31 Chapter 31: The Regen

"Back in the cave. I found out that I have an Ethereal Spirit," Yuliah told Ryas.

"It's possible that I could have transferred part of mine to you when I did the blood binding on you," Ryas leaned onto her shoulder.

With the weight of his body bearing down on her she wrapped her arms around his waist, "What's wrong? And don't lie to me," Yuliah demanded.

"It's my back. I hurt it earlier," Ryas grunted as they continued to walk.

Yuliah went behind him and lifted his shirt, "Let me see it." She moved him into the light. It looked terrible, and she bit her quivering lip. Her fingers glide over the red blotch spanned across the blades of his shoulders. She stood in front of him now her hands cupped around his face, "I'm worried about you," tears spilled from her eyes.

"Don't be. It'll heal," Ryas pulled Yuliah into a hug.

She stayed there with her hands tightly around his waist, her head resting on his chest, and the beat of his heart drumming in her ear until their horse finally returned.

They rode for about a day in a half through the valley of the mountain until Ryas spotted a small village in the distance. He told her it was strange to have a town this far out, but they lost most of their supplies, and he wasn't sure how much longer it would take them to get to Murai. He made her watch the village with him for hours before deciding to head into town.

"Do not tell them our real names, or move unless I tell you too. We don't know who they are or if word from the Capital has reached these parts already," he swung up and over, his right foot cleared the backside of the horse, and landed softly onto the ground.

What was she supposed to do? What should she say if they asked her who they were? Before she could ask Ryas. Four Men, solidly built with swords fastened to their waist approached.

Ryas stood taller than all four Men, but he had a smaller build compared to the Men.

He leads the horse behind him and Yuliah still sitting in the saddle, "Were just passing through and trying to find our way to Murai," Ryas addresses the Men.

Their eyes skim right over him and land on Yuliah's blushing face. It made her uncomfortable when people stared at her especially Men.

Ryas told her not to move or speak, but she inadvertently smiled at the Men and caught the interest of the Man in white. His eyes locked onto her but she pretended not to notice.

"I'm Lucan, the Regent here in Novas. Who might you two be?" The ends of his lips curled up at Yuliah.

She gave him another quick smile. A Man's attention always made her uncomfortable and when she felt uncomfortable her body reacted in peculiar ways.

"We're just passing through and need a place to stay for the night," Ryas answered.

Lucan's eyes gave off a warm and genuine feel when he spoke, and he seemed different, but she couldn't figure out what it was. Could it be the dark locks of hair that fell loosely down to his shoulders? Or Lucan's perfectly symmetrical face, beaded with sweat and opened white shirt, that exposed a tightly rounded chest enchanting her. Yuliah turned away.

His voice deep raspy voice turned her head back to him, "Please excuse my appearance," he only looked at Yuliah. "The days have gotten warmer here in the mountains, and the whole towns celebrating a five day Renascence Solstice. We hardly have any visitors here, and the Inn's a bit run down, but you and your... wife are more than welcome to stay there."

"Sister," Yuliah corrected him. She hoped that would throw anyone off their trail. The Biah's probably put the word out for a Man and Woman. Not a brother and sister she figured.

Ryas gave her a scowling look but helped her down, then pushed her behind him. "We'll stay at the Inn. Can you show us the way?"

"I see," Lucan's head tilted sideways and back, "Come I'll show you the way." He motioned for them to follow. "Do you have a name?" He peeked over at Yuliah.

Red were the apples of her cheeks when she raised her head to see him staring at her again. She quietly sighed when Ryas moved in front of her, blocking her from the Regents gleaming eyes, "Rhee you can call me that," Ryas answered him instead. "Where's the fastest road to Murai from here?" he asked. "We're in a hurry to get back to our Father; he's ill."

"I see. Well, the rains caused a landslide and cut off the main road, but I'll have my Men show you a different road out tomorrow," he told Ryas. "The Inn sits in the busiest part of town, but we should be there shortly."

Ryas' nodded at Lucan who began to talk again.

