Vander groaned, he was...exhausted. It was a good exhausted...he could feel that, like the kind he had after one of Cristoffs more wild full moons. He stilled, memory coming back...his magic, everything checking in and he smirked sort of enjoying the feel of having a tired body, he felt Meala and Searsha, their amusement and opened his eyes reluctantly.
He looked around and blinked...he was in his room...he remembered the trial...holy hell that had been amazing...he vaguely remembered a woman being involved somewhere...maybe? Hopefully it was the concubine because if Xiao asked him to fuck anything today he was going to...he smirked...have to crawl to whoever it was because like hell would he refuse sex no matter how tired he was.
Amusement...familiar disgust
He snickered and heard a sigh, magic reaching out he saw Cida...she was asleep but on the recliner by the door? He frowned.
"Cida…" He called softly. He pushed at Searsha who shot him a little more annoyance but slid out, gliding over to the woman curled in the chair. He wasn't sure why she was all the way over there, but...he had no idea when he or she had even gotten into his room.
Searsha prodded the woman and she hugged him to her, the serpents eyes going wide as he was squashed into Cidas breasts. Vander snorted.
"Na funny ya ass." Cida growled.
"Don't be bitchy, come over here and cuddle, I don't think my legs work." Vander held his arms out and Cida glared at him, but...she got up and hurried to the bed, eagerly climbing under the blankets, arms sliding around him she sniffed at his bare chest and narrowed her eyes.
"Yeh smell like a whore." She growled and Vander rolled his eyes smiling.
"I was...I think...fucked by a..God...last night, don't remember much of it, was sorta...overwhelmed by the whole experience." He admitted. He could feel changes though, subtle, but he held his hand out as Cida snuggled in against him and formed the black metal chain weapon Xiao had been teaching him to make and use.
He still couldn't form it as fast as he could swords and daggers, but it came together well and curled around the room like one of his serpents. Cida fingered a link, smiling faintly at the feel of the metal.
"That's so...smooth, lots o metals, they're sorta gritty, yers is like….silk." She observed softly. He glanced at her, dissipating the chain and forming a smooth black bracelet,
"You think you could make things with my metal?" Vander asked her and Cida smiled, her eyes brightening at the prospect of playing with a new metal. She'd considered asking him, seeing if he'd make her a piece, he'd made things and separated them from his magic flow before, usually little metal animals, thin daggers and such, but this was a thick wide bracelet, enough metal she could play with it...see how it held up, and she was eager to.
"Put it on me." She nodded and the metal slid around her wrist, forming into a beautiful small bracer. She smiled at him then, before laying down fully, head on his chest and started pushing her magic through the metal, grinning soon at the responsiveness of it, how easy it was to form and push into shapes.
Vander lay back, hands behind his head and just watched Cida play with the black metal as he made a small effort to piece together what had happened last night. By how much his head ached when he tried to remember much, he knew better than to push too much at the memories. He'd talk with Kaleb when he got home, he knew enough from times he'd been forced into really nasty situations with the Council, and after dealing with facing his old memories on the island, that when a mind wasn't ready or able to handle something, it blanked it, put up walls.
Well, he'd interacted with a God...two Gods...it made sense he was struggling and he wouldn't push it. If Kaleb could help him, great, otherwise….he was just going to let it be.
He was fairly certain he'd laid the Concubine, he remembered a woman with vivid blue hair, he remembered it, though it was foggy at best. Meala hummed within him when anxiety tried to spike up at that thought. He was certain Xiao and the Xings would have put the most fertile thing they could find under him, and they'd been having him drink clarifying teas to clear out any birth control he'd been taking...the Boscan disks he popped daily out of habit had been taken away three days before the ritual and they only had a guaranteed potency for 24 hours in men. A week for women.
He had no clue what his fertility was like, had never given a damn about it. Last time it was checked was his annual physical for the Guild and Cristoff had chuckled shaking his head.
"You ever decide to have kids, you won't have a problem…" His brother had said with a smirk.
