The blessing of the land 2 (Commission)

(This is a fantasy weight gain story featuring a female centaur and other monster girls. XWG, Stuffing, Lesbians

The blessing of the land

Chapter 2: The predestined couple

Not much had happened after the original ceremony that had sealed the union between the chosen one and her partner, or in Savierra's case, mate. The great feast that would celebrate this act did not take place until the evening. While the priests and servants of the temple decorated and prepared everything, more and more citizens from surrounding settlements arrived at the sacred place to take part in the forthcoming celebration. They brought incredible amounts of food with them. Countless sacks of flour from which bread was to be baked, baskets full of fruit and vegetables. Cheese, meat, fish of all kinds in an unmanageable quantity.

A huge fire was stoked in the middle of the square in front of the temple and several grills were set up on chains. Brick ovens were erected and heated around this spot while men, women and children mingled, cut, peeled and much more at countless tables. Endless plates of desserts such as puddings and cakes were piled up on long tables set up in the open. There was all the delicious food you could imagine. Food was piled up all over the camp in front of the temple, while in addition to the main work at the central hearth, there were pots and cauldrons everywhere in which the citizens created other soups, stews and stews, mostly based on family recipes from their villages.

Thalia's entourage also helped with the preparations, sharing the supplies they had brought with them with the helpers and countless cooks of the camp and mainly making sure that there were enough tables, chairs and tents.

With a crash, Thalia slammed the axe into the tree stump on which she had been chopping firewood for the past hour. The tall, dark-skinned woman wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand and looked from the now shrunken pile of logs to the fresh mountain of firewood she had just produced. The sun was shining down on her and warming her pleasantly, but there was also a refreshing breeze blowing, an absolutely perfect day for the occasion. Thalia left the axe in the stump and then sat down on it. With a movement of her head, she wiped the sweaty hair from her face, which reached all the way down her back. Then she took a sip of water from the drinking tube she had taken with her. The strong, beautiful guard was never too good for hard work like the common people or servants did. She would have been much more offended just to give orders and then see everyone else around her slaving away for this wonderful feast.

For chopping wood, the commander had stripped off her armor and worked only in boots, leather trousers and a loose linen shirt. The sweat made the top stick to her very ample breasts, which rose and fell rapidly with each of Thalia's breaths after the previous exertion.

Big breasts, Thalia thought as she drank and gazed lost in thought at the work and preparations going on around her. Her breasts were beautiful, soft and firm the size of small melons, but they were nothing compared to...hers. Ever since she had first caught a glimpse of Savierra on her knees, the centaur lady had been on the strong human woman's mind. Without interruption, Thalia had seen her magnificent face, her huge, heavy hanging tits and her fat belly, both of which stretched the expensive garment to breaking point, before her inner eye. The commander had almost revelled in the feeling that the sight of Savierra had triggered in her while she had split one block of wood after another with the axe.

How everything about the horsewoman had wiggled and swayed, how beautifully the beginnings of a fat body had appeared, turning all the food fed to the Chosen One into beautiful fat with abandon.
“Commander Ashheart!” came to her ear, unnecessarily loud for Thalia's understanding. Disgruntled at being torn from her thoughts of Savierra's beautifully and excitingly tightly wrapped fat, the tall woman turned around on her tree stump. A priest of the temple stood bent over in front of her. His red and purple robes billowed around him.

“Forgive me, but you seem to be deep in thought and have apparently not heard me, Commander.”

For a moment, Thalia's gaze drifted once more into the distance and she saw Savierra's soft, bright, flawless face smiling shyly before her. The commander's expression softened again. Then her green eyes turned to the priest.
“Everything is all right. Forgive me, I really didn't hear you. What is it?”

“The Chosen One asked to see you again in her chambers before the great feast.”

Completely automatically, without her consciously wanting to, Thalia jumped up from the tree stump. Her full breasts heaved luxuriantly as she moved. Ashheart's cheeks reddened and she cleared her throat briefly. These feelings inside her were so unfamiliar to her. Not even in the fiercest battle had the commander's heart beaten as fast as it was now, but it didn't feel bad. She was excited and nervous, which irritated her, but she was also...

