Sanora lies awake in bed long after Mari has fallen asleep. It seems that midday nap isn’t doing her any favours. Although, after working during night for so long her sleep schedule is pretty screwed either way. After sleep won’t come to her for a solid hour past sundown she snakes out of bed and walks over to the window. She opens it and leans onto the windowsill, enjoying the chilly breeze stroking her face while wondering what the days ahead of her would bring.
The stars are beautiful. All the dots above, painting that infinite painting Sanora enjoys so much. And maybe somewhere out there her mother is waiting for her to come home. A smile spreads on her face when she thinks about it. Would she like Mari? Surely, she would, after all one can’t help but like the mage girl with her kind and caring personality and that heartwarming smile of hers. It is nothing short of a blessing that the two met. If it wasn’t for Mari, Sanora would likely be sitting at work right now, destroying herself even more. The last days have taken a toll on her like nothing else before. She looks at her still aching hand. Her brows furrow when she looks at the small black dot. It might be her imagination, but it looks like it has grown a bit. She sighs. It seems another meeting with Virelia is due. She still has to pay her for the treatment as well, and it would not come cheap. Her stuff is still sitting in that cave as well, alone and for whoever finds it for the taking. She dreads the thought someone stealing the treasures that Bawarag gifted her all those days ago, but when she thinks of going into that cave again a chill runs down her spine. But that is a problem for future Sanora, she can take care of that. For now, she just continues looking at the starry sky, marvelling at the sight until it fades when the first rays of dawn peek over the horizon.
She stretches and decides to do something productive and get breakfast.
============================================
The street is still mostly empty when she walks to her go-to place for breakfast. Most of the stalls are just opening, preparing for the day ahead.
“Morning Sanora. The usual?” The man greets her with a smile as she walks up to him.
“Make it two.”
“Shopping for your love?” He laughs as he starts cooking.
“Actually I am.” Sanora chuckles and the man turns to look at her with wide eyes.
“Don’t tell me you found someone who can handle your weird ass.”
“Hard to believe, isn’t it?”
“Sure is.” He laughs as he shakes his head. “How’s things at work? Looks like it’s taking a toll on you.”
“That’s putting it lightly. I actually quit yesterday. I’ll be on forced vacation for a while.” She sighs.
“You on vacation? Now that’s not something you hear every day.” He whistles. “That bad huh?”
“Sadly, yes.”
“Well with how much you’ve been working it was only a matter of time. Some free time will do you good.” He says and hands Sanora the packed food. She drops the coins on the table, feeding some magic into her hand to manage the pain and stiffness.
“Thanks.” She picks it up.
“Stay safe now. See you.” He says as Sanora leaves and walks back to Mari’s, or rather their home.
She sets the food down in the kitchen before heading upstairs. She lies into bed and cuddles up to, Mari, enjoying her warmth as she slowly stirs awake.
“Good morning.” She smiles at the girl as she slowly opens her eyes.
“Morning.” Mari mumbles and pulls Sanora into a hug. “Where have you been? I was lonely.”
“Sorry, couldn’t sleep. But I got us some breakfast.”
“You did? Aww, thanks.” She gives Sanora a quick kiss, which Sanora returns. Then a quick kiss turns into a long one, and that turns into an even longer one and before they know it, they are making out, neither of them wanting to leave the warm blanket and each other’s embrace. Mari’s hands start to wander, exploring Sanora’s body, seeking for more. She can feel her heart speed up, but not only from excitement. She is getting nervous and breaks away from Mari.
“Come on, food’s getting cold.” She smiles at the girl who looks a bit dejected.
“But I’m warming up.” She moves towards Sanora again to kiss her, but she moves away.
“Let’s do that later. I’m still exhausted.”
“I’ll take you up on that.” She smiles at Sanora, and they finally get out of bed before walking downstairs to eat.
============================================
“I could wake up like this every day.” Mari says dreamily after they finish breakfast.
“Sure thing.” Sanora chuckles. “I’m an early riser anyways.”
“Yay~” Mari smiles. Sanora stomach tingles at the sight.
“So, what’s the plan for today?” Sanora asks.
“I guess we should check with the weaver and the guild as well. We still have a reward to pick up there, so I guess that’s first. And after that… well, what do you want to do?”
