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Sanora's journey
39 – So much better than books

39 – So much better than books

“If there’s one thing I’ll miss it’s, the food.” Sanora sighs as she looks around the market with wistful eyes. The food stalls have been one of her favourite parts about this city ever since she came here. But after tomorrow it’s going to be dried rations until they reach the next town. It will take them close to a week to reach way’s crossing so at some point they’ll have to hunt or gather their own food as well.

“Don’t worry, any meat is good with some salt on it.” Mari says. They just finished their shopping tour to prepare for the journey ahead. Some dried meat, waterskins, and salt along with a few spices. Sadly, they had to make the choice of buying salt for the way or taking a carriage to their first destination. And at the prospect of flavourless food Mari was overruled by Sanora, so they’ll make their travel on foot for the time being.

“I’ll be in your hands.” Sanora chuckles. “We should have pretty much everything covered now. Or did we forget something?”

“No, we have what we need for the way.” Mari shakes her head.

“That was faster than I expected.” Sanora looks up at the midday sun as she speaks. “We still have a lot of time till tomorrow.”

“Good. There’s still one thing we need to do.”

“There is?” Sanora tilts her head. Mari nods at her with a smile.

“Have a party with the others before we leave.”

As they come to a stop Sanora finally realizes they somehow ended up at the backdoor of the guild. Mari led them there while they were talking without Sanora noticing. She immediately breaks into a huge grin.

“I talked with the others. They want to see us off with a small celebration.” Mari smiles at her.

“That’s way better than just saying goodbye. I love you so much.”

They head inside through the back and walk upstairs where Corvina promptly greets them with a smile.

“Long time no see. Come one, others just came in a bit ago.” She says as she gets up from her desk and dumps her work on her colleague’s desk. The man just accepts it with a sigh as Corvina leads them into one of the private meeting rooms. They step through the door and are immediately greeted by Bullwind.

“There they are! Uncork the second bottle!” Serantis cheers.

“Second bottle? Didn’t you arrive just a few minutes ago?” Sanora asks as they take a seat.

“Well, I needed some way to pass the time.” He grins at her.

“How you are still alive is nothing short of a miracle.” Mehena sighs.

“I second that.” Balmir shakes his head as Serantis uncorks a fresh bottle.

“Ah come on now, stop being such buzzkills. We have partying to do.” The beastkin waves them off as he pours the drink into the glasses set on the table.

“He’s right. Let’s just enjoy the day.” Sanora says as she takes one of the glasses. “Oh, this smells good. Is that mead?”

“Even better. Its honey liqueur. Tastes like mead, but its three times as strong.” Serantis grins.

“Remind me why we let the alcoholic buy the drinks again?” Mehena asks, but Balmir shrugs.

“I honestly have no idea.” But they too take a glass, as do the others.

“Alright then, Sanora! A speech for the occasion.” All eyes turn to her as Serantis speaks.

“Me? Shouldn’t Balmir do that? You know, being the party leader and all?” She asks nervously, trying to evade it.

“This guy is awful at speeches.” Serantis laughs.

“One of the few things we agree on.” Mehena nods.

“You heard them.” Balmir shrugs. “You’ll have to do it.” He smiles at her. Sanora looks around the room. All eyes are one her and no one says a word as they await her speech. She scratches her head with a resigned smile.

“Oh well, where do I start… A few saints ago I left my home to see the world with nothing more than a backpack, a sword and a dream. The road here has been anything but smooth. I’ve been lied to, used, injured and almost died.” She looks over the group who all look back at her with somewhat dubious gazes. Her smile grows a bit wider as she looks at them. “But even though all of that happened, if that’s what it took to find all of you-“ she takes Mari’s hand into hers. “-I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. I never expected that I’d find such great friends here. I don’t know where I’d be now if you hadn’t taken me along with you, but I know there’s no place I’d rather be right now. So, thank you, everyone.” She raises her glass with a grin and the others follow suit.

