Private Tales Of Sand & Dragonfire

[Seteta]

"So are breasts and butts," Keket snickered, and then she sighed, a thoughtful look on her face. "But if I pierced your brow in dragon form, then the jewelry would be disproportionate to your face in human form."

Seteta was happy to scratch Chaceledon's chest, though she shivered and bit back a moan as he nuzzled her, his breath warm against her thighs, as they continued chatting. Keket spent several minutes musing quietly to herself about how to do a piercing on a shapeshifter, and then catching up on things in between. Since the Inizae had dispersed into other tribes, for the most part, there were many coming that she hadn't seen for a while before she left on her own travels. Keket usually roamed, and so she had news of where others had been recently. Keket also had some cleansing and moisturizing oils--the types that Seteta was used to--and lent her several bottles.

You might want to wake Aron or Aluid. Someone to give him a bit of a cheerleader. Nestor is rather vicious.

"I will," Seteta nodded. "He said it was getting... lonely, with just Nestor, anyway."

Keket looked at them oddly, but Seteta just shook her head. She could tell Keket later, if it was relevant.

When Chaceledon uncoiled and did his little bouncing walk out of the tent, Seteta giggled and pressed a kiss to Keket's cheek, promising to see her at dinner, then followed him outside. She winked at Rheinhard when he hid a smile, glad to see that he was also beginning to relax enough to find amusement at Chaceledon's antics. There were some cries of alarm momentarily among the camp but they quickly faded into laughter at the sight of the dragon bouncing along with a bag in its mouth.

He must be happy, he’s willing to look ridiculous. He mentioned to Seteta. You may want to catch him before he leaps into the water and starts perfuming himself.

It's good to see him play, Seteta answered as she retrieved a couple of linen towels and washcloths from the tent as Chaceledon continued to bounce away toward the spring. I'll make a few minutes soon to slip into the Well. Who do you want me to wake up for you?

She snorted as Chaceledon did a little kick in the air, then followed after him as quickly as she could toward the cave entrance.

And yes, she told Rheinhard bemusedly. He does look like a weasel. And I almost think he's more content here than... well. Never mind. That's a thought for later.

Chaceledon reached the entrance to the thermal springs a few moments before she did, but she reached out and gently tugged at his tail to get him to wait for her. She kissed his muzzle when she met him at the entrance, then slowly led him inside. The cave's opening was low to the ground, hidden in a small outcropping of rocks, but wide enough that four or five Inizae could walk side by side.

She led him in slowly, allowing their eyes to adjust from the sunlight to the soft light of the reflective lanterns spaced along the walls. As the entrance opened up into a wide cavern several feet below the surface, Seteta pointed out a procession of smaller pools on each side of the large, steaming reservoir where the thermal spring's waters naturally accumulated. The larger reservoir was more than spacious enough for Chaceledon to swim and play as a dragon. The smaller pools, though... he would have to shift back to his human form for rinsing and bathing.

More lanterns were suspended by rope over the pools. There were one or two other Inizae present, but other than a brief, startled acknowledgement--at the sight of a dragon--they were ignored once it was clear that the dragon was accompanying Seteta.

"The pools on the right we use to rinse off before going into the spring," she explained. "We can't afford to contaminate its waters. The pools on the left are used for bathing with oils or soaps after we've finished soaking."

Seteta took the bag of toiletries from Chaceledon, and went over to set it and the bottles of oils from Keket and the linen towels beside the bathing pools. She stripped off her garments and folded them up there as well, then crossed back to the other side and stepped into the first pool. She dunked her head below the water to soak her hair, then came back up and scrubbed and her body with her hands, sloughing off the sandy dust and sweat that had accumulated on her skin.

Then she rose out of that water and rinsed off any remaining dirt in the second pool before she stepped up to the edge of the thermal spring, flashed a cheerful grin at Chaceledon over her shoulder, and dove into the water.

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

Rheinhard watched the pair of them head to the pools. He settled back down to watch the Inizae. Nestor, despite his cutting attitude, was taking notes on them. Nestor wanted to learn, and he was a good observer when he wasn’t being an ass. I will leave it to your judgement. Ask the Librarian if you need information to be sorted for you. Nestor will no doubt have some opinions. He replied. He’s happier here than posturing for people he doesn’t know or has unhealthy relationships with? I’ve noticed.

Chaceledon shifted back and authoritatively walked naked to a smaller pool. He needed so much, but these waters looked alright. Warm and natural. He shivered a bit and walked over to where Seteta was stripping down, following her lead. He closely inspected the oils from Keket, and with a small noise of approval turned to his own.

He arranged his lineup beside the bathing pool. Exotic hibiscus soap for his hair, oils for deep conditioning in the same vein of lemon and fresh wildflower, cuticle oil, nail file made of pink glass, a set of gold glass nails, accessories for the nails, facial soap, facial serum, creams for his face and body, and three hairbrushes. He slid into the pool and began his routine, taking out his braid and shaking the sheet of crimson hair free.

“Darling I won’t quite be so quick.” he called in amusement, smiling after her. Bathing with others around was as much of a performance as it was utility. Only when he had worked his conditioning lotion deep into his scalp and pinned it on top of his head did he settle against the side of his bathing pool. That needed to sit so it didn’t get frizzy. Gods forbid he frizz.

 

[Seteta]

Seteta swam deep into the warm waters, letting the feel of weightlessness overcome her. The last time she'd had a proper swim, of sorts, was in the troll's abandoned spawning pool. When her lungs started to burn, she swam back up, pushing herself through the surface of the water. She looked around for Chaceledon, but was surprised to not see him in the thermal spring with her.

Then she spotted him, in one of the bathing pools, and rolled her eyes before she swam back to the edge of the pool, crossing her arms and resting her chin on them.

"You're not going to come play with me?" she pouted, batting her eyes at him. "You can't come in the spring now that you've put stuff in your hair."

