and above all, it was important to him.

Communication through words wasn't always needed. Our connection ran deep, and we understood each other almost instinctively, particularly in more intimate moments. Yet, habits were difficult to part with, and I often found myself stringing words together. To him, it was a useful skill to practice---for the moments when he had to deal with non-illithids.

So, when you were in the Prism, how did you balance your need to eat with the need for support? I asked as I watched the prisoners we had in the cells. We had collected many cultists; Bhaalists, Banites, and Absolutists. The Bhaalists had already been eaten---a young illithid's apetite was impressive.

It was a delicate decision, the Emperor said. Orpheus's honour guard had limited numbers, and I could not defend the skull unaided, but using Orpheus's power to protect you demanded great effort---especially after the elder brain started rebelling. A wrong decision could leave me exhausted, as you witnessed... a few times.

I reached for a tentacle with my own. A gesture that had become natural whenever I felt the need to comfort him.

Can you teach me how to make an intellect devourer? I asked. I think Us would appreciate a companion, and those books are useless.

The Emperor's amusem*nt was palpable as his tentacles danced excitedly in front of him. The one entwined with mine held me tighter, sending a delicious rush through us both.

I enjoy your eagerness, he said. I must warn you. It is not an easy task.

And you know I enjoy challenges, I said before sending him the image-sensation of a kiss.

Since I had spent some time as a partial illithid---and according to the Emperor, because my mind was extraordinary---my new life wasn't as difficult as it could have been. The Emperor told me that young illithids could spend years learning how to use their powers, and over a decade to function in their society.

Fortunately, I already knew how to live in this society and had no intention of going to an illithid city anytime soon. Even with Orpheus's power inside me, I didn't want to get anywhere close to an elder brain, and there was no illithid city without one.

The novelty I still struggled with were my feelings and thoughts---or rather, their unity. If my emotions could overwhelm me before, now I couldn't even set them aside to think---my thoughts were my emotions.

The only option was dealing with them. And in that lay the issue.

Thankfully, I didn't have many reasons to be overwhelmed as of late. I had been avoiding people as much as possible, focusing on my studies instead, and the Emperor had been guiding me wonderfully through it all.

He was the best mentor I could have hoped for.

By the end of the second month after the Absolute's defeat, we had not only gained a few allies, but the Knights of the Shield was fully operational again. I helped the Emperor with his plans on occasion, but since I still hadn't made much progress with Karsus's book, my focus had turned deeper into the ground–to the Morphic Pool.

The Emperor had been more than happy about my decision to secure the area for ourselves. It was filled with lost intellect devourers, which I gladly took under my wing. They would protect the place, search for access points we would decide whether to keep or seal, and connect it to our current home. I had grand plans for this place. And the Emperor approved, which made me immensely happy.

I wasn't sure yet how long an illithid could live, but if the Emperor was any reference, they could live very long lives. As a former elf, that would fit perfectly with my needs. And with my plans.

Before anything else, however, I needed more information. And due to the lack of material, I needed to go directly to the source. While the Emperor knew much, he didn't know everything, so I had to find other illithids.

The first place to look was the Underdark, and thanks to my pets, I knew just how to safely reach it. They had followed the trail of the spawns I had freed, and now we had not only routes to nearly all the city, but to the Underdark as well. Soon, we would be able to reach everywhere. It was also only a matter of time before I built a portal room just like Raphael's. While I could use the Netherese portals I found, the Emperor couldn't manipulate them, and while he could open portals on his own, they required psionic energy, so it was only fair that he had a similar, effortless alternative.

Chapter 5

Chapter Text

The thought of parting from the Emperor after so long connected to him was more distressing than I had anticipated, but I had always enjoyed my independence, my freedom, and I was sure I would be fine.

The Emperor had spent the day in the study, and he was still there, sitting at the desk, looking at some ledgers, when I floated to him.

Do I interrupt? I asked, stopping at his side and looking at the papers. Knights of the Shield's business.

You do, the Emperor said, closing the ledger and setting it aside, but it is a welcome interruption. He observed me with those purple eyes I loved, looking deep into me. So you truly are leaving.

The Emperor pushed the chair back and I felt the invitation. Accepting it, I sat on his lap sideways, our tentacles reaching for one another.

Yes, I said. I'll descend in the morning. And I will miss you terribly.

As will I, he said, holding my thigh.

I almost don't want to go. And I caressed his face with a hand. You mean so much to me.

Then do not go, he said. Stay with me.

His genuine wish for me to stay and my desire to always remain at his side made this moment painful, but I had a mission I needed to fulfill. We would have to endure.

Focusing on our feelings, I used what I had learnt to push forth the image-sensation of a kiss against his lips. When I felt them, I licked them until I could push inside his mouth. When the Emperor sucked them, the pleasure brought me out of the illusion. We were looking deep into each other's eyes, our tentacles intertwined, and panting.

You are getting better at this, he said, rubbing my thigh and moving his hand to the inside. Anticipation started building.

I have a wonderful mentor, I said. Gods, I wish you would come with me.

I would, but I cannot leave yet. He held me tighter with his tentacles, and moved his hand to the apex of my thighs. I shivered.

It's still hard to believe you've never done any of this with another illithid, I said, thinking of sucking his tentacle as I once had.

The Emperor moaned, feeling it. My mind was always occupied by the elder brain, he said, caressing the opening between my legs. Trying to find ways to leave its influence.

The Absolute didn't stop you from enjoying me in my dream, I teased as I slid a finger down one of his tentacles, then grabbed it.

He held me tighter, groaning in pleasure. Serves to show how much you affected me. How much you still do.

Releasing my thigh, the Emperor flicked his hand and levitated me before standing up. He moved the ledger and other small objects aside and pushed me onto the table, stepping between my legs.

I had hoped to save this for another occasion, he said before removing the top of his armour and revealing his beautiful chest. I immediately reached for him, feeling his racing heart beneath my hand.

Despite our connection, I didn't know what he meant. The only thing I could identify was that it would be good, and that regret was tearing him in half.

Whatever it is, I quickly said, caressing him, I can wait. You don't have to do it now.

I will not forgive myself if you learn about this from someone else. Unlikely as it may be.

Someone else? I asked. Emperor, you're the only one I want.

His pride was strong and hot against me, and it increased his arousal. Consequently, it increased mine. I believe you. But you are leaving in search of information. And you might find it.

I pushed my nails into his skin and he hissed, but did not stop me. His gaze hardened as he observed me, chastising me for defying him, but I also felt a tingle of his pleasure.

You withheld information from me again? I asked. You promised no more secrets.

It is not a secret, he insisted, holding my hips tighter as he looked deep into my eyes. I believed him. Not in the sense of the word. But there is a time and place for everything. And this is neither the time nor the place for this information.

The Emperor undid my armour with his tentacles, and I was completely bare in front of him. A tentacle lingered in between my thighs, keeping my heart racing in anticipation.

You plan on starting an enhanced breed of illithids, he continued, and I know you will try to learn how to do it.

It would be wonderful, I said, running my hands on his strong arms and caressing his face and torso with my tentacles. Can you imagine?

Yes, he said, and I felt his excitement. You would control great power. Especially once the Crown ensures it. But you have given little thought to how illithids reproduce.

Oh. That was such a huge oversight. I knew they needed tadpoles inside hosts, but I didn't know how the tadpoles came to be. Why didn't you point it out before?

Time, the Emperor said, sliding that single tentacle around my opening, and place, he continued, pushing it inside and moaning with me as pleasure coursed through my entire body.

He had brought us both to climax so many times by stimulating that opening, and I had never stopped to consider why it existed. Many of the bodily functions I used to have as an elf had been eliminated after the transformation, and yet, that channel gave us even more pleasure than my vagin* used to. Combined with our intertwined tentacles rubbing each other and the mental images he projected into my mind, we were two writhing forms against the table.

Do illithids have sex? I finally asked, finding words among the haze of pleasure as he pulled and pushed into me, his hands rubbing and scratching my body, tentacles holding me tighter as we neared our climax.

You and I certainly do, he said with amusem*nt. Then his tentacle reached even deeper, wiggling against something I didn't know I had, and my mind went blank.

I was completely overwhelmed as we both trembled and collapsed on top of the table. It took me a while to recover, but the Emperor was still lying on top of me, and I hugged him, rubbing my face against his.

After a moment, the Emperor shifted and sat on the chair, pulling me along with him. I happily straddled him, feeling small in his lap as we remained connected.

We stayed in silence, enjoying each other as we lazily caressed our bodies with hands and tentacles, and sometimes intertwined them gently, lovingly.

Illithids are hermaphrodites, the Emperor finally said as he held my face, looking into my eyes. There is no need for sexual intercourse. We can self-fertilize. And once the eggs are ready, they are laid in the elder brain's pool.

My mind travelled uncomfortably through the image of illithids stopping by the elder brain to lay eggs. My imagination was fertile, but I couldn't imagine the Absolute in such a position, and I definitely couldn't imagine the Emperor doing it. Had any of those tadpoles I'd eaten been his children?

I have not laid eggs---not yet, the Emperor said. But there will come a time when I will have to. As will you. Nature demands it.

Why haven't you? I asked.

I did not wish to strengthen the elder brain any further, if I could help it. I felt his frustration souring our mood. Elder brains feast on the tadpoles as they hatch. Very few live until they can be joined with a host.

Gods. That previous mental image became even worse. Until I realised something.

And then I absorbed them, I said. I'm not much better than an elder brain.

The Emperor held my face more firmly when I tried to look away, then he caressed my cheek with his thumb.

You are so much better than an elder brain, he said. But yes, the nature of an illithid is a predatory one. Cannibalistic even. We feed on our young to strengthen ourselves.

Part of me felt bad about it. But the other half thought of the possibilities as I increased my own powers by absorbing the enhanced breed I planned on creating. Of the chance to finally reciprocate the support the Emperor had given me by providing him with enhanced tadpoles he could use.

I felt his pride as he continued to peer into my mind.

Once again, you amaze me by how easily you accept your nature, he said. You are a marvel I cannot cease to enjoy.

My chest was about to burst. I loved it when he complimented me.

And so comes the second half of your lesson, he continued, still looking deep into my eyes. He moved his tentacle inside me, and we both gasped with pleasure. You are still young---your body is not yet ready---but there will come a time when this, he prodded that spot again, will torment you with thoughts of insemination. That is when you will know it is time to start your breed.

His words made me consider his earlier revelation. Are you tormented with thoughts of insemination?

The Emperor regarded me silently, then nodded slowly. I shivered at his intensity.

For how long? I insisted.

Too long, he said.

Is there any way I can help? I would do anything to soothe his pain.

His eyes became impossibly sharper. His arousal had just reached a whole new peak. I was panting on his lap, helpless in face of such an overwhelming lust.

Through our wordless connection, I understood. If the Emperor inseminated himself, he would have to lay eggs. Even though the elder brain was dead, he did not wish for them to be wasted. He could not care for the tadpoles while trying to rebuild the Knights of the Shield. In addition, my plans to start a new breed provided him with a better use for his spawn. My offer to help him was the unthinkable solution he would never have dared to suggest. His plan had been to suggest it after I had been ready, but doing it now could be just as fortuitous. While my eggs were still immature, he could inseminate me as many times as we wished and nothing would come of it. I moaned at the thought, both his and my desire to join ourselves overwhelming us both.

Do it, I said. Pour it all inside me.

The Emperor trembled under me, shaken by my words and my emotions as much as his own overwhelming need. Undoing the lower part of his armour, he pulled his tentacle slowly from my opening. I hated how empty it made me feel.

Shh, he soothed me, holding me tighter with his hands and wrapping his tentacles all around me. You will be full very shortly.

My breath caught at his words. For the first time, the Emperor was more instinct than logic. It was such a raw, strong emotion. It took me back to the first days after my transformation, when I couldn't control myself---but he was still very much in control, which made his hunger all the more exciting.

I wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders when he spread his legs and I lost my balance, but there was no need to. I was secure in his hold.

The Emperor held my head with both hands, keeping me on his lap with two tentacles around my thighs, one around my waist, and another around my neck, while he looked into my eyes, diving into every thought and sensation coursing through me. We were as connected as ever, and this experience was just as important to him as it was to me.

I couldn't think of anything else. This was my entire world– our entire world.

Our skin was always humid, coated by the psionic enhancing mucus we also needed to stay hydrated, but the blunt tip tapping against my opening was surprisingly wet. All of his tentacles were in use, so it was something else. It was hot, throbbing and dripping.

I wanted to look, but the Emperor didn't let me, keeping our gazes connected.

I want to feel it with you, he said. Our first joining. No images to distract us. Just sensations.

It was my first time as much as it was his, and no matter my curiosity, I would do absolutely nothing to ruin his experience.

Further wrapping my arms around his shoulders, I rested my forehead on his as we looked into each other's eyes. The Emperor seemed to have total control of the appendage between my legs, because it was rubbing and circling my opening and making me absolutely drenched with its slick. The pleasure was exquisite, sending tingles through every nerve ending, and I could no longer separate my nerves from his. We were a single entity, hot and wet, writhing on the chair as his long appendage made its way inside my channel.

We were enveloped by the creaking sound of the chair as we moved, combined with our groans and moans as the obscenely slick noise increased in intensity.

Pleasure upon pleasure mounted and flowed through us, only to return again in the next thrust and pull. There was barely any friction with how drenched we both were, and it was still the most delicious thing we had ever felt---our nerve endings connected between the two of us, sensitive to every motion and the slightest touch. We wanted to be like this forever, locked and lost in each other, moaning and trembling in pleasure. It was the best sex of all our lives, and even then, nothing compared to the ecstasy that overwhelmed us when he released his sperm inside me, coating places once dormant but that now I was fully aware existed.

Mind-blowing was probably a good definition, because we were stunned for some time.

Clarity returned slowly, and just as slowly, we pulled ourselves from each other's minds. We were breathless; our muscles exhausted after such brutal strain on our nerves. The Emperor relaxed against the chair, closing his eyes, and I relaxed on top of him, lying my head on the crook of his neck. I had no strength left to do anything, no matter how much I still wanted to caress him. I simply could not move. Curiously enough, the appendage was rigidly embedded inside me, still pumping the last of his sperm. It was comforting, but also kept our pleasure going.

Eventually, the appendage retreated, but against my expectations, nothing leaked. The sperm was secure inside me. Warmth radiated from me at the thought that I had the Emperor not only in my head, but inside my belly.

Your devotion is truly fascinating, he said, his voice the most relaxed I had ever heard. He was, for the first time, truly satiated and relieved. That urge must have weighted heavily on him.

He lazily caressed me, his fingertips running on the delicate bumps and dips of my head.

Thank you for this experience, he said, burning my happiness even brighter.

Thank you, too, I said with some difficulty, still recovering.

I love you, we said at the same time, and the bubble of feelings around us burst like fireworks.

Our bond was stronger than ever.

Chapter 6

Chapter Text

I knew I couldn't travel in my true form, so I disguised myself as who I used to be. While the shape of a sun elf wasn't ideal for travel in the Underdark, it was familiar and required less effort to transform.

Traveling through tunnels and caves had never been something I enjoyed, but fighting the Absolute had taught me how to endure less pleasant environments. What bothered me was something else.

For the first time in months, I was truly alone. No matter how strong my bond with the Emperor, I was now too far for mental communication. I hated how empty and lonely it made me feel. I needed to finish this trip as fast as I could and return home.

My journey to the Underdark took me to a small settlement of deep gnomes. They regarded me with suspicion, but I knew how to convince people, and being an illithid only made it easier.

I learnt of their connections to the Zentharim, which also revealed to me the existence of a drow village not much farther from where I was—Sshamath. The Zentharim agent let me know that they would appreciate me for my magic skills, even if I was not a drow. Apparently, wizards were held in higher regard than other magic users.

I hoped that would indeed prove to be an advantage, because despite my ability to navigate the dark better than ever, I was completely out of my element.

This village was also an opportunity to help the Emperor. The Knights of the Shield could use connections among the gnomes, and it wasn't difficult to plant a few seeds in their minds. Whenever they became dissatisfied with the Zentharim, they would look for us instead. We would be waiting.

Unfortunately, I still had no clues about where to find illithids. The locals thought I was heading to my death by studying them, and that I was even more insane for bringing cats with me.

The scort I hired tried to backstab me, and I made sure that he saw every little detail of the thing he feared the most before I shared his brains with my pets and threw his remains in the water. That gnome would turn against his customers no longer.

In hindsight, I should have dominated him instead, because navigating the dark waters of the Underdark without a scort was absolutely horrible. I had no idea where I was, no idea where I had come from, and no idea where to go to reach my destination.

With the Absolute dead, that pull that had always guided me was no longer present. I had no part in anyone's design but my own. The only thing I had left to guide me was my mind.

Well, lesson learnt.

After long hours aimlessly guiding the boat, I arrived at the shores of a massacre. Dead duergars and deep gnomes littered the floor; their decaying bodies useless to my magic. The only information I found were notes about an excavation and orders from the Absolute. Nothing useful.

Even stranger were the lumps of fungi scattered around. Following them, I found what seemed to be myconid corpses and duergar and hook horror corpses infected by some fungal growth. It was disturbing. One myconid corpse in particular caught my attention for its size. It was large and almost imperceptible against the environment.

As I explored the area, I was amazed by the lights. Crystals and fungi formed the most exotic scene I had ever seen. Bioluminescence was even more impressive in person than through any text I had ever read. The Underdark wouldn't be so bad if it was all like this, but it wasn't. The gnome settlement I had left was such an example of deep darkness, broken only by the eventual firelight.

My exploration took me to a myconid colony. Their spores were unsettling, as was the voice of their leader speaking directly into my mind. It was a completely different source of mental communication, and it made me very uncomfortable. They asked me to drop the disguise–likely able to notice it through the spores–and I was reluctant to obey, unsure of what kind of reaction I'd get from the locals, but I knew better than to antagonise their leader–fungi or otherwise.

To my surprise, nobody minded as I floated through the area in my illithid form, accompanied by Us and two other intellect devourers. Granted, an illithid would have little interest in mushroom people, but even the humanoids didn't mind. My research had assured me the inhabitants of the Underdark hated illithids, but either those authors were wrong or these people were an anomaly.

Their leader was a tall and slender mushroom, as colourful and bright as all the rest, and yet, his grief contrasted heavily with everything. Through our connection, it showed me that their village had been attacked by duergars hunting a deep gnome who had long died, and still, it wanted revenge for all the myconid they had lost. It wanted me to kill the culprit–duergars and a drow, True Soul Nere–in turn, it would give me the information I wanted.

While I wasn't keen on doing other people's work, it seemed to be a fair exchange, and it would be fortunate to have a safe haven in such a hostile region.

I was searching for a place to rest when a Netherese sigil caught my attention. Not only could I return here freely once the portal was activated, but it also meant I could go back home for some quality time with the Emperor.

Chapter 7

Chapter Text

After days in the Underdark, I was more than happy to be home, and the moment I stepped out of the portal, my mind tingled with the Emperor's presence returning.

I was no longer alone. The pain was gone.

By the time I stepped onto the elevator, I felt the Emperor's emotions stir. He knew I was back and was excited to see me. Just as I was to see him. More than anything, he was excited to fill me again. It excited me in turn, my body already tingling.

Unfortunately, it will have to wait. I am in a meeting, he said before I reached the door to the study, so I donned my disguise. Should it have been safe to remain as a mind flayer, he would have told me.

I knocked three times before entering, exerting control over myself that impressed even me. I was dying to jump in his arms. The Emperor wore his elven form, taking me back to those early dreams. We rarely changed our forms lately.

Across from him sat two people, and one of them I knew. Florrick. What was she doing here? And who was her companion?

"Oh, what a fortunate timing! It seems your partner has returned," Florrick said and stood. Her companion turned to look at me. Jaheira. "It's good to see you in good health, my friend."

"The feeling is mutual, Counsellor," I said with a smile. "Or should I say, future duke?"

Florrick smiled, thankful and a little embarrassed. Above all, she was hopeful. That was good. "It does look promising," Florrick said.

I turned to her companion. "Jaheira. What brings you here?"

"I finished some business," the druid said, raising to stand beside Florrick, "and thought it would be a good moment to come thank the people who saved my city---those who remained, at least." She offered me a hand, and I knew this was a test. There was fire in her eyes and her voice was more bitter than I remembered.

Taking her hand, I shook it. She would feel five fingers, not four, as she likely expected. My transformation had preserved them for some reason.

I saw the moment she was taken by doubt---the conflict in her eyes. I did not even need to peek into her mind.

"What became of your mind flayer ally?" Jaheira asked. "I confess I thought it was you." She glimpsed at the Emperor, considering something, then focused on me.

"They've gone to the Underdark where it is, curiously enough, safer," I said, bitterly. "As welcoming as Baldur's Gate is, it seems illithids are beyond its graces."

"Make no mistake, I am thankful for your friend's sacrifice," Jaheira said. "The city is saved, even if my friend is not, and the elder brain is defeated thanks to your efforts, but you cannot expect the people of Baldur's Gate, or any other, to accept someone who will eat people's brains."

"It's not like we don't have people being sentenced to death on occasion," I offered and looked at Florrick, who gave a thoughtful nod. "At least those criminals would be serving a purpose with their deaths. The city would have one less dangerous criminal, and the mind flayer hero wouldn't starve."

Jaheira observed me. "I suppose it is easier for you to believe this after what you experienced," she finally said. "Nonetheless, I honestly hope your friend has a good life. We know the Underdark could use a helping hand balancing the scales."

"I suppose," I said.

Jaheira looked at the Emperor and then at me. "I shall be on my way then, but I'll be in touch. You should know, I am a very nosy neighbour." And she walked out of the room, where a servant accompanied her to the exit.

"Ah, forgive me," Florrick quickly said. "I had no idea she would do that. Jaheira told me you worked together before. She showed no sign of distrust until you arrived."

That made sense. Jaheira had never met the Emperor. To her, he would probably be a thrall and had little reason to test him.

"There's no harm done," I said with a smile. "She wanted to be my ally once, perhaps we can still work together in the future. Now, is there something I can do to help you, Counsellor?"

"Actually, there is one thing."

I motioned for her to sit and walked to the Emperor's side. He wrapped an arm around my waist as I placed a hand on his shoulder. Something stirred inside me as our physical closeness began to soothe me.

"I know of your dealings with the Knights of the Shield," she said, taking a seat. "It has come to my attention that they once worshipped a devil, and I came here to warn you. After everything, you don't need to fall into the grasp of one their kind."

"I definitely do not," I said calmly, but my mind was already working at fast speed. I could deny it, which would serve us little, and I could mislead her---most believed the Knights of the Shield were little more than merchants and mercenaries nowadays---but that might compromise our dealings with her. I felt no ill-intent from her, so Florrick was laying out her cards in good faith. "Who told you this?" I settled for more information.

"A new assistant of mine," Florrick said. "She's very knowledgeable on such matters."

"Helsik?" I asked. Thinking back to the day I had one of the worst arguments with the Emperor. The pain floated between us and clawed deep into our hearts. He held me tighter.

I should have listened to you, he told me privately. And it is in the past. Let it be. We are happy now.

"No," Florrick said. "I will have to keep this a secret from you for the moment, and I hope you don't go poking into my head." I did consider, and I probably could peek without her noticing, but I would respect her decision. For now. "But I assure you I have only your best interests in mind."

"I appreciate that," I said. "But I thought you needed my help."

"I do," she said. "After the Absolute, with the Dead Three influencing people and helping Gortash rise to power, I cannot trust the Flaming Fist, or the people in the Parliament of Peers. I could use your organisation's services to heal the blight and secure my position. As long as no devil is holding the reins, of course."

"No," I said and looked at the Emperor. He shook his head, also confirming inside my mind. "We are under no devil's orders. But I will look into this. And you can count on our support, Florrick."

"Thank you," she said. "I should go now. There is much to do."

As the servant accompanied Florrick to the exit, I sat on the Emperor's lap, wishing we could meld into each other, but I had a few important questions.

"So, the Knights of the Shield replaces a duke for another?" I asked with amusem*nt, then felt his pain. "Sorry, I shouldn't joke about this. I know how important Stelmane was for you."

"No, you should not joke about this, but I appreciate the sentiment all the same. It is the truth. We have an opportunity here and we should not let it slide past us."

"A devil, though? Is that true?"

Having Raphael hounding me before had been annoying; I didn't want another devil around me.

"In the past, yes," the Emperor said, running soothing circles on my arm with his knuckle. I let the disguise fade and enjoyed watching his true form return as well. I learnt of it when I first joined the Knights of the Shield, then took measures to change it. For centuries, the Knights of the Shield was nothing more than Gargauth's hand in Faerûn. That is no longer the case in Baldur's Gate, as I have no uses for devils or gods. Soon, it will be true for the entire organisation.

That's good, I said, caressing his nape with a tentacle as I held his arm and bringing my forehead to his. We shall forever be our own masters.

Except...

I teased his chest, and before I worded my desire, the Emperor was wrapping a tentacle around my neck, knowing my thoughts. Excitement flowed from the both of us. I would be grinning if I had lips. I was the brightest mind he had encountered in many years and also a free spirit just like him, and yet, I enjoyed letting him take control over me. He knew he'd do it only while I allowed it, and it excited me to give him that power.

He was the one I respected the most---who I admired the most. The one I loved above everything---after myself. I trusted him with my life now as much as I had trusted him before the Absolute's defeat.

We were partners. We were one.