A tingling sensation previously unknown to Thalia filled her stomach beneath her toned muscles.

“Thank you very much. I will freshen up and then go straight to the princess,” Thalia replied as gracefully as possible, trying to suppress her almost childlike joy and excitement. The priest bowed again and then walked away in the direction of the temple, past the countless people cooking and working.
Thalia took a deep breath to combat her excitement and didn't even notice how a broad grin lit up her usually stern and dignified face.

After washing herself with cold spring water from the bowl in her tent, Thalia looked into the piece of polished metal that hung as a mirror on the center post of her shelter. She ran her hands through her wet, wild hair and brushed it out of her face. It slapped cool against her muscular back and drops of water ran slowly down towards her tailbone. Thalia had taken off her sweaty top and was now standing in her tent with her upper body bare. The mirror showed her flawlessly beautiful features with sparkling green eyes. Remarkable muscles stretched beneath the commander's broad shoulders and arms. Taut and firm but also incredibly soft and swaying and jiggling with every movement, the pair of large, magnificent breasts stood out from her powerful upper body. Drops of water also rolled over her ample bosom and glistened in the light of the oil lamp dangling from another pole in the tent. Together with the delicate, silky-soft skin, which was marked in some places by old battle scars, Thalia's enormous breasts lent her an incredible femininity. Together with her size and strong muscles, she was both a seductive and intimidating sight.

Thalia took a linen towel and began to dry her naked upper body and long brown hair. As she did so, the commander's thoughts drifted back to the centaur princess, whom she was about to meet again. The tall woman involuntarily began to smile as she rubbed her large, soft breasts with the towel. She thought of the first sight of Savierra that she had seen on the steps of the temple and which had burned itself into her memory forever. That beauty and elegance, that flawless beauty and the animal grace of a mare that represented the princess. She was a blessed being whose beauty and purity was not really tangible to humans. How could the commander, who had decided years ago to devote her life entirely to Karion and the Order of the Blessing of the Land, have the immeasurable good fortune to be chosen as the companion of a Chosen One? It had never been Thalia's intention to be in such a position. Her ambition had always been to improve in battle, to train sacrificially and selflessly, to surpass her male-dominated surroundings in everything. Thalia was a born fighter whose willingness to make sacrifices and whose will knew virtually no bounds. That is why Thalia's goal had always been to use her talents to protect the Order and the horse people who lived in Karion. If the commander was honest with herself, she was afraid of whether she could do justice to the Princess and Chosen One. She was an outstanding warrior, but even if she had received the ordination like all members of the order back then, she was a miserable priestess. Besides, she had never had to take care of anyone but herself before, and now she was expected to take care of such a holy, beautiful creature as Savierra. However, for some reason, the Chosen One had chosen Thalia to be her companion. What could the reason be? Until the ceremony at the temple entrance, they hadn't known each other, hadn't even met. What had made Savierra choose Thalia of all people? There were countless servants and priests of the Order and this temple who had been prepared all their lives to possibly one day accompany and support a chosen one as she absorbed the fruits and yields of the land with which she was connected.

As she tossed the wet cloth aside and tied her long hair with several ribbons, Thalia thought of how Savierra had greeted her and accepted the commander's oath. The shy smile of the beautiful princess, the elegant but tight outfit the centauress had worn. How the fabric had stretched over all the fat pads and the massive breasts had pressed against every seam, so tightly that the nipples were already showing through. Suddenly Thalia shivered and touched her own breasts, which were not exactly small. An unexpected heat rose in the commander's face as she felt her nipples harden between her fingers. A pleasant tingling sensation spread through her crotch. Breathing heavily, Thalia shook her head, but the images of Savierra in her far too tight robe, almost bursting out of it, with her horse's lower body covered in soft fur, the four strong, elegant legs already somewhat padded with fat, never disappeared.

