Relief washed over the demon hunter as his joints cracked with quick rotations of his broad shoulders.  The trip had been a long one, but it finally was coming to an end.  The docks of Sularia were not far off from where his transport was.  He could make out the different merchants in the harbor looking hopeful that their new shipments would be aboard the incoming ship.  Cole walked over to the railing and leaned heavily upon the wood while looking at the city that lay before him.  It had been a year since he had been last within the city's borders.  The Clan had kept him away constantly, never allowing for a moment of rest or vacation.  He knew that he was an important tool to his clan, but he had wanted some time to visit without being monitored.  After a year of diligent work, Cole had been able to persuade his clan leader to allow him time away on his own that did not include work.  A small smile came to his lips as he stood up straight.  "Finally, a moment to do as I wish," he spoke allowed to himself.  It was an odd ritual, but if he wanted something, Cole would speak it allowed in hopes to bring it to life.

"Docking in less than five minutes. Gather your belongings to prepare for departure," the Captain called out to the passengers.  The demon hunter checked the blades that were sheathed on either hip before grabbing up his pack. Inside were his normal travel gear along with extra clothes in case he did not wish to travel around in full gear.  Cole found it difficult to not move about in his gear, but if he were to go for a social evening out it would be awkward.  He couldn't suppress the small laugh and shake of his head.  There were not many occasions that  he would consider going out in public for social reasons, but his entire journey to Sularia was a social visit.  For a year the demon hunter and a specific young woman had exchanged letters.  Cole was not unfamiliar with women, but this particular one had his interest that he could not quite explain.  

Head quickly darted to the side as the plank for departing the ship had been placed.  Without hesitation he made his way down the plank to set foot upon the docks.  There was quite a ruckus with merchants and family shouting out greetings to those leaving the ship and getting affairs in order.  The tan man slipped through the crowd, knowing full well that she would not be among those waiting.  This visit was a surprise.  She had been unable to leave Sularia just as much as he was unable to make his way to the city.  Letters were all that were allowed for communication in the mean time, and as he moved through the city to the Yellow District he found that it had been more unacceptable than he had first felt.

Cole readjusted the pack on his back as he made it through the brothel area.  Women were calling out to the newcomers in hopes of a new line of revenue.  He paid no attention to them since they were not his end goal.  It took a couple of correct turns to get to the Yellow Court, but he finally made it.  He glanced up at the high walls and could smell the flowers' scent in the air.  For a moment he stood wondering what he should do next.  She had no knowledge of his coming to the city.  Truthfully, he wasn't sure if she would have any true interest in seeing him in person.  Letters were a correspondence that could be used to pass time.  Time had passed, and there was no telling if there was someone of value in her life at the moment.  He clenched his teeth to push away the thoughts of doubt.  "Excuse me, but could you help me find Lady Nymph?  I was told that she resides here.  She does not know of my coming, but we are old acquaintances.  I am Cole Cocidius."  One of the city guards looked at his partner as they decided how to proceed.  Cole could feel their eyes linger on his white hair and deeply tanned skin.  The demon hunter stood out, as well as his red cloak over his black leather armor; a man suited for war.  

Nymphaea had Yeva on her shoulders. The little blonde was squealing as Nymph jumped around the courtyard grabbing onto roof ledge. “Hang on Yeva okay?”

“Okay big sis.” Yeva wrapped her legs tighter and held onto Nymph’s head.

The half-demon launched herself up onto the roof and did a few high jumps as they felt the harsh oasis sun. Her squeals were heard a long distance before tapering off. “Lady Nymph there is a man here to see you. He said his name was Cole.” Nymphaea’s eyes got wide as the man told her where to find him.

“That little shit–”

“Language Missy.” Yeva gave her hair a tug and Nymph ow’d and put her in her arms before jumping down.

“Scram.” Nymph pushed her butt gently as Yeva stuck her tongue out and ran away. Making her way inside Nymphaea stopped to look at her hair. It was a wild mess of brown curls and windblown from jumping around with Yeva. There was no time to fix it and it made her groan slightly as she made her way into the city.

She was in a deep blue shirt with dark pants. It looked more like loungewear than anything else. Which was true since she had been just messing around all day. “Cole!” She went from a walk to a jog and even got to a full-blown sprint as she tackled him over. “You should have told me you were coming!” Honestly, Sularia needed newish faces around. "When did you even get here?" She asked as she pulled herself off of him and offered him her hand.