And now that you have returned, it is time to reinforce our bond, he said, looking deep into my eyes.

I shivered, his words twisting something, and igniting a fire inside me. I had no idea what was happening, but he couldn't be more right.

In more ways than one, I hope, was all I could say.

His purple eyes were intense as he wrapped every tentacle around me. I was burning in anticipation. Lifting me from his lap, he rose from the chair and walked to our bathroom, carrying me in his arms.

Chapter 8

Chapter Text

The Emperor entered the bathroom and closed the door with his powers. I was unable to move, wrapped in his tentacles, and I enjoyed his warmth enveloping me. It was wonderful to be back. To be with him.

He set me on my feet, unwrapping me slowly, but kept the tentacle around my neck firmly in place as the others removed my clothes, his eyes never leaving me.

Every brush of a tentacle against my skin sent pleasurable tingles through my body, pleasing him in turn. Soon, I was completely exposed.

The servants knew to keep the bathtub always ready, and the Emperor guided me inside, teasing me with the tips of his tentacles while the one around my neck remained firm, guiding me physically as he had morally so many times before.

His purple gaze was on me while he continued to tease my body with three of his tentacles. His hands were busy undoing his clothes painfully slowly.

Nothing existed outside of our bubble, and I was panting. Our mental connection was regaining its strength but my body was craving his. It was a raw, powerful emotion, its intensity something I hadn't felt ever since I learnt to deal with my new nature, but this need was new.

The Emperor exposed his chest at last, and I reached for him with my tentacles, only for him to tighten his grip on my neck and keep me away.

No, he said. No touching yet.

My belly was in a twist, firing off signals from organs and nerves I could barely name. My need for him was literally visceral.

Interesting, he said, letting his lower armour drop to the floor, revealing his hips and legs in a single fluid movement. Is this caused by our time apart?

It seemed so. I had missed him in my mind terribly, never having felt so alone in my entire life---even worse than when I had been to Raphael's house---but my body only started reacting once we reunited. I could barely recognise myself. I craved him almost as much as I craved brains.

Fascinating, he said, joining me in the bathtub while his tentacles wrapped around my arms, immobilising me. The last tentacle he used to continue teasing my body.

My legs trembled, and in a bout of defiance born out of extreme need, I touched his thighs with my feet. I needed more contact.

The Emperor didn't move, just watched me even more intently. He was digging into my mind, and every slight motion---in my mind and on my body---sent me pleasure. He was touching me. He was with me. He was inside me.

I couldn't avert my gaze from his even if I wanted to, and I definitely didn't want to. I wanted to feel him in my mind, and I wanted to dive into his, lose myself in his existence, consume him, mingle and burst as one.

His curiosity was strong and he probed, exploring and teasing every little corner of my mind and body. Then I was engulfed in the image-sensation of his tentacle entering my mouth, sliding on my tongue, touching the back of my throat. As I moaned around him, elated for having him inside my body, a tip poked between my legs. I could barely breathe, excitement, pleasure, and the pressure of his tentacle around my neck proving too much as he pushed inside me.

I screamed in ecstasy, finally completely filled by him, but it was muffled by his tentacle in my mouth. Which gave me even more pleasure. I was stuffed with him. The only thing missing was his sperm filling me. Then it would be perfect.

The illusion slowly faded, and the euphoria was dissipating. I found myself still in the bathtub, the Emperor touching my body with his hands, his eyes on mine, and his tentacles slowly releasing me.

I felt empty again. And I needed to be full.

Come, the Emperor said. Let us continue this on our bed. It would be unfortunate to find ourselves dazed in this bathtub after I'm done with you.

I could not reply. I could barely think. Every little part of me screamed need and his words only excited me more.

Before I could move, the Emperor took me in his arms again. I wrapped my legs around his hips and my arms around his shoulders as I buried my face against his neck, under his tentacles. All that mattered was his skin against mine. He wrapped his tentacles around me, and as he walked out of the bathroom, pushed one slowly inside my opening. I gasped against his neck.

Thank you, I said, happy to have him not only around, but also inside me again.

Chapter 9

Chapter Text

Psionic energy tickled my senses as the Emperor took me to the bedroom, but I was beyond worrying about it. He was my entire world at that moment.

Once inside the room, the Emperor slowly unwrapped his tentacles, and I whined. Even though he kept the one inside me where it belonged, I didn't want him to remove my envelope. Placing me on the bed, he observed me quietly as I wordlessly begged him to return to me.

I have not left, he calmly said. I am right here.

But the Emperor was too far. I needed more of him.

Most intriguing, he said before climbing on top of me.

I received him with all my limbs, touching everywhere I could. He reciprocated, and every small caress rekindled the fire burning between us, even if he still kept a small barrier around his mind. He was too curious, too intrigued to fully let go.

As we moaned and writhed on the now soggy sheets, my thirst for his sperm only grew. I needed to be filled by it. Immature or not, my eggs craved the Emperor coating them---drenching them---in wonderful cream.

Our minds were as connected as ever, so I felt and heard every thought going through the Emperor's mind, even though I couldn't process any of them in my current state. So I felt the moment he came to a conclusion, and his emotions made my entire being tingle.

Wrapping his tentacles around my wrists, the Emperor pulled my hands away from his head and torso and kept them beside my head. I struggled only because I wanted to touch him, but I loved how intense he was, how his instincts were gaining more room and scorching me.

My legs trembled around his hips as he pumped the tentacle inside me. We moaned, groaned, and I touched him everywhere I could with my tentacles. Our pleasure bubble was pure energy, and we shuddered as it grew.

Instead of letting it burst and consume us, the Emperor pulled his tentacle from me. I wanted to cry. It was agony being parted from him---having our growing pleasure coming to a sudden halt.

Shh, the Emperor soothed. I have something better.

Using his now two free tentacles to wrap around my legs, just above my knees, he pulled them up, spreading me completely for him as he moved between them. The Emperor trailed paths on my shivering body with his long nails, shivering in turn when they sent pleasure shockwaves through me. I no longer had breasts, but the ridges on my torso were even more sensitive than my nipples used to be.

It is… interesting seeing you like this, the Emperor said as he continued to touch me, keeping me firmly held back. Only my tentacles were free to satiate my still overwhelming need for touch. I suspect I know the cause now, and it fascinates me. Worry not, my beautiful mind, I will give you what you need.

What I needed was more of him---all of him. I needed to consume him and I needed him to consume me . And he was giving me less and less of him. It hurt.

You need to focus, the Emperor said firmly, his gaze burning through me as it usually did. I loved it. Well done. I shivered under him. Now, this time, you may look.

I was confused for just a heartbeat. Then I felt it, tapping between my legs as if knocking on a door. Euphoria burst through me---then doubled back when the Emperor felt it as well---when I realised what it was. I was going to get what I needed!

As much as I wanted to look, it was also difficult to break our gaze. Looking into his eyes maintained our connection strong, something I enjoyed beyond words. But the more he tapped and circled and slid around my opening, the more tempted I was to see what that last appendage looked like.

A visceral tingle coursed through me---then him---when I saw it---a lighter shade of mauve and almost translucent in the dim light of the room. It was long and just as thick as his tentacles, but the ridges were different. Instead of running down the length, they were ringed. No wonder it had felt so different inside me. And it was absolutely drenched in slick. We were burning with desire and anticipation. The pleasure the Emperor had so suddenly stopped from growing was still simmering, and the sight of his penis only intensified it.

It was beautiful.

With every new contact, his penis transferred more and more slick to me, creating glistening ropes connecting us. I missed my tongue. I wanted to lick it.

You surprise me, the Emperor said, then considered something that made my heart race even faster. Let us… experiment then.

The Emperor kept me restrained while he shifted to straddle my chest, his tantalising appendage coming ever closer to my face, but I was so entranced by it that I could barely breathe.

Fascinating, the Emperor said, amazed by my eagerness.

He was dripping on my skin, leaving a slick trail on my already slick body. My desire was affecting him as well, connected as we were, and the moment he touched the seams at the base of my tentacles, we both groaned in pleasure. He held me even tighter as his back arched with our combined ecstasy.

Remembering my tentacles were free, I used two to touch his penis, wrapping them around its length, and almost choking on the rush of pleasure we received. The more I rubbed and twisted my tentacles, completely drenching myself in slick, the more we shook and moaned, overtaken by euphoria.

Then the Emperor pulled it away. I tried to follow it but my tentacles weren't long enough.

There is only one place I am releasing my sperm, and it is not on your body, he said, his mind voice just as breathless as he was.

I shivered.

Trying not to let my need overwhelm me negatively again, I distracted myself by tasting my own slick-covered tentacles. Pushing one inside my mouth, my taste buds exploded in happiness. Only the taste of a brain was better than this. Stuffing myself with my own tentacles, I rubbed his slick on the small gustatory pad and nearly fell into a delirium as both our pleasures mixed. Not only the Emperor felt my enjoyment through our connection, the debauched sight I was providing him excited him even more.

When my tentacles were clean, the Emperor brought his penis close to my mouth again, rubbing it at the seams of my tentacles.

Now open up. No touching, he said, his voice as visceral as it had been when he revealed his penis to me the first time.

I was tempted to defy him, to wrap my tentacles around the dripping appendage again and melt in pleasure along with him, but I needed to taste him from the source, without my own mucus mixed in. So I tipped my head and curled my tentacles away. He was free to use my mouth as he wished.

The Emperor's reaction to my submission was just as strong, and it shook me whole.

You are… perfect, he said, slowly entering my mouth, careful with the rows of teeth.

I felt the slick dripping before I felt his penis, and my heart raced even faster. I had no jaw or lips to close around his appendage; I could not suck it. I was completely at his mercy.

The Emperor had absolute control over his penis, and in turn, over my pleasure. He truly intended to experiment, and explored every way he could touch, slide, and drip inside my mouth.

It was blissful torture.

Our pleasure was exquisite and intense. I couldn't decide if I wanted him to stop or continue. We groaned, moaned and shuddered at every touch and moment apart.

It was a wonderful experience we never knew we needed.

And then he not only pulled away from my mouth, but he moved back between my legs. I had never seen him this breathless before, the coil inside him was at its tightest. It gave me immense satisfaction to know I had caused it by letting him explore me.

There were no words as the Emperor entered me, only vocalisations of pleasure and the wet sounds of our joining. My back arched as he pushed inside, my legs and arms still restrained, and my tentacles moved erratically in front of my face as the pleasure intensified.

The closest he got to release, the more euphoric I became, and in turn, so did he. He would give me what I needed, what I craved .

He bathed my immature eggs in sperm, both his pleasure for releasing and mine for being drenched by him turning us into a single spasming entity, our minds overloaded with the signals going back and forth between us.

Once able to move, the Emperor released my limbs and laid on top of me, wrapping his arms and tentacles around me. I was shaking with aftershocks, but I embraced him happily as he continued to pump inside me, breathing into my chest.

No wonder illithids are usually so miserable, I said, finally able to speak, even if slowly, as I regained some clarity of mind. They're not allowed to have this.

The Emperor was the happiest I had ever seen and felt him, and at that moment, I realised that I would stop at nothing to always get the chance to have him like this.

Chapter 10

Chapter Text

We were lying on the bed. The Emperor had one arm around me while I had one across his chest, our tentacles mingling. The energy around us was quiet and blissful as we enjoyed each other's presence after so long apart.

Those had been the longest ten days of my life.

We need to discuss what happened, the Emperor said.

He didn't need to elaborate. Through our connection, I knew exactly what he meant.

My behaviour had been more than a surprise, it had revealed untold—possibly forbidden—knowledge of illithid reproductive habits. Illithids under an elder brain's influence had very little agency; their motivations revolving around the progress of the colony—however they saw that happening. We were free, but more than that, we had found in each other a support and connection far greater than an illithid had with their thrall.

Because an illithid without a thrall was empty. Miserable. Lost. Especially if the separation had been traumatic.

We weren't each other's thralls—that was impossible—but the connection was similar, and staying apart was just as painful. But this he had already noticed. The surprise was something else.

When the Emperor had decided to inseminate me, he had miscalculated the consequences. With very little information to support his projections, he ended up with more unknown variables than he had initially thought. Even though my eggs were still immature, the presence of sperm in the chamber had activated a biological response. My body now believed it was ready for reproduction, and craved to be inseminated. And not only that, since the sperm was from a different source, it had caused an unexpected reaction.

The Emperor believed it was the illithid's predatory nature coming into play. An outsider element provided a chance to evolve, hence my need to consume him. My desire for him to consume me seemed to be a reflection of our deeper connection.

He still needed more information. More testing. Warmth radiated in my belly at that thought, even though we were currently satisfied. I was looking forward to more testing.

So all this is your doing? I asked, looking into his eyes.

A miscalculation on my part, yes, he said. And one I am glad to have made.

Me too. I rested my head against his neck, basking in the love we felt.

But what about my desperation? I asked after a while. I could barely think.

That, I believe, is a combination of a few factors, the Emperor explained. First, your age. You have only recently adapted to how emotions flow as an illithid, so an emotional response as strong as this could, and has, easily overwhelmed you. Second, our bond. I believe our reunion after prolonged time apart had triggered a burst of hormones, leading back to factor number one. Third, my miscalculation. I told you about being tormented by the need to inseminate. While it is strong, it has always been within my power to sate it. You cannot inseminate yourself yet, because of your age, but you knew I could give you what you needed. You have had it inside you before. Combined with how I believe your body is responding to my sperm, this would have escalated factor number two. As brilliant as your mind is, it was sufficiently engrossed in processing all those signals to still grant you the ability to think.

Are you trying to get me ready to go again? I asked, running my hand on his abdomen. Because it is working.

While that would be excellent, and I am tempted, he said. I believe I don't have the energy right now. I felt his arousal tickling under the other emotions, but I also saw that yes, he was exhausted.

Long day? I asked.

Very. He groaned in frustration, before clearing his head. I can tell you about it another time. Let us enjoy this moment. How was your journey to the Underdark?

As much as the dark was comfortable, the areas I explored were very primitive, I said, letting him see my experiences.

The way you dealt with that gnome is most satisfying to see, he said, feeling some of my excitement at reliving the memory, and sharing it. He approved.

Yes, but I lost my guide, I said. I should have dominated him instead.

A valid alternative, and one you should always consider when your survival is at stake. He began circling my waist with his thumb. A comforting motion. But remember that whenever you consume a brain, you absorb not only the nutrients and energy, but the individual's experiences as well. You were never lost in that river.

Oh. That explained how I knew how to control that boat.

And more, he added. You need only to analyse your acquired information. I know it can be difficult in the moment, especially so early in your new life—as extraordinary as your adaptation is, you need more experience—so take a moment during your meditations to go through your last meal. Unless you are unfortunate and the individual was of little mental prowess, you will realise that you have acquired an assortment of useful knowledge.

I had been eating and giving it little thought. He was right. As usual.

This talk is making me hungry, I said.

The Emperor's amusem*nt endeared him all the more to me. Come then, let us share a meal. I know just who to pick.

Chapter 11

Chapter Text

We didn't bother dressing up, merely formed the illusion of robes around us in case a servant came by, and descended to the dungeons.

The cultists were each in their own cell, in case they decided to help each other avoid their fates. Their bowls of food were empty and there was no mess. That was good; it meant their needs were keeping them subdued. It had taken them about a month to stop acting up.

The more disagreeable individuals were always eaten first.

I could feel their panic as we floated by their cells. I had to admit, it was satisfying to know I had that effect on these monsters. They could look like people, but I knew what they had done to others. Nourishing us was a gift compared to what they truly deserved.

The Emperor stopped at the gate of a human woman. She was young, and like the others, terrified—cowering in the back corner, trying to make herself small and unnoticed. What they didn't understand was that we always noticed everything down here. Including their thoughts of escape. Which would never come to fruition.

We only ever came to their cells for two purposes: feeding them or feeding ourselves. Since they had already eaten, they knew whose turn it was.

This woman was a Banite, one of many who had worked for Gortash. Florrick didn't know, but we had already cleared her path months ago, and this woman had been part of that effort. We had caught her using an orphanage to further her plans, uncaring about the poor children who were suffering due to her actions.

I pulled her to the gate, enjoying her helplessness, making her feel like those children had. I didn't even need to touch her, it was all in her head.

The Emperor was proud of me, watching the scene, and I let him take control of her as I took the observer role. I had eaten recently, and while I could do so again, our food supply was slow to restock. I would leave again soon, and I could find someone in the Underdark to serve that purpose. The Emperor had already been longer without nourishment, and I would share in his enjoyment, nothing more.

I unlocked the gate and watched as the Emperor pulled her out with merely a motion of his hand. Everyone in their cells could see him wrap his tentacles around her head and latch onto her skull, but only I could enjoy the meal—how the brain quickly dissolved, turning into delectable cream, and was masterfully sucked, igniting our bodies with the euphoria characteristic of eating a plump, juicy, and healthy brain. I was still learning not to make a mess, still unable to avoid a few blood splatters, but the Emperor did it beautifully, impeccably.

For the captives watching, it took no time at all for us to extract a brain, but to us, immersed in the action, it was blissful eternity.

With no need to rush, the Emperor made sure to enjoy the whole matter, leaving nothing behind. I felt it all as if I was the one feeding, from the powerful hold to the throat swallowing the invigorating nectar. Once he was done, the Emperor dropped her body on the floor, taking a moment to enjoy the rush still coursing through his body, in which I also shared. When the sensation dissipated, leaving behind the peace of a sated appetite, I entwined my tentacles with his and held his hands, before he took me in his arms, embracing me.

After a while, we parted, and I took the woman's body with me—floating it with magic—to the dungeon's kitchen while the Emperor returned upstairs to prepare our bed for sleep. It was a repurposed cell on another wing of the dungeons, now fully furnished to serve its occupant's needs, including a small bed by the corner. I had initially offered Rov another empty cell to sleep in, but he preferred to use the fire from the kitchen as his heat source. The other cell had become his workshop, where Rov crafted his inventions.

Leaving the body on the counter of the empty kitchen, I followed the clanking noises to the workshop.

As immersed as he was in his newest experiment, Rov didn't notice my approach as I floated into the room.

Good evening, Rov, I said. The kobold jumped in surprise, then placed the hammer on the table. There's fresh meat in the kitchen. Please prepare it as soon as you're free.

"Oh! Will do, Mistress!" Rov excitedly said. "The goggles are almost done!"

Are they? I floated closer and inspected it without touching. I didn't want to accidentally damage it. It seemed done. What's missing?

"Straps, Mistress," Rov said. "Just in case."

I see. Preparing for eventualities—I like that.

Rov's scaly chest raised with pride at the compliment, making him even more adorable in the leather overalls.

I had found Rov in a cell during our cultist hunt. The poor creature had seen his entire tribe tortured to death for nothing more than enjoyment. I'd saved him just in time, before his turn began, and noticed he had quite the bright mind for a kobold, interested in creating more than traps and cleaning equipment for his crew. So I took him in.

With us, he could invent safely and freely, as long as he did the occasional project for me and shared his meals with the stock. Just like the servants upstairs, he was unable to divulge the truth of what happened in this place and our true identities. As much as he was satisfied with our deal, our survival and protection was paramount, and we couldn't take any chances.

"Have you found any kin in your trip, Mistress?" Rov asked.

Not yet, I said. But I haven't forgotten, don't worry. I'll leave you to it. Good night, Rov.

"G'night, Mistress!"

The clanking noises returned as I made my way to the elevator. I wondered what he was making, but I knew he wouldn't tell me if I asked. Rov liked to show his projects once they were complete. I could look into his head, but he hadn't given me reason to break his privacy yet. And I enjoyed surprises.

Back upstairs, I found a servant muttering to herself as she walked aimlessly up and down the corridor. I called her name, Pauline, and she didn't answer. I approached, and she didn't see me.

Madness.She had touched or seen something she shouldn't have.

Another servant thought she was hiding as she observed beyond the bend of the corridor. Ignoring her, I peered into Pauline's mind, searching for the cause, and was surprised to see it was me and the Emperor in our bed earlier. Pauline had entered the room, something the servants had been warned to never do while we were inside. The psionic energy in the room had proved too much for her mind.

Sighing, I erased the memory and implanted more warnings and instructions. Hopefully it would be enough and she would counsel her friends to follow them.

Pauline was surprised to see me when she finally recovered her senses, and then apologised. The other servant, a younger elven woman, came out of hiding and took Pauline to their room.

Curiosity killed the cat, I told them before joining the Emperor on our bed and giving him the news. He was looking forward to wearing the goggles, and just as annoyed at the servant.

We should start locking the door, the Emperor said.

We had never bothered because we didn't think they would dare coming in, but if their curiosity was greater than their self-preservation, we needed to take measures to preserve them in their stead.

Cuddling with the Emperor, our tentacles intertwined as we relaxed, sleep almost immediately claiming us. Once again, I was sure that no matter how many times I came and left, his arms were my home.

Chapter 12

Chapter Text

I awoke with a strange feeling. Something I hadn't felt ever since I had lost my divine magic. Someone had reached out to me in my dreams, but I couldn't remember them. In contrast, my moments aboard the nautiloid were now vivid—even more than after I left it. I had been so confused and scared back then, that I didn't pay attention to the things I was doing. More importantly, I had forgotten about the tablets.

One tablet in particular had shown schematics for a nautiloid, and whoever that being in my dream was, it wanted me to remember it because I could see the information as if it was right in front of me.

Not wasting a moment more, I untangled my tentacles and flew to the desk, immediately starting to transfer the schematics to the paper.

What happened? the Emperor sleepily asked.

A dream, I said, focusing on my task.

The Emperor floated to my side and observed, intrigued by the sight. I didn't know you could draw.

It's not so different from drawing magic diagrams, I said, my hand working at maximum speed and precision. It was outstanding. But normally I wouldn't be able to draw this from memory alone. Someone wants me to know this. Not that I'm complaining, I've wanted a nautiloid of my own for a while now.

I fear you have way too many tasks already, the Emperor said.

You're not wrong, but I won't squander this opportunity. And thanks to you, I can multitask better than ever.

We continued in silence, the Emperor watching while I inscribed with mad concentration. It took me a long time and many sheets of paper. The Emperor was kind to collect some from the study when we realised mine wouldn't be enough.

And yet, something was missing. This thing would never take flight as it was.

I can't remember the last detail, I said, trying not to let annoyance overtake me.

Perhaps it wasn't in the original piece, the Emperor offered. It is a wonder you could recall this with such precision.

No. I tried to push my memory further, but it gave me a headache. Something is blocking it. Likely the same being that made me remember. I just don't know what they want me to do in exchange for the information.

Making deals with unknown entities can be dangerous, he said.

Not always, I said, turning to face him and reaching for his hands. Our deal proved most fortuitous.

Because it was a partnership, he insisted, caressing my face with a tentacle. Be careful.

I will. I moved my hands to his chest. What do you think of returning to the bed and strengthening our partnership?

I think it is a wonderful idea, he said, picking me up in his arms and carrying me to bed while I wrapped my legs around his hips.

During breakfast, the Emperor told me what happened while I had been in the Underdark. Word of the Knights of the Shield returning to activity in Baldur's Gate was spreading, and it meant enemies were rising. The Guild had been busy with the Zentharim during our conflict with the Absolute, and in the aftermath, both sides had ended up weakened. While it would have been a good chance to eliminate them, it had also meant an opportunity to unite them under the Knights' influence.

But, clearly, they had tried to turn it around.

Such were the ways of the black market. They couldn't pass up the chance to usurp the one in power. According to the Emperor, such were also the ways of illithid society, so he had been doubly prepared for the occasion.

In the end, self-preservation had won, and they had decided to collaborate instead of ceasing to exist. The Guild and the Zentharim would continue to operate as usual in Baldur's Gate, keeping the façade, but they would answer to the Emperor. It was just a matter of time before the other branches followed suit.

The Emperor also told me that Jaheira's dead friend had worked for the Zentharim under the Absolute's influence. One of Orin's doppelgangers had taken Jaheira's form, and the man had done everything he was told. He had transformed into a mind flayer during the conflict, killed nearly all of the members around him, and had died by the real Jaheira's hands.

No wonder she had been more bitter than I remembered.

Our soup, in contrast, was tastier than when I left. The servants were improving, experimenting with flavour. In my previous life as an elf, a bowl of organ soup would never have gotten anywhere close to my mouth—I had avoided meat whenever possible—now, few other things would be able to sustain me.

Talking about self-preservation reminded me that I wasn't sure how long illithids could live. To my surprise, the Emperor revealed they usually didn't live past 200 years.

You have to be older than that, I said as we sat in the study.

I am, he said. Another perk of my adventuring years, I would assume.

How?

A well-worded Wish from a Djinn, he said. I'm sure you can find a better alternative—not that I doubt your ability to cover every loophole, but they are very unsavoury creatures.

I don't relish the idea of leaving the terms of my immortality in another's hand, of that I'm sure, I said. I will find another way. Magic hasn't disappointed me yet. Maybe I'd even cast Wish myself once I learnt how.

With yet another thing added to my list, I decided to research for a few days before returning to the Underdark. That dream had left me intrigued, and I wanted answers.

Chapter 13

Chapter Text

Rov's goggles were more useful than I had anticipated. Sunlight no longer bothered my eyes, and I could spend an entire day in Sorcerous Sundries researching spells.

Legend Lore could prove too vague, but I had nothing else, and any information would be helpful. Nautiloids were things of legend, so it would give me something .

