Archive of Our Own ^beta

Toi.

Who could have known that wearing formal wear was even worse as an adult?

Raya looks herself over in the mirror again, adjusting the straps of her formal robes for the umpteenth time. She turns slightly to her left and right, ensuring the cloth sits correctly around her waist and isn’t caught on itself. She makes another face in the mirror as she fiddles with the fabric just above her midriff again.

The fabric lies across her collarbone, crossing at her chest to wrap around to cover her lower back. Her upper back and midriff are exposed and the lack of sleeves on the formal robes expose her toned arms. The robe reaches her waist where a fabric belt holds the top in place. Raya’s legs are covered by a cascading skirt that features a high slit on her along her left hip. It doesn’t reveal enough for her ba to make any comments, but still entices the eye.

Raya looks herself up and down, admiring the deep blue of her outfit. It compliments her skin tone well, highlighting her dark hair and making her eyes shine in contrast. The colors were of the traditional blue—this outfit featuring a mix of darker shades of teal and turquois—most of the inhabitants of Heart wore. This might be one of Raya’s few formal wears that she didn’t absolutely hate.

A final spin and Raya allow herself to smile at herself. She really had to give it to the seamstress who made this dress specifically for her because it was beautifully crafted. On the belt and along the slit of her skirt, the seamstress had tediously hand stitched an intricate border design in gold threading. Additionally, her skirt was adored with a beautiful design of a dragon that seemed to dance around the princess’s body. The adornments shined and sparkled as the fabric moved with its wearer and Raya’s smile grows wider remembering how excited she’d been when the tailor agreed to include the design of her favorite dragon into her outfit for tonight.

Sisu’s gonna flip.

With the robe finally laying comfortably, Raya turns her head both ways to make sure her braid isn’t falling out as it wraps around her head. Her upper layers are braided along the top of her hair, connecting in the back into a small ponytail that falls with the rest of her dark hair. Raya nods, leaving the standing mirror as she turns to her dresser where she grabs a certain arm band given to her by a particular princess from Fang.

She holds the band in her hands, admiring her former hair ring that has been attached to a beautifully constructed armband. The smiling face looking up at her as the ends of the ring melt seamlessly in a simple golden arm band that Raya never goes anywhere without. Namaari gave Raya the decorative armband about a month after the druun had been eradicated and with it an olive branch. The princess of Fang had been told by a certain dragon that a gift says she trust Raya, and by gifting something Raya thought she’d lost in the sands of Tail, she asked the princess of Heart if she’d be willing to trust her again. She smiles at the memory, knowing that her and Namaari had grown increasingly close the past few months as their kingdoms worked to settle diplomatic disputes and rebuilding their lands. It was weird to believe a year ago they were at one another’s throats.

It felt so long ago.

Raya slips the armband up her left arm before walking back to the mirror. One more half turn and Raya nods in approval. Feeling powerful in this outfit but again, it was still formal wear.

Pants would have been preferred, but tonight was a pretty important engagement.

She exits her room, turning down the hallway that leads back to the main palace. The hallways—normally calm and almost tranquil—are filled with the buzz of energy and murmurs of busy Heart citizens getting ready for the evening.

With the druun gone, the lands were unified by the five heroes and their actions had brought about the return of Kumandra. After the initial celebrations of freeing their people from stone, the five heroes dispersed to their respective kingdoms.

Though it had only been a year, a lot had happened in the land of Kumandra.

The five lands of Heart, Fang, Talon, Tail, and Spine began to work in unison and cohesively to reunite separated families, set about rebuilding the kingdoms—especially Fang’s capitol city after the destruction from the climatic fight—and from their unity decided to create the Council of Kingdoms. Now that Kumandra was one singular land, each kingdom needed to be able to voice their concern and have an equal say in what the people of Kumandra should do to continue moving forward towards restoring its former prosperity. Each kingdom had multiple seats and representatives from each of the kingdom’s military and royal families, with the accepted idea that each Chief would vote for major decisions on behalf of their kingdom as they had always done.

Major decisions went through the council and among the first of those decision was to help redistribute resources to the kingdoms of Tail and Spine who needed major reconstruction of their cities. Among these decisions, came the idea that there should be a singular person who sat above all other chiefs and who would serve as the final decision in manners concerning the security of the people should leader should others come to Kumandra seeking a fight. This idea had come about a month ago and the deliberation had been quick.

Without hesitation, Raya was selected to inherit this role from her ba when she grew older. The chiefs owed her their livelihoods but did not wish to rob Raya of her youth anymore than the previous six years had. Her father argued the additional time would allow her to observe how the kingdoms intermingled, how best to take on her role, and give his daughter ample time to goof off like a teenager should.

Tonight, was the celebration and official declaration of her new role and if Raya was being honest, she was nervous. Not of the company because her friends would be here with their families, but of the responsibilities she’d inherit one day. She trusted her father, but could she really lead all the kingdoms?

At least I won’t be alone.

Kumandra, like Raya, was no longer alone because through their valiant effort, the heroes had seen to the return of the dragons. With their return the lands grew more fertile, the deserts of Tail being filled with water in their rivers again, and almost like magic, the lands developed prosperity of their own. The dragons themselves were overjoyed to return to a united Kumandra, shocked to learn that it had been divided for nearly five hundred years and excited to work with people again. Sisu introduced her siblings and together with the chiefs, the dragons did what they could to help rebuild Kumandra. Peace seemed a reality with the magic of dragons flowing through the land again. Sisu, though frequently visiting and enjoying her time with her siblings, had taken to staying by Raya’s side and making Heart her home.

       “Listen I’m just saying, I could use a pre-dinner snack. Don’t you know what appetizers are here in Heart?”

Speaking of Sisu.

Raya chuckles to herself as she approaches the kitchen. Even from here she can smell the alluring spices of the meal being prepared. She rounds the corner and peers into the kitchen. Spotting a certain dragon sniffing about and talking to a few of the chefs who were busy making hors d’oeuvres. The kitchen is filled with controlled chaos as numerous chefs move around each other in what appears to be chaos, but never invading the other’s space or bumping into one another. An unlucky few attempt to stack fruit on beautiful serving plates, but Sisu’s tail is lethal. As she moves through the kitchen her tail gets precariously close to taking out a pyramid of oranges just as the chef goes to place the final few.

       “Sisu! Your tail!” Raya extends her hand to try and warn Sisu, but the dragon’s tail knocks over two more pyramids of fruit as she spins around to the voice yelling at her.

       “Raya, my girl!” Sisu trots over to the Heart princess, pulling her for a tight hug before looking back into the kitchen. “Listen, what’s a dragon got to do to get some food around here?”

Raya laughs before walking over and grabbing a small plate, quickly stacking it with an assortment of snacks. Raya hands it to the dragon and pushes against her shoulder, trying to get her friend away from the increasingly annoyed workers. Attempting to rescue the staff and get the dragon out of the kitchen, “Here, now get out of here before the chefs start throwing shrimp tails at us!”

       “Ooo, did you say shrimp tails?” Sisu turns back around but is hit on the snout with an orange.

       “Out!” Yell multiple chefs as they point to the exit. Giggling, Raya and Sisu make for a quick exit

       “Hahaha come on!” Raya jogs away from the kitchen and down the hallway with Sisu following close behind. Sisu falls in step with Raya, walking awkwardly as she attempts to eat and follow at the same time. The two head towards the throne room where everyone would be gathering for food, music, dance, and the announcement ceremony. Raya glances over at Sisu as she scarfs down the snacks she’d been given, giggling again at how ravenous the dragon always seem to get when it came to food.

The hallway they walk down leads to a pair of large doors. The doors are currently propped open to assist the servers in their trek between the kitchen and throne room. The sound of multiple conversation and music flows out of the entrance as the two approach. However, before getting too close Raya takes a sharp left. Sisu stumbles, looking into the ballroom entrance and over to the girl who clearly does not want to go in yet. Sisu puts down her plate down before following after Raya, not questioning why the girl had decided to take a detour.

Raya leads the dragon through a small garden, heading for a railing on the opposite side. The edge of the garden sits along the edge of the cliffs the Heart palace sits on. The circular mountain inherently offers beautiful, vast views of the kingdom and surrounding land and this outlook was no different. The garden gave way to a steep cliffside, with a railing along the edge. It happened to be one of Raya's favorite gardens because of all the lanterns that were lit every night. The small flickers of fire enveloped the garden with a warm, inviting light and the tree's shadows danced around the sitting area. However, this time it appeared the princess was not looking for a moment to pause among lanterns and continued towards the garden's edge.

Raya walked up to the railing, looking out at the horizon before taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. The breeze from the river below raced along the bridge's length, running along the tropical cliff face and surrounding Raya with a gust of cool air. Her hair dances around her, for a moment at least her nerves seemed to dissipate as the air does. Raya opens here eyes, leans down and rests on her elbows.

This was the princess’s place of solace whenever the days were too long, the diplomatic disagreements to tiring, or her mind too busy. The garden gave her comfort, but here she could let her mind wander and release them onto the passing wind. Her ba regularly joined her here though, when she was here, the Chief knew it best at times to allow his daughter the time to gather her thoughts, vent her feelings to a certain dragon, or simply allow the world around them guide her path. Raya didn't expect to come here tonight, but something instinctually drew her here, for what purpose was unknown for now.