The commander swallowed and tried to breathe more calmly again. She had to admit to herself that just thinking about Savierra excited her. The undulating, soft forms that were about to give in to gravity and hang and wobble deliciously made her feel aroused. Thalia bit her lip and tried not to think so hard about it. But how would that be possible in the future, after all, she would become the chosen one's partner and from then on would always be close to her. Then she remembered what King Orkos had said to her when they had talked in his chambers. It was well known among those who knew who Commander Ashheart was that she was not interested in men, but preferred her own sex. This was a fact that was disapproved of by some, but was nevertheless accepted in the generally quite progressive kingdom of Karion. Thalia had already proven herself in the Order with her strength and unwavering will, silencing anyone who doubted her. Her merits and skills had also silenced any poisonous tongues that had anything against her sexual proclivities. King Orkos had told the commander that the Chosen and the priesthood had chosen her because they were looking for a woman with her “preferences”. But as she thought about it, Thalia could believe that this was the only real reason she had been chosen to be the Chosen One's companion. What could it change that Thalia liked women in this way? But what if perhaps Princess Savierra herself...

With a sharp intake of breath, Thalia shook her head and dispelled her thoughts. That was wishful thinking from her mind overworked by recent events and Savierra's beauty. She had already wasted enough time, which didn't really suit the ever-dutiful woman at all. She quickly pulled on a dark top made of ordinary fabric. Goose bumps crawled all over her body as the clothes brushed against the still aroused nipples of her ample, heaving tits. Images of Savierra continued to excite her, now even more than before and the prospect of seeing this indescribable beauty again in a few minutes...

“Concentrate!” Thalia said aloud to herself and put on light, leather bracers with the symbol of Karion. She would do without her large plate armor here in the camp and the temple. Then came her black cloak, which was held on her shoulders with a gold chain, and finally her sword, which she strapped around her hips with a thick, ornate belt. She would leave the even more imposing two-handed sword of the Order in the tent for now. It was more of a ceremonial item than Thalia's weapon of choice. Nevertheless, there were many an opponent now rotting under the ground who would have wished not to have made the acquaintance of this magnificent weapon.

One last look in the mirror and Thalia deemed her appearance sufficient for the upcoming meeting. She would have to wear something more elaborate and appropriate to the official occasion for the big, upcoming ceremonial act. The commander preferred the no-frills, functional attire of the working class or the feel of the leather and iron of her armor against her dark skin. She was not a woman for pomp, ceremony or anyone who enjoyed state ceremonies and traditions without practical use. But for Savierra and the greatest honor a person could ever receive in these lands and times, Thalia would gladly make an exception. Finally, she left her tent and had to blink in the bright sunlight. With her beautiful green eyes, the commander surveyed the huge camp and the temple that rose at its end. Even now, the most beautiful smells from all the cooking areas and ovens reached her nose. With a tingle that she could not avoid, the commander thought of Savierra's belly, both the human one, slightly bulging and greasy against the white fabric of her robe, and the large, heavy one of her horse's half, covered in soft fur. How nice it would be if the princess were to stuff herself properly at the forthcoming feast, as was expected of her. At the thought of the swelling ball that the princess was carrying around under her massive horse's body, heat rose again in Thalia's face. She couldn't help but smile a little, but quickly forced herself to regain the serious and stoic expression everyone was used to seeing on her face.

The commander started moving and crossed the crowded and busy camp. Delicacies of all kinds were piled up at every corner and fragrant steam wafted from countless cauldrons. Pigs, chickens, cattle, ducks and many other animals were sizzling, boiling or stewing in every conceivable variation.

Thalia left the sprawling tent city behind her and crossed the large square in front of the stairs to the temple, where countless tables and benches had already been set up for the upcoming feast. At the largest table, a kind of canopy had already been erected, under which were several large silk cushions. Undoubtedly the place intended for Savierra. Next to the cushions was a magnificent, almost throne-like chair. Still stunned by her own good fortune, Thalia shook her head as she walked past the table, the canopy and the countless workers trying to make everything perfect. This chair would be her own place at the feast, as the princess's confidante and companion. There she would sit right next to Savierra and watch her eat delicious food from all corners of the kingdom without end. Perhaps Thalia would already be able to pass the delicacies to the princess, perhaps she would even be able to eat them herself...

