She wipes the sweat off her forehead, gazing at her construction. It’s not super well put together, or big, but it should at least keep them dry in case it starts to rain. But it took a whole hour to make. As for space… either Sanora sleeps outside or they would have to get cuddly. So, Sanora decides that she will sleep outside to give Vadia some space and privacy.

‘Now where is Vadia? She’s taking kind of long, or did it just feel long? …There wouldn’t be any more people coming after her right? How much wood is she gatheri?’

But her train of thought ends when Vadia comes walking back through the thicket with a small heap wood under her arms.

“Oh, there you are.” Sanora leaves out a long breath. “Was wondering why you were taking so long. Anything happen?”

“Ah sorry, I just thought I’d gather some things for tea, as a thanks of sorts. I didn’t want to worry you.” Vadia drops the wood with loud clonks.

“Oh, you didn’t have to. But thanks, I do like tea.” Sanora smiles at her and stretches with a groan. “Well then, let’s get that fire going.”

Not long later the fire crackles, eating away at the wood. The long shadows of the two girls dance behind them as the last rays of dusk graze the treetops. A few crickets chirp their melodies, and the distant hoot of an owl breaks the monotony of the rushing river. A small pot is sitting atop some embers, the water inside simmers, taking in all the flavor from the herbs Vadia gathered.

“Sorry about the pot situation, I didn’t have any other thing fit for travelling.”

“Don’t worry I don’t really mind. I think this is as luxurious as it gets outside. In a way it’s nice, being away from the busy city for once.” Vadia waves her off.

“Is it really that bad? I’ve never been to a big city or town before.”

“It’s not bad don’t get me wrong, it’s just different. There is always noise, you are hardly ever alone, the streets usually smell bad, pickpockets and the list goes on. There might not be a lot of places to shop or sleep out here, but I think the peace makes it worth it in the end.” Vadia takes the pot at the handle and sways it a bit before carefully taking a sip.

“Well then why not move out here? I mean I did, and I can’t say I regret it.”

“Well, it’s not that easy. There’s the money matter for starters, then there are responsibilities I have in Deepvalley, family too of course, and the matter of finding a way to live out here. Food and money wise.”

“That… I hadn’t thought about at all.” Sanora mumbles realizing that she hit the jackpot with Bawarag and Amni. Bawarag gifted her enough money for half a lifetime and Amni the land she is or rather was living on. She had never thought about how hard all these things would be if it weren’t for those two.

“But one day I would love to. I mean just look at the stars. Sometimes so much smoke hangs over Deepvalley you can’t even see them properly. But here?” Vadia looks at the sky with a dreamy gaze. Sanora follows, looking up at the thousands of small dots of light.

“It really is beautiful.” Sanora is starting to get lost in the sight. Just sitting there with Vadia, gazing into the starry night next to the fire? She could do this for ten lifetimes and not grow tired of it.

“Here.” Vadia breaks her trance, holding the pot out. “The rest is for you.” She smiles at her.

“Thanks.” Sanora takes it gratefully and drinks. The warm tea runs down her throat and she can feel it warm her right to the tired bones. And it’s really good too, much better than what she expected from a brew made of local herbs. She downs the rest with a few big gulps.

“Phew, this was pretty good. You know your way around plants huh?”

“Only a bit. I’m glad you liked it.” Vadia smiles at her before silence returns and only the fire’s crackling fills the night.

But with time Sanora starts to get a bit fidgety. Even though she was awfully tired before, her legs are getting restless, and her stomach feels all warm and fuzzy. She can’t help but steal glances at Vadia who is looking at the stars again. A light smile on her face, the celestial glow of the sky reflecting off her eyes makes them look so vast, so beautiful. Vadia looks over, tilting her head.

“Is something the matter?”

‘Shit I’ve been staring.’

“Ah sorry, it’s nothing.” Sanora quickly turns to look away again. Her red face one reason, her wandering thoughts another. She hears Vadia move behind her.

