The interior of The Silver Leaf was enchanting, a warm haven amidst the bustling city of Valarian. The walls were paneled in rich, dark wood, adorned with vibrant tapestries depicting lush forests and mythical creatures. Delicate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. The tables and chairs were a mismatched collection of wooden pieces, each with its own unique character and history. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of the potted herbs and flowers that decorated every corner.
Paola and Ayla sat by the window, which was framed with ivy that twisted and curled around the wooden lattice. The window offered a view of the busy street outside, where people moved about their day and ships floated peacefully by in the sky above, like giant whales swimming in the sea of clouds. Paola stared out at the thin line of sky visible between the buildings, wondering if there were actual flying whales in this world. The thought made her smile.
She turned her attention back to Ayla, watching the way her tussled blonde hair fell onto her shoulders. Ayla's sharp features were accentuated by her striking red and blue eyes, giving her an aura of fierce determination and beauty. She wore her metal bikini, black metal shoulder pads, gauntlets, and matching boots with an ease that suggested she was always ready for battle. The obsidian stone embedded in her shoulder plate marked her status, making it clear that she was someone of importance in Valarian.
Paola reflected on what she knew about Ayla. After spending over a week together, she had gotten to know the Sword Maiden quite well, yet there was still so much she didn't know. Most of what Paola knew about Ayla was who she was now, not who she had been. Ayla had spent the last seven years of her ten-year contract working for Lady Marcelline. She often tended to the Lady personally and ran errands for her, which explained why she was so well-known in the city.
Paola knew little about Ayla's life before she met Lady Marcelline. Ayla had mentioned she had no siblings or family around anymore, but she never elaborated on what had happened to them. One night, while sitting around a fire, Ayla had admitted she hadn't had time to entertain relationships because of her duties. It always came back to her duty. Paola wondered about that. Ayla was sweet, genuine, and cared deeply. She listened, she helped, and she did what was right. Ayla had taken care of Paola out of the goodness of her heart, because she was a Sword Maiden, bound to do the right thing. Paola realized how lucky she was to have encountered Ayla instead of someone who might have taken advantage of her vulnerable state.
Ayla glanced up from her menu, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Have you ever tried the cranberry-apple tarts here?" she asked, breaking Paola from her thoughts.
Paola tilted her head and furrowed her brows. "No, I don't think so," she said, "beings that I've never been here before, and all."
Ayla's face blushed a deep crimson as she realized the obvious. She chuckled nervously and looked down at her menu again, embarrassed by her faux pas.
"I'm sorry," she muttered. "It's just that I love these tarts, and it's hard not to assume everyone knows what they are." Biting her lip, she looked back up at Paola, her face still flushed. "They're warm, with a hint of cinnamon and a perfect balance of tart and sweet. The crust is flaky, and the filling is just heavenly." She gave a squished face to add on to the apology.
Paola couldn't help but giggle and imagine a delicious baked apple pie and quickly gave in. "That sounds amazing. I'll have the same thing."
The waitress smiled, and Ayla placed their order. "We'll have two cranberry-apple tarts and two coffees, please, with plenty of sweet cream on the side."
The waitress nodded and left to fetch their order. Paola leaned back in her chair, feeling a sense of contentment. "This place is wonderful," she said, looking around the cozy cafe.
Ayla smiled. "I thought you'd like it. It's one of my favorite spots in Valarian. Whenever I need a break, I come here to relax and recharge. At least when I'm in the Southwest part of the city."
Paola nodded, understanding the need for a sanctuary. "It's nice to have a place like this. Somewhere you can escape to."
They chatted casually, sharing stories and laughing at each other's anecdotes. Paola found herself enjoying the light-hearted conversation, a welcome distraction from the intensity of their adventures.
"So, Ayla, do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your duties?" Paola asked, genuinely curious.
Ayla looked thoughtful. "I enjoy reading and exploring new places. I love learning about different cultures and histories. And, of course, I love trying new foods," she added with a chuckle.
Paola smiled. "It sounds like you have a lot of interests. Do you ever get time to pursue them?"
Ayla's expression turned wistful. "Not as much as I'd like. My duties keep me pretty busy. But when I do get some free time, I try to make the most of it."