“Cheers to us!” Serantis laughs. And with that everyone laughs and takes a swig, finally starting the festivities in proper.

“It sure feels like it was yesterday when you came with us to get ranked. And now you already overtook all of us.” Balmir laughs. “And if that wasn’t enough you even snatched our healer from us.”

“Yeah, sorry about that, but I’m not giving her back.” Sanora grins at him. Mari looks away with a bashful smile.

“I didn’t think so. Do take care of her.” Balmir nods.

“I will.” Sanora says, but Balmir shakes his head.

“I was talking to Mari.” He smirks at her. Sanora blinks at the man a few times, wondering if the alcohol is loosening him up already or if he is just feeling festive.

“What our leader is trying to say-“ Mehena chimes in. “-we wish you two all the best, and we’ll miss you.” The elven woman says with her warm smile.

“Yeah, it was a real blessing that you were here.” Corvina nods. “We haven’t had this many new adventurers in years. For better or worse, we’re as busy as ever now, all thanks to the kingslayer.” She chuckles.

“You’re welcome. You can bring me my payment tomorrow.” Sanora grins back at the crowgirl who just rolls her eyes.

Mari is silent, leaning onto Sanora’s shoulder with a content smile on her face.

“I’ll miss all of this.” She says quietly as the others drink and talk. “But as long as we’re together, I don’t think it’ll be that bad.” She closes her eyes as she lays her head onto Sanora’s shoulder.

“Naww you’re gonna give me a toothache.” Sanora coos as she puts her arm around Mari’s shoulders before squeezing her tightly.

Time flies by as the group talks and empties bottle after bottle. With each glass the mood lightens more and more. Soon even Mehena changes from her perfect posture to lounging lazily in the large couch. Her manner of speaking undergoes a similar change. Where she is usually very word conscious and thoughtful, she is now more relaxed and open. Balmir just sits back end enjoys the mood with half lidded eyes. Mari is swaying a bit in her seat, even though she only had one glass. Corvina is more laughing than talking as the others tell story after story. Serantis and Sanora are completely unfazed by the alcohol so far.

“So there I was, covered head to toe in lurcher guts and trying not to throw up. And as I turn around I see this guy-“ Mehena says laughing while gesturing at Serantis. “- just standing there, pulling out a snack and starts eating.”

“He was eating?!” Corvina laughs with tears in her eyes.

“Oh he was.” Mehena nods. “And when I gave him a look he just said ‘what, those muscles don’t feed themselves’. Sometimes I just can’t believe this man.”

“Well, it’s true. I mean look at you, all scrawny and light. You elf couldn’t wrestle a bear if you had to. That’s what you get from not wating enough.” Serantis chuckles.

“Oh shut it cowbrain, you couldn’t wrestle a bear either.” Mehena rolls her eyes.

“But at least I’d have better chances. Sometimes I wonder if we’ll have to put you on a leash, so you won’t just fly off.” He grins.

“Funny, I’ve been wondering the same with how much air you have in your head.” The elf retorts with a smirk.

“Oh?” Serantis raises an eyebrow. “You tryina pick a fight, pointy ears?”

“What if I am, pointy horn?”

“Ohh that’s it, you’re on.” Serantis grins and cracks his fingers.

“Oh. Oh no.” Balmir gulps as Serantis pulls another bottle from the crate.

“What? Are they actually going to fight?” Sanora asks, but Balmir sighs.

“Much worse…”

“It’s time for a drinking contest!” Serantis proclaims.

“Oh, it’s just a drinking contest.” Sanora laughs.

“Don’t say that.” Balmir groans. “The last time this happened we woke up in a stable. We didn’t even know how we ended up there. I’m sitting this one out.” He raises his hands.

“Same here, still got work tomorrow I’m afraid.” Corvina says a bit dejected.

“I’ll join!” Mari raises her arms and almost falls off the couch.

“No, you won’t.” Sanora smiles at her and gets a pout in return.

“Why nooot?”

