"Come on, Babe, stop!" Armis called out loudly, chasing after Aurelia as she stormed through the hallway. Too bitter for confrontation and unwilling to listen to Armis's pleading, she quickly entered the female guest room, nearly slamming the door in his face before he managed to slip in.
She tried to get away by opening the garment closet where guest attire was hanging, hurling clothes at Armis in anger while yelling, "Get away from me, you creep! Stay away! I don't want to talk to you, you pervert!"
Armis dodged the first few flying garments and bore some on his face and chest as he tried to approach the almost-tearful Aurelia.
Before he could move any closer and pull her into his embrace, she pushed him away and entered the closet, slamming the door behind her as she began to cry. Armis waited a few moments before gently opening the door and stepping inside. He stood close, snuggling her with his body.
Feeling her warm, bated breath as Aurelia wept in silence, Armis's heart softened. He hesitantly placed his hand on her cheek, cupping her face. Raising her head to meet his gaze, he saw her tear-filled eyes and saddened expression. Speaking softly, he began, "Aurelia, I am s—"
"Why?! Why would you do that, Armis? Am I not enough for you?!" Aurelia's anger and sadness burst forth upon hearing her name from his mouth. She punched his chest, trying to push him away, shaking the whole closet. Her broken voice conveyed her pain, demanding an explanation.
"Aurelia!" Armis raised his voice, grabbing her wrist firmly to halt her strikes. Her tears continued to fall even more intensely as he watched in helplessness.
Gritting his teeth, uncertain of what to do, he quickly pulled Aurelia into his arms, holding her tightly. Armis's increased heartbeat was clear in her ears as he continued in a soft yet struggling voice, masking his emotions with a veneer of machismo. "Listen to me first. I apologize, please forgive me! I was a fool! I don't know what she told you, but I didn't have any gross intentions. I was just trying to get some information out of her, hoping she would help me."
"In what? To bed y—"
"To find my father," Armis interrupted, halting Aurelia's angry retort with the real reason for his behavior.
Her anger wavered as he continued. "You know, ever since that nightmarish moment, you've been the one who's always been there for me. You supported me, loved me, and asked for nothing in return. And…"
Armis gently extracted Aurelia from his tight embrace, cupping her face again. He looked directly into her eyes, trying to convey his sincerity. "That made me arrogant and selfish. I thought I had everything, that I didn't need any help to find him. I believed I could do whatever I wanted as long as it led me to him. But clearly, I was wrong. I took you for granted, used the wrong ways to get what I wanted, and broke your heart. I was too dense, too stubborn to see your pain. Forgive me, Aurelia. Forgive me, please. I... I'm not sure what's happening with me, but I'm trying. I'm trying the best I can..." His voice faltered, laden with regret.
Tears welled up in his eyes, his voice imbued with empathy and humility, qualities Aurelia had longed for, fearing they were lost. Armis seemed to have finally come to his senses, but only for her, for Aurelia and her love. Her tear-streaked face moistened again as she placed her hand over Armis's mouth, silencing his words. She looked straight into his eyes and spoke with a broken voice, revealing the pain she had hidden all day.
"Then... then why didn't you come to me?!" she asked. "You know, I've been asking around, talking to people, even spoke to Longiseus just to find any clue of your father's whereabouts. But all I discovered were dead ends, everything pointing towards... his…"
"I know... I know," Armis choked out through tears, sensing Aurelia's hesitation. His pain at watching Aurelia's sadness, coupled with his failure to find his father, intensified, and he wept with sealed lips. He voiced his failure and fear to Aurelia, pouring out his heart.
"I have failed," he confessed. "I have become hopeless, unable to see any other goal, any other future ahead after losing my only motivation to become a raider. Coming into this wretched place, pushing through so many struggles, even killing people... I have become purposeless. That is why, in trying to avoid this confrontation with these thoughts, I draped over this mask, this facade of arrogance, this veil of fearlessness, this smirk of confidence. I am trying to hide from the fact that I have no reason to live any longer, Aurelia. I have lost my Adrian, I don't know when I will see Layla, I saw Leo being eaten alive and for the man I have come so far for, I am starting to feel that what people have been telling me for my whole life is true; he is dead... my father... Hero Goliath is dead... Aur—"
THWACK!
Before Armis could utter Aurelia's name fully, the confined space of the closet echoed with the sound of a tight slap. Even in such a tight space, Aurelia managed to shoot her hand across Armis's face, snapping him back before he could drown further in his self-negative contemplation. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Aurelia gritted her teeth and began yelling at Armis, scolding him for his selfishness.
"What the hell is wrong with you, Armis?!" she exclaimed. "How can you be so selfish? Do you only care about yourself and your relatives? I understand that not being able to find your father is hurting you, but come on, dude! What about us? What about me? You don't have anything to live for? Shut the fuck up, Armis! I have wasted so much of my time, my love on you, only to hear you say that you are purposeless now? Listen here, Armis Goliath!"
