Story name: Reflections
Author: Bill Kieffer
Date: Late summer or early autumn, 706 CR; 699 CR (Battle of Three Gates); 3 months after the Battles, 699 CR
Location: Metamor Keep (Malisa's office, stables)
Overview
Malisa is asked to attend the foaling of Posti's mare, an event that uncomfortably reminds her of her first experiences as a gendermorph. Thomas reveals that Posti had a son.
Summary
The story takes place over three separate time periods, mostly in the present year of 706 CR, but with flashbacks to two separate time periods in 699 CR.
Present
Malisa is in her new office, taking over Posti's role as Prime Minister, catching up on the work he left behind. A knock announces the arrival of Thalberg. She asks how Thomas is doing. He tells her that he is expecting Posti's mare to give birth today, and would like Malisa to also watch. It becomes clear that there is some tension between her and Thalberg, as he raises Malisa's disengagement with Jennifer, and then her and Thomas's duty to provide heirs; without them, Metamor will fall into chaos, and then be conquered by Nasoj.
699 CR, Battle of Three Gates
Malisa remembers when she was Matthew, a proud young man who wished that people would stop seeing him as a boy. Several dozen artists have gathered in the courtyard to join Thomas's court, yet Matthew is unable to get their attention. The beautiful sorceress Poppy gets their attention for him; Matthew is attracted to her, and jealously wishes she weren't married. Matthew thanks the artists for coming, though one protests he didn't choose to come. Matthew tries to say that anyone is free to go, while Poppy openly implies how dangerous it would be to leave. The horns sound; an attack has begun on the Keep. Matthew prepares to avenge his birth family's death. As Poppy stands by his side, Matthew asks for a kiss for good luck. She lingers when she does, and Matthew believes she finally sees him as a grown man.
At that moment, just as the attackers are being driven back, the curse hits; for a brief moment, Matthew is awash with blind lust. When he comes to, Poppy is now a man, and they are surrounded by Amazons, all in torn clothes. The gates open, and Matthew charges, ignoring the strange circumstances.
699 CR, 3 months later
Matthew is in an isolated forest with a small jug. It soon becomes clear that he is pregnant and giving himself an abortion. After quaffing the jug's contents, and enduring a long intense pain, he finally bleeds his unborn child out.
Present
Malisa ultimately decides to join Thomas at the stables, though away from the front seats. Thomas bets 3 gold that the foal will be male. Malisa accepts, on the condition that Thomas take a wife if he's wrong. They soon begin talking about an heir for Metamor, should anything happen to either of them. Thomas suggests Phil could step in, or Posti's son, despite his adopted family's many faults. Malisa stops him; she didn't know Posti had a son. Thomas explains it had happened nearly 20 years ago, as Posti was travelling with a woman thought to be a widow. The husband turned out to be alive, but they would later move into the Keep, leading Posti to realize the boy was his. The boy, it turns out, is a horse morph with a good heart; Thomas plans the stable master to sponser him as a knight. If Thomas were to then announce him as his bastard son, continuity would be upheld. Malisa asks if it is fair to the boy; Thomas replies that none of this is fair.
699 CR, an hour later
After the abortion, Matthew was found in town with bloodied pants. He was quickly taken to an herbalist, who gave Matthew a private bath, and told the gendermorph to accept her fate (and suggested the name "Malisa" among others). Once alone, Matthew stands up to address a beautiful woman in the room, only to find it is her reflection. She punches it, and her hand bleeds.
Present
Malisa and Thomas walk back to the palace. It had been a boy, as Thomas predicted. Kindle will likely name him Posti. Thomas is certain there will be something special about the foal. After a long silence, Malisa admits she isn't as wise as Posti was. Thomas says it will come in time. Malisa reaffirms that she won't get pregnant, and resents that Thomas is still a man. Thomas reassures her that he trusts her with her own life. Malisa admits she is afraid that she's not strong enough. Thomas calls it the most brave thing she's ever said, and that they can be strong together. Despite the fear of losing herself to the gender curse, Malisa hugs Thomas and allows herself to smile.
Characters
Main Characters:
- Malisa: A female gendermorph, Thomas's adopted son-turned-daughter, newly appointed Prime Minister of Metamor Keep.
- She is tall with dark hair. She is shorter than Poppy's old height.
- She belongs to the Winc family. Her crest is of a Scarlet Unicorn, similar in design to Hassan's Crimson Stallion.
- She is not a true mage, and done little more than dabble in magic since the Battle of Three Gates.
- She resisted being a gendermorph for years, but has come to accept being a woman in all but her desires, which are still towards women. Part of her still resents animal morphs for retaining their gender.
- She is afraid of pregnancy and death from childbirth, and has never accepted her "duty" to give Metamor an heir. She would rather adopt, which Thomas supports but Thalberg does not, as it would make the House of Hassan look weak.
- Although she is pragmatic and loyal to Thomas, much like her birth father, Malisa believes this comes from her experiences, rather than her noble blood.