Sisu comes up, taking a moment to also enjoy the wind as it tussles her mane and with it the smell of the river. The dragon smiles warmly as she looks out at the land, seeing a few dragons below as more guests approached on the bridge. Wouldn’t be long now until the final guests arrived for the evening celebration. The water dragon glances at her friend, noticing Raya’s eyes. It wasn't unusual to catch Raya daydreaming or not exactly present, but the princess looked almost troubled. Longing for something as her eyes scanned the scene below. She was searching for something.

Or someone.

Sisu smiles wickedly before asking as nonchalantly as she can, “Is she here yet?”

Sisu peers over the edge at the people below, her long neck allowing her to look further down than the princess next to her who laughs at the question.

       “Is who here yet?”

       “Oh, please you know who I mean, your bestie.” Sisu brings her head back up and looks down at Raya with a smirk. It doesn’t take the Heart princess long to figure out who the dragon is referring to with the way Sisu was wiggling her eyebrows and the cocky curve of her grin.

Namaari.

Raya blushes despite telling her body not to; shaking her head as she looks away. The dragon does a small fist pump, exposing the princess’s intention for coming to this outlook. Or so Sisu thinks, but Raya's gaze somehow seems even more distant when the princess lets out a sigh and leans across the railing with tense shoulders.

Namaari.

To say her relationship with her former enemy was complicated would only serve as an understatement.

The princess of Fang had been one of the five to save Kumandra from the druun. No one could deny her that praise, but tensions were prevalent initially after the conclusion of the battle. However, with Kumandra returned and a word of encouragement from Chief Banja and his daughter, the lands began to forgive Fang and with it its chief and princess.

It hadn’t been easy though. The guilt had hit the princess the hardest. It had been a month until the two really even talked, when Namaari gave Raya the armband and with it some hope they could work through their past. Namaari was astute. Always professional, seldom relaxing in the delegations and always took her role as ambassador and princess incredibly serious. Raya found it hard to talk to a brick wall and that wall was not given her much to work with initially. However, somehow among the high-tension glances, the harsh stares; something began to grow between the two princesses.

Yet Raya had shared in her feeling of not really knowing how to move forward after the druun battle.

Conversation didn’t come easy or naturally for either of the princesses. How do you talk to someone you’ve hated for years? Who you’ve fought on multiple occasions? Then killed a dragon together, turned to stone for and with, and saved the world with? Not exactly the happiest of topics to just bring up and talk about. And the princesses themselves were so opposite in their dynamics when it came to social interactions. Namaari took after her mother, not much for words but could silence a room when she did speak. Raya was the first one to crack a joke or laugh loudly when she met new diplomats or patrons of the other lands. Namaari’s initial reaction to Raya was naturally standoffish, Raya could almost call it shy, as she avoided conversation with Raya altogether in the weeks after the druun.

Whether it was because of Raya's sociability and Namaari’s lack there of or if it was because of the guilt Fang’s royal family still harbored. Still fearing persecution after all that happened. And yet, Raya would catch Namaari's stare from across the room and was surprised to get a gentle smile or a simple nod in response.

And little by little, Raya found they began to relax around one another. A wave during a gathering of the council. A small smile when they crossed each other’s path. An exchange of words beyond the political topic of the day. And eventually, Namaari saying more than a few words and even being the one to initiate the conversation.

It was a start at least, and Raya would be lying if she didn’t admit to the relief she had felt, feeling drawn to the princess despite their rocky history.

Namaari’s hesitation slowly gave way to comfortable conversation where the silence wasn’t achingly awkward. Instead when Raya arrived in Fang to help rebuild the palace, their small talk developed into eating meals together. Which led to having private meetings early in the morning to discuss what the project of that day would be. Which then eventually became talking afterwards in the courtyards of Fang about how their day had been, and slowly the reserved, strong princess of Fang opened up to her former enemy. They still shared silences but comfortably, and Raya was allowed to see a side of the esteemed Fang princess that no one else could.

Namaari, as Raya learned, was a huge dork.

An intimidating dork, but that somehow made it all the better as Raya slowly learned that Namaari was secretly very funny. She’d known as a kid what a huge nerd Namaari was about dragons, but she wasn’t even nerdier as she’d grown earlier. Especially since Sisu regularly joined in on the two girl’s adventures. So maybe Namaari wasn’t a completely soulless cat lady.

Raya, intrigued by the real Namaari made it her mission some months ago to get to know Namaari better than anyone. Unsure even now as to why exactly, but Raya yearned to learn every detail Namaari was willing to share with her, knowing how meaningful every piece of information offered was.

She learned that Namaari was passionate about her people, secretly loved interacting with children, and took immense pride in earning the respect her soldiers. Namaari obviously took her responsibility to her kingdom unwaveringly serious, but she told Raya it was because her mother was such a great politician, strategist, and leader. Namaari felt she had to live up to high expectations despite her mother's constant reminder to be her own Chief. Though she'd never admit, Namaari had grown up thinking because her mother showed so little emotions in her work, her interactions that this was expected of her as well. And so, Namaari's control on her emotions was iron clad, relentless even. Raya even now would be taken back if Namaari showed moments of intense emotion either through a frustrated growl, a particularly loud laugh, or unguarded happiness during their outings. Raya also confirmed that Namaari loved the dragons more than most Kumandrians. The princess had seen to it that Fang honor their mystical companions by constructing giant statues of Sisu and her siblings as a way of thanking them for saving the world five hundred years ago. And to thank Sisu for trusting the princess and her people despite all that had transpired between them.

Namaari introduced Raya to her giant lynx Serlot—and despite Raya’s hesitation—the giant cat had grown on her. The bond between princess and mount went beyond a simple pet, the lynx followed Namaari wherever she went when not inside formal meetings. He was very protective of Namaari, staring down Raya for the first few meetings as if to say he was still unsure of the Heart princess' intentions with his master. However, his loyalty began to encompass Raya as well and he would regularly walk up to press his muzzle to Raya's cheek whenever the two met. Tuk Tuk surely loved having a new companion to play with. And the two creatures would goof off anytime the two princesses were in the same city. Much to Namaari's surprise the giant cat's love for Raya almost began to compete with the lynx's affection for herself, mewing sadly when she had to say goodbye , and purring loudly when Raya returned.

As time progressed, the crossing of one another’s path became less accidental, more frequent. Their friends and family watched as a bond between the princesses began to bloom. Their adventures and diplomatic duties surely brought them closer, but in a way, their closeness was more a consequence of each girl choosing to seek out the other.

With more visits came more time to talk, allowing for deeper conversations. Harder conversations too. Raya allowed herself to trust the idea of trusting Namaari again.

It wasn’t easy for either of them.

Namaari constantly fell into her guilt, her mood growing sour when Raya tried to say she forgave her. Namaari feared retribution, deeming herself worthy of nothing else. Raya never quite knew what to say, fearing she'd only make her best friend feel worse despite wishing to offer her reprieve.  Someday they’d discuss everything and allow one another to release their tight hold on the past, but for now Raya had vowed to Namaari that they could try to mend their past. In fact, she'd made that promise in the garden behind Sisu and her. No matter how long it took she'd swore, Namaari had been taken back by Ray's declaration and Raya tried not to notice the blush they shared that night.

And somewhere between swimming in the rivers with Sisu, visiting other friends in the surrounding kingdoms, hushed whispers late at night, Raya began to long for the company of the muscular dragon nerd. Achingly so. When Fang patrons would arrive without the princess among them, Raya tried to ignore the disappointment she'd feel. Their relationship grew closer, moving to best friends in a few months. Yet, the past few weeks, Raya sensed another shift in their relationship. The longing for friends wasn't anything to question, but this was something more. Raya didn't feel this way about Tong or Boun or even Sisu.

It had to mean something, didn't it?

       “Helloooo? You going deaf on me sparky?” Sisu pushes against Raya’s shoulder with her own and dragged the princess out of her memories back to the present.

I gotta work on this whole zoning out thing.

       “Sorry, I just got lost in thought.” Raya shifts away from Sisu and leans casually against the railing, still looking down at the arriving guest. Her mind racing with her adventures with Namaari, knowing there’d been a shift, but had it been felt by her best friend as well? Their goodbye hugs grew longer, the casual touching more frequent, and Namaari's smile seemed to occur more often when the two were in each other's company. Or perhaps Raya looked for her smile more often, memorizing the features of her face every time she could successfully get Namaari to share it with her again. Was that not normal for best friends?

       “Ah, getting distracted just thinking about her huh?” Sisu laughs and nods her head.

Raya groans and puts her face in her hands, only encouraging the dragon to laugh just a little harder. When Raya doesn’t join in on the laughter, Sisu looks at the girl who lets out a deep sigh. Raya's hair shifts slightly in the breeze, but the girl squeezes the sides of her head in frustration. Sisu’s brows grow together in concern, she lowers head to nuzzle Raya’s cheek gently.

