The War Chronicles of a Little Demon (Youjo Senki alt)

[RogueInquisitor]

First from Lexi we have Quirinus (Left) in her Harmonia air superiority suit watching Fabia (Right) show off the Sarpedona ground attack suit's upgrade package. This is also a slightly more updated reference for these two suits.

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What exactly is the upgrade package? Is it built into the faulds?

 

[Sunshine Temple]

What exactly is the upgrade package? Is it built into the faulds?

Click to shrink...

And much of the torso armor and the (unpictured helmet).

The Sarpedona Life Extension and Performance Enhancement program will get explained in more detail in the start of book 3 (I've written that much!).

But in short ("short"): it's a package of block upgrades to the scrying system, increase the range of the anti-armor weapon systems, and increasing the flight envelope to enable ah higher cruise speed and better high velocity maneuverability. (and all the power system upgrades to keep that going). The goal is very much *not* to turn the Sarpendona into an air superiority platform. Instead it's to keep it competitive and more survivable against enemy anti-air and second line RP assets. The higher cruise is for things as simple as making mission planning more easy and having is so that Sarpendona can reposition on the battlefield more easily.

The motivation to have this as an upgrade package is to keep the Imperial Legion's massive number of ground attack suits (~60% of Legion total) in service longer. The Legions have a lot of kit and RP is only one procurement line among many, and they have a smaller budget than the Fleet. So it is in their interest to keep the existing units in operation. It also comes into who pays for them, the Sarpendona is the only RP model that the Fleet has fewer in service than the Legions (The fleet does have Landing Support Wings but they are not universal). So unlike say Harmonia, Polyxo, or well any other RP suit, the Fleet wouldn't be the primary one paying for the upgrades, and the Fleet is less concerned about the Sarpendona becoming more obsolescent. Their main concern is keeping their strike, air superiority, multi-role, and scrying suits top of the line.

For example the Legions have about 7 thousand Sarpendona, but only about 900 Polyxo Multi-role, and not quite 2 thousand Harmonia. (Meanwhile the Fleet has so many more Polyxo and Harmonia)

 

[MemeKing]

Hey @Sunshine Temple, How much does the natural shapeshifting abilities of the diyu demons affect aspects of their society? Do couples change shape during their relationships in response to the roles they fill in it? Like the feminine roles becoming extremely voluptuous and the masculine role becoming slimmer + more muscular. Can they change their feet into hooves and vice-versa? Can they give themselves fur coats like a kitsune? How far can they take the shapeshifting and how fast is it?

Also, how many races exist in the world you've created. We know about the Diyu and Kitsune, but do others exist. Are there Minotaurs and Holstaurs? what about Oozes or slimes? Any kobolds or lamia? Do these other potential races have kingdom's of there own?

 

[Sunshine Temple]

Hey @Sunshine Temple, How much does the natural shapeshifting abilities of the diyu demons affect aspects of their society? Do couples change shape during their relationships in response to the roles they fill in it? Like the feminine roles becoming extremely voluptuous and the masculine role becoming slimmer + more muscular. Can they change their feet into hooves and vice-versa? Can they give themselves fur coats like a kitsune? How far can they take the shapeshifting and how fast is it?

Click to shrink...

It is a major part of it, given they are latent shape-shifting. Though not all couples go for a femme/butch dynamic. And they can change their looks on "minor" things pretty easilly, think things that allow a Diyu Demon to "Pass" as a human.

How far it can be taken and how fast is on a curve. They all have some capability, which is tied to regen and can be a bit slower, but there are those who are especially talented who have full shapeshiftin and can be able to impersonate others

Which has a lot of applications for things like spying.

Also, how many races exist in the world you've created. We know about the Diyu and Kitsune, but do others exist. Are there Minotaurs and Holstaurs? what about Oozes or slimes? Any kobolds or lamia? Do these other potential races have kingdom's of there own?

Click to shrink...

There Forest People and drow, and a few others. Alas not any of the ones you listed really. Many have their own settlements and a degree of autonomy, but they don't get to the scale of even a Minor House, let alone a Great House.

 

[Sunshine Temple]

The War Chronicles of a Little Demon

Set in the Diyu Demons verse
A Saga of Tanya the Evil fic.
By Sunshine Temple

Naturally, I do not own Youjo Senki. So here's the disclaimer:

Saga of Tanya the Evil its characters and settings belong Carlo Zen, Shinobu Shinotsuki, and NUT Co., Ltd.

Previous chapters and other works can be found at my fanfiction website.

Interim Fanfiction and Fanart

C&C as always is wanted.

Book 2: "More Than a Shadow"
Epilogue: Party Favors


The last day of the 432nd year of the Fourth Epoch proved to be a busy one. Managing the logistics of feeding and entertaining dozens of guests—in addition to the already generous number of people staying at the manor house—was a task that consumed exactly as much time as I allocated for it and then a bit more.

The heavy mug full of mulled cider, at least, washed some of the strain away from the first sip. The spices and cinnamon were charming, and the beverage's warmth and generous allotment of powdered life crystals cut off the evening's chill. Flushed and feeling the spirit of the day, I stood before the windows looking at the grounds beyond the colonnade that connected the manor house to the chapel. The sky lit up with the occasional sparkling burst as the celebrations began all across the county. Some displays were far, launched from manses on distant hills or even across the county line, while others were much closer.

There was, for instance, the celebration which had spread across my own grand floor. Guests reclined on couches, chatted around tables, or otherwise bunched up in conversation or broke away in discreet twos and threes. There were hearths full of blazing fires, sideboards groaning beneath food-laden trays, and no less than half a dozen punch bowls and three full bars distributed strategically across the open portions of my home.

I had instructed Uwe to ensure that every kitsune tending bar would keep an eye out in case anyone got too deep into their cups. If there were any such cases, he was to quietly inform me or one of my mothers who would intervene, lest a tipsy guest embarrass herself.

Thus, I had almost tuned out the lively chatter all around me, and it took a moment to register the quiet presence at my side. Turning, I looked up. Then my gaze went even higher.

Wearing a bespoke charcoal suit with an amber tie, Lares stared out the window, eyes focused on the woods beyond the chapel. Compared to my fluffy pink dress, he looked dashing and powerful. He held a steaming pewter mug in one hand with a stuffed pita that smelled heartily of sausage, garlic, onions, and garum in the other. Both items looked dainty pinched between his massive fingers.