Aurelia pulled Armis closer, grabbing his collar and yanking him towards her. She glared at him, threatening him in a tight and sharp voice.
"If you don't cease this bastardy attitude of yours, I am going to gouge out your heart and eat it!! Understood?!"
Armis's eyes widened in shock and apprehension, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement. Aurelia's fierce glare instilled both fear and desire in his eyes. Before he could react, Aurelia took a bold step forward, her eyes tightly shut as she pressed her lips forcefully against Armis's.
Feeling her grip tighten around his neck, Armis instinctively embraced her, his hands finding purchase on her waist, pulling her closer. What started as a simple kiss quickly intensified into something more passionate and heated.
Aurelia didn't hold back her frustration and anger; she poured it all into the kiss, her tongue pushing past Armis's lips, igniting a fire between them. The air around them crackled with electricity as their bodies pressed against each other, the heat rising with each passing moment.
In a daring move, Aurelia leaped, wrapping her legs around Armis's waist, causing him to stumble backward. With a loud crash, they broke through the door of the closet, tumbling onto the floor outside. Despite the chaos around them, their kiss remained unbroken, fueled by their raw emotions and desire.
Unfazed by the resounding fall, Aurelia and Armis remained entwined in their passionate embrace, their tongues dancing in a fervent tango of desire. The intensity of their kiss seemed to transcend time itself, each moment stretching into eternity as they lost themselves in each other.
Finally, Aurelia pulled away, her chest heaving with the effort of their shared passion. She straddled Armis, his body pinned beneath hers, both of them gasping for breath yet unwilling to break their gaze.
With a fierce determination shining in her eyes, Aurelia cupped Armis's face, her touch gentle yet firm. Their noses touched, their breaths mingling in the charged air between them as Aurelia spoke with unwavering conviction.
"Listen to me, you fool," she began, her voice a mixture of passion and resolve. "From now on, you will live for me. Every breath you take will be infused with my essence, every step you take will be alongside me. And doesn't matter what anyone says, we will not rest until we find your father, do you know why?!!"
The air hung heavy with the intensity of their passion, a palpable heat radiating between them. Aurelia's warm breath mingled with Armis's, creating an intoxicating blend of desire and longing. Her white tunic, loose and billowing, threatened to reveal more of her ample curves with each movement, the neckline dipping tantalizingly low.
As Aurelia straddled Armis, her exposed abdomen brushed against his chest, sending shivers down his spine. Her bosom, heaving with each breath, seemed poised to burst forth from the confines of her tunic, aching to be touched. The soft fabric of her tights hugged her curves tightly, accentuating every curve and contour of her body.
With each word spoken, Aurelia's leg twitched against Armis's, the subtle movement sending waves of sensation coursing through his body. Her long locks of hair cascaded around them like a curtain, shielding them from prying eyes and immersing them in their own private world of passion and desire.
Armis found himself mesmerized by Aurelia's chaotic beauty, his tongue tied in knots as he struggled to find the right words. But Aurelia, sensing his hesitation, leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered softly.
"Because I love you, you big dummy."
Aurelia's words ignited the suppressed passions between them like wildfire as Armis's lips met Aurelia's once more in a fervent kiss. His hands found their way to the nape of her neck, pulling her closer as their mouths moved in perfect sync. With each lick and nip at her lips, the heat between them intensified, threatening to consume them both in its fiery embrace.
Breaking away from their passionate embrace, Armis's eyes burned with desire as he gestured towards Aurelia, a silent invitation hanging between them.
Understanding his unspoken request, Aurelia nodded with a suggestive smile, her heart pounding with anticipation. With deliberate slowness, she began to peel away her top, revealing the swell of her heavy bosom beneath the fabric.
"C'MON, GUYS!!!!!! SERIOUSLY?!!!"
Lyco's thunderous voice shattered the heated atmosphere, Aurelia's cheeks flushed crimson with embarrassment. With lightning speed, she yanked her top down, concealing her exposed chest as she noticed Lyco at the gate, his eyes averted in discomfort.
"Seriously meatbags?!!! In the wide open?!!! It's not your damn bedroom!!! IT'S THE HOUSE OF MY IN-LAWS!!!! Have some decency!!! Not for yourselves, at least for me!!! Now get decent and come to the pond, THE PARTY IS STARTING!!!!" Lyco's anger was palpable as he chastised them, his words laced with frustration.
After Lyco's outburst, he stormed off, slamming the door shut behind him. Left in the wake of his fury, Aurelia and Armis exchanged wide-eyed glances at the closed gate. Then, as if on cue, they both erupted into laughter. Aurelia nestled into Armis's embrace, overcome with amusement at their own foolishness and Lyco's dramatic reaction. With closed eyes, they shared a moment of shared laughter, the tension of their conflict dissolving into the air, replaced by a renewed passion for each other's love.