‘Sounds like she’s going to sleep now. Well done you scared her off you dimwit’Sanora sighs mentally. But something suddenly leans against her shoulder. She turns around. Vadia is sitting right next to her, eyes locked onto the fire, shoulders touching.

“Vadia…?” Sanora’s voice comes out as barely more than a whisper. Her heart is racing like a stung horse, as are her thoughts. Vadia is just a tad bit shorter than her, but it’s enough to make her look a bit up when she finally turns to Sanora, which makes her look even cuter in the light of the fire. They lock eyes. Vadia’s gaze speaks a million words in this silence as she slowly starts to lean in.

‘Holy shit is this really happening? Is this actually and really happening? Did I die after all? No, I have to be dead right? Or dreaming?’ Sanora thoughts are as if set on fire. She can’t muster a word let alone move as Vadia closes in, something compelling her to go with it, to fall over her like a feral beast.

She shudders at the thought, at thoughts so volatile and lustful they scare her.

So, she does the only thing she can think of right now. She closes her eyes in anticipation. Goosebumps rise all over her skin when she feels the soft touch of Vadia’s lips on her own. They are so smooth and gentle, a sensation unlike anything she ever felt before. Her first kiss. And she couldn’t imagine it any more perfect. The fire, the calm night, the clear, star-filled sky, the sweaty but sweet scent wafting off Vadia.

Slowly Vadia starts to move, her lips caress Sanora’s ever so gently. She is absolutely overwhelmed by the sensation. It is like the world around her just faded away completely, as if only the two of them exist right now. Her stomach tickles with delight, her crotch heats up with anticipation, her head feels like it’s spinning. Vadia starts to move closer to Sanora, forcing her to lean back a bit as the kissing gets more heated. Vadia snakes her left arm around Sanora’s waist while taking her hand with the other one. Sanora moans into the kiss and Vadia takes the opportunity to gently slide her tongue through. By this point Sanora has lost all sovereignty over her body. She is completely entranced by the soft touches and the demanding but tender kisses.

She doesn’t even remember when they got into the tent or how they took off their clothes. On her mind is only Vadia who is on top of her, her curly hair dangling down the sides of her face as she hovers over Sanora, a loving smile on her face and her eyes gently mustering Sanora all over.

“Are you sure about this?” Sanora whispers. In truth she has given up control a while ago. Whether this would really happen or not is up to Vadia, who just giggles.

“We wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t sure about this.” She says and breathes a kiss onto Sanora’s lips.

Sanora chuckles along and closes her eyes. “In this case, I’m all yours.” She says with her mind foggy and wanting, yearning the gentle touch of the girl above her. Vadia’s smooth fingers feel as hot as glowing iron as they slowly make their way down Sanora’s waist and stomach. Her numb legs quiver as Vadia teases her, ever so slowly caressing her stomach, her thigs and just about every right place. Her legs are quivering in anticipation, her breath is getting ragged and hot, she feels like she is about to lose her mind. Just when Sanora can’t hold it anymore Vadia finally moves on to play with her in proper. Sanora’s back arches a bit from the jolt and she loudly moans into the kiss. Electric zaps of pleasure run through her body and make her tense up. She is sticky with anticipation as Vadia does her magic.

‘This feeling, this is absolutely insane. Is it like this every time? Aahh gods~ ’

The anticipation and excitement are too much and with little effort Vadia drives Sanora to her climax not a minute later.

Sanora is still below Vadia. Her body slick with sweat and her breath shaky, her limbs feel like they have molten as does her brain.

“You are even more beautiful like this you know?” Vadia tells her, wiping some hair out of Sanora’s sweaty face.

“Let’s continue.” A predatory smile grazes her lips as she looks down at the mentally barely present Sanora before leaning down for the next kiss.