Men and women soldiers made their rounds of the district.  He could feel their eyes upon him as they went passed, but none made any move to question him further of his presence.  Cole was pleased that he had finally had made it to his end destination without many complications.  The original guard pair he had spoken to had wondered off to find his friend, which left him to relax and take in the scenery.  With a heavy thump, his backpack fell to the ground at his feet to allow his shoulder some rest.  The hunter was certain he had not packed much, but it felt heavier than usual for some reason.  It would only be fitting if he ended up finding some weight or two added to the bottom of the bag by the clan leader as some attempt at humor.  Gray eyes glanced down at the bag with a small sneer as he knew that was most likely what had happened.  She was not an amusing woman.

Cole stretched his arms once more to get out the last of the kinks that had formed from the long journey.  Most of it had been spent in a slumber to keep from having to interact with the other travelers.  There was little fondness for socializing when it came to other people.  The young man was specific with those he would spend his precious little time with.  He couldn't help but chuckle as he glanced around the court; it was obvious where he wanted to spend that little time.  Running a hand through his hair, he began to tap the toe of his boot to keep from seeming anxious.  He dared not explore around with as many eyes upon him as there were.  Cole had only been to the city once, and not long enough to make any sort of impression on the inhabitants.  It was better to keep them calm during his wait.  

Head turned just in time to see a young woman run almost full tilt at him.  His name echoed in the court yard as she tackled him from the side, and just before hitting the ground he twisted to land on his back with her atop him.  Cole laughed with a quick shake of his head.  There was little that changed about her behavior from the last time they had met; it was heart warming.  "If I announced my coming, than it would not count as a surprise…now would it?" he answered while using her to stand up.  Upon standing, he realized that she had grown slightly, even though he was still a decent amount taller.  Her features had matured, though her body stayed tone fit for fighting purposes (he mused).  Nymph's hair was unruly, but that would go along with her tendency to flit about instead of sitting still like most born to courts.  "I arrived just a short time ago.  Took a merchant ship into the local docks.  I remember the city being large, but it has been quite some time since my last visit.  It seems that it has developed."  

Reaching down, he picked up his backpack to sling it back over his shoulder. The weight reminded him to check the bag later for the surprise that the clan leader most certainly put in there.  "You seem to be well.  Energetic as always, and healed from before.  I trust there are no lingering scars?"  His head tilted to the side as if examining her face and anything possible to see that she had healed properly.  Demon hunting was not a trade for the feign of heart or skill.  The demon that they had faced was a tough one for even veterans of the employment.  "You have quite the home here.  I remember it being large, like I said, but have you been keeping busy? Also, do you have a location I can put my pack down? I will find lodging later, but for now I was in hopes of taking up some of your time while it was still light out."

Nymph gave a smile and shook her head. “I suppose not.” Getting up she helped him up as she looked about the city. “Nah, it’s always been large but it hasn’t been active due to fear. We finished a war in the time we’ve been apart… and it is a lot safer here now.”

Waving her hand she smirked. “I’m well enough. There are scars from different things but I’ll tell you of my adventures later. My mother had her own adventure… Well, you’ll see soon enough. Same thing with the busy part. You’ll see… soon enough. As for the bag… Yeah, we can drop that off at my mother’s house. As for lodgings, you can stay with us. You are an honorary guest and my mother would be upset with me if I let you stay in some tavern or inn.”

She beckoned him to follow her and led him farther into the Yellow Court district. There loomed a huge glistening white house. “Home, sweet home.” She opened the double doors.

“NYMPH YOU ARE BACK!” The little blonde child pounced on her and Nymph caught her while she was still in the air.

“I’m with company… Cole this is my mother’s little adventure. My youngest sibling Yeva.” Yeva’s blue eyes looked at Cole before immediately hiding her face in Nymph’s chest. “She’s shy but she keeps me on my toes.” Adjusting Yeva in her arms she pointed at an entry table. “Throw your bag there no one will care. Also, Yeva… We’re going out for a bit more.”

“Will you come play with me later?”

“Tomorrow. Don’t you have stuff you have to do?” Yeva looked disappointed but nodded before Nymph shooed her off. “She wasn’t born long after you and I parted. Anyways you said you wanted to take up my time so what should we do? The city is huge with lots to do even when there isn’t any light left… If you know where to go anyways.”

The weight of the pack had to be adjusted on his shoulder once again as he truly realized the heft of it. I am going to kill you Uial, he cursed inwardly.  He frowned while looking down at Nymph.  "I did not know that your people were in a war.  Not even the last time I was here."  It made him wonder what level of fighting she had to get into in order to help her people bring the war to an end.  She was unlike the others of her family; there was a fire that burned in her core that pushed her to constantly become better.  When they had first met she had been unskilled in the art of demon hunting, but was eager to learn.  As she spoke and waved her hand, Cole gazed down at her with a gentle smile on his lips.  It was good to see her again.  He could admit that much.  "There seems to be much that I need to be told later," he mused while following her.