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

Chaceledon smirked. “Of course I want to come play with you. But beauty takes time and patience.” He settled against the side of the pool. “If I don’t condition my hair it’ll fluff up like a shedding chuma in this heat.” He took a ten minute soak to allow his hair to set, then rinsed, set his things aside, and bounded out of the small pool as a dragon. He slid on his belly like an otter into the larger pool with a loud splash.

It was immediately apparent why dragons like Nika favored the water. Chaceledon shone like a wet gem underneath the surface, his powerful tail propelling him through the water like a crocodile. His limbs were tucked up underneath, and his tail did most of the work. He rolled under the water, his belly breaking the surface and dipping back again.

Catch a dragon by the tail and you get a wish. he teased, dancing under the water just out of reach.

 

[Seteta]

"You were supposed to condition it after playing in the spring," Seteta teased, but she pushed herself back into the water and floated on her back for a while. The current took her closer to the other Inizae briefly. It wasn't anyone she knew, though at least one of them looked somewhat familiar, and it was clear they didn't want to be interrupted. She caught a whisper of some hushed teasing flirtations, then rolled onto her belly and slid beneath the water again, back toward the bathing pools.

Seteta emerged just in time to see Chaceledon stepping out of the bathing pool and shifting back to his dragon form. She giggled when he slid on his belly into the water.

Even the occupied couple in the back section of the spring were momentarily entranced at the sight of Chaceledon's shining scales reflecting the lamplight back from under the water.

Seteta grinned and followed in his wake, his powerful tail kicking up more currents than the quiet spring had likely ever seen before.

Catch a dragon by the tail and you get a wish. he teased, dancing under the water just out of reach.

"As if I stand a chance," Seteta pouted again for a moment, but she took a deep breath and followed him into the water. She kicked her feet, diving deeper, and reaching for his tail whenever it seemed like he might be within reach of her grasp. Once or twice she felt his scales brush underneath her fingers, but never enough to actually grab it.

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

Chaceledon playfully raced around. He only needed to breathe once every two minutes or so, and he only needed to push his nose above water and puff out, then in, air. He used his smaller limbs under the water to his advantage, grabbing rocks to propel him forward or push off to avoid her grasp. He sassily flicked her in the face with the wet fur on his tail, giggling to himself.

Of course, he let her win. He slithered up into her arms, a wide toothy grin on his face. I’m here, what’s your other wish?

 

[Seteta]

Seteta sputtered under the water when he flicked her in the face, spitting a little as she fished his furry tail out of her mouth. She growled and ducked back under the water, and even though she knew he was letting her win, it was still extraordinarily satisfying when she finally wrapped her arms around his tail, tickling at his hind legs with her fingers.

Then they both floated up to the surface, and she purred as Chaceledon snuck into her arms. She loosely wrapped hers legs around him.

I’m here, what’s your other wish?

"Hmm..." she thought for a moment, then grinned at him with sparkling eyes. "After dinner with muti, when we're back in bed, I want your tongue between my legs and that delightful glass toy you gave me for my birthday." She'd made sure it was with her things to be packed, though it was carefully wrapped up in a bundle of clothing so as not to embarrass Rheinhard if he had been the one to pack things away.

She stayed in his arms for a little while then, her fingers gently caressing his scales as they bobbed and floated in the water. She talked with him softly, speaking whatever random musings popped into her head, though eventually she kissed his nose and pulled out of his embrace to swim back to the shore. "I need to actually bathe now," she said ruefully.

Seteta stepped out of the water and went over to the bathing pools, chuckling a little at Chaceledon's long line of bottles. Then she flipped her hair over and carefully squeezed the excess water out of it before plucking up one of the bottles of oil from Keket and dumping a generous amount in her palm. She rubbed her hands together, then carefully massaged the oil--it was thick and smelled of jasmine and oranges--into her scalp and the ends of her hair before twisting her hair up into a knot on the top of her head. Then she selected another oil--lighter and smelling of roses, and she knew it must have been terribly expensive but Keket both liked luxury and to spoil her friends--and she took several minutes to massage it into every inch of skin that she could reach before taking the bottle over to Chaceledon and asking him to rub the oil into her back where she couldn't reach.

"I'll soak for about 15 minutes," she said, "before cleaning the oil off. I'm going to go into the Well and wake up a few of the others. I think I've gained enough control now that I can keep myself from slipping beneath the water while I'm in there."

When he finished rubbing the oil into her back, Seteta retrieved one of the linen washcloths she'd brought, and sank into the warm water in the bathing pool with a contented sigh, resting her head back against the edge.

I'm coming into the Well, she told Rheinhard as she closed her eyes and began to let herself take that mental fall into the spell. I think I'll wake up Aron, and probably one or two others. Any requests? And anyone you absolutely don't want roused, besides Klaus?

By the time she finished her questions, she was blinking into the bright light that filtered in from the Well's office--now Abtati tent--and retrieving a blanket to wrap around herself. She still hadn't quite mastered the art of appearing clothed in the Well when she was naked and perfectly comfortable in the real world at the same time.

Then she stepped out the tent flaps. "Nestor?" she called as she looked around, then headed for the hall where the other Volkers slept. "I only have a few minutes, but I'm going to wake some of the others."

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

Chaceledon played while she bathed, rolling around in the water and enjoying the warmth. He found the heat source and curled up next to it, letting the thermal spring heat his muscles and ease his skin. He thought for a few minutes. Most dragons didn’t love the water as he did, but Nika had started that love. He wondered about the other dragon, whether he was alright. He leapt out of the water and slid to Seteta, shifting so he could help her rub oil into her skin.

“You know I wouldn’t let you drown. Neither would the boys. They’d force you to wake up if that ever happened.” Chaceledon finished her back and settled on the stone next to her to adorn his nails and primp before dinner.

