Zea as a Lord for a day
@apothe-cary and @lycheecatee this is your fault.
It's a nothing burger of a story but had fun writing it lol. Just under 2k words. under the cut.
"Hey." Taash's voice came through with their usual greeting. Zea was in the dinning hall with Bellara and Davrin. "Wanna be a Lord for a day?"
Zea exchange confused glances with Bellara and Davrin
"Like a Lord of Fortune?" Bellara asked cautiously
"Yea. Figured we all could do something fun. Plus the Lords tend to do this for the little ones, mainly the orphans to help lift their spirits. Sometimes those kids grow up and becomes Lords too."
Bellara was practically buzzing out of her seat with excitement. Davrin less so.
"Ha, thanks Taash; but I'll pass. Though Rook, here would certainly love to." Davrin slapped her hard on the back with a sly grin on his face.
"Oh pleeeeese, Rook?" Bellara begged, wide eyed with hope. Zea was torn. She didn't want to disappoint her friend. However, the idea of wearing the Lords idea of armor and being exposed, was not a fun idea.
"Plus I know Emmrich would lose his mind if he saw you in our gear." Whatever fear Zea had about her exposed skin vanished as the vision of Emmrichs jaw hitting the floor took hold.
"Fine." Zea agreed with huff as she playfully rolled her eyes.
꧁˚.⋆𓆩༺✧༻𓆪˚.⋆꧂
"Well, at least I don't feel as naked as I did in that dress Neve shoved me in." Zea stated, adjusting the gold belt around her plush waist.
"You look hella good as a Lord, Rook. I wouldn't be surprised if Isabella tried to recruit, you in." Taash chuckled. "Come on, Hope you're ready to fight, drink and stories." Zea didn't say much, yet couldn't stop the giddy grin that quickly grew on her face.
Exiting the small room, the two enter into crowd of people most consisting of Lords. THough sprinkled throughout varies other folks from all elks of life.
"Hot damn, Rook." Came the familiar sultry voice of Isabella. "I see why the good professor cheeks go red when he stares at you." Zea was pretty sure her cheeks were just as red as The lords leader gaze fell on her. Eyeing her up and down way too slow.
"Shame really. All that warden armor hiding your true self."
"Grey? You're joining us?"
"Of course. When Taash told us, they convinced you to join us for a day, I had to be here. See the stoic warrior let loose and be a Lord. By the end of the day, we'll have you shouting For Gold and Glory." At that the crowd, in unison, shouted, For Gold and Glory.
The atmosphere reminded her of the nights around a campfire during her warden days. Yet, the Lord seem to be this jovial and excited all the time. For gold and Glory wasn't just a phrase; they were words they all lived by. For once, Zea didn't feel the burden of being a warden. Staring at the varies faces ready to start the day and not one sour face among them.
"ROOK!" Before she could turn to face whoever shouted her name with great enthusiasm, Bellara crashed into with a mighty hug. "Whoa, Rook. You look so good." Bellara was rocking her own Lords armor, more modest than the one Zea wore.
"Ok. No more compliments please. I have a half a mind to go back inside and change."
"You will do no such thing." Both Grey and Isabella blurted out at once.
꧁˚.⋆𓆩༺✧༻𓆪⋆.˚꧂
It would be severally understated how much fun Zea had with the Lords. Even when there seemed to be trouble, everyone was unbothered and knew when the moment called for serious response. The day was filled with matches at the hall of valor; both watching and participating in. Cave raiding, Grey always seemed to find some kind of trinket, even when there was no tressure to be found.
"A trinket is a trinket. If I think so, at least." Grey said as they exited one cave. Tossing up and down a small black orb that shone when caught in the sun.
There was even a surprise dragon fight on the beach. The highlight of the day. Grey moved swiftly with a shit eating grin as he rolled away from a lethal swipe of the dragons claws. Taash roared back at the dragon, briefly distracting it as Zea and Bellara attacked from the back.
Zea found her focus more on defense to compensate for her lack of proper armor. Without the heaviness of her usual warden gear, her swings were and overall movement were more fluid. Muscles felt free from the burden of over use. She was truly enjoying every moment. Thankfully after a time, the dragon flew off mid-fight. Much to Taash's relief as they didn't want to put her down for no reason.
As the sun lowered, the radiant colors of the evening sky taking hold, Zea was still buzzing with so much energy and needed somewhere to put it. Back at the hilt, the bar was filled with folks of all manner as a band played lively music.
