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Chapter 42 Dressed for Success
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2024-10-29 19:42:56The people in the small clothing shop worked miracles for Aurelia. After all, it wasn't every day royalty came to visit. The other attendants kept Zinjo in the main area. In the space of fifteen minutes, Aurelia went from travel-worn adventurer to regal Princess while maintaining her gothic image. The shop owner admired her handiwork.
A long flowing black satin dress with a red and black bodice. The dress straps sat on shoulders comfortably, and the princess touched her bare arms. She disliked sleeves and often cut them off her dresses only to have the servants sew them back on. Another attendant teased her hair and styled it, Aurelia couldn't help but giggle to herself, Zinjo wouldn't know what hit him. The owner motioned for an employee to come forward with a wooden box, she smiled as she opened it, "I hope you can forgive my employees, they are young and have all the wrong ideas about romance." AureRelated chapters
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 43 Gentle Orders
In a small port town in Larylia, coastal kingdom trouble is brewing. Aurelia has no idea what kind of trouble, but it warranted twelve men and two werelions. Zinjo professionally held his partisan. Aurelia clutched the parasol blade with determination, despite the small shard of doubt in the back of her mind. With one victory under her belt, she felt like a child next to the men who practiced day and night to keep their skills sharp. "What sort of enemy are we facing?" Zinjo managed to ask after a prolonged silence. The guard captain, Tiberius Steele, turned to Zinjo and pointed to the woods, "Our enemies are creatures of our own making I'm afraid. Once upon a time, Larylia was the pinnacle of magical research. We were prosperous, and had the respect of peers." "What happened?" Aurelia asked. Her ears detected low hisses and the rustle of leaves amid the snap of twigs. She
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 44 rumble in the jungle
The towns of Larylia bordered a humid jungle. Trees taller than castles, and thicker than a carriage, with a cornucopia of exotic plants and fungus growing at their base. The air smelled far different from the usual forest. The heavy moisture seemed to enhance the aromas of the plant and wildlife. Aurelia enjoyed the experience immensely, as did her future husband Zinjo. The pair hadn't intended on making a foray into the jungle, but the attack of man-made magical creatures made them answer the call of action. Aurelia secretly admitted the usual socialite itinerary no longer held much interest for her. After her trek across the kingdoms near Shadowfen, what could a tea party possibly provide? Zinjo used his partisan like a walking stick and strode shoulder to shoulder next to Aurelia, "Tiberius is growing more and more agitated the further into the jungle we go. He knows more than he is telling." Her h
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 45 a smelly affair
Deep in the rainforest of Larylia, a seaside kingdom a plan is being hatched. Thanks to the order of the Gentle Tower, an organization dedicated to creating animal hybrids to serve the occupants of Larylia. Like all things wrought by human hands, the Order survived long enough to lose control of their creations. Unlike most humans, the Order continued their horrid experiments in a secret location. All of this went through Auerlia's mind as she watched Zinjo gather up flowers and other items with an unsavory smell. A soldier volunteered a helmet to help brew vile concoction over a flame. Aurelia held her nose, against the paint peeling odor, "I'll assume there is a point to this vile brew your making?" Zinjo grinned and threw some berries into the helmet, "Back home we use stink beetles to confuse the senses of snakes and lizards, we use a special stone to, extract the poison of such animals, and use them for hunti
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 46 the fires of passion
Back in Larylia, a group of warriors returns from the jungle just beyond their own. The dark cloud of defeat released a bitter rain. It soured them on the man, but not the woman. Aurelia believed they could stop the sword beasts, but needed a new tactic. She saw the despair in the faces of the men and shook her head. Time was of the essence at least for Aurelia and Zinjo it was, in four days they would leave. Aurelia hated to leave anything unfinished or undone. Aurelia jumped on the edge of a gorgeous marble fountain in the center of town. She donned the mental Catsuit in her mind and became the lioness. Her tail swished back and forth, and she roared loud enough to have people come out of their homes. She remembered how horrible the hopelessness felt, and what it was like to be sorrow's companion. She refuses to give into it any longer. "Are you guys done?" Aurelia asked in a voice that mocked them. Zinjo b
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 47 explosive ideas
The morning proved to be fruitful in the ideas department. Tiberius had taken them to a warehouse where he stood next to a barrel, "I present to you our valiant steed to victory," Zinjo and Aurelia crossed their arms, and the guard captain's face fell. "How is a barrel going to secure victory?" Zinjo asked in a dubious tone. He sniffed the barrel and balked, "This is worse than my stink bombs." He backed away from the barrel and hid behind Aurelia. "The stick proved to be an effective weapon, but I felt we could do better." He motioned them to the practice yard; he whistled and the men formed up around him. "Henshaw, a demonstration please." Henshaw drew back a curious arrow with a round bulbous tip. The sharp twinge of the bowstring drew everyone's attention to the target and the other end of the field. A loud band and the target were blown to the underworld. "We spent most of the ni