       “Hey, what’s going on in that head of yours?”

Raya lifts her head, turning to into deep purple eyes that scream concern. She looks away with puff of air, raising her head to look out at the bridge. What would Sisu say? Raya isn't sure she wants to find out, settling to tell her friend a half truth. “I’m just really nervous about tonight Sisu.”

Sisu nods, laying down so she can be eye level with her friend but mirrors Raya and looks out at the arriving guests and landscape. “Because of what the council voted on? Or…?”

Well, that didn't work, the dragon seeing right through her attempted dodge of the question. Raya knows Sisu isn’t try to pry and she appreciates how considerate the dragon is being, but she also knows that her ability to lie to her friend is about as good as Sisu’s credit.

       “I just,” Raya starts but just as quickly closes her eyes in frustration. She wasn't wrong, it had been on her mind the past few days as reality set in. “I’m nervous because it’s such a big responsibility. I know I have years till I will take on that role, but who am I to lead all of Kumandra?”

       “Who better to do so? You saved everyone.”

       “No, we all did.” Raya looks at Sisu. “All five of us, we all saved Kumandra. Together.”

       “Spoken like a true leader,” Sisu meets Raya’s gaze and smiles proudly. “They chose you because of who you are Raya. You’ll be exactly what Kumandra needs. And if not, you have friends and allies to help you. And you’ll always have me.”

Raya’s mouth turns upward at the corners, a small boost of confidence gained from her friends words, but then she hears the soft roar of a large cat. Her eyes widen as she looks down to the bridge in search of the source of the roar. She tries not to acknowledge her disappointment when she sees that it isn’t from her favorite giant lynx. However, her reaction is all the evidence Sisu needs to know she has to ask her question again. 

       “So, is there anything else?” Sisu pokes. Gently. Trying to get the girl to speak her mind.

       “I don’t know what you mean.” Raya shrugs her shoulders but refuses to make eye contact even as Sisu scoffs and moves her head in front of Raya’s face. The princess turns to escape but the dragon’s long neck allows her to chase after Raya’s face which grows redder by the second.

       “Come on Raya, you can’t lie to me. You finally going to tell her tonight?” Sisu attacks her with questions. “Need me to help you? Ooh I could totally do that! I’m a great wing woman, since you know, I’m a dragon and can literally fly.”

       “No! No, no, that’s not necessary because I don’t have—you know, I don’t have anything to say.” Raya tries to sound convincing, she really does, but Sisu and her had spent more amount of time together than her and Namaari. The dragon saw right through her.

       “Oh, come on! I know you two have been hanging out more and now you’re actually besties.” Sisu uses her tail to bring Raya closer as she whispers, “Let me help! I can help you tell her what’s on your mind! Who’s your dragon after all?”

Raya laughs and pushes out of Sisu’s embrace, “You’re my dragon, but I’m telling you, I don’t have anything important to say. She’s my best friend, I can tell her anything because we promised to do that right? We’re already friends after all! I don’t have a crush or anything.”

Raya waves Sisu off and starts to walk towards the throne room but hears Sisu chuckle to herself and looks back over her shoulder just in time to see Sisu come up right next to her. Raya leans back as Sisu gets her muzzle right in front of Raya’s face, a smirk etching itself in her features.

Slowly, she raises an eyebrow and asks, “Who said anything about a crush?”

Raya covers her mouth in embarrassment, her jaw dropping as the realization of being caught hits her. The dragon wiggles her eyebrows, but Raya can’t respond immediately. Instead she turns her back to the dragon and crosses her arms. The admission wasn't planned, but it also gives the princess a definition to her recent feelings. A crush. She now had something tangible, a label for the shift in her relationship with Namaari.

Take the first step.

She practically hears Sisu saying those words, but this was different. This wasn’t about trust, this was about feelings she was developing for her best friend. A beat friend who had worked so hard to even get this far and to get this close with her. “Sisu…it’s just, complicated.”

       “And why is that?” Sisu sits down, not pulling Raya back in but giving her space to spin as she thinks. The dragons body circles Raya, giving her a space in the middle to pace and stand freely. “Are crushes always complicated with people?”

Were they? Raya didn't even know. Not like she'd had time to learn about crushes or romantic feelings growing up. Did everyone feel this nervous around someone who brought them so much comfort? Namaari and Raya’s friendship had been a challenge since their childhood, but could it take this obstacle on too?

Raya thinks about what the dragon is asking her.

What made this complicated?

It wasn’t the first time the water dragon had poked at her regarding the princess of Fang. Had they gotten closer? Absolutely. Did Raya always meet her on the bridge and wait for when she knew the council would be gathering? Yes. Isn’t that what best friends do? Maybe. So why didn’t she head down to the bridge like she routinely did? Why did she get flustered when Sisu poked at her about Namaari?

       “I just don’t want to mess this up Sisu.” Raya played with her hands, slowly turning to look at the dragon. She wasn’t normally so bashful with the magical creature, so the dragon let her take her time. Raya shook her head slightly, looking for correct words to explain her thought process. “She’s worked so hard to earn everyone’s trust and my trust and we’re finally really good friends. And I really enjoy our time together and I just, what if I go and say something that ruins that? You know?”

Raya’s voice gets uncharacteristically quiet with the final question, nearing a whisper as she slowly looks up at the dragon in front of her.

Sisu doesn’t respond immediately. Raya is glad because she isn’t sure what answer she wants or if she wants one at all. She knows she’s overthinking and yet that admission hasn’t helped her all day. Sisu couldn’t deny it was complicated. Raya was a princess of Heart and Namaari a princess of Fang, did that even matter? Is that what she’s worried about?

What if she doesn’t feel the same.

       “What if…what if she doesn’t feel the same?”

       “Well, what makes you think she doesn’t?”

Raya’s eyes shoot up to look at Sisu, not ready for such a simple response. It’s an elementary counterargument, but in her worry, Raya really hadn’t stopped to think whether or not her best friend was feeling their deeper connection too. Her own emotions were causing her unusual nerves, her mind didn't dare consider another's emotions in the situation. Raya opens her mouth and closes it, shaking her head slightly. Were crushes always mutual? Could she be so lucky to have earned the other girl's affection too?

       “Come on, let’s walk.” Sisu pushes Raya towards their awaiting celebration and walks along side her. Raya contemplates everything. What if Namaari felt the same? Huh, it seemed so easy to think she did, but why hadn’t she thought of that herself? Probably because she didn't really know what to think about what it could mean for the both of them, she barely knew what it meant for herself.

Toi. Why are crushes so complicated.

Walking through the small garden relaxes Raya slightly, the familiarity a comfort as she dealt with unfamiliar nerves. Sisu remains quiet, a gentle smile on her face as she heads towards the celebration. The buzz of the party reaches the hallway the two approach in and before they get too close to be seen, Sisu stops Raya with her tail.

       “I don’t know everything about people,” Sisu doesn’t look at her as she speaks, looking down in concentration as she carefully articulates her thoughts for her friend. “But I do know dragons. And, my brother Pengu, he’s the smartest dragon I know.”

Raya laughs lightly, watching the patrons inside the large doors.

       “And he told me something once. He said how is a dragon to know they can fly, if they never take the chance to try?”

The hum of the room fades away for a moment as Raya understands what Sisu is getting at. She is in her own way of knowing what is too happen between her and Namaari. She's so focused on whether or not to try, that she hadn't considered how wonderful it could be to fly. A smile breaks across Raya’s features finally and Sisu returns with a toothy grin of her own before the two enter the throne room at last.

The hum grows to a buzz as they enter the celebratory mood and are overtaken with the sounds of the festivities. There’s soft music dancing around the party guests, the aroma of food from each kingdom fills the princess’ sense. Suddenly Sisu is sniffing and looking around for what would be her first of many plates of food for the evening. Raya always enjoyed parties, loved the feeling of being surrounded by so many people. Her six years had been spent wondering alone with interactions with others few and far between. Anytime there was a festival, celebration, or gathering, Raya volunteered to attend in her father's stead. However, her ba never let her go alone if he could help it. He was trying to make up for their lost time, and his daughter tried to make up lost years. The energy of the room lifts Raya's spirits immediately, already causing her anxiety to lower as the vibrant colors of each kingdom blended together as the crowd filled the room. Raya grins and thinks on Sisu’s previous question: what if Namaari really did feel the same? But before the two can finish their conversation Raya is being picked up in a bear hug and the room begins to spin as she is crushed by two large arms.

Tong.

       “Ah it is good to embrace you after so much time spent apart and to smell you once again dragon! It’s been so long!”

       “Honey, it’s been a week since you’ve seen Raya. Tong! The girl can barely breath!” Tong’s wife hurries over after she sees her husband pick up the celebration's guest of honor. The worry evident in her face as she smiles awkwardly. Other patrons give the group a wide berth, knowing well that the Spine’s chief hugs are ironclad.

       “It’s—yeah no—great to see you too Tong!” Raya gasps out her welcome as she is finally put down by the mountain of a man. He’s dressed in the colors of his kingdom but wears a new fur over his shoulder, his top and bottoms lined with ragged designs unique to Spine fashion. On his face is a decorative eye patch instead of his usual black one. Raya pushes against her lower back, trying to realign her spine as she grins wickedly, pointing to her dragon friend. “I think Sisu wants a hug next.”