Growling, the commander chased these thoughts away with another shake of her head. She damn well had to concentrate on her duties. The feast would be fine as long as she made sure Savierra was always happy and well fed. Beyond that, Thalia would try not to draw any more attention to herself and just see what the evening would bring.

With a curt nod that made the armored guards take up their positions in front of the stairs to the temple, the commander passed her soldiers and began the ascent to the shrine.

With excitement and a pounding heart, which was in no way due to the many steps to the temple entrance, Thalia Ashheart walked through the large open door of the sanctuary. Incense and other incense filled the air in the ancient building with its imposing columns and high ceilings. A priest who had apparently been waiting for her at the entrance welcomed the commander.

“Please follow me, I will lead you to the chambers of the Chosen.”

Thalia nodded curtly and followed the figure in the priest's robes. They crossed numerous torch-lit corridors with just as many locked doors until they finally arrived at a far more beautiful and elaborately crafted gate. The polished wooden door was not plated with iron, but with silver. The metal depicted centaurs at full gallop.

With a bow, the priest began to retreat again.

“Excuse me, commander, but I wanted to inform you that we have received word from our fellow believers in the mountains that a delegation from Baraka will be attending today's festival.”

Thalia's head snapped away from the door and her green eyes fixed on the priest.

“What? Why am I only finding out about this now?” she hissed.

“We only received the news by carrier pigeon a few minutes ago, Commander.”

Baraka was a direct neighbor of the kingdom of Karion. In the past, there had occasionally been some tension with the nation located in the mountains east of the forest where the centaurs lived.

Sighing, the commander ran a hand over her face. She would tighten security but beyond that it probably wouldn't make much difference to the upcoming feast. She glanced back at the door to Savierra's chambers.
“Well, be that as it may. Wwhat shall I do now?”

“You are the companion and confidant of the Chosen. So these are also your chambers. Just step inside. If you need anything, see one of the priests. We are your devoted servants.”

With these words, the priest disappeared around the next corner and Thalia stood in front of the ornate door. The tall woman took another deep breath and then knocked hard on the studded wood.

“Come in, please,” came from inside and Thalia opened the door.

She entered a large, round room with lots of furniture and shelves, which were mainly placed near the walls. Numerous very large blankets and silk cushions filled the center of the room. Oil lamps with colorful glasses provided soft light in various tones. The domed ceiling was draped with numerous cloths and curtains in dark colors to hide the coldness of the bare stone.

However, all the impressions of this admittedly beautiful chamber paled next to the beauty that was on the cushions in the center of the room. Thalia was completely captivated by the splendor of the princess, who now stood up with a slight groan. The four legs that carried Savierra's heavy body had no trouble lifting the horsewoman up, but it was still a small feat for the princess to get her apparently fully fattened body to stand. She was only wearing a simple white robe which, unlike the ceremonial dress she had worn at their first meeting, was somewhat less constricting of her overflowing flab. Nevertheless, the two rolls of fat on Savierra's human belly stood out very nicely. The horse woman's full, fat breasts bulged above it. Larger than luscious watermelons, the fat globes rippled and sloshed around like sacks of pudding with every movement the princess made. Savierra seemed to have eaten until just now, as indicated by the half-full tray in front of the cushion on which she had been lying with her front legs folded. Her apparently rather full horse belly had swollen out to the side and was now hanging heavily between Savierra's legs as she stood up. On the tables surrounding the cushions and pillows were several more trays on which there were only small crumbs or spots of grease and sauce left. Countless plates and bowls were piled up next to large empty glass carafes and clay jugs. On a large wooden board, still soaked in meat juice, there were still a few gnawed beef rib bones and next to it was an almost completely scraped-out cauldron that had probably contained soup or stew. A mixture of different smells from the numerous dishes filled the room.

