“It is always a sad affair when brother marches against brother. When those who bled together now turn their blades to make each other bleed. Such was the nature of the First Nautican Union’s collapse. That saw blood brothers turned to mortal enemies and heroes that once stood together now fighting on opposite sides. Thus was our downfall complete. The wounds of ages past surfacing once more.”
- Diodorus Alexandros, Potomian Historian, “The Shattering of Nautica: The Blood Wars”
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Aryana yawned before stretching herself like a grouchy cat getting its nap interrupted. The sunlight shining through the window was fainter than ever before, its wispy light offering just enough illumination that she didn’t need to use the room’s arcane lamps. She sat up and purred in displeasure.
The slight chill in the room irritated her skin and made her shiver. Her bare torso wanted to curl back up under the sheets while her bottom remained comfortably warm. Sleepily moving her hands, she brushed the hair out of her eyes and spent a moment getting used to the light. She looked down at her chest and cautiously snaked her hands over, her fingers prodding her nipples to elicit a more pleasant kind of shiver.
She peeked over to her side to find a still sleeping half elf. Sophie had not noticed her getting up and snored soundly away. In her opinion, the half elf’s snores were like cute little flutters. Noisy enough to be present, but of a soft enough tone and rhythm to add a strangely soothing beat to the ambiance of the room.
Ary smiled, slinking back down into the bed and throwing her arms over her partner. Sophie stirred a little but did not awaken. Though the elf’s face appeared ever so slightly more content than a few seconds ago. Embracing the warmth and delight, Ary pressed herself against Sophie, feeling each and every breath that Sophie took.
Her skin felt a little clammy but springy, an enjoyable sensation that Ary soaked in. She had returned yesterday from her talk with Lucinia far more despondent than expected. Sophie had walked in with creased frowns and a frown carved almost permanently on her face. Ary felt a guilty pang at not being there to support her partner and thus elected to do what she could to cheer her up. While many might have resorted to far cleverer tactics and ideas, for Ary, she knew Sophie well enough that she was trying to bottle up her emotions to herself. It meant that she needed a release and Ary found herself all too willing to be the vessel of relief.
Ah… Sophie, she chuckled to herself, shifting her body a little.Her movements however, made the elf stir a little, Sophie’s dreams and the real world getting ever closer to consciousness. Whatever she was thinking of did elicit a groan that made Ary’s ears perk up. It was a sound Sophie didn’t share with others and one she had gotten quite used to hearing. Amused, she released her grip and stared with fascination as the girl’s hips gently moved against her own.
A million thoughts filled her mind, but all revolved around bringing the two of them closer together., She took one quick glance around the room to ensure that the faerie was still asleep in the nook on the other side of the room. Seeing no movement, Ary quickly clenched her teeth and moaned, her hand wandering down between her own legs, brushing up against her now quivering lips.
She wasn’t the only one now aware of their surroundings however. For when she opened her eyes to let out a soft grunt, she found Sophie staring back at her. Yet, instead of questions or judgement the elf was equally aroused, wasting no time to confirm her presence before moving in to envelop Ary with a kiss.
Ary smiled on the inside, she could feel Sophie’s desire, the comfort that her presence brought. Their bodies writhed together while their hands explored each other. Their breathy pants trading places every other moment. There was a gentle roughness in their motions, a raw, animalistic hunger for pleasure wrapped neatly with a blanket of protectiveness and care. She felt wanted, useful, precious. And she hoped that Sophie felt much the same in her embrace.
She knew that she couldn’t do much to help out in field, especially now that her own body was growing weaker. It didn’t help that they would soon have to spend far longer apart once Sophie and the others headed to Gratia. For her part, she was now resolute in completing the Frostfrye ritual. To find a way to detach the spirit from within her so that Sophie no longer had to worry.
For the moment, this was enough. The lust, the sweat, the heavy panting they shared as their fingers found their way to their respective slits. The gentle roughness they both eagerly proceeded with exploring each other. There was a rhythm, a pace that they shared. An unspoken connection that kept the two bound together beyond the fusing of spirits and mana. One that was wrapped tightly around the two just as much as were physically intertwined.
“Ary…” Sophie breathily gasped.
“Ahh.” Ary moaned.
In an instant, she felt the flash of whiteness overtake her. Both holding back the choked sounds in their throats as they bucked their hips in unison.
The feeling of bliss and release was intoxicating. Enhanced only by the fact that she could feel Sophie tighten and let out a throaty moan her own. She was most certainly desired.
Ary felt loved, felt happy, elated. This was a feeling she wanted to keep forever. To hold onto. Yet, similar to how the two now cooled their desires off with a tired nuzzle. The dark thoughts of inadequacies still floated in the back of her mind. The burden that she must be upon Sophie.
She had to change, or so she told herself. But with her hand interlocked with Sophie’s. She resolved to at least enjoy the moment. Trying desperately to push away the growing dread she felt about the upcoming ritual.