Odds were...he was going to be a father. Within him the serpents purred at the idea, filling him with their excitement, enthusiasm...drowning his anxiety and doubts about that. Could he teach? He'd done a whole hell of a lot of it in recent years, since he'd bought and customized the warehouse Kaleb had placed him more and more in charge of the training of weapons, shadow and stealth mages that joined White Sea.
He had a knack for it, his light attitude, positive approaches and joking around kept people smiling while they struggled through tough exercises. He'd worked with some pretty young ones too, down to a few 6 year olds.
He knew his family would help him, his father would be down right elated to have a grandchild, and Meala was about giddy with the idea of a child, the woman in his bed right now starting to cackle as she started making guns out of Vanders metal...she was the only one who he wasn't sure about.
He wanted Cida to be ok, wanted her happy...and...just basically wanted her period. Getting around the "kitty" issue...he was working on it. The tiger when it emerged was purely feral, but...he could work with her, he was fast enough, and she responded well to the same soft humming and singing his serpents liked, and the Tiger liked the serpents, so...so far….he'd been able to coax her into letting him touch her, run his hands over her arms and hair, even rub her sensitive ears more than once.
He wanted to show her...prove to her, even if she didn't want anything with him beyond their friendship, that she wasn't broken, didn't need to shut herself out so much. Yes, he'd had to work at it so far, and yes, kitty had tried to kill him more than once, but...he was at a point with the Tiger side of Cida that he could now coax her out of trees, into his arms for pets and cuddles and she only sometimes would try a nip here and there and those were affectionate, he didn't allow them, still vanished out of her reach when she did it, then would have to soothe her again, but...he took it as progress.
He hadn't told Cida about any of it, was waiting until it got better, then? Then he was filming it and showing it to her. He'd hide nothing, but if she didn't ask...he wouldn't tell. He figured it would be best to handle it that way. Less likelihood she'd get mad.
Once stomachs started growling the pair slid from the bed, Vander stretching and groaning at the soreness in his body but still smirking as he walked past Cida, completely naked, to the shower, yelping when she slapped his ass then pausing in the doorway to give her a wicked lascivious grin.
"Watch it now Kitten...little bits of pain like that...I'll get the wrong idea." He purred and she threw a pillow at him.
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Zen growled, rolling over in his bed and shoving himself up on his forearms before opening his eyes and wincing at the light streaming in. He rarely woke so late in the morning, but...considering he'd fought a snake the size of a fucking mountain the night before maybe it made sense. Still, he didn't care for being sluggish.
Rolling back over he lifted his hands to shove them through his hair. He needed a shower...he felt battered even with his magic fairly singing in his veins working at healing him.
Sliding from the bed he went and took his shower, groaning at the feel of the hot water rolling over his body and then he smiled faintly. The bond...he felt HER through the bond, his new bound mage. She was happy, concentrating on a task, probably cooking something, he was very late to breakfast and his stomach was reminding him rather loudly of that fact.
He emerged from the shower and strode out into the room like he usually did, rubbing a towel over himself then attacking his thick hair with it, he had his hands working the towel to get his hair dried enough it wasn't dripping when he heard a soft gasp and felt….arousal...flood his bond. He'd felt things with Hestor, in fact, when Hestor and Kaleb had sex he was usually damned uncomfortable and had to head for a bath house, but this was stronger...Xiao had told him it would be, Shimako wasn't mated like Hestor was, so he wasn't "sharing" her like he'd been sharing Hestor.
He pulled the towel down and saw Shimako, holding a tray with a large plate of food and coffee on it, staring openly at his body.
"I figured I was going to have to beg at the kitchen...rare for me to oversleep like this." He said and the woman blinked, several times before she was able to tear her eyes off of him and Zen wasn't sure why that pleased him, or why he liked knowing she was strongly attracted to him. He'd not really cared if anyone was before.
"N...no, I...I was told by the High Priest you would likely sleep late, the blessing always drains magic and leaves the mage needing more rest to adjust." Shimako said, bowing slightly before lifting her chin and taking the tray to the small table by the large window that looked out on the courtyard.
