Chapter Thirty One. *

Of course we all headed outside. It was always a spectacle. So why not see it?

The night was young and some villagers were out enjoying the cool air.

Zephyr walked ahead with Ilianna in his arms and we went at the training area. It was nicely lit up by a few torches and the moons light.

Demelza and the girls brought some of the wine outside and I felt very comfortable just having fun. It was one the last true summer nights.

Alexander ran ahead and started a little introduction. " Alright everyone..we here to witness th.."

" Sit down fool.. no look at me. " - he stopped and examined his smiling red face. " Tchtch..you had one to many brother. We take you to river and throw you in later. Princess let's help your uncle."

" Hahaha.." - he leaned on the only sober man in our party.

He guided Alexander back, with Anna pushing him from behind to us smiling.

Hmm.. he looked responsible and absolutely delicious in the night light.

Much like this wine he only gets better with time.

He walked to me with slow steps..I know what's coming. I stood up to receive his kiss, but he only took the glass from me.

" You had one to many also..Lady Astoria. " - he leaned closer with a questioning look. " You wanna end up in river too? "

"Hmm hmm..." - I just kept giggling .

He rolled his eyes and kissed me biting my lower lips, it was my new favourite move of his and handing me back my glass.

I sat back down my head spinning and enjoyed some looks of respect from the woman around me. I giggled in my glass feeling very warm inside.

I looked at my Zephyr shining in the light drawing all eyes on him. He only looked at me. Winked than disappeared. At the same time, I felt the wind at my back and he blown air into my ear startlingly me and at same time burst out in laughter.

I dropped my cup and turned around, got picked up and pushed up in the air looking down at the man, I gave my everything.

" Surprised? "

" Not even close.." - I pulled him into me.

Our passionate kiss earned an applaud from the crowd. We got surrounded by in seconds.

" That was incredible Master. I can't wait to our training begin." - the young Emil was ready to build him a church from the looks of it.

He does understand he didn't show what his training be right?

He looks feminine, long legs like mine. Physical training gonna be a torture for him. Get ready to run..whatever your name is.

" Well..yes, totally..alright then." - Zephyr looked almost disturbed by those looks. " It's late and we have to get up early. Head on home."

The Emils came up and thanked us once again for tonight and for tomorrow. They left with granny and mother.

He walked and helped up Alex. " Alright you..let's go we take a dip.. all of us, Lucian c'mon.."

The two slowly went on ahead neither seemed exited about their little night swim. He grabbed me from behind and pushed him self up close.

" I'll hurry.." - he kissed my neck softly teasing me.

" If not, I'll start without you.."

I felt him through my dress and rustled around a little. I let my hand reach behind into his hair and grabbed it a little.

" Go..wash your idiot brothers and come right back."

" Yes ma'am."

We kissed and he looked drunk, even without a drop of alcohol.

Huuh..alright.

I walked back to Demelza and my sister a little shaky.

" Tch..you gonna need Demelza house tonight I assume, Sisi? " - Eleanor looked Zephyr and the boys and back to me. " You two don't even try to hide it."

" We don't need to hide it..and yes. Sorry Demelza."

She looked pouty..

" Fine.." - she got up and walked ahead." Me and Alex will go to your half build house and sleep there."

Ugh..I wanted to protest but..considering. I just give a superior nod. I rose above her petty taunts.

" Hmm you two enjoy the night air..Sleep well! "

Ironically we didn't sleep at all that night.

---

It was dawning and we walked hand in hand to our old home.

It was so strange..soon I'll have my own house. I can actually decorate it. My Zephyr has more coin that we can spend.

Considering theres mostly trading in this village for favours or bartering for something. There was nothing to spend it on.

" Three days is going to be awful long.. " - I leaned his arm and enjoyed his warmth. " I wish I could go with you."

I didn't wanna spend so much time apart.

I already felt lonely even his arms wrapped around me. If only..

" Than why don't you? "

I stopped and looked into his eyes. This better not be some teasing from him. I searched but he only looked at me seriously.

" You serious!?? " - I pulled him close by his shirt.

He reached up and carefully caressed my cheek trailing his hand to my chin. " I promised not to fight unless had too..Metill said Tori's sacrifice is in three days. Meaning we should more than half way home even with a slow pace. So come.." - his eyes for full of determination and hope.

He rested his forehead on mine and closed his eyes. " I'll feel better. Leaving my family for days is..too risky. My love I don't want to have any regrets..so come."

I smiled and kissed his lips with all my love.

Thank you Ehlite. I felt infinitely better now.

" Why didn't you tell me sooner? " - I pulled away and shook him a little.