As a drunken Arian pulled Longiseus toward the pond, with Alan trailing behind, he released Longiseus's arm and, spreading his own arms wide, addressed them with a sheepish smile. Arian's speech was punctuated with hiccups as he said, "Welcome to my brother's Nodum Allegare!"
Chuckling at Arian's amusing behavior, Alan took in the beautifully decorated area near the pond. Glimmering lanterns hung from the surrounding trees, casting a warm glow in the cascading darkness of the night. Comfortable-looking chairs were arranged around the pond at a distance from a large, fiery yet mesmerizing bonfire. Its flames danced high into the air, sending embers shooting toward the sky.
Near the chairs, two tables were set up. One was laden with exotic-looking snacks that filled the air with a mouthwatering aroma. The second table held two giant barrels with wooden cups on either side. Alan looked at the barrels in puzzlement but then watched as Arian filled a cup to the brim with a brown-hued liquid, giving Alan an idea of what it was.
"Hey!!! Alan, Commander!!! C'mon!!! This Malt is Fire!!!!!!" Arian yelled out in his drunken state before downing the malt in one breath, confirming Alan's suspicion even further.
"It is a Silverforth specialty, Favua Spicy Malt," Longiseus added, watching Arian's antics with amusement, further enhancing Alan's curiosity.
Alan took another full scan of the surroundings before commenting, "They've done some good preparations. Lyco must be thrilled."
As he looked around for Lyco, Alan spotted him coming toward the pond, his feet pounding on the ground. Behind him were Aurelia and Armis, hands entwined, Aurelia all over Armis, both laughing together.
Alan found the scene amusing yet puzzling, but before he could move forward to approach Lyco, his gaze became entranced by a vision of beauty.
In the faint glow of the slim moon, Relecta gleamed like an angel to Alan's eyes. Draped in a black tunic that clung to her curves, it hung down to her thighs with a cavity below her neck, revealing the contours of her ample bosom. Below, she wore a long, heel-touching skirt with a side slit that teased with glimpses of her right, plump leg. The rest of the fabric snugly accentuated her bust.
Strap sandals bound her calves, adding to her statuesque allure. Her hair was tied into a bun with two loose locks and small bangs framing her temples and the sides of her head. Alan's profound gaze deepened when he noticed Relecta's lips, shining crimson. Not sure what it was, but whatever it was made Alan's heart flutter.
As Relecta's wandering gaze turned from the front to the side, she noticed Alan. Her eyes widened in joy, and she sprinted towards him, jumping into his embrace and nearly stumbling him backward. Alan took a step back, bending his body to fully hold Relecta's embrace, feeling her warmth and the softness of her curves against him.
After a moment, Alan straightened up with Relecta still in his arms, his smile mirroring her affectionate emotions. He was about to compliment her, but then he remembered Longiseus's presence. Alan turned his gaze towards him, only to see Longiseus chuckling and moving away, saying, "Don't mind me, I have my own matters to attend to."
Alan followed Longiseus's trajectory with his eyes and saw Lady Roartad near the snack table, clearly seeking Longiseus's attention. Both Alan and Relecta chuckled, still in each other's embrace. They locked eyes, and a palpable steam of passion began to rise between them. Alan, his voice soft yet laced with a hint of seductiveness, traced Relecta's lips with his fingers and said, "Well, this is something new…"
"Do you like it? It feels even better," Relecta replied, her tone devoid of childish innocence and filled with passion that matched Alan's seductive manner.
Alan's smile turned suggestive as he gave in to the rising steam of passion. He leaned closer to Relecta's crimson lips, his voice a husky whisper, "Well, I guess we have to find out."
"SERIOUSLY, ALAN, YOU TOO?!!!"
Lyco's sudden scolding shattered the steamy passion between Relecta and Alan. Both pulled their heads away but still held on to each other. Alan looked in confusion at Lyco's disgusted expression, weirding him and Relecta out.
Alan, with furrowed brows, was about to ask for an explanation, but before he could, Lyco stormed off, yelling over his shoulder. His tone started as a request but finished with a scream of anger and frustration.
"Please, guys, leave some of my dignity for the wedding, I request you. YOU LUSTFUL MONGRELS!!!"
Alan and Relecta moved out of each other's embrace, watching Lyco walk away in puzzlement. They exchanged confused looks until Armis and Aurelia joined them from behind. Seeing Lyco's reaction, Armis chuckled.
"Heh! It happened to you two as well? Oh God, poor guy, he reacted the same way when he found us too."
Alan absorbed Armis's remark with a confused smile, still not sure what was going on. "Doing what?!"
Armis and Aurelia exchanged a brief, silent look before bringing sheepish and mischievous smiles to their faces. Alan asked again, "Doing what, guys? Seriously, doing what?!"