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 48 the rise of a king
Dawn came to the small Kingdom of Larylia. A lot is on the line today, the very future of the kingdom to be exact. Aurelia kissed the naked form of Zinjo awake, "It is too early to be awake, dark princess. Come back to bed, I have something more interesting than fighting monsters in mind." Aurelia giggled and straddled him, "I would love to stay in bed all day with you, but promises were made and as a ruler, you will be expected to keep your promises." She kissed him and reached for the lacy undergarments. "I suppose we should make an appearance," Zinjo said glumly as he pulled the loincloth over his treasured possession. The sight of it fueled Aurelia's imagination for a brief ten seconds. She shook her head and began to buckle the armor on. "Do you think we'll win?" Zinjo frowned and adjusted his shoulder guard. "I hope so. These people deserve a reprieve from the terr
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 49 the gentle tower
After the last two adventures in the jungle, Aurelia was quite sick of the thick groups of plants that grew by the minute. Even with the map, it took forever just to make a little progress, or at least that is the way it seemed to Aurelia. Zinjo studied the paper and twirled it around, “I understand the usefulness of this paper but how does one read it?” He flipped it around a couple more times, and Aurelia giggled and turned it around to the correct position. “You see the arrows with letters, each one represents a direction. North is the guide,” Aurelia pointed to the map, “We were here next to the swamps yesterday, and it says here the order of the Gentle Tower wasn't too much farther away.” &nbs
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 50 Isaac
As stated before the people of Larylia were known for their high fashion designs. In all the ruins Aurelia and Zinjo explored all they found were crates of perfectly preserved clothing. They found twenty crates and brought Gael to examine their find. He frowned and then looked in the crates held up a gown and ran his hand down the fabric. He smiled and threw his bandana in the air, “Larylian clothing is big with the royalty of the world. People still talk about the pageantry and the designer wars.” He paused and shot a shrewd look in their direction, “You need more time don't you?” “The mission has a complication,” Aurelia said in a weak tone. The cracked lips of Gael curved upward, “Do
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The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 95 Shadows End
Aurelia and Zinjo held each other as night fell over the city of Venmere. They both knew this would either herald a new age for Shadowfen or end in their death. The entire plan hinged on the greed of the Cheval Mallet herd terrorizing the outskirts of Venmere."Do you think the accursed beasts will come for their victims?" Zinjo caressed Aurelia's hair and held her tight.Aurelia laid her head on his shoulder and stroked her husband's chest, "If they don't. I have a backup plan. You won't like it.""You plan to lure them using the Anzu form?" Zinjo chuckled, "I know you too well, dark princess. You will try to save everyone, as always," He kissed her."I don't see a better way, do you?""Nian and I could taunt them, but I suspect they will sense we are not easy prey. Your idea is much more workable. Nian's men will signal us when the herd arrives."Aurelia steadied her nerves. Everything she accomplished along the way had prepared her for th
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 94 final preparations
The search for the demonic horse proved to be more difficult than Aurelia realized. Lord Bathory had no references to the creature. He asked the team to keenly observe it so he could add it to his creature compendium. They questioned everyone around all three taverns in Venmere.Zinjo leaned against a wall and sighed, "I don't get it, dark princess. I would've expected a demonic horse to have a local legend. It's as if the horse didn't exist.""What does the culture of Kianzangi say about demonic presences?" Aurelia leaned next to Zinjo. She held his hand and stared at the handsome face. She promised to dedicate herself to the marriage once they dealt with Lebende."The demons collect souls, and they often choose families to torment. Back home, a Hyena warrior named Rashid encountered a demon named Mbulu. Like any person, he challenged Mbulu to a fight. Mbulu promised Rashid great riches if he won, and if Mbulu won, he would possess Rashid's soul."Aureli
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 93 Dark Obsessions
The border guards allowed them to roll through. The guards still had hope, but Lebende's influence remained a dark cloud over them. They did thorough checks of the cargo. When they found the ornate urn, A rat-faced guard held it up, "What is this?""A gift for the emperor. It is an exceptionally rare urn. I traveled the world to find it," Aurelia's regal tone held the guards in thrall, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have diplomatic relations to establish," Aurelia motioned for Zinjo to take the urn."How do we know you aren't here to assassinate the emperor?" Another guard asked. He approached Aurelia with his hand on his sword-hilt.Zinjo's partisan barred him access, "I would think twice about drawing your blade. You might make us nervous," He gestured to lord Nian who brandished his curved blade. He obscured his face with a silk cloth.The guard caught sight of Nian's fierce anger-filled eyes and took a step back, "Forgive me, your majesty, things are bl
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 92 Sneaking in Victory
