Misha was sitting in the garden with a pair of binoculars, watching one of the Ancients set up an experiment that was supposed to help gather divine energy so that the youngest and laziest of them, who were still possessed of Immortal Quality bodies, could advance into the higher realms.

This place had an abundance of divine energy, but it had a will of sorts, so absorbing it into the body took effort that those who were least concerned with advancement didn’t care to make.

Nyarla was supposed to be meeting her in a few minutes as well, the Ancient had said she was going to bring Misha a present to celebrate their ten-day friendship anniversary.

Arguing with Nyarla was pointless. She would do what she wanted anyhow, and now that Misha was linked into the collective consciousness, Nyarla could sense that she was actually excited to get a present.

Tappan, an oddball of a man who preferred the form of a young human boy, came jogging over while Nyarla was distracted, carrying a basket of fruit.

“I managed to recreate the fruits that Cain’s Echoes were making when we watched them this morning. Technically I borrowed some fruit and grew new trees, but it’s the same thing, really. Would you like some juice?” He asked, taking a seat next to her.

“Sure, I have been wondering what they were trying to make. Do you think they’re trying to grow ambrosia in their world, or is it just a potion substitute?” Misha asked.

“I am not sure, but they do seem to be focusing on effects because the Peaches are very sour alone, but the healing factor and energy recovery that the fruits grant is very impressive.” Tappan shrugged, taking out a blender and a bottle of water.

“Taken alone, the effect is at the level of a Mythic potion, which is overkill, so I have seen them water it down to make a refreshing fruit punch. Just don’t add the strawberries.”

The boyish look of concentration on his face was adorable, and Misha almost forgot he was one of the Elders of their species, born before they had a Corporal form. His actions didn’t match his expression, and he moved with well-practiced grace, juicing and filtering the concoction, then placing a single spoonful in a glass of water and stirring before applying ice magic to cool the beverage. A single sip was enough to make Misha feel as though she had just woken up from a good night’s sleep, causing her to stare at the drink in awe.

“That is incredible. Especially for something from the world I came from. Common knowledge there is that Dwarven Ale is about the finest drink you can find anywhere on the planet unless you prefer elven tea.” Misha sighed, sipping on her drink.

“Tappan, you know you’re not supposed to feed strange things to pregnant women.” Nyarla reprimanded him, coming around the building with someone following closely behind her.

The second figure looked very familiar and nervous, but Misha just couldn’t seem to place where she had seen her before. When Daisy stepped from behind the Ancient, Misha realized why. The Bunny was someone she had never expected to see in this world.magic

“Daisy? How did you get here? Heck, when did you get here? Come give me a hug.” Misha called, waving the reincarnated Concubine over.

“You went missing, and I couldn’t find you anywhere, and they told me you had been abducted, but nobody would say where. I have been freaking out all day, but then that nice lady came and got me and brought me here to keep you company.” Daisy explained.

“All day? It’s been ten days here and months back at home.” Misha asked, looking at Nyarla.

“She was freaking out, so I went back and grabbed her from the same evening we picked you up, but I didn’t do it until you had time to settle in. Time magic is a bit odd that way, it’s best not to worry too much about it. Do you like your present?” Nyarla answered with a pleased look on her tentacled face.

“Thank you, I didn’t think you would bring my friends to visit,” Misha told her with a hug, but the Ancient looked confused for a moment before an enlightened gleam began to appear in her eyes.

“Oh, you misunderstood. You can keep her, she’s not going anywhere on her own. I brought you a pet bunny.” Nyarla replied happily, making Misha shake her head at the Ancient’s notion of common sense and bringing panic back to Daisy.

“Am I a prisoner? A slave again? Should I not have agreed to come here?” She asked in a rush before Nyarla’s pat on her head calmed her down.

Misha recognized it as a spell effect, but Daisy was much calmer now, and Misha could explain. “No, it was once considered an honor to be picked to live with the Ancients. Think of it more like being a guest. They won’t lock you up or hurt you. If you work, you will be rewarded, though they don’t use coinage or paper money for anything here.” Misha explained.

“So, I’m what? A very confused house guest? Your Lady in Waiting?” Daisy asked, still looking for clarification.

“You could be my pet bunny, I only require one hour of head pats a day, and the rewards are very lucrative,” Tappan suggested with a wink, making Daisy laugh.“Men, are men no matter the world, aren’t they? I think I would prefer to work for Misha, thank you. But if you ask nicely, you might still get to pat the bunny.” She giggled, then winked at the disguised Ancient.

“I will count that one as a win for me. Would you like some Mythical Quality fruit juice? I can guarantee it is safe. Ancient Cain’s Echoes performed extensive human testing before allowing it to be widely distributed.” Tappan asked her, then pointed to the nearly empty glass in Misha’s hand.

“Make it four. Misha’s is almost done, and it looks like we won’t be able to chase you away. What are they doing over there? He’s blocked his thoughts from the group to surprise us.” Nyarla asked, pointing to the ancient that was experimenting with Divine Energy.

“He thinks he has an amulet that will gather and merge on its own without conscious input, making it easier for the lazy to become Divine.” Tappan smiled, excited to see the experiment’s result.

“Is that even possible? Wouldn’t he just blow up whatever he tried to implant that much powerful energy into?” Daisy asked.

“Most likely. Why do you think we’re all watching?” Nyarla smirked, keeping her eyes on the experiment.

“The Ancients are all about entertaining and new things. They especially like children, so they gathered me to be sure the kids were safe. You will get used to things here quickly, I’m certain.” Misha told her fluffy friend, pulling her down onto the reclining chair beside her and passing over one of the fresh drinks from Tappan.

“So, can all Ancients change forms like Cain? Or is it just the males?” Daisy asked, noticing that the man beside them was pretending to be human.

“Any of us who studied the route of a Biologist can change into other species, like Tappan there. Those who couldn’t be bothered are more limited and can only change our size to match our surroundings unless we use an actual disguise spell.” Nyarla explained.

“Before you ask, the answer is yes. I’m just as handsome in Ancient form as I am in human form.” Tappan told Daisy with a wink.

It was strange to see an Ancient flirting. They all knew each other so well that there was no need. But it looked like Daisy was weak to flirtation and pretty boys. Misha didn’t think it was a sexual attraction, but Tappan was more interested in cuddling the Bunny than anything sexual, so maybe the form he chose was a deliberate one to make people see him as harmless and innocent.

“We will have to see about that. But I think it’s starting, the device has begun to glow.” Daisy answered, smiling at the carefree-looking Tappan.

The start of the experiment was a success. The device did actually pull in Divine Energy, causing it to glow with a Holy light and give off a feeling of serenity and protection. But when the volunteer tried to move that energy from the device to their body, it caused an immediate and severe backlash, throwing them hundreds of meters and exploding in a flash of blinding white light.

The light was warm as it flowed over Misha’s body and left behind the feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket.

“He should blow himself up more often. That light is really quite comfortable.” She whispered to Nyarla, trying to keep her thoughts quiet in the group consciousness. She didn’t quite succeed and had never actually managed to block everyone out fully, but it looked like most of the others weren’t listening closely enough to hear.

“Just don’t tell him that. When we did the drawing to get to spend time with the children after they were born, he was close to the bottom. If he finds out you enjoy it, he might cause an even bigger ruckus trying to get into your good books.” Tappan whispered out loud, with his thoughts blocked from the group.

“Noted.”