Unfortunately, I wasn't making much progress on the life extension side of my research. Not that I had expected it to be easy. We would have many more immortal wizards and fewer liches if it was that readily available.

Back at the palace, I went to my laboratory in the dungeons to cast the spell. Concentrating on the information I already had, I questioned what I was still missing. The spell's result was as poetic as advertised.

"Grown and melded to the whims of its masters.

Guided by outstanding minds from wondrous seats.

It sailed the eternal currents and the waters."

What was I supposed to do with that?

After hours breaking down the words to their possible meanings, I had many suspicions but no certainties. Taking my notes with me, I returned upstairs to ask the Emperor's perspective. He was in the study, still going through reports and plans for the Knights of the Shield.

Do you have a moment? I asked.

The Emperor set down the paper and regarded me. Let me see, he said, extending a hand.

I gave him my notes and waited, enjoying his thought process as he considered my notes and his own conclusions. As I suspected, the first line was about the nautiloid's unique architecture; a combination of biological matter and machinery. The last line should have been obvious to me; it was about nautiloids being able to cross the Astral Sea and jump through planes. Then he reached a barrier on the second line.

While the name of the seat eludes me, the Emperor finally said, I know what it means.

Hope bloomed inside me. What is it?

When I was aboard the nautiloid, a group of six mind flayers was tasked with powering the ship, he explained. They did so by sitting in specific chairs in a dedicated room, channelling psionic power. I believe those were these wondrous seats .

I couldn't remember any special chairs while I was running aboard the nautiloid, but I also hadn't been paying attention to much of the furniture—my priorities had been very different.

Any idea how I can learn more about them? I asked.

Short of finding a nautiloid, he said, perhaps the colony at Moonrise Towers would still have some information, since the Absolute had them boarded in the caves for so long. Noticing my temptation to follow that route, he continued. Although I doubt it'll be empty even without the brain. And the Shadow Curse was still active when we left. Do you still have the lantern?

Yes. It's in my lab, I said. Would you go with me if I returned there?

In the future, I could, he said.

Right. He couldn't leave the Knights of the Shield unattended yet.

I suppose I'll return to the Underdark for now and see what the mind flayers over there have to say, I said.

And when you return, things should be flowing here, he said, caressing my arm with a tentacle. Maybe enough that I'll join you next.

Feeling my eagerness to travel with him, the Emperor pulled me to his lap, the illusion of robes around us dissolving. I happily straddled him, intertwining our tentacles as I caressed his shoulders, showing him my intentions.

He had once travelled the seas, explored many challenging regions, and acquired many riches. Once we had a nautiloid of our own, the seas wouldn't be the only thing we could explore. The Knights of the Shield would be one of many other organisations he could control. And once the Crown was reforged, we'd be unstoppable.

The Emperor greatly approved, our plans aligning flawlessly, and as his penis carefully found its way inside me, igniting us both with pleasure, I thought of our future spawn. Not only would they be beautifully enhanced and would improve us in turn, the best of them would join our side. I had to find suitable form donors for them. They would have to be just as exceptional, otherwise it could interfere with our spawns' greatness.

Our pleasure intensified, the Emperor impressed by my dedication, by my design taking such a strong shape in my mind. The course was set, we just needed to follow it.

Trembling on top of him, I laid my head on his shoulder and wrapped my arms around him, eager to feel the moment he would flood me with his sperm. We couldn't wait for the day when my eggs would mature and happily receive his gift, merging to create our beautiful breed!

Our minds went blank, our nerves overwhelmed by such strong signals coursing through our bodies. It still amazed me how powerful this climax was.

As I regained conscience, I sent the Emperor the image-sensation of many kisses along his face, neck, and shoulder, nuzzling him with love as he continued to pump me full, his hand caressing my back.

It would be such a beautiful day.

Chapter 14

Chapter Text

A few days later, without much progress on the surface, it was time to return to the Underdark. The Emperor, however, had other plans. When I stirred, he held me tighter with both arms and tentacles.

He was behind me on the bed, an arm around my waist and his tentacles intertwined with mine. One tentacle moved to wrap around my neck as he pulled me even closer.

We both knew I had to leave, but we also wanted to enjoy each other before I left. We didn't know when I would return. The myconid leader could wait another hour for me to find his drow. I didn't even know if I would find the man. As the tip of a tentacle entered my mouth, I felt the Emperor's frustration at my thinking about other people at a time like this. He wanted me focused on him.

Sorry, I said as the tentacle tightened around my neck, pulling me to look at him as he moved to meet my gaze. Another tentacle lifted my thigh as he rubbed all around my torso with his hands. As soon as there was room, his penis sought entry, slick making a mess of our bodies.

Ever since I returned from the Underdark, the Emperor had been keeping me full, to the point where I had become aware of what happened in that once-unused chamber. We now had another explanation for the urge I had felt that night—to consume him. Since my eggs couldn't use his sperm yet, my body used it as nourishment. He'd been fascinated by the discovery, wanting to learn more about it.

Of all the things I had imagined mind flayers doing, sex had never been one of them, and yet, I was so happy to be right here, doing exactly that. My connection with the Emperor was impossible to describe in times like this; we felt everything the other did, and there was no boundary between our identities. I was in his body and he was in mine. We were one. And the pleasure always exploded in a way that left us completely overwhelmed.

And while we never had the energy for another round, we always wanted more.

It was either a coincidence or a very bitter joke by some god. Following one of the myconid's instructions, I had sailed the dark waters and found myself in the ruins of a Sharran temple. If I never saw another one it would be too soon.

Once again, this temple was empty. Or at least, there were no living beings in it anymore. The entire place was littered with dead drow, svirfneblin, and duergar. Curiously enough, those dead drow had been Harper spies. I wondered if Jaheira had anything to do with this.

As I explored the area, I found Dark Justiciars' skeletons. The place had been raided twice over, it would seem. And the more I looked into it, the more it seemed like this temple and the one I had accessed through the cursed lands were one and the same. When I reached a room with a merregon, I was almost sure, and when I found a broken bridge and saw the other side, I had the confirmation I needed.

This temple was absolutely huge. How many followers had Yurgir decimated when he first arrived? And just how long had he been here before I released him?

I was so happy I had killed Raphael.

Another dead person was True Soul Nere. His body was still able to answer a few questions, but nothing very useful: he told me his identity and said he'd been sent here by the Absolute. He had worked with the drow I had killed in the goblin temple and had died behind a wall of rubble, trapped in a room full of noxious gas that was no longer active. He recommended Sshamath as the nearest place for me to find information about the Underdark, but I couldn't ask him for directions. His tadpole lay dead a few steps away from his body—likely killed by the poison as well.

What a waste. Illithid I may already be, but those tadpoles had been powerful, and this one could have nourished me now.

Collecting Nere's bloating head, I returned to the colony.

The myconid leader was satisfied with my results, and led me to a dead drow. His body was past the ability of speech, but held an interesting book. It had been enchanted, hiding its true contents, but deciphering it was easy. Having exclusive access to an adamantine forge was surely valuable, especially once I found someone who could enchant the items. Wizard I might still be, but I had no idea how to craft magic items. Perhaps I should learn how.

I was surprised when the myconid guide told me to follow it. I had thought this was all I would get for my efforts, but it led me to a trader supposed to give me information on illithids. Blurg was an orog, and recoiled at seeing me.

I was told you could give me information on my kind, I said, trying not to spook him further.

"Forgive me for asking," he tentatively said, "but why have you come to me? Have you fled your colony?"

I was never part of one, I explained. I was infected aboard a nautiloid and then spent the following weeks trying to kill the elder brain that was trying to control me.

Blurg stared silently at me for a while. "If that's true…"

It's true, I insisted. Have you heard about the Absolute invading Baldur's Gate?

"This is the Underdark, not another plane," he said. "Of course, I've heard about it. The Society of Brilliance, which I'm part of, has a building there, and it was severely damaged in the attack. Are you saying you are the mind flayer hero who left for the Underdark in the aftermath?"

I am. Technically true, since I was in the Underdark now.

"Oh! We have been looking forward to meeting you ever since we heard about it!" His initial suspicion was completely gone, replaced by excitement. "Omeluum! You must come here!"

I waited to see who he was calling, and to my surprise, it was a mind flayer. A mind flayer who also flinched at seeing me. Were they expecting me to act against them?

"Omeluum!" Blurg quickly said. "This is the mind flayer hero from Baldur's Gate!"

Omeluum's interest flowed toward me in waves. Oh. It is pleasing to make your acquaintance, he said. Would you be comfortable telling me about your experience with the Absolute?

You're very… careful with your words, I said.

A necessity when you deal with a mixed assortment of people, he explained. The Society of Brilliance has many different races from many different backgrounds united for the betterment of life in the Underdark.

That probably meant I could learn much from them!

Let us make a deal then, I said. I'll tell you about my experience with the Absolute, and you'll tell me about illithids and the Underdark. What do you say?

"We accept," Blurg readily said. "But it is only fair that you tell us about the nautiloid as well."

Of course, I said. It's where everything began.

Perfect, Omeluum said. Come this way. While privacy is a rare commodity in this place, comfort can still be provided. We shall discuss this over a meal. I only ask that you forgive me for not having any brains available.

Don't worry about it, I said. I don't yet require a brain, and I'll be satisfied with whatever you offer.

Blurg hesitated, looking at Us and the other two intellect devourers. "Have you been making them?"

No, I said. I rescued them.

Blurg observed them a while longer before looking at me. "Come on then. I must know everything!"

Omeluum was an interesting person. Unlike the Emperor, his only goal was to research. He was trying to discover alternatives to brains, but he wasn't making much progress. He and Blurg were fascinated by my experience and my relationship with the Emperor. While I didn't tell them the intimate information, they knew we were partners and that we had supported each other from the start—something uncommon among illithids, who often competed with each other. They were even more intrigued that I had transformed willingly.

Omeluum had escaped from the elder brain of his colony thanks to his arcane magic, and had been studying it ever since to try and learn ways to resist their power. I offered to help him should he ever needed to resist a hivemind, without explaining how I could do so. While they seemed like good people, it might not be safe to speak about Orpheus's power.

Unfortunately, they didn't have much to tell me about illithids that the Emperor had not already done, but they gave me much needed guidance on how to navigate the Underdark and find people who wouldn't be outright hostile.

They offered a corner for me to spend the night, but I returned home to the Emperor so we could reinforce our bond and exchange news before I left in the morning.

Chapter 15

Chapter Text

The Emperor had heard about the Society of Brilliance, but since his focus had been on Baldur's Gate, he had never cared about it. My plans, however, could benefit from their work—especially Omeluum's research. If we could find other ways to fulfill our psionic needs, we would have surpassed every limitation.

He had also suggested that I searched for useful connections in the drow city, to expand our reach. I would certainly be doing that.

My exploration of the Underdark took me to a massive glowing tree that negated all my spells, so I stayed as far away from it as possible as I searched for the tunnels Blurg and Omeluum had mentioned. While I could still use psionics and my shortswords, the suppression of my arcane magic was very uncomfortable. Around the tree, I found hook horrors, and as I faced them with my pets, a bulette burst from the ground, sending Us flying toward the tree.

I couldn't remember feeling such rage before. Us was precious to me! After ensuring it was safe, I destroyed all the creatures, only for a mad drow to come out from a cave, despairing at the sight. Apparently, the hook horrors had been important to him.

He was so miserable that instead of eating him, I decided to help him. Subduing him didn't take much effort—his mind was nearly all gone—and soon, Filro was painlessly telling me all about his life. He had been partners with the dead drow in the myconid colony and another one, Dhourn. They had been searching for the Adamantine Forge, hoping it would bring them power and prestige, especially to Dhourn, who was from an important house. Eventually, they had all turned on each other, and Filro had been left to die. I could see why his memories would torment him to the point of madness, so I decided to help him further and free him from them.

Thoroughly manipulating Filro's mind back to sanity took me five days. Not only was putting everything I had learnt from the Emperor to practice harder than I'd thought, but I didn't want to damage Filro's identity. While I had done similar work when I healed Pauline, Filro's madness was different, and I also needed to make more changes, so I had to be very careful.

In the end, I was starving and eager to leave this damn cave. Filro remained largely himself, but sane and without the pain associated with his memories. More importantly, he wasn't going to betray me like he had his former friends.

We encountered two minotaurs near an abandoned temple of Selûne—the same where the goblins had made their lair—and while they weren't as refreshing as I would have liked, they were enough to sate my hunger and recover my powers.

As we continued the search, we passed by some petrified drow, and Filro recognised a few of them. He gasped when he saw his former friend, Dhourn, but before we could do anything, the culprit appeared. A Spectator.

I hated beholders. Even beholderkin were a nuisance. To think that Raphael had kept two. Once again, I was happy I had killed him.

The Spectator turned the drow back to flesh only to have them attack me, but I saw a valuable opportunity and changed the odds by having my pets take control of Dhourn's men while I kept him in a magical cage. I needed him alive. Once the outnumbered Spectator died, Dhourn was free of its influence, but his companions had either died by the Spectator's spells or become my pets' puppets.

"First Xargrim brings a Spectator to my ambush," Dhourn said bitterly, staring at Filro, "now you bring a mind flayer?"

He didn't bring me, I said. It's merely a coincidence that I found you, but you're alive because he still cares about the friendship you once had. And because I had better uses for him.

"Oh please," Dhourn mockingly said. "A mind flayer wants to talk about friendship? Filro was never trustworthy."

"Mistakes of the past, Dhourn," Filro said. "I know better now. And I'm willing to forgive you for what you did to me. We could achieve much more if we work together."

"You're not fooling me!" Dhourn insisted. "You have failed to find the forge and now you want the information I have! But you will not have it!"

Before Dhourn could cast, I stunned him. Why couldn't people be reasonable? I had just saved Dhourn from a Spectator, and he thought he stood a chance against us. I would remove that tendency from his mind in no time.

Staying so long away from the Emperor was painful, and I wanted nothing more than to return home to him, but the nearest portal was at the myconid colony, and I needed to push forth. After finding a fish cult and an abandoned wizard tower, we were finally on the way to Sshamath.

The two intellect devourers had adopted their hosts' names: Sszal and Kluthnim. The latter preferred it shortened to Nym, which was fine by me. Filro and Dhourn were getting along well, their disagreement laying in the past, and the both of them looked forward to making new discoveries that could improve our lives. It was such a pity that I'd had to influence their minds; they were such talented individuals and would have made wonderful form donors to my children. Still, they could still help in other ways.

Dhourn and Filro told me details about the Underdark and drow culture, how Sshamath was different from every other city, and Dhourn told me about Gravenhollow—the perfect place to visit after I got what I needed from the City of Weavings.

In my pack, I carried the contribution from Dhourn's deceased companions. Safely floating inside two jars filled with a special solution were their brains. If successful, in a few more days, I would have created my first intellect devourers to join the others.

My gratitude for the Netherese's tendency to poke into everyone's business was immeasurable---they had sigils where I least expected. When I felt the familiar tingling on my skin and heard the low hum, I immediately activated the sigil and teleported us home. Now that I had a portal to return to, I could focus on healing the growing pain inside me.

As soon as I stepped out of the portal, my connection to the Emperor stirred. He was home and aware of my return, our excitement and anticipation reverberating in the air despite our distance.

Welcome home, the Emperor said. It was wonderful to have him in my head again, and I let him know just how much I had missed him.

"You're more resourceful than I thought," Dhourn said as he observed the dungeons' main hallway. "Where are we?"

Baldur's Gate, I said, moving to the elevator. Come, there are rooms for you upstairs.

Who have you brought? the Emperor asked, his eagerness mixed with confusion.

Allies, I said, guiding the drow to the guest rooms.

I found one of the servants on the way there, Annette the Voyeur, and she blushed at seeing me. Her thoughts went immediately to the memories of me and the Emperor. She didn't know we were aware of her actions, of her peeping through the holes on the wall alongside the other servant, Nico, and it would continue this way. I didn't mind that she looked, as long as she didn't enter the room and caused us trouble.

Ah, good to see you here, Annette, I said. These are Filro and Dhourn. They'll be staying with us. Please make sure they have everything they need.

"Of course, Mistress," Annette said. "Welcome back."

Thank you, I said. Filro, Dhourn, I ask that you don't wander the palace on your own.

"I'm dead on my feet, I just want a bath and a bed," Dhourn said.

"I have to agree," Filro said. "I don't even remember the last time I had either of those."

Dhourn frowned. "And it's partly my fault. I'm so sorry, my friend."

"It's all in the past; let's speak of that no longer," Filro said, then turned to me. "Thank you for the accommodations, my friend. Have a wonderful evening."

As Filro and Dhourn followed Annette to their rooms, I observed the three drow under control of the intellect devourers. Since my pets couldn't leave their bodies without killing the drow, they'd need different beds.

"We can sleep together, Friend," Us said through the drow.

It was one thing to sleep together when they were small, cuddling like kittens, but another when they were humanoid sized. Still, if they didn't mind, I had a furnished room they could use.

Very well, I said. You know where to go when you get tired. Do remember to respect the needs of the bodies you're using.

"Yes, Mistress," Sszal said and Nym said in unison. Adorable.

The Emperor was sitting at the desk—a scene so familiar it was even more heartwarming to see. His tentacles moved excitedly as I left my pack on the floor and closed the door, floating to his side. He pushed the chair back, making room for me to sit on his lap.

You've been busy, he said, caressing my tentacles with his own as he embraced me. It's been a fortnight since you left. I was starting to worry.

I ran the back of my fingers on his head, enjoying how our minds started to open to each other effortlessly and our bond strengthened once more.

It took me a while to find another portal, I said. I came home as soon as I did.

Tell me about our guests, he said, caressing my arm. I see you're letting your pets play. Be careful with that. Non-illithids don't look kindly on it.

There was little choice, I said. Fighting beholders, even their lesser kin, can be a challenge. And those drow would have died anyway. But I'll be careful that they aren't discovered. Our need for closeness intensified and I hugged him, laying my head on his shoulder and he on mine. Our guests are tormented wizards I found while trying to get to Sshamath. I experimented with their minds—healed their pain, mended their relationship, strengthened their sense of loyalty so they couldn't turn on me. Thrall is a strong word, but… I suppose they are.

You did well, he said, holding me tighter. His approval flowed strongly through our bond as he observed my memories. Your survival must come before anything. I enjoy seeing you embrace your powers—your new nature. You have applied your skills beautifully. You worry you might be taking advantage of them, but you have given them a better purpose. They are no longer held back by petty competition, and you have restored the mad one's senses. You did them a favour. While you and I value freedom, it means nothing if we die. Remember that.

I would.

Running my hands on his chest, the energy around us was thickening with desire. We had been separated for too long. I needed him, and he needed me, too.

Grabbing me by the hips, the Emperor helped me turn so I straddled him. He surprised me by the intensity of the image-sensation he impressed in me, kissing me like a desperate man, trying to devour me while his hands undid my clothes. His tongue rubbed against mine when he wasn't sucking it or nibbling on my lips before sucking them too. We were breathless, panting against each other as our bodies moved.

It wasn't long before we were one in body and mind, lost in each other and ignoring everything else. We were all that mattered.

Chapter 16

Chapter Text

I was going to leave in the morning, but after so long away from the Emperor, all I wanted to do was stay with him. He told me about the events in the city and his progress, and I helped him with what I could.

Florrick's ceremony would be soon, but we shouldn't be there. Not only was it unnecessary, but it could be risky, even with magic on our side. It would be better if we stayed behind the scenes, especially because Jaheira had been poking around again, sending Harpers to talk to the servants in the garden. She still suspected they were thralls and that we were hiding a mind flayer.

The Knights of the Shield's base under the Elfsong had suffered an attack just two days ago by retaliating Zentharim agents, and while it was a nuisance and required the Emperor to move the base to another location, it meant our food supply had increased. He had also used the opportunity to learn of the Zentharim's areas of influence and was in the process of turning one of those agents into a spy. Now that I was back, I could help him halve the effort and time necessary to complete it.

Even with my contribution, however, the process was draining, and in the end, we both had to partake in a meal in the dungeons.

Rov was almost done with his project and had finished another pair of goggles. I had left the first with the Emperor in case he'd had to leave the palace, but now I would also have one. Rov was sad that I still hadn't found another kobold to keep him company, but I promised him that I'd come back with one next time.

The Morphic Pool's renovation was coming along nicely. The intellect devourers had been working diligently—carving and moving stones around, creating rooms and platforms. All the unwanted passages had been sealed, and the place was secured. Eventually, this would be the perfect home for my children.

In all my life, I would never have thought that three cuddling drow would be adorable, and yet, Us, Nym and Sszal were exactly that when I found them one morning, sleeping on the bed with the door ajar. Pauline had been cleaning inside, her thoughts bouncing between her knowledge of drow and what she was seeing. She had no idea my pets were controlling them.

Checking on Dhourn and Filro next, I found the two in Dhourn's room, discussing plans for Sshamath. It was good to see them getting along—it made me proud of my work.

We had been two days on the way to Sshamath when I felt it, thrumming against my barrier, trying to make contact. I was in range of an elder brain. We were just crossing a complex of caves where tunnels split in different directions, and it unnerved me. Any of these tunnels could lead to it, filled with its thralls, and I wouldn't know unless they came close.

Its efforts were subtle but persistent, curious —likely wondering why I hadn't responded. I wouldn't open my mind to it; if it wouldn't speak, it could knock until it tired.

One of my intellect devourers in the making had failed, and I hated that not only because I would have one less pet, but because the process had ruined the brain. I loathed wasting food, and brains weren't readily available. The other one would wake up soon, and I couldn't wait to meet my first newborn.

We were one day away from the City of Weavings when I felt them, hiding in the dark, as we finished making camp in a relatively safe area. They watched from afar, and it was likely that, to them, we were nothing more than five drow and a surface elf, wondering where the illithid was. Because I was sure they could feel my psionic powers just as I could feel theirs, and once they got close enough and started probing, they would realise the illusion, and probably notice that my pets were controlling three of the drow.

I had a few options, but the least tempting was to start a fight. Not because I thought I couldn't win, but because this was the opportunity I had been looking for. While Omeluum had been from the Underdark, he had been different from the start; these mind flayers were still under the control of an elder brain and could, potentially, give me information I needed.

Greetings, I said to the closest one, still maintaining my disguise. As expected, it was surprised. Elves weren't known for psionics. I hope you're here to talk. And I ensured the threat was clear, sending intent with my words.

It came closer, leaving the other two behind, trying to look into my mind, but I kept it out. The only open channel was communication, and it would stay that way.

Why do you hide? Is it your companions? the mind flayer asked, realising what I was.

Because of strangers, I said.

You are in Xateskrik's domain, it said. It is rude to ignore an elder brain. Its tone was not only chastising but also implied I should have known that.

I doubt you came here for an apology, I calmly said.

I am here to escort you, it said, making the intention behind its words clear. Either I followed, or they'd eliminate me.

They could try.

I have business in the drow city, I said. I can visit yours after.

There was a moment of silence. Very well, it said. I will accompany you.

Do you do this to every visiting illithid? I asked, sitting on my bedroll and inviting the mind flayer into the camp.

No. They have the decency to greet Xateskrik. Its judgment was palpable. Your thralls are staring.

My pets were keeping watch, but to any who looked, they were maintaining their equipment. Dhourn and Filro, however, were openly observing from their spots, standing by the large stalagmite that functioned as a wall.

They're my friends, not thralls, I offered, receiving a wave of confusion from the illithid. What's your name? You may call me Tav.

Are you using your form donor's name? it asked, stepping into the camp. The others remained in place. That is… unusual.

I like it, I said. It's short and easy to speak and remember—efficient.

It regarded me for a moment. I am Zarqoor, from the Gatherer Creed.

Creeds. I'd heard about them from Omeluum. Illithid colonies that'd had time to develop would separate its members into groups of interest. Many had bases in Oryndoll, the largest known illithid city. If this city had Creeds working within it, I might be overwhelmed fast if they decided to turn against me.

You are young, Zarqoor stated, although I was unsure how it could tell. Too young to be out by yourself. What happened to your colony?

It was destroyed, I readily said. As a Gatherer, it might decide to help me integrate with the community, which might give me access to information I needed. I've been wandering since.

This explains your lack of manners, it said with distaste, but relaxed at last, joining me in the camp. What is your business with the drow? We would be able to help you much more than they ever could.

There's some research I must complete, I said. I'm led to believe they have what I need.

Zarqoor observed me in silence for a while, often prodding my mind but meeting resistance. One of its companions' presence disappeared, leading me to believe they left—likely deeming me not a threat worthy of three mind flayers.

You have formidable defenses, Zarqoor finally said. Who was your elder brain?

I was unsure of how illithids saw the Absolute. I knew most despised the idea of gods, while others had their faith in a couple. Ilsensine was the most influential one, and I believed the Absolute had tried to rise as a rival. I could lie, but then I wouldn't know.

The Absolute, I said, immediately feeling its reaction. Against my expectations, Zarqoor was not revolted, but intrigued.

The wannabe god, it said, almost disappointed. Some had believed it would succeed in uniting every colony.

Were you one of them? I asked.

At first.

What made you change your mind? I insisted.

It underestimated the competition.

We continued to talk for a while, and I privately told Filro and Dhourn to rest while my pets continued to keep watch. If I needed their help, they should have all their powers available. Zarqoor was very enthusiastic about its work, telling me of its travels to every mind flayer community as a liaison, hoping to strengthen their connections. It believed the Illithid Empire would never rise again if they didn't join forces. While I agreed, I couldn't let that Empire rise to repeat the mistakes of the past. Enslavement couldn't be the way forward.