"And you felt me wake up through the bond and brought me food? Thank you." Zen smiled at her and Shimako blushed, struggling to keep her eyes on the mans face. Sweet Goddess Heset the mans skin was so smooth and tanned by the sun...she saw no lines really either, did he go outside nude alot? She was certain he hadn't since he'd been here...had he? Damn her luck for missing that…
She had Boscan blood in her, and a Grandfather that strongly fought to make sure she had freedoms, choices. When this chance had come though, and Xiao had offered her the chance to bind herself to the Archangel? She had jumped at it.
It didn't matter she'd never met him, she would have time to learn to know him more once he'd arrived, a month to decide if she wanted it, then...when the time came, she had been tempted to damn well poison the other two women who were also vying for the honor.
She hadn't...but she had been sorely tempted, especially during their training sessions as they learned what it would mean to be bound to the man.
Asial Takada and Rubukai HItose...those women...Asial especially had been all purrs and mooning eyes as they were watching him work one day.
"I would love to be beneath him...such a man...he would father strong children." She had pured.
"You will not be having sex with him Asial, binding does not require that, nor does a bound mage get to have children with the Archangel, you're purpose in this is to stabilize him so he can grow in his magic, so that you can grow in yours because of him. The relationship is platonic." Xiao had said.
Asial had frowned "It doesn't have to stay that way does it? If I can get him in my bed...willingly of course, I can have babies with him? My father would very much like that, adding Archangel blood to our line, the Pradesh line is strong in magic, especially Celestial and light based healing magics." She said and there was no mistaking the hunger in her voice.
Xiao had frowned but sighed "If he is willing. Yes, and it would be a blessed and very cherished child for Stella. Remember, you can not lie to him, can not hide things or tell half truths, so if you attempt to deceive or manipulate him? He is justified in leaving you here and...I will NOT be kind to you if that happens, you will NOT try to manipulate a Chosen blessed of Set."
The warning had made the woman bow her head and apologize but Shimako knew it wasn't a sincere apology. Those two women were still here…
I Did not want you left hungry." She said, turning to leave and Zen watched her go, he half wanted to stop her, ask her to sit with him, but...he wasn't dressed and that had been a serious distraction for her and because of that...for him too.
He got his hair tamed, pulled on some Jeans and a button down shirt, Xiao had said the day after blessings they would primarily be expected to rest. He was still going to the skies for a long flight though as soon as he ate…
Shimako left the Archangel and hurried back toward the kitchens, her cheeks were flushed and she knew it, her whole body was. As she rounded a corner she narrowed her eyes, spotting Asiel taking a seat on a lounge not far from the practice area the Boscans usually worked in each day.
"They won't be working, the blessings left them exhausted, they're resting." She said coldly.
Asiel turned her bright pink eyes to Shimako, pushing a strand of silver hair back from her brow.
"Yes cousin, I know, but our angel may still take to the skies and I do love watching him fly." Asiel purred and Shimako clenched her teeth.
"I just served him his breakfast, it may be a bit." She said.
Asiel frowned, pouting "It is entirely unfair you get to do that. I need to speak with the high Priest about being allowed more access to him. If I'm to be his mate, he should get to know me better." She smiled.
"You may not be selected Asiel, after all, the lord God Set chose me last night to bind him." Shimako said, trying to keep the venom low in her tone but failing.
Asiel smirked "You're fine for binding...but you've hardly any chest, barely a curve to your hips, a typical Tao woman. I have wide hips to birth many children, large breasts to feed them well and am big enough he could sate his lust well in my arms...I am the better candidate for an actual MATE, that is why you being chosen last night did not bother me in the least." Asiel sneered.
Shimako smiled then, and Asiel almost cringed at the way the pale blue eyes filled with malice.
"Asiel, you do know I am the one in charge of preparing your meals...right? As long as Master Zen is here, I lead the kitchen that serves him, and...serve all associated with him. You might keep that in mind before you wag your fat tongue." Shimako snapped and Asiel blanched.