“You had one glass and can’t even sit straight.” Sanora laughs as she pats the girl’s head. “Trust me, you don’t want in.”

“Alright, I guess that leaves us three then.” Serantis slides Sanora and Mehena a full glass each.

“Me too?” Sanora asks, but ultimately shrugs. “Sure, why not. Been a while since I went all out.” She smirks, thinking back to the almost daily escalades in the Weary Traveler.

“Alright then, ladies and… ladies, on your marks.” Serantis says as the three of the pick up the glasses.

“Wait, what does the winner get?” Sanora asks.

“Well, the best price there is. Their point proven.” Mehena says.

“A rare moment of us agreeing.” Serantis nods.

“So if I win… I guess that means I am better than all of you.” Sanora says with a smile.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“That’s the spirit! Now, down it goes!” Serantis says and they chug down the first glass.

“Ugh, so sweet.” Sanora pulls a face as she sets down her empty glass.

“I’m more worried about the alcohol. You know, this isn’t just mead…” Corvina mumbles but gets blatantly ignored as Serantis refills.

“I’m finally getting warmed up. How about you, pointy ears? It’s not too late to back out.”

Mehena just responds by taking her glass and chugging it empty.

“Keep talking and I’ll overtake you.”

“Hah! Cheeky elf.” Serantis laughs before he and Sanora down the next round as well.

“Good gods…” Balmir swallows. “We’re in for a ride.”

============================================

“So… hows that pnoity ears? Givin up?” Sernatis asks, his words slurred and his eyes swimming.

Mehena leans over to Serantis and taps his chest hard. “No you.” She isn’t much better off. Her head is swaying around, and at some point, her sentences stopped being much longer than a few words.

Serantis just mumbles something inaudible as he pours three more glasses, holding the bottle with both hands to keep it somewhat steady. Mehena tries to grab the glass and misses.

“Pah, look at ya scrawny poin… pony… elf.” Serantis laughs.

“You eat grass.” Mehena giggles at Serantis who is holding a vase with a flower in it instead of his glass.

“ ‘Twas… on purpose.” He mumbles and takes his glass.

“Gods you two are helpless.” Sanora laughs. Somehow, she hasn’t quite left the planet as the others have yet. “Guess I am the best after all.” She smirks.

“ ‘tis not over! Bottoms… raise… drink!” Serantis says after a few attempts and they all down another glass. Sanora can feel the alcohol taking a hold of her too, but nowhere near as bad as the other two. It seems Bawarag has been training her in more than one way.

“How in the gods name are you doing this?” Balmir asks Sanora with wide eyes.

“Oh please, you should have seen Bawarag and Amni. Especially Bawarag. That guy ordered in barrels.” She laughs while Serantis tries to pour out more from the bottle until he realizes after a moment that it is empty.

“Ah we out.” He says. “…draw?” He mumbles and Mehena nods.

“Draw.” She sinks into the backrest.

“What draw? No draw. I win.” Sanora laughs but the other two aren’t listening to her anymore, or rather they aren’t able to.

“You sure do.” Corvina laughs. “And I think it was quite a conclusive contest too.” She looks at Mehena and Serantis who are both just barely hanging in there. A knock on the door draws almost all eyes there. A moment later a face framed by curly, chestnut hair peeks in.

“Oh, you’re really here.”

“Elle?” Sanora asks with wide eyes.

“Hey there.” Elle smiles as she glances at the group. But as her and Mehena’s eyes meet the elf’s eyes grow wide and a cold sweat runs down her face as she seems to be smacked sober in a second. Elle just smirks at her.

“Elle! What brings you here.” Sanora says and gets up on slightly unsteady legs as she walks to the door.

“Just need a quick word with you.”

“Room next door is free.” Corvina speaks up.

“Thanks, be right back.” Sanora says and they head to the room. It’s pretty much an identical copy of the other meeting room, just without the drunk group of adventurers in it.

Sanora plops down on the couch in there.

“So, what’s up? Things going well without me at the Vixen?”