“What I want to do?” Sanora holds her chin, pondering for a moment. “I don’t really know. There isn’t a lot I can do right now.”
“I could teach you how to cook.”
“I’m already bad, you think that’s going to end well with my arm?” Sanora says and Mari chuckles.
“Good point. Then let’s just stay at home and relax a bit. We could read some books to pass the time.”
“Sounds great.” She smiles at Mari.
“And if we get bored, we still have each other.” She winks at Sanora who smiles a bit nervous.
“Yeah… Let’s head out before the guild gets too full.” She gets up and heads upstairs to get changed. Mari looks after her with a tilted head. She can’t put her finger on it, but something about Sanora seems a bit off. But considering the state she is in that’s only natural.
They both get dressed to head to the guild and the flesh sect after. Mari raises an eyebrow when Sanora puts on her weapons as well.
“You know we’re not going questing today?”
“Uh yeah, but better safe than sorry, right?”
“Usually yes. But we’re just going into town, Sanora. I don’t think you’ll need those.”
“Probably not, but you never know.”
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea. They’ll just tempt you to do something dangerous again.” Mari frowns.
“But…” Sanora looks at the daggers.
“Sanora.” Mari cups her face in her hands, looking into her eyes. “We’re just going into town. In broad daylight. Nothing is going to happen.”
“I know.” Sanora averts her gaze. “But I can’t even move properly. It just makes me feel safe, so bear with me, please?” She looks at Mari again. The girl nods with a smile.
“Alright. I guess you won’t have a chance to use them anyways.” She says before giving Sanora another kiss and pulling her into a hug. They get lost in it in no time, Mari’s hands tracing down Sanora hips not long later. Again, Sanora pulls away from her.
“Let’s go before you pull me back into bed.”
“Right, sorry.” Mari chuckles and they head out.
============================================
The streets have filled up by now. Travellers, merchants, and adventurers starting their days, coming into the city, or leaving for a day of work even at this early hour. They reach the guild not long later. It has yet to fill up fully, but there are a few parties there already. They walk into the common hall and as soon as the first people spot them, they jump up and rush over. Sanora flinches, grabbing a dagger as they all assault her with questions.
“You’re the kingslayer right? We have an open spot in our party!”
“Don’t listen to him, we pay way better!”
“No way you’d want to join rookies like those right? We’re ranked 7, that’s way more adequate for someone like you!”
People swarm her, making offers and asking questions left and right. Sanora can’t even get a word in as they all start bickering with each other, bragging about their rank and members and whatnot. She looks at Mari desperately, but the girl is just as overwhelmed as her.
“Uh thank you, but I’m not working right now.” Sanora tries to explain, but no one seems to even hear her over the arguing. Bickering turns into insults and the situation is about to go south when a clap resounds in the hall.
“Stop it everyone! It’s way to early for this.” Corvina forces her way through the crowd, shooing everyone away, or at least trying to.
“After me.” She beckons Sanora to follow her, which she thankfully does. The noise dies down as they walk upstairs.
“Thank you.” Sanora sighs.
“You’re welcome.” The crowgirl smiles at her. “Come on, let’s talk.” She leads them up into the familiar room where they all sit down. She offers them a glass of mead, which Sanora thankfully takes despite it not even being midday.
“So, what was that all about?” Sanora asks after taking a swig.
“Well, see for yourself.” Corvina hands her a small guildcard. It is exactly the same as Sanora’s old one, save for the rank.
“Rank 6?” She blinks at the small metal card.
“I had a talk with a party called Justicia, sound familiar?” She places a small pouch on the table. “After the story they told us it wasn’t hard work to convince the guild of your new rank. Congratulations, kingslayer, You’re now also a queenslayer.” Corvina chuckles.
“But that was just a day ago.”
“Word of your deeds spread fast. It’s not everyday something like this happens. You’ve gotten quite famous around here and people already had their eyes on you before.”
“Thanks, I guess.” Sanora says, looking at the card. “How did you get this one so fast?”
“Well, smart as I am I ordered them up to rank 5 for you to save the waiting time. And it already came in handy.”
“That is smart. Thank you, Corvina.”
“I can’t believe you already outrank me.” Mari sighs. “Guess I’ll need to work a bit harder.” She peeks at the card Sanora is holding. Her brows furrow.