Pink eyes narrowed "You wouldn't dare, you took an oath!" She snarled.
"I did, to provide the finest healthiest meals I could to Master Zen." Shimako smiled, and she was about to walk off when the large window of Zens room on the third floor slid open and both women watched wide eyed as the man stepped out onto the balcony, closing the door before resting his hands on the rail for a moment, eyes on the sky as his long black wings unfurled and then the man took a strong jump and the wings slammed down, shooting him into the sky.
In moments he was too far up to make out well and Shimako drew a breath at how her heart had raced watching him. Though that was nothing compared to what she felt in the bond, the joy, the relief, the pure elation as the man flew. Her hand went to her chest at how it made her own heart soar.
"Gods those jeans fit him like a glove…" Asiel purred.
Shimako glared at Asiel, and strode swiftly toward the kitchens. She had lunch to prepare.
The day passed quietly, Vander making preparations for him and Cida to head home. The Saberfox wasn't allowed to fly inland toward the temples so he'd have to spend hours in a carriage again...or...get Cida to void hop with him.
They were all sitting at the table in the dining room at lunch, Zen frowning over women seeming to almost fight over who got to serve him had resulted in tea spilt all over his shirt. Xiao was embarrassed and had chased the silver haired woman and the black haired one both from the dining room.
"Never again, you are both disgracing your families and have embarrassed MY Temple, return to your rooms and pray I don't just send you back home." He'd hissed as Zen had shed his shirt, the white silk covered in dark tea.
"I'll replace your shirt." Xiao said as he returned to his seat. Shimako tutted, coming to Zens side and lifting the shirt "May I try my hand at washing it? I may be able to get it out…" She offered and Zen sighed, letting her take it.
"My brother Kaleb gave it to me…" He growled. He'd been fond of it too, the silk was thick and felt really good against his skin and the buttons were made from abalone shell. He wasn't one who owned a lot of things, his life just hadn't put a need to into him, but what he had, he did value and Kaleb had, during a modeling session, gotten a tailor at Elluris to make Zen a few shirts shortly after he'd come home, the man had struggled wearing clothing because he just wasn't used to it, but the dense silk Kaleb had given him had been light as air and gentle on his skin, he treasured those damn shirts and since he was supposed to be relaxing today, he'd worn his favorite, which, because it came from Kaleb, was white.
Shimako caught his sullen look, placing the shirt on her cart and pulling out a delicate treat she'd made for the big mage, coming over and placing it before him.
"It's a lemon tart. You know, as I learned to cook, I spilled things on my clothes a lot and I got very good at getting the stains out, I've a cream colored Boscan silk dress I love, and I spilled all manner of things on it but it is still beautiful...I will do my best to make sure your shirt is saved Master Zen." She said quietly and Zens dark eyes turned to her a smile lifting his lips.
"Zen, I am not your master Shimako, you are my mage as I am yours. Call me Zen, and thank you." He said quietly and Shimako blushed, bowing.
"As you wish...Zen"
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Bickslow gripped the rope, it was pretty sturdy for being so soft, and damn if the knots weren't impressive, showed how much his beautiful mate had learned from her maid spirit, he couldn't budge them, not that he wanted to.
Half lidded eyes travelled up a firm belly to large bouncing breasts, Lucys lips were parted, her eyes closed, hair swinging as she rode him. She'd had some chats with Rowan when the green mage had come to talk with Hestor about an upcoming appointment he had with the male Celestial Mage and Kaleb.
Lucy has been red faced, like as red as a tomato when Hestor and Rowan had started discussing some of the details of the session Hestor was wanting to the point Bickslow had stood up from the table he was sitting at with Cristoff and gone over to find out what on Earth had her writhing in their bond and mentally short circuiting.
He'd smirked as he'd gotten close enough to hear them.