When she wakes up its unlike any other morning she has had in her short life. The soft blankets she’s wrapped in, the cozy crackles of the last embers in front of the tent. And the warmth. It’s so cozy and fluffy in the blanket roll that she could just stay inside forever. And Vadia in her hands is-

‘wait’.

Sanora opens her eyes, looking at the naked girl still sleeping in her arms, last night is barely more than a blur. She still remembers the kiss but everything after is foggy.

‘Did we actually? Ho-ohly fuck.’ She lies unmoving with her heart pounding. She really slept with Vadia not even a day after meeting her.

‘Shit. Shit shit shit what does that mean now? Are we together? Was that a one-time thing? She took my first time, it better not have been a one-time thing! But then again there’s Amni and I still feel for her… but Vadia feels similar but does that even work? Is that a thing?’ Her eyes start to cross over from thinking so hard when Vadia stretches with a yawn and rolls around to give Sanora a peck on the cheeks.

“Good morning.” She mumbles before cuddling up into Sanora’s neck who just lies there perplexed after the kiss.

“Ah good… morning?” She stammers after a while.

“What’s wrong? You sound confused.” Vadia mumbles, her head still buried in Sanora’s chest.

“I guess I am? I mean could we maybe clarify things between us? Like, are we…”

“A couple?” Vadia looks at Sanora again who just swallows nervously. “Would you dislike that?” her expression falls a bit.

“No no! don’t get me wrong I think I’d love that, that’s why I am asking.” She rattles down.

“Well then we are~ “ Vadia nozzles back into Sanora’s chest with a smile. She just lies down and processes what just happened.

‘… I have a girlfriend?’

“But…”

‘oh no’

“There is something you should know. It’s about my father…”

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“Your father?” Sanora shuffles back a bit to look at Vadia’s face.

“Yes, it’s a bit complicated since my father is…” Vadia gets quiet.

“You father is what? Poor? A bandit? Murderer? Politician?” Sanora inches closer with every word, her eyes wide and her heart beating a mile a minute.

“He’s… the lord of Deepvalley.”

Sanora’s jaw drops. Some things are finally starting to click. The clothes, the looks, how well spoken she is. Why she was chased by a damn assassin!

She just stares at Vadia, mouth agape.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but I was afraid you’d lose interest in me if you knew, many do…” Vadia looks everywhere but at Sanora.

“I uh- wow, this is a bit much to take in, yes. So, you literally are a princess. Fuck me.” Sanora groans and gets up to dress herself again.

‘Wait damn, she already did!‘

“I- I’m sorry! I felt really bad, but I couldn’t help myself! It was love at first sight when you stepped up to save me and I thought you might feel the same after yesterday.” Vadia still sits in the tent, covering herself with the blanket while Sanora throws on her chainmail.

“Well, I mean I do. But this just feels like something important to know ahead of committing, you know? This is all really sudden.” Sanora tightens her sword belt with a pull. Vadia’s face droops.

“So, you’d rather not stay with me. I- I understand that. I shouldn’t have lied…” Her lips start to quiver. “You just seemed like my hero…”

Sanora feels a sting in her chest looking at the poor girl, “Hey hey calm down.” She sits down next to Vadia and pulls her into a side hug.

“I never said that I would leave. It’s just… a lot to take in, but that doesn’t mean I changed my mind about things, about us.”

Vadia looks at Sanora with her teary eyes. “Really?” She sniffles.

“Really.” Sanora smiles at her. “But I think it’s high time we got to know each other better. We have plenty of walking ahead anyways.”

“Oh thank you!” Vadia says and falls onto Sanora who holds her in her arms. And at those next words, Sanora feels her heart skip a few beats. “I love you.”

After some more cuddling by the smoldering remains of the fire the two of them decide to pack up and head on. If they make good time, they should reach Deepvalley by tomorrow. The things packed and the fire stomped out for good measure they continue their way down the road again. It’s a chilly morning, the sun barely peeks over the mountaintops yet, dew sits on the plants and slowly the birds start to wake up, singing their chirpy songs.