“Godkin?”
“Ah, I completely forgot about that. The weaver at the sect told me that I don’t quite ‘feel human’. And this was the best guess we had.”
“No wonder you’re making such progress!” Mari says with a broad smile which surprises Sanora.
“You’re taking that awfully well.”
“Of course! I’m basically together with an envoy.” She latches onto Sanora’s arm. “I mean I knew you were special, but that’s something else entirely. Ahh I can’t believe it~ I must be the luckiest girl in the world!” She grins from ear to ear.
“I’m flattered, but I’m not that special.” Sanora smiles and scratches her head.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
“If you don’t mind, save this for when you’re at home.” Corvina interrupts them and Sanora can feel the slightest hint of envy in her voice. “For now, you’ll need to think about what you’re going to do. I don’t think the recruiting attempts will stop anytime soon. It might be time for you to officially join a party, Sanora.”
“We don’t have to worry about that. I’m in no state to be working for a while as you can see.” She holds out her hand which starts shaking when she balls it into a fist.
“After what I heard that sounds like a good idea.” Corvina nods. “Can we expect you to return once you’re better?”
“You think I could keep my feet still?” Sanora chuckles.
“Of course not.” Corvina smiles at her. “That’s good to hear. You’re quite an asset to m- the guild. Oh, I almost forgot. Give me a moment.” Corvina says before leaving the room. She returns not long after with a cloth parcel, straining a bit as she carries it, and puts it down into the table.
“This was entrusted to us by Justicia. It is all they managed to bring back. They said the other thing is buried in the cave under three rocks, whatever that means.”
Sanora tilts her head at Corvina and unwraps the package.
“Gods blessings on those guys.” She sighs when she finds her chainmail inside. That means they at least hid her sword, which causes a great burden to fall off her chest.
“I have been holding onto is personally. Armour like this is rare. It made me quite nervous. Something like this would easily cost me years of salary so I’m glad it is back with its rightful owner.”
“I can’t thank you enough, Corvina. I owe you one.” She smiles at her.
“You do!” She grins at Sanora. “Alright then, this should take care of everything for now. If you want, I’ll let you out the back to avoid the chaos in the lobby.”
“That would be great, thanks, Corvina.” Sanora says and the crowgirl nods before they get up and she leads them out of the backdoor.
“Alright, that only leaves the flesh sect.” Sanora sighs. “I can already imagine the scolding Virelia will give me.”
“You deserve one for running onto that gang.” Mari says as they walk.
“I guess that’s true. Let’s just hope it won’t be too bad.” She says as they make their way up to the third ring.
============================================
“You gods damn- no you fucking idiot!” Sanora flinches as Virelia shouts at her. “What even is your definition of taking it easy?! Did your arm not feel crippled enough already? Or are you some kind of masochist? Is that it?!”
“L-look I’m sorry but they had-“
“Oh shut it, I don’t wanna hear it.” Virelia waves her off and falls into her chair. “I don’t care what happened, Sanora. I wasn’t joking when I said you need rest. One slip and you could have died. And then even an envoy couldn’t save you anymore. You have some serious self-preservation issues.”
“I’m sorry.” Sanora looks at the floor. “I know that was stupid.”
“Do you, now?” Virelia raises an amused eyebrow and scoffs. “And you.” Mari tenses when Virelia’s boring gaze shifts to her. “You just let her run in there after all the trouble you had saving her?”
“I tried to stop her, lady weaver. But she wouldn’t listen to me.”
“So, you let her convince you? You could have just held her back. If necessary, by force. Seriously you people…” Verlia groans, burying her face in her hands.
“But if I did that Sanora… she might have never forgiven me.” Mari now looks down to the floor as well to avoid the weaver’s glares.
“And what if she would have died? Better she is alive and angry than dead I daresay.”
Mari remains quiet, a guilt-stricken expression on her face.
“But what’s done is done.” Virelia sighs. “Please leave us alone for a moment, I’ll need to give her a checkup.” She waves at Mari dismissively. She just nods quietly, not daring to argue with the weaver, before she quickly leaves.
“Sanora.”
“Y-yes?”
“I don’t think you really understand, but if you keep this up, you will die. I’m serious.”