You're young and naïve, Zarqoor said. The thrall races fear their betters and would never accept the rising. They must be subdued.

I'm young, yes, I said. And I think I have time to find a way.

You seem like a good candidate for the Awaiter Creed, it said, pensive.

Perhaps, I said. I would like to continue my research before settling into any group, however.

Spoken like an Awaiter. For the first time, I felt amusem*nt from a mind flayer under the influence of an elder brain.

Was there room for more than blind obedience after all?

Chapter 17

Chapter Text

Zarqoor stayed the night, as did its companion still hiding in the darkness, who I still pretended not to notice. I only slept after Dhourn and Filro finished their meditation, taking Us to cuddle with me, while Nym and Sszal cuddled up a few steps away. I felt Zarqoor try to enter my mind while I slept, but my barrier held. Eventually, it gave up and slept.

I couldn't fault it for trying to understand what my motives were or why I was resistant to their meddling, especially when the elder brain, powerful as it was, also failed—I would have done the same in their place—but it was bothersome, and I wasn't sure how to react, afraid that if I antagonised them too much, I'd turn them into enemies and lose my chance.

So I decided to pretend I didn't notice anything.

The first thing I did when I awoke was disguise myself, and even though I felt Zarqoor's interest, it didn't say anything.

Who taught you? Zarqoor asked when I pulled the jar out of my pack to check on the brain. When I didn't immediately answer, it continued. Colonies often wait years before instructing young illithids how to make intellect devourers.

"My mentor did," I finally said. The brain was coming along nicely. It could be ready in a few hours.

Another survivor from your colony? it insisted.

"Yes." And I missed the Emperor so much it hurt. I couldn't wait to go home. While I could return at any moment, the nearest portal was days away and it would set back my progress in the Underdark considerably.

Zarqoor watched me as one tried to sort a puzzle. I supposed I was.

"We're ready to go," Filro said, standing beside me. "We'll be there in a few hours, and I think we can get everything done before the day is over."

Perfect.

"Will you disguise yourself once we approach the city?" I asked Zarqoor as we started moving.

There is no need, it said, floating beside me. The hidden one followed some distance away. We have a non-aggression agreement with them.

"I thought most illithids despised magic," I said.

While it is inferior, it has its uses, Zarqoor said. And if the mages are busy studying their tomes, they are not wandering the caves in search of our people, hindering our progress. We can grow.

"Doesn't it get tempting?" I asked. "Wizards have one of the tastiest brains."

Nothing can be done about those who wander too far, it explained with a self-satisfied tone.

I remembered the Oblodras. How had they managed to get so close to illithids? They couldn't have been the only people interested in studying with mind flayers.

"Have no mages ever wanted to learn with your colony?" I asked.

Zarqoor regarded me in silence for a while. A small group, yes. It is part of the non-aggression pact, it finally said. You said your drow are not thralls?

"They are not," I firmly said. "I removed a few things, but they're not enthralled."

Once again, it studied me, tried to push into my mind, and failed. Did your mentor teach you that as well?

"That and more," I said.

Where is your mentor? it asked.

"Maybe one day I'll tell you," I softly said, sending forth my wish for cooperation. "Why do you want me in your colony?"

Xateskrik wants to meet you, it said.

"Will I be free to leave?" I decided to ask.

I felt its confusion, then realisation. Of course, Zarqoor said. The Absolute would not allow you to explore. Its preference for complete obedience was a controversial topic in many communities.

"Are you saying not all elder brains behave like that?" I asked. "I was led to believe otherwise."

By your mentor? it asked.

"And by another illithid I've met, from a different colony."

Zarqoor observed me, then stayed in silence for a long time as we traversed the darkness. Only some scattered crystals or fungal clusters illuminated the occasional path.

Elder brains in small colonies tend to be overbearing, Zarqoor finally said. They're often young and eager to turn their designs into reality as fast as possible, caring little for what the individuals may bring to it. With a small number under its influence, it is easy to take full control. As the colony grows, some persist with the mindset—the Absolute specially so—many others take the role of arbiters. Above anything, elder brains are knowledge wells and the nexus between every illithid in range.

"Are you saying you are free?" I asked. Would it even know if it wasn't?

Yes, child, it said. I can go wherever I please and do whatever I want.

I ignored the way it chose to address me. While I was not a child in my mind, and it couldn't learn of that, to Zarqoor I was a true illithid, recently transformed—a child. Its willingness to enlighten me was fortuitous, and I could take the opportunity to ask whatever I wanted. It would likely believe it was nothing more than a child's curiosity and eagerness to learn.

"Then why obey the elder brain?" I asked. "Why not do your own thing?"

I felt mirth from it. But that is what I am doing! I get to visit the colonies, meet different individuals, see where they agree with each other, and try to get them to support one another. Nobody is telling me to do this. I do it because I want to. Working together can only bring us all to greatness.

"Did you meet the Absolute?" I asked.

Once, it said. And yes, it tried to force me to stay, to work for its design. It exuded disgust. It succeeded, for a while, so I understand your reluctance.

"How did you leave?"

It sent me far away on a mission to collect thralls, Zarqoor explained. No matter how strong an elder brain's influence is, stay away from it long enough, and it loses hold of you.

"Was that when you decided the Absolute would fail its plans?" I asked.

No. It was when it accepted that cursed crown.

You should dispell that disguise, Zarqoor said when we came close to the city's entrance. They will suspect ill intent if you're found out, and because of your drow, you will be.

It was right. Were Zarqoor not with me, they would have no reason to investigate me, but having an illithid openly walking among us would catch people's attention.

I told my pets to hide outside the city, just in case, reminding them of the mind flayer hiding not far away, and entered Sshamath with the wizards and Zarqoor.

Wizards could not be enslaved in Sshamath, so it wasn't a surprise when the guards called for a wizard to check Filro and Dhourn for mind control as soon as they saw us, finding nothing. They were suspicious and checked again with different spells, but my alterations wouldn't be detected or undone by spells. I wasn't controlling them.

Free to walk around the city, relief filled me when I felt the sigil nearby. I hadn't been sure one would be here, and it was wonderful to see it. I would not go back immediately this time, however, I still wanted to learn more from Zarqoor, and to discover whether it would be friend or foe after I left.

The city was as big as my companions had told me, and I was glad to see true civilization after so long among rock and fungi and the eventual ambushing creature—even if their surprise at seeing my tentacles sprouting out of the illusion had always been priceless.

Filro and Dhourn had acquaintances in the city, some good, others not as much. A few of the latter had been angry because of favours going unpaid and wanted them to solve those issues immediately. That would involve running a few errands and I had no time for such a thing. Unfortunately, without being able to influence their minds, I had to rely on old social skills—but being in illithid form made it easy to intimidate when necessary.

The Zentharim was in Sshamath too, of course. They were like a plague, infecting everything, and I ensured they would receive the Emperor's influence favourably when it came. These people had direct contact with a Zentharim fortress on the surface, and it would be highly fortuitous to infiltrate it.

Why are you interested in those organisations? Zarqoor asked.

Have you noticed how much control they have over the non-illithid population? I asked in turn. They have fingers in every proverbial pie, sometimes literally, depending on their agents. If you control those organisations, you control everyone under it.

Zarqoor regarded me for a moment. You already are setting your pieces on the board for the long game, it said. Is your mentor involved?

Yes, I said. It is a… pet project of my mentor.

Do you have a pet project? it asked.

I do. Maybe one day I'll tell you.

While I visited the schools with Dhourn, Filro took care of buying what we needed around the city. The wizards were surprised to see an illithid openly interested in studying with them, and some even asked me questions, wanting to learn more about how psionics could work alongside arcane magic. Researching with Zarqoor on my shoulder was distracting, but I had little choice.

I suppose if I'll accompany you, I might as well see what this is all about, Zarqoor said when we entered the second school. It had brooded for the most part during my stay in the first, and I was glad it had changed its mind.

I'm sure you'll find something that interests you, I said.

And maybe it'll even want to pursue the arcane.

Chapter 18

Chapter Text

It took us the entire day to go through all the relevant material in the schools, not only because there was a lot I wanted to know, but because there was a lot of material to go through; even if some of the wizards had been helpful—in exchange for sating their own curiosity—and tried to simplify my search.

Clone was an option to extend one's life, but it required a part of the subject to start the replication process. If I still had hair, I probably could use it, but anything I removed now would be sorely missed. Still, I would copy it as a last resort. There was still time for me to find alternatives.

I didn't find much on Karsus concerning the Crown or a cypher, but a sun elf that reminded me a lot of myself before the transformation directed me to Waterdeep. She had heard about a wizard absolutely obsessed with Karsus in that city–so obsessed that something terrible had happened to him and he no longer left his tower. People believed he had been cursed, and they were afraid to even pass near his place.

Waterdeep was on the way to Gravenhollow so it was worth a try. Hopefully the Emperor would join me.

Then, we hit another wall. Dhourn discovered that the wondrous seats mentioned by the spell were in fact wondrous items called spelljamming helms, but there were no instructions on how to create one.

“I am sure you'll find it in Gravenhollow,” Dhourn said. “If not the spell, at least where to find it.”

I really hoped so.

Zarqoor was silent the entire time, but it kept trying to breach my mind. I was sure it had poked into everyone's head trying to discover what I had asked them, but I had no way of knowing whether it had been successful. I ignored it as much as I could, but its probing was distracting me while I copied Clone into my spellbook.

You know you can ask, right? I finally said.

I doubt you will answer, Zarqoor said. But have it your way. Why do you need to go to that library?

See? You were wrong, I said. I’m visiting the library because they might have information I need. I want a nautiloid of my own.

Zarqoor observed me in silence, and I took the respite to continue analysing the spell.

The Absolute had many in its colony, Zarqoor said sometime later. It is believed it arrived in one of them. Despite my time in the community, I was never granted entry into one.

You would have liked the experience, I said. They're impressive. Magnificent works of ingenuity and art.

I felt its interest, curiosity, and something almost like awe. I could probably use this.

Would you like to help me with my pet project? I asked, and its interest grew.

Yes, Zarqoor readily said. I would not turn aside such an opportunity. The possibilities of expansion in possession of a nautiloid are vast and beautiful.

Indeed, they are, I said.

Far be it for me to believe that, just because we had aligned interests, Zarqoor was now my friend. I knew how vicious mind flayer competition could be, and I didn't want to become another Orpheus. I would work with it, but I wouldn't trust it.

Filro arrived, saying he had a gift for me. I could probe his mind, but I decided to enjoy the surprise. Copying the spell would still take me some hours, so I collected my things to finish another time.

My gift was in a large warehouse by a cliff where ominous dark waters ran fast just on the other side. He knocked on the door, and it wasn't long before a young male drow answered, his clothes so old they'd be no more than rags soon. He looked at me and Zarqoor, and his dark face became pale.

"The order number," he said, doing his best not to stutter, but some words clipped.

Filro handed him a small sheet of paper and the boy closed the door in a hurry.

What's this place? I asked.

“You'll see,” Filro said with a satisfied smile, confident I'd like his gift.

The door opened again, but this time it was an older armoured drow that appeared. He immediately cast a spell to identify whether Filro was a thrall. Finding nothing, his scowl deepened as he grunted. I probed his mind, in case he turned hostile, but his thoughts were of a different nature.

Another deviant, the drow thought, partly disappointed and partly repulsed. Willing mind flayer puppet. So many of them lately.

“The merchandise costs extra for mind flayers,” the drow bitterly said.

“Nobody mentioned this,” Filro said, anger rising within him for having his surprise ruined. “You're lying.”

Zarqoor confirmed to us that, while the price was not fixed, illithids did not necessarily pay more than non-illithids. This man was simply bigoted.

The drow stood his ground, smugly watching our group. “If you want the merchandise, you'll pay. Otherwise, get out of my door. You're soiling it with slime.”

Zarqoor was annoyed by the drow’s behaviour, but didn't say anything, watching me instead. It wanted to know how I'd deal with this.

I didn't want a fight, much less to antagonise a city I had only recently gained access to, but I wasn't going to let this slide. I moved closer, making sure to seize the moment the drow's eyes met mine.

Are you sure you want to defy someone who destroyed an elder brain? I asked in his mind, making sure Zarqoor wouldn't listen in by strengthening the barrier.

The drow flinched, but his doubt was stronger than his fear. Mind flayers don't go against elder brains,he thought.

Most don't, I continued in his mind, projecting a menacing aura through our connection. Which shows why you shouldn't test me. You want proof? I sent him images of my memories; the final moments of the Netherbrain, the excruciating pain it felt as it died. The drow was about to convulse, and I took him back to the moment. You. Don't. Want. To go. Against. Me.

Are you certain that mind flayers pay more? I asked aloud this time, broadcasting my mental voice to the entire group.

The drow coughed and regained his composure. “Forgive my mistake,” he said. “For your trouble, I’ll make you an offer. A discount on a second purchase.”

Oh? How thoughtful! I'll remember that for next time. I said. Go on, Filro, finish your business.

Filro was confused but happy that, in the end, things had been resolved and his gift wouldn't turn into a problem, so he went inside with the drow to close the deal. I didn't even know what he was buying.

What did you do? Zarqoor asked.

Convinced him to change his mind, I said. Don’t worry. No domination involved. Just plain old intimidation.

Be careful, it insisted. Xateskrik worked hard for this truce. We can't have a newcomer ruin it.

If you're trying to intimidate me, you're failing, I said calmly. I have no intention of making enemies of these drow, but I won't suffer offenses either.

Make no mistake, Zarqoor said, I do not disapprove. That drow deserved whatever you did. Just be mindful of who you confront, and where you are when you do so. Remember to always account for witnesses—and the evidence you leave behind, if it comes to that.

I appreciate your advice, I said honestly, making sure Zarqoor felt it. I will keep it in mind.

Filro returned holding onto a chain. At the other end was a kobold in rags even more tattered than what that boy had been wearing.

“You said you were looking for a kobold,” Filro said with a smile, handing me the chain. “She was being auctioned at the market earlier.”

A female? Doubly fortunate! Rov would be elated!

The poor creature was shaking, however, terrified of being surrounded by drow and mind flayers. I tried to soothe her, but my voice in her head only made her more fearful. I could influence her, but I had already spent energy overwhelming the drow and I preferred to save it.

I suppose we'll have to earn her trust, I said. What's her name?

“It said Ysha on the bill,” Filro said. “She won't talk.”

For creatures who prouded themselves on being descended from dragons, I was glad they didn't try to copy the obnoxious names dragons chose.

Ysha, is it? I asked, feeling recognition from the kobold, so the name was correct. There was more to communication than speech, after all. Do you have companions in there? I wouldn't like to leave them here if you do.

She was terrified, worried about someone. If she didn't say anything, the drow could sell them to a terrible fate, but if she told us, a terrible fate awaited them too.

We're not going to harm you or your companion, I said. I'm going to take you to a better place where you'll meet a friend of mine—a kobold, just like you.

Her tension lessened, and I continued. If you leave your friend, they will likely die. At the very least, you will not see them again.

Ysha sobbed, and if my self-control hadn't improved, I would have felt miserable. Dhourn and Filro looked as lost as they felt, unsure of what to do, and Zarqoor was impatient, wanting the situation to be solved. It didn't like to waste time with non-illithids and the scene was disturbing to it.

“Rak,” Ysha finally said, between sobs. “My brother.”

Go buy her brother, Filro, I said, and he immediately knocked on the door. As much as I hated slavery, there was nothing I could do in the centre of a drow city.

Why are you buying lesser creatures? Zarqoor asked privately. This acquisitions group has much better options. Are they for one of your experiments?

I promised a friend I'd bring him his kind to keep him company, I said.

So you truly are… friends with a… kobold? Zarqoor was disgusted, but more than anything, it was confused.

He's a brilliant little creature, I said, catching Ysha’s attention. Eager to experiment and a master craftsman.

Zarqoor was having trouble associating such qualities with a creature he considered little more than a dog. Ysha, on the other hand, was letting go of her fear and becoming not only curious to meet Rov, but proud to hear such things about her kin.

Then the door opened with a commotion—a mess of claws and scales trying to make way but being held back by a chain. The kobold growled and yapped among the curses he threw at poor Filro. When he saw Ysha, Rak’s outburst only intensified.

Ysha ran to her brother, hugging him before punching him in his scarred face. They started to argue, and the noise was a mixture of words with unintelligible sounds. Zarqoor’s impatience was rising, and the racket was quickly upsetting me as well.

Enough, I said, emanating authority I hadn't used in a long time. There was no need for marks, the intention empowered by the psionic energy was sufficient to make the entire group halt and pay attention to me, but my focus was on the siblings, who quivered as they waited for the fallout.

We are leaving this place, I said slowly, and you two will stay quiet. Understood?

The two kobolds were afraid, but also in awe. Somehow, they respected me now.

And Filro, I added. Thank you.

His happiness at having done a good job and being appreciated for it warmed me inside.

Chapter 19

Chapter Text

You said you don't approve of slavery, yet you bought two slaves, Zarqoor said as we made our way out of Sshamath.

I saved two slaves, I said. I would have freed all those people imprisoned in that building if I could, but I have other priorities. The kobolds are not my slaves. I'm going to take them home, but if afterwards they want to leave, I'll let them go.

You are wasting resources on such creatures. Zarqoor was both disappointed and disgusted, but I didn't mind. I knew what I was doing.

Time will tell, I said.

Damned Awaiters, Zarqoor mentally mumbled.

The mental link between me and my pets returned like a warm embrace when we stepped through the gate. The arcane interference in the city hadn't allowed me to maintain contact with them outside, and feeling them in my mind once again was a relief. They were safe, and just as happy to reunite with me. The mind flayer was still hiding in the darkness, and now had a thrall with it.

Us was the first to approach. “Friend!” it said through the drow it occupied. “You return safe! We missed you here. We have food for you, but it seems you don't need it.” It looked at the two kobolds.

Oh, no, I said so they all could hear. We're not eating them. These are Ysha and Rak, they're coming home to meet Rov.

“Then it is good we kept them for you,” Us said. “Sszal wanted us to eat them.”

“Sorry, Mistress,” Szzal said through its drow. “They looked so appetising.”

It hasn't even been that long since you've eaten, I said, as if scolding a kid who couldn't stop eating dessert. I looked at the three of them. We'll eat soon. First, I have to make sure you haven't broken any rules.

Zarqoor was getting impatient. You spoil them. No matter. Your business in the drow city is done. You will come with me next.

I wanted to talk to the Emperor before visiting the illithid colony, but it was likely that Zarqoor wouldn't think kindly about me leaving, especially after spending the entire day among wizards.

Very well, I said. But we will rest first.

“We have a camp nearby,” Nym happily said through its drow.

Following my pets to camp, it wasn't difficult to spot the food they had acquired. Tied back to back against the rocky wall of the cave sat two derro—as insane as they came. I didn't have to look deep into their scrambled minds to see they weren't innocents. Their attempted ambush on my pets had turned out quite comically when they had been ambushed instead.

Knowing no rules had been broken, I thanked my pets for the much welcome meal—since I would be heading into uncertain territory the next day and needed my strength—and offered one of the captives to Zarqoor, letting it choose which derro it liked best.

Thank you, Zarqoor said, surprised by my gesture. This is a valuable gift to give a stranger.

The derro were insane, but knew to fear us, and their distress grew the closer we got. I wasn't ashamed to admit that it pleased me just as much as it did my illithid companion.

You've been patient and most forthcoming with me, I said as I floated to the food with Zarqoor. I've learnt a lot from you, and this is my thanks. Let this shared meal mark the beginning of a fruitful partnership.

Zarqoor pulled the derro it desired close and I pulled mine, their binds undoing easily under our psionic power.

To uncovering the secrets of the nautiloids together! I toasted.

And the ascension of the Illithid Empire! Zarqoor added.

I had eaten beside the Emperor many times, and also shared in the pleasure of his meals, but doing it with Zarqoor felt different. Zarqoor’s enjoyment was more primal—raw. It reverberated inside me, awakening the emotions I had felt in the first month of my transformation. I felt the rush of power fill me, the inexorable hunger refusing to be denied. As our minds shone brightly in the depths of the Underdark, the corrupted and unstable experiences of the derro amusing us with their uniqueness, my body burned with the desire for more. The desire to take—to have everyone and everything bow before me.

And they would be powerless to stop my ascension.

It would be glorious.

Dropping the derro on the ground, I stepped back from Zarqoor. What the Hells had just happened?

It has been some time since I fed beside someone, Zarqoor said as it dropped its derro. I believe I got carried away.

Had those feelings been Zarqoor's? No. Not all. They had merely resonated with my own. If that was how mind flayers communed in a colony, it was no wonder they all thought and acted the way they did.

I needed to be careful not to lose myself once I reached Xateskrik’s colony. Orpheus's power couldn't protect me from myself.

Chapter 20

Chapter Text

I was almost falling asleep when I felt its consciousness stir. Immediately, I opened my pack to retrieve the container holding the brain.

Calm down, little one, I said to the newborn inside as I undid the seal. I'm coming.

As soon as the lid opened, the tiny creature jumped out and onto the ground. It was smaller than Us had been when I found it, but just as adorable sprouting legs and feelers.

Come here, I told it, and it jumped on my lap, chirping. It seemed it didn't have much awareness yet—its thoughts were simple and scattered. The Emperor had warned me that creating intellect devourers this way caused a slower development, but that it also offered a higher chance of success outside a controlled environment. It would be a few days until it gained true independence.

My other pets came to greet the newest addition to their group, and the newborn was more than happy to connect with them.

It seems you hold affection for your pets, Zarqoor said, observing their interactions.

I do, yes, I said. They're part of my family.

You should know that, for some illithids, that creature is a delicacy.

The newborn? I asked.

They're called ustilagors, Zarqoor said. Don't be surprised if you see them being sold for that purpose in the colony.

Thank you for the warning, I said, looking at the tiny and adorable little creature. I would have to keep it close. Just in case.

Tunnels, holes, illusionary walls—so many safety measures kept intruders away from the colony that I wasn't sure I would have found the entrance if I hadn't known what to look for. And all that through a quaggoth’s lair.

Why are you still keeping Xateskrik out of your mind? Zarqoor asked as we floated through the passageways. My companions followed closely, but I no longer felt the other mind flayer or its thrall.

Well, I'm not comfortable with it, I said. Xateskrik would know that if it talked to me instead of trying to invade my mind. Can't it understand that? Does it know about the Absolute?

It knows, Zarqoor said, and thinks you're disrespecting it by considering them the same. Open your mind to it. Let it welcome you into the community.

That sounded both tempting and dangerous. If what Zarqoor had said was true, by joining the hive, I could access the entire collective knowledge. But would I still be safe from its control? I didn't know the extent of Orpheus's power. Would they know I had been the one to defeat the Absolute once they started prodding? They would surely consider me a traitor if they found out.

As we descended, coming across thralls, mind flayers and intellect devourers, I decided to take the chance. They would only be more suspicious of me if I continued to block the elder brain. Letting my companions know what I was about to do, I gave them clear orders to retreat and teleport out of here if Xateskrik took control of me, that they should look for help and not waste time trying to fight.

There you are, Xateskrik said, its mental fingers looking through my mind as soon as I let it in. I carefully hid the more dangerous aspects of my life, bringing forth the more harmless ones. You're very special.

Thank you, I said, still accompanying Zarqoor.

Fear not, the elder brain said. You're more valuable to me as a free thinker. The community already has enough thralls to do its mindless work.

I appreciate that, I said, and images of many different enthralled races rushed through my mind as the layout of the colony was revealed to me. This colony was bigger than I'd thought, and it reached somewhere on the surface.

You are very young, the brain said once the images ceased. And you're already very talented. It's excitement was palpable in my mind. You are a wonderful addition to our community. I see you commune with thrall races as equals. And just as fast, I felt its disapproval. Your approach certainly has its benefits, but be mindful not to limit yourself because of their limitations. I see… Your aptitude for the arcane must be what grants you such impressive resistance. There is an arcane coterie who would benefit greatly from your assistance, it said as a suggestion, but I felt its expectation for me to complete that task.

Still, I wasn't being forced to do it. Whether it was Orpheus's power or simply the elder brain being respectful of my boundaries, I wasn't sure.

I see you are in search of the nautiloids, Xateskrik continued its inspection. And… you're receiving guidance on that task! It was impressed. No wonder Zarqoor took a liking to you. You believe the nautiloids will offer a great future to the illithid people.

That seemed to satisfy it, and the elder brain stopped looking into my thoughts as we reached a massive and intricate door with beautiful carvings adorning it. Zarqoor made a few gestures and pressure points moved with psionic power. The door glowed and, with a deep low hum, moved aside to allow us inside.

You enter my domain fully now, the elder brain said, and the weight of its presence in my mind was considerably greater. Be welcome. You and your pets are to be treated as members of this community until I see reason to change your status.

Thank you, Xateskrik, I said then turned to Zarqoor. What do we do now?

Xateskrik asked me to personally show you around the colony, it said. Then, you'll tell me what we'll do next. I am particularly inclined to start our research sooner rather than later.

I imagine you don't have a quick means of transportation, I said.

There is someone who could open a portal, it said, but her services are expensive.

We'll see if it's worth it, I said. Hopefully, I would be able to afford it. And hopefully, wherever that destination was, there would be a Netherese sigil nearby.

