A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

Like a demure lady, Emma hooked her arm in his, cheeks blushing, and allowed him to lead her.

First, Erik snapped his fingers. This brought them outside of his dimension, in the Enkare Nkai castle.

They stalked through the castle quietly, one with a charming grin, the other with shyly downcast eyes, a happy smile on her lips. Any servants who met them couldn't help but turn their heads at the beautiful couple; they even met some of Naeku's family, who instantly got worried for their precious girl.

But Erik and Emma ignored them all, fully absorbed in each other.

Soon, they ended up outside in the humid evening air—fortunately, their clothes and bodies were perfectly capable of resisting the humidity and heat.

"S— So where are we going?" Emma asked, still in a strange, mixed mood of nervosity and excitement. Her cheeks never stopped blushing.

Erik smiled, and indicated towards the distance, where a few bright fires were burning. "Over there. With the economy of Enkare Nkai the way it is, the people have returned to older ways of entertainment… social gatherings. I asked a few people about what we might expect, and I think you'll enjoy yourself."

Emma smiled, her eyes twinkling with a strange mixture of sly and shy. "As long as I'm with you, Husband, I'm sure I'll enjoy myself anywhere."

Erik chuckled as he felt his heart swell, despite the corny line. Leaning to the side, he softly took her lips. "I couldn't agree more, my beautiful Glimmer."

Emma responded in kind. They kissed each other lovingly for a while, before Erik broke it off again with a small smile. "But that doesn't mean we can't optimise our enjoyment." Taking Emma by the hand, he began to lead her on. She quickly followed, licking her lips as she savoured Erik's taste.
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Before long, they started meeting more people. Large crowds of humans, shapeshifters, and vampires all made their way to same place, laughing and talking all the way.

Emma looked around in wonder. "I know I saw all this on the way in, but it's still amazing to see the comradery among Naeku's people," she muttered in awe. "Anywhere else we've been so far; the races are pretty much at each other's throats. Even the council has tense relations among the races. But not here…"

Erik smiled and nodded. "Naeku's people from before the awakening were already a group of mixed races who all knew about each other, but it's impressive how they managed to keep that spirit alive, even as their number grew."

He looked around at the people and buildings around them. "The kingdom of Enkare Nkai is lacking in a lot of things. Communications and economy, to name a few, but they make up for a lot with their community spirit."

Emma half-smirked playfully. "And now my beloved husband is here to make up for those shortcomings… in return for bending the knee."

Erik grinned widely, possessively, "Everything comes at a price, my dear." Then he shook his head, "But these people will barely notice the difference. Taking leadership away from Naeku and her family would only diminish these people's strongest quality."

"They'll be lucky to have you… just as I am," Emma smiled shyly, but with a surprisingly playful twinkle in her eyes as she looked away from him.

"Hehehe," Erik chuckled. "Compliments will get you everywhere, my dear."

Soon, they reached the massive square where it was all going down, and they were hit with a wall of sound and a large crowd of people from all ages, enjoying their free time together.

Ankhur had already spread word that the Humanitas Sangh would be unable to attack for at least a few months, which naturally caused the city to celebrate, loosing much of its previous dour mood.

He'd also announced the presence of guests at the palace, who'd been instrumental in the buying them this time. Over time, descriptions of his guests had entered the rumour mill, and by now, the whole city knew what they looked like.

Thus, unsurprisingly, the two of them garnered a lot of attention… not only because they looked like two deities, who'd descended from the heavens. Their clothes, their power, and the way they carried themselves all made a big impression.

Yet, Erik guided Emma into the crowd without paying the attention any mind, a soft smile on his lips. At first, the people who saw them kept a respectful distance, but Emma's motherly aura, kind smile, and ethereal beauty quickly began to bridge the gap.

"Let's enjoy ourselves…" he whispered in her ear. Emma nodded enthusiastically, eyes shining at all that was around her.

And for the new few hours, they did exactly that.

The square was filled with all sorts of activities, from food stands who simply shared freely, to performances of all kinds—dancing, singing, and stage plays were all present.

They laughed, they kissed, they socialized, and generally enjoyed themselves. Any barriers between them and the locals were quickly broken down, and by the end they'd become a part of the crowd, no different from anyone else.

But it wasn't just they who were impressed by the locals and their ability to have fun like this, regardless of social or racial barriers, and with only some minor incidents. No, the people of Enkare Nkai were impressed with Erik and Emma as well. Their charm and down-to-earth attitude quickly won them a place in their midst.

The party went on until well into the night, before Erik and Emma finally found themselves back in his dimension. He carried her over the threshold of his room, her arms wrapped around his neck, her gaze lovingly pointed at him.

It wasn't over yet, however. His room now contained a table for two, already set-up for a lovely dinner. "I hope you haven't filled up yet on the surprisingly delicious lizard meat we ate today," he grinned at her. "Because I was thinking I might serve you for once."

He put her down in the chair, and waved his hand. Suddenly, two piping hot dishes were pulled from his own storage space. He'd made these earlier, and since his storage space essentially froze them in time, it was like they came fresh from the stove.

Next, he produced a bottle filled with mirky red liquid. This bottle originated from Söl, and was filled with second-rank wine, making it perfect for a second-rank Arcanist like Emma. It wouldn't do much for Erik, but it was all he had for now. He filled both their glasses, and a sweet, fruity aroma filled the room.

"You're spoiling me," Emma pout-smiled, her cheeks flushed from the excitement they'd just gone through.

"Just as you usually spoil me," Erik chuckled as he took a seat across from her. "Fair's fair, right?"

Emma giggled, her eyes focused on him and full of affection. "Maybe so, but tomorrow we'll go back to normal, alright?" She blushed slightly, and smiled shyly, "I don't want to stop being your maid…"

Erik smirked and raised his glass. "I wouldn't have it any other way..."

They spend the rest of the night talking, until they finally fell asleep in each other's arms.