"Countess," the Forest Person's deep voice said as he bowed his craggy head. "Lovely party."

"Thank you, Lares," I smiled up at him. "A far more relaxing event than the last time I had everyone over, wouldn't you say?"

He grunted agreement before finishing the pita in one bite.

"You doing anything of note before your leave is up?" I asked him.

"Some timberwork for the family. Storm knocked a few trees down. A couple lost their crowns; without their upper branches, they'll die anyway. A few are good hardwood so it gave the lads at the mill and the seasoning shed some winter work." Lares's tone was wistful as he sipped from his mug. "And you, Countess?"

"Other than railroad work and social obligations?" I asked.

"Other than that," he agreed.

"I managed to get a bit in with the local Drow and some of the other mushroom farmers," I casually replied, as if cracking that insular nut hadn't been the work of weeks of careful networking. "Nothing firm yet, but I'll be keeping an eye open… just in case there are any farmers and foragers who might benefit from a minor capital investment or two."

"That's a start. To a nice, relaxing business." Lares held out his mug in a toast, low so I could reach

"To quieter times," I clinked my cup to his and looked into my mug before sipping.

"This punch tastes fine... for you?" I asked, raising my voice slightly over a whistling from outside, followed by a small explosion and then a cheer.

"Why wouldn't it?" he asked. "I have more of a liquor tolerance than you do."

"Not that! There's hardly any alcohol in it!" I insisted, indignant on his behalf. I could have taken from the broodling punch bowl in isolation, but watching a soldier sip on near-virgin punch while I was stuck wearing this pink monstrosity of ruffles was an embarrassment too many. "I'm talking about how it's got... demonic ingredients."

"There was hardly any meat in the pita either," Lares observed, presumably as a joke, and then looked into his mug and took a thoughtful sip. "No eyeballs or fingers though in this brew, so that's a nice change of pace."

It must be a joke… There's no way he'd say something like that with such a straight face if it wasn't… No, surely not.

"Not like that!" I pushed past his attempt at humor, almost as poor as I remembered Weiss's had been, so long ago, and persisted. "I mean the energy..."

"Oh... the blood sugar?" Lares vaguely shook his mug again, sloshing the remnants of his punch around like a sommelier. "Yeah, it's a bit sweet. And I don't taste anybody."

"That'd be.. excessively expensive," I murmured, tilting my head up to catch his eye, scanning for tattletale signs of attempted humor, ignoring my curls as they bounced flagrantly around my ears. "Oh, that's what you call it! Yes, the life crystals. Yes, they are quite sweet, aren't they?"

"Good, good…" Lares muttered vaguely. He had a commendable poker face, though the stoicism contrasted against the festive atmosphere might have been another joke in itself. "I'm just happy you're not starving or ravenous. You do have to eat right if you want to grow properly."

"Yes, I am aware, and I eat plenty." I did not pout. "But... There's no side effects for you?"

"It does give a bit of pep in my step," the giant shaggy soldier said, and demonstrated just that with a very graceful little jig.

That got a cheer from the crowd of broodlings standing just outside under the colonnade's roof. Apparently, with the lull in Gibbs's fireworks display, the young demons had gone on the hunt for some new entertainment.

Reinhild opened the door, and a veritable mob of the terrors rushed inside in a swirl of snow and little flapping wings. Positively Lilliputian compared to Lares, the little demons swirled around him and begged him shamelessly for another dance. Among the crowd were a handful of young kits with perked ears and fluffy tails, distinguished by those ears and tails and not by any improvement in their behavior over the broodlings.

All tiny fangs and over-stimulated eyes, the dozen or so broodlings turned their attention from Lares, when he proved shy, to me, still ardent in their demands for a dance. Many clutched soft dolls that bore my likeness, though a few with better taste preferred their uncanny idols in the image of my Vs.

"Countess! Did you see the fireworks? Are the spiders ready? Where's dessert? Are raptors really that fluffy? Why is your dress so big? Will you dance for us? What's DarkStar like? Can you sign my storybook?" The mob's questions overlapped like drum-fire, melting into a single unbroken whine.

I tried to answer to the best of my ability, without embarrassing myself too much. Lares helped; clearly he found the small demons, who were especially so from his perspective, amusing.

After making sure no broodlings were left outside where they could get into trouble, Gibbs stepped inside and bowed her horns. "Ma'am, Lares. Enjoying the display?"

"Quite so. It lacks the bombast of a triumph, but I appreciate the personal touch," Lares said, with surprising sincerity.

"Very good," I said, offering my own acknowledging nod and looking meaningfully at the pyrotechnics crate and the big display piece off to one side.

The young demons stood between us, their gazes swiveling from person to person as we spoke. Tails quivered with barely contained excitement as their attention came to focus on Lares as their little faces stared up. The young kitsune also seemed ready to pounce.

And then the dam burst and the broodlings rushed to Lares and, in a scrambling mass, tried climbing up the large Forest Person's legs like a clowder of rambunctious kittens.

"No claws! Don't ruin his suit!" I hastily shouted, then winced. "I mean, don't climb."

"We're being good!' A broodling cried while the ones still with their feet on the floor pouted and complained. "Yeah, give us a turn!"

"I'm so sorry," I turned to Lares.

"It's okay. I have young siblings. Nieces and nephews too," Lares assured, helping keep one broodling from falling. He paused in thought. "Well, I suppose my sister's no longer so young. She's joining the Forestry Services this spring."

"For Larium County?" I asked. Forestry Services was functionally the main law enforcement and first responders in many provinces' unincorporated regions, at least for day to day purposes. Major investigations were conducted by provincial or imperial authorities.

"If she can," Lares shrugged, broodlings scrambling as his shoulders rose and fell. "Aria's clever enough and will make a good deputy, but we both know that our kind are in very high demand. There will be some fighting among the green-jackets for which fort'll get her."

"She does sound like an asset," I agreed, nodding along, picking up the subtext of his reply. "It seems to me that a family with such a strong tradition of serving the Imperatrix, especially with one son deployed so far away, can at least have their daughter serve closer to home."

"I can't disagree. Those I've talked to in the Forestry Service agree with me but..." Lares carefully trailed off. His implication was obvious: he lacked the political capital, but I, as his noble patron, possessed the sort of access necessary to pull all sorts of levers and strings.

