Chapter 8: Love Blossoms!

Elhaym knelt next to the motionless Minx, still cradling her unconscious form. She pressed her forehead against Minx's, an uncomfortable silence enveloping the group.

“It's going to be alright,” Fenix broke the silence, resting a gloved hand onto Elhaym's pauldron. “The wound doesn't look too deep, she'll be okay.”

“Yeah! Fenix is right Elhaym, Minx will be alright! You did great!” Tomoko choked back her fears. Hearing Fenix's reassuring tone washed her in a wave of gentle warmth. “Er, Elhaym, are you bleeding? There's blood running down Minx's face...”

Elhaym lifted her head with a start. She wiped away the 'sprink' with her thumb, making sure it was not coming from Minx. Sighing with relief she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. To Tomoko's surprise she felt the pain as if it were her own wound.

But then again technically I am wounded, or however this shared body thing works... Tomoko mused to herself as Elhaym wrapped a bandage over her wound.

“Tis but a scrape, let's get camp set up and tend to the real wounded.” Elhaym stood up, a hard edge to her voice. Tomoko was actually a bit afraid of Elhaym at this point. She was used to the jovial, devil-may-care Elhaym, with an abundance of tenderness in her words. The Elhaym that was taking charge now was a cold and hardened warrior, one who knew the horrors of battle.

Elhaym carried the wounded goblin, cradling her as if a puppy. Fenix led the other girl close behind. They made way to a nearby clearing, Elhaym gingerly setting down Minx. She unpacked a couple bedrolls, and then set Minx down on her tummy, turning her head to be able to breathe easily.

“Are you injured as well?” Elhaym turned to the girl by Fenix's side.

“N-no milady, just some scrapes nothing more” The girl curtsied with a tremble, trying her best to keep her manners.

“No need for formalities, er, what's your name? Forgive my rudeness.” A bit of that gentle tone came back to Elhaym.

“Oh! I am Dyntessa Toreen, of House Toreen.” The girl curtsied again.

Such a fancy name, maybe she is from a ritzy family Tomoko surmised at how the girl carried herself. She may not be familiar with this new setting, but business classes taught her how to read how people carried themselves.

“Ah House Toreen, the smithy family,” Fenix nodded to Dyntessa, “So that means you must be related to the swordmaiden Vyntessa.”

“Yes! She's my older sister!” Dyntessa nodded excitedly, “She inherited the fighting skills in the family. Those bandits attacked my caravan a few days ago and were going to try to ransom me when they learned of my family name.” Her voice trailed off, “I set out with a half dozen of us, merchants and family servants, but only I survived...”

“The brigands didn't do anything to you did they?” Elhaym asked, her full gentleness back in her voice.

Dyntessa shook her head. It was clear she was still in shock from the whole ordeal, and it was now coming back to hit her.

“Well you're safe now. I am Elhaym Von Ornstein, and over there is my brother-in-arms Fenix Steelwing.” Elhaym pointed in the Elf's direction, who did a short bow.

“Wait, Elhaym Von Ornstein? As in Princess Elhaym Von Ornstein?!” Dyntessa squeaked, “Oh by the gods I'm so sorry for my lack of manners!” She attempted a panicked bow, “I am at your service Lady Ornstein!”

Elhaym stooped down and motioned for Dyntessa to stand back up.

“Please, just 'Elly' is fine, we're away from courts and all that nonsense. Besides you must be exhausted, please sit. I'll get you some food.” Elhaym led the shocked Dyntessa to sit next to Minx.

“Can you do me a favor and keep gentle pressure on her bandage?” Elhaym tenderly placed Dyntessa's hand on Minx's bandage. “Just only for a short while as the medicine takes.”

Dyntessa nodded with serious determination.

“You can count of me La- er, Elly,” Dyntessa held her hand on the bandage, and gently brushed away some leaves that had fallen on Minx's head. “What's her name?”

“Minx, she's a kind girl, I leave her in your care Lady Dyntessa,” Elhaym gave Dyntessa a small Knight's salute before turning away.

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“Oh just Dynty is fine!” Dyntessa called out as Elhaym made her way to the nearby creek.