Thalia could clearly see that Savierra's belly wasn't yet incredibly fat, but it was apparently quite full and bloated. No wonder, considering all the food the horsewoman had stuffed into her stomach today alone. More food than a large family could have eaten in one day. Nevertheless, there was a nice layer of fat under the sleek, white coat, just like on the well-formed legs with the perfectly groomed hooves. The belly that the princess was carrying underneath her also seemed to be quite heavy, as her horse's back was already sagging a little and small rolls of fat were piling up on it. Again, this was not surprising considering the amount Savierra had stuffed herself with. Thalia admired how the full horsewoman trotted leisurely towards her, every sweet fat pad jiggling and the massive, overstuffed bellies swaying lazily back and forth. A beautiful sight.

“Greetings to you, Commander. Once again in a personal manner,” the princess spoke kindly, her blue eyes scrutinizing her future companion. Thalia's gaze also wandered up and down the beautiful figure in front of her and a warm smile filled her features, an expression that the warrior's otherwise grim face was not used to. Savierra giggled sheepishly and looked to the ground as she stood before the strong Thalia. Her round, sweet cheeks flushed a little and she placed her hands on her softly gurgling belly, which protruded, fat and overstuffed. Despite her horse body, both women were almost the same height.

“Just call me Thalia, please,” the commander breathed and lost herself in the enchanting sight of the princess with her wonderful, long hair flowing down Savierra's plump body like a cascade of gold.

“Very, very gladly. Please call me Savierra...or Savie, like my family.”

Thalia was beaming now and nodded. The commander's whole body seemed to tingle.

“We should get to know each other a little better now that our fates are linked.”

Savie pointed to the cushions in the center of the room.

“Besides, I'm starving,” she added with a laugh, rubbing her human belly protruding from beneath the white robe. Thalia was only too happy to accept this invitation and went with Savie to the large cushions. She watched with fascination as the princess's protruding buttocks moved, already wobbling slightly with every movement. The commander was even amazed by the sound Savie's hooves made on the stone floor.

The two women took their seats, the horsewoman moaning slightly again as she settled her very swollen midriff on the cushions. Thalia took a cross-legged seat on a neighboring cushion and continued to admire Savie's form. Her horse belly, which was already naturally large, pushed forward as the princess lay on her side in this position. Her human upper body was upright. One hand was still rubbing the fat belly beneath her colossal tits, while Savie reached for a clay jug with the other. She brought it to her mouth and took a few pumping, large gulps from it. With a long sigh, she set the Jug back down and licked her pretty lips happily.

“Sorry, I should have offered you something first. I'm not used to not dining alone. I...”
Thalia raised a hand, laughing. “Relax, I don't need anything. You have to eat and drink as much as you want, that's much more important.” She pointed at the jug. “What is that exactly?”

“My favorite drink. Milk with honey. I can't get enough of it.” Savie blushed slightly again, but there was no reason to. What should a chosen one do if not enjoy all the food and drink in all its abundance?
Thalia looked around and picked up a plate of dates wrapped in bacon. “You don't have to stop eating Savie.” The commander liked calling the chosen one by her nickname. “You said you were starving.”

Smiling, Savie took one of the fruits and ate it with relish. Despite the immense amount of food in her belly, her hunger seemed almost insatiable since she had been chosen. On the other hand, the coming feast would surely push her to the limits of her capacity and then beyond.

Both women talked for the next few hours, with Thalia often contenting herself with simply watching Savierra eat. It was impressive to see how much delicious food and gallons of milk disappeared into the young horsewoman's belly. After a while, a servant had to bring new food into the chamber as the princess had actually eaten everything that had been in the chamber so far. Fascinated, Thalia listened to the sounds of digestion from Savie's completely overcrowded interior. The horse's belly, covered in short, soft fur, bulged out like a boulder. It looked incredibly plump and firm, the layer of fat stretched taut by the amount of food. The commander enjoyed the fact that the princess was wearing a robe that only covered her plump, human half and left almost all of the beautiful horse half exposed. The princess wagged her golden-blonde tail from time to time with satisfaction, especially when the new, delicious food was brought into her chamber. More chicken legs and roasted pork belly, alongside fatty sauces and greavy. Mashed potatoes made with lots of butter and several cakes and plates with baked goods. This went on for a while and the women enjoyed their time together very much.