The colony was breathtaking, and I felt Xateskrik’s pleasure at my appreciation. It was starkly different from the Absolute's colony. The biological matter ingrained in the architecture was more refined, not even close to the gory and messy horror that had adorned the Absolute's halls and chambers.

That is the result of entrusting a member of the Abysmal Creed with decoration of the entire colony, Xateskrik said as it sensed my thoughts. Clearly a mistake. I am glad you appreciate my superior taste.

I do, indeed, I said.

Abysmal Creed members believed everyone should fear illithids, and considering the Absolute's general tactic, it made sense that it had favoured that group.

The entire architecture of this colony had not only made use of the natural resources, but also improved upon them with carvings and sculptures. It was beautiful to see. I imagined the Illithid Empire at its highest point would be even more beautiful.

The thralls seemed to possess different levels of agency. Some moved around as empty husks, while others even energetically discussed with each other. It was fascinating to see some of the races I had only ever read about. This colony was richer than I had anticipated.

To think that Orindoll was supposed to be far superior… I couldn't imagine.

The illithid population was just as varied. As Zarqoor guided me through the areas, it pointed out the different ceremorphs going about their business.

Ceremorphs came from tadpoles just like you and I, Zarqoor explained. But their hosts were not ideal for a perfect transformation. They are members of the colony like any other illithid—just don't say that to an ulitharid's face.

Noble illithids, correct? I asked, and Zarqoor nodded. My mentor told me about them. Is it true they are the only ones capable of becoming an elder brain?

Until found evidence of the contrary, yes, Zarqoor said. A word of advice: Do try not to mention how different ceremorphs are from you, Zarqoor said. Some are very sensitive about that subject.

Thank you for the warning, I said a bit distractedly, looking at the most adorable illithid I had ever seen. It was tiny and fluffy, its disproportionate head sporting huge round eyes and two pairs of mismatched tentacles. It floated behind a massive illithid wearing robes that spoke of power. The tall illithid's long tentacles reminded me of the Emperor, and my heart hurt with his absence, but then it turned, revealing an extra pair of bejewelled tentacles—ulitharid.

To my horror, it was coming my way.

So you are the newcomer. The ulitharid's voice in my head was powerful and masculine, and once again reminded me of the Emperor. It turned to my illithid companion once it stopped in front of us. Are you tutoring it, Zarqoor? Is this part of your grand plan for unification? Bringing in strays?

Xateskrik bid me to retrieve her, it said. Its treatment of me as female was a surprise. My mental voice was still feminine, but I hadn't expected a mind flayer to treat me with gender. I am showing her around the colony.

The ulitharid tried to push into my mind, only to find a barrier. That piqued its interest. Did you fail to teach her that it is rude to keep her betters out of her mind, Zarqoor? It asked while maintaining eye contact with me.

Zarqoor remained calm and collected before the ulitharid's goading. Respectfully, Loorluum, she knows not to keep the elder brain out. And as far as we're concerned, you haven't reached that step yet.

The ulitharid seethed, and I could swear I saw it sneer even though it didn't have lips.

Soon, Zarqoor, Loorluum said. I will, very soon. And I imagine you'll come to my colony to ask me to join your… unification. We shall see whether I'll accept. And it floated away, the poor fluffy mind flayer floating behind it at a slower speed.

Zarqoor groaned. I was hoping we wouldn't cross paths with him, but you had to stare at his pet.

Pet? I asked. Didn't you just tell me that any ceremorph is just as important as any other illithid?

That isn't quite a ceremorph, Zarqoor explained. That is a squidling—a failed ceremorph. You’d make far better use of an intellect devourer than of one of those creatures. No one knows why Loorluum, of all the colony's ulitharids, would have kept it. But he did, and he makes sure to take it with him everywhere.

Curious, I said, wondering whether it was to imply that he would enslave all the illithids in his colony once he transformed or just because he, like me, had found it adorable.

Tell me something, Zarqoor, I said as we continued to move through the market. It was such a busy area. Aren't illithids genderless? Why do you refer to us as if we weren't?

While no illithid will be offended by you referring to them as it, he explained, it is much more efficient to refer to them based on their mental voice. It makes for easier conversation.

That made sense. It was likely that even with the aid of mental images, referring to everyone as ‘it’ would make conversations confusing fast.

Zarqoor took me to an area that existed for the purpose of containing the illithid's hunger—disguised as entertainment. There was a rotation of members, called performance eaters, who offered the audience the pleasures of a meal. The audience was free to come daily, but they weren't encouraged to do so when the competition inside a colony was so ferocious. Slackers were no better than thralls, and if the elder brain deemed them unworthy of staying in its colony, they were exiled.

The illithid in the centre stage was about to consume a gold dwarf, apparently a prized meal. I didn't want to imagine where they had captured the woman, even less if she was innocent, which considering her people's average disposition, she probably was. Since we had eaten last night, I didn't need many reasons to convince Zarqoor to take me to the next place of interest.

The arena was a place used both for entertainment and for score-settling. Illithids on each corner controlled their thralls in the centre of the platform so they could overcome the obstacles or fight each other—to the death.

I didn't want to watch a single moment of that barbaric display, so I asked to leave.

It isn't my favourite place either, Zarqoor said. Those thralls could serve a better purpose than dying for the pleasure of a few, but Tamers believe it is a good way for safe practice.

Tamers. Mind flayers who abandoned most of their psionic training in favour of martial arts. I couldn't understand that. While I still used my swords occasionally, I would never trade away my psionics or arcane spells.

Finally, Zarqoor took us to the small area where illithids were being allowed to study the arcane arts.

It's still hard to believe studying magic is allowed here, I said as we entered the room.

Two mind flayers scribbled on tomes using a tool I had never seen, one was busy reading, and another was attempting to cast Grease. They stopped to look at us.

Welcome, newcomer, the illithid who had been casting said. Her voice was soft and feminine, exuding patience. Xateskrik warned us of your visit. I trust you are here to share your knowledge?

I observed the four of them, eagerly watching me as children waiting for a treat. In a community as big as this, it was saddening to see that only four mind flayers had interest in the arcane, but at the same time, I was glad they weren't being chased away because of their calling, or worse—executed. Omeluum had told me horrible stories.

I cannot stay long, I said. I must depart soon to continue my search, but I have a few hours to offer some advice.

My… thralls, I hesitated and then mentally apologised to Dhourn and Filro, are skilled wizards and could assist me with teaching you, if that won't make you uncomfortable.

I felt their prejudice as they regarded my companions—to them, Dhourn and Filro were nothing but tools.

Of course, she said.

I was halfway through helping them cast silently, since verbal components were a challenge for illithids, when I felt it. Faint, but unmistakable. Splitting my focus, I guided them while trying to pinpoint the direction of the energy. It was coming from behind a massive carved plate that I had initially thought was a wall. The plate seemed to be not only concealing it visually, but dampening its aura. Still, I doubted it was a coincidence that these illithids had chosen this small corner to study magic. I just had no idea how they'd react once I activated the sigil.

Chapter 21

Chapter Text

What's the story behind that panel? I asked a couple of hours later, letting my students rest a bit.

Zarqoor looked at the panel then regarded me in silence. There are several around the colony. They depict the rise of the Illithid Empire. It's a reminder of what we're working towards.

Is there psionic power imbued in them? I asked.

In everything, he said.

I couldn't decide if I should be honest about the sigil. I had considered every possibility, and the only thing I knew was that I couldn't destroy the panel, but there was no telling if I could activate the sigil with it in place.

Xateskrik returned to its prodding of my mind, and my immediate response was to shut it out, but then I relaxed and focused my efforts on rearranging my thoughts instead. Unfortunately, the presence of the sigil was making it difficult for me to concentrate. I wanted to go back home to the Emperor.

You're distressed, Xateskrik said. Why? Oh. You miss your mentor. I felt its shock. More than a mentor! I tried to hide as much as I could, but fighting the elder brain was giving me a headache. Even with the mind of an illithid and Orpheus's power, the intellect of an elder brain was still superior. Where have you learnt such a behaviour? It could not have been the- ah. Your mentor has taken advantage of you. Without an elder brain to guide you, a colony to nurture you, your mentor has been raising you in his deviant ways. Don't worry. You are safe here, and you will soon see that these impulses will fade. You will be able to focus on your goals and help restore our greatness.

There was a chance that revealing this was stupid, but I wouldn't be able to hide my feelings for long if I decided to deceive the elder brain. So I prepared myself to teleport us out of here in case something went wrong.

I believe that what you call deviancy is part of our path to greatness, I said, letting Xateskrik see part of my plans. How creating spawn imbued by the magic that once strengthened the Absolute could strengthen the entire race.

Zarqoor was being allowed in the conversation and stood flabbergasted by what he was seeing. The other illithids in the room were still resting and oblivious.

Xateskrik was silent for a moment, likely ruminating on the information. Zarqoor looked at me as if I had sprouted another pair of tentacles, and I wasn't entirely sure that was good.

Zarqoor, the elder brain said, escort her to the temple.

From my brief exposure to the layout of the colony, I knew the temple was near the elder brain's pool, and as such, deep within the bowels of the colony, where I would be the most vulnerable. Xateskrik hadn't shown me what lay down there, and I expected the worst.

Calm down, child, Xateskrik said. You are not in trouble. Now go. You can continue that lesson another time.

I looked at Zarqoor, who wasn't making me any more comfortable with the situation.

Fleeing was still an option, but if I left, I would never know whether I could have had them as allies.

Zarqoor's frustration increased the deeper we went, and it was making me even more nervous.

What's the matter? I asked.

I hate interruptions, he said. We could be on our way to that library, and yet we keep getting delayed.

Delayed? I asked. Will I still be allowed to leave?

Zarqoor looked at me with confusion, then realisation. Of course. We'd be going a different route if Xateskrik wanted to punish you. It's likely that Xateskrik wishes for you to commune with the God-Brain—to ensure the best course of action, considering your… more than unique case.

Ilsensine is here?! I asked, stopping in place.

Zarqoor stopped and turned to look at me. The God-brain is everywhere . But no, it is merely a shrine.

That information should probably have soothed my worries, but it had the opposite effect. Shrine or no, Omeluum had told me that Ilsensine was extremely powerful and that its only concern was dominating the entire cosmos, raising illithids as the lords of every other race. What if it took my ambitions as a threat to its dominion? What if it tried to dominate me? Certainly Orpheus's power couldn't stand before a true god.

Your despair is giving me a headache, Zarqoor said. Calm down.

Have you been to the shrine before? I asked.

Once, he said. Your pets cannot follow you inside.

We stopped in front of a massive carved door. A giant brain with tentacles reaching everywhere and extending far past the limits of the door laid in the centre with mind flayers revering it atop what seemed to be other races. I couldn't check the qualith, but I imagined it spoke about the God-Brain. The entire thing hummed with psionic energy. Even away from the door, the poor kobolds seemed in pain, and Filro and Dhourn were trying to comfort them with a magic shield.

Will they be safe out here alone? I asked.

They won't be alone, Zarqoor said. I'll wait for you here.

Thank you, I said, and turned to the door. I had never been more terrified in my life. Xateskrik had been a constant presence in my mind, reminding me to keep my thoughts in check so no more dangerous information slipped, but I doubted I could hide from Ilsensine.

The door seemed to sense my desire to enter and opened, rising to the ceiling as if it weighed nothing, a beautiful and soothing psionic hum making my entire body tremble. I tried to float inside, but as soon as I crossed the threshold, my powers were rendered useless. The door closed behind me as my feet met the stone floor. In front of me was a stone stand with the idol of Ilsensine: an illithid head devouring the world. My already rising panic was now overwhelming.

An ulitharid rose from a massive and beautifully adorned chair, its robes as imposing and gorgeous as the headpiece it wore. Two large rings on its tentacles reflected the greenish light of the shrine.

Welcome child, the ulitharid said, her voice soft yet commanding. I have been expecting you.

Thank you, I said, trying to overcome my nervousness. Xateskrik told me to come.

I felt the ulitharid's amusem*nt. It was not Xateskrik who informed me of your visit to this colony. What is it you fear? She asked, moving closer with her extractor staff in her right hand. Is it punishment for your deviant actions with your mentor? Or perhaps your desire to follow in the footsteps of the elder brain you slayed?

I flinched.

Yes, I know. You have thwarted the Absolute's efforts towards the Grand Design, which is a grave offence. You seem to hold freedom in high regard. An understandable notion, considering your mentor's inclinations, but ultimately vain. Do you not see that even now, as you hold so dearly onto your perceived freedom , you are entirely at my mercy? Are your pets not under your control? You naively claim they are not your thralls, even when you have so carefully sliced and knitted their minds back together to fit your goals. You dream of creating what you believe to be a superior breed, of rising above others, and allowing them to do what they desire. Is it not true?

I couldn't argue with her. But how did she know all that?

Who are you? I asked.

I am a messenger, she said, amused, then became serious. I am not here to punish you, child, but to warn you. You have started on a path that can lead you to either greatness or ruin. You cherish your freedom , so choose wisely.

What is it that Ilsensine wants? I asked.

What it had always wanted, she said. Knowledge. Power. For its children to rise above all others. You have slayed many of its children, but you can still redeem yourself. She stepped in front of me, forcing me to look up. Reject the other and embrace Ilsensine and you will be forgiven. Your path will be open for you to achieve your goal, for your children to populate the worlds as you desire, for you to learn everything you've ever dreamed of and more.

The other ? I asked. Do you mean the Emperor?

You don't know, do you? She asked, serious. No, child. I do not mean your mentor. I mean the one who has been trying to reach you. When it does, reject it. Ilsensine's wrath is not something to be taken lightly, and you would be wise to heed my warning.

I'm not sure I understand, I said. Who's trying to contact me?

Its name shall not be spoken, she said, and its existence shall not be described. You will know what I mean when it contacts you. She stepped back and emanated a welcoming energy. I could swear she was smiling. Now, do you wish for a blessing before you go?

Would Ilsensine still give me its blessing? I asked.

Of course, child, she said. And you can receive many more once you make the right decision. Step onto the shrine, touch it with your tentacle, and make your wish.

I was no stranger to dealings with Gods. I had once been Corellon Larethian's worshiper, after all. They'd abandoned me when I chose to become an illithid. Apparently, denouncing my ethereal changeable spirit a second time was unforgivable. I hadn't been offended by it. Just as it had been my choice to transform, Corellon had the right to take back their blessings. But I didn't know what to expect from Ilsensine. My thirst for knowledge had been the main driving force in my life, and it would be so easy to embrace the God-Brain for that reason alone. Yet, I was curious about what could be trying to reach for me. The only thing I could remember was the mysterious dream. I hadn't given it much thought after that morning, focusing all my attention into searching for ways to fulfill my goals. Could that be it? If so, whoever that was must be Ilsensine's rival.

Would it be right to accept a blessing when I was torn? I felt a pull. Ilsensine wanted me to touch the idol. Curiosity had always been my weakest point.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped onto the shrine and reached out with a tentacle, extending it so it could touch the illithid’s forehead. My body seized as my mind jolted out, and I found myself standing in a hazy place, dark and ominous with green tendrils extending and coiling around me. They searched inside my body and my soul, and there was nothing I could hide. I was a completely open book.

You show promise, child, a powerful voice said. There was no defining it, neither masculine nor feminine. Do not disappoint me. You are ambitious, a perfect specimen. It seems the thing you want the most is immortality so you can pursue every other goal. Cunning. There are many ways to achieve it, and I can offer you one. When you reforge that crown, bring it to me. I will ascend you, and you will be immortal. For now, take this.

Images flooded my mind, filling it with the overwhelming knowledge of the paths through the Underdark. I would never be lost again.

Thank you very much, I said, but my mind was already being sent back to my body. Gasping, I nearly fell onto the floor.

The ulitharid was amused. It seems Ilsensine was more eager than I thought. Go on then. You have a task to complete.

Excusing myself, I returned outside. As soon as the door closed, I felt my companions' relief at seeing me, and I was immensely glad to see them safe. No matter what that ulitharid had said, I knew that I wasn't controlling them and that I would do whatever I could to keep them that way.

Zarqoor regarded me warily. You are more distressed now than when you entered.

I have a lot to consider, I said. But I suppose we'll be leaving for the library soon.

That cheered him up. Do you wish to meet with the portal keeper now?

Soon, I said. I have a lesson to teach and something I need to do before we go.

What is it? Zarqoor asked.

You'll see, I said, making my way up the colony with my companions. I had a sigil to activate and an Emperor to return to.

Chapter 22

Chapter Text

Where are we? Zarqoor asked once I teleported us into the dungeons after activating the sigil. The mind flayers knew what to do and now only needed to practice until they mastered the ability to cast silently.

The illithids had correctly believed the sigil to be arcane, but had been surprised by the portal opening where once nothing had worked. Xateskrik asked us to return soon, but otherwise didn't mind. I suspected it had known all along.

My home, I said, finding it strange that I could not feel the Emperor's presence. Had he gone out? I caressed the baby brain in my arms to soothe us both.

Your home? Zarqoor asked, confused. But this is not the Absolute’s colony.

It's not, I said before floating down the hall to find Rov. Did you expect me to be homeless after the Absolute’s death?

I did, he said. Illithids without a colony live in terrible situations, even when finding a location. This is clearly not your case.

We are in Baldur's Gate, I said, surprising him even more. Hiding in plain sight from the population.

Rov was sleeping when we arrived, curled near the fire where some broth simmered in a large pan. Light-sleeper that he was, Rov jumped to his tiny feet once I entered the room, yapping something before he saw me.

“Mistress!” he screamed in happiness, jumping in place. “You're back! You're back!”

Ysha and Rak ran inside the room, stopping when they saw Rov, whose eyes shone with happiness.

“Mistress brought kin!” I had never seen that kobold this happy, not even when I had rescued him. It made me happy in turn.

The kobolds started talking in their own language, causing a ruckus I was sure the prisoners could hear on the other side. I hoped we still had enough of them.

How can you find these noisy creatures adorable? Zarqoor asked, annoyed.

It's not something I can explain, I said, watching the kobolds jumping and hugging each other before Ysha slapped her brother, then hugged and kissed him. I turned to the drow. You can go to your rooms. I believe things we'll be fine now.

Wishing me a good night, they walked up the hall, letting me know they'd come to me if I needed them. How could I not love them?

I take it you'll be staying? I asked the kobold siblings.

They turned to me with bright eyes. “Yes! We'll serve you, Mistress!”

We'll talk about service tomorrow, I said. Rov, you know the rules. Make sure they know them too.

“Yes, Mistress!” Rov excitedly said before returning to the unintelligible dialogue with his new pack mates.

Come on, I said to Zarqoor. It's my turn to show you around the place.

Zarqoor was impressed by the dungeons, and I told him that I couldn't take the credit for that, and neither could Cazador from the records I found in the palace. I still didn't know what these dwarven ruins had been for, but I was making great use of them.

I was glad to see the cells were still filled. Not only that meant we'd have food, but that Baldur's Gate’s streets were safer.

Zarqoor’s admiration, shadowed closely by envy, made me immensely proud of my achievements. And I wished the Emperor was here to share it with me. After all, I wouldn't be here without him.

It's impressive, Zarqoor said, standing where Cazador’s coffin had once been. I had never seen an illithid thrive away from a colony, and yet, you have. Your reluctance to accept Xateskrik’s influence is even more understandable now.

And this isn't all, I said, proudly. Let us go upstairs.

As I had suspected, it was the middle of the night, and the servants were asleep. Where could the Emperor have gone at a time like this? I hoped it was a simple business deal.

I was surprised to find more rooms ready for use. The servants had been busy renovating the palace, and that was great. It not only enforced our disguise, allowing visitors to see a lively place, but also offered accommodations for them to stay. The Emperor must be making much progress in his endeavours.

And the citizens are oblivious to you living here? Zarqoor asked as we stood atop the highest roof.

The moon was beautiful tonight.

I watched the city and wondered if the Emperor was in any of those buildings. He must be far away because I couldn't sense him at all. The pain of his absence was becoming unbearable the longer I stayed in the house without him.

Yes, I finally said. They have no idea. Only a select few know the truth. They're my allies.

Fascinating, Zarqoor said, and I could feel that, despite the envy strongly colouring his emotions, his admiration was real. I only hoped that envy wouldn't eventually make him turn against me. You are so young and so… brilliant.

Thank you, I said, a little uncomfortable by his growing interest. Let us go inside. I'll show you your room.

I suggest you keep the curtains tightly closed, I said once we entered one of the newly renovated rooms. The sunlight is not forgiving. I suppose I'll ask Rov for another pair of goggles—now that you're travelling with me, you'll need them.

Do you travel on the surface often? Zarqoor asked, examining the room.

I believe I'll have to, I said. But I live in this city, and going out during the day is something I still enjoy—with the proper protection, of course. I turned to the bed. I hope the fabric doesn't bother you much. I'll see what I can do once the servants awake.

Why don't you call them now? Zarqoor asked. Thralls should serve their masters' needs no matter the time.

I sighed. They're not my thralls, I said. I helped them. They were-

That presence was unmistakable. The Emperor was home! My heart was about to burst. I felt the moment he noticed my presence, our connection reverberating, eager to strengthen itself once again. Then he turned wary, likely sensing the unknown presence in the house.

What is it? Zarqoor asked, then turned to the door, likely sensing the Emperor fast approaching.

I was beaming, struggling to restrain myself and not jump into his arms, when the Emperor appeared at the doorway. He was wearing his full armour, showing all his glory.

Emperor! I said, floating closer to him, still trying to maintain my composure.

Welcome home, the Emperor said, briefly caressing my cheek with a tentacle before turning his full attention to Zarqoor in the centre of the bedroom. Greetings, he said calmly, but I could feel his unease and suspicion. I am the Emperor. It seems my partner has made an ally of you.

I am Zarqoor, he calmly said before recognition shone in his dark eyes, and I remembered that he knew the nature of my relationship with the Emperor. I tried not to become embarrassed by the memory of his and Xateskrik's discovery. You are her mentor.

That and more, the Emperor said. You are welcome to stay, but be mindful of the other inhabitants of this house. You will soon see that the customs of a colony do not apply here.

Thank you, Zarqoor said. I am aware. Tav has been… introducing me to new concepts.

The Emperor looked at me and prodded my mind. I welcomed him as if he was a warm bath after a long day. It was wonderful to have him in my mind after so long, and I felt his relief when seeing my friendly interactions with Zarqoor. Then, I felt his fear when, looking further, he found my time in the colony and the conversation with Ilsensine.

You were reckless again! the Emperor was furious. He turned to Zarqoor. Excuse us.

Have a good night, Zarqoor. I said before following the Emperor to our bedroom.

Do you have any idea how dangerous it was to commune with that entity?! the Emperor asked once he closed the door behind us.

Yes, I said, showing him everything that had happened in the colony. It didn't make him any less angry, but he saw my reasoning, and the consequences.

Will you ever learn to value your survival above possible rewards? he asked. You did the same with Raphael. I believed that had taught you a lesson. It seems I was mistaken.

I hated disappointing him. It pained me deeply, and I would always do anything to make him feel better. Attempting to close the distance, I reached out with my tentacles. He observed me with those deep purple eyes that had always captivated me, and I knew that behind them were strong feelings battling each other.

Please don't shut me out, I said when he didn't move. I missed you all this time, and I know you missed me too. I touched his gloved hand. I know it was risky, but I needed to know what would happen. My companions were ready to return if anything went wrong. I was prepared, Emperor. I only wanted to come back to you without throwing all progress into the fire.

The Emperor didn't speak, and he moved faster than I could react. Wrapping me in his tentacles, I only felt his strong hands gripping my arms before he pushed into my mind.

I found my elven self on the bed, divested of all my clothes, while the Emperor's handsome elven form devoured my lips. He was just as naked, but I couldn't move to touch him. He was keeping my wrists beside my head with his hands, and my legs spread and immobile with his own. The Emperor’s weight on me was just as breathtaking as his kisses, and I was melting under him.

The Emperor was demanding, as if exorcising all my misdeeds, painfully reminding me of what I could have lost—what both of us could have lost. His feelings were intensely entwining with mine: fear, relief, love, anger, desire, longing. I couldn't tell which were mine and which were his—at that moment, I felt it all along with him, and there was no soothing this pain. We couldn't have enough of each other, and the fact I couldn't move to pull him closer only made it more torturous.

Then he pushed inside me; each thrust a claim that I belonged with him. I would never argue otherwise. Whatever I did, I hoped I would always do it with him. Bliss and despair became one as our climax approached, and I wanted to never part from him again.

Breathlessly returning to my senses, pleasure still coursed through our bodies as I found myself in the Emperor's limbs, standing in the same spot. Wordlessly, he floated us to the bed and laid down, pulling me along. I nestled in his arms and tentacles, enjoying his warmth.

I had no idea when he'd removed our clothes, but I was glad he had. I loved touching him.

I loved him.

And I loved that he felt the same.

Chapter 23

Chapter Text

Where were you? I eventually asked, still entangled with the Emperor on the bed, caressing his chest. I worried when I didn't sense you when I arrived.

Resolving a dispute, he said, caressing my waist with his fingers. Permanently, I believe. His satisfaction soothed me, and I cuddled even closer. I will join you on your trip to Waterdeep.

Truly? I asked, pulling back just enough to look into his beautiful purple eyes. Happiness warmed me inside, and I hugged him even tighter. Oh, Emperor! I'm so glad you'll be with me out there!