"I'll put in a good word. I do need to keep on good terms with the county sheriff, especially with all the woods being cleared for the railway," I assured him with a smile. Networking and exchanging favors for preferred internal positions was something I understood completely. I'd experience working within such webs across all three of my lives, within corporate, military, and now even courtly spheres. It would be almost inconsequential, so far as favors went. Besides, I liked Lares, and we had a good working relationship, and I could see the value of sister Aria as a deputy in my county.

Lares's eyes widened, doubtless worried about the cost of my favor. "Yes, thank you. I think we can make that work."

Gibbs chuckled. "Oh, we know our Countess isn't that cutthroat."

I had to nod in agreement.

"She's not?" one of the broodlings trying to climb Lares asked. "But the book I read had her cutting all sorts of pirate throats!"

"Was that the one where she blew up the pirate airship?" the kit who managed to cling to Lares's shoulders asked.

"No claws," I automatically said, making sure she wasn't digging into his shoulder.

"It was the other one with sky pirates!" the first broodling replied, ignoring my admonition completely.

"At least they're not biting him," Gibbs muttered, barely concealing her amusement.

"Well... Are you ready to ring in the new year?" I asked her, trying to ignore the news of yet another fanciful tale that was apparently being told about me now.

"I think we'll manage," the head Ritualista said, a bit more dourly than I had expected.

"Any... trouble?" I asked as my eyes glanced down at the broodlings scattered around us. I felt guilty, at my relief, certainly not jealousy, that no one was trying to climb onto my gown. VioletBlood had outdone herself with this silken confection, filled as its bustles and fluffed cavities were for little entertainments for my Zephyr.

"No clawing, biting, or little fires?" Lares asked as he carefully moved an arm to let one of the young Shadow twins climb up to a shoulder in bright-eyed triumph. "I recall once having to use a water can to keep little ones from burning things."

"No, they're very well behaved," Gibbs sighed at the small demons using Lares like a piece of playground equipment as evidence to the contrary.

Other party attendees reached with amusement at the spectacle, especially after I had to shoo out a curious broodling who tried to explore under the hem of my gown. My niece was spooked by the overreaction of my air spirits. While I had maintained poise and dignity, my Zephyr must have been surprised by Talia's over-eager spirits, and lifted both of us up.

But we were airborne for but a moment, and my gown was smoothed back down, and I was holding onto my niece. The hug was fine as we were family, and besides, broodlings were broodlings.

Though this did cause the little terrors to split their attention from using Lares as a diving platform to practice their flying, to asking about my air spirits.

Gibbs slowly shook her head. "Outside, they are quite behaved: staying far enough back, not taking any fireworks, and no playing with fire. Other than getting into people's personal space." She gave the broodlings a stern look. "Because bad girls have to go inside."

"Yes, Miss Gibbs," the girls replied. The six year old twin members of the Shadow brood nodded along from their perches on Lares's shoulders.

"Just remember to keep being good; otherwise we'll have to go with illusions instead of real fireworks," I warned the broodlings. I didn't want to be too much of a killjoy, but I also did not want anyone to get hurt.

The groans and complaints were near universal and caused their cavorting to pause.

"Illusionary fireworks are just as pretty and a skilled caster can even capture the smells and pressures," I reminded the ungrateful lot.

"But that's not real!" Liata, one of my nieces, complained. "Fireworks should be real," she added to universal acclaim.

"Then don't cause Miss Gibbs any problems. Besides, there's plenty of stuff to do tonight," Rita Shadow said. Being a year younger than myself, the black-haired teen had been recruited into babysitting her sisters, though those twins were well-behaved enough.

"Thank you," I nodded to them and sipped more from my mug. "Well, I don't need to distract you from your fun."

"Come on girls, Countess DiamondDust and Lares have plenty of other guests to talk to. Now get some snacks and then I've got some rockets that I think you'll like. If you are very, very good, I will show you how to properly aim and work as a team to safely fire them," Gibbs clapped her hands.

After the broodling scampered out to the nearest refreshment table before gamboling back outside, Lares and I were left with three Shadow girls.

Rita looked to her twin sisters, who had run back to the Forest Person. "Um... Lares is it? Could you watch Lyana and Soraria? That is, if you will permit me some questions, My Lady?" she asked me, her tail curling nervously around her legs.

"Oh?" I asked, noncommittal. She seemed awfully nervous…

"It's about some questions I have for... you, and for my sister, Victorious," Rita said, her tail nervously flicking.

Ah, so that's it, is it?

"I'd be happy to watch your sisters, Miss Shadow," Lares assured as the twins ran up to him. "Go on, Countess."

""Thank you," I nodded to Lares, turning as he led the twins back outside to rejoin the rest of the broodlings.

"I think your sister's over in the drawing room," I told Rita as she followed me deeper into the manor house.

Rita nodded dutifully, but she stated close by my side.

"Are you having a good trip out to Eastern Province?" I asked the younger woman, opting for conversation in the face of her watchful quiet.

"It's been a real adventure," she gushed, a spring of words emerging at first prompting. "I never knew House BlackSky could be so big! The capital was amazing but a little overwhelming."

"You've seen more of the empire than I have!" I laughed, throwing the girl a bone and exhibiting interest. "I'd like to visit Amber Island and the other western provinces."

The presence of a few of Mother Clementia's sisters and a couple of maids in the hallway gave me a break from the small-talk as I exchanged happy greetings with them.

"But you've been offworld, out on the Spine!" Rita countered, apparently not inclined to simply take my polite show of interest at face value. "You've really traveled! Truly traveled, gone well away from home!"

"That was part of..." I frowned as the denarius dropped and I realized why she'd sought me out while I was away from her sister and the rest of her family. "This is about the Legions, isn't it?"

"I'm not bad with Zephyr!" Rita insisted we come to the drawing room. "I can be a VTOL pilot!"

"You're a bit... young," I coughed, finishing lamely.

Visha looked up from the oak table where she was playing dice with her older sister and sister-in-law. "Tauria, that's a bit amusing for you to say it," she said, coming over to give quick hugs to her sister and I.

Tail swishing, Rita gave me a smug smile over Visha's shoulder.

"But that doesn't mean you're still not too young to enlist," Ines told her younger sister as she absently sorted a pile of coins and flicked her braid over her shoulder.

"I just want to prepare for it! I can still make a difference," Rita promised. "Besides, they're going to need more pilots for the new Manta Ray bombers in a couple years!"

