Chapter 88: Spa Day

Do you think that’s the best plan to stick around with this group? The void giant questioned. I can see the benefits, depending on their expectations of us.

We can gain some experience and perspective here. They don’t know what we learned from the Cease, but they have a different approach we can try to understand. We can use this as a base, find some instances, and seek answers toward our goals.

And what do you see as our goals to address while we stay here? Pneuma remained silent in the room but pressed Trint for his intentions.

I have many thoughts; Trint began but paused, getting some things mentally organized. There is a teleportation hub, if not multiple, here in this city, and we can get information from the Coyriels that will save us time wandering. If we are pressed or have the need, we shouldn’t have an issue just leaving. Beyond that, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what my Soul and profession will be able to do. Then there's the information T-Rex shared about affinities. I am no closer to figuring that out; this might be a good time. And if I can get my Tree of Life to advance, then the option to contact and travel to the Subsystem or whatever else it might unlock becomes another thing we need to explore. And I am still considering returning to T-Rex and finding another me in the multiverse or wherever it sends me when I slide sideways. We need to see what my “Father’s” family presence is in this iteration. Maybe you can answer that?

My original plans were to arrive here in i3, after hundreds if not thousands of years. We have drops and locations to consider exploring, but there is no guarantee that those are not being observed if not compromised. Let's focus on some of what you just mentioned. It sounds like we have too much to accomplish in a short time. How long do you want to consider staying here?

At this point, I can’t answer till I know what they want from us or even if we are welcome. But I could see us taking as much as six months to level and figure out my laundry list of tasks.

Okay, Pneuma dragged out his agreement with a tone of assurance. I like this side of you. Focus is needed, and we have more time than you realize. We will meet up with your family, and when we do, we will be a force strong enough to protect them. Pneuma’s conviction and support were mentally communicated but carried a gravity of confidence that couldn’t be shaken.

What do you want to start with? Pneuma took another drink from his tea and exhaled; although he neither needed to eat nor breathe, he enjoyed the motions and knew it made others more comfortable seeing them. All the while, neither companion turned to watch the two hosts return to the room.

“Apologies for that and for using a silencing talisman,” Jelica was even more respectful and polite. “Chief Shepherd has filled me in on your time together in his Soul. We, the Coyriel Family, would like to extend an invitation to you both. We hope you will consider a temporary position as Shepherd and Life-Blade trainers. We are willing to compensate you for your time and training,” Bowing even lower, she continued. “This is only a temporary position based on my authority. I apologize; my authority is limited. I will request an audience for you with the Head of our house. It will take time, so you will be our guest until then and will be invited to train in this limited capacity till then.”

Pneuma stood and stepped next to Trint. They both bowed as Trint gave his answer, “We agree to stay and help till the audience. Will there be any issues with our initial exchange with the young master or his guards?”

“I will handle that, and as long as Tigus and the others have no lasting damage, there should be no problems.”

P remind me to check back on him and get Baba to fix whatever she broke in the brat. Trint groaned mentally while nodding to Jelica.

“Well then, why don’t we show you the guest suites and get you cleaned up? You seem to have been traveling for a while and might benefit from our hospitality.”

“I could use a bath,” Trint sniffed himself. Not too bad. Right?

You can only Cleanse yourself so much. Pneuma chastised. Regular hygiene is still expected and appreciated. You know I must intentionally limit my sense of smell toward you, right?

“We would love to see our rooms and freshen up; thank you,” Trint agreed.

A servant guided them, whom Jelica called, to a section of the compound they had yet to see. It was just as beautiful and tranquil as the rest. It had its unique water features and gardens.

The rooms they were taken to were spacious. They each received their own, but they were next to each other.

“See you in a bit,” Pneuma disappeared into his room.

Trint was reminded of a luxury hotel. The theme of the compound extended into the private villa. The sounds of bubbling water drew his attention to the water fountain flowing towards a small courtyard. It had places for mediation and enough space to spar for a couple of people at most.

Trint remembered what he had intended, walked the rest of the villa, and found a large bedroom and an adjoining spa-like bathroom. There wasn’t a shower but a bath, steam room, and hot stones in the form of a human silhouette. He knew they were hot as they were softly glowing, and he could feel them radiating. The feel was inviting, so he placed his hands on one of the rocks.

He felt a soothing warmth that spread to the bones in his hand. Not knowing what this was, he still couldn’t help but undress and lay on his back, naked on the stones. After an unknown amount of time, he woke with a jolt. He didn’t recall dreaming but knew he’d fallen asleep but quickly recognized where he was. Heart racing, he was immediately aware that someone was watching him.

“Hello, master,” Trint rolled to his side and off the rocks craning his neck behind where his head had been on the rocks. Already his hands were covered in sharp Soul forged claws. There kneeling, was a woman in a diaphanous robe. The robe stuck to her sweating body and revealed far more than a swimsuit would. Trint quickly assessed the room as he averted his distracted eyes. The room was empty save for the practically naked servant.