Eventually, however, they were interrupted when another priest knocked on the door to announce that the feast was about to begin.

The guests

Thalia took a sip from her drinking goblet. The wine was truly excellent, the vintners of the southern plains had really outdone themselves in their work. She looked to her right again, slightly tense, and watched as Savierra worked on another platter of chops, chicken legs and sausage. Again and again, the cute, chubby and slightly greasy fingers moved towards the cute, incessantly chewing mouth. Savierra's belly bulged out more and more under the loose, white robe. The beautiful mass of bacon, which was actually divided into two juicy rolls of fat, had long since been pumped up into a tight ball by the centaur lady's colossal digestive tract. The belly of Savie's half of the horse also continued to expand, a swollen, bloated mass that demanded more and more space on the velvet cushions. Nevertheless, the princess showed no signs of becoming full or slowing down her food intake in any way. Pumped up and incredibly massive, her fattened underbelly with its velvety soft white fur bulged to one side. Thalia let her eyes wander over the stuffed ball and admired Savie's wonderful, feminine yet animalistic figure. Though the princess stuffed herself so full of food, polishing off plate after plate that was handed to her, she was still a sight of grace and flawless beauty. She was truly the embodiment of the blessings of the land. The products of this very land made the plump centaur lady swell up more and more, like a drinking tube that had been overfilled. The transition from horse belly to human belly, where fur merged into skin and the hem of Savie's robe began, kept swelling out, becoming fuller and fuller. Presumably this was an indicator that the beauty was getting full after all. All the food was trying to fill every possible space inside the princess, stretching her stomachs beyond any previously known limit. Gurgling and grumbling sounded from Savie's stuffed, bloated midsection. Bravely and still with relish, the Chosen One continued to eat mindlessly with a steady stream of food and drink, aiming to devour as much of the delicacies as possible.

As the princess washed down a mouthful of potato casserole with a sip of sweetened milk with honey, she looked over at Thalia. She smiled shyly at her partner and chosen companion.
“Everything all right with you?”

Thalia's grim expression brightened again as she looked into Savie's beautiful, slightly round face. Her gaze also wandered to the heavy, swollen tits, which stood out well under the white but now stained robe. The green eyes wandered upwards again and found Savie's blue ones. Thalia cleared her throat and looked back up at the mass of partying people and the beginning of the tent city beyond with slightly flushed cheeks.

“It's all right, it's just...the visitor we're expecting. Before I entered your chambers, one of the priests had informed me that a foreign delegation was on its way here. There have been tensions with Baraka from time to time in the past. This has never directly affected the orders and temples, but I have had to fight one or two battles against troops from our neighboring kingdom when the king has requested guards to reinforce his army.”

Before Savie could answer, some servants approached her table in a bent posture and placed a large silver platter with a roast goose on the wood. There were also several bowls with various vegetables and sauces. The commander surveyed the food on the table, then turned to one of the servants: “Get us some sauce and more fruit, we're almost out of it. The chosen one also needs more of the honey milk.” Her tone was stern and harsh.

“Of course, right away,” the man said humbly and bowed his head.

“I thank you for offering these gifts. May the blessing of the land grant you health and everlasting, rich harvests,” Savie said graciously, bowing her head briefly with her long, elaborately decorated blonde hair. The servants moved away from the table again as they made obeisances and prayers.

Savie looked anxiously at Thalia again.

“Do you think something bad is going to happen?”

Thalia shook her head vigorously and looked to her companion with a reassuring smile.

“They would never dare do such a thing. No rich would ever disturb these sacred ceremonies. Besides, I'm here and that means no one here is in danger.”

Savie smiled again herself and turned her gaze to the deliciously fragrant goose with its crispy golden skin. She rubbed her protruding belly with one hand. It was unbelievable how this swollen sack had expanded during the feast. Loud digestive noises could be heard under the loose-fitting fabric. With this full ball, which wasn't actually a ball, but an enormous bulge that stretched across Savie's human pelvis, between her front legs to the grotesquely bloated horse's belly. With her free hand, Savie plucked some meat from one of the goose's thighs and then looked back at Thalia.