Alan's eyes then noticed their loosely pulled clothes and unkempt hair, realizing what had gotten them scolded by Lyco. He cringed in disgust while Relecta, still confused, watched Alan's reaction.
"C'mon, guys! Seriously, you two are disgusting," he said, shaking his head.
Unfazed by Alan's reaction, Armis and Aurelia's smirks turned into hearty laughter. Alan, giving up on them, brushed off their behavior and, holding Relecta's hand, exchanged a smile with her before turning towards Armis.
"Whatever, let's get some snacks. I'm starving."
"I call dibs on the MALT!!!!!! YEAH!!!!"
Before Alan could finish his proposal, Relecta yanked away from his grip and sprinted towards the Malt Bar. Alan chased after her, yelling in an attempt to stop her. "No!!! No!! Relecta, you can't handle your liquor!!! NO!!"
Amidst the banter, Aurelia and Armis shared humble smiles before following behind Alan and Relecta.
Grumbling under his breath about his shameless and inconsiderate friends, Lyco stomped his feet hard on the ground as he made his way towards the chairs.
However, his frustration dissipated the moment he laid eyes on Poduria standing with her sisters nearby. She was draped in a stunning white overall adorned with intricate golden-threaded patterns. The attire covered her beauty almost entirely, leaving no room for shameless boldness except for the deep neckline that stopped just inches above the curves of her heaving bosom. Her hair was elegantly tied up in a complex braid, winding around from the sides of her head to a thick ponytail that cascaded near her calves.
Witnessing her in such regal attire, Lyco felt a strange sense of relief and pride, grateful to see his fiancée embodying such dignity amidst the lustful traps that surrounded them.
Lyco dashed toward Poduria, calling out to her in his eager tone, "Poduria! My darling!"
Poduria turned with a mix of joy and surprise, her eyes widening as she took a step forward, opening her arms to embrace Lyco. But her expression quickly shifted to concern as she noticed Roba and Hoba approaching with mischievous grins, ready to block Lyco once again.
However, to their surprise, Lyco was prepared. With agility and determination, he lunged forward, dropping to his knees and sliding across the ground with his arms crossed and fists half-clenched. Manipulating the earth beneath him, he summoned two slabs of rock, swiftly splitting Roba and Hoba apart before they could intervene. With a triumphant grin, Lyco leaped forward and embraced Poduria, leaving her both amused and shocked. "Sorry, but I need this right now," he quipped with a playful glint in his eyes.
Embracing Poduria tightly, Lyco felt a surge of emotion, almost bringing tears to his eyes. Sensing his distress, Poduria gently lifted his head with her fingers, her concern evident in her eyes as she asked, "What's wrong, honey? What happened?"
Lyco, overcome with frustration and longing for Poduria's comfort, feigned dramatic crying as he explained, "I... I love you so much!"
"I love you too, Lyco, but what is going on?" Poduria inquired, her concern deepening as Lyco buried his face in her bosom, eliciting a blush from her cheeks.
"It's our shameless friends! Their lustful antics are tearing my dignity to shreds. Poduria, I'm afraid because of them, I'll just become a joke to your family," Lyco confessed, seeking solace in Poduria's embrace. However, Poduria gently nudged Lyco away, cupping his face with a tender smile as she looked into his eyes with love.
"Oh, my love, you are so sweet," Poduria remarked, her joy evident in her voice. Lyco, though initially confused, felt a sense of calm wash over him as Poduria continued, "You were being so considerate of my family that you forgot to have fun yourself. It was our day, dummy, and you left me all alone." Poduria's expression turned sad, prompting concern and fidgeting from Lyco. Yet, he found reassurance when Poduria planted a loving kiss on his temple.
As her sisters chuckled in amusement at their bold display of affection, Poduria's expression softened into humility. "Don't worry, my love," she reassured Lyco, "I've encouraged them to enjoy themselves. We wouldn't want our friends to remember our wedding with sourness, would we?"
Lyco attempted to respond, but Poduria silenced him with a gentle finger on his lips, accompanied by a suggestive wink. "And don't fret about my family," she added, her smile warm and comforting. "Everything is fine. They like you now, so relax and enjoy our wedding." With those reassuring words, Poduria stepped back, dispelling Lyco's frustration and restlessness.
Despite her words, Lyco's smile still carried a hint of worry as he began, "But still—"
"C'mon Loverboy!!!! If the wife says it's fine that IT IS FINEEE!!!"
Before Lyco could finish, a drunken voice interrupted him with a boisterous shout from behind. Lyco's expression tightened in frustration as he recognized the voice of Armis. Poduria, on the other hand, smiled amusedly as they turned to see Armis staggering towards them, with Aurelia clinging to his back and a large mug of malt in his hand. With a sheepish smirk and squinting eyes, Armis leaned in close to Lyco's face.