I trust your judgement. As I said, look through them. Their books are in the Library for a reason. The Librarian can also sort them for you. I would recommend against Jess, Klaus, and Atacama. Rheinhard told her, clearly a bit distracted.

Nestor was waiting for her outside of the office. “He’s obsessed.” He rolled his eyes. “A little freedom and all we’ve been watching for two hours is men chopping wood. Like a cat with a fishbowl.” He followed her, scowling. “You don’t need to wake any of the others! Theyre a pack of useless, violent brutes. The last thing you want is them rooting around in here.”

The yawning hallway, with its distant staircase down to untold levels, stretched before her. Klaus, as usual, was closest to the door as the hallway went by genealogy. Nestor adjusted his glasses. “Seteta I’ve made some real headway here without men stealing my notebook or making up conspiracy theories.”

 

[Seteta]

The Librarian? Seteta wondered curiously, but didn't press any further and bit back a quiet laugh as she realized what Rheinhard's thoughts were occupied by.

She grinned then, and looped her arm around Nestor's elbow and tugged him along with her as they passed Klaus, a shiver running down her spine even though he was contained and... sleeping.

"But are any of those men watching back? And not in a terrified way, but an interested one?" she asked slyly. "It's good for Rheinhard to be able to relax. Even if it is just looking at something pretty."

She paused and turned to Nestor with a slight scowl then. "And it's not about what I want in here," she said firmly. "This is Rheinhard's head. He asked for a couple of the others to be woken up. And besides... do they all try to steal your notebook, or is it mostly Aluid?"

Seteta thought for a moment, trying to recall Volkers she'd interacted with and ones that had been mentioned to her before. "I think... Brade, and Aron, and Huron, for now? Show me where they are, please."

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

Nestor caught her shiver. “I don’t want any part in your determination to have your adopted son ass fucked by another man, thank you. I don’t want or need any details, and frankly it’s just going to be another complication when you have to force him to reproduce anyway.” He said sharply, stopping in front of Klaus. “And you need to stop being afraid of him. You control him. Tell him to stop and he has to. He can’t and won’t hurt you as steward of the Well. Besides, he’s not a difficult creature to figure out.”

He huffed. “Of course it’s about what you want. This place is a tool, not a social club, and the sooner you figure out these boys need you, the better.” Nestor gave Klaus another look. “He would be a good place to start.”

The bookish Volker looked frustrated at her list. Huron? The wimp? He took his glasses off and rubbed his face. “What, exactly, have I done to you to warrant you waking up the two most irritating men alive?”

Nestor rolled his eyes. Klaus, then Aluid next to him, then Huron next to him. Nestor went to stand next to Huron’s platform, then walked past Ferenzi and Evoth to Aron. Brade was six platforms down from Aron, next to Nestor’s own empty spot. By implication, the tattooed and dreadlocked man in his late twenties standing on the platform labeled ‘Brade Volker’ was Nestor’s father. He was young, and quite handsome looking, with runes tattooed under his eyes, a lightning bolt striking a ship on his neck, and various bits and baubles from a hundred cultures adorning him in necklaces, charms, bracelets, anklets and piercings. Unlike the other Volkers he’d been allowed to keep his long, ropey dreadlocks that extended down to his rear.

“…and my sire, Brade. Student of the Cutlass, born in Volta, inherited the Well from sixteen until…when was I born…his late seventies I imagine.” Nestor said grumpily.

 

[Seteta]

"It's not about just sexual relations," Seteta snapped. She was willing to put up with some of Nestor's attitudes, but not when it was demeaning another person. "Rheinhard deserves to have a relationship if that's what he wants."

He was right about Klaus. But she couldn't... compartmentalize things like Nestor apparently could. She'd not had an extended lifetime to do so with, and even if she lived for a millennia, she doubted that she would be less passionate in any way.

"Regardless, I am not waking up Klaus while we're in the middle of an Inizae camp. There would be no purpose in doing so if I have to restrain him from everything," she said with a shake of her head. "And this place is not a tool, it is a curse. One I intend to end if it all within my capabilities.

"But on that note," she smirked, "don't take it personally who I choose to wake up and when. It's not about you."

At least they were all in the same row, and not too far apart in generations. That made it simpler, and quicker. She woke Huron first, and gave him a gentle smile as his gaze landed on her, and she held out a hand to help him down from the platform. "I've a couple others to wake," she said, remembering his gentle shyness when she'd briefly met him in the Well when Rheinhard had lost control of it in Vel Anir. "Then I'll explain what's happened."

Then she woke Aron, and gave him a friendly smile. "It's good to see you again," she said.

She woke Brade last, and when his eyes blinked open, she gave him a smile and introduced herself. "My name is Seteta," she said. He likely knew, had probably been among the crowd when she was learning knife fighting from Rheinhard and Atacama.

"Come," she gestured to all of them, and led them out of the hall into the main part of the Well, knowing that it was greatly changed from the last time any of them had been awake. "If you haven't guessed... Oor no longer controls the Well. I do. I don't have much time at the moment, but I wanted to let you all know where we are and what's going on.

"We're currently in an Inizae encampment in Amol-Kalit," she continued. "Chaceledon has been reunited with his family, although that's... a little tense, at the moment. We're here so that he and Rheinhard can meet my family, but my parents haven't arrived yet. My muti--my mother's mother--recognized Rheinhard as a Volker, and we've figured out that she had an encounter with Klaus in the past. We're supposed to have dinner with her this evening, so please don't antagonize Rheinhard or Nestor during that time."

She had a feeling they would more likely be antagonizing Nestor, except for Huron. Her impression so far was that Nestor simply didn't like Huron.

"I'll be back in here for a few hours tomorrow, since Nestor is giving me Draconian lessons. But if you have any quick questions, I'll answer them for you now."

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

Nestor rolled his eyes. “You’ll have to let him out eventually, if only to prove to the others you can control the worst of us.” He said, and let the subject drop. He watched with his arms folded as she helped Huron down. Huron gave him a nervous look, then Seteta.