"With the heavy rains we've been getting, you two might have to stay a few days. We haven't been up to the other road lately. I'm afraid it's probably flooded as well," Lucan slowed his pace down to match Yuliah's.

She shifted further sideways and reached for Ryas' hand but stopped midway. Yuliah didn't want to make their sister and brother relationship seem weird. Lucan didn't pick up on her signals. Instead, he moved closer and tried to match his steps to hers and continued to talk directly at her.

"We hold a beautiful festival every year after the rains. Maybe..."

Yuliah abruptly walked away. "What is this?" She moved further ahead. There were festivals in the Capital, but General Wey wouldn't allow her to attend. He told her they were a waste of time for a woman and so she had never seen one until now.

When they entered the village square, every structure stood, lined with colorful banners and gold lanterns. A giant tree rose up in the center and stretched into the sky. It's unnatural height and width, curled out then upward. Green leaves and flowers that were red as wine blossomed from its branches.

Red petals drifted in the wind like ships sailing across the horizon and fell over the tables set up underneath the tree.

Strings of gold lanterns hung from the branches and connected to the surrounding homes and shops.

The entire town square had transformed into a midsummer festival right out of one's dreams.

Yuliah's eyes and face softened causing Ryas to look over at her. She had forgotten about their brother and sister ruse and slid her hands around his elbow, "It's beautiful, Ryas."

"Is it?" His lips pinched at the corners.

"I'm glad you like it," The Regent walked around Ryas over to Yuliah, "I didn't get your name?" he asked.

She glanced nervously over at Ryas. What name should I give him? Her eyes dashed between the two and pinched Ryas' arm.

She could see his eyes fixated on the tree utterly ignorant to her cry for help.

"Rhea. That's my name," she smiled sheepishly. A chuckle came from the left of her, but the Regents' voice drew her attention back to him.

"Beautiful like its owner," Lucan's lips curved upward showing his perfect teeth again. Yuliah started to feel uncomfortable with his overbearing attention towards her. She politely smiled back and scooted closer to Ryas. He shook her hands from his elbow, and she felt a sting of rejection but continued walking.

Soon she was distracted by the smells of cooked meat and sweets that flowed in from the stalls. They filled her nose with pleasant images, and Yuliah abandoned Ryas and Lucan.

Back at Wey Manor, her stepmother would never allow an overindulgence in anything. Especially food. Most of the items in the Manor were either secured or rationed out to Yuliah. If she tried to request anything additional, Madam Wey would always remind her that all girls should have a thin waist and be grateful for what they already had. Ryas had food too, but she grew tired of the dried up meat.

"Hey there," a plump man called from behind a stall full of sweets. Fried buns glazed with honey that glistened in the afternoon sun called to her. Her mouth moistened. The stall keeper grabbed a bun, wrapped it in paper foil, then extended it out to Yuliah. "That'll be one copper."

Her face darkened. No. She didn't have any money. All of the excitement caused the truth of her situation to slip from her mind. She was homeless and penniless.

"Here," Ryas tossed a copper coin at the stall clerk. He took the bun, and he smirked as he dangled it in front of Yuliah before leaning into her. "How are you going to pay me, for this later?" He teased.

She laughed and shook her head at him but before she could speak.

Lucan pushed a dark-colored bun into her hand. "Try this one it's better." She had forgotten about Lucan and shot Ryas an apologetic look.

The Regent took the bun right out of Ryas hand and chomped down. "My favorite," and ushered Yuliah away.

Yuliah could have sworn she saw a flash of violet in his eyes but it Lucan had pulled her away so quickly. "Ummm," her steps stumped as she turned towards Ryas. "I'm going to wait for my brother," and broke from Lucan's hold back to Ryas' side.

Lucan stood back and paused, "Sure."

Stall after stall of food, clothes, jewelry, and items for sale lined the streets of Novas. Once they passed the stalls, they moved into the shops, and Yuliah stopped to admire all the different fabrics and clothes strung up everywhere.