“I know. It won’t happen again.” She says quietly.
“I doubt it, but for now I’ll just have to take your word for it. Now show me your arm.”
Sanora obliges, laying her arm on the table. She breathes in sharply when Virelia takes it, squeezing around on it.
“Does that hurt?”
“Yes. A lot.” Sanora presses out.
“Good.” She lets her arm go again and starts tracing it with her fingers. Only now can Sanora feel the magic crawling into it.
“You did that on purpose?” She frowns.
“That black dot wasn’t there last time.” Virelia ignores her.
Sanora looks at it. Not only is it still there, but now she is sure that it is indeed growing.
“It appeared yesterday yes, and I think is growing.”
“Not growing, spreading.” Virelia corrects her with a deep frown on her face.
“What is it?”
“It’s necrosis.”
“Necrosis?”
“It means your flesh is dying, rotting from the inside. You really did it this time, Sanora.”
“How can it be dying? It’s still on my arm.”
“I can only make an educated guess, but after you used magic with your already overtaxed arm you probably put so much strain on your cells that they died. And it will spread every time you use magic. Have you been casting spells lately?”
“Not spells. But every time I let some magic course through it the pain gets more manageable, so I have been doing that.”
“Really? Could you do that for me? But just a bit.”
“Yes.” Sanora nods and lets a drop of magic drizzle into her arm, relishing in the feeling of the pain dying down. The feeling of hers and Virelia’s magic mixing is odd, but not unpleasant. It makes her brain tingle with a very odd form of excitement. For a moment she fells like their thoughts intertwine. She can feel the weavers worry. But more than that, her curiosity. But among these feelings there is something else, it almost feels like… obsession. Virelia just sits there, looking at Sanora’s arm with a pondering expression. The lack of a reaction on her side is odd, maybe Sanora is just imagining it after all.
“You can stop now.” Virelia says and takes her fingers off Sanora.
“Found out anything?”
“Yes. It seems the reason the pain ceases, is because magic numbs your nerves. Basically, you’re destroying yourself without even feeling it. You need to be double as careful from now on.” She pinches the small back spot, and it just comes off without resistance before the hole in her flesh grows shut in an instant, replacing it with the same yellow skin that covers most of her arm.
“I’ll be frank with you, I have no real clue why all of this is happening, it’s the first time I see something like this. It is questionable if it will even heal on its own.”
“You can’t do anything? I can’t use magic ever again?”
“Not right now. I will have to study this some more. On that accord, I would like to make you an offer. Theoretically you still owe me for the first treatment, and now this one.”
Sanora gulps.
“But if you let me study your flesh, I shall accept this as payment.”
“You would do that? But why?”
“With the envoys gone for over a thousand years, you might be a once in a lifetime opportunity to study someone this close to one. We have almost no documents of the unique build of godkin like you. It is a part of divine history lost to the ancient war and time. Of course if you want you can pay me, that would be about-“
“Ahh no! I don’t even want to hear it. I’ll do it, you can study me as much as you want.” Sanora quickly says and a smile spreads on Virelia’s face.
“It’s settled. I’ll be taking this then.” She pinches Sanora’s wrist, and her eyes grow wide as Virelia pulls off a large slab of flesh before putting it into a glass where blood starts leaking out of it. It was ghastly, seeing her own flesh just come off like that without a sliver of pain.
“It’s weird how this doesn’t hurt.” Sanora shivers, rubbing her regrown skin.
“I could do it without shutting off the pain if you’d prefer.”
“Ah no no! I didn’t say anything.”
“Right. Well then, we have no time to waste on this. Come see me in a week or so. By then I’ll either have first results or I’ll need another sample. Until then let me say it again: take it easy, and no magic you hear me?”
“Loud and clear.” Sanora nods.
“Very well. You may leave now. If plans change, I’ll have you know.”
“Got it. Thank you again, Virelia. I wouldn’t know what to do without you.”
“Besides slowly rotting from the inside out?”
“Besides that, yeah.” Sanora smiles awkwardly and scratches her head.
“Alright then, off you go. Enjoy some time with you girl.” Virelia smiles at Sanora.