" Lylly..it happened like..less than a day ago. Also..." - he rolled his eyes and then looked behind Alex and Demelza house we left. "..we were busy with other things most of the night. Something much more pleasurable.."

I listened and nodded along " Fair enough.." - then remembered. " Wait you plan to bring Ilianna too? "

He looked hesitant..but just for a second.

" Yes..hell, I wish we can take everyone but, I won't leave my daughter. You disagree?"

He scratched his head and waited for my answer.

" Yes idiot..she is our daughter. " - I pushed him a little. " But, I feel the same. It's our first family trip. Let's go wake her."

---

We went inside the house and told the news.

" Ohh c'mon. I want to go..I can't remember the last time I seen another village." - Demelza was pouting all adorable and crossed her arms.

Alex looked for silent conformation from Zephyr.

" Don't look at me brother.." - he smiled and pointed at his wife. " I will say this, she deserves something for putting up with you all these years."

" I'll say.." - I murmured just loud enough to be heard.

He looked happy and grabbed his wifes hands.

" Very well..but Arnold have to stay with Vistellia and Seline. " - he kissed his very very happy wife and looked towards the babysitters." If that's ok? "

Mother and granny just smiled amused. " Of course it is. " - she looked at me. " Go pack for the two and wake up Anna get her dressed. Go go go."

She was right we were leaving soon.

I jumped quickly and went to mothers room where Ilianna slept when..we were away.

I gently nudge her awake. Caressing her little cheek.

She twisted under a large blanket and opened her eyes slightly. " Morning sweetheart.. it's time to get up."

She looked outside first and to me with an expression of an annoyed five year old.

She pulled the blanket over her head and I've heard her sleepy voice." It's sooo early.."

I stood up and took a few steps towards the door before I let her know. " Fine than..I tell your father his little princess didn't wanna come with us for a trip..."

She jumped up like a squirrel and ran out the room right past me.

She was almost as excited as I was.

I went and packed some clothes of ours. Zephyr was already neatly packed by mother yesterday.

By the time, I came back out in a change of clothes and brought some for my girl too.

Demelza returned with a similar bag as mine. And hugging little Arnold. He was just two years old.

Shouldn't travel for this long or at all.

We sat and ate chatting and taking last second checks. Soon Norman knocked and came in.

" Zephyr.. we all ready."

He looked up and nodded shortly. " I see..goodbye everyone. We be back in a few days with our new members. " -he let the newly dressed Anna down from his lap and got up. " Say goodbye princess to granny and big granny."

Eleanor was already outside with Lucian.

Mother packed her up when she threw a fit. She'll ride with me Anna and Demelza in the wagon we bringing.

Much more comfortable than a horse.

We give a few quick hugs and kisses and went outside.

There were a full house just like Liz husband said.

Only the sons of Metill come back with us. Their sisters and father will scout land where they can all start a new life.

Zephyr and some of the man packed our things in the wagon. Ilianna walked closer and tugged on his shirt.

" Dad? I gonna ride with you. "

I walked closer to pick her up. " Sweetheart no..no.. your fath.."

" That's fine my love, let her. " - he hushed me up and looked at his brother by the side.

Ughh..he spoils her rotten and she's gonna be physical stronger than most man.

How she's gonna find some?

I sighed and walked towards the wagons.

" Fine..don't change your mind after 20 minute Anna." - I looked and couldn't see her.

She was long gone and were seated on a horse by her uncle and Lucian.

" You sure have them well trained.." - tipped my imaginary hat towards her father.

Zephyr walked up to me and pulled me close in..

I loved it when he is dominating like that.

He moved his hand from my waist and smacked my ass a little." Behave and we can..have some alone time tonight."

Hmm..where? In the forest or..well who cares.

" Yes my Lord Astoria.."

Funny how he didn't like it from others but made him very excited when I called him that. I kissed him and teased his little brother with my hand in secret..or so I thought.

" By Ehlite stop..there is like .. Lylly I can't believe who you become ! " - I heard a loud screeching and the unpleasant face accompanied it.

" Lucky you two be separated for a few hours.." - her partner in crime added her unwanted opinion.

" Unbelievable. "

I let my sister and Demelza barbs bounce off me.

And kissed my future husband one more time. I bit his lip so hard, I felt a metallic taste of his blood.

I teased him too much. He looked genuinely annoyed that he had to walk away from me.

" Alright idiots!! Stop staring and get on your horses. " - he give some man orders to who were absolutely innocent and also didn't even come with us. " We ride until Lime lake, where we make camp for the umm .." - he caught me biting my lips and almost lost his train of thought. "...for the tonight..Go! "

Those around us jumped like they been kicked.

I was walked up and inside the wagon with a happy little smile and with my expectation sky high.

Our first trip ever, finally begins.