1 New Life & 2 Beauties

As Darius awoke, he noticed several differences. 1) his bed wasn't the simple mattress he was used to but much softer. 2) his sweatpants he went to sleep in were missing. 3) his covers were silk sheets instead of a polyester blanket. 4) the scent of his automatic air fresher was replaced by cinnamon. 5) his bum knee no longer felt stiff and heavy. Finally, his ceiling fan was replaced by a canopy.

As these sensations registered, he sat up taking in the room he found himself in.

It was simply put luxurious. Various paintings lined the walls, some depicting landscapes while others displayed snakes of varying species. Like the bed he currently sat upon the furniture was of exquisite make. Rich dark wood made the various cabinets, dressers, shelves, nightstands, 2 chairs, a couch and a low table. Spaced out on the floor were several rugs while the source of the cinnamon scent were various sticks of burning incense and candles. Across the room a fireplace burned with 2 feminine figures stood in front of it.

The one attending to the hearth with a metal poker had long dark brown hair set in a ponytail that reached down to the small of her back. She was dressed in a fine white and green suit and dress combo. A pair of glasses rested on her face reflecting the dancing flames as she hummed an unfamiliar tune. The second was slouched in one of the chairs fiddling with a knife. Her blond hair was in a pixie cut. She wore a green coat over a white tube top with green short shorts. She had various piercings on her ears and one on her nose.

The slouching girl was the one to notice him moving around. At first, she was frozen in shock at the sight of him. Her blue green eyes were wide as saucers before a grin took over her face. Putting the knife down on the table in front of her she called to the other woman in the room with a southern accent, "Ari, guess who showed up."

The brunette made a sound of confusion before turning in the direction the younger girl. Following her line of sight, she stared in disbelief for several seconds dropping the poker on the ground forgotten. Darius could only offer a small wave as his own reeling mind tried to process that this wasn't a dream. In a flash the suited woman was by his side, tears of happiness in her eyes and relief clear on her face as she grasped his hand in hers.

"Master! You've arrived!" with her so close and the fire no longer reflecting off her glasses he saw her eyes were a light silver color. Behind her the blond walked up at a more sedate pace.

Darius finally found his voice speaking, "It was real?"

Seemingly enjoying the show, blondie laughed before speaking, "Yep. Our big scaley savior was very real. Can't really blame ya for bein' overwhelmed." By his side "Ari" nodded in sympathy.

Darius took a deep breath several times. Every exhale was accompanied by a soft squeeze of the brunettes' hands. after a minute of repeating the actions the new servant of Veshra spoke again more firmly, "It was real."

Seeing him come to grips with reality the pair of women smiled before Ari seemed to jolt in place letting him go and taking a step back.

"My apologies. Allow us to properly introduce ourselves." she said recovering her emotions. With her tears wiped away she took her dress and performed a picture-perfect curtsey, "I am Adrianna Strauss, former Governess of the Great Duke Luke Strauss."

With a casual wave the blond followed suit, "Chloe Branson, best damn Blacksmith and Enchanter you'll ever meet."

"Darius Garner." he returned slightly awkward. "No fancy titles at the moment."