Sera and the group got to camp just after six, finding Amitiel and Tatia waiting on them. After a quick word with Amitiel about the spot he chose Sera finally let him go.
"Okay," she nodded, "Go. Find Narxis. Make sure you both come back in one piece."
Letting him leave, she turned to thier camp site. He had found a small field the opened onto a beach on a lake. It was a beautiful sight, and better yet on the side of the clearing was a small cave nestled into a cliff face that wound itsslf along part of the lake before disappearing back into the trees. Best part, there was also a small abandoned cabin nearby that was just far enough to be out of camps hearing range but no where near far enough from camp to be out of Elayas hearing range.
"Elaya," Sera cooed, seeing the small cabin on the edge of the beach, several yards from where they stood, "perhaps you and I should bunk there where we can have some alone time."
Lairia was making barriers at their camp so no one could trespass uninvited or spring an attack on them. Tatia was asleep in the cave, leaving Gerry to attend to building a fire. Sera offered her aid in creating the flame, but there was still the manner of him collecting wood. As he went about Lairia continued around, then circled back and with a few words spoken in Latin the campsite was suddenly filled with four large tents, a long picnic table for eating, and benches are a stone circle where the fire would be set. She could have made the fire too, but Lairia felt that took all the tasks from Gerry away so instead she left it at that, satisfied with her work and drained.
Turning into the trees she sought out Gerry to help him carry back kindle and wood, pointing at the tent furthest to the right, "that one is yours. I do hope it's to your liking."
The outside of the tents were a minor deceiving as it looked small, only big enough to perhaps fit two people. Inside there would be plenty of space, with an actual bed and blankets in each, and room to move around too. The tents would feel warm, as the spell she cast kept them from the elements. Gerry's in particular also had a stool, table, and small gun rack so if he wished he could clean and set his weapons to the side.
"I'm not sure how long this might take me with Tatia, so at least you can be comfortable."
Tatia was getting the whole cave to herself. Amitiel had already put runes around the entrance, and Lairia added her magic to aid in creating a clear transparent wall at the mouth of the cave, stopping anyone from entering or exiting the cave. Inside the cave ended after only twenty feet, looking more like a deep alcove than anything. At the back of the cave was a tiny pool of clear lake water, big enough for someone to lounge in but shallow enough that no one could swim. It came in from the lake through a small hole in the rock, tiny enough for perhaps a mouse to travel. Other than the pool, Lairia had left a sleeping bag inside the tent that was padded to keep her warm, and all the necessary ingredients to make a fire, along with a kettle full of fresh water and a small bag filled with tea leaves, bread, cheese, and some wrapped meat that could be cooked, so that Tatia did not go hungry.
For the night, no one was to bother or visit Tatia within the cave, only able to walk up to the mouth of it where the barrier impeded them. This was for everyone's safety as well as Tatia's, and Lairia had promised by morning she would start working on restoring their friend. On the trip over she had asked them all plenty of questions about some of their best memories with Tatia, needed to know what the cruel sorcerer might have altered, and where to seek those memories within Tatia's head.
"The tent next to Gerry is yours," she called out to Rythert, knowing they would find a large bend but also a small pool of salt water within the tent, warm and welcoming. She hoped it would please them, "And mine will be next to yours, where Rhaegal and I can bunk."
Rhaegal was already sitting just within the front opening of the tent, chewing on a small rabbit he must have caught while everyone was busy. Inside her tent was a bed, a small pile of blankets for Rhaegal, and a circular rug with soft pillows for her to meditate on. Ebony was sharing the cave with Tatiana, to give the siren more comfort, and because the cat seemed to be the only one Tatia wouldn't harm.
The last tent was for Amitiel - and Narxis, should he return. There was, of course, a lack of a tent for Elaya and Seraphina, but Lairia had already guessed where they might be slipping off to. As night approached, they made dinner and ate, wondering where the boys might be. Just before ten a messenger came, setting off Lairia's alarms as she jumped up.
"Sorry ma'am," he bowed his head, and held out the letter, "Master Narxis wished me to send out a message but I got lost and then met the angel who sent me here."
In his hand was actually a poster for the club with the time it started and the door fee to get in. Clubs were a rarity after the Crush, and perhaps only a small handful was left on the whole continent. Some just didn't find it terribly practical, and many didn't see a need to get drunk and dance in a throng of people. Drinking and dancing were for the balls and festivals, and it was much more courtly.
"He offered if any of you wished to join in. Master Narxis is meeting Arya there."
Lairia thanked him, handing him coin and sending him on his way. Clubs were not her scene, but she brought the poster to Elaya and Sera, wondering if they might be interested.
"Narxis' invite," she explained, "Guess he's meeting Arya there and offered some dancing to the rest of us. I can stay at camp if any of you wish to go. Clubs are not my scenes."
~
Arya was already inside the club, and the night had barely begun. She had gotten in early, before the line started and the bouncer's were holding everyone at the door. Already the club was packed, and for good reason. This was the only night scene for anyone wanting to party within several cities. Not to mention it was a supernatural club at that - they catered to supernaturals, through their menus, yet still allowed anyone wanting to come in to. Arya could smell demons, vampires, werewolves, sorcerers and mortals alike in here, not to mention various other minorities too.
There was no doubt in her mind Narxis would show up at some point. Nor did she care when. Tonight wasn't about his little crusade, or trying to ignore the awkward emotions that seemed to come with him. She had reinforced the walls in her mind, and tonight was simply about having fun, however it came. So she had several drinks, including a few house specials that mixed fresh blood in with alcohol. Her favorite had to be the Whiskey Red, a spin on whiskey and blood, and it tasted divine.
After almost ten shots of those, she was on the dance floor, her head shaking and bobbing to the music, her hips swaying as her body moved. Her hands rose into the air, long and tanned as she danced alone, waiting for someone to try their hand and dance with her. Most felt the darkness within and kept their distance, although a few mortal fools could not help but want her, yet they still waited, perhaps just enjoying the view.
And Arya wa quite a stunning view. Her hair was straight and left down, falling in waterfalls around her shoulders and down her back. And for once she had changed her clothes, into a rather stunning dress she had picked up. She looked gorgeous, and as she rocked her hips she turned and saw Narxis, her breath catching. If she thought she looked drop dead gorgeous, then he was by far the best dressed and handsome looking man in the room. The colors on his suit worked perfect on him, and she could feel herself staring too long before she ripped her eyes away, allowing him to come to her.
One of the braver souls decided just then to give it a shot. Arms wrapped around her waist and she could feel a bulge grinding against her ass as his hot, alcoholic breath washed over her neck.
"Hey beautiful, mind if I join in?" he flirted, swaying in time with her as she only smiled, knowing this would end horribly for him and leaving it to Narxis, wanting to see just how much her demon wanted her. Wait...her demon?
Stop thinking like that! He's not yours. You know that.
"Your funeral," she whispered, too low for him to hear over the music, as her eyes caught Narxis looking and she winked, wanting him to stare at her body and drink it in, hoping he'd come and teach this kid a lesson. She was feeling like her mischevious, chaotic self. And tonight she wasn't going to deny herself any pleasures, however they came to her.
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