Chapter Text
The fire crackled and filling the cabin with a lingering warmth that fought the cold outside. Winter’s breath was trying to beat down the door with no hope of bending the wood to its will. Beyond the stone walls of this home was ruthless weather.
The soft coat of Inanna’s fur kept (Y/N) curled up against the sleeping wolf, and keeping her in a euphoric haze. Her hands close to her chest and her head resting on Inanna’s side, while the green-eyed beauty had her muzzle tucked into (Y/N)’s stomach. They rested in front of the fire, heavy furs cradling them both.
The door slid open, letting a rough draft into their sanctuary. (Y/N) felt it creep under her covers and run up her spine, she shivered and rose from her place and looked over expectantly.
Muriel slipped through and closed the door behind him, making sure the sack he carried was still secure. Once the wind outside was blocked out once again, he turned to see (Y/N)’s smiling face. She held the furs around her tightly in an attempt to keep herself warm. He mumbled an apology before walking over and setting the bag down.
(Y/N) crawled over from her place to meet him halfway, leaving Inanna to her nap that she awakened from for only a moment. Muriel sat down, opening the sack and rummaging through. She tried to peek inside.
“Did you find it?”
He nodded in response, pulling out a small package that made (Y/N)’s eyes light up. It was a simple brown wrap tied up with twine, but the striking scent that came from it was more than enough. A tiny squeal escaped her as she snatched the package from Muriel’s hands. She sprung from her place leaving a pile of furs in her spot.
He watched as she rose to her tiptoes to reach one of the pots hanging off to the side of the fire. She took it down and set in on the table and did the same with her package, the tight twine knot was undone in an instant.
“It’s been so long since I’ve had chocolate from the Southlands.” He saw the light in her eyes soften and the smile on her face curl in fondness. “You’ll love it, I promise.”
Muriel felt the edge of his lips pull up, he hummed in response to her excited tone and went to put his things away. Her footsteps scurried from one end of the room to the other, the faint scent of rich cocoa melting into the thickness of the air. The hermit could pick up the faint pinch of spices he assumed was from the scorching south as well. He took in a deep breath, letting it linger in his mind.
Inanna had woken up from her nap once the scent had hit her as well. She got up from her cocoon of furs and started following (Y/N)’s flurry of movement. She chuckled at her furry companion’s curiosity. It wasn’t long before the two of them waited in front of the fire, listening to the soft bubbling inside the pot.
Muriel sat on the edge of the bed, watching the slight bounce in (Y/N)’s movement as she observed the boiling cauldron. Somehow the relentless season had no effect on her. It’s been a while since he’s seen her this excited, holding this impatient aura like a child.
(Y/N) took the ladle that hung off a hook near the fireplace and went to pour the steaming chocolate broth. She walked over to Muriel and held it up in front of his face. “Here you go.” He glanced down into the smooth dark clay mug, the strong scent stirs within the drink and brings a sense of nostalgia. He cupped her hands, enjoying the heat that radiated off her body. He mumbled his thanks before her grip on the mug slipped away, she went to pour herself a drink.
Muriel blows on the hot chocolate, waiting a bit for the heat of the cup cooled before carefully taking a sip. A sweetness washed over his tongue that made the edge of his lips turn up once again. He set his mug down for a second, savoring the taste. Hints of spice prickled his mouth soon after with a bitter undertone, but it complimented the chocolate well. It was wonderful. It…
“This reminds me of home…”
(Y/N) had stopped drinking from her own cup and looked at her partner, her brows raising. She licked the remnants of chocolate off his lips. “Really?” She bit the inside of her cheek before hesitantly asking. “Is...that good?”
Muriel stared at her in silent thought, he wasn’t sure but nodded regardless. Giving the best smile he could manage before it turned shy, his cheeks reddening.
“Yes. Thank you.”
She returned the smile, her heart warming at the sight as if it were the first. She giggled, and they both went back to enjoying their treat in peace.