Me too, he said. It is time for me to visit some contacts personally. He moved a tentacle to tip my head back and looked into my eyes. Do you trust that mind flayer?

Zarqoor? I asked. He's been helping me, but I don't know if I can trust him.

Yet you followed him to the depths of an elder brain's colony, the Emperor bitterly said.

I believed I'd be safe with Orpheus's power to protect me, I explained. I wanted to come and talk to you before I followed him, but I feared it would cause more trouble than if I risked it. That colony is nothing like the Absolute’s. It's… inspiring, in a way.

I felt the Emperor’s worry. I hope you are not considering joining them, he said.

Of course not, I said. But it's good to know that not all colonies are the same and that, once our family grows, we could have a colony at least that great.

The Emperor's purple eyes shone. I like the sound of that, he said, moving his tentacles to tease my sensitive spots, my body reacting immediately with the need to connect with him physically. It was… difficult without you here for so long. These needs grow stronger in your absence.

Then let us sate them, I said, before shifting to better accomodate his body against mine.

I kissed his chest, his neck, his face—all while caressing his smooth skin as I moved a leg on top of his hips, inviting him into me. Despite the momentary satisfaction from our mind sex, my body craved to be filled, to have him drench my eggs with his wonderful sperm—to become one.

That thought alone was enough to make us both shiver, our minds still connected and our feelings flowing freely between us.

I kissed his lips, sucking his tongue, while enjoying the feel of his body under my hands. The Emperor fed the growing fire inside us, sliding his hand down my back until he grabbed my arse and pulled me tight against him, his slick penis sliding between my legs with purpose. As our tongues mingled and our hands worshipped our beautiful bodies, the Emperor moved his penis up and down my entrance, teasing us both, increasing our hunger for each other, which translated into even more desperate kisses.

We were devouring one another, insatiable.

As our tentacles began to explore, extending to cover more ground, his long ones completely enveloped me, holding me tight and immersing me in his powerful presence. My entire world was the Emperor, and I wouldn't have it any other way. When he entered me, I was whole. Nothing else mattered.

Parting from our hungry kisses, the Emperor pushed a tentacle into my mouth, our connected gaze never breaking apart. I was completely at his mercy; enveloped in his tentacles, held by his arms, with a tentacle and his penis deep inside me, and still feeling his kisses on my neck, his tongue and teeth playing with the different effects they caused in me.

I could never part from the Emperor. I didn't want to. Nothing would ever come close to the bliss I felt when we joined like this. I would always do everything I could to return to him.

And from his side of our connection, I felt his pleasure at knowing this, his understanding that I had never intended to leave him, and his certainty that he would always do everything it took to bring me back to him.

We belonged with each other. We were partners in everything. We had an unbreakable bond that only grew stronger, and we would achieve heights ever greater together.

The pleasure bomb threatened to explode, we were reaching our limits. My body refused to let him part, squeezing him inside me more and more as his thrusts intensified, desperate to mark my eggs as his, to coat me inside and join our essences, to create the wonderful new and superior life that would bring us to greatness never before achieved.

Our minds left our bodies, flowing in the vast starry sky that reminded me strongly of the Astral Plane. All we felt was bliss as we became one—no secrets, no lies. We were open books, every knowledge flowing freely between us—all we were, all we could ever be. And we were one step away from the doors of the universe. The bright and gorgeous sky blended until it faded, bringing darkness just as beautiful as we floated as one. Unimaginable shapes adorned the landscape, sky and sea becoming one with the earth, falling into an abyss of light tendrils that embraced everything around it, giving life to everything it touched.

We returned to our shivering, tingling bodies as pleasure still coursed through our nerves, knowledge once so clear now mere shadows. The Emperor relaxed his tentacles around me, and I fully relaxed on top of him. I lazily kissed his neck, weakly running a thumb on his chest as he did the same on my arm wrapped over him.

There was no energy to do anything else but enjoy each other’s presence, and I took complete advantage of that. I had missed him so much.

What was that? I asked once I recovered a little, still enjoying his penis deep inside me, pumping everything it had to give me.

I am unsure, the Emperor said, still caressing me. It seems our joining triggered an Astral projection. The reason eludes me.

I can't remember it happening before, I said.

It has not, he said, thoughtfully.

I wonder if it'll happen again, I said, kissing him gently on the shoulder. It was… amazing.

I suppose we can… investigate further, the Emperor said. Now that we won't be separating any longer, it will be a matter of time before we learn more.

Well done, someone said in my dream. There was no face, I couldn't identify the voice, and I awoke with the same feeling after that dream about the nautiloid. Who was this being trying to contact me? Why did Ilsensine want me to reject them?

Good morning, the Emperor said, still keeping me wrapped in his limbs. Our bath is ready.

Good morning, my love, I said, hugging him to the best of my ability. I don't want to leave here.

We can stay together in the bath, come on, he insisted.

With a sigh, I left the bed and summoned illusionary robes so we could go to the bathroom.

And stopped right outside.

The servants were panicking because of Zarqoor standing at the end of the hall. He looked at me with curiosity before his gaze moved to the Emperor walking out behind me, his emotions difficult to understand.

Calm down, Nico, I said.

He was holding Annette protectively from behind, keeping himself between her and Zarqoor. There was something different about her. Oh. She was pregnant. It seemed their voyeuristic behaviour had given them unexpected consequences.

Zarqoor won't harm you, I added.

Accepting my mental request, Zarqoor approached slowly. I am not here to harm you or your friends, he said with distaste.

“It doesn't look at us right, Mistress!” Annette said, ignoring the illithid. “Not like you do.”

Zarqoor isn't used to other races being important, I explained. But he knows not to do anything against you. He'll respect our rules.

Annette relaxed, but still doubted. Nico didn't budge. “If Mistress says so…” she said.

I have not given you reason to doubt me, I said calmly, then looked at my illithid guest. We'll be staying a few more days, and then we'll leave. I looked at Nico, who was the sanest of the two. I trust this behaviour will not be repeated in the future. Please extend to my guest the same treatment you offer me. Prepare the guest bathroom for him the same way you prepare ours. I looked at Zarqoor. We'll have a bath and then we'll join you for breakfast.

The servants apologised and left to complete their tasks, Nico giving Zarqoor a last wary glance.

Interesting interaction, Zarqoor said disapprovingly. It could have been solved much quicker if you had entered their minds.

Their minds have been tampered with enough, I said. I only enter it to fix eventual damages. That caught his interest and I elaborated. Their curiosity sometimes gets the better of them, I explained.

I haven't realised you kept anything of psionic nature upstairs, Zarqoor said. I've only seen arcane protections.

I don't, I said, then looked at the Emperor, wondering if he would like to elaborate on this private matter. Zarqoor already knew of our relationship, but it was still awkward to explain.

Suffice it to say, the Emperor said, placing a hand on my shoulder, some activities between illithids generate power beyond humanoid comprehension.

Zarqoor watched us with interest, but silently.

If you'll excuse us, I said, we'll have that bath now.

Enjoy, Zarqoor said, watching us leave. I wondered what he was thinking, because his feelings were mixed and confusing.

I don't like the way he looks at you, the Emperor said as he helped me into the bathtub.

And how is that? I asked.

He admires you, he said, sitting behind me in the water. That is dangerous.

Why? I asked. I admire you, and it's a great thing.

You and I are different, the Emperor explained, touching me with his hands and tentacles. Mind flayers often consume what they admire, taking it into their own selves.

Are you saying he wants to eat my brain? I asked. Is that even possible?

Elder brains do it to every mind flayer at what it considers the end of their lives, he said, breathing against my nape, causing me to shiver. He could bite and I would be helpless to stop him. Ritualistically, clearly, so the colony remains oblivious to the truth.

I thought they only ate tadpoles, I said.

They will absorb everything that can grant them more power, he somberly said. I wouldn't be surprised if our guest decided to keep you to himself—inside him.

Well, I want you all to myself, I said, trying to change the subject to something more pleasant, inside me.

The Emperor's amusem*nt made me happy. I'm afraid I have not yet recovered from last night, the Emperor said, but I can still use this. One of his tentacles slid down my body, caressing me until it found the entrance between my legs.

Did you know one of the servants is expecting? I breathlessly asked, trembling with the growing pleasure as he began to thrust.

No, he said, breathing against my neck. I wanted him to bite.

I felt his lips before I felt the Emperor’s teeth raking against my skin, and then the delicious pressure as he bit. I cried out in pleasure. Would it be just as good with his real teeth?

That's dangerous, he said.

Please, let me feel it, I asked.

The Emperor groaned and adjusted his head so the tentacles made way for his mouth. Still thrusting his tentacle inside me, the Emperor carefully brought his mouth over my shoulder, his hot breath making me shiver in anticipation. Slowly, he brought his mouth closer, saliva coating my skin. Gently, he pressed down, and the several teeth were like warm knife tips against wonderful pressure points as he breathed against my skin. I moaned loud, shaking in pleasure, and the Emperor groaned, fighting his instinct to pierce skin. Quickly, he threw his head back with a long exhale, putting as much distance from my skin as possible, and increased his pace between my legs. I was melting against him, our pleasure ready to burst.

We cried out in the bathtub, trembling as the sensations coursed through us both.

Let us not do that again, the Emperor breathlessly said when we relaxed, slowly caressing my body with his tentacles while I stroked his arms around me.

But it was so good, I said.

And dangerous, he insisted. I am not risking your safety.

We spent some time in silence, just enjoying each other in the warm water. I loved these moments too.

What was that about a servant expecting? the Emperor eventually asked.

Annette is pregnant, I explained. I'm fairly certain Nico is the father.

Right, he acknowledged. The voyeurs. I suppose it was too much to expect they'd have the capacity to prevent it.

It's not too bad, though, I said. It means more help, and we can raise the child to accept us—we won't even need to change anything in its mind.

You do realise you're starting to talk like a thrall breeder? the Emperor said. I cannot decide whether it is a good thing.

Well, I said, shifting to look into his eyes, I told you we'd do great things. We'll need all the help we can get.

The Emperor brought a tentacle to caress the side of my face, and I leaned into it. Your mind works in interesting ways. I remember when you used to refuse help.

Then you showed me that I was wrong to think that way, I said and I kissed his tentacle, enjoying the effect these mental gestures always caused in him. I loved showing him how much I appreciated and loved him. You've made me so much better, in so many different ways. I caressed his gorgeous face with a tentacle. Thank you, Emperor.

He brought a hand up to cup my head. Thank you for letting me. And he kissed me, slow and tender, melting me against him.

Zarqoor was waiting at the table when we entered the dining room. The little brain at his feet still couldn't speak but came running to me when it noticed my presence. Adorable.

My illithid guest watched us in that different way I still couldn't identify. I wanted to push into his head and learn everything, but after spending all these days keeping him out of my head, that would be hypocritically rude.

Will you still return with me to the colony after you're done, I wonder, Zarqoor said as the Emperor sat at the head of the table, and I sat next to him. It is difficult to imagine that you will, after seeing all this.

I don't know, I confessed, allowing the brain to jump on my lap. I suppose I could visit and exchange knowledge from time to time. The Emperor highly disapproved. But I will not move in. Would Xateskrik agree to such an arrangement?

I cannot say, Zarqoor said. It welcomes travelling illithids from different colonies, but your situation is… unique.

I looked at the Emperor. It definitely is, I said, then looked at Zarqoor. But Ilsensine knew of everything and still asked me to do something for it.

That surprised Zarqoor. Are you on a quest for the God-Brain?

I… might, I said, unwilling to divulge that I wouldn't fulfill it. That was probably a good enough reason to never step back into that colony. I doubted Ilsensine would forgive me and if its influence was enough to turn them against me, that place might become my grave.

Unaware of my inner struggle, Zarqoor’s admiration and envy grew.

Are you a follower of Ilsensine? I asked. You seem to hold it in high regard.

Not exactly, Zarqoor said, sobering up. There are those in the colonies who worship the God-Brain, there are those who completely disregard its godly powers, and there are those like me. I respect its position and acknowledge its power, but I have no interest in worshipping it. I prefer to focus on my mission and invest my strength in myself.

I understand, I said, stroking the little brain’s skin. We think similarly.

Pauline brought our meals, prepared just the way we liked, and I hoped Zarqoor would enjoy it as well. He tried it, and I felt his surprise and satisfaction, which warmed me with pride.

Dhourn arrived with Filro, both looking sleepy. “I'm sorry about the time, we… overslept,” Dhourn said and Filro nodded, embarrassed. Had something bad happened?

Prodding lightly into Filro's mind, it was easy to find the reason. He couldn't stop thinking about it, the experience from last night strongly swimming in his brain, nearly overwhelming him. They were lovers now. I left his mind feeling guilty for witnessing something so private, but I had to be sure he was well.

It is fine, I said. We are not going anywhere today. Just be careful this doesn't happen when we do have to leave.

Of course, Filro said.

Zarqoor was uncomfortable sitting beside people he considered inferior, but he would have to overcome that notion. No matter how superior we actually were, my companions still deserved to be treated properly.

I left Zarqoor with the Emperor while I visited the kobolds, hoping they would get along. I knew the Emperor was wary of my new companion, but I also knew he was a master at negotiation and would do nothing to jeopardise a promising alliance.

The kobolds were in the middle of decorating their new home, expanding to the cell adjacent to the kitchen. Us was helping them move the heaviest objects, and I had to pet that adorable brain, even if it was currently inside a drow.

Rov was happy to give control of the kitchen over to Ysha and focus on his inventions. Rak was a hunter and knew his ways around trap making, so he was already thinking of ways to improve the dungeons’ security. I gave him some trap ideas that I had gathered from my brief visit to Xateskrik's colony, and I was sure Rak would learn how to make them soon.

The Morphic Pool was coming along nicely, but it could still be much improved. I showed the intellect devourers what Xateskrik's colony looked like and what I wanted them to replicate here, especially the hidden passageways. That was essential to keep away any capable adventuring party. I was about to go back upstairs when I saw two tiny brains shying away in a corner. They were even smaller than my newborn.

Where did they come from? I asked one of the intellect devourers.

Born from food, Mistress, the devourer said, before moving on to continue its task.

It happens sometimes, another devourer said, passing by me to climb onto one of the newest platforms.

It seems you like them, another devourer came and sat beside me to watch the brains. I guess we can't eat them.

You eat newborns? I asked, thinking of potential intellect devourers I might have lost.

Sometimes, it said. We haven't been eating the new ones because we need help to complete this project. And Mistress keeps us fed.

Let me know if you need more food, I said. Don't eat the newborns.

It was good to know they could be born without my interference, but the ‘wild’ ones seemed even more vulnerable than the one I had created. At least the devourers would care for them now.

Approaching the babies, I sent them a soothing energy so they wouldn't fear me and picked them up. So tiny. So adorable. They were very welcome to stay.

Chapter 24

Chapter Text

I took some days to rest, resupply, check shops for spells and equipment, and enjoy the Emperor while we still had privacy, hoping we would still have moments to ourselves once we left.

Zarqoor wasn't impressed by anything I showed him in the city, especially during the day when I gave him the goggles. Despite the protections, he still complained about the light and heat of the sun.

Araj still hadn't returned, and I wondered if she had been successful in her plans. I had hoped she would be a good connection to other drow who wanted to mingle with illithids, but I might have to return to Sshamath if she remained elusive. As interested as those drow had been in psionics, they had not possessed the same enthusiasm for illithids on a personal level, unlike her, but it was a start.

It was surprising to see Omelluum in the Society of Brilliance along with Blurg, and they were just as surprised to see me accompanied by another mind flayer. I told them of my recent trip and about the things I had learned, impressing the both of them.

It is both unexpected and relieving to learn that not all colonies are like mine, Omeluum said. Things would have been very different if I had not had the need to leave because of my arcane studies.

Would you want to go there? I asked.

Omeluum was quiet for a moment, his gaze going to Blurg and then returning to me. Perhaps once I have finished my research. There's still much to do that requires my complete independence, but I would like to share my discoveries with them.

What are you researching? Zarqoor asked.

Omeluum excitedly explained his plans and reasons, and Zarqoor didn't initially agree with him, but then realised that not being obligated to consume brains would expand the possibilities for the illithid race, not remove their superiority.

Xateskrik wouldn't try to stop you, Zarqoor said. It might even aid you.

That is… something to consider, Omeluum said, and I showed him where to go in case he wanted to join them.

And remember that you're always welcome to join me, I said. And if you need help, you know where to find me.

Will you ever stop trying to steal my friend from me? Blurg said jokingly, but I felt that behind it, he was afraid to lose Omeluum's company.

I have never implied you wouldn't be welcome, I said, surprising him. The only thing that could separate you is your choices.

As we returned to the palace, Zarqoor told me that while he had met illithid outcasts, none had been so sane as Omeluum—or me and the Emperor. He was also impressed by my status within the city, being able to hide so well from everyone, and being respected by the citizens.

Then I showed him the statues—the Emperor and I standing side by side, Us at my feet. He recognised us immediately, but not Us, since he had never seen that disguise before. It puzzled him deeply.

You are a hero to these people, he finally said.

Yes, I said. We saved them from destruction.

Why would you save them? Was it part of your plan to take control of the city?

In a way, I said. It was a matter of survival but also a great opportunity to rise. The Emperor guided me through it all.

A newspaper flew by our feet. It was old news, abandoned by someone months ago. It described the death of the Netherbrain. Was fate playing with me? To my horror, Zarqoor picked it up.

He looked at the newspaper then at me. His silence was making me nervous. While Ilsensine—and maybe Xateskrik—knew of my actions against the Netherbrain, Zarqoor didn't, and I didn't want him to turn against me. I could use his connections and the knowledge he had.

You were the one who killed your elder brain, he slowly said, shutting me out from feeling his emotions. Why? he asked.

As I said, it was a matter of survival, I said.

He observed me quietly, then looked at the statue. Finally, he returned his attention to the newspaper. It says it was a plot by this triad of gods. Explain this to me.

I explained about the Dead Three and how they had been controlling the Absolute. I left out the part that it had regained its full autonomy at the end. He probably wouldn't like that.

I knew that crown would be its undoing, Zarqoor said, letting his emotions flow once again. There was sadness, frustration, anger, revulsion, but also admiration. To become a puppet to the thrall races’ gods– disgraceful! The shame it would have brought us all! Unthinkable! He took a deep breath and calmed himself. It is unfortunate that it came to that. The loss of any elder brain is a monumental one—no matter the circ*mstances. All that knowledge… now forever lost… He felt that loss deeply, and after having learnt more about illithids in a colony, I understood. It almost made me feel bad for my actions.

But you did a good thing, he continued, calm and collected once again. And you surprise me again. I didn't think a newborn, out of any illithid, would be able to kill an elder brain.

It was thanks to the Emperor, I said. I couldn't have done it without him.

Zarqoor observed me. Your dedication to him is impressive. You seem to almost… worship him.

He is important to me, I said. I owe him my life, in more ways than one. But I don't worship him—or anything else.

This… relationship of yours, he said as we started on our way back to the palace, it is unheard of. How did it begin?

When the Absolute captured m– my form donor, I said. He protected her through it all, and he was there when I completed the ceremorphosis. He has never left my side, and I never wanted him to. Our bond grows stronger every day.

Zarqoor was silent for a time, and his emotions were circling between interest, confusion, and pity. I assume he was the one who initiated you on those… deviant actions.

Do you mean the sex? I asked, and he flinched, offended by the notion alone. It was amusing. He didn't know what he was missing. Yes, it was the Emperor who suggested it at first. We have been experimenting and learning much. I believe we can regain our greatness through sexual reproduction. We could produce more than mere copies of ourselves. We could enhance one another's spawns by exchanging traits, especially if those involved are from different colonies. There might have been local adaptations that could be passed down through the exchange.

You speak of us as a thrall breeder speaks of their livestock, Zarqoor said with distaste. We have far surpassed the need for such primitive reproduction. We are complete as we are.

I'm certain you have reason to believe it, I said. But I'm also certain that I lose nothing by trying to prove you wrong. It’s not because something hasn't been done that it is better not to do it. Time will tell who is right.

Awaiters, Zarqoor mumbled.

I didn't want to leave the palace vulnerable while I was gone, so Dhourn and Filro stayed behind to look after everything—including the kobolds—and I left Baldur's Gate accompanied by my pets, including the newborn. There still seemed to be a rift between Zarqoor and the Emperor, and I hoped it wouldn't come to trouble. We would travel through the Underdark; the less exposure we had to the sun, the better, and with Ilsensine's gift, I now knew this place better than Neverwinter, my homeland.

Zarqoor had insisted that we used the mind flayer's help at the colony to teleport us closer to Waterdeep, so after convincing the Emperor that we could leave if anything went wrong, I took us to the Arcane Room in Xateskrik's colony.

Welcome back, Xateskrik said, and I felt the Emperor's discomfort. You've brought your mentor. I trust you will behave while inside my domain. I will not tolerate certain… behaviours.

We won't be long, I said. We need the services of your portal master.

Of course, Xateskrik said. Take some time to instruct your pupils while you are here. They have been eager for your return.

True to Xateskrik's words, the arcanists were looking at me expectantly. I assumed the more I helped them, the less inclined these mind flayers would be to turn against me, so I spent some time checking on their progress of silently casting, enjoying that I had once again convinced Zarqoor to join my arcane education. The Emperor already knew how to do it, so he observed the colony from the balcony while my pets helped expand his awareness.

I never thought I would step into an active illithid colony again, the Emperor told me privately once I was done with the lesson. This one does seem different, but I would not abandon caution.

As we shouldn’t, I told him.

Zarqoor took us to the portal master and I was surprised to see a tiny mind flayer, chubby and adorable. A successful gnome ceremorph, not a squidling.

Where are you going? the ceremorph asked, her voice feminine.

Waterdeep, Zarqoor said.

The ceremorph checked a qualith tablet and turned to us. Underdark or sewers?

Zarqoor looked at me, expecting me to choose.

We'll go to the Underdark, I said. We can find our way up and plan escape routes if necessary.

It would also give me the chance to search for Netherese sigils.

The ceremorph asked for a favour of moderate need to be paid at a later date, but since I already owed people some favours and wasn't keen on adding another to the list, I was glad she took some gemstones instead.

Travelling through the Underdark now was starkly different from the first time I had ventured into these underground lands. I had once been so lost, and now I could navigate it with my eyes closed. Ilsensine's gift was invaluable. To think that it wanted me to give it the Crown, the one thing that had sent me on this journey… it didn't feel right to disappoint it, but I wouldn't have another choice. I was sure I could get immortality without its help, anyway.

It took us two days to find a Netherese portal and half of another to reach the surface. Frustration was starting to colour my mood because I wanted some privacy with the Emperor but Zarqoor would never leave my side. While we could still meet in dreams to enjoy each other, it was not the same as joining mind and body.

We found a black market hideout of which the Emperor was glad to take control. They didn't belong to any major organisation, so it was easy to integrate them into his service.

Disguising ourselves before we stepped onto the surface, we took care to never remove it, even inside the inn room we rented. I always had a magic detection spell active, just in case we neared someone or somewhere that could dispell our disguise or see through it. In a city as crowded and rich as Waterdeep, there was magic everywhere around me, and I was sure that if I still had my elven mind, I wouldn't be able to distinguish between magic sources. But now that I was illithid, the many humms and lights were nothing more than information to sort through—a puzzle like any other; and once I identified the pieces, it was no longer a challenge.

It took some convincing and a lot of mind reading, but I found the mage's tower. Gale was his name, and nobody had seen him in a long time. Entering the tower might prove just as difficult if he was as talented as people claimed.

We found a Netherese sigil by his tower, and considering his obsession with the subject, he had likely built it there on purpose. I was simply glad to be expanding my reach over land as well.

Unsurprisingly, the tower was full of traps, mundane and magic. It took us great effort to advance until we reached the top, and it was empty. Where was the mage? No matter, he had plenty of books, and I hoped some of these would contain information about Karsus that I could use.

A month.

It took us over a month to go through the books, and some would still require more time for me to complete them. There had been no sign of the mage, and I suspected he was either travelling or dead. We did not even leave the tower, making use of the available rooms, which unfortunately could not be split the way I had wished.

Zarqoor was terrified of being left alone in an arcane tower—enough to share this vulnerability with us—and refused to stay in the other room with my pets and give me and the Emperor the privacy we needed. I suspected he had also done it on purpose to keep me from partaking in deviant actions. Likely hoping I could be fixed by abstinence. If only I could show him how wrong he was to reject this. But that would have to wait until I found another illithid, who, hopefully, would be willing to experiment. Maybe I could encourage them to try with each other.

The Emperor had also taken this period to do some business, and I told Nym to accompany him in case he needed support. The Knights of the Shield would be strong in this city too.

Despite his fear, Zarqoor was increasingly interested in the arcane, but also in me and my abilities. It was starting to worry me. I remembered the Emperor's words and could only hope it wouldn't end in violence. I didn't want to kill him.

When we returned home, I retreated to my bedroom with the Emperor as fast as I could. It had been torture to be so close to the Emperor and unable to touch him. My insides were cramping with his absence, and he needed me just as much.

Chapter 25

Chapter Text

Why are you delaying the research on the nautiloid for this Netherese poison? Zarqoor asked one morning in my lab.

We had spent the past month studying the tomes and scrolls we had found. That mage had owned treasures more valuable than I could have expected. Part of me felt bad for taking it from him—if he was still alive—but part of me knew that it was better for me to put them to use than for them to remain abandoned there for any common thief to take. And I was putting them to very good use. I had taken some magical artifacts for myself and given others to the Emperor and my companions. Even Zarqoor received a necklace to help him with his disguise. He was also learning the beginner’s spells, and when he tired of it, he helped me with the Netherese books or taught me different ways to use my psionic power.