The steam room door was open, and the bathroom was partially filled with steam billows filling the main bathroom. Trint retracted the claws to his Soul and grabbed a towel, covering his midsection, while he slid the rest of the way to stand back. As he did, the woman slowly rose on her knees and inched towards him.

P, there’s someone in my room.

I know. She’s cute, huh?

What do you mean you know? She’s, I mean..she…

Calm down, they sent us each some servants. That one will do anything you ask, but I told them to keep it PG. Thought you’d appreciate that they respect some boundaries. You could use a real massage after the stones.

Trint visibly swallowed the spit stuck in his throat as he worked to keep his towel in place.

Plus, you needn’t worry; look at the vaulted ceiling. In the corners, Pneuma reassured confidently.

Trint looked up and saw that in the shadows of the ceiling, multiple Soul creatures were watching over him, the ones Pneuma commanded.

See. You have been completely safe.

Well, I’m not comfortable with her being in here. I was naked as the day I was born.

I know.

Still, you also know how I feel about my wife, right?

Yep.

“Master, can I get you anything? Would you like me to draw you a bath? I could also help you wash?” the servant’s voice was inviting and unnecessarily seductive.

“No! I mean, no, thank you. Would you mind stepping outside?” Trint had to avert his eyes as the woman leaned forward, bowing. Her robes already, too see-through, now fell open, so Trint turned away, only to remember his butt was now facing her.

“Oh, my apologies. Master, don’t send me away. If you do, they will know I have not pleased you,” her tone was apologetic but pleading.

“There will be no pleasing me unless you leave. No I mean…Just leave please. You can wait in the garden,” Trint was flustered and was not handling this smoothly.

She complied, and Trint turned as she left to keep his towel covering most of his front while averting his eyes from the beautiful woman.

Trint mentally heard Pneuma laughing.

Not funny, Trint spit back mentally

Kind of was, his companion continued to laugh. It seems you made an impression on the Shepherd, and they are trying to make a good impression on us.

Trint closed the door and took deep breaths to calm down. He still felt the warmth and soothing aura from the stones. He could only compare the feeling to when he had gotten a deep tissue massage. But this one was felt down to his bones and something more.

Knowing he was being watched over, even if not precisely how he would have preferred, he still wanted to investigate. So, he jumped into his Soul. He felt something was happening.

Casting his senses wide throughout his Soul, Trint noticed a new presence near the Tree of Life. He observed it from where he was in the sky as he drew near; he still was not sure what it was.

Sitting in a locus position facing the Tree was a misty form of a man, as if vapor was moving and swirling around but only in the shape of a meditating shadow.

“What is this? Trint asked himself, as he was otherwise alone. But in response, the misty form turned its nondescript head and opened its eyes. No face was visible, but Trint stumbled back in surprise. He momentarily looked behind to ensure he wouldn’t step on anything. Looking back, he saw the form dissolve like an invisible wind blew it away. Trint walked forward and reached through the place the head and eyes had been. Passing his hand through didn’t even leave a trace of anything—just air. There had only ever been a visible sign; his Soul senses hadn’t picked up anything even being there.

“My head seems to be more screwed up every day. I will have to figure this out later.”

He returned to his very relaxed body. He felt so good. Warm and comfy, like he just crawled into a warm blanket.

“Still overdue for a bath,” He sighed. Then walked over and started filling the giant bath.

This is amazing; Trint directed his thoughts and satisfaction to Pneuma. Now that I have some privacy.

So, not mad anymore? His friend hesitantly joked.

No. Not mad. I’m sure it was funny for you. Where did she go?

I sent them away.

Why don’t you come over to my room? I’ll be done in a bit. We can do some planning.

Soon the two were resting in the courtyard of Trint’s suite. Both changed into fresh clothes provided for guests in the closets. They were encouraged to utilize anything in their rooms. Their guest clothes were white with orange and black accents, following the house theme but indicating to the compound residents that they were guests.

Pneuma joined Trint in his room and discussed Trint’s vapor guest from his Soul and the other unexpected guest. His companion had no answers to one of the appearances, so they chose to rest quietly in the courtyard sitting next to the bubbling water.

Food was brought to them by the same servants. Trint was kind but didn’t let his gaze rest near the woman long. He thanked them for the food and asked for privacy. As they pouted, it was clear on the servants' faces that they’d have preferred to stay.

Jelica came by and asked about their service. Then she asked them to rest until the morning. The servants would be available if they rang a small bell just inside their door or in the hall outside their rooms if they needed anything.

Settling in, they chose to take turns sleeping. The last time they were guests or hostages in a new place, they were targeted by assassins. Not to mention Trint was a little nervous that his friend might still be in the practical joking mood.

Pneuma meditated and kept vigil while Trint tried to get actual physical sleep. It wasn’t long before he was dreaming.