       “Nope, I absolutely do not. Tong, buddy, how about a crisp high five?” Sisu steps back slightly as Tong turns to her but he laughs and grabs her hand only to shake it violently. Sisu's head starts to bob in rhythm with her paw being shook and her mane bounces lightly as Tong lets out a heart laugh. Raya only grins victoriously as Sisu stumbles to get her words out as she greets her strong-gripped friend. “Alright, yup, okay, h-hello, Chief Tong.”

Tong releases Sisu’s paw and he raises his hands in respect for the dragon who nods to his wife and him, if a little discombobulated from the shaking she just endured. The chief’s wife simply bows slightly, unable to raise her hands as she holds tightly to a rambunctious toddler. Raya smiles as Tong’s daughter reaches for Sisu, mesmerized by the dragon. Sisu lowers her head towards the child, moving her head side to side so her mane bounces and entices the child even more. Sisu adored Tong's daughter, the little one putting her hand on the dragon's nose gently, Sisu's size making her hand seem unbelievably small.

Raya turns to the two adults, “It’s great to see you both, hopefully your journey wasn’t too long.”

Tong lets out a bellowing laugh as he tells Raya and Sisu how their elephants had been frightened by dragons as they approached Heart. Raya smiles, listening and watching Tong as he recounts the chaotic seeming tale. His wife continues to hold their daughter out so that Sisu can continue to make faces and blow puffs of air into the little girl's face playfully. He calms the princess as the story concludes, reporting only minimal damage was caused by the ruckus. His wife comforts Raya further and tells her no one was seriously hurt either, though the elephants seemed displeased. Laughing as she tells her that her husband was only slightly exaggerating when he said he had to help control a dozen panicked elephants. The couple nods to the princess and the dragon bidding farewell, allowing their daughter to wave her goodbye before going to get food. Raya giggles as their daughter waves to Sisu as her parents take their leave and doesn't stop until they are completely out of view.

       “I am so hungry.” Sisu murmurs next to Raya and before the princess can respond to the dragon, she's shifted into into her human form. Somehow despite the gem being used to save the druun and the dragons returning, Sisu still maintained her sibling’s abilities. All of them. She could still shape shift, glow, make it rain, and much to the dragon’s relief was still an excellent swimmer. Not that she complained about her additional abilities, she loved being able join people and work on her “people skills.” Sisu's hair flops in front of her face and she does a dramatic hair flip to clear her view before tying up her hair in a ponytail.

       “I’m going to find more food, I’ll catch up!” Sisu waves absently as she moves through the crowd to find more food, leaving Raya chuckling at the entrance to the grand room. Guests struggle to greet the dragon in time as she moves with a purpose towards the staff walking around with large plates of food, her smile embarrassed as she just waves at everyone who bows to her.

A few patrons walk by and give their respect to the Heart Princess who looks around the room, looking for her ba. She tells herself she's only looking for him, ignoring the feeling of disappointment when she doesn't find a woman with an undercut. It wasn't unusual for Fang to show up last, but normally they'd be hear before the sun disappeared behind the horizon. Raya glances out a window as she grabs a snack off a table, the orange in the sky indicating that Namaari was indeed later than usual. Raya grins to herself, knowing she'd have a button or two to poke given the Chief of Fang's distaste for being late to anything, especially formal events. Raya walks the room saying hello to familiar faces such as Noi with her mother, though still very young the toddler can somewhat hold a conversation with Raya—with her mother translating for her baby every now and again. Noi begins to nod off and her mother thanks Raya for her hospitality. The pair retire for the evening with a very sleepy daughter and an equally sleepy group of ongis.

Raya finally finds her father talking with Boun’s parents and she rushes up to hug him. Chief Banja senses his daughter’s approach and turns with open arms, a wide smile on his face.

“Dew drop, there you are.” Chief Banja hugs his daughter and touches his forehead to hers before Boun’s parents nod to her respectfully. “I was just talking about your friend Boun and how he’s been helping not only his families’ restaurant, but with Tail’s boat trading routes as well. It seems the boy knows the rivers better than anyone in Kumandra.”

Raya nods before turning to her friend’s parents, “He never led us astray when we were gathering the gem pieces and I know I’ve always enjoyed his company as we traveled around helping with rebuilding. You should be very proud.”

His parents give their thanks and talk briefly about how proud they are of the young man he is growing up to be. Raya is surprised to not see Boun and his siblings by his parent's side, the family was very tight knit and their time apart during the druun years only pulled the family closer. Raya looks around for the young captain, wondering where here faithful river traveler was. And as if on que, he comes running up to give Raya a hug.

       “Raya!”

Though it had not yet been a full year, the boy’s growth was showing as he hugged the princess. Nearly meeting Raya’s shoulder height, the barely taller girl returned his hug tightly. The young boy had been Raya's main form of transportation as she traveled for diplomatic gatherings or for leisure. The boy worked in his family's shrimporium, but his heart longed for adventure and he always quick to respond when Raya sent word asking to join him on her newest adventure. The princess releases the hug, holding Boun at arm's length to look down at him. But the boy doesn't return Raya's gaze. Instead he looks around for a moment, a mischievous look in his eye that Raya recognizes immediately.

No way, he wasn't up to something.

       “Boun…?”

He looks up at her, a small blush on his face as he tries to keep his composure. He gives her a seemingly innocent smile, Raya raising an eyebrow. Boun shrinks slightly under her gaze, but looks around until his eyes find his target: Sisu. Raya follows his gaze as Boun smiles, seeing her colorful-haired friend heading directly for them.

Toi.

As Sisu approaches—with a plate piled high with more food—Boun’s smile grows more wicked. His parents bow respectfully to the dragon and say their goodbye to the Chief before moving to the dance floor together. Sisu nods to Chief Benja and smirks at Raya before looking down at Boun, winking at him. The boy nods before looking back up to the Heart princess.

       “Raya, Fang is here!” Boun looks up at Raya, grabbing one hand and pulling her slightly so she can see the entrance. Raya stumbles slightly, Sisu chuckling with her father as the young boy pulls her towards the main entrance. He points with his other finger, bouncing with excitement. Sure enough, the lighter tones distinct to Fang begin to shuffle into the throne room as guests arrive and greet one another. Raya regains her balance, standing slightly and nods to Boun. He raises his eyebrow before raising his voice slightly as he continues, “Are you going to dance with Namaari and tell her about your crush?”

Raya’s jaw hits the floor.

With her face on fire, Raya quickly looks to her father to try and explain, but nothing comes out of her mouth. Her father's eyes are wide, his mouth slightly open but he clears his throat and looks to Raya, waiting for her to say something. Panicking she snaps her eyes back down to the young river captain in shock. Boun only smirks and wiggles his eyebrows before looking over to Sisu, “Did I say it like you wanted me to?”

       “Nailed it. Thank you Captain Boun!” Sisu walks up to the young boy and ruffles his hair. Boun raises his hands to do a double hand gesture resembling guns, smiling at Raya victoriously. Raya's face can't possibly get any hotter, but before Raya can tackle him and ask why he had betrayed her he rushes. Laughing as he finds his siblings among the crowd and the group scampers off to avoid a very flustered princess and guest of honor.

       “A crush huh?”

       “Ba…” Raya stiffens as her ba approaches gently, his arms behind his back as he steps up to stand beside her. Raya groans and covers her eyes before looking shyly at her father. He is looking at the new wave of incoming guests, but Raya still stutters her response. “It’s not, I mean, I don’t know. It’s—”

       “Complicated? Romance usually is my daughter.” Chief Benja steps close and pulls his daughter to his side. Turning her so they can watch the people of Fang begin to file in together. Raya relaxes slightly, very unsure of how her father is going to react to her feelings for best friend. Who just so happens to be the princess of another kingdom and maybe that kingdom isn't the most liked still despite the fall of the druun. And maybe, her father already has someone in mind for his daughter so her having a crush isn't ideal you know? "Raya? Dew drop?"

Raya jumps slightly, her father's voice pulling her from her spiraling train of thought before the crash and she looks up at him shyly.

       "I said, is this crush on a certain princess I know?"

Sisu laughs at the question and at Raya's wide-eyed expression, but the stern look from Raya makes her quiet down and focus on the food on her plate. Raya looks back to her father who is still looking at her warmly, no disappointment or anger evident in his features as he awaits an answer. Raya gives another glance to Sisu who gives her a thumbs up and a guilty smile, knowing full well what she was doing to the poor princess.

Oh, we’re so talking about this later Sisudatu. I can’t believe you got Boun to help you!

Chief Benja looks down at his daughter who has a small blush on her cheeks and on the tips of ears. He’d known for some time as to why his daughter would disappear for hours whenever Fang came to visit Heart or why she was always the first to volunteer to correspondence to Fang. His daughter's smile was never larger than in the presence of the Fang's princess, their conversations hushed as they leaned in to talk to one another, and Chief Benja was amazed at the difference in body language his daughter seemed to bring out of the usually stoic princess of Fang.