In one corner, a few Lords told tales of glories treasure hunts and fierce battles. In another Bellara was trying to keep up in a drinking game and winning over the locals favors with ever pint she consumed. Though the area that finally caused the most satisfying grin to appear on her face, was a small fighting pit.
The spot was to a far wall, far from jugs of wines; but still close enough for folks to enjoy a show. As Zea neared the pit, she noticed Grey slamming some poor soul into the dirt. The boy tapped on Grey's shoulder in surrender as the cheers grew louder mixed with soft grunts of frustrations. Grey spotted her and greeted her with a wide smile.
"Rook. Just the woman I wanted to see. None of these guys know how to use these…" He stood tall fist balled up in front his face. "Come spar with me and give them a good show. Plus if you knock me to the ground, you win gold."
"For gold and glory is your thing, remember." Zea mentioned as she removed the loose gold on her armor, leaving her sleeveless top and shorts. "Besides. I think we're tied on wins." Grey threw his head back and cackled. Cracking his knuckles followed by a quick shake of his arms to loosen up.
"Yes, we are indeed tied." Grey got into his fighting stance, fist raised to his face. "I intend to fix that." Zea loosened her limbs with a few jumps and shakes and a quick cracking of her knuckles. She said nothing as she readied her stance, eyes locked to his hazels. Unmoving as the murmur of the crowd around them lulled into a hush that was quick interrupted by a rough harsh voice shouting FIGHT!
꧁˚.⋆𓆩༺✧༻𓆪⋆.˚꧂
The rest of the veilguard joined the party just as the sky lost its color. Emmrich found Zea in the pit, had he not known better, the state he found her in would have made his heart sank. Though his heart still ached to see her in a rough state. Bloody lip, caked in sand and dirt. Yet, she had the biggest smile on her face and her opponents matched her. Her hand was stretched out helping a fairly large man to his feet.
Wiping her lip, her violet-blues gleamed when they locked onto cool hazels giving her a small wave. As she made her way towards him, the crowd parted and as she came into full view, his eye widened, mouth agape.
Taking her in fully, the caked on sand mixed with sweet and some blood. Despite having the pleasure of seeing her naked, something stirred in him upon laying eyes on the familiar Lords attire. Even with pieces missing. Were he not a gentleman, the moment her boundless breast crashed into his chest, he would have shown her just how much he adored her in the outfit. She didn't help his failing will when her lips collided with his. The taste of iron, sweat and sand coated his tongue.
She kissed him deeply, fist curled into open collar. Finally, she pulled away for air.
"Sorry. Lost track of time. Let me get cleaned up and I'll join you soon." Emmrich wrapped his arms firmly around her damp waist.
"Only if you allow me to assist."
꧁˚.⋆𓆩༺✧༻𓆪⋆.˚꧂
An hour past before the couple reemerged from a backroom. Whispers and knowing glaces shot their way. Taking their seats at the table, Zea noticed Davrin collecting gold from another Lord.
"What was the bet?" Zea asked, slightly shaking her head as she already knew the answer.
"Oh nothing. Seeing how long it would take Emmrich to help." The table let out various laughters as Emmrich turned bright red from the base of his neck up to his ears.
Drinks flowed and stories told as the night continued on.
"Damn, Rook. Ya know? if you were a Lord-"
"You're never gonna stop trying to get me to join, are you?" Zea asked as she counted her newly won coin.
"Hell no. The wardens are a waste of your talents. No offense, Davrin." Davrin waved his hand dismissively from the far end of the table where Zea, Grey, Isabella, and Emmrich sat.
Bellara and Harding were passed out drunk in a pile with other folks on the ground, blissfully sleeping.
"Seriously, Rook. If you ever get tired of the piss and shit of warden life, the Lords will always have a spot open for you." Taash strolled up to the table with two more mugs in hand, giving one to Zea.
"For gold and glory." Taash started with their raised mug.
"FOR GOLD AND GLORY!" Echoed the remaining awake patrons. All eyes were now on Zea, Grey's eyes were wide with anticipation.
She sighed putting her head down as a small smile caressed her face. Lifting her head and rising her mug high.
"For gold and glory."
Gently tagging @kogarashi-art @woundedsoul12 @amoaliquis @shadowknight19kay @serialsforbellara @davrinsleftpectoral @mushrooms-x-moss @onelooseskull @mageswithcats @wolfmoonwildflowers @master-of-the-elements @teamtakagi @vishantikaffar @rooks-dagger @wickedadaar @sunny374940 @draconicdivinity