“Before we reach town by tomorrow, I think we should talk over how to do things with my father.” Vadia starts after a few minutes.

Sanora pulls a face. A lump forms in her throat at the prospect of telling the ruler of Deepvalley ‘Hey I’m dating your daughter, deal with it’.

“Alright.” She says with a sigh. “Hit me.”

Vadia smiles at her with a hint of pity. “Well as you figured I sort of am a princess, so there are some things we’ll have to… modify a bit lest my father has you escorted out of the city.”

“He what?”

“First of all, if anyone asks, we have known each other for at least a saint, better three. We have been meeting in secret since I didn’t want to make anything official if I wasn’t sure It would hold.” Vadia goes on, completely ignoring Sanora.

“So, we’d by lying?” Sanora raises an eyebrow at the suggestion.

“Lying is a bit harsh of a word. We are just appeasing people here. I mean if I know I found my destined one what does it matter if it’s a day or a saint? I am sure now, sure enough to take this, take you to my father and stand behind my decision with all I have. I didn’t just say this lightly you know…” Vadia takes Sanora’s hand. “I do love you.”

Sanora’s heart makes another jump. She is completely overwhelmed by the sincerity in Vadia’s voice and at a loss for words.

“I mean that’s all if you feel the same. If you changed your mind I…” Vadia looks down crestfallen, her hand about to slip away. But Sanora quickly grabs a hold of it and pulls Vadia towards her. It’s a bit clumsy and unpracticed but she gives her a quick kiss with her face beet red.

“I- I haven’t changed my mind. I just didn’t know how to … express it.” She mumbles and quickly looks down the road again. “I’d love… to meet your family.” She adds even quieter.

Vadia just chuckles. “Well, you don’t have to worry that much. It is just me and my father. And speaking of which, he will want to know more about you, see if you are fit for me. So if he asks; you have only recently learned about my status, -“

‘Hey great, I don’t even have to lie about that…’

“-you are a young noble from abroad who just recently moved here. Recently in this case being a few saints.”

“A noble from abroad? Me? I’m sorry, but do I look like a noble to you?”

“I mean, yes? That armor made from pure narcium alone makes you look like you’re at the very least filthy rich. And if that’s not enough then there’s still the sword. You are basically a walking fortune.

“Even then what do I say when he asks me where I’m from? Rivers rest isn’t exactly far away, or very noble for that matter.”

Vadia remains quiet and holds her chin.

“With your pale skin you can’t be from the northern regions. That only leaves whatever lies beyond the beastkin plains and the swamps in the west, the wild islands in the north-western seas or the giant mountains in the north… but you don’t look like a giant either so we’d have to make up something even further down south in the uncharted lands.”

“What about Ost?”

“Ost? Nothing’s down Ost save for the old warfields so that’s a no. Elven lands are out too since well, you are not an elf…” Vadia ponders.

“On that accord, you are no beastkin either, so I guess our only real choice is something in the North-west after all.” Vadia nods to herself and they start to work out the details of Sanora’s new background as they walk. It takes almost the whole rest of the day to work out the rough story, but they manage to come up with something believable but vague enough to make it work.

The day went by in a fly and they have set up their small but cozy camp. They will reach the capital of the Valley by tomorrow noon.

“Think you have the story down?” Vadia asks Sanora as they lie in the small tent all cuddled up.

“I think I got it yeah. I’m from a small, hardly known island in the northwest. It’s between this continent and the wild lands further up. My family is a long line of nobles who own big pieces of land and sell mostly wood and some iron and gold from our rich mountains. Being the second in line to the heritage I decided to leave home and see the world. My family goes by the name of…”

“Ginaeris.” Vadia nods. “If my father asks for more details, you say that you can’t disclose any more due to privacy for now. Being of a similar stand he will understand, probably even appreciate it.” Vadia shuffles in for a kiss. “We should have it covered mostly.” She snuggles up to Sanora.

