Civilization

"Nina, Kingston just left us, and we still have this whole situation on our hands. You are the smarter one, so are there any suggestions that you have on the situation?" - Rebecca

Placing my hands on my waist, I look at Nina worriedly. Her eyes were constantly glancing around as if looking for something, distracted from the conversation. However, through her eyes I can see the gears in her mind turning, the engine rolling, and different thoughts both good and bad producing. Biting her lip, she looks at me, directly in the eyes.

"Okay. I have a suggestion. I'm not sure if this is even possible or if this is something Ian needs to work out himself, but I'm thinking of creating a government system in the Krepost and HavenFall. An overarching group that makes decisions based on the opinions of each other and the wider community. A group that isn't biased and is looking at the good of our community.

I understand that there is something similar like that already in progress in HavenFall, with Gobi, Noah, and Evan. Howard and Stellar are also figures in that group however, the main driving force is these 3. However, in the Krepost there isn't anyone that is technically on the top, someone that the rest of the people here look up to or ask for help.

Originally, it would have been Kingston, but his attitude to most of the development is quite lax. He helps with construction and things relating to expanding the Krepost, but he never makes the decision, constantly looking for Ian before doing anything. Likewise, Gibing and Gewari who have been on this side longer, aren't suited for this role as well. Both are focused on their roles and don't look too deeper into other things.

In my opinion, we need Yor, Frank, and maybe even Kumi to be the ones that take care of the Krepost. Yor is already an amazing strategist, but if he were to put his mind to developing this location and expanding further, he would be able to follow Ian's vision or even make his own vision of the Krepost.

Frank, on the other hand, is able to communicate with a lot of people. Mingling with them and understanding them, you could say he has a very high EQ and would be able to understand the needs of the community more than others. Kumi will be in charge of the tames. Transport between HavenFall and the Krepost is vital, and developing a mode of transport between the two locations is a collaborative project between the tames and the blacksmiths.

I have spoken to Evan already during the day, and he told me some prototype saddles are ready and will be transported to us today, hopefully arriving before dark. Kumi will be one of the leading figures on this, and will eventually expand to military purposes, which is why I think she needs to be part of the government group." - Nina

Scratching my head, I blink a couple of times, as I try to process what Nina had just explained to me.

"Wait. Stop. So, you are thinking we require a government group for HavenFall and the Krepost? What about Ian? Isn't he the leader of this place?" - Rebecca

"He still is, and I'm not saying he won't be. We can create a Constitutional Monarchy, where he still has power, but the Government also has a say in the direction of the community. I don't think there is anything wrong with this kind of thought, and it allows Ian to venture away from HavenFall while it still functions normally. He has fewer decisions to make, and the place becomes self-sufficient." - Nina

"Isn't that too fast? Shouldn't we discuss this with Ian?" - Rebecca

"The situation is happening because Ian, isn't here. There is no one to make decisions and the constant gossiping is because we haven't decided on anything yet." - Nina

"I still think we are rushing the decision to create a government. However, the idea is definitely something we can work on." - Rebecca

"Alright. I'll keep that in mind. Well, there isn't much for us to do, so I'm going to find Sylvia. Rebecca, I don't think I need to tell you, but you need to find a way to get stronger. The world is constantly getting stronger, with new enemies appearing everywhere. If you want to stand next to Ian, then you need to become stronger, whether you like it or not. I suggest you pursue that Goddess, Fortuna." - Nina

"Sigh, I know. I know. I already felt it when I was with Celine and the others when we went to attack the Tamer Village. Just running was the best I could do while I watch all of them attack, defend, etc." - Rebecca

"Then you should know, you need to get stronger. Connect with the goddess and become their apostle. There is a huge upgrade in strength and who knows what kind of skills you will acquire after connecting with the goddess." - Nina

"I'll see… I'll let you go find Sylvia. I'm going to go find Melody." - Rebecca

"Melody? I thought there was a small rivalry between the both of you. Since she also likes Ian." - Nina

"Hrmp, she can't do anything if Ian loves me. Especially since I have a whole day with him, and she only has whatever little time Ian is at the settlement." - Rebecca

"I see, but that doesn't stop her." - Nina

"I know. It's fine. The both of us are connected with Fortuna anyway, so we more or less have to interact with each other." - Rebecca

"Alright, well you do you. Talk to you later." - Nina

Walking away, while waving her hand, Nina goes off in search of Sylvia. Sighing as I am left by myself, I glance around, wandering where Melody would be, and start walking through the newly constructed houses. Smiling and waving to everyone along the way, I start to notice a warm atmosphere as humans and demi-humans were helping each other secure new walls and cut out the windows.