“Yeah, all good. New bouncer is alright, gangs are quiet.” Elle sits down next to Sanora.

“Glad to hear.” She smiles at the girl. “And how are you? Feeling alright after the whole kidnapping thing?”

“Don’t worry, it takes more than that to break me.” Elle laughs. “And I’m not here because of me or the Vixen.” Her face turns serious.

“Aww, you here to confess your love?” Sanora smirks as she wiggles her eyebrows.

“Yeah sure. To you.” Elle rolls her eyes. “But no, I’m serious. We’ve been picking up some rumours about that girl who cancelled a spell. You’ve drawn some bad attention, Sanora. We figured it was you, and so did others.”

“So that’s why you’re here.” Sanora nods. “Don’t worry, we kinda figured something like this would happen.”

“No, this isn’t something that’s gonna happen, it’s already happening. People are looking for you, and you’re in over your head on this one. And I’m saying this knowing very well what you’re capable of.” Elle looks into Sanora’s eyes with an intense gaze and Sanora’s smile fades.

“That bad huh?” She sighs. “But I told you, we figured this would happen. The day after tomorrow I’m skipping town.”

“You are?” Elle blinks. “That is… surprisingly rational of you.”

“I’m not sure if I should be flattered or insulted.” Sanora chuckles. “But yeah, we’re leaving to travel a bit, see the world. Or something like that.” She shrugs.

“Seems like you finally grew some common sense. Well then go travel as far as possible. If you’re lucky people will forget about this thing. And if not… well you better keep an eye on the road behind you.”

“I will.” Sanora nods. “I can’t believe it has come to this. Seems like I just can’t stay in one place.” She chuckles wryly.

“You say that like you could keep your feet still to begin with.” Elle laughs before giving Sanora a clap on the shoulder. “But I should be going now. Better if I’m not seen with you. I guess this is goodbye for now.” She smiles at Sanora.

“Guess so. Stay safe, Elle. And thank you. All of you.” Sanora smiles back at Elle. She just waves before leaving the room. Sanora sits in the quiet room for a moment and takes a breath before getting up to walk back to the others. She opens the door and a wave of cheering assaults her. She blinks at the sight in front of her. Mehena and Serantis have both passed out on the couch and the others are standing around them, stacking all sorts of objects on their heads, and the towers are already high.

“This is going to be a long day.” She laughs to herself as she walks in.

============================================

“So did you have fun today?” Mari asks Sanora as they walk home through the city bathed in golden rays of dawn.

“Yeah, a lot.” Sanora says with a smile. “I’ll really miss those guys.”

“Me too.” Mari says with a smile, but her gaze is downcast. After a moment she looks up again with her smile reinvigorated. “But I’m also curious what kinds of people we’ll meet out there.”

“So am I. Maybe it’ll be someone normal for a change.” Sanora chuckles.

“Yeah, dream on.” Mari laughs. “Like being with you ever entails anything normal.”

“Can’t argue with that.” Sanora shrugs with a smirk as they arrive at the house and head in, making sure to lock the door behind them.

“Weird to think that this is one of the last times we’ll walk in here.” Mari’s gaze wanders around the room as she walks into the kitchen.

“Sure is. Guess after tomorrow it’ll be inns only for a while. I’ll miss the privacy.”

“Yeah… but at least there wont be any opportunities for you to set the kitchen on fire anymore.” Mari snickers.

“Oh? What’s that? Is the alcohol making you sassy?” Sanora raises an eyebrow at Mari. The girl just stretches out her tongue at Sanora.

“That’s it. Come here you brat!” Sanora says as she rushes at Mari and starts assaulting her with tickles.

“Pfft! AH no! Please don’t, I’m sorry!” Mari squeals as she gets caught in a laughing fit and tries to break free from Sanora, but she is hopelessly outpowered.

“No mercy for sassy girls!” Sanora keeps up the assault until Mari is panting and her knees are about to buckle. She steps back and looks at her work with a satisfied nod. “That’ll teach you.”