“W…who else is aw-awake?” He asked, looking back and forth along the aisle.

“Your tormentor isn’t.” Nestor snapped, and stepped out of the hallway impatiently. Huron took one look at Klaus, shuddered, and scurried over to Seteta. He seemed relieved she was waking Aron, who stepped down to embrace her.

“I was wondering when you’d wake me up again.” Aron grinned at her, and nodded at Huron. He didn’t mind the nervous pacifist. Brade nearly fell off the platform when she touched him, blinking and scrambling down. He looked at her, eyes wide in confusion. The Well was different. He could feel it. Everything was different. He’d certainly seen Seteta once before, but that was just to watch the fight. He hadn’t really gotten the story from the others. He rushed out of the hallway onto the sand, staring.

Instead of featureless black there was sand everywhere! He barely caught her words about the Inizae. They were free of Oor. The Well was still here, but the chains were held by someone far more agreeable. A wide grin split Brade’s features and he embraced Aron. “I could give a shit where we are!” He laughed.

“Oh, it gets better. She’s schtupping the dragon.” Aron snickered.

“No way.” Brade burst out laughing. “So we are free!”

“No, we’re not.” Nestor butted in cuttingly. “You still have a job to perform. We’re still stuck here, it’s just got a new paint job. Oor is still alive. Well, animated, rather.”

Brade’s face fell a bit at that news. Aron fixed his dreadlocks with a smirk, and nodded at Seteta. “I wouldn’t worry, we’re not going back. Our new job is to drink and amuse the new in-laws.” He encouraged.

“I can do that.”

“Are w-w…we still fuh-forbidden a-alcohol?” Huron asked curiously.

“Yes.” Nestor growled.

“Oh come off it old timer, you’re not ever happy.” Brade teased.

“Yes, well, forgive me for not leaping for joy.” Nestor rolled his eyes, and wandered toward the Library.

 

[Seteta]

Seteta ignored Nestor. She wasn't interested in proving anything to anyone, and she didn't see why she'd have to. If she was the Steward of the Well, that should be all there was to it. But she still didn't have to like Klaus.

"Tormentor?" she asked Huron softly, but a moment later she just nodded her head as she silently mouthed ah when he nervously shied away from Klaus's pedestal.

She gladly returned Aron's hug, whispering a quiet oops when her blanket-dress almost slipped off of her. But made no move toward Brade after he was off the pedestal, letting him adjust to the changes. She was, essentially, a stranger to him.

It was good to see them mostly getting along, except for Nestor, after she finished her introduction, and when Aron made the comment about her... schtupping the dragon--she could, at least, infer from the context what that meant--she cleared her throat and raised her left hand to show off the ring.

"I'm not just schtupping the dragon," she said just a little haughtily, though she carefully clutched her blanket around her a little more tightly as it threatened to slip from her grasp again with all her movement. "I'm marrying him."

When Huron asked about the alcohol rule, Seteta shrugged. "If Rheinhard wants to drink, I don't care," she said, hoping she wouldn't regret those words later. "And if gives one of you control and says that you can drink in his body, then that's fine, but I will cut you off if you're drinking so much it could hurt him.

"But." She pinned each one with a firm glare, even Nestor as he walked away, "If he's given you control of his body and I find out you've done something that he expressly forbad, I'll yank you out and put you back to sleep indefinitely."

Then she sighed, and gave them all a fond smile. "I'm looking forward to getting to know each of you. And I'll make sure Chaceledon comes in to spend some time with you all as well. But now, I have to run. Muti will be calling for dinner soon and I'm still in the bath."

She waved as she let herself slip back into consciousness, then sat up and rolled her shoulders and neck as she looked over at Chaceledon.

"I woke up Huron, Aron, and Brade," she said as she soaked the washcloth in the water and started scrubbing at her skin to slough off the oil.

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

“Congratulations, I figured you two would get hitched.” Aron said warmly. Brade nodded. He didn’t quite know her, but if Aaron was happy about it…and he clearly knew her…there was no reason not to be happy. Chaceledon had been lonely for a long time. Brade patted Aron’s shoulder, and headed toward the Arena. He was a seaman at heart, and he felt much better when he could change the arena to a boat in calm seas for a while. He hadn’t been awake, and it would help him adjust.

Aron chuckled. “You have fun. We’ll be watching.” He told her.

When she woke, Chaceledon was already using a washcloth to help get the oil off her skin. He kissed the back of her neck, and helped her out of the water. He was dressed, his nails complete, and his hair braided over one shoulder. “And just how angry was Nestor?” he chuckled.

 

[Seteta]

Seteta moaned softly as Chaceledon kissed her neck, tilting her head forward so he could reach. She let him tug her out of the water, and then she grabbed another bottle of Keket's toiletries--this one a gentle soap to take the excess oil out of her hair--and she sank down into the next pool where the water was cleaner. She quickly took down her hair and ducked under the water, combing her fingers through her hair and making sure it soaked her roots.

She came back up, and reached for the bottle of soap, pouring a small amount into her palm.

"Angry enough that he stomped off to the library," Seteta answered, shrugging her shoulders as she lathered the soap in her hands. "He was definitely annoyed at who I chose to woke--strangely, I think he was trying to convince me to wake Klaus--and took it as a personal affront."

She quickly scrubbed the lathered soap into the roots of her hair, then ducked back below the water to rinse it out. When she was certain that no soap residue remained, she climbed out of the pool and squeezed the water from her hair.

"Brade was definitely a little shaken by all the changes," she said. "He was heading to the arena when I ducked out. Huron was asking about alcohol, and Aron was promising to amuse the new in-laws."

Seteta flipped her hair over and loosely wrapped it in one of the linen towels, then wrapped the other one around her, tucking a corner in to keep it in place. Then she gathered up her clothes and the bottles from Keket and made her way carefully out of the cave.

