One Gone Another Gained

You walk out of the castle and take a giant breath of air as you look into the clear blue skies of the Syndicate, a huge change from the last time you were here when a storm was rolling through the entire kingdom. Your eyes glance around the horizon, looking at the buildings off in the distance and you can still see much damage and many people still hanging out here by the castle or even in the castle. It was nice that Karisi was still offering the civilians to live and eat in the castle while their homes were getting rebuilt. You even saw some random folk helping out, restoring homes and helping Sicilian members which you believe weren't from the Syndicate but you didn't want to question it, you can't help but smile at people generally being helpful and nice to one another. You don't always see that in the world so the little things like that make you smile.

For the time being, with the plan for war set in motion you didn't really need to accomplish much else today. You talked about the battle plans, you spoke with Ashe and would meet up with her later hopefully which meant you would go looking for Zoe for a little bit. Mainly to see how she is doing because she wasn't down at the Training Grounds this morning which is something she always did beforehand so it was weird to not see her there.

Making over towards the Sunrider Villa assuming Zoe would be in her room, you push yourself through all the warriors trying to talk with you and have a friendly time. Yes, you would talk back, respond to them but for the most part, your mind was focused elsewhere. You had such a great time with Ashe and Karisi, catching up with them, learning about the game plan for the incoming war, but you were worried about Zoe. For the brief time you've known that Sunrider you have been attached to her and really have grown fond of the younger girl, almost as if she was someone you had to watch over, to care for, almost like a daughter even though you were only about half a decade older. She was innocent, carefree and almost childlike but she was someone you were trying to train to be the best, you had such high hopes for her, especially after you gave her your sister's Ulaks.

The fact that she was taking Shade's Snuff and starting to lose control pissed you off, you would constantly train with Zoe, day and night, making sure she would slowly become the best but now you didn't know, there was another powerful substance in her life and you were fearful about that. You knocked on the door for a few minutes but got no response. You open the door and the room is like any normal teenager's room, clutter everywhere, clothes everywhere, bed wasn't made and it looked like a tornado went through the room. Still though, without any sign of Zoe inside you step back, close the door and ask around some of the Sunriders in the Villa to see if they saw the girl but none of them knew anything. Eventually you gave up, assuming Zoe was off doing or own thing and hopefully you would catch her in your life later.

Shortly after you made your way back down into the mountain, walking down step after step of the thousand steps or so, doing your best to clear your mind and think about what is about to come, you eventually come to the final step, making your way into the heart of the mountain, "Ahhh..." you groan out, happy to be back home.

"War speech tonight?!" A random Sunrider asks out, giving you a curious look.

You connect your eyes with her and smirk and like almost every other Sunrider this girl was fit, toned and had a perfectly sculpted warrior's body. Her medium sized bosom, well formed ass, almost platinum bleach blonde hair tied back in a pony tail and quite gorgeous sky blue eyes made her look fantastic. It was crazy how fast word travels as you left the Castle not too long ago and the word is already spreading that everybody will be gathering at the Training Grounds tonight due to a type of announcement. "Yup, spread the word." you give her a wink, "It'll be good."

"Excellent!" She responds, happy as can be, "H-How long til we leave? Will we have time to...enjoy ourselves?" her face goes a little flush as she bites her lower lip at you.

"Few days." you step forward and give her a wicked grin, "So yeah..." your hand touches her chin and you give her a little soft rub, "You'll definitely be able to enjoy yourself." The Sunrider's tongue pokes out and she playfully bites the tip of it. You can tell she's probably extremely aroused right now as the Leader of the Sunriders, the man that so many Sunrider's want to sleep with is toying with her. With your index finger resting on the bottom of her chin your thumb snakes up, bringing it up to her lips and you begin to trace your thumb across her lips quite sensually, "Maybe we'll catch you later, miss..." you trail off.

"Leandra" she whispers out, "But you can just call me Lea." her tongue pokes out, almost casually giving the tip of your thumb a taste.

"Pleasure to meet you, Leandra." you step forward, giving the Sunrider a kiss on the cheek, "Take care." you step to the side of her, leaving her side.

"Bye Darien..." she mumbles out as she watches you leave, her eyes never leaving your form.

Making your way down the stone paths, towards your chambers and as you do, you get bombarded by Sunrider after Sunrider trying their best to distract you from your main goal. It was crazy, how these people, these warriors, these friends of the Syndicate just wanted to hang out with you and get to know you. You made small communications with them and stayed as friendly as you could. Many wanted to show their thanks and support of what you have done and what you have continued to do through the Syndicate. With hand shakes, high fives, smiles and cheers you eventually make it down the stone caverns until you turn towards your chambers.

It was nice when you eventually got into your chambers, there was nobody there. You were finally alone, allowing you to breath and relax, "ahhh..." you groan out a giant sum of air as you step forward towards the bed, "Niiiiice...." you moan out as your body flops backwards onto the mattress. You stare up at the ceiling for a few brief moments, breathing softly and trying to allow your mind to turn off for a little bit. Eventually after your head turns to the right and you look at the little hot spring in your chambers. "Huh, why the hell not." you smile as you push yourself back up to your feet and immediately start to undress yourself. "No sense getting clothes wet..." you mumble to yourself as you strip bare ass naked before moving over to the small hot spring.

You dip your toe in first, "Nice and toasty!" you grumble to yourself as you slowly but surely move your foot in completely. Taking it slow as the heat is almost excruciating on you but also feels just oh so glorious. Soon after you're completely submerged in the hot spring, allowing the warm waters to sooth your muscles and relax your body. Moving towards the corner of the spring, you rest your head on the side and float there, everything but your neck is under the waters and it's at that point you truly start to relax.

Figuring you have a good five or six hours until you make an announcement at the Training Grounds, you decide you'll float here, for who knows how long, relaxing in the hot spring while your mind thinks about different types of speeches you can make or how much or little you should tell your warriors. It's at that point in the room you look around and notice your Sabre-Toothed Armor sitting perfectly on the mannequin in the corner. It's all patched up, clean and ready to go and you make a mental note to find Rivianne at some point before you leave to say hello and give her thanks for her hard work and dedication.

With the water making your entire body relax and feel great, you close your eyes once more to relax and soon after your mind goes blank as you slowly drift off into the void.