"How the hell are you already drunk?!" Lyco exclaimed, wrinkling his nose after catching a whiff of the malt in Armis's mug. He pushed Armis away in shock and concern.
"We are drunk!" Relecta interjected, leaping into the air beside Armis with a mug of malt in hand, nearly spilling it. Alan swiftly grabbed the mug, downing its contents in one gulp as he caught Relecta around the waist and steadied her.
"Alan, you too, man?!" Lyco exclaimed, his shock intensifying. Alan shook his head, blinking in denial. "Me? I'm not drunk, Lyco. I'm perfectly fine."
"Dude, I'm down here," Lyco's sarcastic and disappointed tone pierced through Alan facade, as he addressed Lyco but looked ahead of him, hinting at his subtle drunkenness.
"Relax, Lyco. It's just one of the fun effects of Favua Malt, it gets you drunk and addicted to it in just a couple of mugs," Poduria reassured Lyco from behind, but her words seemed to have little effect as Lyco still looked at his drunk friends with concern.
Noticing Lyco's worry, Poduria took his hand and guided him towards a pair of chairs near the bonfire, where people were already gathering. She invited him warmly, "Come, darling, let's sit by the fire."
Lyco rolled his eyes in slight disappointment but followed Poduria towards the bonfire, with Armis and Aurelia in tow. They teased Lyco in their drunken amusement, echoing Poduria's words, "Yeah, Lyco!!! Let's sit by the fire!!!" before joining the group. Bringing up the rear, Alan pulled Relecta along with him, as nearly everyone settled into their seats or gathered around the bonfire.
The air was a perfect blend of the cool breeze from the pond and the tender warmth of the fire, creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere. Some sat on the chairs, others on the ground, and a few stood with mugs of malt in their hands. They all had come together under the beautiful night sky to celebrate the evening before Poduria and Lyco would finally be joined as one.
"I... want... I want to propose a toast! For my brother..." Arian's drunken words sliced through the serene air, drawing everyone's attention to him. He stood up, swaying slightly from the influence of the malt, but determined, he held his mug high. His eyes, heavy with intoxication, locked onto Lyco, who looked back with concern, trying to dissuade him.
"There's no need, Arian, it's fin—"
"Nope! Shut your trap. Let me talk. You never let me talk! No one lets us talk! Our family, a bunch of obnoxious, selfish know-it-alls! I hate them!" Arian interrupted, his words dripping with his personal grievances about their family. His hands gestured wildly, almost losing his balance as he continued in his drunken tone.
"I really hate them. I hate you! I hate you, little brother! You used to be so tiny, always following me around when no one else would listen to you. But I hate how you grew up and distanced yourself from me. I never understood why, but I brushed it off, just like we do in Preparenas, you know, Lyco."
Arian smirked at Lyco, his drooping eyes glistening with a betrayed emotion that filled the air with a strange sadness. He continued, "But you know what I hate most about you? It's how, the last time we saw each other at your birthday last fall, when I was supposed to go on a raid with the commander, we fought! Lyco, you fought me! And when we met again here, I hated that I didn't see my little brother—the one who used to be meek and ran to me whenever he got scolded. No! It was someone else, someone mature, humble, loving, and powerful! I hate you, Lyco! I hate that I'm jealous you found such a beautiful maiden before me! I hate you so much that I'm going to make sure this wedding is the best there ever will be!"
Arian's confused and heartfelt words hung in the air as he collapsed back into his chair, pointing at Lyco and gulping down his malt in one go. Lyco, unsure how to feel about his brother's outburst, exchanged a perplexed look with Poduria. Just then, Longiseus, who was sitting beside him, tapped Lyco on the shoulder to get his attention.
Leaning in, Longiseus covered his mouth with his hand and whispered in Lyco's ear, "Don't mind him, he's just drunk. Replace all the hate words with love, and I assure you, that's how he really feels."
Lyco responded with a humble smile to Longiseus's words, nodding as he replied, "I know, I'm just worried about how he'll react when I tease him with all this in the morning."
Lyco's smile turned into a smirk, surprising Longiseus, who backed away with a surprised smile. As Lyco began to turn, he noticed Longiseus and Lady Roartad's display of affection, holding hands discreetly behind the chair. Leaning over, Lyco whispered into Poduria's ear, drawing her attention to the sight as well.
"I think the Malt is having its effect on Master Longiseus too," Lyco whispered, smirking together with Poduria.
"C'mon twerp! Your brother gave such a good toast, you should do one too," Aurelia's drunk call to Lyco rang out around the fire, gathering everyone's attention and turning it towards him.
Feeling anxious at the sudden proposal, Lyco's nerves began to show. He tried to brush Aurelia off, but her drunken enthusiasm spread through the group, and soon everyone was chanting Lyco's name in unison, making him even more nervous.