“She seems really nice~” Tomoko spoke up as they walked away.

“House Toreen is notorious for their austere demeanor, I'm surprised she isn't as serious as her sister.” Elhaym mused as they walked.

“Oh so you know er, Vyntessa was it?” By the way both Elhaym and Fenix spoke of her, she seemed pretty infamous.

“She's a fierce swordmaiden. She's the only person I've seen that could rival Fenix in skill. She's also humorless and cold. She's known as the Raven in these parts. We might encounter her depending if these bandits sent out the ransom or not. I'm hoping for the latter, she might see us as the kidnappers.”

“Wouldn't she recognize you as the Princess?!” Tomoko couldn't fathom someone not recognizing Elhaym if they had met before.

“Like I said, she's no-nonsense, and she's a stab first question later type of person.” Elhaym grimaced, the few times she encountered the Raven, it had always ended up in a fight, whether it be to see who was the better swordsman or just because she was in a bad mood. Vyntessa was one not to be trifled with.

Elhaym filled up the waterskins with fresh water after washing her gloves clean of the violence that had transpired. She then washed her forehead bandage off before reapplying it. They made way back to camp, and Elhaym quickly set to work getting food ready. Fenix had already set up a fire and was tending to the horses, while keeping a wary eye out.

In short order, Elhaym had a stew going again. This time she pulled out a bundle wrapped in large leaves.

“Oh, bringing out the Elvish travelbread?” Fenix turned as if he sensed the bundle being brought out.

“I figure might as well, the bread will help the stew stick to the belly, plus it does rather replenish one's stamina quite quickly, and if Minx is awake I'd like her to have some.” Elhaym stirred the ladle in the stew pot absentmindedly.

As if on cue, Minx stirred, a light groan escaping her lips. Elhaym shot up at the noise and hurried over. Dyntessa took her hand off the bandage and scooted back as Elhaym knelt down.

“Minx! Are you alright? Are you in pain?” Elhaym gently turned the goblin over and cradled her.

“Is this the afterlife? Because I see an angel~” Minx cooed, weakly batting her lashes at Elhaym.

“Oh no! Angel where?!” Elhaym looked around in a panic, “It's not your time!”

Tomoko burst out laughing, she would have fallen onto the ground if she could.

“Elhaym, she was calling you an Angel~!” Tomoko giggled.

“Pffft! Me an Angel?! Surely you jest Tomoko~” Elhaym chuckled as she nuzzled a cheek to Minx's forehead.

“Huh Tomoko? I thought her name was Minx?” Dyntessa looked around confusedly, trying to see if there was a fifth person about.

“Oh, I guess I did forget to mention...” Elhaym's voice trailed, “Tomoko is the soul of a person who got reborn into my body, and we're currently on a mission to go see my Magister friend to get her own body.”

“HOW WOULD ANYONE TALK ABOUT THAT SO SIMPLY?!” Tomoko's metaphorical jaw dropped. How could Elhaym say this with a straight face and expect anyone to understand?

“Oh, well, okay then. Nice to meet you Tomoko~” Dyntessa shook an invisible hand in front of her.

Tomoko just sputtered nonsense noises in response.

Is this really something so easily understood by people here?! Magic here must be fairly commonplace or something because so far everyone seemed to just take Elhaym's word about the situation...

Tomoko was at a loss for words. But also she was secretly glad that people did not seem to think Elhaym was crazy when explaining their situation. Maybe it would make figuring out the whole ordeal with Astra later much easier if crazy events like this could be handwaved as something magical.

“She also is pleased to meet you~” Elhaym gently shook Dyntessa's outstretched hand.

“Is that food I smell?” Minx squeaked out, “I'm starving...”

“Oh of course!” Elhaym gently sat Minx up, and hurried over to the stew pot. She quickly fixed everyone a bowl of delicious stew, and stuck a wafer of the Elvish bread in each one. She carried over a bowl to Minx and sat down next to her. “Here Minx, I'll help you eat nfufu~”

Minx's ears nearly glowed cherry red, and she hid her face behind her floppy bat-like ears.

“I-I-I'm okay I can feed myself!” She sputtered, but Elhaym tut-tutted, blowing on a spoonful of stew.