“You’re mean.” Mari wipes the tears from her eyes as she tries to steady her breathing.

“Mhh maybe. But if I don’t keep you in line, you’ll become a spoiled brat.” She smiles at Mari who pouts. But after a moment the pout changes into an impish smirk.

“I don’t think the lesson sits yet. You know what would really teach me?”

“What would that be?” Sanora raises an eyebrow.

“Weeell-“ Mari says as she steps right in front of Sanora. “-maybe a good spanking would do the trick.”

Sanora gulps as she can feel her heart leap.

“I-is that so?”

“Only if you want to.” Mari takes a small step back. “I guess I can behave if you ask me nicely. But only because I like you.”

Sanora swallows again. Her heart is pounding already, and a tickle of anticipation is scratching her stomach. But the memory of what happened when they tried to go further last time is lingering in her mind like a fresh wound even though it has been a good saint since it happened. She can only imagine how hard the wait must be for Mari. It is for her too after all, but fear has been outweighing lust so far.

She must have been standing there for a solid minute, staring at Mari as she was thinking. But she finally makes a decision. They will be out on the road for who knows how long, sleeping in inns and possibly the tent, and the latter will be an absolute no-go for Sanora, not with the memories she has made in there.

“Come on.” She takes Mari’s hand and leads her upstairs.

“Are you sure?” Mari asks as they enter the now mostly barren bedroom.

“Not yet. But I want to try at least.” She says as they sit down on the bed.

“You don’t have to push yourself if you’re not feeling it.” Mari says with a gentle smile.

“Don’t worry, I know that. But I feel that if I keep putting this off it will only get harder.”

“But you really don’t have to rush yourself. I’m not going anywhere.”

“I know that too.” Sanora smiles at the girl. “But I want this as well. I want you. And I finally want to get over my past. I’m with you now, and I want to enjoy every moment we have while we can. For both our sakes.”

“And I thought that booze was sweet.” Mari chuckles. “Alright, if you’re really sure then… I’d love to spend this night with you.” She smiles at her with a warmth that rivals the sun.

Sanora just smiles at her and takes a breath before leaning forward to lay her lips on Mari’s. Without hesitation she returns the kiss. Her lips are soft, her breath still smells sweet and heavy from the drinks. Sanora wraps her arms around the girl and closes her eyes as she enjoys the warm feeling spreading from her lips to her body. The world around her slowly fades and all she feels are the gentle touches of Mari’s lips and her hands caressing her back.

Slowly Sanora lies down, pulling Mari along until she lies on top of her. Her heart is beating a mile a minute when Mari breaks away from her lips and looks down onto her. Her face is flushed and her breathing fast as her eyes are gazing into Sanora’s.

“Are you… feeling ok?” She asks.

“That’s an understatement. I’m feeling great.” She smiles. “Don’t worry, if I’m not feeling it, I’ll tell you. So, keep going. Please.” Sanora rubs her thighs against each other as her groin starts to heat up. Her body is burning like a wildfire after a saint of kisses and touches but nothing more. Mari nods before leaning in for another kiss. She cups Sanora’s cheek in her hand. Slowly she moves on, laying gentle kisses all over Sanora’s neck as her hand glides down her side, feeling every single curve on the way down to her waistline. Sanora closes her eyes and lies back, enjoying the wave of warmth washing over her. A bit hesitant Mari’s hand finally glides under the tunic. It feels like a jolt of electricity when Sanora feels the soft hands on her bare skin and she flinches a bit, letting out a silent moan. Her mind grows hazy as she is assaulted by the feeling of Mari’s lips on her throat, and her hand gliding up her stomach. She wraps her hands around Mari, feeling the girls back up and down, running her fingers though her hair and over her shoulders. She knows the feeling so well by now. Not in a lifetime would she ever mistake this body for someone else’s. This is Mari, the girl she loves, she feels save with. A person she has come to trust like no other. She is so engrossed in the feeling that the sudden squeeze on her modest chest makes her moan and shiver a bit. She grips Mari’s clothes tightly.