Lyco tried to avert his gaze, fidgeting, but when Poduria held his hand and turned his eyes towards her, she smiled and nodded, instilling courage in him. Lyco nodded back before standing up from his chair. Raising his hands to silence the group, he began with a tinge of nervousness in his voice.
"Yeah... yeah, I get it. First of all, I want to clear up a misunderstanding: Arian is a great brother. Whatever he said, he meant the opposite for most of it. I love you too, brother. And he's right, very right about how much I've changed. Tell the past Lyco, who had just cleared his Physical Trials with an unexpected win, that he'd be standing here today, and he would insult you with such sarcasm that it would take you moments to process what was said. Believe me, it's true. Just ask my friends. They will tell you that the Lyco they first met would be down for all their shenanigans, even coming up with ideas for most of them—not like this Lyco, who has become a hardass."
Lyco paused for a moment, allowing his self-criticism to sink in. The group responded with smiles and laughter. Turning towards Poduria, he held her hand, his gaze soft and loving.
"But I think change isn't bad. Some changes are so unexpected and wonderful that you can thank them your whole life and it still wouldn't be enough." He raised Poduria's hand, his eyes sparkling with love and excitement. "And this here, this is my sweetest and most unexpected encounter—my love, my Poduria. I will never stop thanking her. I love you, hon."
Poduria blushed, then quickly planted a kiss on Lyco's cheek, transferring her blush to him. As they sat back down, the air filled with claps and cheers, celebrating Lyco's heartfelt words and their sweet affection.
"Lovely toast, Lyco!" Alan's comment cut through the applause, drawing all attention to him. He removed his arms from around Relecta, who was sitting on the ground before his chair, smiling in drunken amusement. After a couple more claps, Alan, with a teasing tone and a smile full of amusement, redirected the attention towards Longiseus, who was clearly enjoying the moment.
"But say, wouldn't you like to hear some words of wisdom from the man clearly basking in marital bliss?"
Longiseus's eyes widened at the sudden call-out, but he maintained his humble smile. Matching Alan's teasing tone, he replied, "Well... I'd love to, but you know what? Let's hear from you first, one of the groom's best friends. Sharing some words for your friend's happiness seems quite appropriate, don't you think?"
Longiseus finished his words with a smirk, clearly enjoying how he had turned Alan's tease back on him. Alan bit his lip in sudden anxiety as he noticed Lyco's expectant gaze. But his drunken confidence bolstered him, and Alan accepted Longiseus's proposal. Gently nudging Relecta, he stood up from his chair and began with a confident tone.
"If you say so, Commander…" Alan slung a tease at Longiseus before starting, trying to adopt the demeanor of a Crimson Army member. "Well, what can I say? I really commend Lyco for using such a good example because he's right. When he first came to us after meeting Poduria, the change we witnessed was unexpected. He used to tease us about love, making fun of our antics. But it's shocking how a single meeting with a special person can change someone."
Alan's eyes softened as he looked down, placing his hand gently on Relecta's head, patting it and making her look up at him. "And I should know, because I've fallen prey to the same magic…"
Even in her drunkenness, the love glimmering in Relecta's eyes only grew as she locked eyes with Alan. They exchanged a smile, and she reached for his hand, which he lovingly and gladly held. Alan continued, "Meeting someone special can make you feel emotions you never knew existed, feelings that can change your whole perspective and, with it, your entire life. I feel lucky to have met such a person because they make me feel special in ways I can't even begin to describe."
Turning his gaze towards Lyco and Poduria, Alan offered a humble smile. He picked up his mug from the ground and raised it in a toast. "So, Lyco and Poduria, make sure to hold on to each other tightly. But remember, don't change too much. We all love you just as you are."
As Alan finished his toast, he was about to sit down when suddenly, in a drunken display of affection, Relecta jumped onto him, causing them both to tumble back onto the chair. She planted a big, juicy smooch on him, surprising not only him but also all the spectators, including Lyco, whose humble smile turned into a mix of embarrassment and disappointment.
Amidst the laughter at Alan and Relecta's antics, Longiseus, honoring the deal, began to rise for his toast. However, he halted when Armis stood up, gently placing Aurelia on the chair from his lap. In his heavy drunkenness, Armis raised his mug high and, with a loud voice and slurred words, gathered everyone's attention.
"LYCO!!! You're a funny little guy!! And one of my first best friends. The first, of course, is my…" Armis paused, filling Lyco with even more embarrassment and shame, before leaning towards Aurelia for a kiss. After a moment of affection, he stood back up, continuing with amusement, "She's my lover, the best lover anyone could ever ask for. She's strict, beautiful, and wild in bed!!! And I hope, Lyco, one day Poduria could say the same about you!!!"