"Can you do that thing with your breath where you dry my hair?" she asked Chaceledon as they trekked back to the tent. The sun was just beginning to set. "We have... maybe an hour before muti sends for us for dinner."

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

Chaceledon frowned. “Nestor is a pure scientist. He doesn’t do things for emotional gain, he does them for research. If he was trying to get you to wake Klaus, he may be wondering if your level of control is as strong as Oor’s. I’d take it as more of a test.” He checked over his nails and used a bit of heat to adjust the crystals along the beds. “Brade’s a good man, one of my personal favorites. I wonder if that fae spell of his has persisted through death. Huron’s likely just worried about how much alcohol Aron is planning on consuming, and I don’t blame him. He was probably one of the worst alcoholics I’ve ever met, and being in a healthy body doesn’t mean the craving goes away.”

He blew heat, warm gentle heat into her hair, and used his brushes to make sure it dried evenly. He braided her hair, a complex pattern with tinier braids ducking in between larger swaths of hair. His deft fingers moved quickly, and he buffed, oiled, and sanded her nails. There was no time for polish but they would be clean and well shaped. He did the same to her toenails, took a look at her feet, and helped her dress.

“Get to know Brade over the next few days. He was originally a sailor from Volta, and I know how much you want to adventure once we’re married. You might start thinking of a honeymoon location you’d like…you’ve got a library of memories. The Volkers have been pretty much everywhere from Floiland to Xiuhatl to Aftzeller.” Chaceledon smiled. Brade made him think of something, as well. He might have to speak to Rosebury. Persian was out as far as the next Volker generation was concerned. It was probably wise to talk to the fae and see if it was even an option the Lord of Luck would consider. It wasn’t bestowed lightly or often, and Volker having a mate would help.

Hm.

He helped her out her shoes on so she didn’t dirty her nails, and took her hand. “Shall we?” he smiled. Rheinhard was waiting for them outside of the cave, rubbing his temples. “Are they already fighting?”

“They’re harassing the Librarian.” Volker muttered, squinting and rubbing his forehead. Chaceledon rolled his eyes. Children.

 

[Seteta]

"Remind me to ask you more about that fae spell later," Seteta said as they ducked into their tent. She quickly unwrapped the towel from her hair, squeezing out any portions that were still drenched with water. Then she stole one of Chaceledon's moisturizing creams, let the towel wrapped around her body fall away, and settled onto the bed so he could work with her hair.

While he dried and braided her hair, she rubbed the lotion into her hands and elbows and feet. While the oils the Inizae usually used were sufficient for the rest of her skin, she'd always had a harder time getting them to absorb into thicker skin. She laid back on the bed and relaxed for a little while as he tended to her nails, carefully tucking a pillow under her neck so as not to crush the braid he'd done.

She didn't really need any help dressing, but Seteta wasn't about to turn down the opportunity for some sneaky caresses and stolen kisses.

She wore a simple, but elegant, crop top made of white linen. A wide band of fabric wrapped around her ribs, and the neckline plunged to her sternum. It had long bishop sleeves that gathered just above the wrist, and the neckline and sleeves were embroidered in green leaves with pink and blue flowers. A matching circle skirt, though plain white without any embroidery, sat low on her hips and fell to just above her ankles. Her shoes were simple silk slippers in the same shade of green as the embroidered leaves.

“Get to know Brade over the next few days. He was originally a sailor from Volta, and I know how much you want to adventure once we’re married. You might start thinking of a honeymoon location you’d like…you’ve got a library of memories. The Volkers have been pretty much everywhere from Floiland to Xiuhatl to Aftzeller.” Chaceledon smiled

"I have heard of exactly none of those places except for Floiland," Seteta said as Chaceledon slipped the shoes onto her feet. "Perhaps you should just surprise me, although the Inizae wedding feast lasts for a month, during which time we'll be in a newlywed home that is built for us."

It wasn't a permanent home, just someplace for them to stay, privately, while still being able to entertain the wedding guests.

“Shall we?” he smiled. Rheinhard was waiting for them outside of the cave, rubbing his temples. “Are they already fighting?”

“They’re harassing the Librarian.” Volker muttered, squinting and rubbing his forehead.

Seteta smiled and slipped her hand into Chaceledon's as they stepped outside, then frowned at the sight of Rheinhard rubbing his head. "I told them not to," she sighed, and she was about to offer to go back in and stop them when Mesi's servant stepped up.

Her grip momentarily tightened around Chaceledon's hand, and she gave Rheinhard a reassuring smile. Then they were being led through the winding paths around a growing multitude of tents. About halfway there, she twisted around, looking through the camp, realizing Hassani wasn't with them. She didn't have a chance to ask about him before they arrived, and Seteta sighed with relief to see that Keket and Hassani were waiting just outside the entrance to the tent.

"Shoes come off before we go in the tent," Seteta told Chaceledon and Rheinhard. "It's rude to track sand in on the rugs. And we don't go in until muti steps out and invites us inside."

The servant ducked inside the tent when they arrived, and Seteta gave Keket a quick kiss on the cheek, then turned to Hassani.

"Quick," she whispered in Common. "Tell me your age."

"What?" Hassani replied, confused. "Why?"

"I need to know whether or not I'm the youngest," Seteta hissed back, hurriedly.

"106."

She laughed weakly. "Of course you would be almost sixty years older than me."

Keket snickered, and Seteta glared at her, sticking out her tongue for a moment before she stepped back to Chaceledon's side.

"There will be a ritual hand and foot washing before dinner is served," she spoke to him quietly, hurriedly. "The youngest person present washes the host's hands and feet first, then the rest of the guests by order of age from oldest to youngest. When finished, their hands and feet are either washed by the host, or by their closest relative in attendance. Among the Inizae, lovers are considered the closest family, even if they're not betrothed or married, so you will have to wash my hands and feet, unless muti deliberately decides to break that tradition."