"I do not wish to be an imposition upon your family.  I gave no notice to my visit."  Cole had met her mother the first time he had visited, and knew her to be a powerful and kind woman.  He did not want to be an imposition upon them.  "Speaking of your mother…did she put you to more training?"  He tilted his head to the side as he waited for an answer.  The idea of her fighting without the training that was promised made him uneasy.  Though they had exchanged letters for a time, they had not discussed 'work.'  Cole traveled too much and dealt with death consistently.  All that he could take was that of Nymph's letters to help distract him from the darker missions that he was assigned to.  More children were becoming possessed by demons.  The results of his missions were not always pleasant outcomes.  His last mission was one of the worst he had in the recent times.  

The large white house looked familiar, and he smiled as he remembered he had carried her the last time they had been there together.  At the least she could move under her own power.  Cole watched the interaction between the siblings.  For children, the white haired hunter could allow a smile to peak through his hard exterior.  "Good day to you, miss Yeva."  He glanced over at the table she had indicated and nodded in response.  Before putting his bag down, he tested it to see if it could handle a heavy weight.  Feeling confident that he would not break it, the bag was placed.  He felt hesitant to leave his possessions, but the hunter trusted those that followed the rosenite family.  

When he turned back around the child was already being shooed off to leave the pair alone once again.  "Why do you not tell me?  What is it you would like to do…or show me? The last time I had been here was to help you heal." He smirked her to remind her of the debacle that night had been.  "What do you do on most nights?  I have not had much time to relax or be out.  Missions have been placed on my work card on a continuous basis lately.  The elder and council have deemed me a work horse instead of a person. "

There was a grim look in her eye. “My aunt Cyprus waged war on the city… Gave her soul to demons… She killed her children… Almost all of them. Then she tried to kill us as well. The Black Court, my cousins, and her children, managed to stop her while we held off the Lazil outside of the city. It was a long battle but we survived. As we always do.”

She waved her hand at Cole and laughed. “No need… It is a huge house with lots of empty rooms. You aren’t a bother at all.” Thinking of her training she nodded. “I actually have been working on my skills as a half-demon with my cousins from the Black Court. Many of them are also half demons thanks to Cyprus’s dealings. Actually, many of the Black Court are half-demons. Demons tend to like the fight us Rosenites bring to the bedroom.” She shrugged her shoulders and giggled a bit. He did ask about it.

Cole’s greeting made Yeva hide more into Nymph but those blue eyes spied on him. Once Cole was done and Yeva was shooed off Nymph got a smirk on her face just listening to him. Her hands went up to her hips and she laughed. “Relax you say? What do I do on nights you ask?”

Taking him by the hand. “You aren’t a person tonight either. You are a drinker, a party lover, and my date for the evening.” She dragged him off to another district. The buildings got darker but the same lively feel stayed. “This is the Black Court.” Going down an alleyway she got to a colorful door that led into a basement and kicked it. “Oye, wake up.”

There was movement and the doors flew open. “Oye, Nymph shuddup. We’re awake already. The party never stops here.” It was a man that looked as young as them. “Come on in… Bring the fresh meat.” She dragged Cole down the steps and into a cozy ritzy bar that seemed to be hidden in town.

“Our own little gem.” There were plush seats. Men with lots of women on their arms. Hooting and hollering. Good times around. There were what appeared to be demons with their tops off showing every inch of their skin. “They are half-demons… Just so you know. Like I said demons love Rosenite women so there tends to be a lot of halfings.” Getting up to the bar she hopped up on a high stool and patted the seat next to her.

“Dragonfire whiskey. The shit that my aunt gets. We don’t want to think about decisions tonight alright?” Nymph smirked at Cole and the barkeep nodded.

“Who’s tab is this going on because you don’t have the silver for this stuff.” The barkeep put some shot glasses by them and a whole bottle.

“I’ll cover them this time. Anything they want…” A sultry voice cooed. A woman with dark locks wandered out of the backroom. Her curves and features showed she was much older than Nymph. “Nymph you shouldn’t bring such new meat down in a place like this.” The woman hung herself on Cole, draping her arms around his shoulders.

“Aren’t you like married or something Lotus?” Nymph took Lotus’s arms off Cole and the black-haired woman started to pout.

