Over the next few days Kurt and Layla had various meetings with the lords of the places they had managed to take in the war effort.

Their population of goblins and other species was discussed with great detail. But they knew they didn't have much in the way of bargaining.

Arthur had started figuring out what skills the refugees had they could utilize.

In a strange circumstance the port city nearby Helmsbrig had sent an envoy as well. Knowing they might be next on a battle path. They had not even been touched in the war and had already been abandoned from the shadows efforts before.

They had decided to surrender under favorable terms. That had made a large chunk of the continent with too many names had started to be run under Wellspring's banner.

This cut of the enemy forces they had managed a lot more. Completely surrounded by either Wellspring or the Alliance.

Betsy had gotten very busy and had to hire help. As now with trains and access to a lot of continents as well as the port. There was a lot of trade that could start happening again.

They were still waiting on Sara's negotiation with Hamlet. She was due back in a few days regardless, along with Kurt's parents.

Kurt's wedding was rapidly approaching as well. He was with Talia at her castle in Valentine trying to escape all the new meetings. But it seemed liked no matter where he went.

"So, do we invite them?" said Talia.

"Who?"

"You know, Ishtar, Horus?"

"The gods," said Kurt.

"I mean wouldn't it be disrespectful," said Talia. "to not to?"

"I mean I would think this type of stuff."

"But you don't know."

"And Darien?"

"You mean my flower girl?"

Kurt couldn't help but laugh at the thought of a forty foot dragon walking down the aisle throwing flowers.

"Seriously?"

"No not seriously, can you imagine with a flower wreath on his head."

"Stop. I can't take it," covering his mouth laughing

They had decided to have the wedding in Wellspring Falls. As it would account for some of the guests coming from multiple places. There was a date and an area near the Arrow Mountain they could easily reach.

And because of that Talia insisted on making sure it was in view of the water fall if nothing else. So it would be an outdoor wedding along the Basin rim.

Talia had told Kurt that the Valentine forces were busy picking off the surrounded forces of the shadow. And that all they had to do is hold what they had until they were done.

"I never got an answer?"

"To what?"

"Do we invite the gods?"

After a while they figured they might as well try and find Ishtar and hope she was in the mess hall eating something sweet. They were in luck.

"Ohh look at you two," said Ishtar.

"That's actually a little why we were looking for you?"

"Looking for me?"

"Well the thing is we are going to get married."

"You and this one," said Ishtar.

"But she's just a…"

"That's not the point."

"Just a what?" Said Talia.

"A human, dear girl."

"Anyway," Kurt said, "we weren't sure on the protocol if it was appropriate to invite the gods."

"It would be normally very presumptuous to think we would attend such a ritual. You're not asking me to umm what do you call it…run it…"

"No you wouldn't need to officiate it," said Kurt, "we were worried since you're here."

"That it would be impolite to not include me, I see. That would be an odd predicament I suppose. You wouldn't want to be rude nor presumptuous."

"We would like you to come," said Talia, elbowing Kurt. "And Rosie too, of course."

"Traditionally there is cake afterwards," said Kurt.

"Can I just go to that part?" said Ishtar. They nodded at her. "Okay then, but since you're here Kurt. Marty will accompany you to scout for a proper location for Horus. Be prepared to fly."

"Umm…"

"I would have thought it was clear, Horus isn't known for many details though."

"Yes, of course."

"Then everything is settled," Ishtar smiled and ate one of the pastries in front of her.

Kurt and Talia took their leave.

"I guess she's coming to the reception," said Talia.

"Probably best that way."

Their wedding had almost arrived. Kurt had visited a tailor for a tux. And he was sure Talia was not going to forget about her dress.

They still had a lot to work out after though. For example where they would be staying. As Talia had her own castle as Countess as well. They were generally just going back and forth for the moment.

Talia also had a claim to the throne of Valentine to consider. Her rapid rise in large part thanks to Kurt's presence and the dragon's reaction.

What had become clear to Kurt is he didn't have enough people he trusted to run what was going around him. Everyone was already in a place and had their things to do. But they had a lot more territory suddenly and no nobles really, to run it.

He could make a few he supposed, but that had the same problem who to trust. Was he supposed to appoint Hank, Tom or Joe to run some human fortress? He didn't have many humans that directly served him or Layla. And it wasn't like Jerry and Susan were appropriate either. He also doubted they'd even be interested. With Robby to take care.

He still needed to wait for Sara to get back to hear what Hamlet was saying. They had made trouble with half the continent and their biggest ally. The situation on the other continent would have reached them by now somewhat as well.

His parents should be coming around then to live as well. He hoped at least.

They could still do it by carriage ride when necessary but the switch between continents was difficult. They generally only had one access point on each. And moving the gate required being physically present at both locations.

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