“Right…” She grows a bit nervous when she thinks about enjoying some ‘time’ with Mari. “See you around, Virelia.” She says before leaving. As soon as the door closes Virelia’s expression shifts to a toothy grin and she looks at Sanora’s flesh in the glass.
“Thank you, lord of flesh for sending this gift to me.”
“How did it go?” Mari tags along Sanora as she leaves the office.
“Could have gone better. I’ll tell you on the way.” Sanora sighs as they leave the building.
============================================
“So, your arm will die if you use magic?” Mari asks as they sit at the kitchen table over some lunch.
“Yeah, or so Virelia said. Ugh this really sucks. I’ll be stuck like this until we find a solution.”
“Hey, it’s not that bad. The weaver is already working on it, and you’re taking it easy anyways. No need for magic.” Mari smiles at her.
“I guess that’s true.” Sanora smiles back at the girl.
“Lets just enjoy the time we have, alright? And if you need anything, I’m here for you.”
“Well, if you say it like this it’s kind of hard to hold a fork…”
“Say no more.” Mari smirks and comes around the table, sitting next to Sanora. She takes her fork and holds it up. Sanora takes a bite, casing Mari to giggle.
“W-what?” Sanora blushes.
“It’s just really cute to see you like this.”
“Helpless?”
“Here, say ahh.” Mari holds up another forkful. Sanora pouts at her before eating it.
===========================================
With nothing better to do after eating they head upstairs to lie in bed and read some of the few books Mari has at home. They are all some semi-historical hero stories taking place in the ancient war. Mari seems to really have a sweet tooth for those, which explains her affections towards Sanora to some extent. The few that do have a romance in them are, to Mari’s chagrin, always straight ones.
“So, this is the kind of stuff you read?” Sanora says as she flicks a page in ‘The heroic tales of Prometheus the Suncore’.
“Yes. It’s always exciting to read about what happened back in the war. Those are great because it’s not just the grim history. Those always leave you in a sad mood.”
“I see.” She says idly while reading. From what she heard from Bawarag and Amni these books really seem to be leaving out a lot of the darker aspects of the war. But considering what all those people did for their home back then, it is more than deserving that they are celebrated as heroes now. If it wasn’t for them, humanity might have been brought to extinction by the Metalfolk. Something that makes Sanora very curious is how Prometheus is described. Tall and slender, always a grin on his face, his hair short and red. That sounds exactly like the person she saw on the painting in Amni’s home.
“Hey Mari, was this Prometheus in the war by himself?”
“Usually not. It comes a bit later in the book, but he, as the other envoys, was assigned to a squad. Aside from that, he had some good friends as well. If I remember correctly, I think it was the Immovable, the Bonegrinder and… hmm who was the other one?” Mari holds her chin. “I forgot, but you’ll get there eventually.” She shrugs.
“Now I’m curious.”
“Right? Told you these books are good.” Mari chuckles with a satisfied smile.
They day goes on as they lounge in bed, both with a book in hand. Sanora gets more and more engrossed in the tale, not even noticing how late it is getting. She could get lost in it all day. Not only because it is a great book, but because it’s a story that might involve Amni and Bawarag, of whose past she knows so little about despite it being so incredible.
After several hours of reading Mari puts her book aside and stretches. She looks at Sanora, her eyes are still glued to the pages. She tore through half the book already.
“That was fast. You like it that much?”
Sanora blinks a few times and looks at Mari before looking at the book.
“Huh, it was, didn’t even notice. My eyes feel kinda sore.”
“That means you read enough for the day.” Mari chuckles, putting Sanora’s book aside.
“Already?” Sanora looks after the book with a yearning gaze, but Mari gently pulls her face towards hers.
“If you read it all now you won’t have anything left tomorrow.” She smiles at her.
“I guess you have a point there.”
“And that aside-” Mari leans in for a kiss. “You are looking pretty cute right now.”
“You’re one to talk.” Sanora chuckles before kissing Mari back. Her arms pull Sanora into a hug as they slowly kiss. She knows what is about to come. Her heart quickens in anticipation and nervousness. She knows she wants this but something deep inside of her is holding her back. She hates herself for it. Mari is more than she could have ever hoped for. Pretty, kind, gentle. So why is she so afraid of more than kisses? Maybe if she just pushes through the feeling it will go away. She has already shot down Mari’s attempts a few times now. Surely, she would be disappointed if they don’t get there eventually.