Paola nodded, sensing there was more to Ayla's duties than she let on. "You mentioned your duties a lot. They seem to take up a significant part of your life."
Ayla sighed, her eyes clouding over with something like sadness. "Yes, they do. Being a Sword Maiden is an honor, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities. Sometimes, it feels like there's no room for anything else."
Paola reached across the table and gently touched Ayla's hand. "You don't have to carry everything on your own, you know. I'm here, and I want to help in any way I can."
Ayla looked at Paola, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Paola. That means a lot to me."
Their food arrived, and the warm, cinnamon-scented tarts looked even better than Ayla had described. Paola took a bite, savoring the delicious combination of flavors. "This is incredible," she said, her eyes widening in delight.
Ayla smiled, pleased to see Paola enjoying herself. "I'm glad you like it."
They ate in companionable silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts. Paola couldn't shake the feeling that Ayla was on the brink of opening up about something important. There was a depth to Ayla that Paola hadn't fully explored yet, and she was determined to understand her better.
As they finished their meal, Paola looked at Ayla, a question forming on her lips. "Ayla, can I ask you something?"
Ayla met her gaze, her expression open and curious. "Of course. Ask me anything."
Paola hesitated for a moment, then decided to go for it. "Your duties... they seem to define so much of who you are. But I get the sense there's more to it than you're telling me. What is it about your duty that weighs so heavily on you?"
There was a long pause as Ayla seemed to weigh her words carefully. Finally, she spoke, her voice low and earnest. "It's complicated, Paola," Ayla said, her eyes flickering with a mix of emotions. She took a deep breath, her hands clasping her coffee cup tightly, as if drawing warmth and courage from it. "There are things I can't talk about, not yet. But I promise, when the time is right, I'll tell you everything."
Paola nodded, her expression gentle yet persistent. "I respect that, Ayla. But maybe you can tell me a little more? It doesn't have to be everything, just... enough to help me understand." Paola knew she was pushing, but she wanted Ayla to know she was there for her. She reached across the table, touching Ayla's arm lightly. "I'm not asking you to give up your secrets, just to help me know you better."
Ayla looked down at her coffee, swirling it absently. The silence stretched between them, the hum of the cafe around them contrasting with the tension at their table. Finally, Ayla sighed and looked up, meeting Paola's eyes. "It's not easy for me to talk about. My duty, my past... it's all tied together in ways that are hard to explain."
Paola leaned in, her voice soft and encouraging. "Take your time, Ayla. I'm here, and I want to understand. You don't have to carry this burden alone."
Ayla's eyes glistened, and she took a deep breath, as if steeling herself. "I told you that I don't have any family left. That's true, but there's more to it than that. My family... they were killed when I was young. I survived by the skin of my teeth, but the memory is seared into my mind." Ayla's stare turned distant, her voice trembling as she continued. "I was the only one to make it. My parents, my brother, my sister..." Ayla's eyes welled up, and Paola felt a lump form in her throat.
No tears fell though. "I've carried that guilt and sorrow with me ever since, Paola. I've sworn to protect those who can't protect themselves, and I've dedicated my life to honoring their memory. But sometimes, the weight of it all is so heavy." She swallowed, her throat bobbing as she did.
Paola's heart ached for Ayla. She reached out and gently touched Ayla's hand, offering silent support. "I'm so sorry, Ayla. That must have been unbearable."
Ayla nodded, her jaw tightening as she fought to keep her composure. "After that, I was taken in by Lady Marcelline. She saved me, gave me a purpose. But in return, I owe her everything. My life, my loyalty, my service. Being a Sword Maiden isn't just a title, it's a binding contract. I serve her and protect her, no matter what."
Paola squeezed Ayla's hand gently. "It sounds like she means a lot to you. But it also sounds like there's more to it. What is it that makes your duty so... complicated?"
Ayla's eyes clouded with a mixture of pain and determination. She hesitated, clearly struggling with the decision to reveal more. "Lady Marcelline is a good person, but her position... it's precarious. There are forces in Valarian that would do anything to see her fall. And because I'm her Sword Maiden, I'm constantly walking a tightrope between duty and danger."