- She was born around 683 or 682 CR, being about 16 at the time of the Battle of Three Gates.
- When he was younger than 5, his mother died in childbirth. The infant son only survived a few days.
- At around 4 or 5 years of age, his father and the rest of his family was killed by Lutins, leaving Matthew the sole survivor. From this point on, Matthew would always hate Lutins.
- At 6 years old, Thomas became his adopted father.
- As a young man, he took pride in his dashing outfit, not too fancy to be called a peacock or dandy. He admired royals who could be imposing yet caring for the people, and not hypocritically. Thomas had proven himself so, and Matthew almost loved him like a true father.
- He was almost as tall as Poppy was, though would have been taller next year. He wore a jerkin, with light armor over it for battle.
- He disliked the artists in the courtyard, seeing them as smelly, arrogant beggars too lazy to do physical labor.
- He carried a fine rapier with a heavy pommel; for the battle, he also carried a shield with his family's symbol.
Supporting Characters:
- Thomas: A horse morph, the Duke of Metamor Keep. He spent most of the morning with Doug, in preparation for the foaling of Posti's mare.
- As a horse morph, he is about half-human, half-horse. His hands are the same size as when he was human, but with thumbs and two thicker fingers covered in carapace-like hooves. He has an imposing stature. He is very well-endowed, and in danger of hurting a woman in bed.
- He was known even before the curse as loving, generous, and a patron of the arts. It helped that he, personally, was rich.
- Unlike Malisa, he has never given into despair. Even today, he holds hope that the curse will be cured.
- Tom occasionally visits Keeptowne in disguise, several times with Malisa, to observe the people. There are rumors of this happening, though falsely that Thomas is seeing a woman. Malisa suspects Thalberg is responsible.
- He has no interest in being saddled and kept in the stable.
- Family and marriage are very important to Thomas. He values the common people, and would sooner risk his life than theirs.
- He was 12 years old when he first met Posti, who was much older than him.
- As a horse morph, he is about half-human, half-horse. His hands are the same size as when he was human, but with thumbs and two thicker fingers covered in carapace-like hooves. He has an imposing stature. He is very well-endowed, and in danger of hurting a woman in bed.
Minor Characters:
- Thalberg: An alligator morph, Thomas's chief steward. Matter-of-factly, he reminds Malisa of her duty to provide heirs, regardless of her feelings — though his true desire is for Thomas to be uncursed, so that he may safely have heirs with a bride.
- His eyes are described as tiny and black. He is described as being more alligator than man.
- Unusually, he wears a purple blouse with a velvety sheen and white-laced sleeves, in the style of the southern kingdoms. He is barefoot.
- Poppy: A male gendermorph, a mage. He appears as a woman at the Battle of Three Gates, helping Matthew control the crowd of artists, and also as an unknowing object of desire for him.
- Almost 20 years ago, she took a journey with Posti, and likely learned of his affair.
- As a woman, she was beautiful with kinky raven-black hair and dark eyes. She had very ample breasts, worn against a tight blouse. She would treat Matthew with a mischievous knowing look.
- As a man, immediately after the curse, he had kinky black hair and stubble around his chin.
- A deer morph, an herbalist. She is seen in 699 CR, when Matthew is found injured and brought to her.
- She has beige fur and a musk smell. She is very thinner.
- Matthew remembers her voice from before the curse, though not her name or face. She had been large, "pumpkin-shaped" before the curse.
- She has a brass tub and a large mirror (which Matthew breaks), and keeps hot water on hand for emergencies.
- She is among those who knows the curse will not go away, and that Matthew must move on, suggesting new names to help.
- She has beige fur and a musk smell. She is very thinner.
Cameo:
- An artist in the crowd of artists, just before the Battle of Three Gates, who gripes that he tried to leave with his wares that morning, but the gate Watchers kept him from leaving.
- He has massive arms and thick fingers, like a blacksmith. His line of work is not given.
- A young fox morph girl, who was either part of the group that brought Matthew to the herbalist, or is an assistant to the herbalist. She is told to get a hot rose petal bath ready for Matthew.
Prominent Mention:
- Posti: A deceased horse morph, a mage, former Prime Minister of Metamor Keep.
- Almost 20 years ago, he was still known as Bob Stein. He took a journey with Poppy and another woman, and had an affair with the latter. They went separate ways after her husband reappeared.
- Some time afterward, he realized that the woman had had their child, and moved to the Keep for his sake. He made this known to Phil and Thomas, and likely to Kindle and Magus.
- He died under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind his pregnant horse.
- Posti's son. He was the product of a short-lived fling with a woman whose family was thought dead. After his birth, they moved to the Keep, where he still lives. Thomas hopes he will be made into a squire, and eventually be named as his heir.
- What is known about him: He is a horse morph, born just under 20 years ago. He has no magic ability. He is unaware of his true father. He will soon start working in the stables. Thomas has commissioned his family for years, and given them many gifts.