“Nonsense, now open wide for the griffin~” Elhaym made a little whooshing noise as she brought the spoon to the profusely-blushing Minx's lips.

Oh dear she is going to die of a heart attack Tomoko chuckled as Elhaym continued to feed Minx.

Elhaym made sure everyone was happy and fed before eating herself, much to Fenix's annoyance who insisted she eat before then. The two set to work putting up the tents. This time though, Elhaym set up a couple bedrolls behind a felled log by the campfire into a big enough sleeping area for herself, the log between her bedding and the fire.

“Okay Fenix has his tent, and Dyntessa I hope you don't mind sharing a tent with Minx?” Elhaym looked over to her, who gave her a thumbs up as she crawled into the tent, her weariness carrying her to sleep soon after. “I'll take first watch Fenix, get some rest.”

Fenix crawled into his own tent to rest, as Elhaym began stripping her plate armor off, setting it at the foot of her sleeping area. She stretched after she set folded and set down her gambeson. After she was down to just her underclothes and breeches she patrolled the campsite for a bit. Her turn at watch was quiet, and after waking up Fenix for his turn, she laid down on her bedding. A few moments later her eyes shot open, alerted to movement next to her. It was Minx, trying to quietly shuffle to her.

“Minx! What are you doing up?” Elhaym tried not to be as loud as she usually was. She began to sit up but Minx laid down next to the large warrior, trying to wrap her arms around Elhaym's broad frame.

“I can't sleep, can I try to sleep with ya?” Minx meekly mumbled. She nuzzled her nose into Elhaym's side.

“Ara~ okay, but lay up here, I can keep you warmer that way nfufu~” Elhaym tenderly lifted the diminutive goblin and laid her on top of herself, mushing Minx's face into her chest, wrapping her blanket around them.

Yes yes yes! A harrowing day brings the lovers together! Tomoko cheered Minx on. Maybe finally Elhaym will take the hint!

“Mnnf!” Minx grunted as she was laid onto Elhaym. Her face grew hot when she realized how she was laying, accidentally burying her face more into Elhaym's large chest. She squeaked embarrassingly when she realized what she had done trying to squirm into a less precarious position.

“Ara? Not comfortable?” Elhaym gave Minx a gentle headpat.

Minx squirmed upwards, so her face was nose to nose to Elhaym. Her bright ruby-red eyes locked with Elhaym's starry-blues. Without warning she wriggled and locked lips with the warrior Princess into a deep kiss.

Yasssss!!!!!!! Tomoko wished she could jump and cheer for the goblin. Take charge! Show her how much you mean to her! Surely she will see your feelings now!

Elhaym tenderly embraced Minx as they kissed, Her massive hand rested on the back of Minx's fluffy red hair. The moment seemed to last an age before Minx pulled away. Her eyes widened in shock at what she did.

“Ah! S-s-s-s-s-s-s-sorry! I don't know what came ova me!” She noticed her hands were squishing into Elhaym's chest to hold her up, which she promptly retreated downwards, burying her face into Elhaym's chest instead, mortified.

“Ara ara~” Elhaym softly lifted up the Goblin face by her chin, “Tis okay Minx, I like you too. I did promise to give you all the kisses if you were okay nfufufu~”

Minx sputtered nonsense as she buried her face behind her ears. Unintentionally burying her face deeper into Elhaym's chest.

“Unless you don't want to, I understand~” Elhaym headpatted Minx some more.

“No! I like kissing!” Minx squeaked from behind her hears, muffled slightly though from her position. She scrambled upwards to get nose-to-nose with Elhaym again, “Does that mean you'll be my girlfriend?”

Elhaym gave Minx a quick peck on the lips. “If you don't mind that you'll be my first girlfriend, then yes~ They say relationships forged in battle are the strongest nfufu~”

Minx squeaked with joy and quickly covered Elhaym's face in kisses before shyly scrambling back into burying her face into Elhaym's chest.

“Aw congratulations Elly~” Tomoko happily yawned. She was so happy to see that Elhaym finally understood the situation, and that now she and Minx were now dating. She sleepily wondered what kind of present she should get the new couple as consciousness faded into another dreamless sleep.