During the tour of Tus Nadair, it became abundantly clear that Issanth wasn't going to see the whole place. Some areas were just far too small for her to witness with her own eyes. A few things caught her eye though.
"This tunnel is magnificent. It's large enough for me to walk through comfortably. And, it looks… That's funny, these fountains are quite something. Water flowing out of the woman's bosom."
"Pfft, yeah, we didn't hold back on these. It did take quite a while to get them just right. Every single one of them is modeled after some of our people. And you can even see some people practicing the pose, like that woman there, and that man over at that other one. Actually, I think those two are siblings."
"This really is something else. You can even see children, freely playing everywhere you look. And more than that, everyone here seems exceptionally happy… Huh, hey, Sister. Why is that woman over there kissing two different men?"
"Oh, that's normal here. You'll meet men with two women just as frequently. It's a really common thing here. No judgement can be had for one's love. I only care about; happiness, freedom, and safety. Love and the making of it are just bonuses. Who cares who has relations with who? The only people who have the right to an opinion on the matter, that matters, are those involved in the relationship in the first place."
Undine decided it would be a good idea to add context. "Also, it's not like we don't have any rules. Like, for starters, in order to marry, one must be healthy and fit, since this is something that naturally happens given the nature of our beautiful country, it hasn't been an issue. We also make sure that siblings, and those of close relation can't marry. That's a big no no, but, no one's ever tried it before."
"Hmm, I see, that puts us Dragons in a difficult bind then. There's only one family after all. So if we want to procreate we don't really have a choice in the matter, it has to be with one of your siblings."
"No worries, I've heard all about it from Brighty, and it sounds like the way it normally works for you, is a little different. We were worried about birth defects. But with dragon genetics the way they seem to work, you all start evolving in different ways. Honestly I think that's kinda intriguing. But, even so, it's not the same with the humanoid races. Hence the rule."
"In that case, I assume you also have maturity restrictions in place."
"Absolutely! Everyone should get to remain as children for as long as possible! I even thought of increasing the limit multiple times too! But alas, it wouldn't do, to do that, I can't make those girls wait any longer than normal."
"Besides, that just means more children to play with, and watch as they grow up, becoming responsible parents, and members of our one giant family of a nation."
"Pfft, it looks like you managed to create that model you had in mind. I'm glad. You created a home for yourself, and others while you were at it."
A few of the little Fae flew by giggling as they spiraled their way down the tunnel. This caught Issanth's curiosity.
"Sister, those creatures, they feel interesting. Almost like that one Arachne you had."
"That's because I created them through a similar method."
"It's been a while since I last saw it, I'd really like to see it again. That is, if it's alright?"
Night Silver and her children giggled, in response to the puppy dog eyes that Issanth was making. "While I'd love to do so. I'm 6 months pregnant, and I don't want to deprive my babies of any magic power."
"Huh? Didn't this tunnel require a ton of magic though?"
"Yes, it sure did! And lemme guess, you're gonna ask why it's different now."
"Well, kinda, yeah. You and I have a different understanding of magic so it's only natural I'd be curious."
"Pfft, you're funny. I bet you'd like to learn the transformation spell yourself, right?"
Issanth blushed a little, and turned her head in a bashful manner. It was clear that I was jealous about it. "I certainly wouldn't mind learning how to do it. But it'll take time, right?"
"That it will, Sister. I did it more quickly because I wanted to satisfy that overwhelming urge to procreate. I don't recommend growing as fast as I did… But if you want to learn, I'm more than willing to teach it to you."
"That would be awesome, little brother, or should I call you Brighty?"
"Anyway, the magic used to make this tunnel, along with all the natural lighting, may have been quite a bit… But, it was all done with magic that doesn't even drain my mana. So it's not dangerous or limiting in any way." She took a breath and shifted a little. "Oh, carrying another four, I'm thankful I'm used to it… Anyway, when it comes to making even a single one of the Fae creatures. It takes a considerable amount of mana. Far more than I expected. I only made an exception once and that was to give my children a Fae companion."
"Oh, I see. That's interesting, your magic is really something else sister."
"Thanks, it took a lot of effort to reach this point. And now that I'm here, I want a place to enjoy. Having experienced what I have, I figured the polar opposite of what I went through would be enjoyable… Though, if I'm honest, it's these adorable kids that have made my day everyday."
"It seems like it. Well, I hate to be a downer, but I won't be able to stay long. I have to take those people back home when they've mastered their crafts, so maybe 2 months?"
"Since you won't be here long, you should play with your nieces and nephew for a while. I'm sure they'd love it… Oh, and one more thing, here we are deities. So don't be confused if people bow, or children run up to you."
"Ahahaha! That won't be a problem. I'll help them learn to fly while I'm at it!"
"Pfft, just be careful until they are strong enough to fly on their own."
That's how Issanth found out about her suddenly more complex family tree, and ended up spending more time with them. And sadly the party she came with, were all exceptional, and they finished up in just a month.