The true blood turned down a corridor to the right of the hall only to be meet by a beta with dark green eyes and brown hair that was pulled back half-way. The scent was strongest down that corridor, but the zeta was nowhere to be found. The beta bowed to the prince before continuing into the main hall. The prince started down the corridor to investigate further but stopped when he heard his steed's hooves on the soft ground.
Jae turned to see the grey-eyed beta leading Ajax to him by the bridle. "Thank you," Jae said to the beta as he accepted the reins from the worker. The beta bowed as Jae mounted Ajax and watched as the prince took one more long look down Tran's corridor before tapping his heels into the vorst's side gently and riding out of the stables.
Kip cocked his head to the side at the prince's behavior but brushed it off before returning to Ajax's stall to clean and prep it for the prince's return.
Syri released his breath as he heard the prince ride past. 'That was close.' The zeta relaxed and leaned against the stall, closing his eyes as he allowed his breath to return to its normal pace.
"You can come out, now." Calix's deep voice startled the zeta. Syri looked up at the beta with wide eyes. Calix was standing at the entrance to Tran's stall with his arms folded across his chest. "I don't know why you're hiding from the prince, but you should be careful. He'll probably be coming to the stables more often," Calix warned the zeta before entering the stall and picking up a brush.
Syri swallowed before saying, "Thank you," and exiting the stall. The zeta was quiet as he made his way to Ajax's stall and joined Kip in raking out the hay. The grey-eyed beta looked at the zeta's solemn expression and knew something had affected the zeta. Kip did not press Syri for any details and let the zeta be as the two prepped the stall.
The zeta was still somber when the team completed its duties and set out for the dorms to prepare for the night of fun. Lili was standing at the exit and entryway to the workers' wing when the first four exited the building. The team had changed out of their work uniform and were dressed in casual wear.
Lili's eyes brightened when she saw the grey-eyed beta. Kip smiled at the epsilon as he went to stand next to the apprentice. Syri was the last to exit the building; the five others turned to greet the zeta and noticed he was dressed in the same shirt he had worn during the day and had exchanged his overalls for a pair of light brown pants. The change of clothes Syri was wearing was the only pair the zeta owned as the rest of his belongings burned with the cabin in Alia. The other shirt Syri possessed had been supplied to him from the manager of the workers with his uniform.
Kip noticed the zeta was still solemn and decided to try his best to lighten the zeta's mood. So, he slung his arm around Syri's shoulder much to the zeta's surprise. Syri looked up to see Kip wearing a smile as the two walked in between the members of the team.
"Tonight's a fine night," Kip said with a sigh and turned his face to the night sky as the party set off for the palace gate. "What pub would you like to go to? I'll let you choose since this is your welcome party," Kip told the zeta as they walked beneath the gate and followed the path to the town that was just to the east of the palace.
"I-I don't know," Syri answered truthfully. He had never been to Wendham much less a pub.
"You've never been drinking?" Bevy inquired with raised brows as if the concept of a werewolf who had not experienced a night of drinking was unfathomable.
"Ae," Syri replied with a slight nod.
"Okay, then I'll choose one," Kip said. The beta closed his eyes as he thought of the best pub for introducing the zeta to the world of alcohol and nights filled with fun memories one may or may not remember. "How about the Dizzied Delta?"
"Ooh, that's a good one!" Bevy exclaimed in approvement.
"Okay then, let's go!!" Ibbi called into the night as the team continued down the road to Wendham. A small smile came to the zeta's lips as the six made their way into the large town. Even though it was nighttime, the streets were bustling. Chatter and laughter filtered into the streets from numerous pubs and shops. Lamps lined the streets, lighting the heart of the town and providing a warm glow for the residents and visitors milling about.
Syri realized the others' efforts to make this night fun for him and decided to thank them by lightening his mood for the time being. The death of the prince's mate had affected the zeta more than he knew, but Syri had determined to be happy for the night to repay his friends' kindness. So, the zeta put on a smile and loosened his expression. Kip's heart lightened as he noticed the change in Syri's demeanor and continued to hold the zeta's shoulders as the six made their way down the main street of Wendham in search of some fun.