AETHER BEASTS

Chapter 233

Misty arrived back rather quickly and together we made our way into the green court area and where we could sense everyone was.

"How did things go?" I asked Misty.

"Better than I could have hoped for," she replied. "There were no hard feelings, at least not from most of them, and their leader is open to the idea of working together in the future, and paying her to teach me."

"I could arrange that," Zirani said. 'Though only for the trip back. Once we reach the lands of the green court, I can hire people much more qualified and experienced to teach you."

Shana and the others were waiting when we arrived along with a number of others I hadn't met yet. The area we had used for training the previous days had been transformed and was not a pleasant meadow covered in colorful flowers that seemed to shine with an inner light. Tables and blankets were spread out, covered in food and wine aplenty. There was a sweet scent in there that seemed to refresh me.

The most surprising thing however was that Lady Aeverie was there, waiting in front of the others with a pleased smile on her face. She was wearing a blue dress that showed off a fair amount of skin.

"This wasn't necessary, sister," Zirani said, though her bright smile showed she wasn't complaining about any of it.

"Your right, it isn't," Aeverie replied. "But why does that matter. You have returned to us, and your bonded while at first seemed odd has proven himself skilled indeed, not to mention the others. The lost daughter of the Umbrin clan and a powerful vampire. New connections and ties of friendship for court should be celebrated with good and wine aplenty. Good music and company."

She raised her hands and the people gathered behind her cheered before they dispersed and made their way to tables and blankets to indulge in one another company and the amazing food and drink.

"Thank you," Zirani said to Aeverie.

"Your welcome sister," Aeverie said with a smile that I knew to be genius. "I'm happy you're back."

"As am I," Zirani said, and her hand sought mine out. I gave it a squeeze, and her cheek a quick kiss.

I turned to Aeveire and bowed. "Thank you for your hospitality."

Aeverie inclined her head. "You are most welcome. I hope that in the days to come we can grow closer."

Before I or anyone else could respond to that, someone called out.

"Aiden!"

It was a familiar voice and I turned to see Shana waving me over to an empty table with a wide smile on her face. She was dressed similarly to Aeveire though her's wasn't as revealing and was light green rather than blue.

"Let's go," I said, heading to the table with the others in tow.

Shana gave the others a nervous smile and was about to leave, but one motion from Misty and a slight nod from Zirani stopped her in her tracks.

"Sit with us," Zirani said. "There is no need to leave."

Shana smiled shyly. "Thank you, your highness."

Zirani sighed and waved a hand. "None of that. We aren't at my mother's court or in the company of any lords or ladies."

Shana nodded. "Ok, erm, Zirani?"

"Better," Zirani said, reaching over and picking up a jug. She filled each of our cups with what I assumed was some sort of berry wine before lifting her's up.

"I propose a toast," she said. "To our victory and the bonds that bind us."

We all raised our cups in toast and drank. The wine tasted as good as I expected and despite not being much of a fan of alcohol, with drinks this high quality, I knew I could get addicted. It tasted far greater than anything I'd drank in the plains. Nothing even came close, and I knew this probably wasn't even the best the green court had to offer.

It was going to be quite the experience and I knew that I was probably going to experience a lot of unusual, and shocking things when I arrived in the lands beyond the scar, but with Zirnai and the others by my side, I would adapt and deal with anything that came my way.

For the next few hours, we celebrated, drinking and eating all sorts of foods before a group got instruments from somewhere and began playing and singing. Soon people were dancing, and none danced alone. All wore smiles, even Julian which was a shock. I danced with all my lovers, Shana, and many others including Lady Aeverie. That did earn me a scowl from Julain, but a sharp look from Aeverie put an end to it.

A few of the dryads tried to get him to dance and while he did accept, his eyes kept glancing over to me and Aeverie

"Just ignore him," she said. "Focus on me."

Aeverie was an amazing dancer, far beyond my level. She moved with preternatural grace and elegance that had to do with her being eleven fae. I was able to keep up, but only because she was setting the pace to be slow so I didn't mess up.

Zirani was just as good of a dancer and watching her and Aeveire dance was breathing-taking. When they began dancing everyone had stopped to watch the pair. They moved in perfect unity and their synergy was amazing. It was like they knew what the other was going to do, and I had to admit it lit a fire in me, the way Zirani moved her body.

Damn, I was lucky to have found her, lucky to love and be loved by her.

At one point I sensed the lost queen's attention on everything that was going on, and just before she blocked the bond, I felt a slight bit of melancholy from her which made me wonder. Not for long though as I was up and dancing again with another dryad I hadn't met. It seemed that all the ladies wanted to dance with the victor and more than a number of them gave me lustful looks and sly glances when I met their eyes.

Soon things began to die down a little bit and the girls and I bid the others a goodnight before we headed back to our building, eager to celebrate in another way.

We made a beeline for the baths and spent a good hour just soaking. I felt the urge to have some fun when they stipped and stepped in close to me, but I kept it down. There would be enough time for that when we made it to the bedroom, and I didn't think I would be able to stop myself at just a little bit of fun if we started in the bath.

"I'm going to miss this when we're traveling through the scar," Misty said, sighing in contentment.

I had to agree with her. The easy access to food, drink, bathing, and more was amazing.

"We'll still be able to take baths as we travel," Zirani said. "Thought not like this."

"How long will the journey back take?" Sandra asked.

"Two months at most," Zirani said. "Though from what I know, it usually takes less. Since we'll be traveling down the safest route, we won't have much to worry about. There might be the occasional beast, but nothing that can't be dealt with easily enough."

"Good," Misty said. "Now I think I'm done bathing. Let's head to the bedroom."

Zirani and Sandra smiled in clear agreement.

I remained in the bath for a few more minutes to allow them to get ready and prepared. Zirani sent me a mental message when they were ready and after leaving the bath I dried myself and didn't bother putting on any clothes before I made my way across the main room and towards my bedroom.

When I opened the door and stepped in, I was greeted by a most wondrous sight.

Zirani and the others were laid out on the bed and each wore an exquisite erotic set of clothing that not only accentuated their assets but added to their beauty.

Misty wore a set of red lingerie with intricate designs of rOSES and thorns on the bra and panties. Her stockings were a light red and her lips were painted crimson, looking very inviting.

Sandra wore an emerald green corset with forest imagery and small shining green jewels embedded in the clothing itself. It was tight on her and put her breasts on full display, giving her a lovely cleavage that I most definitely was going to indulge and bathe in attention. She had on a layer of light makeup which worked very well with the clothing.

And lastly was Zirani who was dressed in a more erotic version of her usual garb. Thin strips of red cloth and golden chains barely covered her nipples and privates. She smiled and motioned me over with a crooked finger.

"Come join us Aiden, let us celebrate."