Paola's brow furrowed in concern. "What kind of danger, Ayla? Are you in trouble?"
Ayla bit her lip, her fingers tightening around the coffee cup. "There are factions within the city that don't agree with Lady Marcelline's rule. They see her as a threat to their power. And because I'm so closely tied to her, I'm a target too. I've had to do things, make decisions that haunt me... all in the name of duty."
Paola's heart ached for Ayla, understanding now the weight she carried. "Ayla, you don't have to face this alone. You're not just a Sword Maiden, you're a person with feelings, with needs. And you deserve to have someone by your side."
Ayla's eyes met Paola's, filled with gratitude and sorrow. "It's hard to let anyone in, Paola. I've spent so long putting my duty first, shutting out everything else. But with you... it's different. You've made me see that there's more to life than just duty."
Paola's voice was gentle but insistent. "Then let me in, Ayla. Let me help you carry this burden. We can face whatever comes together."
Ayla's resolve seemed to waver, her defenses crumbling under the weight of Paola's words. She took a shuddering breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's not easy, Paola. Admitting that I need help, that I can't do this alone... it's one of the hardest things I've ever had to face."
Paola’s grip on Ayla's hand tightened, her voice unwavering. "But you're not alone anymore. I'm here, and I care about you. Whatever you're facing, we'll face it together."
Ayla's lips trembled, and she blinked rapidly, trying to hold back her emotions. "Paola, I... I don't know if I'm strong enough to do this."
Paola's voice was firm but filled with compassion. "You are strong, Ayla. Stronger than you know. You're a Sword Maiden, after all. You're the bravest and toughest woman I've ever met."
Ayla let out a shaky laugh, her eyes filling with tears. "You really believe that?" Paola smiled, her heart overflowing with admiration and affection for Ayla. Ayla’s defenses finally crumbled, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. She looked at Paola with a mixture of vulnerability and hope. "Thank you, Paola. For being here, for caring. It means more than I can say."
Paola reached up and gently wiped the tear away. "You're welcome, Ayla."
The moment stretched between them, heavy with unspoken emotions. Paola felt a wave of uncertainty wash over her. This was new territory for them—navigating the delicate balance between their burgeoning relationship and the deep-seated fears that Ayla had just laid bare. The cafe’s warm, cozy atmosphere contrasted sharply with the intensity of their exchange, and Paola found herself struggling to maintain her composure.
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Ayla took a shuddering breath, her gaze still locked on Paola's. "I’ve never let anyone in like this before. It scares me."
Paola swallowed, her own emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She squeezed Ayla’s hand again, a silent promise of support. "It’s okay to be scared. I’m scared too."
Ayla's eyes searched Paola's face, as if seeking reassurance in her presence. "I've been taught to be strong, to never show weakness. But with you... I don’t want to hide anymore."
Paola nodded slowly, the weight of Ayla's words settling heavily in her chest. She felt a surge of protectiveness towards Ayla, mixed with a longing that she struggled to articulate. "You don’t have to hide from me. We can figure this out together, one step at a time."
The tension between them was clear, the air thick with the intensity of the moment. Paola could see the conflict in Ayla's eyes, the struggle between maintaining her composure and the raw vulnerability she had just exposed. She wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap between them, but she was acutely aware of their surroundings.
Ayla took another deep breath, her eyes never leaving Paola's. "I don’t want to be just a Sword Maiden anymore. I want... more."
Paola's heart raced, her mind spinning with the implications of Ayla's words. She felt a mix of fear and hope, the uncertainty of their future mingling with the undeniable connection they shared. "Ayla, whatever you want, whatever you need... I'm here for you."
Ayla nodded, a flicker of determination in her eyes. "Thank you, Paola. I... I need some time to sort through all of this. But knowing you're with me, it helps."
Paola offered a small, understanding smile. "Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere."
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation hanging between them. The cafe around them buzzed with the sounds of clinking dishes and murmured conversations, but it all seemed distant, a backdrop to the intensity of their shared moment.