We’ll both be fine, she told herself. We’ll be fine.
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Rolling out of bed, the two of them found themselves uncertain of what to do. After the impromptu Imperial conference, the Lily Knights opted to refrain from overly exposing themselves and had decided to take less commissions for the time being. At least until the situation with Annalise was restored. What it meant was that for the first time in a while, both Sophie and Ary had their schedules align in which they were both now free to use the weekend however they wished.
Neither of them had made any plans given their busy schedules. Only now that they have finished their morning session did the strange situation begin finally being processed. Ary however, still felt mildly mischievous. She watched Sophie brushing her teeth with a hint of amusement, the elf keenly aware of her attention and appearing faintly flustered in contrast to her normally headstrong demeanor.
Without warning, she pounced. Ary slinked over and quickly groped Sophie’s boobs, fondling them carefully in a way reminiscent to how she handled her alchemical ingredients. Elated by Sophie’s inability to stop brushing, Ary gleefully teased her girlfriend, delighting in every little wriggle or heavy grunt that Sophie fought to contain. Only when Sophie rinsed her mouth did Ary finally relent, pulling away and plastering the most innocent smile she could muster.
“You absolute… ugh.” Sophie groaned and raised her hand.
“Gah!” Ary squealed as she received a well deserved flick to the forehead.
Nursing her new battle scar, Aryana beamed a new smile for Sophie, prompting the elf to sigh and reward her persistence with a minty kiss.
“More!” Ary demanded childishly.
And more kisses did she receive.
Loved, she bounded to her feet to get dressed for the day, sneaking glances over at Sophie. The elf was deciding between a regular tunic or some of her adventuring leathers whilst leaning towards the later. Frowning, Ary reached over to poke Sophie, making the battle hardened elf jump in surprise.
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“Ary? What is it?” Sophie asked.
Ary noted with approval at how Sophie’s eyes were unable to stop themselves from glancing over her body.
“You still haven’t made plans with the others, right?” Ary queried.
Sophie searched her mind then shook her head before letting out a soft chuckle.
“Didn’t really have time last night to talk to anyone else, did I?”
“Heheh.” Ary snickered.
“So no, no plans. Why? You got an idea?” Sophie smirked, her eyes twinkling.
Ary opened her mouth and paused. She spent a moment just admiring the elf, her own heart remembering the warmth and kindness that she found so comforting back then just as she did now. Her mischievousness gave way to mirth and she nodded, reaching out a hand to hold Sophie’s.
“Date. Just us.” Ary suggested.
Sophie let out a snicker and grinned, leaning over so that they were now nose to nose.
“Sounds like a swell idea.”
They shared a smile. The plan was now set in stone for the rest of the day. And with that, Ary was even happier.
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The one compromise Ary had to make was allowing Sophie to still wear her adventurer’s scabbard and blade. Her worry that they weren’t completely safe from trouble was a sentiment that Ary reluctantly conceded to. It was true that they were still under threat from the city council and whomever sent the assassins a month ago. Though Ary was a little less cautious, given that nothing particularly noteworthy had happened since then.
Still, the fact that the two of them were now in the city together brought a smile to her face that couldn’t seem to leave. A memory that she’d very much like to keep for a long time. She held onto Sophie’s hand, a nostalgic feeling welling up inside her from thoughts of their not too distant past. Before all the troubles surrounded their lives and all the decisions that had to be made took hold. A simpler time.
Thankfully, Sophie seemed to share some of the same thoughts if tinged with a bit more worry than Ary. The half elf appearing happier than she’d expected given the dour mood of the past few weeks. Ary was certain that they would enjoy today.
Just like before, they didn't really have a plan. Merely wandering through a few familiar places and generally spending their time taking in the sights. They even took the time to visit Sir Karzan, informing the dwarf of their perspective of the Imperial conference, the merchant responding cryptically with a ‘At least Tharnus was amused.’
Wandering through the markets, Ary did sense a small change in the air. A growing sense of finality now that the year was getting closer to the end. People not quite scrambling, but rushing about to wrap up whatever business they had left to do. Even more-so given the looming threat of war finally reaching Arteria itself on the horizon. Adding to that the unrest within the city, despite their carefree facade, the tense aura lingering over everything was unmistakable.
“It feels weird right?” Sophie commented, “Feels almost too peaceful, heh.”
Ary looked at the streets near the Adventurers guild, spending a moment to analyze her surroundings, she turned to Sophie and nodded.
“A little.”
“Still, tis a nice enough day, if a tad chilly.” Sophie grinned.
“Eheh, date, date with Sophie.” Ary cooed happily.
“Heh, date with Ary.” Sophie whispered back, pulling Ary into a kiss before the redhead could register what had happened.
“Ahh.” Ary smiled widely, “Hah, not fair. I wasn’t ready.”
“Wouldn't be fun if I was always predictable, eh?” Sophie snickered.