- Posti's mare's foal, to be named Posti, born today. Thomas predicts that he will surprise everyone, some day.
Important Mention:
- Kindle: A mouse morph, a mage, Posti's former apprentice. He is not present at Posti's mare's foaling; Malisa suspects that he still blames himself for Posti's death, and witnessing the birth would bring back painful memories.
- Jennifer: A female gendermorph, a mage, Malisa's fiancee. It is revealed here, however, that both she and Malisa have broken off their relationship.
- Malisa's father. He was killed by Lutins when Matthew was young.
- He was rumored to only appear generous to commoners, secretly loathing them, unlike Thomas. He was stingy, though not greedy, but was always pragmatic and (unlike most nobles) stayed loyal to his liege.
- Malisa's mother. She died giving birth to Malisa's infant brother.
- Malisa's infant brother. He died within days of being born.
- The mother of Posti's son.
- The cuckolded father of Posti's son. He is known to be a drunkard. About 20 years ago (686 CR), he (and possible children) was separated from his wife and thought to be dead.
- Magus: A powerful mage at Metamor Keep. He very likely knows about Posti's son.
Referenced:
- Wasoko: A red panda morph, a diplomat from Os-Var-Khai, and a not-entirely-wanted servant of Thomas.
- Doug: The stable master.
- Nasoj: The evil wizard to the north who cursed Metamor Keep.
- Poppy's husband. At the time of the Battle, Matthew thought he was a shiftless gambler who cowered behind his wife when threatened — and that Poppy deserved better.
- Castellan DeMule: The Keep's Castellan. He received intelligence reports from the north at the time of the Battle.
- He is more practical than the Duke, seeing the civilians as extra mouths to feed in case of a siege.
- Quiz: One of the Keep's messengers.
- Kee: One of the Keep's messengers.
- Cope: A lizard morph, known for playing pool at the Deaf Mule, and being unbeatable at it.
- I Want Power: An oddball at the Keep, thought to be either a mage or a mystic.
Locations
- Malisa's office belonged to Posti, and has had little clean-up since then.
- The fixtures are described as manly and Spartan. There are tapestries, hung up for insulation rather than aesthetics. The heavy curtains have been drawn for light. There is also a bright lamplight on the desk, and dimmer torchlight on the walls.
- Posti had mirrors on the walls, giving the room a regal feeling. These were removed within days of Malisa's appointment.
- There are several scrolls piled up, requiring signatures.
- The fixtures are described as manly and Spartan. There are tapestries, hung up for insulation rather than aesthetics. The heavy curtains have been drawn for light. There is also a bright lamplight on the desk, and dimmer torchlight on the walls.
- Thomas used to own many uncursed lands south of the Keep, but after the Battle of Three Gates local lords conquered them almost immediately afterward.
- Malisa's ancestral land has been taken and divided.
- Given that her family was killed by Lutins, this would suggest Malisa's lands are in the Giantdowns.
- Port Pleasant was a place, with smelly sewers, that Matthew grew up near. At one point, Matthew wonders if his whole life, after leaving them, had all been a dream.
Society
- The abortion drug Matthew takes comes in a small earthenware jug, swallowed in two gulps. It has a bitter taste. It takes effect within a couple hours. Note that Matthew here takes it within three months of pregnancy.
- The first effects, felt after one hour, are a tingling sensation in the loins and in the finger and toes.
- The pain gradually intensifies. Spasms, dizziness, and red irritated swelling of the loins may occur. Perception of smell may be intensified or altered. At its peak, the pain will feel like being kicked from the inside. The fetus should be expelled, in a pool of blood, by this point.
Chronology / Story Connections
- The first flashback takes place just before and during the Battle of Three Gates. On this day, there was to be a competition among artists to claim three open positions on Thomas's court, a highly esteemed role. At least some of them had not planned on entering, but were deterred due to the Lutin presence, and the Metamor guards refusing to let them out.
- Prior to the Battle, garrisons in the Giantdowns were reported to have quickly fallen before Nasoj's apparently uncountable army of Lutins.
- At around midday, the Lutins attacked.
- Not long after the attack began, the Lutins appeared to be in retreat. The three curses were then cast.
- Moments later, the counter-curse was placed. The gates were then opened, and the Lutins came rushing in. Matthew and the other Amazons eventually beat them back.
- The second and third flashbacks take place 3 months later. Many still held hope that the mages would cure the curse, but others had already accepted their changes for good.
- For the little-known story of Posti's "death", see Full Circle.
- Given the facts about Posti's son (see below), this story must take place before Rider.
Points of Interest
- In the abortion flashback, Matthew prays to the gods for forgiveness. Was he praying to Eli, or do the Lothanasi gods have a similar concept of forgiveness?
- Given what is known about the boy and his family, Posti's son is most likely to be Clay Potter — the mother, therefore, to be Josie Potter, and her husband Henrik Potter.