Mesi stepped out of the tent then, and Seteta fell silent, her head bowing slightly in deference to her eldest family member.

Mesi wore a long blue dress with a lighter colored overskirt that cinched around her waist. A sheer veil was draped over the top of her head, and she looked over each person present before her eyes finally landed on Rheinhard.

Mesi stepped up to the human, and bowed her head.

"I committed a sin against you today," she said quietly, in stilted Common. "I did not recognize you as one of Abtatu's children, regardless of your family and your past. I beg your forgiveness."

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

Chaceledon and Rheinhard had no problem removing their shoes. Chaceledon was already mulling over honeymoon thoughts in his head. He knew what Rheinhard would choose, and Floiland would give him an opportunity to visit his sister. Then again the rainforests were warm enough to keep him comfortable. Choices. Rheinhard froze when Seteta began talking about foot washing.

No one is touching me. He said firmly.

Chaceledon kissed her cheek. “I know your feet are clean, koiros, I have no problem with it.” He chuckled. Rheinhard didnt look comfortable at all, and even less so when Mesi bowed to him.

“Do not apologize to me, woman. Your reaction was appropriate.” Rheinhard told her. Chaceledon stamped down the urge to cringe. “The fact that you were the only one to have that reaction speaks volumes of what my family has done to you.”

 

[Seteta]

It would only be me, Seteta reassured Rheinhard. You can watch as I do all the others, but I would be honored if you would allow me to do it for you.

Chaceledon kissed her cheek. “I know your feet are clean, koiros, I have no problem with it.”

"But would you be fine with it if my feet were filthy?" Seteta teased for a moment.

Mesi was still bent into a bow as Rheinhard responded.

“Do not apologize to me, woman. Your reaction was appropriate.” Rheinhard told her. “The fact that you were the only one to have that reaction speaks volumes of what my family has done to you.”

"Even if a reaction is appropriate does not mean it is right, or best," Mesi answered with a sad smile as she rose, meeting Rheinhard's gaze without flinching. "Fear is something Abtatu asks us to master, and this morning I failed."

Mesi returned to speaking Abtat then, and greeted everyone. "Welcome to my tent. May you find peace and sustenance here tonight." Then she gestured for them to enter.

"The servants will lead you to your seat," Seteta murmured as they slipped off their shoes and set them just inside the tent flap to keep any spiders or scorpions from making their homes in them. "Heads of family are seated at the head and foot of the table. Also," she directed specifically at Chaceledon, "if you don't at least attempt to eat a decent amount, it will be seen as a personal affront. I'll try to keep your plate from being filled to overflowing, though."

There were more customs than that, but for tonight it didn't matter.

The inside of the tent was luxurious, especially compared to the current accommodations that Chaceledon, Seteta, Rheinhard, and Hassani occupied. Red, woven rugs were layered across the floor, and a low wooden table was set up in the center of the tent. Metal lanterns with punched out patterns were suspended over the table, and four braziers with glowing coals were positioned at the corners of the area.

Six soft cushions were positioned around the table, one each at the head and foot, and two on each side.

Mesi was seated at the head of the table, and Chaceledon was led to the foot of it. Rheinhard was directed to sit at Chaceledon's right, and Hassani next to him. Keket was seated at Mesi's right, and the spot to Chaceledon's left was empty as Seteta remained standing. One of the servants brought a large basin, a pitcher of water, and two clean towels to her. Seteta took the towels, draping one over her forearm and the other over her shoulder, and then took the basin.

Then she went to Mesi and knelt, gently placing her feet over the basin. The servant handed her the pitcher of water, and Seteta poured a small amount over the elder Inizae's feet, then used the towel over her arm to pat them dry. Then she did the same with her muti's hands, but this time as the water poured over her skin and she patted her hands dry with the towel across her shoulder, Seteta quietly spoke an Inizae blessing.

"As this water cleanses your skin, so may Abtatu's strength wash away your weariness."

Then she moved to Chaceledon, and as she repeated the ritual, her eyes gleamed softly in the lamplight. Even if it was the same motions and the same words, there was something special about this moment, as she washed the hands and feet of the one she loved more than life itself.

Then she did the washing for Keket and Hassani, and finally knelt before Rheinhard and set the basin next to his feet.

I would be honored if you would allow me to do this for you, she told him through the bond, but if it is too uncomfortable, I understand. But if you'd rather, I can simply pour the water over your hands and feet and you can use the towels yourself.

When she finished with Rheinhard, Seteta would carry the basin around to the other side of the table and seat herself at the empty cushion to Chaceledon's left and carefully fold the towels up and set them on the table between them. The servant with the pitcher would follow her over, and offer it to Chaceledon.

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

“Fear is healthy. Fear is Carruth reminding you that no matter what deity you worship, Death is the god of all of us.” Rheinhard told Mesi. It was unhealthy for her not to fear. Not fearing him meant she became a target, at least in the minds of his fellows. Klaus’ ears were practically twitching in that lonely hallway. He took off his shoes just inside the tent, and took his seat next to his mother.

Seteta washed her mother’s feet, and Chaceledon stood still for his shapely feet to be washed. Rheinhard watched her wash Keket and Hassani with an increasing sense of anxiety. He let her pour the basin over his hands and feet, and dried his own hands and feet. He wasn’t comfortable.

Chaceledon took the pitcher. If nothing else, dragons were ceremonial. He folded himself before Seteta and blew gently into the pitcher, warming the water. He grasped one foot by the heel and swept the water in a smooth motion down her foot. He bent down and kissed the top of her foot, wrapping it in warmth. Steam rose from her skin, drying it. He performed the same on the other foot, his fingers sneaking up her calf as he replaced her foot, then took her hands. He washed each in turn, placing a kiss to a each palm, and set the pitcher down again.