“I know you'll protect us. I've never felt as safe anywhere as I do around you, and I'm sure everyone who knows you feels that way.”

Thalia gave a short laugh and replied, “I don't know how safe they felt, even though it's well known that I'm an excellent warrior. Most people seem to find me quite caustic and unpleasant, even if they have to acknowledge my strength.”

For a moment Savie said nothing, her hand with the piece of meat lowered as her bright blue eyes scrutinized Thalia. The princess's cheeks reddened slightly.

“I don't think you guys suck. I think you're a wonderful person. I don't know how anyone else could think that of you. We've only known each other for a very short time, but...”

At the beginning of this sentence, Thalia's heart began to pound as hard as it had before when she had met Savie in her chamber. However, the princess didn't get much further with her well-meaning remarks as a small commotion at the edge of the tent city attracted the attention of both women.

Thalia gave a pre-arranged signal to the guards present, which put them on high alert, even though their lances were still pointed upwards and their swords remained in their scabbards.

The crowd of revelers quieted and eventually fell almost completely silent. The people parted to let the newcomers through on their way to the foot of the temple steps. Thalia felt her body tense instinctively. Savie had lowered her food again and was again looking slightly worriedly from her companion to the retreating humans.

Finally, they caught sight of the delegation from Baraka. Ahead strode six warriors clad in heavy, dark armor. They were heavily armed and their plate armor was of the highest quality and of an intimidating design. Knights of the Strings, as Thalia knew. The members of this group were the equivalent of the guardians of her order. Clanking in their armor and black cloaks billowing, the warriors strode through the hushed crowd and set up at a respectful distance in front of Savie and Thalia's table. The knights were followed by a handful of common soldiers and banner bearers and then a few priests of the strings in dark red robes and hoods pulled low over their faces. Next came a man in a sweeping red and black robe, holding a long staff of sorts with the golden symbol of Baraka at its tip. It reflected the species of demi-humans that had settled in the mountainous land, just as the coat of arms of Karion represented the centaurs there.

The man with the staff was a herald of Baraka, as Thalia knew from several meetings with diplomats from the neighboring country. A high-ranking diplomat and ambassador, no doubt, but she didn't really think his presence required such an escort. Unlike the Guardians, the Knights of the Strings almost never left their main fortress in the mountains, which was adjoined by the Shrine of the Strings. Unless the doctrine of this group had fundamentally changed, their presence could only mean that...

The herald, who had an overly broad grin and short blond hair, performed a sweeping bow and began to speak.
“I greet you Princess and Chosen Savierra. The blessings of the land be with you and your people. My name is Count Aryon of Hist and I am the highest envoy of the Great Kingdom of Baraka.” He turned his head towards Thalia. His exaggerated grin remained on his face but his eyes narrowed slightly. “I salute you as well, Commander Ashheart, Companion of the Chosen and Chief of the Guardians.”

“Thank you, my Count. We are honored by your visit and know you are welcome to join our feast,” Savierra said kindly, bowing her head briefly.

Thalia, on the other hand, was much less concerned with appearances. Her eyes scanned the group of newcomers and the crowd behind them. She cracked her knuckles and lowered her gaze to von Hist again.

“What exactly is giving us this pleasure?” she asked without mincing words.

The herald's grin widened a little more and he spread his arms, announcing: “In Baraka, too, the land we worship and which feeds us has chosen a new embodiment. It was the wish of the Chosen Ones to come here to pay their respects to their sister in spirit and destiny.”

At these words, a slight murmur and murmur began in the crowd of people and something made its way through. Thalia heard the sound of approaching footsteps, but they didn't sound like human legs. Slowly, the outline of what the people were fleeing from became clearer in the light of the torches and fireplaces. Thalia had already suspected it and looked at the guest, who was now moving towards her and Savie between the rows of soldiers from Baraka. The rest of the people backed away in awe. Von Hist turned and pointed with his raised hands to the creature now standing behind him.

“Rejoice and behold the holiness of our chosen Miraya!” he proclaimed exuberantly.