Aether Beasts

As we drew closer and closer to the odds structures, the tall and odd trees seemed to become more sparse, and more common trees and greenery became apparent. I hadn't been able to see it when I'd climbed the tree because even though there weren't as many of the taller trees lower down the moaning, there was still enough that their leaves blocked out the land below, and created a vast amount of shade, although no were near as much as had been near the top of the mountain. Another thing we immediately noticed was that it wasn't getting darker and that led us which could have meant the cycle of day and night was longer in the tower, or that there was no night, which Zirani confirmed did happen in some dungeons, though it was rare. After all, most aether towers did just function like pocket worlds, and not like the tower we were currently in that seemed like something out of a fairy tale.

Eventually, the ground was completely normal earth, and Zirani was able to use a green pulse, which in turn allowed us to make a clean shot to the structure, and avoid any beasts, which there were plenty of it seemed.

All in all, it took only a few hours to reach the structure, which quickly revealed itself to be a tall house/ The odd part though was that it was attached to the side of one of the tall trees.

"A treehouse?" Misty asked in disbelief.

"It's a bit big," Sandra noted. "You think anyone's inside?"

Zirani shook her head. "My green pulse found no life in this particular aren though we should check it anyways."

The treehouse wasn't too far above the ground, and there was actually what looked to be some sort of crude elevator system, that allowed a person to get to the house. Luckily for us, it was still functioning and all we had to do was pull on a rope that connected to a mechanism that would, in turn, pull us up to the house.

"Why would the twin horn makes this?" Sandra asked. "I mean I guess they might have used it for a camp, but I would have taught they'd just build on the ground."

"Maybe they did, and something happened," Misty mused. "I mean Zirani did say there are beasts around, and this treehouse is high enough that any beasts that can't climb or fly can get up here."

When we made it to the actual house and stepped off the lift platform, we all quickly took a glance around. It was a simple-looking building, basically just a large square shape with a door and windows. We entered cautiously, and ready to fight any potential enemies that came at us. Even though Zirani had said she hadn't detected anyone, it was better to be safe than sorry.

In the end, she was right. We found no life in the building and little of anything else. Whoever had lived here, had clearly abandoned the place. There were a few pieces of furniture, but that was it. No food, no storage devices, no beds.

"Well we didn't find any twin horn disciples," I said. "but on the bright side we don't need to look for a camp anymore."

"You wanna stay here?' Sandra asked. "I mean, I guess it will do."

"It will," Zirani added. "We can rest for a bit here and then head out. I still want us to explore this mountain, but I also want to know if there really is no night or if the cycles are just longer."

"I agree," I said. "I could use a break and something to eat."

We'd made it into the tower, and had already found our base camp so a break was well deserved, not to mention I was quite hungry.

We set up some of the furniture in one of the rooms and designated it the dining room. We all took a seat and dug into mostly bland rations, although Misty just sat there, staring at the side of my head or more specifically my neck. Zirani noticed and placed a hand in mine as she mouthed the words 'soon'

I just nodded. I'd made a promise to Misty and I would have to keep it. I only hoped Zirnai had been right about this course of action.

As we finished eating and time passed, we quickly realized that there would be no night and that we would have to figure out our own sleeping times. We talked about heading out now and doing a quick search, but I was tired as was everyone else. After all, we'd fought in large battle then barely gotten a rest before we'd been sent on another mission. This day felt more like a week.

I'd thought I'd get a break after the war, albeit a short one, but apparently not. It was straight into training and another mission, not that I really minded. I needed to get stronger and more powerful if I wanted to cross the great scar and find out why my parents had left me, not to mention I wasn't content with staying in the northern plains, not after everything Zirani had told me about the lands beyond the great scar. There was also Sandra and Misty who were both tired to me now. Sandra so that she could find out what had happened all those years ago and Misty because, well, I guess she didn't have much of a choice, although her feelings for me probably were a big part as to my she wanted to stay.

I still didn't know how I felt about those. I definitely felt something for her, I just want sure what. This blood-drinking dynamic would need to be sorted if I ever wanted a relationship like that with her and then there were also Sandra's feelings for me, or at least, I suspected she had feelings for me.

Could I even have both of them? Was it greedy or messed of me to think about? Zirani was fine with it, and if they both were, was it ok? Having multiple wives wasn't uncommon, but I'd never thought I'd end up ever thinking about it, let alone it being a possibility.

I sighed inwardly. I had a lot to figure out.

There were enough rooms that we could all get our own, although Zirani had said she would be sleeping with me when the others weren't, which had caused me to raise my eyebrows but she'd just winked and smiled.

"We need to have a talk before you sleep," Zirani said. "About Misty and what's about to happen."

"Finally," I replied as I glanced over to Misty who was chatting with Sandra.. "It's about time."