Chaceledon settled next to her again with a smile. Hassani looked supremely uncomfortable next to Rheinhard, and kept looking nervously at him. He was scared of the blades inches from his thighs. He could still smell old blood on him.

 

[Seteta]

"Fear is healthy," Mesi agreed with Rheinhard quietly. "But one should not be ruled by it to the point where they lose control of their actions."


Seteta laughed quietly to herself as Chaceledon warmed the water and then dried her feet and hands with his breath and a kiss. Her muti raised a brow and shook her head with a sigh, and Seteta just shrugged. Keket pinched her shoulder teasingly, and Seteta responded with a gentle elbow to her friend's ribs.

Keket would barely feel it with her soft rolls of fat under her robes.

The basin and pitcher and towels were whisked away then steaming plates and tureens were carried out, as well as a couple platters of cut fruits. The chuma Rheinhard had provided was basted in oil and herbs and roasted, and that was set at his end of the table. Two tureens were set at the other end, one filled with spicy goat stew, and the other with fragrant rice. The fruits on the platters ranged from dates and figs to grapes and sliced oranges. A few precious apples had been sliced as well, and a small bowl of honey sat on each tray. Seteta couldn't help but throw a mischievous smile at Chaceledon.

The servants came back with dishes and cutlery--all carved from olive wood--placing a plate, shallow bowl, and a spoon and knife before each person. Then a final, small bowl filled with pomegranate arils was placed before each of them. Seteta gasped with delight, clapping her hands together.

"Oh muti, I haven't had pomegranate in nearly a year!"

Her grandmother smiled, then gestured to the table and addressed everyone. "Please, eat!"

Seteta grinned and reached for Chaceledon's plate, spooning up a moderate amount of rice, then a small scoop of the goat stew. "Do you want any chuma or fruits, sejehib?"

Keket was merrily helping herself to everything, in very generous portions, then she gestured for Hassani to hand her his plate so she could fill it up as well.

Mesi saw the way that Hassani shied away from Rheinhard, and she reached over and gently touched his arm to draw his attention. "We have not been introduced yet," she spoke gently. "I am Mesi. May I have your name?"

Keket's actions slowed, and she listened to see if Hassani would need her to translate.

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

Chaceledon watched in pained silence as she filled his plate. Ye gods how much food did she think a man needed? He shook his head and took his plate politely from Seteta with a kiss. “I am just fine my darling.” he smirked and ate very slowly. He would have to spread this out a bit. Rheinhard had a healthy appetite, though he avoided sweets and excess fat. He had eaten healthily all his life. He knew exactly how much he needed and took no more, no less.

Hassani startled when Mesi touched him, sucking in a sharp breath. He missed half of what she said, and looked at Keket helplessly to translate. “My name is Hassani. From Pedeo.” he answered, keeping it as simple as possible with the words he knew.

 

[Seteta]

"You've barely eaten today," Seteta murmured quietly to Chaceledon. "It's difficult to eat when it's hot out, so make sure to eat plenty in the evening."

Seteta reached for Rheinhard's plate then, filling it with whatever and however much he told her he wanted of various things, and then she finally filled her own. When she settled back on her cushion, a chunk of stewed goat fairly melting in her mouth, she moaned.


From Pedeo. A somber understanding settled into Mesi's eyes. She'd forgotten Seteta mentioned an Inizae from Pedeo in the chaos of the afternoon.

"Is Common better for you to understand?" Mesi asked Hassani, her words a little stilted as she switched languages. "I'm not as good as Seteta."

She took a bite of food while she waited for his reply, her eyes wandering back to watch Seteta for a moment.

"She is going to bring long-awaited and long-needed change to the Inizae," Mesi said in a hushed whisper to Keket. "Some will not like it, but we were never destined to hide in the desert forever."

"I am curious to see what her mut thinks of these new developments," Keket answered when she'd swallowed her mouthful of food.


The dinner continued mostly uneventfully. Mesi was a gracious hostess, and she did her best to draw Hassani out of his shell a bit, even with the slight language barrier between them. When she learned of his skill with the crystal bowls, she told him that Seteta's mother had some skill with them, as they were used but Abtatu's priests and priestesses for some of their rituals. It was possible he might be of some use to them.

Seteta did her best to make sure Rheinhard was included, even if he wasn't particularly conversational. Keket got Chaceledon to talk more about his jewelry making, which inevitably led to Seteta showing off her engagement ring.


When people's plates were mostly empty, and Seteta had finished her bowl of pomegranate and managed to bat her eyelashes and steal a couple altogether, Mesi waved a hand for the servants to clear off the table and bring out dessert: little sweet buns seasoned with cardamom, and crushed pistachios sprinkled on top. There was only one for each person, and when the conversation reached a natural lull, Mesi spoke to all of them.

"Thank you for filling my tent with laughter this evening," she said with a smile. "Do not let me keep you too long after you've finished."

Chaceledon

 

[Chaceledon]

Chaceledon picked at his food politely. It was difficult for mammals to eat when it was hot out. Heat stoked a dragon’s appetites. She forgot he was a reptile. He said nothing, and threw himself wholeheartedly into conversation rather than the food on the plate. He stirred things about, took small bites, and made sure he was a part of conversation.

Hassani was more than happy to sing Chaceledon’s praises. “He’s done a lot of jewelry work for us pets. I have one of his beads from back when I was considering becoming a pleasure pet. He’s a master of his craft. It’s never caused me any trouble.” He said between bites of goat.

Chaceledon tossed his hair over one shoulder and sat a little higher. “My mother Peridot is the greatest in our family, but I’ve given her a run for her money quite a few times.” he preened as Seteta showed off her ring. Rheinhard listened quietly, but focused on eating and making sure Chaceledon got regular lulls in the conversation so he was forced to take bites. He knew his mother’s tricks.