Though he never pushed for his daughter to talk about her romantic life, the Chief of Heart was comforted to see his daughter not being robbed of the opportunity to build a relationship with someone. He’d been hesitant to say anything because he did not want to interfere with his daughter’s decisions, who was he to rob her of something she'd been denied for so many years during the druun occupation? He trusted Fang, the princess, and especially his own daughter’s judgement. If Raya had grown to forgive the mistakes of the past, Chief Benja could only applaud his daughter's maturity for doing so. She was growing up to be an incredible woman and would make for a capable leader one day. Namaari had also proven herself to the Chief of Heart that she’d protect his little girl from harm, promising him one late evening when he'd found the Fang princess meditating in one of the gardens. He'd taken the opportunity then to get to know Namaari beyond surface level professionalism, learning then that the older princess also harbored feelings towards his daughter and he'd smiled then too.

His smile is warm as he rubs his daughter’s shoulders, recalling the conversation with Namaari about a month ago where she'd revealed that the relationship she had with his daughter was her most treasured one. He shakes Raya's shoulders gently, getting her attention again.

       “Dew drop," Chief Benja whispers, Raya looking up at him expectantly. "I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, but I don't want you to think you can't talk to me about this okay? If you have a crush, we can talk about that anytime you want to. But you are not as subtle as you may think my daughter."

       "I am so!" Raya pushes on her father's arm, embarrassed at being called out by her father as he laughs and shakes his head.

       "You are no better at subtlety then I am at telling jokes my daughter." Chief Benja retorts, "But then again, neither is she."

Raya's eyes widen then, wondering what her father is hinting at. He laughs again before reaching down and gently grabbing the arm band Raya was wearing. The same armband Chief Benja noticed some time ago that his daughter never went anywhere without, recognizing the quality craftsmanship attributed to the jewelry makers of Fang. Raya blushes and raises her hand to touch the armband too, lowering her head bashfully. Chief Benja uses his other hand to grab Raya's chin softly between his fingers, raising her chin so she would look at him directly.

       "Raya, she is in many ways your equal and you hers. I could think of no one more worthy to stand beside a warrior of Heart. She’d be lucky to have my daughter. I’ve known for some time about your crush thanks to a certain dragon.” He whispers to her, using his thumb to swipe gently across her chin. Raya gawks at Sisu again, her father letting out another burst of laughter at his daughter's apparent surprise that Sisu was unable to keep a secret.

Who hadn’t she told about Raya’s crush?! And why was Raya the last one she spoke to about it?!

       “Raya,” Raya darts her eyes from Sisu up to her father’s loving gaze. “I want you to be happy, if you have found that in someone, as I found it in your mother, I encourage you to cherish that. And never let it go, no matter how scary it can be to take that first step, dew drop. I think you'll find your crush just might be reciprocated."

       “Thank you, Ba.” Raya puts her head on her Dad’s shoulder, both watching as the newest guests walk by and raise their hands in greeting to Heart’s royal family. Raya, though a little angry with Sisu and her big mouth, drew comfort in knowing that her ba supported her feelings for her best friend. His encouragement meant the word to her and his approval meant everything to the princess of Heart. Her father squeezes her once more, Raya returning the side hug. Soon enough, the Chief of Fang enters the room and makes her way towards Chief Benja. With a final look and cheesy thumbs up, Chief Benja moves away from his daughter to meet Chief Virana halfway. The two embracing in a short hug in greeting. Even from here Chief Virana's presence is felt by Raya, though there is no maliciousness in the Fang Chief's demeanor. Chief Virana nods to Raya, a warm smile on her face as she greets her daughter's best friend. The two older chiefs walk towards the table filled with food and before he disappears into the crowd, Chief Benja gives his daughter a wink and smile before continuing his discussion with Fang’s Chief.

Raya looks to the entrance, looking for no one in particular.

At least that’s what she tells herself, but with her father’s encouragement and Sisu’s prodding, she smiles as she admits to herself who she is looking for.

Where are you dragon nerd?

Her eyes scan the incoming faces. Darting quickly as she searches for a certain tall princess, her poised posture always a dead giveaway in crowds and who is sure to control the room the moment she enters. Raya’s concentration is broken when Sisu nudges her gently and raises her hand to forehead, squints her eyes, and mocks Raya by dramatically looking around the room.

       “Nope, I don’t see her either.” Sisu glances at Raya with a smirk but Raya isn’t paying attention because she finally does see her.

Namaari has barely made it a foot in the archway entrance and already the surrounding guests turn to give the gem greeting to her, and of course she takes it in stride because Namaari knows how to act around these gatherings. She nods respectfully, Raya watches as she gives small waves to a few children and watches her mouth move softly in greeting to a few diplomats. However, her composure is ruined the moment a certain Spine warrior steps up to her and gives her the same greeting he'd given Raya. Namaari, however, lets out a laugh that she'll later deny when Raya pokes at her, and pats Tong's strong shoulders in greeting. He puts her down only to then be picked up by the princess in return. Namaari seems to give Tong an equally powerful hug because Tong is at least three inches off the ground, to which both he and his wife both laugh at. No arguing the princess was strong, but Raya watches with a warm feeling in her chest as Namaari takes Tong’s daughter from his wife and holds her gently. She’s speaking with the couple, but her focus is on the small one in her arms and Raya doesn’t realize how wide her smile had grown until Sisu is poking her cheek.

       “Is this a people thing? To just stare at someone from across the room like a weirdo? Huh?”

       “She’s…wow. She looks beautiful.” Raya’s admission is barely audible but Sisu grins and looks back to the Fang princess as she hands the toddler back to her mother.

The outfit Namaari has one perfectly accents her features in a way that is both breath taking without sacrificing the intimidation factor the royal family of Fang is known for. Of course, she wears the earring she is never seen without and even from this distance, Raya can see the Sisu necklace in Tong's daughter's hand as the princess pulls the little one in closer.

She wears a high collared top and bottoms like the ones she’s usually seen in. The top features a high, open collar that draws the eye to her neck and sharp jawline. The top also features no sleeves, exposing the princess’s toned arms and Raya isn't complaining with the view. Raya knows the power behind the princess' muscles given their spars and wrestling shenanigans, but the outfit still gives the princess a composed look despite the clear presentation of power. The top is pulled tightly across the princess' chest, sticking close to her waist as it disappears beneath a cream-colored silk belt. Atop the fabric belt is a golden belt in the shape of a dragon, connecting at its center with a gem similar to the dragon necklace Namaari wears around her neck. The bottoms math the smooth, creamy color of the princess' top but features maroon sewing patter that follows the pant seem down into Namaari's shoes. However, the outfit features a cape that Raya hasn't seen the princess wear before. It connects to her top only on her right shoulder, flowing down to Namaari's lower back. The cape is the same deep maroon color as the accents on her pants. Namaari spins slightly, rousing a giggle Raya can't hear out of Tong's daughter but the cape dances around Namaari as she turn, but Raya catches the hinting of a design on the princess' back as well. 

Raya makes a mental note to look at it later, but for now she simply takes in the sight of a beautiful woman, who while typically catching any wondering eye with her beauty decided to wear an outfit that is anything but typical. She was ferocious.

Namaari frees the toddler's grip on her earring, Tong's wife quickly stepping forward to take back her handsy daughter. Namaari waves her off, perhaps telling Tong's wife to not worry as she adjusts her necklace and pushes her hair back as she glances back to Tong. She laughs at something he says, her eyes wondering past his broad shoulders and, of course, finding Raya's almost immediately.

Toi. I'm still staring.

Raya blushes furiously and hopes to all that is good in this world that the distance doesn’t allow Namaari to see her flustered face. Raya doesn't look away though, holding the princess' gaze she raises her hand shyly to wave and allows for a small smile to spread on her face. The Fang princess' reaction is immediate, a flirtatious smirk on her face as she catches Raya staring at her. She nods slightly, acknowledging Raya and confirming that she had in fact caught the Heart princess red-handed, but returns to talking with the Spine couple.

       “Wow, I may be able to glow, but you are like a chameleon the way your face changes color!” Sisu laughs and Raya turns to her and pushes her in response.

       “Well I can’t help it if she looks amazing and powerful and kind of like a tiger and just I was expecting the usual formal wear! Not you know, not whatever she’s wearing and —”

       “Did you just call her a tiger in a dress?” Sisu cocks her head to the side as Raya stammering comes to a stop and the princess takes a deep breath. She turns to fully face her friend.

       “No, I was just—never mind.” Raya shakes her hands and her head. She glances back to where Namaari was and—"Wait. Where did she go? And, wait, did you just call me a chameleon?”

Sisu laughs again and shrugs her shoulders, “I’m just saying I haven’t met a lot of people who can turn that red so fast. I don't know where she went though.”