Amidst the embarrassed giggles of the group, Armis, with his droopy eyes and stumbling steps, approached Lyco, stopping just inches from his face. Lyco wrinkled his nose at the heavy whiff coming from Armis's mouth as he attempted to whisper, albeit loudly, "And if you need tips, I can tell you all about the nether of women, every single thing, even the U…part."
Lyco gently pushed Armis away, causing him to stumble and fall to the ground with a thud. Poduria's face lit up with a blush as she met Lyco's embarrassed gaze. Before anything else could happen, everyone's attention was drawn towards the pond by the loud banging of drums.
All heads turned, including Armis's and Alan's as they rose to their feet, the pulsing rhythm of the drums filling the air with a soothing melody. Suddenly rousing from his drunk slumber, Arian climbed onto his chair and bellowed towards the pond, "OH, YOU ARE FINALLY HERE!!! Lyco and Poduria, let me present you a gift from me and none other than the most luscious dancer in all of Pompeii, Artereia!!!!!!!!"
With a dramatic flourish, Arian stumbled and fell back onto the ground, diving back into his drunken slumber as he muttered, "Please enjoy, she has prepared for it the whole day."
After Arian's announcement, a hushed anticipation fell over the group, their eyes fixed on the tranquil surface of the pond. Then, as if on cue, a single droplet descended, breaking the silence with a soft plop.
---Plop---
In an instant, the serene surface erupted into undulating ripples that grew in both size and intensity, accompanied by the rhythmic pounding of drums in the background.
---Boom Boom---
With each beat, the water seemed to dance and sway, parting to reveal a breathtaking sight: Artereia, a vision crafted from liquid itself, emerged from the depths clad in a veil of shimmering water.
---Bhoom---Bhooommm!!!!
The thunderous drumbeats underscored her ethereal presence, amplifying the awe that swept through the gathered crowd.
As the drums pulsed with renewed vigor, two resounding beats filled the air, commanding the attention of every onlooker. With the reverberation of the drumbeats, the veil of water surrounding Artereia exploded into a cascade of shimmering droplets, unveiling her exquisite form.
Cloaked in a scarlet cloth that hugged her ample curves with tantalizing precision, Artereia's bosom swayed with each graceful movement, the outline of her nipples boldly pronounced beneath the snug fabric. Below, a skirt of the same crimson hue draped teasingly over her thighs, its length barely concealing her voluptuous figure save for the short tights that preserved her modesty.
Around her waist, a delicate thread adorned with tiny bells accentuated her every step, emitting a melodic chime with each subtle sway of her hips. With bare feet planted firmly on the glistening surface of the water, Artereia struck a mesmerizing pose, embodying an otherworldly allure that captivated all who beheld her.
The resounding beats of the drums echoed through the air, filling the atmosphere with an electrifying rhythm that pulsed through every heart present.
—-bhoom—bhoom—bhoom—bhoooommm!!!—
With her hair swept back in a sleek ponytail, Artereia's emerald eyes gleamed as she gazed out at her audience, igniting a fierce desire in the hearts of men and stirring envy in the souls of women. As the intoxicating melody of the drums enveloped her, she moved in perfect synchrony with each pulsating beat, her body becoming a canvas upon which the music painted its vivid hues.
She leapt gracefully into the air, twirling and spinning with effortless elegance, while delicate formations of water swirled and danced around her, adding an ethereal quality to her mesmerizing performance. Every movement, every bounce of her voluptuous curves was a testament to her skill and artistry, captivating the gaze of all who beheld her with an irresistible allure.
The convergence of music, movement, and beauty created a spectacle that held the entire audience spellbound, their eyes locked in unwavering fascination upon the radiant figure of Artereia as she danced with unrivaled grace and allure.
Artereia, her skin glistening with sweat from the exertion of her dance, was lost in the euphoria of her performance. Each graceful movement, each fluid step, was a testament to her skill and passion, drawing the gaze of all who beheld her.
But amidst the swirl of emotions and movements, her eyes caught sight of Armis and Aurelia, lost in a world of their own, their lips locked in a passionate kiss. A pang of envy coursed through Artereia, momentarily overshadowing her joy.
With a swift and agile leap, Artereia descended from her perch atop the pond, executing a series of breathtaking movements through the air before landing gracefully beside Armis and Aurelia. The sudden shift in attention drew startled gazes from the onlookers, but Artereia paid them no mind as she focused her efforts on Armis.
With deliberate and tantalizing movements, Artereia pressed herself against Armis, her ample bosom grazing his hand and body with a seductive allure. Aurelia watched on, her expression a mix of confusion and surprise, as Artereia ensnared Armis's attention with each sensuous sway and motion.
Artereia's embrace tightened around Armis, ensuring that his hands roamed over every curve of her body, her movements synchronized with the pulsating beat of the drums. In that moment, she was determined to make Armis's touch and attention her own, indulging in the intoxicating dance of desire and temptation.