“We like to see other people… especially with each other.”

“This is my cousin Lotus… She is a half-succubus. Don’t fall for her shit. She normally leaves men hanging.”

“Yeah… He’s too young for me. While teaching is fun… I don’t quite feel like teaching tonight.” She pressed her lips to Cole’s cheek and waved her hand. “Have fun little cousin… Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Ciao.” The half-succubus took her departure and Nymph looked apologetic to Cole.

“She is always like that… Don’t mind her. BUT you heard the lady! All the alcohol on her tab.” Nymph had a fire raging in her eyes now. The barkeep rolled his eyes and nodded.

“You are lucky she is here. I doubt anyone would take your tab but your cousin.”

“Yeah… Yeah…” She began to fill the shot glasses of the Dragonfire whiskey and gave it to Cole. “This is the strongest stuff in Arri. Be careful.”

There was no holding back the look of sympathy and then a frown that deepened as she continued to explain what had happened.  The demon hunter clans had a tendency to get along with one another until they could not any longer.  Wars were brutal and bloody.  It was a blessing from the gods that a war had broken out in the recent years since the new council leader had taken over the position.  She was young, but no one dared to cross her once a decision had been made.  Jiyu clan was one of the most powerful demon hunting clans, and it had much to do with the council leader.  Hands balled into white-knuckled fists at his side while she explained the war.  To take the lives of family but especially that of your own children…unacceptable.  He took in a slow deep breath to calm down.  "I am glad things worked out for the best…at the very least the best that it could," he responded in an almost flat tone.  

His full attention was brought back when she mentioned the training that had been undertaken.  It was important for her skills to improve with how ambitious she was.  Nymph always had more confidence than skills.  There was no way for him to hold back the chortle when she mentioned the fight in the bedroom.  "I can only imagine."  Cole waited as she repeated his questions.  This was most certainly not a good sign.  He was surprised when she took his hand in her own and began to drag him off in a different direction.  Everything that she listed were not typical of his personality.  "Your date for the evening? I guess I can handle that part," he let himself laugh.  He was the straight laced warrior that did not allow himself to rest easy.  After the last mission he had, there was a need for it this time.  Cole allowed her to pull him towards the Black Court.  The aura it gave off was different than the Yellow Court, but it was interesting enough that there were only subtle differences that would be hard to pick out or voice.

The deeply tanned demon hunter narrowed his eyes down at the man who called him fresh meat. Keep your cool.  Cole moved down the stairs to see a luxurious bar that smelled of alcohol and a tinge of blood.  Noise and humidity filled the air as the party goers enjoyed themselves to the fullest.  It was not his first time in a bar like this one, but he was always there on business and not pleasure.  These bars were a favorite for his demon targets…and since these were mixed bloods it made sense.  His instincts were flaring constantly for the dark corners were filled with those he normally would hunt.  A few breathing exercises later he was able to be more at ease and took the stool next to his 'date.' 

"How many aunts do you have?  With your family I can only think that there is a family tree written in a book somewhere."  Cole put an elbow up on the bar as he turned his torso towards Nymph to look at her fully.  She had filled out nicely with trained muscles.  There was a leanness to her that would prove her to be lithe.  Even in the darkness he could tell her features had matured to that of a woman and not a girl any longer.  He smiled slightly before turning to look at the woman who came up to join them.  His body tightened at the feel of an arm over his shoulder.  Jaw clenched and muscles flexed in his neck as he contained himself from throwing the woman off of him.  Cole did not like people touching him, and those that were allowed were very few.  He eased a little when Nymph removed the woman known as Lotus off of him.  The hunter looked at Nymph with appreciation before turning to see who this Lotus was.

Lotus was a woman of many curves and little clothing.  "A pleasure," he said with a polite bow of his head when they were introduced.  He did not give his name in greeting, for he really did not want to get to know a succubus even further.  Though she was Nymph's cousin, her lack of attire did nothing for him.  All he knew their kind to be were trouble for his fellow hunters.  It was a relief when she left, but a chill went down his spine when she placed a kiss upon his cheek.  "At least we got a tab out of that," he mused.  "Do they have food as well? It was a long journey and I am starving." 

The shot glass was accepted and he raised it towards her's to clink.  In one swift motion he took the shot and quickly put the glass back on the bar.  It was a deep burn that started in the mouth and ran the entire way down to the stomach.  "Damnnn…"  he said.  It was not a normal reaction for the hunter, but he was not much for drinking unless as a casual taste.  "If I understand this correctly, you drink and hang out here for your fun?  I am not criticizing, but curious.  I am not one for socializing unless it is absolutely necessary."

