Grimoires & Masters - Chapter 19.

When the bow separated from the strings, a peaceful silence followed before a ruckus erupted.

“Again!”

“Play something, please!” 

“Once more!” 

“Please, please, please!”

Aoun felt overwhelmed under the applause and requests of the audience. But he did not get nervous and soon smiled at everyone. 

“Let’s have a party then.” He smiled and nodded. “Who’s got meat & mead?”

“Yay!!!” 

Elena laughed when she saw people setting up tables with barrels of mead, and then bring out skinned rabbits and birds to BBQ. 

“Please allow us to dance to your music.”

Aoun was surprised to hear such a request from a couple. 

The two of them looked to be in their mid-teens, with butterfly half-masks on. Aoun sensed that they were Warriors, a rank above that of the Novice Masters. But from their outfits, they looked quite simplistic.

“Sure…” He smiled and nodded at them.

Music filled the atmosphere again, the luminous insects danced around everyone, and the couple that had asked for his permission started show-casing their talent,

This time, he played a festive tune, a tune that everyone could dance to. His idea was to allow the couple to have fun, but he was soon in awe of their moves.

People cheered for them, seeing how good the two were at dancing. Their movements were experienced and filled with pride for their art, rousing awe in the hearts of the audience.

Aoun marveled at how the two of them were competing with his tune, keeping up with it, and shrouding it with their Art of Dancing. It was a battle between the arts, and he smiled at the challenge.

The boy and the girl danced in a flow, and even if he changed the tune, making it a little chaotic, they improvised effortlessly. Even a Prince such as him had not seen that good of dancers at such a young age.

He helped them display their talent even better by not making things easier for them. He was not going all out, only making sure that everyone was having fun, and that the couple could dance to the fill of their heart. 

By now, everyone was dancing too, swaying their bodies, as they enjoyed the mead and meat. However, their focus was still on the battle of arts that they were witnessing here. 

The playful competition lasted until his song finished, nearly thirty minutes later.

The crowd cheered once more, ushering praises, and gushing over their talents. People praised him for his music, but the performance of the couple had shrouded him. And they deserved all the praises.

“That was fun!” Aoun got up from the bench and patted the shoulder of the boy that was a quiet shorter than him. 

“Thank you!” The little girl by his side replied courteously. 

“My name is Rumi, and this is my wife, Simca…”

“I am….”

“It’s you!” Red astonishingly cried out, interjecting what Aoun was about to say.

Everyone looked at him in surprise, but no one seemed to know who these two fellows were. 

“Red?” Black asked curiously. 

“I was searching for the best Musicians and Dancers in the Blossom City, and at a bar, an old man told me that no one in the city could dance better than Rumi and Simca,” Red explained to everyone. “But he also told me that these two kids seldom showed up in the city. No one knew where they spent their time.”

And soon as he finished his words, he appeared in front of the young couple and held the hands of Rumi. 

“Nice to meet you, Master Rumi, Madam Simca...” His eyes glimmered in awe. “You are the best dancers I have seen of your age.” 

“This…” The couple seemed embarrassed at his frankness and his simple, yet heartfelt praise. 

It was clear to everyone that they were both shy and did not enjoy audiences. And that made some curious why the couple would dance in front of everyone here if that was the case.  

“We couldn’t help ourselves when we heard you play the music.” Rumi smiled at Aoun. “We have never listened to someone to play Violin as good as you. And your tune was filled with boisterous happiness that made our hearts submit to its rhythm. We wanted to compete with it…” 

As if Red had suddenly remembered something, he turned to look at Aoun with a fervent gaze.

“Erebus!” He smiled brightly. “Teach me!” 

Aoun’s heart thumped hard against his chest as a different sort of fear engulfed him. He could suffer grievous wounds and not complain, but he did not want to go through the agony of listening to Red’s music.

“Music is not something you can simply learn,” It was Elena who slightly smiled at Red. “Most people do not have a talent for it.”

Red’s expressions were curtained in sadness at her words, and he dejectedly lowered his head. It was not the first time someone had said those words to him. 

“But I want to learn…”

“You love battling, right?” She understandingly smiled. 

“Mhm..”

“Then stop trying to play happy and pretty tunes. Why not try to play oppressive and domineering tunes that resonate with your heart?” She suggested. “And only you can discover your music. No one can teach you that.” 

“Oh…” 

Red seemed lost in some thoughts and kept nodding his head, And then a bright smile bloomed on his face.

“Thank you!” 

“No problem!” Elena giggled and stepped forward to lock her arm around Aoun. “I am Lunastasia, and this is my brother and husband, Erebus.” She introduced them to Rumi and Simca. 

“It’s been an honor to dance to your brother’s music, and it’s a pleasure to know you.” Rumi pleasantly nodded to her. 

“Someone pass mead to them!” Somebody in the crowd called out, and it wasn't long before Aoun, Rumi, and Simca were holding large mugs full of strong-smelling mead. Elena had courteously refused to drink it. She was not a fan of mead. 