I need to understand the magic the Absolute imbued in me with that crown, I said, which wasn't a lie. I need to know what I can expect—good and bad.

That is reasonable, he said, but was still annoyed. How much longer do you think this will take?

I looked at the two handful of books still waiting for us. I cannot say, but it will be faster if you help me.

Shouldn't your mentor be helping you as well? Zarqoor asked. The rift between the two hadn't grown any closer, but at least it hadn't worsened either.

The Emperor's plans are just as important, I said. And it is a part I am not well equipped to play.

Zarqoor observed me in silence, then took a deep breath and resumed his reading.

Another month went by, and I was making some progress with the Netherese research. I still didn't know how to fix the crown, but I understood much more about the magic involved, which helped understand my powers. The Emperor was in Waterdeep dealing with some business, and I was counting the hours until I went there to pick him up.

The Morphic Pool was starting to look beautiful, and I dreamed of the day it would be complete. Rak and Rov had started to work closely with the intellect devourers, and their creativity was a wonderful combination with the devourers' keen intellect. I was also more than satisfied with Ysha’s performance in the kitchen. Rov had done enough to keep himself and the prisoners fed—excelling at finding uses for the bones—but while he had amazing talent with crafting, he lacked it preparing food. Ysha did that work wonderfully and was able to supply the upstairs kitchen without the servants realising the source of the meat, reducing our costs.

What's the problem? I immediately asked when I returned to the palace with the Emperor only to find a distressed Dhourn.

“Thank the gods, you're here,” Dhourn said. “Filro is keeping them busy but we're running out of ideas.”

Who? I asked, activating the elevator. Had we been discovered?

“Merfolk,” he said, and I tensed up.

I had been hoping their issue could wait until I had fixed the crown. Now I would have to set my research aside again because I didn't want to break my promise.

Unwilling to disguise myself for this—if they still wanted help, they would have to fully accept the source—I was not the only one surprised. Standing in the centre of the room were not merfolk.

“You are… different from what I was expecting,” the triton said with distaste as I entered the room. She was a tall woman in beautiful, iridescent armour. Her platinum hair was adorned with algae, pearls and seashells. The amulet I had given the merfolk so they could reach me was in her palm. “And difficult to find, too,” she bitterly added.

Beside her stood two men, also in similar armour, looking at me as if I had deeply offended them. Neither of the three had been part of that group of merfolk I had encountered in the bottom of the Chionthar.

They were such beautiful creatures. Could they host a tadpole?

Yes, you expected to see a sun elf, I said, focusing on the issue. This is my form now. Regardless, difficult or not, it seems the amulet served its purpose.

She looked at the Emperor, then at Zarqoor beside him, then back at Filro and Dhourn. “The time wasted searching for you might cost our people greatly. Pray that it doesn't, or we'll take those precious stones from you.”

If time is as sensitive as you say, the Emperor said, you would do well to stop wasting it with empty threats and tell us what you need.

“I need what was promised to the merfolk,” she said, angry. “Your aid against our enemies. Will you honour your promise?”

I took a deep breath. Yes, I said, ignoring Zarqoor's surprise and disapproval. Who will join me? I looked at the Emperor, hoping he'd be by my side. I didn't want us to separate again, especially after a fortnight apart.

I do not agree, Zarqoor said, but I shall join you.

“I've always wanted to know more about the sea people,” Filro said, “so I'll join you, too. Dhourn?”

“I would prefer not to,” Dhourn said, “but you leave me little choice.”

Of course, I'm joining you, the Emperor said, relieving my tension.

“Anyone else?” The woman asked.

No, I said. My pets would mind the palace while we were gone.

“Then we leave now,” she said.

We have just arrived home and we would like a moment to… prepare, I said.

“If it's food you need,” she said, “we still have enough to share with your elven companions. And you three can gorge yourselves on our enemies.” Her hate was palpable.

Very well, we leave now, I said.

“You may call me Commander Atryn.” She motioned to the younger man. “He's Scout Domnos.” And then motioned to the older one. “This is Warden Zhulnis. We have mounts by the gazebo. Those Bitch Queen’s worshippers won't bother us there.”

I had read about hippocampus, but seeing them in person was something else. They were huge and beautiful. I knew from my studies that they were intelligent and extremely selective of who they allowed to ride on their backs, so it was no surprise when Scout Domnos had to convince them to collaborate with us.

Commander Atryn announced that we would dive and offered us Water Breathing potions, which we gladly took to save magic. Since we outnumbered the mounts, the two male tritons swam while I rode with the Commander, Zarqoor rode with Filro, and the Emperor rode with Dhourn. Zarqoor and the Emperor distrusted each other too much to sit so closely.

Despite the circ*mstances, the Emperor was enjoying the prospect of being back at sea, some nostalgic feelings resurfacing. Zarqoor not so much, complaining about helping lesser races when we could be researching the nautiloids. Dhourn was terrified and Filro was amazed at the experience.

As the Chionthar mixed with the Sea of Swords, animals kept their distance, and some creatures I had never even read about watched as we passed. The deeper we went, the more the pressure in my head increased. I had absolutely no idea where we were when lights appeared in the distance, followed by many more, revealing a submerged city built on the bottom of the ocean.

And then, as we got closer, I saw the destruction marring the beautifully foreign architecture. What seemed to have been a market was now little more than rubble. The Commander led us to a preserved area, but it seemed time was running out for them. We dismounted in front of a tall building, and we were surrounded by guards of different races, many looking out the windows of the buildings around us. Sea elves, merfolk and tritons watched us with curiosity, some with fear and distrust.

“Come,” Commander Atryn said, “we have some things to discuss.”

She swam fast, and often had to slow down for our benefit. While my illithid companions and I could swim with ease, Filro was slow and Dhourn couldn't swim at all, so we dragged him with us through the halls. He mentally complained about how shameful and disgraceful it was to be in such a position. Filro promised to teach him how to swim, and instructed him as we went.

The furniture seemed made of rocks, dead reef, and some type of water plant. Most of the sconces were dead, only a handful still had a mote of light inside them.

We entered a highly guarded room that seemed to be a library, but instead of books, it had tablets. Protected on all sides by six armoured merfolk, two tritons and two sea elves were three people: a strong male triton, a slender merfolk woman, and an equally slender male triton who I almost mistook for another female. They were all tall, wearing impressive attires.

“My lords,” Commander Atryn said, “these are the surface dwellers who had promised their aid and their companions.”

They didn't seem pleased with needing our help, their distaste showed in every little movement of their bodies and in the tone of their voices. It was clear that this was a last resort. The king had expected elves, so he mistook the drow to be the leaders of the group, and was wary of us. When I told him that I was the elf he had been expecting, he was disappointed more than anything. Apparently, accepting help from creatures like us was a deep offence to his ancestors. Deeper still would be to fail against his enemies, so he moved on to business and told us about the detachment that had met with us that fateful evening, that they had all perished in the following battles, but not before telling them about our deal. He didn't know what the stones were, only that they were valuable enough to have secured this alliance.

He explained about their enemies, those creatures whose names were so difficult to pronounce: ixitxachitl, demon rays, followers of Demongorgon. It all had started with sahuagin, common enemies their people had always been prepared to fight. But they became more organised, their tactics bolder and more cunning than usual. Then came the report from one of their teams informing of the rays' involvement. Things had only become worse from that point—the attacks more vicious, people being taken, some turning against them. The last infiltration attempt had cost half of their city. They were losing and he was desperate for help. This area had once been a safe haven for the sea people, but now it was about to become ruins overtaken by evil.

Well, not if I helped them.

I had fought an army before, so I was no stranger to some of the tactics they were employing, but countering them underwater was a challenge even with the improved mobility granted by our illithid forms. Dhourn and Filro had an even greater difficulty and fought from positions that required little movement. As wizards, that wasn't a problem for them.

True to Commander Atryn's words, there were plenty of sahuagin for us to feast upon, but eating an ixitxachitl was quite the novelty. These creatures' minds were full of malice and cruelty, but the most surprising information I acquired by eating an ixitxachitl's brain came on the third day as we pushed further into their territory.

The sea elves had reported changes in the currents, something foul had established itself in the region, and we had been there to investigate. The numbers of ixitxachitl was not only greater here, but there was also a different variety of them; one that could sap our energy with nearly every attack. And it was through one of these vampiric demon rays that I saw something truly evil. I thought I had known evil when I met the Absolute, but now I could not tell which was worse.

I had studied about these creatures once and I had never expected to encounter them any more than I had expected to encounter mind flayers. Yet now not only was I illithid, but I was fighting against the plans of an aboleth.

Chapter 26

Chapter Text

I knew this was a bad idea, Zarqoor said when I told my companions about the aboleth. There is still time. We can leave these people to their fate and resume our research.

I'm not leaving, I said. I made a deal and I’m honouring it. Besides, do you think the aboleth would stop here? They want to control the world just as much as illithids do, and they seem to think it's their birthright. Well, I beg to differ.

I have never expected to face such a creature, the Emperor said, but this is a great opportunity. Once we eliminate this threat, we will gain the sea folk's favour. We could use that to our benefit.

What use is there in a city on the bottom of the ocean in the middle of nowhere?! Zarqoor asked. We cannot even breathe down here without your magic or that potion!

I looked at the Emperor. Please, enlighten him on the benefits of using other races to do the work for us.

I expected you to have realised it by now, Zarqoor, the Emperor said. Not all people need to be under direct control to be useful. Sometimes, ensuring their interests align with yours is enough—and much less costly. This city is in a direct route between Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep. Any ship crossing near here could, potentially, be subjected to the whims of these sea folk.

Those fish people would never willingly harm another without your control, Zarqoor said.

Perhaps, the Emperor said. But they could delay a shipment from one of our competitors, effectively ruining their deal, and my organisation would be there to seize the opportunity.

Zarqoor was not convinced, impatiently moving around. That is a waste of effort, he said. You waste too much energy on non-illithids while we could be focusing on what truly matters! Our people!

Zarqoor, I said calmly. The stronger our reach among the races you despise, the easier it will be to put any plan into motion. If they cannot see us as a threat, they cannot stop us. If they don't know who pulls the strings, they don't try to break free—they are willing servants who happily believe to be in control of their lives.

Zarqoor was silent for a while, his emotions a maelstrom. Fine, he said at last. You make a valid point. But we are going to that library as soon as we are finished here!

Deal, I said. I couldn't delay that research much longer anyway, and I could continue to read the Netherese books while we travelled to Gravenhollow.

“An aboleth? Here?” Commander Atryn said with surprise when we reported in the courtyard. “That explains so much…” And then her dejection turned to hope. “But that also means that some of the people who have disappeared might be alive! Aboleths keep slaves, after all—not unlike… your people.”

I do not keep slaves, I calmly said. But I am aware of that practice.

And for the first time, I realised something: Zarqoor didn't have thralls with him. I would have to ask him about it.

“Do you expect me to believe those drow are with you willingly?” The Commander asked, looking at Dhourn and Filro.

That is a long story, I said, but they are not my slaves nor my thralls. You can confirm this with your priests and mages if you like.

“Unfortunately, most of those have been lost in the war and we cannot afford such an expense of resources,” she explained. “I will trust your word, since your actions so far have shown me that you are, indeed, different from your kin. I confess I had expected the worst when I saw an Inquisition in that room instead of the couple of elves I had been told to meet.”

I am happy to show you that mind flayers are not all the same, I said and looked at the Emperor, the one who had taught me that. Before I met him, I also had expected the worst.

Commander Atryn looked at us with confusion, then at Zarqoor, which only intensified her emotions. “Are you saying you were not a mind flayer when you met… him?” Referring to a mind flayer as him was clearly a novelty to her.

I was an elf, I explained. And no, the Emperor didn't capture me. He saved me.

“Forgive me, but you don't look saved to me,” Warden Zhulnis said.

I wished they could see my smile. I understand why you would think so, I said. But without him, I would have been a thrall to an elder brain.

“Is it true, then?” Scout Domnos asked. “Was that explosion caused by the death of an elder brain?”

Yes, I said and looked at Zarqoor, who was paying special attention to the story he only knew a part of. That was also the day when I was… reborn.

“That blast shook the coast for miles,” Scout Domnos said, “scared thousands of aquatic animals and killed hundreds of others.”

I hoped it had not been the case, I said. But I suspected the damage had been great. Looking around at the sea folk resting and others in the middle of training, I focused on the pressing issue. In any case, how are we going to confront this aboleth? My knowledge is not extensive.

“We need information,” Commander Atryn said, looking around. “And we need to be vigilant. Anyone could be under its control. The infiltrations we have suffered make much more sense now. We had believed the ixitxachitl to have dominated them, but the power and subtlety of an aboleth is far superior. I should have suspected this. I…” She stopped there, uncomfortable to speak further. I tried to peek, but retreated as soon as I realised her resistance was strong. I didn't need to antagonise her.

Do not be so hard on yourself, the Emperor said, no doubt feeling her guilt. I imagine their presence is no more common here than in the Underdark.

The Commander looked at the Emperor with defiance. “It is my duty, and I should have known better. I have fought many powerful threats in these waters, and I have studied these aberrations—I should have recognised the signs. But no matter, wallowing in my mistakes will not bring my people back, and we need to act fast and carefully. Our best hope is to kill it quickly so it cannot use its slaves as healing sources, but that won't be easy if it retreats into its lair—which it likely will do, expecting us to follow. The remaining ixitxachitl and sahuagin will also try to stop us. This won't be easy, but we have no choice. We cannot let them win.”

The puzzle is finally solved, Zarqoor said as we made our way back to investigate the aboleth's lair, his voice drenched in sadness and his emotions turbulent. Partialism. And it seems to be an extreme case as well.

What is that? I asked.

Partialism is one of the most dreaded… conditions among illithids, the Emperor explained. It happens when the tadpole fails to overtake the host's personality.

And it seems you suffer from it, Zarqoor said. I had been wondering about your… quirks, trying to find other explanations, refusing to accept the signs– It is such a pity. Usually, the illithid only remembers portions of the host, or keeps an ability from the form donor. You seem to believe you still are your form donor.

I stopped swimming and turned to look at him, my companions stopping beside me. Zarqoor, I said, I am exactly who I was supposed to be. There is nothing wrong with me.

No, Zarqoor insisted, you don't understand, you cannot understand. In all the months he has been accompanying me, I had never seen him this distressed– this conflicted. I know the Absolute was a threat—controlled by that crown—but the tadpoles are a gift. And above all, they are illithid. You have killed not only your elder brain, but the very being who shaped you. You have stolen its existence. And yet, you work toward our progress more fiercely than many illithids I have met. I am… confused.

The circ*mstances of my ceremorphosis are complicated, I explained, but I am no less illithid than you are. It is true that I retain my personality from before. I remember everything from that life—even better than before I transformed. But this is who I am. Does it matter if the mind inside my brain is that of a child or of an adult? That tadpole could have become elder brain food but it has served a much better purpose by evolving me.

Zarqoor’s confusion only intensified. He was torn. You do not understand, he said after a while. Tadpoles are immature, yes, but they are illithid. The host is nothing more than a form donor so the tadpole can mature and learn. You have stolen its body, its potential–its life.

The Emperor wanted to step in, but I wanted to solve this myself.

The way I see it, I said calmly, the superior mind won the right to inhabit the body. The tadpole was once an intruder—a parasite—wanting to use and destroy me for its benefit. I have retained my right to continue to exist and made use of the tadpole instead. Is that not what we do every time we feed? Do you see me as an usurper? Perhaps I am. But you can either accept me as I am and continue to travel with me, or you can go back to your business in the Underdark.

Zarqoor observed me for a moment, and the Emperor let me know he was ready to act if necessary, as were Filro and Dhourn.

Tell me, Zarqoor said, if you remember your life before, why have you abandoned it? Why have you not tried to return to your people? Why have you embraced this new existence?

Because I chose to transform, I said, surprising him. This is my life, and the illithids are my people.

Zarqoor looked at the Emperor. Is it because of him? he asked.

In part, I said. The Emperor showed me that my perception of illithids was incomplete, and the more I got to know him, the more he fascinated me. I got to experience the life of an illithid, even if incomplete, through the tadpole, and the Emperor guided me through it all. When I had the option to remove the tadpole, I chose to transform instead. I didn't want to go back to the limitations I've once had, and I wanted more. I looked at the Emperor and reached for him with a tentacle, which he warmly entwined with one of his. Thanks to him, I could.

Have you betrayed your own people to ensure she kept her personality? Zarqoor asked, disgust colouring his words.

Moving closer, the Emperor glanced at me before fixing those gorgeous purple eyes on Zarqoor. Do not speak as if you would not have done the same given the opportunity, the Emperor said, addressing Zarqoor as if he was an entitled little child, and Zarqoor flinched. You admire her brilliant mind almost as much as I do. You have been following her, aiding her. You are curious about her. She fascinates you. You know it would have been a waste to replace that mind with a newborn.

Zarqoor was… ashamed, an emotion he was quick to hide and replace with passion. You are correct, Zarqoor bitterly said. And we have wasted enough time. Let us solve this issue with the aboleth and return to our initial plan. Zarqoor looked at me. That… brilliant mind of yours, as he so rightfully described, must be put to use with illithid matters and not wasted among fish.

Zarqoor, I called when he started swimming away, and he stopped to look at me. I need to know that this has been settled. Do you accept me as I am or should I expect hidden plans to cure my mind? Because I do not need healing. I am not sick.

I felt the emotion resonate within the Emperor. He had suffered a similar situation with Ansur.

You know well that if I had ulterior motives I would not divulge them, Zarqoor said, his emotions still turbulent. But I shall not try to change your mind. As I said before, you work for the betterment of our people more than many illithids with whom I have crossed paths. I believe you are, despite everything, one of us.

I could not identify any deceit in his words or feel any emotion that could lead me to doubt him. Nevertheless, I would remain cautious, just in case.

Thank you, I said.

I will be watching him, the Emperor said, and I let him know that I was thankful not only for him but for everything he had done for me.

I had never felt hate as intense as the one manifested by the aboleth. Not even the Absolute had hated me this much because it had wanted to assimilate me. The aboleth, however, despised us with overwhelming intensity. Curiously enough, under the hate I felt uncertainty. Was it… fear?

Why are you here? the aboleth asked, its mental voice unlike anything I had heard before. It was… weary and slow—ancient.

Floating in front of the massive rock formation where it had made its lair, I could not see the aboleth or its allies. Its mental fingers poked into my defences, a sensation to which I had become much accustomed thanks to every mind flayer I had ever encountered.

Why do you help these creatures? the aboleth insisted. They are beneath you. Join me. I know where you can find what you seek.

Bargaining already? I asked, my focus split between the aboleth and trying to soothe the distressed drow behind me.

Why waste time fighting? the aboleth asked. You want immortality, I want that city. Join me against the invaders, and I will show you where to go.

How do you know that? I asked. Was it that obvious? I probably should strengthen my mental defences.

I know many things, the aboleth said. From the beginning of time, nothing has gone unnoticed.

Its offer would likely tempt any illithid, and I glanced at Zarqoor to make sure he was still with me, but I had no intention of betraying the sea folk.

Do not let its words cloud your judgment, the Emperor said. It lies to impress you. Aboleths have unmatched memory but they are not omniscient.

I'm sorry, but I honour my promises, I said, privately thanking the Emperor for the information, and if you won't leave the sea folk alone, I have to stop you.

Sea folk, the aboleth disdainfully said, these creatures are nothing more than fish who have learnt a few tricks. While they make great livestock, they are not worth your sacrifice. Join me against them and you will be rewarded.

I was sure it wouldn't appreciate it if I mentioned that aboleths resembled fish more than merfolk did.

Let me offer something else, I said. Leave this region, and I won't have to kill you.

The aboleth's hate turned into wrath. Insolent child, it said, the negative emotions reaching forward like tendrils, and my drow companions were having a hard time resisting them. You should have taken the offer while I still deemed you worthy additions to my realm. You will regret it, but then it will be too late. Enjoy your time with the fish, for it will be short.

I expected the aboleth to send its allies after us but it didn't, so we returned to the city to report to Commander Atryn and put the plans into motion.

As we left the aboleth's lair behind, the only thing on my mind was how much I wanted to experiment with it. As the Emperor had so helpfully reminded me, Aboleths were told to possess knowledge from the very beginning of time. I was unsure how it occurred, but could we take that knowledge by turning it into an illithid? Could the tadpole transform successfully? If only I already had my children to experiment with I could use that aboleth, but this was an idea I would have to carefully nurture for the future.

Chapter 27

Chapter Text

While certainly a difficult task, we could invade the aboleth's lair and kill it, but Commander Atryn didn't want to risk the captives unless it was absolutely unavoidable, which complicated things. She revealed having fought against an aboleth when she was still a low rank soldier, and she still remembered the horrors of seeing her people turn against each other and die to support the life of that creature. She didn't want to repeat history.

Yet, the only chance of saving those people was by killing the aboleth fast, and I wasn't sure we could. Not while it remained in its lair. And we could not simply wait because allowing the aboleth time to act gave it opportunities to dominate more people in the city.

It was the middle of the night—and sleeping underwater was a horrible experience—when I awoke to a distressed sea elf reporting to Scout Domnos, who immediately turned to Commander Atryn. The sahuagin were attacking again, coming through two different ways, and they barely caught sight of the invasion. The Commander looked at me, and I knew her request before she even voiced it. I didn't even need to look into her mind.

“We need your help,” she said. “We cannot stop them on two fronts. The aboleth will have to wait.”

We knew it would not.

We were at the final push, side by side with Commander Atryn, and she charged with Warden Zhulnis. They wielded their tarpals with more elegance than I would have believed possible when moving a weapon that large, and it was beautiful to watch, increasing my desire to experiment and discover what kind of illithid would be born from such a capable host.

Darkness approached in the distance, moving like a massive ruby-embellished black quilt. Ixitxachitl.

“We won't last,” Commander Atryn gasped, despairing. “We cannot stand against them all. Not after losing so many people.”

If I still had my spells, things would be easier, but the interrupted sleep had halved the number I had available. An exhausted mind couldn't cast spells. Psionics were effective and powerful, but the area of effect of some spells were unmatched and their absence left us in a disadvantage.

“Let them take the city,” Dhourn said. “Save your people. You can gather help and reclaim it later.”

“We cannot abandon this city,” she said, resolutely, watching the approaching demon rays. “We must protect the seal.” She looked at me. “I cannot ask you to risk your life for me or my people any more than you have, but if those creatures reach the seal, the consequences will reach the surface.”

“What seal?” I asked. “What are you protecting?”

“Not protecting, guarding,” she said, her gaze flitting between me and the incoming enemies. She hesitated. “It's a portal, and they mustn't open it.”

A portal? What had I stumbled upon?

I still couldn't breach her mental defenses, and since we didn't have enough time to discuss this, I would just have to help them and ask later.

The sahuagin were good refreshments when we constantly bombarded our enemies with psionics, but they eventually ended. Eating an ixitxachitl was more complicated, but still possible. Protecting everyone while we fought, however, was nearly impossible. Our presence surely made a crucial difference; I was sure the aboleth's forces would have won by now without our help, but at this rate, there wouldn't be many people left to live in this city.

Filro and Dhourn had completely rested, but for some reason, they weren't fighting as well as they usually did. Probing their minds, I quickly discovered why. The aboleth had them under his thrall. How could I fix this? There was no time to battle it for dominance and I didn't want to damage the drow's minds in the process.

What a nightmare I had gotten into!

I had to remove them from the field, but how?

The Prism!

Sending it to the Emperor, I rushed to Dhourn and Filro's side, concentrated on the Prism, and dragged them into the portal with me.

I had forgotten how refreshing this place was, but we could not linger—the others were still in the middle of that fight. Preparing myself to blast the drow unconscious, I was surprised when they didn't attack me, recovering their senses as soon as we crossed the portal. Their connection to the aboleth was severed.

Their guilt for having become a puppet was painful. They knew it hadn't been their actions, but felt weak and unworthy, responsible for the death of so many sea folk. Filro was specially devastated, since he had wanted to visit these people the most.

Looking around the place, I realised something that could make a difference in any future combat: if we left the right supplies here, the Prism could serve as a nearly endless recovery station. All we needed was someone able to open a portal to it.

We left the Astral Plane and resumed our fight, making short work of our enemies now that our team was fully functional again.

The sea folk were getting a morale boost at the sight of their looming victory, pushing against the remaining ixitxachitl with renewed vigor, when I felt it. A wave of anger, hatred, and malice was approaching, stronger the closer it got.

It seems I have to finish this myself, the aboleth said.

I didn't know what I had expected, but the creature was huge. Massive tentacles reached for the merfolk, grabbing one of them and pulling the unfortunate woman to her doom. A whip of its tail sent some sea elves against the pillars as if the water posed no resistance. It was one tentacled fish more dangerous than the army we had just fought.

And everyone was exhausted.

“Don't hesitate!” Commander Tryn shouted. “Give it everything you've got! We cannot allow it to heal!”

The sea folk were terrified, their desire to flee so loud I didn't even need to look into their minds, but they knew they wouldn't survive if they tried to run now. Remembering the moment before the fight against the Absolute, I reached into the minds of every sea folk in range and inspired their hearts to fight, setting their fears aside in favour of hope. They had to win. They had to protect those who still lived and honour those who had died.

