Chapter 333: …The Dawn Storm

Chapter 333: ...The Dawn Storm

Tauri Katag left her younger sister Elena with her own thoughts at the pool.

Instead of trying to go to bed and failing to fall asleep once more, Tauri opted to take a stroll through the gardens of her familys villa.

As she walked in the dark silence of the late evening, she thought of the conversation she had with her sister regarding the Ebon Aspirant.

The more Tauri walked the more she found herself thinking of Stryg and their last few interactions. Ever since she had tried to teach him how to swim things had changed, her perspective had changed. She was aware of him in a way she hadnt been before.

She usually didnt think about it, but every time his eyes met hers

What am I even thinking!? Stryg is my student hes Lohs apprentice hes my sisters goddamn fianc! The last person I should be wasting my time thinking about is that dumbass goblin hybrid.

And yet his annoyingly cocky and confident smile kept appearing in her mind.

Stryg huh? she sighed.

Yeah? a voice came from above.

What the fuck!? Tauri jumped back and looked up into the trees.

A pair of lilac eyes peered down at her from the darkness of the branches.

Stryg? Is that you? Tauri asked incredulously. She tried to make out his silhouette, but try as she might, all she could see were his lilac eyes.

Why do you look so surprised? Youre the one who called out to me, Stryg said calmly from the tree branches.

I didnt think you were She shook her head, You know what? Nevermind. What are you doing up there? Its the middle of the night.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

I was meditating or at least trying to. I was never very good at it.

Have you tried meditating in your room? Sitting on a soft bed instead of rough bark helps, you know.

I saw no reason to stay in bed. Feli went off to take care of some important things or so she said. I didnt ask for details.

You didnt want to stay in your room so you chose a tree instead? Tauri asked skeptically.

Mhm. These trees, theyre not the same, but they remind me of Vulture Woods. They help me relax, he admitted quietly.

Oh I see, Tauri nodded slowly. When Im stressed I usually go for a run.

What?

Im just saying I know what its like to be so stressed you cant even sleep, Tauri shrugged.

...Does running help?

Usually, I guess Ugh, can you come down already!? Its getting really annoying talking to a tree.

The branches shook and Stryg clambered down the tree bark on all fours, head first, like a squirrel. Tauri watched with a mixture of surprise and bizarre curiosity.

What the fuck did I just witness? she mumbled.

Hm? Stryg reached the grass and jumped to his feet. He leaned over close enough he could feel her breath on his face. What do you mean?

Tauri leaned back until she was afraid shed fall over. The thought crossed her mind that Stryg didnt quite understand the concept of social boundaries and personal space. Suddenly, the idea of her being alone with him in the middle of the night seemed very inappropriate.

Um, nothing, dont worry about it, Tauri said and took a step back. I I should get back. Im pretty tired.

Mm, Stryg nodded and turned his attention to the sky.

Well, um, see you later. Good luck with the meditation, Tauri turned around and walked away.

A storm is coming, he said.

She paused in her steps and looked back, Huh?

Theres a storm coming, he said as if it was obvious.

Tauri glanced up at the night sky, there was barely a cloud in sight. And you know this how, exactly? she asked doubtfully.

I just sorta do, he shrugged.

I told you, he said matter-of-factly.

Suddenly the rain quickened and turned into a downpour.

Ah, shit! Tauri covered her arms above her head to little effect.

The water easily flowed past the trees leaves and poured over both of them, soaking their clothes. Tauri cursed. Stryg simply laughed in delight.

Whats so funny!? she said angrily.

Its nice to feel the rain on my skin, he closed his eyes and took a relaxing breath. Its been too long.

Well some of us dont like freezing, Tauri shivered and rubbed her arms.

Stryg placed his hand on the bark and channeled green mana into the tree. A series of thick branches grew out from the trunk and formed an umbrella of sorts above them.

...Alright, I admit it, being a prime mage has its perks, Tauri smiled lopsidedly.

Stryg smiled.

Now we just need a fire to warm up, she said and began channeling orange mana into her hands.

And burn what? The garden? Everything is wet, he noted.

Hmm, well, I could just keep a flame alight above my palms.

For how long? Flame spells consume orange mana very quickly and you would need more than just a little flame in your palm to keep yourself warm. Your mana wouldnt last long.

So what do you suggest, Mr. Magical Genius? she raised her eyebrow.

How about this? Stryg reached his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close.

Tauri felt her face grow warm. She frowned, Are you serious?

Youre warmer, arent you? he said innocently.

Tauri narrowed her eyes in suspicion. She couldnt tell if he was doing this on purpose or if he was just not thinking about the ramifications of his actions. Knowing Stryg, it could have been either.

Tauri sighed. His skin was cool to the touch, but it was at least warmer than the freezing rain. It was difficult to think of her cold drenched clothes when all she could hear was her heartbeat thrumming in her ears.

The scent of his hair wafted into her nostrils. He smelled like crushed leaves and a hint of sweat. It wasnt terrible

...Im a little warmer, she muttered, peeved.

See? It works.

Dont push it, she glared at him. The ground is still cold and wet, and so are my clothes. A fire would have been better.

True, Stryg said slowly. How about this?

He lowered his arms and grabbed her by the waist. Tauri shouted in surprise as he lifted her with ease and placed her on his lap.

Okay, now I know youre doing this on purpose! Tauri said angrily.

Stryg could feel her tight round bottom pressing on his thighs. He had always wondered what it would feel like to be pressed against her beautiful body. He reached his arms around her soft waist and hugged her. You dont have to sit on the cold ground though, right?

Thats not the point, she huffed.

Stryg rested his head in the crook of her shoulder. Her black wet hair pressed against his cheek. She somehow always managed to smell like sweet vanilla.

Can we just stay like this, for a while? he whispered into her ear.

An excited shiver ran down Tauris spine as she felt his breath on her neck. It was difficult to think clearly.

You think youre smart, dont you? she said, annoyed.

Not really.

She sighed reluctantly, Just until the rain lets up

Tauri swallowed and tried to relax her tense muscles. She leaned back on his chest and rested her neck on his shoulder, her cheek touching his. Slowly, she closed her eyes.

The rain fell over Undergrowth in a downpou