Suddenly a young woman jumped out and dragged her by the hand away. Ryas' arm sprung out for Yuliah but missed her hand by an inch.

"Oh my goodness! You're gorgeous!" the woman pulled Yuliah into her store. "I have the perfect dress for you," and threw a dark blue fabric over Yuliah's shoulder. "If you like it I'll give it to you at a discount."

Ryas stormed into the shop his hand on the hilt of his sword. "What did you do with the woman?"

Lucan rushed in behind him. "Rhee! The people in our town, they're friendly like this," he placed his hand on Ryas' shoulder. "I know her. She's just a tailor."

The young woman turned around; her mouth fell open. "Hi," she bit her bottom lip and smiled at Ryas. "Sorry I didn't mean to scare you like that. Are you looking for that beautiful woman?"

"Where is she?"

"Changing," she pointed over to the curtain.

He meandered over and peeked behind the curtain. Yuliah had her dirty dress partial removed, and he could see her full breasts behind the soiled undergarment she also wore.

"Will you buy this for me?" her eyes lit up as she held the red dress up.

Ryas closed the curtain behind him. "Yes, and your debt keeps rising tigress," he pulled the dress over Yuliah's head, dropping it to the floor, then ran his hands up her stomach and around her breasts. He caressed them hard. She was a virgin, and the only touch she had dealt with was Liang, and they never felt this way, but every time Ryas touched her now she wanted more.

She let out a soft cry as her body twisted further into his.

"Shhhhh," he kissed her lips.

"Is everything alright in there?" Lucan called from the other side of the curtain.

Ryas closed his eyes briefly and released Yuliah from his arms.

He made his way out and closed the curtain behind him. "Where are the women's clothes?"

"Over there," the young woman pointed.

Ryas turned and left.

"Catia," Lucan said. "There from Murai," he pointed to Ryas. "Rhee and his sister."

Catia who stood a few feet away from Lucan raised her eyebrows, "Sister?" she pointed to the curtain.

Lucan nodded.

"Yes," she mouthed. "Introduce me to him," she hissed on her way over.

Lucan shook his head at Catia and chuckled.

"Rhee. Meet one of the best tailors in our town, Catia. What is it that you're looking to find? Maybe Catia could help you."

"Rhee right?" Catia walked over her hips swaying side to side. "Are you looking for something for your wife?"

"My sister," Ryas answered.

"Ohhh. I see," Catia paused, glanced over at Lucan and made a confused face. "I can help you pick out something she might like," and held up a few items. "What about these?"

He glanced up, "No. Too childlike," and picked through the piles of garments again. Ryas had a handful of items before he stopped, "Here I'll take these," and handed them to Catia.

"A little risqué for a younger sister. Are you sure about these?" She looked down at the laced undergarments and garters.

"I'm sure. A woman should feel her age in the clothes she wears. How much?" Ryas asked.

"I agree," she smiled at Ryas whose eyes moved back to the curtain. "What do you like on a woman?" Catia asked her eyes batted at Ryas. She slowly wrapped up the items and placed them aside.

He paused for a few moments and chuckled. "How much?" Ryas asked again.

"It'll be ten silver, but I'll give you a discount. Five silver coins and you meet me tonight for the Renascence Solstice?"

"Here," he handed her a gold coin. "Why don't you just add..." Ryas pointed to a pair of woman's pants and lace bustier top on display. "That to it as well and those boots," then walked away and back over to the curtain, "Are you done?"

"I am," Yuliah stepped out. "What do you think?" It was an off the shoulder dark blue, laced dress fitted to the waist, and the bottom piece flowed naturally to the floor.

"Beautiful!" Lucan rushed over and dragged her towards Catia. "Doesn't she look stunning?"

"I knew it! I knew this dress would look perfect on you," Cata smiled proudly. "With that dress, you might just be going home with a groom or two," she winked at Yuliah.

"Let's go," Ryas took Yuliah by the arm and pulled her out of the store with him.

"Wait," Lucan called after them. "Turn left. That's the way to the Inn. Bye Catia," and he chased after them.