As Artereia's mesmerizing dance continued, she used her control over the water to lift Armis into the air, guiding him with graceful movements until he hovered above the surface of the pond. With a mischievous smirk directed at Aurelia, Artereia's body continued to sway and undulate around Armis, her movements dripping with seductive allure.
Aurelia's eyes blazed with drunken fury, her frustration boiling over as she let out a loud scream. In a swift and decisive motion, she wielded her whip, ensnaring Artereia and Armis's feet with a swift crack that echoed through the air. The sudden twist in events elicited a collective gasp from the onlookers, their eyes widening in shock.
With a powerful yank, Aurelia dragged Artereia and Armis downward, their bodies plunging into the depths of the pond with a tremendous splash that sent water cascading in all directions, drenching those nearby. As the chaos ensued, Aurelia stood at the edge of the pond, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips.
Amidst the swirling waters, Armis and Artereia resurfaced, their faces contorted with anger and indignation. Artereia's voice rang out in a broken, swirling tone as she directed her glare at Aurelia, her words dripping with venomous rage.
"THE HELL YOU BITCH!" Artereia's words echoed across the water, laced with anger and indignation.
Aurelia responded with a smirk, her tone defiant and intoxicated. "That's what you get for putting your paws on my man, you filthy bitch!" she retorted, her words dripping with venom.
As tension hung thick in the air, Arian charged forward with the fury of a drunken bull, his eyes squeezed shut in a comical attempt to exact revenge on Aurelia. "How dare you!" he bellowed, his words drowned out by his stumbling charge. But Aurelia, ever the step ahead, sidestepped his clumsy assault with a nimble dodge, sending him tumbling into the pond with an undignified splash. Meanwhile, Artereia, with a mischievous smirk, slipped back into the depths, her prank successfully executed.
As Arian resurfaced, sputtering and drenched, Artereia offered him a hand, her eyes flashing with amusement as she guided him to the edge. But before she could unleash a torrent of insults, a new figure emerged from the crowd, cutting through the stunned silence like a knife.
Longiseus, his expression dark with fury, marched forward with determined steps, fixing Aurelia with a glare that could freeze a raging inferno. And Aurelia, undaunted by his menacing presence, met his gaze head-on, a defiant glint in her eyes.
As Longiseus unleashed his scolding, the group braced for the impending reprimand, but their fear quickly dissolved into uproarious laughter when, with a mischievous grin, Longiseus playfully pushed Aurelia into the pond. His stern expression melted into a smirk as he quipped, "No skipping turns, young lady."
Amidst the laughter and playful atmosphere, Lady Roartad approached Longiseus with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"No, no, Commander, you should not be touching other women when you know it pains me," she teased, her voice laced with mock concern.
With a sudden burst of energy, she playfully pushed Longiseus into the pond, her laughter mingling with the others as he splashed into the water.
*Splash!*
"Then you should go as well!!!!"— Relecta suddenly came running at Lady Roartad in her drunken amusement hoping to push her in the pond as well, but Lady Roartad in her amusing smile, side stepped and not putting any effort, made Relecta fall in the pond in her own excitement.
Amusement and laughter filled the air, as the banter continued, when Alan taking Lady Roartad by surprise pushed her in the pond directly in Longiseus's embrace, he smirked and remarked with a playful glare-
"Nobody touches my Relecta."
"Everyone please quiet!!!!"
The laughter and amusement came to a sudden halt as Lyco and Poduria, their expressions filled with anger, moved through the group, making their way toward Alan. They voiced their disapproval of the ongoing behavior.
"How childish are you going to be?!!! Disrespecting Master Longiseus?!! C'mon Alan!!"
Alan's smirk dissolved into a stern frown as he lowered his gaze, clearly feeling guilty under Lyco's scolding.
The air was tense with anticipation and seriousness as all eyes remained fixed on Lyco, waiting for his further words of disapproval. Lyco walked toward Alan, then turned his gaze toward the pond, where their drunk friends were swimming silently, their expressions serious and tinged with guilt.
"He said, no cutting turns!!" Lyco exclaimed, excitement lacing his voice as he directed his gaze at Alan. Without warning, the ground beneath Alan's unsuspecting feet rose up, propelling him toward the pond. Lyco and Poduria couldn't contain their laughter, exchanging amused smirks as they watched Alan's shocked expression.
But Alan, quick on his feet, smirked back and swiftly twisted his body, seizing both Lyco and Poduria's feet. In a sudden turn of events, he pulled them into the water with him, creating a massive splash that momentarily silenced the air.
As laughter erupted from every corner, Poduria's sister and brother joined in, their voices mingling with the others as they laughed at the drenched group swimming in the pond. Even Roba and Hoba couldn't resist the fun, jumping in and adding to the giant splash that echoed through the air.
And so, amidst laughter and smiles, the Nodum Allegare Ceremony came to its end, the darkening night serving as the perfect backdrop to the joyous occasion.