“I think it is ready!” Silver reminded Aoun of something, and he walked over to check on the stag that was being roasted.

“Yes, it is ready.” He smiled and nodded at her. “Please join us!” He asked Rumi and Simca and glanced at everyone else.

The Stag was big enough to be served to everyone if they remained modest, and no one refused his invitation. The smell of the roasted meat was too appetizing, and even those that had their stomachs full, couldn’t help but want to taste it.

The last hour before dawn passed with everyone sitting and chatting happily. Some were telling stories about their adventures, and some sang and danced. Those that could play some musical instruments show-cased their talents, and some showed off their Elemental control.

“We will head for our tent now,” Rumi got up from his seat and courteously bowed to everyone. 

The Sky was nearly brightened up, and all the luminous insects had disappeared to rest inside the trees.

“Wait up!” Black smiled and stood up. “Please accept this gift from our group. It was a pleasure to witness your performance.” 

What Black presented to Rumi was a storage ring. 

“This…” Rumi seemed reluctant, but after a little more insistence from Black, he accepted it.  “Thank you!” He transferred whatever was inside the storage ring to his own and returned it.

“It’s our pleasure.” Silver smiled at them.

Their gesture resulted in some more people presenting some gifts to the couple, and Rumi and Simca gratefully accepted them.

Elena too presented a storage ring to the couple. And no one in the world could refuse a gift from her. Simca returned her the storage ring after accepting what was inside of it.

“What did you give them?” Aoun smiled and inquired as soon as she returned to sit by his side. 

“The Beast Core.” She planted a kiss on his cheek and fed him some more meat.

Aoun had realized why Black and started this. He had assessed the situation of the couple. Seeing that they were not wearing any expensive clothes despite having such a talent and being Masters of Bronze Grimoires, it was evident that they were going through some troubles. And that was why Elena had not hesitated from giving them a precious Beast Core.

“What were you thinking of when you played the first song.” She seductively whispered near his ear. 

“You…” He smiled and turned to catch her soft lips.

“Good!” She seemed pleased and got back to eating. 

Grey and Green were the next to take their leave. And they stumbled and laughed as they entered their tent.

“They don’t have a high tolerance for alcohol, and they have this habit of spiking their drinks with highly potent Gin.” Silver explained to them why the couple seemed a little too high.

“I will see you guys in the afternoon!” Blue politely bowed to them and grabbed Red’s collar before pulling him with her in their tent.

“And she’s the bold one?” Elena giggled and asked. 

“Mhm…” Silver nodded to her. “But not as bold as me.” She winked and chugged on the remaining mead in her jug. 

Aoun was calmly observing everything around him. He liked the atmosphere of this place. And seeing everyone be so carefree here, he became curious.

“This place is under someone’s authority?” 

“No,” Black shook his head. “It is the Wild North. No one can have any authority here.” He chuckled. “But if you are wondering why this Lover’s Nest is safe, it is because the Blossom City Lord holds it in high regard. People avoid making trouble here, and if someone does, they straight up become wanted in the Blossom City. And City Lord sends his best Guards to hunt them.”

“There are several Check Points close by, and there are also footholds of some Guilds that want to explore The Wild North. Therefore, it is not wise to make trouble here.” Silver informed him some more. But then she curiously looked at him.

“As you have guessed, we are not from the Kingdom of Dreams.” Aoun did not explain to her any more than that. And both of them did not ask any questions. 

A little chime of anklet entered his ears, and he turned to his left to find a beautiful girl approach him. Her intentions were clear in her eyes. 

“Mr. Erebus…” 

“He’s with me,” Elena warned her without even looking at her. 

Aoun did not know why the woman would even approach him in the first place. He could see the man she was with right behind her, a smile plastered on his lips.

The warning of Elena seemed to have not faltered her advances. She leaned in near him, revealing her bountiful cleavage, and a pleasant scent shrouded his senses. 

“What do you need?” He curiously asked her. 

His question made the girl frown, the enticement in her eyes flickered and intensified as her interest in him grew. 

“You have pretty eyes…” 

She was about to finish her words when Silver’s Sword was planted on her neck. 

“I know your kind doesn’t get refused often, but it is a No from him and her.” She warned the mysterious girl. “Go ahead and use your Charm on him,” There was a clear threat in her words.  

“Our apologies,” The mysterious man who looked to be in his mid-twenties smiled gently, and then he grabbed the hand of his girl before pulling her away from their group.

“What was this about?” Aoun asked Silver. 

“She’s a Nympherial, and he is an Amphimero.” She answered as she placed the sword back inside her ring.

He understood what it was about now, and the rousing anger in Elena’s heart made him sigh. 

“I love you…” He whispered near her ear and snuggled close to her.

“If she had used her Charm on you, I would have killed her,” Elena replied with a beautiful but dangerous smile. “And that Amphimero…” The threat in her voice sent chills down the spines of Black and Silver. 

“Well… no one can help it, right?” Aoun chuckled. “I am just that handsome.” 

Elena squinted her eyes at him and punched him hard on his ribs.