I gave a strained smile to the eager young demoness. Strictly speaking, she was correct. A next generation torpedo bomber, the Manta Ray was entering mass production, and those planes would need new pilots. On the other wing, most of those pilots would be pulled from other VTOLs such as the older Hasta bomber.

Indeed, neither fighter nor bomber pilots represented anything but a minority among the pilots. Transport and logistics fliers made up the vast majority of the Ventus specialization in both the Fleet and Legions. If Rita wanted to make a difference for the average hoofslogger, then driving a troop and cargo hauler would have the greatest impact, light on the glory though the specialty admittedly was.

Visha's emotions flicked between pride and wanting to support her little sister, and various types of unease. "There is one issue, Rita," she said, putting a hand on her sister's shoulder.

Rita brushed her short bangs back, and Visha paused at her fidgeting gesture.

"The Imperial Legions don't... really... fly torpedo bombers," Visha gently said. "You could be in the Fleet, if that's what you want, but..."

I could understand the awkwardness of the Shadow sisters. Beyond the normal inter-service rivalry between the Fleet and Legions, their mother, Ema, was particularly fearful of someone near and dear to her being lost in a stricken airship. Consequently, she did not want any of her daughters in the Household Fleet. It was not a rational fear, especially given how often Visha had deployed from Fleet ships, but rationality rarely mattered in matters of anxious worry.

Frankly speaking, from where I stood, what branch a pilot flew from mattered not at all when they got shot down. But I was honest enough to understand that my experiences might have some influence on that view, trumping in some small degree my native cold logic.

"Maybe you can focus on something our Mothers approve of," Ines mused, brightening at the thought. "After all, a few more swimming championships under your belt and you could get a scholarship!"

"What about flight school?" Rita asked, trying and failing to keep the whine out of her tone.

"Have you talked to your mothers?" I asked, double-checking that neither Shadow matriarch was in the room. If I recalled correctly, they were still in the stables watching the mounts saddled and readied.

Wings twitching, Rita looked down at her shoes.

"She has," Ines confirmed.

"There's been some discussion about it." Marcella EmberTalon agreed as the green-haired woman looked to her wife, toying idly with a pair of dice.

"The family business does have a place for you," Ines said, giving Visha a pensive look, but she had stood up to welcome Rita and offer her some food and a hug of her own.

Visha's gaze guiltily flicked between her sisters. If I were any judge of character, I was sure her sisters suspected the guilt was due to Visha having joined the Legions, leaving them for years at a time. But Visha had another secret from her family. We had talked and Visha had decided to tell her mothers, at least, before the Shadow family went back to Amber Island. But for tonight, at least, that secret still lay between them, fresh on Visha's mind and, I was sure, oppressive on her tongue.

VioletBlood had joked that if Visha waited, then someone else from Germania would show up to ruin the moment. Neither of us laughed at LoveBlood's comment, though I may have cracked a smile at the idea of Weiss or Koenig as one of us. The possibility that someone else from there was here, no matter how remote, couldn't be fully discounted.

Rerugen, for example, I could see adapting quite well.

"But maybe we can talk about flight school lessons... when you're older," Visha offered.

Rita pouted.

"There you are!" VioletBlood loudly announced her presence as she and one of my sisters came into the drawing room.

Wearing a scarlet and silver dress that complemented her russet skin, Doctrix Countess RedWing's golden eyes gleamed as she stepped in behind LoveBlood. "Indeed, there you are, little sister."

I nodded to her. "Were you looking for me?"

"Our mother would like a moment of your time." Redwing sipped amber liquor from a crystal glass. "And your lovely fiancee figured you would be here," she said, handing off the glass to the redhead.

I was once more lifted off my feet as the older woman pulled me up into a hug.

"Oh, you look so adorable and delectable!" the university professor gushed as she held me out to inspect my gown. "You picked a very complimentary garment, Baroness,"

"Thank you, my Lady." VioletBlood bowed her horns to my sister before turning to me with her customary cockiness. "If I can't find you, I know our Islander Girl will."

Visha shook her head while Rita pouted, and the other Shadow sisters coughed. The slightly rude comment undercut their amusement at me being put into this undignified position.

The Baroness's tail flicked. "What is the trouble?" the aristocrat asked, genuinely clueless.

Stoically letting myself be returned to the floor, I bit my tongue, but my older sister snorted and idly adjusted my curls.

"I want to be a bomber pilot, Baroness! But that would mean joining the Fleet..." Rita trailed off.

"Oh that's easy," VioletBlood waved it off as she sipped an aperitif from a tiny glass. "Legion Strike RP pilots strap evocation flasks to their hips that are veritable bombs."

Visha shook her head, while Rita looked sad.

"Okay, Ritual Plate's not for you," VioletBlood continued breezily along. "You could get yourself press-ganged, that's a classic shippie tradition. Your family won't blame you if you get tricked into taking the Imperatrix's coin."

"The Household Fleet hasn't done that in decades;" RedWing snorted, clearly amused. "We're not perfidious Alecto."

There were a few chuckles; as residents of Amber Island, the Shadow sisters were familiar with House Alecto's reputation as moderately troublesome allies.

"What does Mother wish to talk about?" I asked my sister, changing the topic back to the maternal summons.

"ArgentShroud just arrived and she bears some correspondence, including letters for you," RedWing said.

"Oh? She was able to make it tonight?" I asked, happy to have more of my family in attendance. As heir and castellan, ArgentShroud did many things to help Mother run the Duchy Argenia.

"Isn't it lovely!" VioletBlood gushed. "The whole family coming together for the new year!"

"Wait... when did she arrive? I should have been on hand to welcom her to the party!" I frowned and stepped out into the hallway.

Reinhild seemingly appeared carrying a small platter of steaming sausages. "Countess?" the kitsune primly asked, the picture of diffident service.

RedWing stepped over to me. "Calm down, Sister. Argent didn't want to make a production out of her arrival, that's it."

I shook my head. Part of being a noble was that you had to grin and bear some level of infringement on your personal life. Sometimes, we didn't have the freedom to avoid becoming the center of a production.

Reinhild's polite smile wasn't quite enough to conceal her nerves. Nobody wanted to step into noble power games if they could avoid it; certainly not someone with as keen a nose and wits as the former scout possessed.

Shaking my head, I waved off her concerns. "Well, I can talk to Mother about all that. Do you know what the letters are about?"

"I can't say," RedWing shrugged, embracing discretion with valor.

"It's no trouble if you want to stay and catch up with your sisters," I assured Visha, who had risen halfway to her feet.

