Beauty and The Beasts: Rain

14. Rest For The Weary

     The trip back to the city took them two more days.  They had been attacked by several scorpions on the way, but Winston made short work of the beastmen.  Rain was disappointed that she didn't get a chance to fight, but was thrilled to watch the powerful tiger in action.

     Arriving at the outskirts of the city's territory, Winston roared.  Several tiger guards approached their king and discussed something in their native beast tongue.  The guards glanced at Rain and Third before going back to their duties.

     Winston guided them into the city.  All of the beasts cleared the way, allowing the trio to pass unhindered.  The beasts all stared at Rain.  They knew of the two transforming females that lived in the city, but they only ever caught a look at one.  Having never seen Rain, the mated males wanted to bring back stories to their spouses.  The unmated males sized up Rain as a potential mate.

     Rain stopped in the middle of the road and glared at the nosy beasts.  She was once used to the various stares when she lived in the city before.  Now so many eyes on her greatly agitated her.  She was also unwilling to continue in the current direction.

     The two males in her party noticed Rain's reluctance to continue.  Winston shifted, turned his uncovered body to the side, and questioned Rain.  "What's wrong?"

     "Is my sister still living in your castle?"  Rain answered with a question.  Understanding filled Third's eyes.  Winston sighed before responding, "No.  She moved into a den on the other side of the city."  Feeling satisfied with Winston's answer, Rain nodded and headed in the direction of the castle.

     The castle guards recognized the group immediately and allowed the three inside the grey stone walls.  The castle was grand in size and design.  The exterior resembled a rectangular fortress and the interior was wide and spacious.  There were not many decorations inside, giving the castle a rather empty appearance.

     Although the communal areas were lacking, the guest rooms were given adequate furnishings.  Winston had built the castle himself many years ago.  The city was built outward from the castle incorporating the small village that predated the city.  He had included many large and spacious rooms to accommodate females and their young cubs during sieges on the city.

     Rain looked at the familiar walls and scented the air.  Nothing had changed from when she had lived in the castle with her sister.  She recalled when her and her sister reached maturity and first shifted.  Winston had come to visit them as usual and upon discovering their gender, brought the sisters to the city with haste.

     Rain never hated living in the castle.  Winston had always gone above and beyond to make the two comfortable.  She was just...dissatisfied.  It wasn't hers.  The castle was Winston's and Winston was not her mate.  She had wanted her own space; her own territory.  That was why she chose to move out as soon as she found a mate and den of her own.

     Frowning, Rain remember how well that turned out.  Shaking herself from her thoughts, she realized they were already at Winston's room.  The two males shifted and put on furs.  "Do you want to rest in your room?" Questioned Winston.

     Rain wanted to say that it wasn't hers, but managed to bite her tongue.  She was tired.  Tired from two years of being constantly alert.  Tired from the ordeal of the evil rock.  Tired from the trip.  "Yes," responded Rain.

     Rain would never complain about her two years of independence.  She was proud of herself, but she was tired.  She didn't realize how exhausted she had become until these two beasts had come and relieved her of various burdens.  She made her way back to the old room.

     Rain pushed aside the curtain and entered.  The room looked untouched.  It was dusty and looked like no other had used the room since she left two years ago.  Tasting the air, Rain confirmed that it was unoccupied and proceed to dust the room.

     Without saying a word, the two males who followed her assisted.  Two felines and a snake worked together to make the room spotless.  Third danced around energetically sending dust flying.  Winston solemnly cleaned both his share and Third's.  Rain focused on cleaning the furs and kitchenware.

     Soon, the cleaning was done and Rain went to the river to bathe and gather clean water.  The river was around a two hour walk for a normal female, assuming they'd actually walk.  Rain could make it in ten minutes.

      Rain was sure the now dirty water, was provided at Winston's order.  After removing the remnants of her journey and dusting session, Rain made her way back to her den.

     An enthusiastic Third, had taken it upon himself to be her "guard," turning away any would-be suitors.  He was honestly scared that Rain may pick a fight if he didn't run interference.  Winston had stayed behind at the castle.  Rain did not care what they were doing or thinking at this moment.  Her current goal was to go back and rest.

     Rain immediately shifted and settled down to sleep when she reached the pile of furs.  Third was heavily torn.  He wanted to talk to Rain, hear her stories, and tell his own, but he was afraid of her temper.  He was certain he would get chased out, but kind of wanted to try his luck.

     Before Third could bother Rain, a strong and calloused hand landed on his shoulder.  Winston stared at Third with a silent threat in his eyes.  Deflating, Third determined he couldn't win and sulked.  Rain watched from a half-lidded eye before falling into deep sleep.  Even if this wasn't her place, she knew she was safe here.  Winston wouldn't let anything touch her while in his castle.