The Monster King's Legacy

As the three settled into the room, Kaelthara's sharp eyes darted between Lance and Aelyndra. A playful glint appeared in her gaze, and she leaned backwards.

"So," she began, her tone light, "when can I expect grandchildren?"

Lance choked on his drink, coughing as Aelyndra's cheeks flushed a deep crimson.

"Mother!" Aelyndra exclaimed, her voice a mix of exasperation and embarrassment.

"What?" Kaelthara said innocently, though her smirk betrayed her amusement. "Surely you've considered it. I mean, Aelyndra went through all the trouble of mastering her transformation techniques. It would be a shame not to make use of them."

Lance managed to regain his composure, his voice calm but with a hint of humor. "You're as subtle as ever, Kaelthara."

Kaelthara laughed, a rich and melodic sound. "Subtlety is overrated. Besides, I'm serious. Strong bloodlines are essential. With your strength and Aelyndra's potential, your children would undoubtedly be remarkable!"

Perhaps, the time had come for her to learn the truth, Lance swallowing hard as he mustered the courage. "Jokes aside Kaelthara, you must know that I and Aelyndra are not in any such relationship." He said, about to speak more, when Kaelthara's glared at him, causing Lance to halt immediately.

"If you weren't, then get on it soon. You are both matured enough after all." From the look in her eyes, Lance and Aelyndra knew there was no addition or persuasion to be done… at least, for the time being.

Aelyndra buried her face in her hands while Lance sighed. "We'll… consider it. In our own time."

Kaelthara grinned. "Good. That's all I needed to hear."

As the moment faded, Kaelthara's expression grew serious. The shift in her demeanor immediately commanded attention from the two before her, reflecting her change also.

"I didn't come here just to tease you, though, I am serious about it all." she said, a strange statement that shook the serious mood. "There's something you need to know."

Lance straightened, his sharp gaze locking onto hers. "The Titans?"

Kaelthara nodded. "Their return is imminent. The connection between their realm and ours cannot be severed. It's only a matter of time before they cross over."

Aelyndra's smile faded, replaced by concern. "How long do we have?"

"It's impossible to say," Kaelthara replied. "Days, weeks, months, perhaps in a few years, it could happen at any time. What I do know is that their power will dwarf anything you've faced before."

Lance's expression remained calm, though his mind raced. "Then we'll prepare. What can you tell me about their strengths?"

Kaelthara's voice was steady but grave. "The Titans are ancient beings of pure elemental force. Their size alone makes them formidable, but their true strength lies in their connection to the world's primal energies. They can bend the land, sky, and sea to their will. Only the strongest, both in body and mind will stand a chance."

Lance nodded slowly, his resolve hardening. "Then I'll make sure we're ready. Whatever it takes."

Kaelthara's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she spoke again. "That's not the only threat, is it?"

Lance hesitated before nodding. "No. There's another, we've heard tales of a kingdom from another continent. It's ancient, powerful, thought to have been lost to time, but is now rising again."

Kaelthara leaned back, considering his words. "An ancient kingdom… intriguing. There's been a lot of great kingdoms, empires, and dynasties throughout history, there's no way I can say which of these 'ancient kingdoms' it may be. But, you're more than capable of handling it."

"You're certain?" Aelyndra asked, her concern evident.

Kaelthara smiled faintly. "Yes. This is not a threat that requires our intervention. This ancient kingdom may be powerful, but it is not beyond you." She said, before looking at Lance again, this time with intent in her gaze. "It shouldn't."

Her words carried a weight of finality, and Lance felt a surge of concern and determination. It was clear what her eyes meant, he wasn't allowed to bring news of failure. Normally, If Kaelthara, a being of unparalleled strength and wisdom, believed in him, then he would not falter… but, Lance had come to learn that his teacher and master, did not know defeat.

As the conversation wound down, Kaelthara rose gracefully, her presence as commanding as ever. "I'll return to my duties, but remember what I've told you. The Titans are coming. And when they do, the world will need you."

Lance stood, offering her a respectful nod. "Thank you, Kaelthara. Your guidance is always appreciated."

Kaelthara smirked. "Guidance? I think I've given you enough for one visit. Now, focus on making those grandchildren. I expect progress the next time I visit."

Aelyndra groaned, burying her face in her hands again, while Lance simply sighed. "Why not stay a few days, even one is ok. Relax and see the kingdom your disciple and his people have built." Lance proposed.

Although it took a while to convince her, Kaelthara finally agreed to the request.

The following day, she was introduced to every of Lance's associates and especially, his group of favourable ladies. Instantly, Rynne and Kaelthara seemed to get along more than the pair of mother and daughter, shocking everyone. More than anything however, Lance had to deal with the surprised looks of everyone whenever he introduced Kaelthara, as they always came to the conclusion that she was his mother.

After the pleasantries, Lance left Kaelthara in the care of the ladies, as it was better they spend time with her rather than himself.

"We can't just let her come and go without showing her the city, of course!" Rynne said, adjusting her spear as she led the group. "Besides, I bet she could use a break after all that dragon business."

Aelyndra sighed, glancing at her mother, who walked beside her in her human form. "She doesn't need a break, Rynne. This is just another chance for her to meddle in my life."

Kaelthara smirked, "patting" her daughter on her back, causing her to almost stumble on her feet. "Meddling is a mother's privilege, Aelyndra. You'll understand when you have children of your own."

Aelyndra groaned, but the other ladies burst into laughter.

From there on, they explore the city, bringing Kaeltahra to some major sites, and most especially, the dragon god temple. It wasn't particularly a place of prayer as a normal temple would be, instead, it was revered more as a divine place.

After that, Kaelthara was taken to a few places to try out different foods. Though she wasn't particular about food, since she didn't need to eat to begin with, she could still appreciate good food when she tasted one.

Once the sun began to set, the ladies took Kaelthara to the last place, the bathhouse. Unexpectedly, this was what she found most interesting, even wishing to make something similar once she returned.

Once the day was spent, everyone departed, and Kaelthara spent the rest of the night with Aelyndra and Lance as they discussed different events and sharing stories and experiences, especially Lance's stories that sounded hilarious to Kaelthara, especially the one where he got lost.