Ary giggled and nodded. Though in her mind, the sole thought that echoed in her head was a simple one, I wouldn’t mind.
“Where to now?” Ary instead chose to ask.
“Hmm, I was thinking… Maybe a nice meal. Something we might be missing?”
“Oh? What do you have in mind?”
“Surprise. You’ll know it when we get close. You should know it pretty well.” Sophie teased.
Ary jokingly pouted and pulled her hand away, crossing her arms in mock displeasure.
The two shared a laugh at this absurd display. It was this somewhat childish routine shared between the two of them that proved oddly calming for Ary. And Sophie’s smile added additional incentive for her to act this way.
“Fine, fine.” Ary admitted defeat, rejoining her hand with Sophie’s.
“Just a little longer.” Sophie led Ary along.
She happily followed.
Passing by a few more market stalls while ogling trinkets and little knick-knacks. She was about ready to keep walking when she noticed Sophie pausing over one of the vendors. Her curiosity piqued, Ary carefully shuffled over, plopping her head atop Sophie’s shoulder as was customary to indicate her query to the half elf.
Sophie gently ruffled her hair, Ary frowning from how she’d need to straighten it back out. Before she could complain, Sophie grabbed her cheeks and directed her gaze downwards. Before her, two sets of little jewelry were presented. One in the shape of a flower on a necklace, which upon further inspection by squinting, seemed to be a lily of the valley, and the other being what she assumed was an orchid atop a ring.
“Huh?” Ary let out a muffled question, her cheeks still restrained.
Perhaps realizing that Ary couldn’t examine it in detail, Sophie released her and gestured to the two pieces of jewelry. What is this meant to be?
Sensing the question lingering at the tip of Ary’s lips, Sophie gently nuzzled her.
“Which one do you like more?” Sophie presented the question.
“Ah? Me? Why?” Ary gasped, a little taken aback.
“Because it’s for you.” Sophie stated the obvious.
“Uwah? Ahhh.” Ary wailed, her cheeks growing scarlet from the thought.
“Which one?”
“Uhem, errm, uhh, this one.” Ary hastily pointed towards the table.
Sophie just giggled, knowing that Ary in her panic had only vaguely gestured at the two pieces on display. Ary hid herself behind Sophie, equal parts surprise and embarrassment overtaking her. Overwhelmed with a sudden onslaught of emotions, she let her curiosity steer her once more and peeked over to see what was happening.
“That’d be… 10? Hmm, 7 artes for you and your friend. Made with real gems, you know?” The toothy voice of the merchant interrupted her exploration.
“Gold artes, I’m guessing?” Sophie answered.
“Aye, mam. Genuine emerald and amethyst.”
“Sounds good.”
Spirits! That’s expensive! Ary wanted to cry out loud and decry the purchase. There’s no need to buy something so ornate for me! Ary mused to herself, unable to catch a better view of the translation due to her refusal to simply stand beside Sophie. But…
With her heartbeat suddenly starting to race, Ary nervously toyed with her braid. She didn’t understand why the idea of such a simple present brought her such excitement. It was a strangely thrilling sensation, blemished only by a singular regret. One that kept the smile from fully reaching her eyes. I’ve never really given Sophie a present of my own.
A cold chill made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end as something vaguely metallic touched her skin. Not letting a moment pass by, she then felt the gentle warmth of Sophie’s hands, making her turn around to face the half elf.
In her eyes, she spied only affection. For that, Ary surrendered herself and allowed herself to smile in earnest. She could scarcely make out the sound of the pedestrians around them or the bustle of the market. Only her own heartbeat pounding loudly in her ears as Sophie tied the necklace around her neck, grinning widely the entire way through.
For a brief moment, the cold winter’s chill and even the curious gazes of a few passerby's mattered little to her. In that second, she saw a world where they were together and alone, and she liked what she saw. Her shock however, did not come to an end when the necklace was securely fastened, the lily of the valley hanging just that much heavier on her neck.
Sophie then grasped Ary’s hand and put something into her palm, a devious grin making itself known.
“Don’t wear this yet. Keep it until after our meal, okay?”
Ary mutely nodded, absently running her fingers over the ring in her palm.
“Thank you, sir.” Sophie motioned to the merchant, the man giving a casual wave in response.
The two quietly headed away from the stall. Sophie now made no attempt to speak, reveling in prodding at the increasingly flustered Ary. For her part, she had no idea how to react to these presents. It was such a sudden stop that she hardly even had time to process everything that had just happened.
It wasn’t until they neared the Grand Library of Arteria did Ary regain some semblance of control over herself. By the time they settled down with tea and some food, Ary was already humming cheerfully at the day’s events. She had no idea what they would do in the city, but with the necklace around her and Sophie’s affection being heaped onto her, she was more than satisfied.
Taking a sip of the orange black tea, Ary sighed contentedly. A good date.