Aether Beasts

The rest of the time before the fight was mainly spent training, and we focused mainly on the same thing Zirani had taught us in the first session. We focused on combat, and how to best use techniques and different approaches. It was easier for me since I didn't have a style or a preferred way of fighting like Sandra or Misty. Zirani helped the both of them branch out but both would probably keep the fighting styles and three days wasn't enough to change them so Zirani focused on improving them rather than teaching something entirely new, though she did give tips on what counters they should look out for and what weaknesses they needed to watch and account for and how to circumvent a few of them.

Sandra ended up joining us and we switched with each other, sparring lightly, but not going too far. We mainly tested out how well a combination would work and our timing, though there were a few close calls mainly with Misty's more death-related abilities. A drop of that black liquid had almost hit me and I was almost certain it would have burnt me, and probably melted my flesh if I had been a normal human or lesser arcanist. That physical conditioning was really paying off, and all that pain had been worth it.

While we continued our training, Zirani kept up with her investigation, working with the lost queen who cooperated far more than expected, though Zirani didn't find much out. Whoever had created the strings was either really good at hiding themselves or hadn't used any more of that power. There was also the fact that I couldn't really let the lost queen just wander about as it would attract attention and the way she spoke indicated she knew what this thing was and it was subordinate to her or lesser than her in power, which wasn't a surprise.

Apart from me with my divine power, I didn't think there was anyone in the expedition who would stand a chance against her. It really made me wonder just what I could do if she would allow me to use her power and if I could harness it. There was also my divine power which I hadn't made any leeway with. The lost queen knew something and until she decided she wanted to help, I would be able to use my most potent power. It was progress though. A month ago I hadn't thought anything would come of it and that the lost queen would remain silent and locked off until we made it to the green court and could figure something out.

There was good news as well as Zirani brought back word that the changes within Evenord were going well, and the people were cautious but hopeful and if they continued as they were and their projects were completed then Evenord would most likely be the greatest city in the plains.

And all it took was the intervention and help of a lady of the green court. I would have to thank Aeverie went I next saw her, but besides our first meeting she had mostly kept to herself, In fact, I didn't think I had seen her outside her home at all, though that wasn't all bad as it meant Julian also wasn't around to act as an annoyance so that was good. I didn't need him distracting me.

Speaking of distractions, Shana watched me train every day, though not for as long as the first time. She usually stopped in to give me a smile and kiss before leaving. Neither Misty nor Sandra were unhappy. Sandra was confused at first, but after a few words with Misty she seemed fine and even interested in some fun with Shana which caught me off guard, but if such a thing happened, I wouldn't argue. I mean she had enjoyed the time with the Zirani and Misty so I shouldn't have been too surprised.

"I think that's it," Zirani said, her hands on her hips as we finished the last bit of training. "You three have trained hard and you, Misty, and Aiden. Well, I'm confident you can both win."

I knelt and took a breather. This session had been harder than the others as I had pushed myself to my limit and was currently near empty on aether, the only bits remaining were going into keeping Zirani manifested.

"I'm starving." I groaned.

"I don't think I can move," Sandra said.

Misty was out of breath but thanks to her vampire constitution, was still on her feet.

I pushed myself up to my feet and made my way over to Sandra who was on her back. She had probably had it the worst as she had crashed into the ground and nearby objects multiple times. Her gravity affinity was versatile but damaging when she messed, especially when she increased her velocity and crashed into something solid. If not for all the physical conditioning Zirani had put her through she would have been in much worse condition.

"Come, Sandra," I offered her a hand. "We'll get some food in you then we can relax in the bath."

She groaned and grasped my hand. I pulled her up and the three of use headed back to the home while Zirani went off elsewhere. None of us asked where. We were all too tired and Zirani could handle herself.

We limped back to our home and despite food being ready on the table the three of us chose to head to the baths first. The moment the water touched my skin and I sat down, I felt my entire body relax, and a wave of absolute bliss coursed through me. I let out a sigh and leaned back, closing my eyes and allowing my aching muscles to relax and my aether to refill. Being physically tired or drained of aether was bad enough on its own, but both together was ten times worse as it felt like my body had shut down.

I heard both Sandra and Misty let out sighs as they too entered the water. We must have spent an hour in the baths, which was possible since the water stayed at the same temperature thanks to enchantments and remained clean so the water never needed to be changed or heated up. It was always ready for use, something we all took advantage of.

We were all feeling much better when we left the bath and got dressed. We headed to the table and dug into our food which like everything else we had tried so far, was amazing. It was a soup which a side of stuffed cheesy bread and bite-sized chunks of fish that were cooked perfectly.

Zirani must have wanted to reward us for how hard we had trained as there was a large vanilla and strawberry cake for dessert. Sandra and I only had one slice each as it was very filling but Misty ate the rest by herself, earning her nickname of sweet fangs.

"I'm heading to bed," I said after I saw done with my food. I considered asking the girls if they wanted to spend some time together but I was too tired and I could tell they felt similar so after a quick kiss goodbye to both, I made my way into my bedroom and plopped down onto my bed.

I felt myself falling asleep but before I could fully close my eyes, I heard the door open and glanced to see Zirani walking in with a tired look on her face.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I haven't found anything." She sighed and moved into the bed next to me. I wrapped an arm around her and pulled her in. She snuggled in close and I enjoyed the sensation of her warm body against mine. If not for how tired I was I might have initiated something.

"I've been searching for three days and have found absolutely nothing," Zirani said. "Not a trace of anything. It seems like unless the lost queen decides she wants to help more that we probably not going to find the culprit or I might have to ask Aeverie for aid but that means explaining things to her."

"You said yourself you can trust her."

"I can," she replied. "But I also said she's the type to push too far, too much, and too hard and get herself into trouble. She's very intelligent and cunning but when something catches her attention she doesn't let go and will it pursue it as long as it continues to interest her. She will listen to me, and I can curb some of her faults, but I do not control her and do not wish to. She is like a younger sister to me. I care for her and don't wish to see her hurt herself. She's done it before and I've had to bail her out of trouble numerous times."

Well, I'm sure you'll figure things out." I yawned and let my eyes fall shut. "Goodnight Zirani."

"Goodnight Aiden."