As they finished their meal, the tension between them lingered, a subtle undercurrent to their every word and gesture. Paola felt a sense of anticipation, knowing that this was just the beginning of a deeper, more complicated journey together. She reached out and touched Ayla's hand once more, a silent promise of support and solidarity.
Ayla's eyes met hers, and in that moment, Paola saw a flicker of the depth of Ayla's feelings, a glimpse of the strength and vulnerability that made her so extraordinary. The longing between them was undeniable, a powerful force that drew them together even as they grappled with their own fears and uncertainties.
They stood to leave, and Paola felt a surge of determination. Ayla left several Diamond Piece's on the table, which Paola had learned them to be equivalent to 5 dollars. They were a diamond-shaped coin made of copper. Then they made their way out of the cafe, the afternoon sun warming their skin.
They were but several steps away from The Silver Leaf and into the bustling streets of Valarian, when Ayla suddenly pulled Paola into a nearby alley, away from the prying eyes of the crowd. Without a word, Ayla cupped Paola’s face in her hands and pressed her lips against Paola's in a deep, passionate kiss. The world around them seemed to blur and fade, leaving only the intensity of their connection.
When Ayla finally pulled back, her eyes were filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. “No one ever takes the time to listen to me, Paola,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve spent so much of my life giving everything to others, expecting nothing in return. But you… you’ve shown me that I matter, that what I feel matters. You care, and that means more to me than I can ever express.”
Paola’s heart ached with the raw emotion in Ayla’s words. She leaned in, their foreheads touching, and they took deep, heavy breaths, grounding themselves in the closeness of each other. “Ayla, you’ve given me so much, too. I feel like I’ve found a piece of myself I didn’t even know was missing. I’m comfortable with you, in a way I’ve never been with anyone else.”
Ayla smiled softly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Thank you, Paola. For everything.”
They lingered in that moment for a few more breaths before Ayla stepped back, her hand still clasped in Paola’s. Together, they walked back into the main street, their bond now even stronger. They continued to explore further into Market Street, the vibrant life of Valarian unfolding around them.
The streets were alive with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares, children laughing and playing, and the occasional melody from a street musician. The buildings, made of sandstone and wood, had an almost ship-like quality to them, with balconies and railings reminiscent of old sea vessels. The air was filled with the scents of spices, exotic fruits, and freshly roasted meat.
As they walked through the Southwest part of the slums, Paola's eyes were drawn to a towering building that broke the horizon more than any other structure in the city. It stood majestically in the center, a beacon of authority and history. "What’s that building?" she asked, pointing to the structure.
Ayla followed her gaze and smiled. "That’s the Palace of the Ruling Monarchs. It’s an alternative to a traditional castle, designed to be more integrated with the city. The idea was to create a place where the rulers could stay connected with the people. Lady Marcelline herself has a residence within the Palace. It’s a way for her to stay grounded and accessible."
Paola nodded, taking in the sight. The Palace was a magnificent blend of old-world maritime charm and innovative air magic. Its towers and spires looked like the masts of ancient ships, and the intricate carvings on its walls depicted scenes of sea life and airships. "It’s beautiful," she said, her voice filled with awe.
"It is," Ayla agreed. "This city has a long history. Generations ago, this land was underwater. It became floodlands and eventually transformed into the desert you see today, but it’s a desert that supports life. The people here never forgot their roots in water-based lifestyles. They adapted everything to air magic, replacing water with air. That’s why you see airships—literal boats in the skies."
Paola looked around with new eyes, seeing the heritage and maritime feel in the city. The airships that drifted lazily above them, their sails billowing like those of seafaring vessels, the architecture that mimicked ship decks and hulls, and the way the people moved with the ease of sailors navigating a bustling port—all of it spoke to a history deeply intertwined with the sea and air.
The streets of Valarian were a living tapestry of this unique blend of cultures. Rope bridges connected buildings at various heights, reminiscent of rigging on a ship. Market stalls were designed like the cargo holds of old galleons, and even the street lamps had a nautical design, with glass globes resembling ship lanterns.
As they continued to explore, Paola couldn’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of the city’s inhabitants. They had taken the challenges of their environment and turned them into strengths, creating a place that was both rich in history and vibrant with life.