Raya rolls her eyes and scans the crowd, taking a few steps to maneuver around small groups that stand between her and Namaari's last known location. Raya knew this little game. Sneaking up on one another was one of the many "trainings" the two girls liked to partake in when visiting one another's kingdoms. Raya does a full turn, knowing that Namaari is attempting to score a point in this game and Raya refuses to give up her lead. Sisu, for her part, just stands and continues to eat the small snacks while following behind Raya who creeps through the crowd now. Raya sees a flash of maroon, thinking she's found her prey and takes a few deliberate steps to intercept.

        "Got you!" Raya grabs the maroon fabric, but realizes quickly that it is just a woman from Talon's dress. Raya quickly apologizes, blushing furiously and waving the woman off as she attempts to greet the princess. Raya does a quick 180, trying to get as far from the awkward interaction with this random woman as fast as possible. She reaches the center of the room again, turning around slowly. It doesn't matter though, the opposing hunter has found its prey. Raya letting out a squeal as she feels two strong hands grip her waist.

       “Tsk tsk tsk, and here I was hoping for a challenge.” Namaari whispers threateningly into Raya's ear, her body close to the shorter princess and her hands remain firm around her waist, denying her any attempt to escape. "Better be careful, never know when an angry assassin could be after you princess. "

Raya spins around, coming face to face with the princess of Fang who is stifling a laugh as she releases her waist. Raya pretends not to notice how she misses the contact already as Namaari takes a small step back to give her some room. Identical to Fang's lynxes, Namaari had captured her prey without making a sound and was going to rub it in Raya's face for sure. This evening was no different it seemed, the taller princess’s smile failing to hold back a chuckle. “Not much of a game if you don't actually try Raya, the hunt is better with cunning prey after all."

       “Oh please, I let you have this one so you can start to catch up! What's the score now? A dozen to a few?" Raya raises her chin, crossing her arms as Namaari raises an eyebrow. She appreciates the space the taller princess gives her, taking a deep breath as she attempts to gain some semblance of composure given the close proximity to her best friend. The same best friend she has a crush on. The crush everyone and their dragon seems to know about. Except, you know, the princess herself. "If Sisu hadn't distracted me you wouldn't have stood a chance."

       “Hmm, then remind me to thank Sisu for being a profitable ally in this hunt. As to whether or not it would have ended differently, I'd have to disagree.” Namaari is all confidence and teeth when she smiles down at Raya. Her eyebrows raised in challenge, Raya noticing the makeup on her face and admiring how it adds so much depth to the princess' rich, brown eyes. Eyes that sparkle, and Raya is reminded once again of how cat-like the princess is. Namaari was great at hiding emotions physically, but her eyes always gave her away to those who knew well enough to look into them when they wished to know what the princess was really thinking. Like a lynx, her eyes took in everything and Raya tried not to shy away as Namaari looked her over, from her hair down to her skirt and back up again. Her presence screamed power, her eyes lethal, but she also radiated warmth and welcome when she spoke with Raya. This time was no different as she grins warmly at Raya, who returns the smile immediately. The silent exchange speaking volumes until Namaari finally speaks again, "Hello, princess.”

       “Hello, to you too princess. Thank you for joining us. Even if you took your sweet time getting here.” Raya bows dramatically. Glancing up to see a small blush on Namaari’s face as she pushes her hair back in embarrassment.

       “Would you believe me if I said it wasn’t my fault?”

       “No. I don’t think I would, you are from Fang after all.”

       "Right, well, my sincerest apologizes princess, I did not mean for my tardiness to insult the guest of honor." Namaari bows slightly, glancing up at Raya with mockingly sweet eyes and a smirk.

Raya rolls her eyes, "Oh, I suppose I could forgive this behavior this one time princess, but that laugh earlier with Tong? Unforgivable."

Namaari lets out a hearty chuckle at that, leaning back slightly as she wipes away a tear. Raya relaxes, soaking in the chemistry between the two of them. She'd miss this kind of banter, grateful to have her best friend here finally. Namaari recovers, moving to give Raya a hug. And it shouldn't be a big deal. They've hugged at least a few dozen times. But it isn't so simple this time, Raya shouldn't lock up like she does nor get so incredibly hot all over with nerves when Namaari wraps her arms around her waist to give her what should be their usual greeting. Raya tries her hardest to not freeze up, but her rigidity doesn’t go unnoticed, because of course Namaari senses everything, and of course she just has to take note of Raya’s reluctance to return the hug. The taller princess squeezes gently but leans back slowly. The look she gives Raya is filled with questions, but before Namaari can utter a word Sisu joins the two girls and comes to the rigid Heart princess’ rescue.

Rescue may have been to kind a word given the little stunt she’d pulled with Boun.

But for now, Sisu’s arrival saves Raya the pain of explaining why hugs meant so much more now that she’d realized her feelings for her best friend. They weren't simply a greeting anymore, the weight of the physical contact making Raya's skin buzz with anticipation. Namaari's eyes stay on Raya's face for a moment longer, looking for any sort of indication as to why her friend was suddenly so hesitant to touch her. Sisu unaware, or perhaps perfectly aware of the situation, gets the Fang princess attention when she dramatically grabs her pants to bow to Namaari.

       “Princess Namaari,” Sisu, bowing at the waist and letting her hair cascade around her haphazardly. Namaari blushes slightly, quickly grabbing at her shoulders to stops Sisu's movements. 

       “Sisu stop, if anyone should be bowing it’s me.” Namaari articulates her point by raising her hands above her head in respect for the dragon. And the princess is surprised when Sisu gives her a tight hug, hesitating for only a moment before returning it in earnest. The height difference between the too causes Raya giggle as Sisu's forehead barely reaches Namaari's collarbone. Though, the difference in stature allows for Namaari to really engulf her dragon friend's human form that much tighter. “I forget how small your human form is.”

       “Yeah I know! Makes it really easy to sneak into the kitchen for snacks or spy on you with Raya and—”

       “Okay! Well,” Raya clamps her hand on Sisu’s mouth, pulling her friend to her quite roughly. The blush on her cheeks reignites and spreads to her ears, a shaky smile on her face trying to mask her embarrassment. Namaari’s eyes widen in confusion, a sharp brow rising as Sisu wiggles her eyebrows from her captured position. She looks between the two women waiting for an explanation. Instead, Raya let’s go of Sisu and clears her throat, giving a side glace to her magical friend before looking back to Namaari. “How—uhm, how are things in Fang?”

       “Busy.” Namaari raises her other eyebrow at the sudden change in topic, but thankfully visibly relaxes and looks Raya in the eye. Namaari takes note of the odd behavior, but allows for the conversation to continue as it seems her best friend is keen on avoiding whatever just occurred. “A lot of the royal army has been busy helping Tail and Talon build wider and better canals to facilitate the trading boats. It’ll make for easier passage to each of the main kingdoms. Fang solidified a trade agreement with Spine, their bamboo forest offering us a lighter material to help build floating gardens and supply shacks along our rivers."

Raya tries to focus on what Namaari is saying, she really does but she cannot get over how beautiful her best friend looks tonight. It reminds her of the gem stone's former santuary, not realizing before how beautiful the space really was until Namaari commented on it one day. After the discussion with her ba, the possibility of Namaari returning her affections only made the draw she felt for the Fang princess more intense. Undeniable. Infectious even, but her eyes are drawn to Namaari's mouth as she carries on about how dull a particular diplomatic meeting between Tail had been and Raya smiles softly as Namaari rolls her eyes, admiring how intoxicating those brown eyes are, only more so with the makeup Namaari has on.

        "Our discussions and deliberations have been profitable for everyone, and with this celebration, my mother is looking to strengthen our relationships with the other kingdoms." Namaari raises an eyebrow when she says the word relationship. Raya tilting her head slightly as her mind wandered, heart rate racing at the double meaning of Namaari's words. Did she mean the relationship between their kingdoms or the one between they two? She took a deep breath, otherwise her heart was going to explode and she might die on the spot. Namaari continues, "I told Chief Virana that the relationship between Fang and Heart was solidified and that she needn't worry over it. In fact, at this point, the only way for this relationship to develop further would be for me to court you Raya."

Oh. Well there goes her heart rate again.

Namaari grins, waving off the comment when she sees Raya visibly begin to stutter a response, "Haha, Raya, relax I'm joking. If anything you would need to court me. So, how have you been, Sisu?”

       “Oh, you know, hanging with my girl Raya!” Sisu wraps her arm around Raya’s waist and pulls her in slightly. “I was with my brothers and sisters last week and we went adventuring near Fang actually.”

Namaari nods and asks Sisu about how her siblings are adapting to living near Fang and if they were feeling at home, but Raya can only watch Namaari’s face as her eyes light up talking about dragons and how she smiles so genuinely when Sisu tells a funny story. Raya is staring again. Blatantly. But how could she not when Namaari mentioned courting so casually? They poked at one another sure, their banter a constant interaction whenever they met, but courting? Raya wasn't even capable of decent flirting at this point, so Namaari's brief comment sent her heart sputtering. Namaari glances to Raya as Sisu talks and if Raya didn’t know any better, she could swear there was slight color in her friend’s cheeks when she’d been caught staring. Namaari doesn't dismiss her though, doesn't look away immediately and it sparks something in Raya's chest she knows now is affection, it's here that later Raya will tell her ba she knew she wanted to kiss her best friend. But for now, Raya holds Namaari's gaze as she nods and speaks, oh shit, and Raya realizes she’s just been asked a question.