Mari caresses Sanora’s side with her free hand before sliding it over her stomach and slowly further down. But as she closes in on her pants the familiar feeling of uneasy claws down at Sanora. Out of reflex she reaches down and grabs the hand.

“Mari?” She says with a quiet voice, not daring to open her eyes.

“I’m right here.”

A wave of relief washes over Sanora as she hears Mari’s voice.

“We can call it a day if you want.” She says, but Sanora can hear that Mari has to force the words a bit. She takes a deep breath and slowly opens her eyes.

Fear is starting to take her over mind as her eyelids slowly part. But when she looks up all she sees is a gentle face framed by black hair, smiling at her with kind eyes. Her grip on Mari’s hand eases as tension leaves her body. The memories still burn in the back of her mind, but they are just memories, and the past is over. She is here. With Mari. Safe.

‘Come on, that’s over. Let go of it.’ Sanora thinks as she focuses on her body, turning off her mind as she slowly pushes Mari’s hand into her pants.

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Their breaths grow more heated by the second as Mari’s hand seems to wander downwards in slow motion. Sanora feels like she is on fire from the anticipation. Unable to bear it any longer she pulls Mari into a kiss and pushes her hand all the way down into her soaked underwear. She moans into the kiss as a relieving wave of pleasure washes over her. She pushes her hip towards Mari, demanding more. The girl obliges, slowly starting to move her hand. Sanora takes out her hand and hugs Mari, pulling her closer.

Their lips part as Mari pulls back. “Is it-“

“Nghh faster!” Sanora moans, cutting Mari off. Mari moves her fingers faster, causing Sanora to moan louder as she slings her legs around Mari. She can feel herself getting close now, her whole body tingling with pleasure as every touch from Mari burns on her skin. And when Mari slides one of her fingers inside, Sanora’s mind just turns off. Her grip around Mari tightens as she kisses her, her whole body convulsing and shaking as she climaxes. She squeezes Mari for a few moments before her arms and legs slack and drop onto the bed. Sweat covers her whole body as she tries to calm her shaky breath.

“Did- did I do well?” Mari asks after a few moments. Sanora opens her eyes and smiles at Mari with hazy eyes.

“That was… beyond words.” She says, her voice still shaky, eliciting a smile from the girl. “You know what that means?”

Mari tilts her head at the question, but before she can say anything Sanora turns them around with a swift motion and looks down onto Mari with a smile.

“It’s your turn now.” She says as she peels her tunic off, revealing her body to Mari whose face somehow turns even redder. She gulps, her eyes glued to Sanora’s chest. Sanora leans down, entrapping Mari in a kiss as she promptly slides a hand under her shirt dress, kneading the girls ample breasts, causing her to moan into the kiss. She traces down her stomach, caressing it a bit before continuing into Mari’s panties which are just as, if not more soaked than Sanora’s. She teases her, stroking Mari ever so gently as Mari pushes her hips towards Sanora’s hand.

“Sanora… please.” She says with pleading eyes, her face glistening with sweat.

“You want me?” Sanora purrs and Mari nods furiously.

“Yes! Gods, please take me already!”

Sanora can feel something in her mind snap. She sits up and moves down, swiftly taking off Mari’s underwear.

“Wait what are you-“ Mari starts but as Sanora buries her face between her legs she lets out a shout of pleasure and her back arches.

“S-Sanora!” She moans as she grips the bedsheets. As heat builds up in her she grips Sanora’s head, pushing it against herself.

“I-i-nghh!” Mari moans and as a giant wave of pleasure overwhelms her she slings her legs around Sanora’s head, spasming and shaking as her mind goes blank.

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

When she finally regains her senses, her head is resting on Sanora’s shoulder, her hand gently stroking her hair.

“You alright?” Sanora asks with a smile. Mari nods weakly.

“So much better than books.” She whispers before closing her eyes and leaning onto Sanora’s arm.