Ayla led Paola through narrow alleyways and open squares, pointing out landmarks and sharing stories. They passed by an old tavern called "The Wind’s Whistle," where the wooden sign creaked in the breeze, and a blacksmith’s forge that looked like it had been fashioned from the hull of an old ship.
"This place is incredible," Paola said, her voice filled with wonder. "There’s so much history here."
Ayla smiled, her eyes softening as she looked at Paola. "I’m glad you’re starting to see it. Valarian is a city of survivors. It’s endured so much, yet it continues to thrive."
Paola nodded, feeling a deep connection to the city and the woman beside her. As they continued their walk, she turned to Ayla, her voice filled with awe. "You know, back when we crested the hill with Yas'tavot, I didn't expect the city to be this... intricate."
Ayla followed her gaze as they looked over the railing into another layer of the city built into a massive crater. It was a hidden world, impossible to see unless you looked down into the canyons from the seemingly innocuous bridges. The sight was breathtaking, with buildings clinging to the sides of the crater and walkways crisscrossing like spider webs.
"It’s like a whole other city beneath us," Paola said, marveling at the ingenuity of the architecture.
Ayla smiled, clearly proud of her home. "Valarian is full of surprises. The lower levels are where some of the older parts of the city lie. It’s a place of history and innovation, all layered together."
Paola marveled at the sight below. "It's like an entire world within a world," she said, watching the bustling activity in the streets far below. "I can see why you love it here."
Ayla squeezed Paola's hand. "Come on, there are a few more places I want to show you."
They continued walking through the city, Ayla pointing out notable locations along the way. The first stop was the Guards Tower, the main tower in the city. As they approached, the tower loomed over them, its stone facade etched with intricate designs and the Valarian crest proudly displayed above the entrance.
Ayla led Paola inside, where they were greeted by a group of guards. The dynamic was immediately clear—Ayla was respected and admired. The guards greeted her with a mix of formality and friendly banter.
"Hey, Ayla!" one of the guards called out, a grin spreading across his face. "We heard you had a run-in with some Cave Hounds up in the Miridian's. We got the notice of your all-clear yesterday and didn't, uh, expect to see you around for a while." His expression shifted to a mixture of worry and admiration. "No offense Sword Maiden, with the Lady, I mean."
Ayla stood tall and nodded to the guard. "None taken. Lady Marcelline is safe, I had ensured that upon my return to Valarian. I intend to return to her soon."
The guard's grin returned. "Course, Sword Maiden, I didn't doubt you. It's good to see you in one piece. If you don't mind me askin', how'd you survive the Cave Hounds? Those bastards are ruthless." His voice carried a note of admiration.
Ayla grinned, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, you know. I used my natural charm and wit to convince them I was a harmless little lamb, and they let me go on my merry way."
The guards laughed, the tension easing from their faces. "Right, of course," the guard chuckled. "You're a real charmer, Ayla."
Another guard, a woman with short-cropped hair and sharp eyes, glanced at Paola and raised an eyebrow. "Who's your friend? An adventurer? Her gear looks pretty impressive." She eyed Paola's cloak and stirrups.
Paola blushed but bore a smile, feeling self-conscious under the guard's scrutiny. "Just someone Ayla was kind enough to help."
The guards exchanged knowing looks, their expressions softening further. "Well, any friend of Ayla's is a friend of ours," the woman said with a nod.
As they chatted, Paola took in the lively atmosphere. The Guards Tower was a hub of activity, with beings of all races moving about with purpose. Elves, dwarves, humans, and even a few orcs mingled together, working in harmony to keep the city safe.
After saying their goodbyes, Ayla led Paola out of the tower and back into the streets. They walked past a grand library, its tall windows and stone pillars giving it an air of ancient wisdom. "That's the Grand Archive," Ayla explained. "It's where you can find records of Valarian’s history, old maps, and magical tomes. It's one of my favorite places to visit when I have the time."
Paola’s eyes lit up with interest. "I'd love to explore it someday."
Ayla smiled. "We will. I promise."
