Arpious of the Planes

Chapter 590 Witch City's Forest (7)

Elara and Arpious, profoundly touched by the Witch Queen's generosity, conveyed their heartfelt gratitude. They wholeheartedly agreed to abide by the city's customs and promised to contribute positively to the Witch City during their stay.

"We promise to contribute positively to the Witch City during our stay, and we are eager to explore your archives and magical resources," Elara graciously thanked both Arpious and Elara bowing to show even more respect.

Leaving the grand hall, they couldn't help but be awestruck by the enchanting Witch City and its enigmatic ruler. The wisdom and ethereal beauty of the enchantresses, combined with the city's mesmerizing surroundings, had etched an indelible mark on their journey. They eagerly anticipated the unraveling of the forest's secrets under the benevolent guidance of the Witch Queen.

"So, I guess we got the green light to stay. I'm gonna search for an inn, or possibly a house that we could buy. I got some things as gifts from the witches we first encountered so we have quite the capital to start off with…" 

"Uhhhh… yeah, go ahead. I'm going to try the local cuisine…" Arpious gave Elara a salacious look before attempting to run off. But before she could even so much as take a step away, Elara caught her by the collar of her dress and pulled her back towards her. 

"You… are not going anywhere until we figure out the basic necessities to live here… got it?" Elara gave Arpious a malicious smile, forcing the bird woman to nod vigorously in submission. 

… 

"Okay, where should we get going now…" Arpious stretched her arms, up, down, and behind her back. 

Arpious, the Princess of Monsters, wandered through the intricate pathways of the Witch City. With each step, she felt like an adventurer exploring an uncharted territory. The city's atmosphere was a captivating blend of warmth and coldness, mirroring the dual nature of the forest itself.

In some areas, the warmth enveloped her like a comforting embrace. Residents of the Witch City greeted her with curious smiles and nods of welcome. The city's inhabitants shared laughter, stories, and a sense of unity. Arpious couldn't help but smile back, drawn into the sense of community that permeated these parts of the city.

As she strolled through the enchanting streets, she noticed the bustling canopy gardens, where witches tended to their magical herbs and plants. The fragrant aroma of blossoms and the vibrant colors of exotic flora filled the air, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.

But not all parts of the city exuded such warmth. In certain areas, Arpious could feel a chill in the air, a subtle tension that whispered of secrets and mysteries. These were places where whispers and hushed conversations hinted at the city's enigmatic history.

She couldn't help but notice the intriguing symbols and carvings etched into the architecture of these areas, symbols that seemed to tell a story she was eager to uncover. The coldness was not unwelcoming, but rather a reminder that the Witch City held deeper secrets beyond the surface.

Arpious continued her journey, moving between the warm and cold zones. She couldn't help but admire the skillful craftsmanship of the bridges and walkways, which wove through the city like intricate spiderwebs among the trees. Enchanted lanterns illuminated her path, casting an enchanting glow on the cobblestone streets.

As she approached a bustling marketplace, she marveled at the various stalls. Here, the warm atmosphere was palpable as residents bartered and traded magical ingredients, potions, and exotic trinkets. The chatter of merchants and customers filled the air, creating a lively and inviting space.

While the chilly areas left her with a sense of intrigue, the warm spaces made her feel like a welcome guest in a mystical world. Arpious knew that, in the coming days, she would explore the Witch City's dual nature, embracing both the warmth of its residents and the enigmatic chill of its history. The city's vibrant contradictions only deepened her fascination with this enchanting realm.

As Arpious continued her exploration of the Witch City, she couldn't resist the opportunity to engage with the enchanting inhabitants. Her gaze landed on a particularly alluring witch with eyes like deep pools of mystery. The witch's attire was a masterpiece of nature's craftsmanship, created from materials that seemed to have grown with her. The fabric clung to her every curve, accentuating her alluring figure. It was as if the very essence of the enchanted forest had decided to mold itself around her, celebrating her form in intricate patterns and earthy colors. The fabric whispered secrets of ancient trees and age-old incantations, and intricate, leaf-like patterns danced along the edges.

Her cascade of shadowy hair framed her face like a waterfall of the deepest night. Each strand glistened with a subtle, natural sheen, reflecting the soft bioluminescent glow of the city's foliage. The darkness of her hair contrasted strikingly with her porcelain skin, giving her an ethereal and timeless beauty. As she moved, her hair seemed to shift and flow like liquid obsidian, adding to the air of mystique that surrounded her.

Arpious approached the witch with a sultry smile, her words laced with a hint of playful temptation. "You know," she purred, her voice like a velvet caress, "this city is full of secrets, and I can't help but wonder if you're one of them."

The witch's curiosity was instantly piqued, and she returned Arpious's flirtatious grin. "Oh? And what if I am?" Her eyes sparkled with intrigue.