"We'll be sure to reunite well before midnight," VioletBlood promised, stepping up beside me.

After looking at her sisters, Visha nodded and relaxed back into her chair. "Thanks, we'll catch up soon."

Smiling to her, VioletBlood took my arm and pulled me out of the drawing room. "Come, come! I'm curious what news your sister has for us!"

"Us," RedWing gently laughed as we went down the hallway.

We passed through the great halls, which bustled with activity. With Saber's Watch behind us, the drifts of garlands, constellations of shining stars, and decorations had grown less omni-present, but plenty still remained. In another couple weeks, I was sure the manor house would be back to normal.

Then, it would be time for us to leave.

Mother Clementia was bustling around the buffet line, helping the cooking staff keep the warming trays filled and ensuring everyone had enough to eat. She looked up when she saw me from a quiet conversation with a local broodmother, who was helping keep everything organized. Valaria AshBone, her conversational partner, was a widow who had lost her mate in an airship crash to the south over the Gaurdia Sea.

It was good that Mother was helping her keep busy and distracted.

I gave Mother a wave before stepping over. She returned it with a fond smile while AshBone curtsied in greeting. "How's the evening? Any trouble?" I asked.

"Oh, no trouble, my Lady. Thank you for letting my little ones attend," AshBone said, rising back to her full height but still maintaining a slightly diffident air.

"No trouble at all," I assured her. "After all, there's already so many over tonight." I turned to Clementia. "Have you reminded everyone that the kitchens should be damped down at eleven? I want everyone free to witness the new year."

"Of course," Mother agreed, taking my arm and giving me a smile. "Your Duchess does have a suggestion that you may want to consider first, though."

"Oh? About what?"

"A family question," Clementia assured as she hugged me. "Just remember you'll always be my daughter."

I closed my eyes, relishing the emotional connection. Then, I then turned to the other woman.

I needed to clear the board before having this conversation.

"Please excuse that personal moment. Valaria, we'll talk later. My seneschal will need a small staff to maintain the manor when I'm deployed, and I would prefer to hire those in the community," I told the other woman what she wanted to hear, the white lie of charity slipping past my lips. The position would have sufficient remuneration and value, and if the work was not to Valaria's tastes, she would be able to seek a new job bearing a letter of reference from a countess.

Either way, my obligation would be sufficiently discharged.

AshBone bowed her head. It was easier for both of us to accept the polite fiction, even with the kitsune helping. Though most of those would follow me to Mursam, which would leave the manor understaffed. Conveniently, the widow AshBone had plenty of family here in Larium. I had already set a precedent by making a point to hire the butchers, cooks, and extra maids to help with various social functions. Bringing in her clan to fill the gap left by the kitsune only took that precedent a step further.

As I gave AshBone my seneschal's information and wished her a happy New Year, my sister talked with Mother Clementia which resulted, once again, in my gown being put on display while VioletBlood talked up my achievements and graces.

The two older women laughed, even my prospective new employee put a hand over her mouth as VioletBlood nattered on.

Once again, I bore being on display with all the dignity I could muster. By now, the rest of the merrymakers in the hall enjoying the food had turned to watch us.

"My, she is a very mature little one," RedWing smiled.

Mother Clementia's eyes danced with mirth. "We are all very proud of her."

"What else should one expect from an Imperial Heroine?" VioletBlood smirked.

"She has grown into her position. But you're not taking any credit for her noble bearing?" RedWing asked.

"That would be gauche." The Baroness's eyes gleamed as she took my hand. "And the brighter my diamond shines the more I sparkle!"

I let my fiancee pull me into a spin and a dip.

RedWing laughed and then, as we made our polite goodbyes to Clementia, both she and VioletBlood refreshed their drinks. I, with some reluctance, also had another glass of wassail.

We then made our way to the grand foyer and the double stairs. From the ease of her conversation with VioletBlood, it seemed that RedWing was not aware of my... past. It was nice that my Mothers had kept my secret.

Before we could reach the stairs, my pondering was interrupted by a harried pair of kitsune rushing into the foyer, a bit of panic pushing past their professional bearing. At their heels, or perhaps at their fluffy tails, a horde of scampering and screaming broodlings stampeded.

"Spider ride! Raptor time! Time to see the spiders! I want a feather!" they cheered, an excitable mob baying their demands like hounds.

The broodlings, leavened with a handful of kits, flowed round us all with wagging tails and flapping wings. Lares plodded at the end of the mob, making sure none of the little terrors escaped or snuck off. The opportunity to not just see feathered theropods and giant pseudo-arachnids but also ride them was too tempting, though, and all the broodlings seemed too eager to contemplate escape.

Smiling, RedWing watched them pass. "I cannot blame their enthusiasm. Carter's Short-Bristled Megapelma, to use their formal name, are rare and treasured status symbols of the Drow, and even those pack raptors are less common these days than in earlier times." The professor seemed almost wistful.

"As long as it's safe," I stated. Part of me was concerned about any injuries caused to guests of my household.

"Oh you worry too much," VioletBlood sent me a reassuring pulse as we started up the stairs. "They'll be watched in case anyone gets aggressive and starts biting and clawing."

"You're right. There are maids, grooms, and handlers." I nodded, deciding to accept the reassurance, and gathered up my skirts to take the steps without tripping.

"Quite so," VioletBlood smugly said once we reached the top of the stairs. "There's no reason to worry about broodlings hurting those majestic creatures."

I tilted my head. "Pardon?"

"Broodlings do have more exuberance than sense, and most of those are on their second set of baby teeth, which are quite sharp," RedWing agreed.

"Like being nipped by a puppy, poor spiders," VioletBlood shook her head.

I nearly walked into them in shock; we had reached the door to the suite I had given to my Duchess. "I... can't argue with that."

One of the more muscular feline maids opened the door for us before we could knock and let us into a well-appointed sitting room. The furniture was all upholstered in rich leather and polished wood, far more luxurious than the more functional seating and tables waiting for me in my own chambers.

Instead of remaining in the sitting room, though, we were led to a lovely kitchenette with wide windows opening to a terraced balcony. The stone counters were comfortably cluttered with well-thumbed copies of the Journal on Air Combat and other publications, all in neat stacks. Alongside the back issues were the verdant fruits of one of mother's other hobbies; the orchids and fragrant herbs just starting to flower, while the vines climbing up the wall trellis had already put out their heart shaped blooms. A small, temporary greenhouse occupied most of the balcony.