Aurelia and Zinjo awoke early the next day. They opted for a good night's rest, above an evening of passionate lovemaking. They both made a silent agreement to hold off until they achieved their goals. Nian and Tang Sai met them outside the inn. Aurelia inhaled the scents of home. The familiar aroma of bread and laughter of families around the breakfast table strengthened her resolve to bottle up Lebende. Zinjo's new armor allowed him more freedom of movement. The helmet and neck guard added a layer of protection to his neck, which provoked gratitude in Aurelia. "Sojobo flatters me with such a gift," He commented. Nian walked around Zinjo, "I have seen such suits on Tengu before. Many a great swordsman ended a duel with A tengu because the armor is difficult to pierce." "Pfft," Tang Sai scoffed, "What do a bunch of birds know about ground fighting. Now, if you want solid protection, ask Han Xin. He used to be a blacksmith before the Clockwork guild stole our
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 91 Forging Glory
In Celebration, the entire town of Sea Meet held a great feast for all. Jugglers and fire eaters entertained the children, and musicians played traditional wedding songs. Aurelia enjoyed the scene. Zinjo drank in every last second.Aurelia raised her hands for silence as she and Zinjo faced the crowd. She cleared her throat, "In a few short days, I will be your queen," she opened the parasol, slung it over her shoulder, and twirled it while she paced. "I have decided it is time for Shadowfen to change. For too long, we have isolated ourselves and hid from the world. I intend to change this."She motioned for Lord Nian to come forward, "Lord Nian will be assuming the role as our minister of defense. I have seen the discipline of the far east and feel Lord Nian make our soldiers a force on the continent."Lord Nian bowed, "I shall do my best to meet your expectations," Lord Nian gave a slight bow and stood next to his family."We brought some refugees from
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 90 Wedding Day
Aurelia couldn't get over how wonderful her dress looked. The black and purple lace For the last time in her life, she applied the gothic makeup the people knew so well before Zinjo entered the picture. Aurelia straightened the purple sating sweep and opened the velvet box with an amethyst choker. The Crowned veil awaited her on a nearby bench.A long-standing tradition of Shadowfen brides was to stand in front of a mirror and practice saying I do. No one is sure who started the tradition or why, but all the same, Aurelia found herself engaged in the activity.She felt rather silly at first and used a deep voice, "I do." She held her silence before she giggled at the action. "That won't do at all, will it?"Aurelia tried again. This time, she added a snobby tone. A knock at her door paused her preparations, "I'll be right there,"The door creaked open, and Tess entered with her long dirty blond hair in braids to signify she had gotten engaged. She held ou
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 89 Dueling hearts
The whole town of Sea Meet came out to watch their princess get married. Well, they came for the duel between Aurelia and Zinjo. At the beginning of their adventure, Aurelia felt great swarms of butterflies in her stomach at the very sight of Zinjo. The moments before the duel brought the same feeling to the princess.She peered across the dueling yard at the local guardhouse. Aurelia's enhanced hearing picked up on all the people who bet against her. Three-quarters of the crowd came to see Zinjo victorious over aurelia. Once upon a time, such actions would've crushed her spirit. Today it left her with a deep thirst to prove herself.Ayasu and Sophie approached the princess and smiled. The elder lioness held a red paste in her hand, "I will now apply the ceremonial markings." She dipped two fingers in the paste. Aurelia's nose detected fruit of some kind, "Zinjo is excited. I don't think he's stopped smiling since this morning."Ayasu smeared the thick substance
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 88 Secret Joys
Aurelia greeted Sojobo with a bow and smiled, "What brings you out here?" She embraced the Tengu king, who blushed at the attention.Sojobo collected himself, "A little birdie told me you were to be married. You and your groom were unique enough for me to leave the mountain for a few days." He paused and ran a finger down his long nose. "I also wanted to thank you for handling the clockwork guild. The machines have been banned, as per the order of the emperor.""I should think so. The Machines went crazy. They were using the souls of the Huli Jing to power them," Aurelia opened the parasol and slung it over her shoulder."Foolishness, the Huli Jing's power almost rivals that of the Tengu. How many people died?""I don't know. We wound up taking a hundred and fifty when we left the city. They are now on the way to Shadowfen with us, along with a pair of Huli Jing."Sojobo bowed to the princess, "The emperor did not find any survivors. He feared no o
The Lion of Shadowfen Chapter 87 Reconciliation
Luckily for Aurelia, Zinjo and Nian Chose to return to the ship early that night. Gael managed to get the other ships supplied and ready for the trip back to Shadowfen. Sophie locked herself in a cabin and refused to open the door for anyone, "I have nothing further to say to my traitorous daughter," She said before the door slammed shut.Tang Sai joined Han Xin up in the crow's nest, "I sense a lot of family drama on the horizon, and I'd rather not be a part of it."Ayasu headed toward Sophie's cabin, "I will speak to her, mother to mother, perhaps she will see reason," the lioness didn't make a noise as she approached the barricaded door.Aurelia headed to the bow of the ship and leaned against the railing. She stared out into the endless waves and sighed. The princess felt the loving arms of Zinjo wrap around her waist. Aurelia leaned back and allowed her to kiss him, "How do you manage to find trouble where ever you go?" Zinjo smiled as he spoke."I d
