Laurel

2:21 Laurel

I knew next to nothing about the man left sitting at the table across from me. Even though I could feel his feelings in my own head. I could feel how he felt happier when he looked at me. I could feel his desire. His mind was full of happy thoughts at almost every moment. Such a contrast from my Sky, who was so serious most of the time.

I really liked the pocket of joy in my head. Everything has been so messed up for so long that I felt like I had been spinning out of control. Not only had everything in my life changed, but I had changed so much, and I didn't think I was done yet. I still wasn't used to the golden eyes that looked back at me in mirrors now, or the long straight white blonde hair. I looked otherworldly, not human. There could be no mistake anymore. I missed the old me. I knew this was how I was supposed to look, but I mourned for my auburn curls and green eyes.

I had thought that the Fae city would feel more like home. I have no idea why I thought that though. The Fae city was a blend and mix of every style of building from every era and some that had to be of Fae origin because I had never seen anything like them before. Many buildings seemed to defy the law of physics and gravity as I knew it. There were creatures I hadn't ever thought to see walking the streets as the guards led us to our apartment until we could be released to explore freely that I had no names for. We walked through a street that reminded me of Harry Potter's Diagon alley, complete with a small fire breathing lizard in a cage, before we turned a corner and there was a cluster of ancient roman amphitheatres, bath houses and residences, followed by a garden bursting to life with flowers, fruits, and trees in every color of the rainbow like a natural Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory made in nature. It had left me breathless as I walked wide eyed behind the guards, surrounded on all sides, Sky to my right, Brydel on my left, Auris trailing behind.

I had liked being surrounded by them. Sky steady and solid at my side, Brydel reminding me to find joy in every moment. It even felt like Auris was right where he should be. I felt a pull to him, I was trying to ignore it, it was only because he was unnaturally attractive, because he was a dragon. Not because of anything real between us.

Being tied to Auris had already shifted everything from a common entrance to Fae society. The fae assumed he was our leader, the dragons had easily determined he was exactly who he said he was, and there had been a flurry of activity to prepare a suitable residence for the Master Elemental Dragon until our group could be processed. We passed camps of people outside, I felt bad that we had been led inside what had to be a palace. Sky, Brydel and Auris had all told me that it was better we had our own private apartment, they would have an easier time keeping me safe, and away from others since apparently one touch from the wrong magic person could be disastrous for me.

So we let ourselves be settled into apartments that would have looked more normal for a royal family in Downton Abbey than for our ragtag group. I was outvoted and told this was for the best. I went to wash up before our dinner arrived, after a real honest to god servant asked if we had any requests. The bathroom attached to the room Auris gave me was marble from floor to ceiling, and I was pretty sure the trim was real gold. There was a bath that could easily accommodate everyone in our group with room to spare, along with several rainfall shower heads and more shower heads I didn't know how to name. Plus a separate walk-in shower stall that could probably hold a basketball team. The vanity was fully stocked with products both human and fae in origin.

The closet had even somehow been stocked with clothing, shoes, gowns, and even jewelry. The shoes and clothing all looked like they were my size which was very creepy, and there was a note next to an emerald and gold necklace in the jewelry display indicating these were all gifts from the Imperial Dragon Council. Very creepy. I elected to wash up quickly in the oversized shower and changed into my clean pair of panties, ignoring the expensive lingerie options in the wardrobe. For some reason I felt strange about wearing the lingerie when I didn't really know where or who it was from. After so long without a bra, I decided to continue, even though there were several beautiful ones in a drawer, once again exactly in my size. To get actually dressed, I didn't have much choice, and selected a pair of soft heathered grey stretchy pants and what looked like a comfy oversized pullover dress in blush pink, staying barefoot. I liked the feel of the plush carpets of the room under my toes. I thought about dressing up for Sky and Brydel, but after traveling cross country for so long, without a shower, I just wanted to be clean and comfortable tonight.