Arpious leaned in closer, her breath a tantalizing whisper. "Well, secrets have always been my favorite... pleasure."

Their conversation danced on the edge of desire and curiosity, and the enigmatic witch found herself drawn into the Princess of Monsters' enchanting web of intrigue. The Witch City held more secrets than anyone could fathom, but perhaps the most alluring of all was the mysterious stranger who had just arrived. And just as their conversation was about to end, they exchanged names. 

"Arpious."

"Venessa."

"What a beautiful name..." 

"I could say the same for you." 

Amidst the enchanting backdrop of the Witch City, Arpious and the alluring witch arranged a date later in the day that would immerse them further into the city's captivating atmosphere. As evening descended, they met in a secluded part of the city where the canopy walkways intertwined, providing a view of the bioluminescent foliage that cast its soft glow.

Their date began with a leisurely stroll along the canopy walkways. The warm and inviting sections of the city bathed in soft, bioluminescent light. The soft, ethereal glow created a romantic ambiance that enveloped them as they walked hand in hand. The soft rustling of leaves and the gentle sway of the trees added a symphony of natural sounds to their conversation.

They ventured into a cozy and charming open-air café nestled among the trees. Wooden tables and chairs adorned with intricate carvings invited them to sit and enjoy a candlelit dinner. The enchantress chose dishes infused with forest-grown herbs and magical ingredients, adding an exquisite flavor to their meal.

After dinner, they explored the city's vibrant marketplaces, taking in the lively atmosphere and the wares of the city's artisans. The bioluminescent foliage, now in full splendor, added a touch of enchantment to the scene, casting intricate shadows on the cobblestone streets.

As the night deepened, they found a communal aerial platform suspended high in the trees. There, they gazed at the starry canopy above, their silhouettes framed by the dazzling glow of the city below. Arpious shared stories of her adventures, while the enchantress revealed her knowledge of the forest's secrets.

Under the starry sky and the bioluminescent embrace of the city, their connection deepened. They talked and laughed, and the spark of attraction grew into a tender and profound bond. They ended the evening with a sweet kiss, a promise to stay with each other just a little while longer in this mystical city, where love and magic flowed as one.

As the night in the Witch City continued to weave its enchantments around them, Arpious and the enchantress decided to head to Arpious' residence. Her house was nestled in the heart of the city, a charming and mysterious abode that perfectly reflected her eclectic nature.

The house was an architectural wonder, seamlessly integrated into the city's forested surroundings. It was constructed from enchanted wood and moss-covered stones, giving it a natural, almost magical appearance. The exterior of the house featured ornate carvings and symbols, evoking an air of enchantment and ancient secrets.

Twisting vines and ivy adorned the house's façade, creating a harmonious blend with the surrounding forest. Bioluminescent plants wrapped around the entrance, creating a soft, ethereal glow that guided them inside.

Upon entering, they found themselves in a cozy and inviting living area. The interior was adorned with rich, dark woods and intricate tapestries, each telling a unique story from the Witch City's history. The living space was furnished with plush, forest-themed seating, and a massive hearth provided warmth and comfort.

Arpious led her date through the house, revealing a grand library with towering bookshelves filled with mystical tomes and ancient scrolls. The enchantress couldn't hide her fascination with the knowledge contained within these precious volumes.

The heart of the house was a beautiful and spacious courtyard, open to the starry night sky. The courtyard was surrounded by tall, mystical trees, their branches forming a natural canopy overhead. In the center was a serene pond with water lilies and soft illumination, adding a touch of tranquility and enchantment to the space. There was a swing nearby, bathed in the soft glow of bioluminescence, inviting them to sit and share more moments together.

As the enchanting evening in the Witch City continued to work its magic on them, Arpious and her alluring date decided to move from the serene courtyard to the privacy of her charming house. The air was thick with anticipation as they stepped into the cozy living area, lit by the soft, bioluminescent glow.

With a playful smile, Arpious took the lead, guiding her enchantress towards the bedroom. The bedroom was an intimate haven, where moonlight filtered through the branches and leaves outside, casting gentle patterns on the moss-covered stone walls. The large, cushioned bed was the centerpiece, adorned with silken sheets and plush pillows.

In the dimly lit room, Arpious gently grasped the witch's chin, her eyes locking onto the bewitching gaze that held a world of secrets. Leaning in, she pressed her lips against the enchantress's, initiating a deep, sensual kiss that sent shivers of desire through both of them.

Their kiss was a dance of passion and enchantment, a mingling of two souls drawn together by the magic of the Witch City. The air was filled with desire, and the room seemed to pulse with the energy of their attraction. As the kiss deepened, they found themselves lost in the enchanting moment, a captivating connection forged in the heart of the Witch City's mysteries.

"You're so beautiful…"