“Ouch…” 

“Narcissist…” She admonished him. 

Black and Silver laughed at their bickering and shook their heads. 

“By the way…” 

All three of them looked at Black, waiting for him to say what he had to say. But seeing that he was staring at the Nympherial that was entering her tent with her man, everyone frowned. 

“She did use her Charm on you.” He finished his words by looking at Aoun. “She had not gone all out, but she had it party activated when she approached you.” And then he curiously scrutinized him. “However, it didn’t work on you.”

“Are you sure?” Silver asked. 

“Yes,” Black nodded to her. 

“But she took the vow…” Elena doubtfully looked at the White Flag that was set not far away.  

“It’s a natural charm. It doesn’t harm anyone.” Black explained to her. “If he had been even a little interested in her, it would have only fueled his lust for her. That’s all. When she realized that it was not the case, she was about to fully activate her Charm. And that would have broken her vow.”

“Good thing I intervened at the right time.” Silver sighed and smiled at Aoun and Elena. “You know about Nympherials and Amphimeros?”

“Mhm…” Both of them nodded to her and sighed. 

An Amphimero and a Nympherial could only have children with each other.

Nympherials were women blessed or cursed by lust. They were licentious creatures, and no matter how many men they slept with, their Auras were never stained and remained pure as that of virgins.

Amphimeros were similar to Nympherials, but they seduced women. Unlike other men in the world, they and Incubi were the only races that did not leave stains on the women they would touch. And that was why in a high-end brothel, the price of an Amphimeros was the highest. Women who were not happy with their spouses would secretly come and sleep with them.

“It is rare for their races to have Masters…” Aoun was surprised. 

“True.” Black nodded. “I have never before met a Master in either of their races.” He then turned to look at him. “She holds a grudge against you.” 

“Though they are not wrathful creatures, Nympherials do tend to get obsessed with men who are resistant to their charm.” Silver nodded to her husband’s words. “And do you know what rank she is?” 

“Warrior?” Aoun curiously asked. 

“Knight.” Silver smiled at him. “And that Amphimero is a General.”

“Guess it is time for us to get out of here.” Aoun shook his head and smiled. He had unknowingly fallen into a pit. 

“If you are headed for Blossom City, you two can come with us.” Black got up from his seat and stored it inside his ring. “Just be ready at twelfth hour of the day.” He said as he picked up Silver and disappeared from there at an astonishing speed. 

“What do you think?” Aoun lightly smiled and asked. 

“Your call.” Elena shrugged and got up from the bench. “And you have already made a decision.” She smiled at him. 

“Come…” He got up and stored their things inside the ring before leading Elena to their tent. 

Under a shower kisses and caresses, Elena fell fast asleep in his arms. Aoun closed his eyes, recalling certain pieces of information he had learned over the years, and soon he fell asleep as well.

……………………………..

“What do you think of them?” Black asked as he lightly caressed the naked back of his lovely wife.

“They hold no ill intentions. That is all I can tell.” Silver frowned. “It is hard to read either of them. “They have smiles on their faces and a unique charm that attracts people toward them. It is as if they are both…” 

“Mhm…” Black nodded to her. “They are Royals.” He then chuckled. “And do you know how many Royals are there in the world with such lustrous blue eyes?”

“Zaryven.” Silver smiled brightly. 

“The famous Second Prince of White Winter, and the First Princess of White Winter.” His smile ceased, and he took a deep breath. “And they made me feel an instinctive fear.” 

“What do you mean?” Silver helped herself on her arms and looked deep in her husband’s eyes. 

Black did not answer her and kept looking right in her eyes. And soon a realization hit Silver.

Her mind recalled the same words he had once spoken to her when they had met a certain someone. It was over a year ago, but her mind could not forget the fear carved on her heart.

“That… how can it be?” She could not bring herself to accept the answer.

“That’s how it is, My Queen.” Black smiled lightly. “The House of Zaryven has four Empyreans…”

Silence lingered between them, and then Silver made up her mind and straddled her man.

“We must not make enemies out of them.” She placed her hands on either side of his head and leaned in to steal his lips. 

“We have no reason to…” Black grabbed her waist and guided her on his hard length. 

A warm, damp, and intoxicating tightness enveloped him. They both moaned at they united once more, and Silver boldly rocked her hips back and forth. Her movements grew aggressive, influenced by the waves of pleasure that were hitting her, and his patience waned. 

Black clawed her waist and replied to her movements with hard, deep thrusts, hitting the depths of her.

“Aaahh…” Silver bit her lower lip, keeping herself from moaning loudly. But when the peak hit her, she cried her lungs out. The ruthless man under her had not ceased his movements. 

Flipping over, pinning her under him, Black pumped her insides without mercy. He tried to hold on for as long as possible, but under her seductive cries, he finally lost himself and inseminated her depths. He dropped down on her and panted for breath.

“Again…” She seductively whispered near his ear, and a chill ran up his spine. But driven by his lust, he obliged. 

It was a good thing that no sounds could escape their tent. Otherwise, they would have disturbed the entire place with their beastly cries.