They clamoured together, rallying one another against the aboleth as the creature mercilessly pushed and pulled against the people as if they were mere flies in its way. I reached for my companions, elaborating the best plan to approach the enemy. Three illithid minds worked beautifully together, supported by the arcane magic we still had available. The clerics and druids among the sea folk healed our injuries as we surrounded the aboleth, blasting it with psionics and defending against its powers.

The aboleth healed twice before the Emperor blasted the aboleth’s mind into compliance, and the three of us entered it to destroy it.

As the massive tentacled fish floated immobile in front of us and the sea folk celebrated, I went to the Emperor and hugged him. We made the most perfect pair—even if other people had helped.

We were exhausted and hungry, so I found myself wondering for only a brief moment before I turned around and started slicing the lengthy back of the aboleth. I knew from my studies that their brains grew along their spine, so there would be plenty of food there, and hopefully I could still learn something from it.

I felt Zarqoor's disbelief at my actions before he joined me to help while the Emperor talked to Commander Atryn. The sea folk were disgusted but too focused on their victory to truly care. They left for the city and left me and my companions with the remains of our battle.

We were completely covered in aboleth slime and blood by the time we were done, but the reward was worth it. I asked the Emperor to open a portal into the Prism and we moved the aboleth's corpse inside. It would remain inert and preserved while I studied it directly, and we could feed on that huge brain for a while. I imagined the prisoners would feel the dread even more intensely, wondering why we were not coming back to pick one of them.

Eating an aboleth's brain was an experience impossible to explain. Absorbing an elder brain might be just as extraordinary. As the three of us shared the massive brain, visions passed through our minds' eyes—nearly endless knowledge that was only just beyond our grasp! While we could not absorb the knowledge, many beacons were lit in the darkness, landmarks pointing out the way to everything we experienced through the communion.

So much history! So much potential!

I looked at the corpse. If we could turn one of them into an illithid, that endless knowledge could be ours—indefinitely.

Your mind continues to amaze me, the Emperor said, gently entwining two of our tentacles. Your plans for the future become more spectacular with every new experience. You bask in the endless possibilities like a dusthawk in the sun, soaring in the skies and watching out for everything. You are… fascinating.

His compliments boosted my already excited nerves. My heart was racing, the thrill of the feeding still coursing through us both, and I wanted to throw myself in his arms and commune with him in a very different way, joining our bodies like we had so many times, yet never the same.

Unfortunately, Zarqoor was right beside us, watching curiously as our interaction evolved, and because of the shared feeding, his mind was still linked with ours. I felt his confusion, but also the beginning of an understanding. Something was stirring inside him.

Zarqoor– I began, but he interrupted me.

Go, he said. I have some things to consider, and I want to take a better look at these creatures.

He didn't need to tell us twice. Leaving through the portal, we greeted Filro, who had been holding the Prism this time, and found a safe and isolated place among the ruins of this city turned battlefield. Had I found a Netherese sigil, I would have taken us home, but going home now would mean hours swimming our way back.

The Emperor's anticipation was exciting. After days, we could finally be one again in mind and body.

It was strange to do this in complete darkness, even stranger underwater, where our movements flowed differently, but no less pleasant. As our limbs weightlessly intertwined, caressing and rubbing each other, we floated as one—our armours and weapons forgotten around us. All that mattered was each other. Our feelings, emotions, sensations and thoughts—all one. And as the ecstasy grew, we found ourselves once again leaving our writhing bodies to soar through the universe, rushing past knowledge we could not grasp, going deeper into warped territory.

It was difficult to describe all the shapeless forms and strange textures. Everything seemed to be in more than one place at the same time. Just like before, knowledge flooded our minds, fitting pieces of a puzzle that I didn't even know I was trying to solve.

There you are, that voice from my dream said. Welcome home.

The Emperor and I returned to the bottom of the ocean, our bodies tingling with the wonderful rush of pleasure both physical and mental. Seeing that place again was exhilarating—it was a beauty I could never have imagined in my life before. And that voice said it was home. Where was it?

We did it again, I said, still wrapped around the Emperor as much as I could when he was also wrapped around me, filling me and sating the cramps that were starting to become a constant companion.

We did, he said thoughtfully. Have you heard that voice before?

Once in my dream, after that first projection we had, I explained.

Most curious, he said, running a tentacle soothingly up and down my arm. Could this entity be what Ilsensine warned you against?

I believe so, I said. Although I have no clue what it is and what it wants.

It welcomed us into that place as if it knew us, the Emperor said, and I felt his discomfort. I suspect it might be a creature from the Far Realm, and if that is the case, to be able to reach us here—it must be incredibly powerful. I doubt its intentions are in anyone else's favour but its own, however. Be careful.

I will, I said, snuggling even closer, trying to remove any space between us, enjoying his presence after so long focusing on enemies and having no semblance of privacy. I didn't want to worry about anything right now. I only wanted to live this moment with my love—my Emperor.

The sea folk were grateful and offered us a home whenever we needed it. Commander Atryn revealed that the portal under the city led to the Plane of Water where an ancient aboleth had been sealed. It could never be opened.

The Emperor discussed other ways we could aid each other, and I took the opportunity to finally explore the city. I should have been surprised, instead, I was, once again, thankful—if a little frustrated for finding the sigil so late. It was on the ruins of some large construction. Zarqoor accompanied me, but ever since he left the Prism, he hadn't uttered a single word. I wondered what he thought about. We would have to talk soon.

We returned home, but instead of finding peace and quiet, I found a problem: Grandma had come to visit.

Chapter 28

Chapter Text

Us and Nym had been keeping Grandma company for the past two days, when she had arrived. She didn't seem to suspect that they weren't real drow anymore, sitting comfortably at the sofa and regaling them with tales of her own adventures. Because she might be my grandmother but she was no retired lady.

Grandma was a tall sun elf woman with a nasty scar on her temple, the ear on that side of her head was missing the tip. Instead of hiding, she proudly showed it around with a shaved haircut and braids. It was both a statement that she had been through tough moments and lived—and you might not want to mess with her—and a reminder of the day she met Grandpa. He was the one who had healed her, but unfortunately I hadn't spent much time with him before one of many conflicts in Neverwinter made him restart his cycle—and that of my parents. Sometimes I wondered if I would meet them again someday and recognise them in their new lives. I had no idea what would happen to me if I ever perished, now that I was illithid, and I had every intention of avoiding that fate.

“Arllathraven, you look terrible!” Grandma said when she spotted me at the doorway.

I had disguised myself, and so had my illithid companions, but my clothes were still wet and filthy. My companions, at least, had time to make themselves presentable while I greeted her.

Grandma jumped to her feet and came to fuss over me. “Dear Corellon! What's happened to you?! You smell like you've just gotten out of a fish barrel!”

“Sorry, Grandma,” I said. “I’ve just returned from a job, and I wanted to say hello before having a bath.”

She twisted her nose. “You'll need three baths by the look of it,” she said. “Come on, I'll help you.”

“There's no need, Grandma,” I said. “You stay here and talk to them–”

“Nonsense!” she interrupted me. “Delightful company they may be, but I've come here to talk to you. And talk I shall while we get yourself cleaned. Now, where to?”

I sighed. I just hoped she couldn't see through the disguise or that conversation would come way before I hoped.

Since the Emperor was using our bathroom, I took Grandma to the guest room where she was staying. She immediately commented on it.

“Is something wrong with your own bathroom, dear?” she asked, true confusion on her face.

“It's occupied,” I said.

“Occupi–” She gasped. “You've found a companion at last!” Her eyes shone with happiness, but I couldn't help becoming embarrassed by her excessive excitement. I knew I had been single for most of my life, but I just couldn't ever find anyone who had made me want to keep them. Until I met the Emperor.

“Oh, this is marvellous!” Grandma continued, hands working quickly to remove my armour. “What are they like? Is it a man? A woman? Oh, Corellon! Is it a dragon?! Is that why you haven't told me anything in our letters?”

“Breathe, Grandma,” I said, only to get a friendly slap on the arm for my cheekiness.

“Come on now, tell me everything!” she insisted, almost dragging me into the bathtub.

“He's–”

“Oh, so it's a man,” she interrupted. “When can I expect babies, dear? It's been so long since I had a tiny bundle of joy in my arms!”

“Oh, dear…” I mumbled.

“What is it? Does he not want children?” Grandma asked, grabbing the soap.

“He does–”

“Then what’s the matter?” she interrupted. “Do you not want children? I remember you looking at your cousins like a hound at a juicy steak, dear. Did you change your mind?”

I groaned. “Grandma!”

“What? It's true! I know you wanted a baby of your own. So tell me. What's wrong?”

I took a deep breath, letting her rub the sponge on my back while I kept part of my mind concentrating on my disguise. Grandma couldn't spot a single difference on my body or she wouldn't stop until she knew the truth. I had a whole new admiration for the Emperor's efforts during our early encounters because making Grandma believe I still had hair and that those scars from ceremorphosis weren't there was incredibly taxing.

“We want children,” I said, and this time she let me finish. “The problem is that they are bound to be… special. And it will be some time before we are ready for them.”

“Oh,” Grandma said slowly. “So what race is he? Not a dragon, because they can just shapeshift and get down to business. There wouldn't be any problem there.”

“Ah…” What should I tell her? “Well…” I sighed. “It's complicated, Grandma.”

“Then I'll help you simplify it,” she said cheerfully. “Come on, tell me! There's nothing I can't fix—nowadays.”

Grandma tried to hide it, but I noticed the shift in her tone when she spoke. She still felt the loss of Grandpa and Mother dearly, and if she had known how to bring people from the dead back then, they'd still be among us.

“I'm afraid you cannot fix this, Grandma,” I said. “And, honestly, I don't think it needs fixing.”

There was silence for a while, Grandma's careful and gentle hands rubbing the sponge across my entire back. Then she handed it to me so I could wash the rest of my body while she rubbed my scalp.

“You're incredibly tense, dear,” Grandma said almost as a whisper. “I can feel your heartbeat all over your head. I'll make you some tea after your bath.”

“Thank you, Grandma,” I said. “So, why are you here? Not that I don't like having you here, but I would have appreciated a warning. So I could prepare for your visit.” I hoped the servants hadn't given her humanoid flesh for dinner.

“I had been meaning to visit Baldur's Gate for a while now,” she said, “and when you didn't answer my last letter, I thought it was time I came.”

“When was it you sent that letter?” I asked. “I'm sure I replied to your letter four months ago.”

“Last month, dear,” she said. “Has it never arrived, I wonder? No matter, I'm here now, and that's much better than words on a paper!”

“It certainly is, Grandma,” I said, and I meant it. Despite the surprise, I was happy to have her here. Even if I didn't know how to tell her about my new life.

“So, you've destroyed an elder brain, a vampire lord, and lives in a castle now,” Grandma said, rinsing my illusionary hair while I washed my body. “Those are impressive accomplishments!”

“Thank you, Grandma,” I said. “I had help.”

“From your lover?” she asked.

“Yes, and a few other people,” I said. “It was… life-changing.”

“Oh, I can imagine! My own life has changed completely since my first adventure, and I have never faced an illithid, much less their master.”

“Not all elder brains are masters of other illithids,” I explained, “but the Absolute had certainly wished to control everyone.”

“I suppose you do understand more about them than me, uh?” she teased. “Oh, Corellon! How you've grown!” She took a deep breath and stood. “Alright, out you come! Let me replace that water, and we can see if you'll need a third bath after.”

I left the bathtub and waited until Grandma had everything ready with her spells before stepping back inside. Fresh water and soap were more aggressive on my skin than I had anticipated, however, and as soon as Grandma started rubbing my back again, I felt my psionic powers waver. I had lost too much mucus.

The arcane disguise held, but it would not stop her from feeling the differences, and there was no time to do anything before she realised the hair was an illusion.

“Arllathraven, what is the meaning of this?” Grandma asked, her tone firm, as she rose to her feet and stared down at me as if I had just committed a grave offence. “Are you lying to your grandmother?”

I sighed and rested my arms on my bent knees before looking at her. “I'm sorry, Grandma,” I said. “I didn't have time to think of an explanation. I wasn't expecting you.”

“So you lie to me instead?” Grandma was angry and disappointed, a terrible combination that hit me straight in the heart. “That's not how I raised you, girl!”

“I know,” I said. “And I am really sorry! I'm afraid of how you're going to react.”

“I know I always told you how caring for your hair is important, but I wouldn't lash out at you cutting it, my dear. It's just hair!”

“No, Grandma,” I said, not taking the chance to preserve the lie. “It's not just hair.”

Grandma's features softened then, noticing my somber tone. “What is it, dear?” she asked gently. “You can tell me anything.”

“I… when I said that facing the Absolute had been life-changing I meant it literally.” Grandma was waiting for me to elaborate, so I continued. “Remember when you said I'd always be your granddaughter no matter what I did with my life? Well… I guess it's time to test that promise.”

Still sitting in the bathtub to minimise her shock, I dismissed the disguise and watched her eyes go big with surprise before narrowing with anger and soften with confusion.

“You're… a mind flayer,” Grandma said, magic flowing around her as she prepared to attack.

I still had enough power for a mind blast—my prepared arcane spells were too destructive—and I could ask for help and everyone would be here in no time, but I waited.

“Yes,” I said, maintaining the voice she knew to minimise her discomfort, and remained still. “But I am also the one you knew. It's just my body that's changed.”

“That's…” she hesitated. “It shouldn't be possible, but our conversation just now… I… how?”

“I am still not sure,” I said. “The one who helped me from the very beginning, who stood by my side through every difficult moment during my quest against the Absolute, who still supports me to this day, he did something to the tadpole that preserved my identity.”

“He's your lover, isn't he?” Grandma asked, taking me by surprise.

“He's more than that,” I confessed, my heart filling with warmth as the wonderful feelings I held for the Emperor reverberated inside me and through our connection, strengthening when his own feelings flowed back to me. “He's my saviour, my partner.”

“Corellon, preserve me!” Grandma said. “I cannot believe my eyes, but you love him. You are a mind flayer and yet you love ! I… that's against everything I was ever told!”

“I know,” I said. “It shouldn't be possible for me to retain my mind either and yet I have.”

“So this is why children are complicated,” Grandma said.

“Of all the things, that's what you're worried about?” I asked, relaxing at her acceptance.

“I really wanted grandbabies, dear,” Grandma sighed. “Oh, what's done is done. Get up, let me see what my beautiful granddaughter has become.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, but all she did was raise an eyebrow and glare at me. I sighed. “Fine. Remember that you asked!”

I rose from the water and let her see my scarred body and all four tentacles extending from my face. Grandma pursed her lips as she observed me, then stepped around the bathtub to take a complete look. She was frowning when she returned to the front.

“You're so skinny,” she said. “Have you been eating properly, dear?”

“Grandma…” I hesitated.

“I know, I know! Brains!” She moved her hands exasperatedly. “Oh, Corellon! How are we going to feed you?”

“Grandma…” I tried again.

“Have you tried dogs?” she asked. “I hear some are as intelligent as children. Would that be enough, dear? Probably not… I suppose nobody would miss goblins. Or kobolds.”

“Grandma!” I said more forcefully. “I have that sorted. I simply came back from an extremely difficult job that took a lot out of my reserves.”

“Sorted, you say?” she asked, then waved for me to sit back in the water. I was surprised when she touched my skin. “Oh, Corellon! Your skin is so dry, dear! Aren't you supposed to be slimy? No offence, of course.”

“It's the water and the soap's fault,” I explained. “I don't usually wash with these.”

“Oh, no! We cannot have that!” Grandma said, rising to her feat and putting the sponge aside. “Get out immediately! I'm not going to watch you harm yourself. The squid is out of the bag now, so tell me what kind of bath you need.”

I watched her. That was Grandma, alright. Leaving the tub, I conjured a robe around me.

“Don't worry, Grandma,” I said. “I'll have another bath later.”

“Oh, right,” she said, walking out of the room with me. “You wouldn't keep your bathing supplies here. I wonder if your partner is already done with his bath. What's he like, dear? How did he take your transformation? Ceremorphosis, isn't it what it's called?”

“He's… a mind flayer, Grandma,” I said, and she faltered only slightly in her footsteps.

“Of course, he is,” Grandma said. “Who else would know what to do with a tadpole?” She sighed. “Oh, Corellon! What's become of my family?!”

It seemed the emotions were finally too much for Grandma, but when I tried to reassure her, she wiped her nose and lifted a hand for me to keep my distance.

“I'm fine, dear!” Grandma said, taking a deep breath. “I'm fine. I just… need some time to fully digest all this new information.” She smiled. “Come on, show me your partner.”

Chapter 29

Chapter Text

We returned to the sitting room, now empty of drow and intellect devourers inside drow. The Emperor was aware of my conversation with Grandma, but he was still disguised to minimise her shock, sitting on the sofa in embroidered robes. Zarqoor was in his room, believing he had no business in this conversation. He likely still struggled to see me as someone who had kept their personality instead of a tadpole that took over the host.

“Is this your partner?” Grandma asked observing the Emperor from the doorway.

I floated to the sofa, but didn't sit, preferring to lay a hand on the Emperor's shoulder.

“Yes, Grandma,” I said. “This is the Emperor, it's probably better if you don't know what he does. Emperor, this is my grandmother, Laerethil. She's a high cleric of Corellon Larethian.”

“What do you mean by that, Arllathraven?” Grandma asked, glaring daggers at me. “Are you protecting a criminal?”

The Emperor was amused but said nothing.

“Hardly, Grandma,” I said. “We are invested in improving the lives of everyone, beginning with Baldur's Gate. But it's a sensitive process and we also have many enemies. I don't want you to get involved.”

Grandma’s eyes softened as she sat on the plush chair next to us. “Do you need help, dear?” she asked. “You know you can count on me. If only you had sent a message when you were infected, I could have healed you.”

“Unlikely,” the Emperor said. “The Absolute had been imbued with Netherese magic, preventing most interventions.”

“Corellon would still have offered me his guidance,” Grandma said. “Although… if he didn't tell me anything…” She watched us. “I believe it was necessary for you to go through with it.”

“Corellon abandoned me when I took this form, Grandma,” I said. “I don't think he approves.”

“Was it him or you who did the abandoning, dear?” Grandma asked. “Have you even tried reaching for him?”

“Yes,” I said. “When I needed his support during the fight against the Absolute, he didn't answer.”

“That just might be your test of faith,” Grandma insisted.

“It's alright,” I said. “If anything, it's shown me that I don't need any deities backing me up.”

Grandma was sad, but nodded. “Anyway, Emperor, why that name?” she asked. “And you can show me your true form. It's hardly polite to hide from family.”

“I am glad you already consider me part of your family,” the Emperor said, rising to his feet.

He lifted the disguise, revealing his handsome and imposing figure in full armour. I knew my grandmother well enough to notice the waver in her expression. She was not only impressed, but intimidated by him—an impressive feat where Grandma was concerned. She wasn't easily shaken.

Trying to hide her discomfort, Grandma smiled. “Impressive,” she said. “That is a garment worthy of an Emperor, isn't it?”

The name is not one I chose, the Emperor said as he sat, abandoning the diguise for his voice as well. It was given to me years ago by the many influential people in Baldur's Gate.

“And what is your real name, then?” Grandma insisted.

He might not have chosen the name, I said, entwining a tentacle with his, but it still suits him well, don't you think so?

Grandma pursed her lips. “Fine,” she said. “I won't press. I understand it can be difficult to trust an old woman suddenly appearing and demanding answers. I suppose I'll be the one having to get used to people talking inside my head.” She sighed.

How long are you staying? I asked.

“I'm not sure,” Grandma said. “There are many things I wish to do in the city. Maybe a month or two.”

Would you like to stay here? I asked. Although I have to travel soon. You'll still have the company of the servants. I'm afraid I'll take the drow with me.

“Can't I convince you to stay?” Grandma asked with puppy eyes. “I've just arrived, and we've been apart for so long!”

I'm afraid not, Grandma, I said. I promised my friend that I would continue with our journey as soon as possible. I could maybe give us a few more days to rest, but then we'll leave.

“I understand,” she said, deflated. “I did teach you to honour your promises, so I cannot complain.” She stood. “Very well, let us make the most of these few days that you've got.”

Of course, Grandma, I said. Since you're staying, let me introduce you to my friend, so you aren't caught by surprise. Zarqoor, please come here!

“What an unusual name, dear,” Grandma said, then turned to the doorway expectantly. When Zarqoor appeared, Grandma sank back in the chair. “Another mind flayer,” she gasped. “Of course it is.” She cleared her throat. “Hi, I'm Arllathraven's grandmother.”

I am aware, Zarqoor said. Do not worry, I won’t harm you.

“Oh, I didn't think you would,” Grandma said with a smile. “You wouldn't be her friend otherwise.”

Zarqoor nodded. Forgive me, but we have just arrived from a long and stressful journey, and I shall have to continue this conversation another time.

“Oh my! That's true!” Grandma said, taking a hand to her cheek in surprise. “I completely forgot! I'm so sorry.” She turned to the three of us. “Go on, go to bed. We'll talk in the morning.”

Have a good night, Grandma, I said taking the Emperor's hand in mine and floating out of the room. Zarqoor met us in the corridor.

Arllathraven? Zarqoor asked.

I shrugged. Nobody ever got my name right, so I shortened it to Tav. Good night, Zarqoor.

Good night, you two, he said.

The three days that followed went by quicker and smoother than I had expected. Grandma had never been a fan of drow, which wasn't surprising considering her heritage, but she was polite enough to give them a chance, and in the end treated them all as her own grandchildren—something Firo and Dhourn had not been used to, considering their experience with females, and were more than glad to be spoiled rotten.

Zarqoor still wouldn't discuss the experience we'd had while feeding from the aboleth, but he no longer acted strangely. Perhaps he would talk, eventually.

I took Grandma around Baldur's Gate, introduced her to everyone I knew, including the people at the Society of Brilliance. I doubted Grandma had expected to meet so many illithids when she made the decision of coming to Baldur's Gate, and yet, she got along with Omeluum pretty well.

Jaheira came around the second day, curious and nosy as always. Grandma was happy to regale her with tales about my upbringing and how I was her pride and joy now that I had become a Hero of Baldur's Gate.

I hoped that would be enough to get that woman away from my tentacles.

And speaking of tentacles, they were getting longer. It was beautiful to see! I never tired of entwining them with the Emperor's much longer ones.

Grandma was also more than glad to give tips to our pregnant servant, and I suspected Grandma's visit might be even longer because of that—she loved babies.

It was time to leave, and even though she was my Grandmother, I couldn't trust her hero tendencies to understand what I did in the dungeons, so we said our goodbyes in the living room and I teleported us all to the Underdark portal near Waterdeep.

The Emperor had spent some time on the surface and in Undermoutain doing business, but this still was far from friendly territory. Xanathar's people were specially difficult to convince, but I believed the Emperor would find a way to bring them to our side soon enough.

Ch'chitl was an interesting illithid city, mostly because arcane magic was highly encouraged. I was surprised to stumble not only on one, but three alhoons while we were there. Fruyshuk, Ilsensine's cleric, was also an illithilich and had expected my visit. Was Ilsensine keeping tabs on me?

Zarqoor was extremely happy to be here, mingling with other Creeds and exchanging information. I took his example and mingled with the wizards. The Emperor had been wary at first, but then we realised that there wasn't an elder brain in this place. The Elder Concord ruled it alone. It was sad because that meant there was nobody to store the knowledge and connect everyone, but it also meant nobody was in any risk of being enthralled and I could relax.

Being among these liches confirmed two things to me: illithids had souls and I didn't want to become one of them. I would achieve immortality another way.

These mind flayers were so powerful, so full of knowledge, that I was very tempted to stay in the city for a long time working with them. It was everything I had been looking to find in an illithid city, and I'd had absolutely no idea that I had been so close before.

Even more impressive was encountering the spellscarred illithids. They exuded raw magic in a way I had never felt before. If I could add their power to my Netherese power, I could not even imagine the beauty we would create—but I had no idea how to even start a project like that. I needed to learn more about Netherese magic before I tried anything.

My books were touched very rarely while we stayed in the city, since I spent most of my time exchanging knowledge with the locals, so I imagined I would be reading after we left.

When I met a member of the Awaiters Creed, I understood what Zarqoor had meant. They didn't think about the short term, everything was a step towards a grander plan that would culminate in the Grand Design. While I had little interest in dominating the entire universe in the way they dreamed of, I could agree that some of their vision made sense.

Another fascinating Creed was the Creatives. They experimented on absolutely everything! They had incredible doppelgangers at their service, which made me think of how inferior the ones allied with Orin had been. I had so much to learn from them! And, thankfully, they were also interested in the knowledge I'd gathered.

I still disagreed with some of the Creeds, but people were entitled to their opinions and I respected that. The architecture was also very interesting, even though I could not replicate it in my Morphic Pool. The tunnels and rooms were mostly the result of magma flow, and that was not the case in Baldur's Gate's underground. Still, with the right adaptations, I could replicate some of the engineering once I passed the knowledge to Rov.

My ustilagor was almost fully grown into an adult intellect devourer by the time we left Ch'chitl, and I had also learnt a lot about creating and taking care of the little ones. I was considering naming it Chichi as a reminder of this amazing community.

Leaving this amazing place behind for now, we continued on the way to Gravenhollow. Even with all the routes burnt into my mind, the trip should still take us months, but I was sure it would be rewarding.