Their next stop was a large building with tall spires and intricate carvings that seemed to pulse with a faint, magical glow. "This is the Arcanum," Ayla said. "It's the college and headquarters of Valarian's magic regulation. They oversee all magical activities in the city and ensure everything is kept in balance."
Paola felt a sense of awe as they walked past the Arcanum. Students and scholars moved in and out of the building, their robes fluttering in the breeze. The air around the place was thick with the hum of arcane energy, making the hair on the back of Paola's neck stand up.
As they continued their walk, they crossed another bridge, this one adorned with hanging lanterns that cast a warm glow over the sandstone path. Below, more airships floated lazily by, their sails catching the breeze. Paola leaned over the railing, watching as one particularly large vessel passed beneath them, its crew bustling about on deck.
"It's incredible how this city has adapted to air magic," Paola said, turning to Ayla. "It's like everything here is connected to the sky." Her eyes followed the movement of the ships, the intricate dance of the sails in the wind. The way the crew moved as if they were dancing to the song of the sea, despite the lack of water. It was an elegance and harmony she'd never experienced before.
Ayla nodded. "They remember the days when this land was underwater, and they’ve transformed that legacy into something that soars. There are many beings in Valarian who carry a deep connection to the sea and its magic. In fact, many of the sailors and airship crews are descendants of the original seafarers who settled here. They continue the traditions and keep the memory of their ancestors alive."
"That's beautiful," Paola said, feeling a deep sense of admiration for the city and its inhabitants.
As they walked further, they stopped at a small stall where a friendly vendor offered them a citrus soda made from a local variety of grapefruit. The drink was refreshingly tart with a hint of sweetness, effervescent and crisp. The bubbles danced on Paola’s tongue, and the taste was invigorating after their long walk. The drink was refreshing, with a perfect balance of sweet and tart, the citrus flavors mingling with a subtle hint of floral notes. The bottles were cool in their hands, condensation forming on the glass. The soda came in clear glass bottles, shaped like tear drops, and was labeled with the words "The Sky's Drop" in flowing script. It came with a bamboo like drinking straw.
"This is really good," Paola said, taking another sip and savoring the unique flavor.
Ayla smiled. "It's one of my favorites. Perfect for a warm evening like this."
They continued their walk, the sun beginning its descent. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the city, and Paola marveled at the sight of the massive Leviathan's ribs that acted as a wall, stretching up over the city and surrounding the eastern side. The bones were immense, their shadows long and dramatic against the sky. It was then that Paola realized the sun set in the east here, rather than the west as it did on Earth.
The three moons were already visible in the sky, each one a different size and color, adding to the otherworldly beauty of the scene. One of the other planets was ready to set with the sun, its silhouette striking against the fading light.
Paola felt an odd sense of calm wash over her, a deep connection to this strange and wonderful place. Ayla’s arm slipped under Paola’s cloak, her hand sliding just above her butt and grabbing her, pulling her close. Her cool hand was soft against Paola’s bare waist, sending a shiver up her spine. Paola leaned her head into Ayla’s shoulder, sipping her soda as they watched the sunset together.
The sky was painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple, the light reflecting off the sails of the airships and the ribs of the Leviathan. As the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, the city of Valarian seemed to glow with a life all its own, a testament to its enduring spirit and the magic that infused every corner. Above, airships with lanterns lit like stars began their nocturnal journeys, and the city came alive with the sounds and smells of the night.
Ayla squeezed Paola's hip and pulled her in closer, her touch warm and inviting. Paola breathed in deeply, inhaling the scent of the woman she was falling for, her heart racing.
"Paola," Ayla murmured, her voice low and soft.
"Hmm?" Paola asked, her head still resting on Ayla's shoulder.
"This place, this city, it's important to me. I want to share it with you, all of it."
Paola smiled, her eyes shining. "I want that too."
They stood in silence, the city buzzing around them. The sounds of people laughing and talking, the creaking of the airships and the gentle breeze rustling the leaves of nearby trees. Eventually, they made their way back to the inn. Slowly, they walked together, their bodies pressed close. The city was alive with music and laughter, the lights of the airships twinkling like fireflies against the deep sapphire sky.