Rheinhard ate the sweet bun quietly. It was delicious…and one of the few times in his life he consented to eat sugar. Chaceledon snuck him a pained look. It looked so pretty but so full of sugar! He couldn’t eat all this! They made small talk over dessert, and Chaceledon picked a few times at it. Mainly the nuts on top.

When it came time for Chaceledon and Seteta to retire…loudly…Rheinhard took to the outskirts of camp. He liked the quiet and cool of the desert evening, and walked off his dessert. He glanced up as a hawk wheeled overhead. Odd, to have a hawk out so late in the evening.

_____________________

Several miles away, another meal was concluding. A tall man stood up from outside a plain canvas tent and held out his arm, whereupon a hawk swooped down and caught on his glove. The man, with grey hair and friendly golden eyes, petted the bird and took a tiny golden coin from a chain around its neck. “Seems like he’s settling in just fine. I’ll have to be careful setting Joujou out again; Rheinhard’s patrolling.” Aluicious Rosebury called inside the tent, cooing to the hawk and feeding it a smoked oyster from the tin they’d brought.

Oscar tutted. “You can’t resist spoiling it for yourself, like an anxious child at the top of the stairs on nameday.” He chuckled into a cup of coffee. They were finishing supper, a few hours past dinner, and headed straight into evening elevensies with coffee and cards. Even though the tent neatly blended into the rocky soil from outside, inside was draped with explosions of color. Bright rugs, bright cushions, bright bedding of a myriad of colors. Oscar was wearing a loud orange suit and turquoise cravat, sipping coffee and eating petit fours.

It was giving Persian a headache. He set his coffee cup down.

“How many?”

“Now who’s spoiling it?”

“Rosebury…”

“Oh fine, fine. Not that many yet. I’ll send Joujou out tomorrow evening. I hope you’re not planning anything violent. The Inizae Oscar brought back are a delight to me. I wouldn’t dream of collaring them. Sweet little lambs.” Rosebury shooed the hawk onto a stand and settled back onto his cushions. Persian gave him a look. He’d been hoping to find out how and where the Inizae gathered, and his idea of tracking Hassani had worked perfectly. Honestly, he’d expected Chaceledon to look Hassani over for spellwork…but he was older than the dragon and much more skilled at hiding things.

Rosebury refusing to sell him the few Inizae teenagers Oscar had brought back from their first meeting with Supti was irritating.

“Is that all you’re going to do with them? Fuck senselessly and keep them drenched in brandy at the Summer Court?”

Rosebury clicked his tongue. “They’ve been such fun! My guests adore them. For mortals theyre refreshingly open. Don’t give me that look! I’ve learned a lot about Inizae culture curling up with them in bed. Pillows are the best library a fae could ask for.”

Persian perked up. “Anything on breaking the infertility curse?”

Rosebury gave him a smile and took a sip of his coffee. That was as close as a refusal to answer Persian would get. He made a frustrated noise. “Here’s to hoping we can get a decent look when Seteta undoes hers.”

 

[Seteta]

Another full day lapsed before Seteta's parents arrived. Seteta spent most of it visiting with Mesi, though she made sure to set aside a few hours to spend with Rheinhard, both in the Well getting more lessons from Nestor--though his attitude was worse than she'd seen so far. He was definitely upset about her choices of Volkers to awaken--and getting to know Brade and Huron at least a little, though there wasn't much time for socializing yet.

It was early the morning after that, as Seteta was coming back from the bathing cave, when she felt a familiar surge of magic through the earth, and she let out a whoop, scurried back to the tent to drop off the toiletries and throw on an abaya and not even bothering with shoes, then gleefully sprinted into the middle of the camp and threw her arms around her parents, and a rapid conversation in Abtat was thrown around, greetings from long-unseen family, and a smattering of kisses.

Seteta clearly took after her mother in looks, and if she, her mut, and her muti were to stand side by side, it would almost be as if one was viewing the same woman at different stages of her life. Her skill with magic, though, came mostly from her father's side. While Mesi's line had considerable talents with earth magic, the sheer scope of Seteta's magic was not from them.

Her father was quite easy on the eyes, though. His features were a bit sharper than Seteta's, but he was well muscled and was also certainly where her easily encouraged taste for luxury came from. While his hair was cropped shorter than most Inizae, it lent a wildness to his demeanor. There were delicate gold chains draped around his ankles, jeweled cuffs at his wrists, polished crystals hanging from gold chains around his neck--though those were as much for a magic conduit as they were for looks--and gold earrings dangled from his earlobes.

Seteta was the only one in the family with a propensity for collecting a possibly absurd number of piercings, though.

"Muti is here," Seteta said when they all finally parted. "And there are many things I need to tell you, but first I need to introduce you to some people."

"You still have one more to greet," her mit said teasingly, tapping her nose with a finger then nodding over his shoulder.

Curious, Seteta peered around him, then a wide grin broke across her face again, and she slipped between her parents to throw her arms around one more person. "Mutit," she murmured softly, sighing as she momentarily tucked her head into her other grandmother's neck and breathing in her familiar scent. "It's been too many years."

"It has," the older Inizae answered, then lightly tugged at the dripping wet hair cascading down Seteta's back. "You should finish drying off soon. If you don't comb that out it'll be a tangled mess."

"I will," Seteta said, smiling as she pulled back to look at her mutit's face. There was one stark difference about her than all other Inizae. Instead of her eyes being some shade of brown, hers were bright green. Inizae didn't marry outside of the Abtati often, but all they could speculate was that in the family line had once married a human. Who or when had long been lost to time.

"Now, let me see that ring," Mutit said, pulling Seteta's hand up. "The stone on it practically sings. Did you bring them? The one who made it for you?"

Seteta blushed slightly and nodded, and then she looked around to see if Chaceledon or Rheinhard had followed her over. She caught sight of Keket and Hassani nearby, though they both lingered to the side out of the crowd.

"Come," she said, wrapping her hand around mutit's. "I'll introduce you all."

Chaceledon