       “Wait what?”

       “I was just telling Namaari that you were complaining about how you were waiting for someone to ask you to dance!” Sisu taps her shoulder and looks over at Namaari. “She’s been real torn up about it. And Namaari here was just about to ask you to dance, right?”

Raya looks dumbfounded at Sisu before looking up at Namaari with wide eyes, mouth falling open as her brain blanks. Immediately, the room is very warm and when did her heart rate get so high? Or maybe it had been this fast since Namaari's courting joke. Are her hands always this sweaty?

       “Raya?” Hearing Namaari say her name yanks Raya from her building anxiety, but it all dissipates when Namaari takes her hand in hers. Namaari’s hands were larger than Raya’s, but the touch is only comforting as Namaari squeezes her hand. Somewhere between now and back when they were turned to stone, hand holding had become a grounding connection between the two girls. A way for one to calm or comfort the other, though usually it was a passing gesture. Over just as quickly as it started, but Namaari wasn't releasing her hand. Raya prays to anyone who will listen that her hands aren’t shaking—or sweaty—and looks up at Namaari. “Would you like to dance princess?”

       “Uh. Yeah, sure.” Raya stammers out and briefly hears Sisu laughing to herself before Namaari nods towards the colorful woman and begins to bring Raya to the dance floor, her grip on Raya's hand unyielding. Raya feels like a child being led by their parent as she somewhat stumbles behind Namaari. 

Shit.

Raya remembers something that causes her anxiety to return in full force: she has no idea how to dance.

And of course the dance floor is in the center of the throne room. Filled with children bouncing around their parents, couples dancing slowly around the rim, and friends from other kingdoms dancing in large groups. Raya tries to gain back her composure, ignoring the tug of fear she feels building along her spine as her eyes dart around to see guests staring at the two princesses.

Namaari for her part seems very calm with everything developing and when she finds some open space let’s go of Raya’s hand. Namaari turns to her, looking at Raya with a smile that wavers when she sees the evident dread on her best friend's face. Namaari hesitates for only a moment, not speaking immediately in favor of gently, slowly grabbing Raya's waist. Raya allows herself to be pulled in, Namaari leaning in close to whisper, “So are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

Namaari takes a step back after her question, releases Raya’s waist. Raya, unable to stop the motion, steps to take back the space Namaari had put between them. She reaches out a hand to the taller princess' shoulder, glancing around nervously. Namaari doesn't shy away from the touch, grabbing Raya's elbow and the connection allows Raya to relax slightly. The music is soft, a strong drumming keeps the dancers in tune with one another, while the melody is played softly on a flute of some kind. Namaari gingerly starts to sway side to side, allowing Raya to stay close but initiating what Raya can only assume is a dance. 

Raya, in complete honesty, is a lousy dancer. Six years on her own and the last thing she’d thought about was her dancing.

Her ba had shown her in the past few weeks numerous dances from different kingdoms, but he’d known little about Fang’s dances. Namaari is steadfast, not moving away from Raya, but hesitantly encouraging her to add more movement between them. She must sense the hesitation in Raya because she takes the hand from her shoulder, spinning Raya for a moment before pulling her back so they are chest to chest. Raya's breathing is ragged, not because she's tired, but because she cannot fathom this is actually happening, but Namaari's eyes send shockwaves through her, calming her immediately as Namaari's eyes warm her from the inside out. Namaari leans forward so their foreheads touch ever so slightly, “Relax princess, it’s just dancing. If you can take on the druun, this will be a breeze.”

Namaari takes a step back then, slowly releasing Raya's hand but not before giving her one final squeeze as she lets go of Raya entirely. Namaari begins a slow bounce to the rhythm of the drums, her body moving nimbly as she begins to twirl and move around Raya. She continues her fluid movements, giving a small smile to encourage the other princess. So, Raya begins to slowly sway back and forth next to Namaari, like they had been earlier. The Heart princess' body lacks the grace of her dance partner, Raya knowing how rigid her body must look. Her awkwardness nearly palatable at this point. Toi, how did Namaari dance so effortlessly?

The Fang princess moved like she did with everything she did: deliberate, elegant, and yet somehow dangerous. Her shoulder muscles flexed like a stalking lynx, power rippling off her movements. She reminded Raya of a dragon moving through rainfall, naturally and yet exquisitely. Her body teeming with confidence, sweeping side to side as she continued her movements, never sacrificing her predatorial nature. She watched Raya with her eyes, a vice grip on the princess despite no physical connection between them. Raya tries to mirror Namaari, watching those brown eyes chase after her if the Fang princess spun. Prowling is how Raya would describe Namaari, still hunting down Raya in every gesture and Raya was okay with admitting defeat this one time. Namaari was lethal, taking her breath away when she stepped close to glide past Raya's front, stalking past her like a lynx. That’s what Namaari was to Raya.

Powerful, but beautiful.

She’s beautiful.

Namaari’s arms curve in arching movements around her as she steps sideways and spins in step with the drumbeat, her cape cascading around her. As she spins it wraps around her, only adding to the imagery of a dragon Raya concludes she dances like. Namaari's cape mirroring a dragon's tail as they climbed into the heavens, a particular spin again reveals a design stitched into the back of her top, but just as it appears, it's gone again. She's mesmerizing. Her hair whips around her face and her earring glints in the lantern lights as she moves around Raya. It seems her confidence was not just in her fighting form, but also in her ability to command the dance floor.

Raya slows a bit to watch Namaari, analyzing how she moves her feet and body in harmony so fluidly. An idea comes to her mind and she begins to move in tandem with Namaari, as if sparring. She’d fought the princess before, if there's one thing she knew it was her fighting techniques. The two princesses spent hours working on their techniques with one another, both making corrections and adding to their repertoire with more engagements. Perhaps, this dance could be like that. If she told herself it was just another sparring lesson, maybe she’d do alright dancing.

Alright dep la, let's see what you got.

So as Namaari stepped to one side, Raya stepped closer in the opposite direction and the two began to circle one another. Namaari smiled when Raya began to engage her. Meekness and hesitation didn't suit the princess of Heart, but Namaari picked up on Raya's intentions quickly, noticing her how her hands came up almost as if she was preparing to strike. Raya spins slightly, looking to Namaari as they come chest to chest again and the princess of Fang nods, telling Raya she'd follow her lead. The thrumming music filled Raya's sense, she slide one foot back as Namaari pushed forward, bending backwards as Namaari leaned in. The two pivoted off one another, like two predators circling one another the princesses' moved as one. The chemistry between them undeniable, Raya's smile growing wider as she lets out a giggle that grows from her enjoyment of this little stunt her and Namaari are pulling. The tug between them electric, drawing both girls more and more.

The stares from others were back, but somehow Raya could ignore them if she kept her eyes on Namaari, a proud smirk gracing her features. The colors and people around the two blurring as Raya focused in on her best friend. Their ritual in full swing, both princess' unwavering in trying to gain the advantage over the other as each stepped into the their opponent's space. At one point, Raya steps too close and causes Namaari to stumble slightly, but she's quick to grab her waist and pull her back in step. The space between them doesn't increase though, their bodies grow closer. Moving from a foot apart to a few inches, one spinning while the other draws near. The space between them a game of push and pull, never growing larger than a few inches before the other drew near.

Raya’s smile grew, her confidence growing.

She begins to bounce from one foot to the other, their spar shifting again. Namaari continues to follow Ray's lead, happy to abandon their bout in favor of more intimate, slower dance. Raya’s skirt makes her wide steps more dramatic, the slit allowing for easy adjustments as she maneuvers around Namaari. Raya’s hair moves with her; at one point she uses her hands to lift it off her neck in an attempt to cool off for a moment. Namaari too smiles more and more as her friend finally, finally relaxes. Glad the rigidity has all but fled from the princess of Heart, replaced with a carelessness that is so wholly Raya.  Namaari tries not to stare at the other princess’ neck when she lifts her hair, not noticing the beads of sweat dripping down her throat and disappearing as they race towards her collarbone. She tells herself she isn't staring at her jawline as she moves her head to turn, or at those eyes that are burning something into her heart.

The music begins to swell, resonating in the hall as it races towards its end. The multiple drums and clapping of the party guests adding to the steady rhythm Raya feels in her chest. She's content for their dance to never end, giggling as she uses her hands to lift her skirt slightly so she can move even faster against Namaari. However, Namaari reaches for her hand as she goes to spin and suddenly, they step together, as one, but with Raya’s back to Namaari’s front. The taller princess reaches for her other hand and brings it to rest against Raya's waist, holding it gently as she holds Raya's hand up, leading her from behind. 

Raya doesn't fight Namaari, allowing herself to be led across the tile floor, stepping back as Namaari pulls her closer. Long gone is the distance between them, nothing but a mere whisper of air squeezed between them as both princess breathing hard. By consequence, the position demands that as Namaari breaths out, the warm air wraps deliciously around the back of Raya's exposed shoulders, her hair thankfully protecting her neck. Because otherwise Raya would actually die here on this floor, and wouldn't that be a turn of a events for tonight.  Their proximity to one another drives Ray’s heart rate up, but she’s enjoying their dance far too much to let it affect her now. She needed to trust herself.