Standing on the slice of balcony not occupied with glass or greenery was Duchess SilverFlight. She was looking out to the grounds below her and, off in the distance, out over the county seat. Fireworks bloomed over Jopecott as the residents closed out the 432nd year of the Fourth Epoch.

A small writing desk stood next to her on the balcony, while one of her more delicate-looking maids waited discreetly in a corner, the image of attentive service.

A woman with the green-eyes, strong chin-line, and narrow nose of our mother sat on one of the balcony's chairs. The lean woman's hair was down, for a change, and it almost seemed incongruous to see Lady Castellan ArgentShroud lounging and at peace, a drink firmly in her hand.

Her eyes fell upon us, "Sisters! So good to see you. Come, come," she welcomed. "We were just having a private moment before joining the party. I do apologize for bringing... news."

Her eyes flicked to the desk, and I saw there was a pile of Mother's correspondence as well as two unopened letters.

The cups we had brought up the stairs were deftly refilled by the waiting maid.

Our Mother lifted her own fluted glass in salute and took a sip of the deep amber liquor within. "I don't think it is all bad… Certainly, this brandy is quite good." She turned back to the county seat. "More importantly, the railroad is progressing on schedule. The logjams have been mitigated. Much thanks to your skillful effort, Baroness VioletBlood."

"Thank you, Your Grace," VioletBlood curtseyed.

"You will be calling me mother soon enough," the Duchess chuckled. "But as for our associate from the Railroad, by summer our Countess will have a railway station in her county seat and a proper one.... So, I dare say that at least one of your missives should not be that bad."

The terrace was large enough to fit all six of us, but even so, I had to maneuver carefully given the massive size of my gown; the accursed bustle alone made me be careful not to bump into the little greenhouse. The things I did for LoveBlood... I was a bit annoyed that while, the others were dressed in elegant and ornamented evening wear, their gowns were nowhere near as... poofy.

Both envelopes bore seals. For the moment, I focused on the one that had an intricate R over a pair of crossed tracks embossed into the crimson wax.

As I reached out to take the letter, Mother reached out to hold my hand for a moment. "No matter your choice, I'll support you in dealing with it."

RedWing had gone to our sister and had a quiet word with ArgentShroud.

I cut the red-trimmed envelope's seal. Inside was a folded letter which, upon opening, revealed a trio of calling cards. I let the obsidian card with its golden R fall to the writing desk untouched. It felt... normal. But despite the lack of any magical signature I could detect, I was as cautious of that card as I was of the one I had received from one of the Imperatrix's Daughters. The other two were plainer affairs and contained actual contact information. One was white with black text bearing a corvid watermark. The other was forest green with a stylized target superimposed over a set of antlers.

Nudging the cards into a pile, I focused on the letter. At first, I thought the machine-precise text came from a typewriter. But then I realized that the neat copperplate did not come from a specialized font-set, but instead was hand-written.

Salutations, Countess.

It was gratifying to work with someone who understands the value, and price, of progress. And you are not one to get into debt incautiously, yes? Congratulations on securing the route for your county; the Railway will be a great boon for Larium.

Great works and momentous meetings lie ahead.

However, if the full and faithful execution of future duties proves too challenging, then do not hesitate to reach out. We have each other's measure, yes? From information to the services of my associates, to the limits of your productive imagination, I can be eminently reasonable.

Ever onward. Ever forward.

-R

Wordlessly, I handed the letter over to my Mother. My Duchess quickly read the short missive and placed the letter back into my hand. "That could be worse."

"I'm not getting in the Lady's debt," I promised grimly, confident in my choice. That track, hah, went nowhere good.

After getting a nod of consent from me, RedWing picked up the letter. "Hopefully, you won't be placed in any situation where she's your only option," the professor said before returning back to me.

"Our sister has other patrons," ArgentShroud countered.

Pressing into the back of my dress, VioletBlood slipped up behind me, leaned forward, and put her chin on my shoulder. "Upside, you could probably hire Miss Crow and Mistress RainsFord without too much worry," the Baroness concluded after reading the letter.

"Both are bonded and certified with several reputable security guilds. With exquisite reputations for discretion and loyalty," Mother remarked.

Of course my Mother would have looked into the Lady's hirelings. And a reputation for loyalty cut both ways, as I know those two were perfectly content to murder people at the Railroad Lady's behest.

As opposed to the brutalization you oversaw? My inner demonic aristocrat purred. Or is your conscience cleared because all the forms of tradition and legal technicalities were observed?

"Hopefully, I won't need to make any deals with her. I will have to keep Alexi informed. As my seneschal, any delays on the railway project will have to be promptly sent to me, or Mother and ArgentShroud if I'm on deployment." I put that letter by the opened envelope and stack of cards and turned to the sealed envelope.

The purple wax bore the intricate falcon over laurel-wreath seal of the Elenese Air Assault and Air Defense Force. This one contained a long letter from General-Lajtant HighTown. The contents were... for lack of a better term... chipper. I did not expect an officer of such renown to devote pages to an almost apologetic gushing about my adventures, garnished with surprisingly friendly overtures. At first, it seemed very un-Elenese, but as I read the letter for a second time, I started noting the seemingly innocent, yet probing, questions.

HighTown would be almost as dangerous at the negotiating table as she was in the sky.

Compared to that perky and pastel minefield, the refreshingly shorter missive from Pukovnik Emilia Armin was straightforward, and I could almost read her own reservations with her new commanding officer.

After reading, and making sure VioletBlood also got a chance to look over the letters, I passed them around. "Their Silvan Latin is good. Not surprising; Armin was quite fluent when we spoke earlier this year."

"The masks like to play up how cultured they are," VioletBlood scoffed. "Of course their words are honeyed."

"Returning the RP faceplates of your lost comrades is quite the bait to any trap," ArgentShroud noted as she sent the letters to Mother. "Will you agree to receive them as guests?"

"I should pass this along to my commanding officer. Quirinus would know how to handle them," I sighed.

"Yes, Artemis is a skilled Tribune," Mother agreed, but there was a caution to her voice. "But this offer was directed at you, Daughter."

Draped over me, VioletBlood easily picked up on my apprehension. No matter how much I tried to calm myself, she knew me too well, and her horns were practically rubbing against mine. "I'm sure my fiancee is not shirking, but we can all agree that she has many duties, and has already been hostess to many notables."