Nymphaea thought about the best way to answer that very loaded question. “I have four aunts but my aunt Cyprus is dead. She did some really bad shit like I was telling you about. However, my aunt Angela has a book full of our family so you could read it. I bet it would be interesting if you read it.” Nymph giggled at him.

Once Nymph removed Lotus off of Cole there was a wink from the elder half demon. “Pleasure is all mine.” There was a tone to Lotus that was natural and yet it was addictive. The way others watched her as she left.

Nymph giggled at him and nodded. “They have food and drinks… It will be good I promise you. We Roses don’t hang out in shitty places.” The barkeep eyed her before rolling his eyes. He couldn’t say much as she was right. Lotus and the others funded this place.

Together they started to do shots and she let out a laugh. “Take it easy there Slayer.” Nymph did another shot. “When you sit there and you are stuck in the city. You have to find something to do. Endlessly training all day makes me bored. I wasn’t raised to be a fighter so I’m not as disciplined as you.” She slipped him a smirk as they continued their drinking into the night.

It must at some point got too far as they were handed the keys for a room there at the tavern. The loss of clothes at least waited until they got to the room. It was sloppy but they were past the return of being drunk. In the morning Nymph snuggled into his chest and pressed her lips to his neck. “Mmm.” She was barely conscious enough so she wrapped herself around him more.

Drinking was not a pass time that Cole took part in.  From time to time he would indulge in a drink with a meal, or even for leisure.  The demon hunter was always careful with his surroundings as well as his own behavior.  Being a member of his clan was one of a high esteem and privilege.  To be an actual field hunter to represent his clan was an even higher level.  If he were to behave improperly he could possibly be condemned within the confines of the village.  The concept of being stuck with the elders, and worse yet the matriarch…Cole was careful indeed.

This evening was different though.  Hard exterior was melting as the evening continued alongside Nymph.  She had a tendency to make him relax and behave unlike himself.  There had been many in the past that had attempted to do the same thing, but Cole had never cared.  He was merely passing through the small towns.  In Nymph's case, he had escorted her home when she was injured.  Cole had not taken care of other people when their missions had gone poorly.  For some reason he had helped another hunter, even though she had been less capable at the time.

The alcohol flowed and he didn't keep track of how much as consumed.  He could only blame himself, but at the moment there was little care.  Nymph was enjoying herself just like he was and they didn't have any mind to stop.  Little less was cared as they made their way into one of the rooms that had been made available for them.  Cole could not remember much, but what he did know was that he was happy for once.  The decision had been made and he knew that with Nymph it was going to be enjoyable.  He had waited a long time to be in her presence again.

Morning finally came.  Gray eyes opened slowly to drift lower to see a disrobed woman laying a top his chest.  Cole remained still as his mind began to process what was happening.  There were flashes of the previous night.  He glanced down as she pressed a kiss against his neck.  Features softened as he couldn't help himself but hold her tighter against his tanned chest.  "Are you awake?" he asked gently.  There was a half hope that she was not, and they could continue to lay as they were.  Potential continued to grow that upon waking she would regret the previous night, but for the time being he wanted to enjoy the warmth of her against him.  

Nymph had managed to convince a drunk as a skunk Cole to dance with her on the floor. Their dancing was ultimately what probably led to them getting a room and ultimately everything that had come after that point. Nymph couldn’t remember much past the dancing but random flashes. It was fun and in this atmosphere, both could make a fool of themselves and not have to have it held over their heads.

After the kiss, he wrapped his arms around her a bit tighter and her eyes flickered up at him. “Mhmm.” She rubbed her nose against his neck against and closed her eyes for a few more brief seconds. She took in his scent and she felt how tight his arms were around her. It was different from how they met of course but it was also nice. She didn’t want to move.

“How’s your head? I thought you were out drinking me there for a while.” She shifted just enough to comfortable look up at him. Her arms went around him the best she could as she held herself to him. Talk about an awkward morning after… She wasn’t sure what was on his mind and all she knew was that he was holding her tight. “I’m not going anywhere Cole,” it was the first thing she could figure out how to say as she moved herself to kiss his lips. “Not if you don’t want me to.”

She moved herself over and grabbed a vial out of her pants. "I got something for our heads. It tastes alright but it will sting slightly depending on how bad your hangover is. My head is killing me…" She drank half of it and winced as she passed it to him. "I keep saying I'm not going to drink again but somehow I keep coming back." There was a laugh from her lips as she settled back onto his chest.