She tenses when Mari’s hand wanders under her tunic, fighting the urge back away and roll out of bed.
“Are you alright?” Mari backs away. “You seem tense.”
“I-it’s nothing. Just been a while.” Sanora forces a smile.
“Are you sure?” Mari pulls her hand away, but Sanora takes it, pushing it onto her chest.
“I’m sure. I want this, I want you.”
‘She deserves some closeness after all she has done for me, I can’t turn her down.’ Sanora thinks while looking at Mari’s blushed face.
“Are you sure?” She asks again and swallows, her eyes wandering over Sanora’s body.
“I am.” Sanora nods. She can already feel the gentle squeeze of Mari’s hand on her chest. She wants this, and Sanora doesn’t want to disappoint her. She closes her eyes as Mari moves in to lay another kiss her lips.
She tries to relax as Mari’s hands slowly moves to pull up her tunic. She keeps telling herself that nothing is going to happen, that everything is alright. She is with Mari, she is safe. Her heart is calming down a bit. Mari is on top of her, her hands taking Sanora’s and gently holding them down. At first it feels really nice, and Sanora can feel herself getting into the mood. At least until she tries to move her hand. There is so little strength in it that even against the tender mage girl it stands no chance of breaking free from the gently grip. She tries to pull harder, searching for strength in her arm that just isn’t there. Her heart starts pounding as she squirms a bit. But she has to go through with this, if only for Mari. She opens her eyes to look at her face and calm herself down, but horror fills her. For a split second she sees Vadia, hovering over her with that predatory smirk of hers.
“No stop! Get away from me!” She shouts, trying to tear herself free violently. Mari lets go, jumping back on the bed as Sanora stumbles out of bed for a few steps before collapsing to her knees, holding her chest as her heart threatens to explode in it.
“W-what’s wrong?” Mari sits in bed confused, a mix of sadness and concern on her face.
Sanora kneels on the floor, hyperventilating as a feeling of nausea overwhelms her. Mari just sits frozen on the bed, looking at Sanora.
“D-did I do something wrong?”
Sanora looks at the girl who is close to tears.
‘What did I do?! I ruined it!’
“No! I’m so sorry, Mari. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.” She tries to stand up, but her legs give out. “I’m so sorry.” She whimpers, tears already streaming down her face.
Mari finally unfreezes and walks up to her, about to put a hand on her shoulder but she pulls it away just before she touches her.
“It’s alright, Sanora. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”
“B-but I want this, I mean it. I don’t get what’s wrong with me.” She says between sniffling as she hugs herself.
“I’m sorry I rushed things.” Mari says quietly.
“No! Don’t be! It’s not your fault! I’m just, I…” the words get stuck in Sanora’s throat. Mari just sits there, waiting as Sanora searches for the words.
They sit next to each other in silence for a while until Sanora has calmed down a bit and finally speaks up.
“You shouldn’t be with me.”
“What?” Mari says quietly, leaning back with a hurt face.
“You deserve better than some broken girl wo can’t even eat by herself. I’m sorry for all the trouble I cause, I should just leave.” Sanora wipes the tears off her face and gets up. She flinches as Mari grabs her hand.
“But that’s not for you to decide!” She says desperately. “When I told you I want to be with you I knew that it wouldn’t be easy. I told you, didn’t I? I am here for you, no matter how many problems we face. You said it yourself; this isn’t the first nor the last time we face difficulties. But we will do it together. If you need time to heal, I don’t care. I’ll feed you as much food as you want, I’ll sleep in the kitchen. But please don’t give up on yourself, don’t give up on us. Because I will never.”
Sanora looks into Mari’s glassy eyes, seeing the depths of honesty and kindness in them.
“I can’t do this to you, Mari. You’ll be missing out on your life with me around.”
“But you are a part of my life now. A part that I would miss more than anything if it was gone. And don’t even ask, because yes, I mean it.” She gently smiles at Sanora who is already tearing up again. Even after getting pushed away by Sanora, after seeing her breaking down into an ugly mess mor than once, Mari still wants to be with her.
Sanora tries to say something, but it just comes out as a mess of sounds as she falls to the floor again, wailing as Mari holds her hand tightly.