“I’m sure it’ll work out, don’t worry Sanni.”

“Sanni?” Sanora raises an eyebrow.

“Do you dislike it?” Vadia looks up at her.

“No, it just came out of nowhere. It’s kinda cute.”

“That’s good, because then it fits you~” Vadia purrs in her ear and gives her a kiss, then another and another, causing the goosebumps to rise all over Sanora. Before they know it, they are entangled already, making out lovingly. But this time it feels a different from last night. Sanora gets excited, but not in the same way. She can feel herself get heated but it’s nowhere near as extreme as yesterday. Neither does her mind fog up like it did before.

She can’t help but wonder about why she was that much more excited the first time. But knowing nothing about sex she just figures that this must be normal, that she was just extra heated about her first time. Accepting this and putting it aside she just focuses on Vadia, enjoying their time together as her hand slowly starts to slide under Sanora’s top.

Vadia falls asleep in Sanora’s arms not long after their lover’s dance. But Sanora is still awake even though she’s worn out from the day. She has tried not to think about it too much but it’s still nagging her. What made yesterday so much different? Why was it so much more ecstatic?

In no way did she dislike what they had this day, but it was something else. Not as heated and intense, as if something was different. But she dares not ask Vadia about it since she would be way to embarrassed. Vadia seems to already have a lot of experience and the last thing Sanora wants now is seem stupid by asking childish questions. All she can really do for now is wait. Wait in the believe that this is just normal for everyone at the start.

‘Or maybe there’s just something wrong with me’ she sighs and closes her eyes. Half an hour later Sanora finally manages to drift off into an uneasy sleep.

For once Sanora doesn’t wake up by herself but from Vadia lightly shaking her shoulders.

“Wake up Sanni, sun’s out already.”

Sanora just groans, rolling herself further into the blanket.

“Come on now, we’ll finally reach the city today. Otherwise…” Vadia leans in and nibbles on Sanora’s ear, her hand already snaking down her side and into her pants.

“Do you actually want me to get up?” Sanora mumbles, her heartbeat already quickening.

“Because if you do that- Ahh~ ”

“You’re really bad you know that?” Sanora pouts at Vadia, before splashing her face with the cold river water.

“You were the one who refused to get up.” Vadia shrugs with a smile while fixing her hair. “And don’t pretend like you didn’t want it. You’re quite the dog yourself.” Vadia shoots back with a smug grin.

“Well, you aren’t exactly making it easy to say no.”

Vadia takes a few steps towards Sanora and cups her red face in her hands, “I’m glad to her that.” before pulling her in for a kiss. “We should get going now, unless we want to spend another day out in the wilds.” Vadia gets up with Sanora following suit.

They take down the makeshift tent, pack their things and head onwards to the final stretch of their journey. This close to Deepvalley Sanora can feel herself getting antsy. In a few hours she will finally meet Vadia’s father and lie through her teeth about her, or rather their past. Vadia takes her hand.

“Nervous?”

“That obvious huh?”

“A bit. Hey, don’t worry, you will do fine. We have your story and everything down and no one can say anything against it either.”

“I know that yeah, but it still makes me nervous. It’d be bad enough just meeting your father but he’s the lord of Deepvalley so that’s doesn’t really make it any better.” Sanora lets out a long sigh.

“That may be true, but you shouldn’t forget your trump card.”

“My trump card?” Sanora raises an eyebrow.

“You’re dating his daughter.” Vadia says with a smirk. At first Sanora just looks at her. After a few seconds she snorts and finally breaks out in laughter with Vadia.

“I guess that’s true.” Sanora shakes her head. “Thanks, I feel a bit better now.”

“Hey, that’s part of the job.” Vadia squeezes her hand.

“Right right. But Vadia, I was wondering about what we’ll do after. I mean, what’s the plan once we’re back?”