"Such social events are vital for those of our station," the Duchess mildly replied. "You are both very young and have been forced to grow much too fast." Mother finished off her glass in one long gulp. "But that, I suppose, is the curse of this family."

RedWing coughed. "Mother, you're too harsh on yourself."

"We're not going to compare the losses our families have suffered in the Imperatrix's name. Not when the Baroness of Lilla or the last DiamondDust stands before us." SilverFlight held up a hand and gave a respectful bow to VioletBlood and I.

"Daughter, I will not force you to meet with HighTown, but I will recommend that you do. Not just for your unit, but so that you may get the measure of the Ace of the Skies while you are both on the ground."

"Given the Railroad Lady thinks this is a 'momentous meeting', I should take such advice," I admitted, relenting to the inevitable.

"I will give all my advice and what I can to help secure such a meeting," my Duchess promised. "Especially if we have the meeting somewhere neutral. Myr, for example."

I gave a vague nod of agreement; the Andromachin capital was a reasonable place. The smallest Great House was allied with both BlackSky and Elena, making hostile ground for neither party.

"And more secured than our last meeting in Andromache," VioletBlood gently cautioned.

Chuckling, the Duchess of Argenia's eyes hardened. "Oh, most certainty, agreed. We would make proper preparations. And not just getting more support from Imperial authorities."

My tail flicked as her gaze focused on me. Her piercing, possessive attention grew affectionate as more of her emotional output focused on me. It was enough of a clue to indicate what "preparations" she was referring to.

"Adoption? Biological adoption?" I asked.

Nodding, Mother sipped from her glass. "It would give you a measure of further protection, and power," she added, her fangs flashing as she spoke. "I have talked with Sister Clementia and she will agree with your choice in this."

I exhaled. There was logic to Mother's words. Being closer, being changed, by mother would have boons, but it would also come with costs. I immediately went to the logistical one. "Is there even time? I'd have a period of being... younger. I have to return to duty in under a month."

"But you'd be adorable as a broodling," VioletBlood gushed.

Tail curling, I frowned. "Not physically..." My eyes went to Mother, who shook her head with a smile.

And that was the danger. I would be made into her daughter, and SilverFlight and Clementia could shape me as they desired. I would be submitting to their will, totally and completely. It was as much an act of supplication as an Apology. Yes, there were legal protections and my own duties to the Imperatrix could hold my Mothers' hands, but a Duchess had broad powers, especially if she used them deftly.

Mother knowing the truth of my past only reduced my paranoia slightly. Yes, there was no secret to come out, but she could still change me.

That's the point, to be changed. Don't lie to yourself; you want to be a formal, true, daughter. What are you afraid of? It's not losing your humanity; you were born a demon, my inner countess gleefully teased.

"Thank you for the offer," I bowed my horns. "I really appreciate it, but I fear we don't have time for me to be made a broodling then mentally mature back up."

"I understand, and agree. It is not something I would want to rush," my Duchess said as she collected up the correspondence and then went to hug me opposite LoveBlood.

Basking in the contact, I felt that she had accepted my decision and had accepted me.

"Maybe next time we're on leave," VioletBlood offered, still clinging to my shoulder. Somehow, she managed to be able to purr and talk at the same time.

"Just be careful with what you put off, especially in this life," ArgentShroud cautioned.

"But it comes down to priorities. If there's more important things than Mother turning our sister, then she should do that with her limited free time," RedWing countered with a clean logic I could not disagree with.

"You all make good arguments." Smiling, Mother shook her head. "Come, let's go downstairs and rejoin the party at large. Family business can keep for a few more hours. Or at least for the remainder of the year."

After leaving Mother's rooms, we descended the stairs in a stately procession. Holding my arm, VioletBlood preened at being at the head of a stately procession of BlackSkyvian nobility.

My Bloody Baroness was happy to show off. She had not only been engaged to an Imperial Heroine but also had the favor of one of Eastern Province's most powerful aristocrats. The governor had more authority, but her power came from the provincial assembly. And the Duchy of Gauditte to the south by the coast was less powerful than Mother's domain.

As we had to pause to mingle with nearly every step, it took a bit of time to get to the great hall. Though I could hardly begrudge my sisters catching up with their wives and daughters. Especially when we stopped to let Visha rejoin our little group and welcomed her back with mutual hugs.

Flanked by my Vs with my Duchess in front, and sisters behind, we entered the great hall to literal fanfare. Sparing just a momentary glare at Reinhild, I put on a well-practiced smile and waved to guests.

Fortunately, the dramatic moment and any pressure to give a speech was obliterated by the flood of broodlings scrambling into the hall. The young demons streamed past us and went straight to the serving tables.

I was relieved to see that no one was hurt or traumatized; to the contrary, spirits seemed quite high. And given that Reinhild was not stepping up to have a quiet, and private, word with me, I assumed that no one, broodling or livestock, had been injured.

After mingling and getting some food, I met Mother Clementia, complimented her work, and then finally was able to get a word in with Visha.

"Did you get things sorted with your little sister?" I asked as we shared some roast spiced lesser gryphon with vegetables stuffed into pitas.

Visha's tail swished. "I think we've got some ideas for Rita. Flight school was an option, as was a glider club. I also know some VTOL pilots stationed on Amber Island who could talk to her. The question is convincing our parents. But..." she trailed off as she took a bite. "We'll manage, and once I'm gone Ines and Marcella will have to take over."

Feeling her emotional doldrums, I took her hand. "I know what it's like to go onto deployment and leave your family behind."

"We'll all manage," VioletBlood said as she slipped up to us. "I can write too if it helps. Give your sister another experienced voice."

I held my tongue; despite the potential dubiousness of her advice, LoveBlood was trying her best.

"How were things with you and your Duchess?" Visha asked.

"I got a couple letters. The Railway lady and General HighTown," I sighed and explained their contents with a shake of my head.

And then, guilt gnawing at me for the omission, I exhaled. "And Mother floated the idea of adopting me."

Visha's eyes widened. She knew I was legally the Duchess's daughter, which left only one other type of adoption. "She'd turn you?"

I nodded.

"And? Will you?" Putting her hand on mine, she shook her head. "No, how does this make you feel?"

Looking into her eyes, I... hesitantly lowered my barriers. "I don't know."

Time passed as we ate and talked, the issue of our respective families loomed large, even though we didn't avoid the topic. Despite the horrors of a few days ago, last month, earlier this year... and much of this life and my previous ones, in this moment, I had peace. Yes, the tranquility was fleeting; soon, aristocratic skullduggery would resume, and I would return to duty with the Imperial Legions.

