A Task For Friends

You eventually make your way off the Plateau and through the Training grounds, with Ashe, Lexie and Zoe by your side. It was surprisingly difficult to make it back into the mountain as it was walking to the plateau because everybody on your way out would try to talk with you, get you to interact with them or ask you to join them for a drink.

Unfortunately for you, tonight you weren't in the mood to do anything too hectic. You were going to stay a little more low key tonight and just take a the night to relax and recover. You've had quite the interesting journey as of late with Lexie and her pregnancy issues down to Rathkin, to Loner's Reach, to Nillix and back again so taking another night off and enjoying some quiet time would be enjoyable.

"So, game plan for the night?" Ashe asks from your left, walking with you stride in stride.

"Thinking I'm going to relax in my chambers, take it easy tonight, get to bed early I'm guessing." you half shrug at her and give a smile.

"I'm always up for relaxing." Lexie replies as she's next to Ashe, "This baby makes me so damn tired all the time so getting off my feet and doing nothing sounds so freaking enjoyable." she laughs, causing Ashe to chuckle back at her friend.

"Zoe?" you turn your head over your shoulder, looking at her.

"Umm, I'm, well I think, I'm going to go enjoy the night!" she tells you, "I've got lots and lots and lots of energy! I-I mean..." she grins, "I'm awake, slept a lot the other day, you know! I'm gonna train or run or play or something!" she tells the three of you.

"Okay, sure." you grant her a questioning look but don't care to press the issue any farther at the time, "Enjoy your night Zoe, see you tomorrow for training?" you ask.

"Yup! Never miss it!" she grins, "Well, besides today! I umm, today I missed it! But that doesn't count! It just doesn't!"

"See you tomorrow Zoe." you wave at her and both Ashe and Lexie give her a hug as the three of you see her off. Watching the black haired commander almost playfully skip off into the distance, making her way towards the stairs which lead up and out of the mountain.

As the three of you walk, you come to the little intersection which leads to your chambers, "You girls go ahead, I have one thing I need to take care of." you inform them which Lexie raises an eyebrow, "Nothing bad, just a simple task I need to tell someone." you step forward, giving Lexie a kiss on the cheek, "I'll be in my room soon! I'm sure Ashe will keep you company." you step away with a wink before turning to Ashe, "Save some energy for me." you tease.

"No promises." she slugs your arm, "See you soon!" she turns towards Lexie and wraps her arms around your fiance, pulling her down the hallway towards your chambers.

As you stand there watching the two of them leave you take a minute, smiling at two of your most favorite women in the world and as they drift off away into the darkness of the mountain, you finally turn to the side and march back towards the Training Grounds.

Like before, it took you awhile as other warriors and Sunrider's kept bothering you, stopping you and talking to you. It wasn't bad though as you enjoyed the popularity but you just wanted to find the people you had to find, ask them a question and get back to your chambers.

Eventually, you get to the Training Grounds and shortly after find the people you want to talk with, "Sylvius! Felix!" you shout out, garnering their attention, "Come here brothers!" you hold your arms out wide, allowing the two of them to lunge forward, giving you a hefty hug. "Ughhh..." you groan out from the force they squeeze you with.

"Darien! Great fucking speech!" Sylvius replies, "I'm fighting for you, brother!" his hand goes to your shoulder, giving you a firm grasp and smiling.

"As am I!" Felix grins back, placing his hand on your opposite shoulder, "I'll do anything for you, Darien! You name it, I'm there!" the way he smiles says he really means anything.

"I have a favor to ask you two..." you begin, "I know you only have three nights left before we leave but I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."

"Anything!" Felix states again, "Whatever you want.

"Yeah, Darien, ask away!" Sylvius replies as well.

"So, it's about..." you pause, going hesitant for a moment before you eventually speak, "It's about Zoe, my high commander."

"What about her?" they both reply in unison.

"Will you two find her tonight, keep an eye on her, watch what she does and then report back to me tomorrow?" you ask.

"Uhh..." Sylvius turns to Felix, giving him a look, "Why do you want us to do that?"

"She's been..." once more, you don't want to give out too much details, "Let's just say she's been not acting herself lately and I want to know if she's doing something she normally wouldn't do. Like, I don't know, hanging out with weird people, or acting out or doing some type of drug..." you trail that last one off. "Just, find her tonight, watch her from afar if you can, you don't have to intervene but fill me in on the details?" you ask.

"Sure thing, Darien!" Sylvius pats your shoulder, "You're not going to...have us shackle her over The Pit though...right?" he asks, unsure if he wants to hear the answer, "I mean, I like that little ball of energy."

"No no no!" you immediately reply, "Nothing like that. I just, well, worry about her and she hasn't been herself the past few days, acting different. I think I know what's going on but if you guys confirm it tonight...that'll prove it."

"Consider it done!" Felix replies, "Let's get outta here, Sylvius! Darien gave us a command!"

"Heck yeah!" Sylvius pulls his body into your own, giving you a half hug before stepping behind you. Felix on the other hand leans forward, giving you a wet sloppy kiss on the cheek before he steps behind you and smacks your ass. "See ya, Darien!" he says as the two walk into the cave to start their mission.

With a deep breath you roll your eyes and turn around, watching the two bulky warriors walk through the cave towards the stairs to go track down Zoe. Shortly after, you follow them but as they continue straight, you turn down the little pathway leading towards your chambers.

As you reach the door, you place your hand on it and pause for a minute, hearing some giggles and laughter behind the door. You can only imagine what Ashe and Lexie are up to as you've only been gone for maybe fifteen minutes or so. Honestly, doing anything sexual with the girls is always something you'd love to do, but truth be told, cuddling with the two of them in the hot spring or on your bed and taking it easy sounds just as appealing...