"...It's the first time Kaleb has lost. The bet wasn't even a big one...but I'm not letting the opportunity go to waste. I want the silk ropes, I have a good pot of Boscan honey from the Grass Sea, that dark amber really rich kind, suspended in ropes will he bruise too much?" Hestor was asking.
Rowan shook his head "No, i can soften and pad weight support points with vine to prevent bruising, you want him in a specific position?"
Hestor smirked, eyes dancing "Faced down and spread, arms bound behind his head, waist supported so I can...be vigorous…"
Lucy squirmed and Bickslow had been grinning when he wrapped an arm around her. Rowan smiled at him.
"Hey Bixy," He nodded before looking back at Hestor.
"He's flexible for as big as he is, it shouldn't be a problem. Positioned that way you'll get a good hour before circulation might start being a problem for him, he's healthy, works out every day, so he can take more time suspended than most, we could even twist him in the air, take him to his side so you have more access to all of his body without having to reach around him. He does great with the whip and clamps too." Rowan said.
"You guys are breaking my mate." Bickslow chuckled. Hestor arched a brow looking between them.
"You two haven't played? Oh come now Bickslow, I know you like that…" Hestor said and then smirked when Rowan snickered and the Seith rolled his eyes at Lucys wide eyed gape.
"I'm Boscan Babe...we're taught to play and..I admit, I like it." He said.
"You should try it, Bickslow can guide you on the most basic play and...if you get brave?" He nodded toward Rowan who smiled.
"Get brave and I'll schedule you a session where I help, I do it for a lot of couples...just set the scenes up and help with the fine points, make sure it all stays safe and such...for Bixy? First ones free, after that? Regular rates my friend." He winked and Bickslow laughed.
Lucy had surprised him though, asking as they had walked away to let Hestor finish making his plans with Rowan if he wanted to try "Play".
He'd almost fallen on his face, his feet deciding they couldn't function when the prospect of the blonde and ropes and toys were before him.
"I...well...I won't lie, I like it, but it's getting into the deeper end of the pool, If you're ready though? I sure as hell would be happy to try things." He'd said.
He'd walked into the bedroom that night, been tackled to the bed and promptly...fucking really expertly too, tied to the bed and stripped naked and now here he was, eyes rolling back in his head as his mate rode him into oblivion.
Once she had him tied up and naked, she'd not been even a little shy, hands everywhere, lips, teeth, tongue...Gods help him he'd almost lost control a dozen times just watching her explore his body but the sensations….
He groaned, fighting to hold back, but when she leaned forward and grabbed the headboard, looking him right in the eyes and smirking.
"Come on Bixy baby...give me all you've got…"
She'd gone down hard then, the bed creaking as she moved and he'd lasted only a few but been grateful to feel her walls shiver and clench on him as he came because...no way he could have lasted longer.
Bosco...the training, all her studying and key adjustments...Lucy was coming into her own more than she ever had and all Bickslow could do was thank every God above she was taking him with her….
0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Vander raised an eyebrow at Bickslow as everyone sat around the family table.
"Rope burns Bixy?" He asked quietly wine colored eyes on Bickslows wrist and Bickslow smirked.
"Lucy is experimenting." He said with no small amount of pride in his voice and Vander grinned, looking at Lucy.
"Not bad Bambina, you ever want to go shopping for toys let me know, I know all the great shops." He said brightly and Lucy blushed, glancing around at the amused expressions, grateful Armans was one of them.
"Actually Hestor is taking me shopping, he needs to pick up some things for his session with Rowan tomorrow." Lucy said brightly and smirked when she saw Kaleb pale a bit. Really, anything that got to the Guildmaster was exceptional, but Hestor had been subtly teasing him for days about losing some bet and submitting to some play that was out of their normal scope of fun.
Kaleb took it all with pretty good humor, but some little things Hestor said here and there would make the Wizard Saint pause and get an anxious look in those normally calm self assured eyes.
Lucy thought it was hilarious. Lifting her fork she dug into the pasta before her with a hum watching Vander snicker and Hestor smiled like a cheshire cat.