“The plan? I guess we just live a happy life together? What’s there to plan really. I mean we can’t marry, Deepvalley is a bit too backwards for that. But we can always get that done in Rel’unkoir some day.”

‘Rel’unkoir… wasn’t that smith there that Silas told me about? Wait a second what did she just say?’

“Wait back that up real quick. We have to stay in Deepvalley?”

“We do. Did you forget I’m the next in line to rule there? I can’t just leave whenever I want, I’m afraid.”

‘Uh oh. Now that was something I should’ve thought about sooner, wasn’t it? Shit’

“You look like that’s not really what you had in mind.” Vadia looks at Sanora with sad eyes.

“Actually no, it kind of defeats the whole purpose of me leaving river’s rest.”

“The reason? You never told me about that.”

“I… guess I really didn’t. I’m sorry but I had completely forgotten about it until now. It’s a complicated story. But let’s talk about it after we reach town. I’m sure we can figure this out one way or another.” Sanora gives Vadia a carefree smile.

“If you say so…” Vadia just keeps walking quietly, her expression blank.

Sanora just sighs tiredly and keeps walking without another word. Time drags on with the silence between the two. After a few more hours of dull walking, the forest starts to thin out, and for the first time in her life Sanora can see the mountains end in the distance. Or rather she can see the place where they split off to the right and left, forming the region known as the Valley. It takes another hour, but then they finally reach it, and for a moment Sanora’s breath is taken away by the sight.

Ahead of her stretch seemingly endless plains of green, the high grass bending as the wind washes over the lands. And in the distance ahead she spots it. A large city, built on the only hill in the flat lands. It’s barely more than a speck from here, but even then she can recognize the castle at the very top and the rings of buildings that form the city below it.

“That’s one big castle.” She mumbles to herself.

“You can see the castle?” Vadia turns to her with slightly narrowed eyes.

“You can’t?”

“How would I? It’s still hundreds and hundreds of meters away. Your eyes must be really good if you can actually recognize something.”

“Then I guess they are. On that note, is it unusual that I can see in the dark too?”

Vadia blinks a few times.

“Yes. Yes, that I very unusual. I guess it is going to be a lot of surprises with you from now on.” Vadia just chuckles and walks on.

“Same goes for me.” Sanora sighs and walks after her. The city grows bigger and bigger as they finally close in on it. Soon the high grasses give way to fields of wheat, not yet golden but soon they will be. The river that has been running along the road branches off in countless small streams, running through the fields. A few houses, likely for bringing in crops rather than living, stand outside the walls. A line of walking travelers and carriages stand in front of the gates of the lowermost ring. The city is built in rings, climbing the hill with the castle sitting on top and the higher houses looking increasingly more expensive. The lowermost ring is the only one spreading out into the flats. And even there the houses look fairy livable.

Sanora is busy gawking at the large city when she notices that they are walking right past the line.

“Don’t we have to wait too?”

“Usually yes but given my status we should have no problem with identity. Now, don’t forget to act the way we talked about alright? We have to sell you being a noble after all.” Vadia says quietly as they approach the gate.

“Right…” Sanora whispers and takes a deep breath.

‘Head high, chest out, hand leisurely on my sword and do not bow to people as much and talk as little as possible.’

The guard looks up at them as they walk up to him, he is already about to dismiss and send them back into the line, but he straightens up when he recognizes them.

“Lady Vadia. You are back. We were starting to get worried.” The man, clad in light iron plate armor finished with a closed helmet gives a salute.

“No reason to worry. I was with Sanora all the time and I assure you she is more than capable.” Vadia says with a smile.

The guard turns to look at Sanora who is standing right beside Vadia.

“Sanora? I have never seen her with you. Did the lord assign you a new private guard?”

“Ah no, it’s a little different. I think it is alright to tell you since we are about to bring this to my father anyways.“ Vadia takes Sanora’s hand.

“This is Sanora of Ginaeris, my partner.”