But trouble could keep for tomorrow. And I had my Vs, my Mothers, and we had many friends and family.

Stepping to the head of the room, Reinhild rang a silver bell that managed to cut through everyone's conversations. "Noble ladies, citizens, guests, may I have a moment of your time. The new year approaches fast. All who wish to view the fireworks may retire to the back of the household in the portico or solarium."

After we refilled our glasses, VioletBlood took my hand and made sure Visha followed. Directing my voluminous gown like some silken and whalebone cattle-catcher, my fiancee used me to bully her way across the manor.

It was all for naught as a pair of maids in their prim uniforms and fluffy tails had maintained a prime viewing space for the three of us out on the portico.

To not block anyone's view, Lares was sitting on a blanket that had been stretched out on the portico's stone floor. Spotting LoveBlood's antics, he shook his head with an amused smile and was soon nearly buried under a swarm of excited broodlings all scrambling for the best spot to view.

Walking out in the cool night with a long coat, Gibbs strutted about with the bearing of a mistress of ceremonies. A couple of older broodlings were firing off the occasional Congrette Rocket, which burst in sparkles that swam around the night sky like butterflies.

The vast number of swirling Zephyr grew in excitement with all the aerial displays and the anticipation of the crowd. It grew as the head Ritualista took out a pocket watch and, with deliberate steps, made her way to the array of over a dozen three inch mortar tubes that had patiently waited for this moment.

The crowd hushed as Gibbs held the watch in one hand and pressed thumb to forefinger with the other. The seconds passed as she bent down and, with a snap of her fingers, summoned a thin blue flame. She checked to make sure everyone was at a safe distance.

Fire sputtered and sparked as the braided fuse snaking out of the mortar battery began to burn down. Satisfied that it had caught, Gibbs stepped back and began to count down. "Nine, eight, seven..."

Visha was leaning to my right side, pulling me close, my head not quite on her shoulder. On my left, LoveBlood was close by, her emotions expectant.

Others joined in, until the fuse vanished into the bundle of mortars. Silence fell for a beat as the last moments of the waning year stretched out.

And then there was a ripple of explosions as the mortars launched their payloads into the sky. A set of concussions hit my chest, and I had a moment to gasp before the bursting charges went off, painting the sky in arcs of crackling light, spiraling sparkles, arching streaks, and blooming bursts that shifted in colors that dazzled the eyes.

"Happy New Year!" came dozens of voices, as we welcomed the 433rd year of the Fourth Epoch to Eastern Province.
++
"To another glorious year together," VioletBlood promised her lavender features lit by the pyrotechnics above. Reaching out, she lifted my chin and her green eyes locked onto mine as she leaned in and pressed her lips to mine.

Tail straight, I maintained my composure, though it was good that Visha was there to keep me upright. Purring, I was drawn into the kiss as my horns felt electric with the full spectrum of everything I was feeling. I barely noted the cheering and applause as others celebrated the new year.

"To another glorious year together," VioletBlood promised me, a burning look in her green eyes. Flickering pyrotechnics cast dancing lights on lavender skin as expectancy turned to intent. Her hand reached up to my face.

My breath caught.

She firmly grasped my chin and as she closed in, my eyes involuntarily closed.

I barely noticed my tail straightening as she kissed me, a warm shiver burrowing through me from where our lips met, then going from the points of my horns to the tips of my toes. Thoughts scattering, I maintained my composure. Strong arms I instinctively identified as Visha's wrapped around me and held me upright as my knees threatened to fail.

Heat sparked and hissed across my skin from the contact as she tucked her chin to my shoulder, murmuring into my ear. I was almost overwhelmed by the full spectrum of everything I was feeling, my horns buzzing with euphoria and my tail curling around hers.

Held between my partners as I was, I could hardly hear the cheering, applause, and clinks of glassware as those around us brought in the new year.

At least 433 would start on a high note.

End Epilogue
End Book 2


And Book 2 "More than a Shadow" is done!
Don't worry Book 3, "Returning What Was Once Lost" will start before the year is out.

Thanks to all of you readers old and new. Little Demons has been a great project and I'm honored by the continued support and engagement for this niche story. To everyone for reading, enjoying, and commenting, thank you all so much.

For all the omakes, crossovers, and art, for all the editing, lore questions theory crafting, thank you all. This story would not have the continued work and have gotten here and not have the quality it does without the help of all of you here and on the LD discord.

I'd like to give special thanks to Ahuva, DCG , ellfangor8 , Green Sea, Larc , Readhead, metaldragon868 , WhoWhatWhere, PonKatt, ScarletFox, and Lisafication for checking and editing this whole work. Specific thanks to Scarlet Fox for epilogue title, Readhead for helping tighten up the interactions and Lisafication for revising the ending kiss to give it more emotional impact.

Book 3 "Returning What Was Once Lost" as 2 draft chapters written and being edited. In other news, the next chapter for Bonding Allure has an outline and is being worked on. And there's also more art for the next book and the like.

Onward and upward!

 

[RogueInquisitor]

Did Lares' suit survive?

Hopefully, staying up so late will leave the broodlings tired and less energetic the next day.

 

[DeusFerreus]

"To another glorious year together," VioletBlood promised her lavender features lit by the pyrotechnics above. Reaching out, she lifted my chin and her green eyes locked onto mine as she leaned in and pressed her lips to mine.

Tail straight, I maintained my composure, though it was good that Visha was there to keep me upright. Purring, I was drawn into the kiss as my horns felt electric with the full spectrum of everything I was feeling. I barely noted the cheering and applause as others celebrated the new year.

"To another glorious year together," VioletBlood promised me, a burning look in her green eyes. Flickering pyrotechnics cast dancing lights on lavender skin as expectancy turned to intent. Her hand reached up to my face.

My breath caught.

She firmly grasped my chin and as she closed in, my eyes involuntarily closed.

I barely noticed my tail straightening as she kissed me, a warm shiver burrowing through me from where our lips met, then going from the points of my horns to the tips of my toes. Thoughts scattering, I maintained my composure. Strong arms I instinctively identified as Visha's wrapped around me and held me upright as my knees threatened to fail.

Click to shrink...

I think you forgot to delete the rough draft/previuos version of these paragraphs, they seem to say the samething, even of the second go is more intense.