Standing in Shadows (Dark Fey Book 2) by Cynthia A. Morgan

Author:Cynthia A. Morgan [Morgan, Cynthia A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Creativia
Published: 2015-12-04T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

After so turbulent a game, it was customary for all the teams to enjoy a celebratory drink together in the local tavern in order to ensure camaraderie among them, as many of the players worked closely in the Temple as Guards or Healers. In preparation, they returned to the team rooms and Bryth showed Gairynzvl one of the overindulgences afforded them by the Temple artisans; an extravagance they all appreciated immensely. Winding through the far end of the team rooms like an undulating serpent, a rivulet of fresh water poured through a series of artificially constructed waterfalls, splashing cool water invitingly. Cleansing, refreshing, and exceptionally soothing to weary muscles and wings, the rivulet rushed through sixteen coves where tumbling water created an environment more opulent than anything Gairynzvl had ever experienced.

Bryth left his side hurriedly, keen to enjoy the splashing water for himself, while Gairynzvl stood and stared at the lavishness of the private cove with disbelief. Life in the Uunglarda was harsh in every respect and never in all the years he was trapped there could he recall such an abundance of clean water. There clean water was a luxury that many were regularly denied and obtaining it was exceedingly costly. Unintentionally, his thoughts returned to the darkness of that place and he recalled the many times he had stood in the icy rain shivering violently as he funneled rainwater with his wings into a stolen clay jar so he might have drinking water when he needed it, regardless of the fact that, by doing so, he would be miserably cold for hours.

Forcing these thoughts from his mind with a shake of his head, he reached behind him to unlace the shirt he wore from round his wings and pulled it off. The coolth of the tumbling rivulet breathed over his skin and he could not keep from sighing at its touch, hurrying to remove the rest of his uniform as well. Stepping uncertainly, then, beneath the luxurious cascade of water, he was unprepared for the overwhelmingly enticing, sensual delight the soothing torrent created. Tilting his head upward, he allowed the cool water to splash over his face and sighed once again, even more deeply. For long moments he stood beneath the crystalline 'plashing water, intoxicated beyond measure by the revitalizing current pouring over his head and through his hair, streaming across his skin, deluging his feathers. Turning slowly in the rushing downpour, he closed his eyes and held out his hands, allowing the abundantly flowing water to spin his senses.

Enraptured beneath the waterfall's blissful caress, he stood in its delicious embrace even longer, lost in the mesmerizing haze of its cooling touch. Yet, in his reverie, he could not combat the memories he had just shaken off when they sprang unexpectedly from the murky place where they waited; the sudden onslaught causing him to sway unsteadily, squeeze his eyes tightly closed and bare his teeth in an effort of resisting them. Raising his hands to lean upon

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