Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3) by Daniel Schinhofen (best black authors .TXT) 📗

Yang joined them for one of their dinners, they were still able to enjoy themselves because the food was so amazing.

~*~*~

Tonight, we’ll likely finish our third game, Gregory thought as he stripped off his clothing. It’s been a rough one, but I’m in the lead for once. Buldoun is by far the easiest to plan for. It all comes down to how much vela you have. The fact that the empire isn’t even on the board makes it easier, too. Magi give Buldoun the hardest time...

“We’ll be waiting for you, dear one,” Yukiko said as she and Jenn went toward the bathing chamber.

“Oh, right,” Gregory said, pulled from his thoughts. “Be right in.”

“I’ll have a wash bucket ready for you.”

“Thank you, Yuki.”

Gregory finished disrobing a minute later and stuck his things into a basket, then put it on the shelf next to the others. I’ll need to watch out for Yuki’s tricks... She’s been reserved the last few turns. I know she has something planned. I think Jenn is waiting to counter her... or they could both be teaming up to come for me?

Lost in his thoughts again, Gregory walked into the bathing chamber. Yukiko and Jenn were seated, and Jenn was washing Yukiko’s back. The sight of the two beauties drove thoughts of the game straight out of his mind.

“Greg, will you wash my back?” Jenn asked. She’d almost managed to sell it as an idle question, but her voice trembled just a touch.

“I can do that,” Gregory replied, his own voice hitching slightly.

Going over to the seats, he found a bucket of lightly steaming water waiting for him, along with a bar of soap. He wet his hands, picked up the soap, and got a lather going before turning to face Jenn’s back.

His hands shook slightly as he began to scrub her. Jenn’s soft inhale slowed him for a second, but when she didn’t say anything, he continued. Didn’t realize how large my hands are compared to her... Her skin is soft. It’s a little rougher than Yuki’s, but it’s still soft and tender... She’s so small and seemingly fragile, but tough and fierce... Similar and different from Yuki in so many ways...

“You’re done, Yuki,” Jenn said.

“Thank you, Jenn. Dear, you should use a little more force, like you do with me. She’d like it,” Yukiko said, looking over Jenn’s head once she’d turned to wash herself.

Those words sent Gregory’s thoughts down a far different path than what she’d meant. Coughing, he pulled his mind back to a more appropriate place. “Oh, yeah, I can do that. Tell me if this is too hard for you, Jenn?”

Gregory started to knead Jenn’s back, massaging her as he worked the soap into her skin. Jenn let out a soft sound and arched her back into his hands, just like Yukiko did when he was doing it right.

“That feels nice...” Jenn murmured. “You were right, Yuki.”

“I know, and I’m glad you enjoy it,” Yukiko said as she continued cleaning herself. “You’ll have to get Greg’s back in return for him.”

“Gladly,” Jenn sighed happily.

Gregory smiled. He continued massaging long after he’d finished soaping her back, as Jenn would let out happy sounds and position her back a little differently so he could get a new spot.

Yukiko kissed his cheek when she was finished. “I’ll be waiting for you both.” Lowering her voice, she whispered to him, “She was so worried about asking. You did the right thing, dear one.” After another kiss to his cheek, she left them to go soak.

“Okay,” Jenn sighed a moment later. “I’ll get you now.”

Gregory turned around so his back was to her. He didn’t have to wait long, as Jenn’s hands were on his back in moments. Hers were a little rough— her time in the smithy was causing her to form calluses— though Gregory didn’t mind. He knew she was proud of working in the smithy and that she viewed them as badges of honor.

“Did you want me to return the favor?” Jenn asked hesitantly, her hands pausing on his shoulders.

Gregory almost said “no,” because he didn’t really feel like he needed a massage, but her tone penetrated his brain. “That would be nice,” he said after a small pause.

“Okay.” The happiness in her voice was clear and her fingers dug gently into his back.

Closing his eyes, Gregory tried to reconcile his feelings. She’s a good friend... a great friend, really. I know she’s interested, and Yuki thinks we should allow her in... I’m just afraid that if things go wrong, it’ll ruin that friendship, or Yuki will get hurt. Dammit... I need some reassurance. Maybe there’s a tea house in town? I could ask Dia, and if so, maybe go visit it? I know Darkness has an easier time talking to me during the ceremony... she might know if this is the right path.

“I’m done, Greg,” Jenn told him.

“Okay, thank you, Jenn,” Gregory said out of reflex, pulled from his thoughts.

Turning to face the front, he washed up, catching glimpses of Jenn doing the same beside him. He didn’t have the same reactions that he had during the first few baths, but he still was very aware of her hands gliding over her taut body.

Jenn was done before him and went over to join Yukiko in the tub. Gregory exhaled as he considered asking them if they wanted to go with him if there was a tea house. Once he was finished getting clean, he joined them in the tub.

“I’m going to ask Dia about a tea house,” Gregory said when he slid into the tub. “If there is one, I’m going to see if we could get the time to visit it.”

Yukiko’s lips formed a soft smile as she guessed his intent. “Looking for a little extra assurance?”

“Yeah.”

Jenn