In the distance, I see Melody walking into one of the corner towers. Chasing after her, I quickly jog to the tower as well, climbing up to see Melody kneeling on the ground. Her eyes were closed, and she was grasping a pendant, muttering something quietly. Without turning Melody addresses me, as she lets out a low sigh.

"Becca, are you going to commit to the Goddess, Fortuna?" - Melody

"You know. I've asked that question and I have been asked that question so many times already that I feel like there is really only one answer. Sigh… What do I need to do? I'm already halfway there, aren't I?" - Rebecca

"She has told me that if you are willing she can start the Apostle Initiation right now?" - Melody

"Alright. What do I need to do?" - Rebecca

"Nothing." - Melody

Quickly, stepping up, Melody reaches for my neck, pulling her forehead towards hers. The moment our foreheads touch, I feel the world slow down, as my body falls through Melody's. Unable to stop myself from falling, a scream escapes my lips as I travel through the tower and fall toward the ground but right before I land on the ground, my body stops in the air.

"Hello there, child. It seems you have finally decided to speak to me." - ???

Drifting down in front of me, sitting on a giant wooden wheel with a set of long dark golden brown hair holding onto a rose gold horn filling to the brim with a rainbow of fruits and berries. Covering her eyes is a simple reddish-brown cloth but to me, it seems like she is able to see through the cloth, as she smiles gently in my direction. Wrapping in clothing that resembles the ancient Romans and imaginary wind, flutters the edges making her seem even more godly than she already was.

"Goddess Fortuna?" - Rebecca

"Yes, child. I am the one which you call Fortuna. However, I have been called other names as well, but that does not matter. What matters is whether you are truly willing to accept what you must do for me. Much like Melody, you Becca, if you are willing, I can grant you powers befitting of one who is under me." - Fortuna

Speaking to me in a soft voice, while she swirls the horn of fruits in her hands, she expresses her interest in making me her Apostle. Floating in the air, I sharply intake some air as I respond to her.

"What would I need to do, under you? I know from someone else that there is a mission that I must partake in once I am an Apostle of a God or Goddess. Is this what you mean?" - Rebecca

"Similar but for me, it is more of a request than anything. I do not need you to do this but if you do, I will gladly reward you. I only wish to see the end, and whether fate has it or not, be it good or bad. Nothing more. Nothing less. Where do you end up on the grand scale? What actions does your partner take? How will the world respond to the inevitable? So many questions, but only one answer. I wish to see it." - Fortuna

"That's it? To see the end?" - Rebecca

"Child. Even I do not know everything but let me give you a glimpse of what is to come, that is if you accept me?" - Fortuna

"Coming here, I have already accepted you. It seems you are looking for a verbal or formal acceptance. So be it, what do I need to do?" - Rebecca

"Cheeky child. Then, repeat after me. May you bless me, Harbinger of Good Fortune, and give me your sacred blessing on my journey!" - Fortuna

[Will you accept the Goddess Fortuna and become her Apostle? Repeat the line if you agree.]

[Warning this cannot be changed!]

"May you bless me, Harbinger of Good Fortune, and give me your sacred blessing on my journey!" - Rebecca

The moment the words leave my mouth, I feel a surge of energy as the wheel that Fortuna sits on starts to turn, even though she is perfectly still. The fruits and berries in her horn, fly out wrapping around me like coil, bursting one by one, dousing me in their colorful juices.

Bit by bit my entire body is covered in their juices, and slowly they penetrate my skin, changing the colors from pale white to the colors of the rainbow. Within a moment it changes back, and a wheel appears above my breasts.

[You are now an Apostle of Fortuna, the Goddess of Luck.]