If she had deeper feelings for her friend, then exploring them would be her decision. Even if a certain dragon had pushed her to realize it. And she decided here and now that she knew how Namaari felt for her, because she’d never seen the princess of Fang dance with anyone. She'd never seen anyone get the same smile that Raya could coax out of the regal princess, even in professional settings. But above all, she'd never heard Namaari call anyone else dep la or allow anyone to touch her the way she was touching Raya.

It had to mean something.

       “And here I thought you were going to pass out with how worked up you were getting.” Namaari brings her face close the back of Raya’s neck as she pokes at her. Raya lets her head fall back and rest slightly on Namaari’s shoulder as she laughs at the jab. Namaari softens her voice to a purr, "Glad to see I can get you so relaxed, princess."

       “What makes you think you weren't the source of my anxiety, dep la?" She looks over her shoulder and smirks at the princess as she knows what button she just pressed. The nickname was always a piece of their banter, but the term had taken on a deeper meaning long ago. Especially when Raya called Namaari the term, it always bringing a gentle smile to Fang's princess. And the unspoken rule between them only reinforcing its meaning: the two had promised that the term of endearment was never used on anyone but between them.

It was something intimate between the two princesses.

Namaari’s hair cannot hide the soft blush dusting across her cheeks and nose, but she recovers quickly and spins Raya, so they face one another. Namaari's hand releasing their grip on her partner's, gliding down to Raya's lower back and waist. Not allowing for much space to come between them. Raya grins, raising an eyebrow as she gets an idea, “So to what do I owe the pleasure of being your dance partner, I don't believe I've ever seen you dance. It's too much fun for the stoic princess of Fang right?"

Namaari’s head falls to the side as she laughs hard at the obvious ruse. "Well, maybe, I've just never found a worthy partner."

Raya's blush is immediate, not expecting such an honest answer. If anything, Raya expected to push Namaari's buttons and receive a witty comeback in return, but the underlying intent behind Namaari's response doesn't go unnoticed by either of them. Namaari again pulls Raya close, dipping her slightly before leading her into a simple swaying motion, content to calm their movements to continue their conversation. With a renewed sense of confidence, Raya decides that if Namaari was going to give cryptic answers, then Raya would make her intentions clear. Raya slips a single hand down from her partner's shoulder, sliding down to her waist as she pulls the princess closer, leading her into a half turn that Namaari is too eager to follow her into.

The princess of Heart lowers her voice, leaning in to whisper into Namaari's ear adorned with her earing, "Worthy enough to be courted by someone like you, princess?"

Raya half expects her to deny it, to push back, but instead Namaari’s eyes are half-lidded, her face bright and her smile perfectly displays her sharp teeth. And Raya can’t remember a time before this that she’s seen Namaari so fully display her emotions. Or a time when Namaari's been more beautiful. The taller princess skates a hand up her waist, releasing her grip to cup Raya's arm. Raya peers down as Namaari gently touches the armband she'd given her months earlier, a proud smile on the taller princess' face as joy fills her, knowing how precious the gift was to Raya. "Worthy enough to receive a personal gift from her."

Raya looks up to Namaari, her eyes brimming with adoration as she looks down at her best friend. Maybe it was a consequence of their proximity, but Raya feels like her breath has been stolen, taking a deep breath before asking the question she knows Namaari is waiting for her to ask, "Mmm, so you are courting me then."

There is no hesitation when Namaari looks down slightly, letting out a breath of a laugh before glancing back up. Namaari's hand snakes back down to Raya's waist as she tugs her in, slowing their spin to near stand still. She leans in, foreheads close and lips a whisper away from Raya's before whispering, "And if I am?"

Namaari tilts backwards, letting her words take their full affect on Raya who's surprise is quickly swallowed up by a blinding smile. Namaari chuckles, her smile pure wickedness, knowing the blush on Raya’s face is all because of her. Raya returns the smirk and with the other girl's intention made clear, the shorter princess attempts to spin Namaari as she’d done with her earlier. Namaari laughs, having to lean down to go under the shorter princess’ arm, they stumble but recover quickly and glide around the dancefloor as the song builds to its final notes. Namaari pulls Raya in close for a final spin before gently bending her over her knee.

Raya not knowing what is going on grips at Namaari’s shoulders and looks up at her with a giant smile. Both are out of breath as the song concludes, their breaths intermingling between them as they try to steady their heart rates. Raya stares up at Namaari, her breathing raged and her chest heaving. Namaari smirks and winks at her before pulling her up. Only then do the two girls notice the small applause they are given from the other patrons, both blushing as they realize the dancefloor had cleared out to give them space.

Namaari brushes her hair back behind her ear, looking at Raya who goes to say what she's been wanting to say all night, but her initial words are muffled by a sudden chorus of multiple small children. Raya spins around, watching as numerous children from the five kingdoms run up to greet them, a few stopping to bow to her, but the greater majority attacking her dance partner. All eager to greet the princess of Fang. Raya grins at the scene, Namaari giving her an apologetic look as she says hello to the children. Raya glances around, still slightly embarrassed that her dance had been watched by most of the attendees. She catches someone waving, finding her father standing beside Chief Virana, both clapping when she looks over to them. Her ba gives her a thumbs up, a comforting smile on his face.

The Chief of Fang isn’t so comforting. Raya visibly gulps under the harsh stare radiating from Chief Virana. Her body language is neutral, composed as she regards Raya. The tall woman is far more intimidating than her daughter had ever been. Namaari's entire persona changes in the presence of her mother, but she understands why Namaari is so reserved around her now, this look she’s getting could kill.

Hell, it might actually kill me.

However, the stare ceases and the regal Chief brings her hands up to clap slowly and nod to Raya. The corners of her mouth turn upward in a very small, very subtle smile, but it’s enough for Raya to let out the breath she didn’t realize she was holding. The Chief looks lovingly towards her daughter who is squatting among the many children who ask her hundreds of questions, before looking back to Raya with a raised eyebrow. Raya purses her lips, shrugging her shoulders slightly but not fighting the warm smile that spreads when she glances at Namaari. She looks back to Virana who nods once more, eventually turning to her ba and they continue their conversation.

Raya smiles, knowing well what the warning the Chief had just given her, but softening at the approval she'd just received from her best friend's mother. It was no easy feat to gain Virana's favor, and that was about as close to an invitation to court her daughter that Raya was ever going to get. Her chest swells with a renewed sense of purpose, her confidence reignited as it spread throughout her body. And it’s tantalizing. If her ba approved of the princess of Fang, and Chief Virana wasn’t going to kill her, she’d at least try.

She is about to turn back to Namaari and rescue her from the swarm of children, but a colorful mess of hair catches her eye. Sisu is standing on the edge of the circle, giving her a shit-eating grin and a thumbs up. Raya shakes her head, sticking her tongue out at her magical friend. Sisu’s head falls back in laughter, but when Sisu points to the archway that leads towards the garden outlook they’d stood at earlier, she understands what Sisu is telling her to do.

Take the first step.

Raya nods and takes a steadying breath. With her life no longer threatened by Chief Virana, her father's unwavering support, and, yes, even the obnoxiousness of her dragon friend's encouragement, Raya knew it was time to confess to Namaari. It was time to be decisively honest with her best friend. Raya wanted to share with Namaari how happy the other princess made her without any effort. To explain how she felt like she was missing a piece of herself when Namaari went away, how a simple touch electrifies her senses, and how she's completely fallen for her best friend. Her crush was going to be the death of her otherwise, but if she learned anything during their dance, it was that maybe Sisu was right about her feelings being reciprocated. 

Shoulders back, chin high, and with a brilliant smile on her face, Raya walks over to Namaari. She briefly says hello to the children who turn to greet the princess of Heart, Namaari beaming up at her. Raya gives a little wave, before bending down to be eye level with the children, reaching for and grabbing her dance partner’s hand.

       “Sorry young ones, I need to borrow the princess if that’s okay?” Raya asks gently, the children all nod and some even squeal as they look between the two princesses. Namaari stands up, waving goodbye to the children as they scatter back to their parents.

       “Come with me?” Raya wants an answer, though she’s already pulling Namaari towards the exit. Her mind set on getting them alone, already knowing what Namaari will say.

       “Always.” Namaari responds, tone barely above a whisper. Raya isn’t sure whether the princess had meant for her to hear, but her voice carries just above the buzz of the room. Raya is glad she isn’t facing Namaari because she feels just how red her face is, humming a response as she leads them away from the dance floor and towards the double door entrance.

Namaari, though quite strong, doesn't resist as Raya pulls her along. The princess of Fang briefly has a flashback to when Raya had grabbed her hand for the first time. Back when she came to Heart with ill will towards Raya, yet as the young girl approached her back then, she allowed herself to be led across the bridge to share a meal with the girl. Namaari's vision shifts from the flashback to the present, glancing up the arm of her best friend to see Raya looking back at her with a charming smile on her face as she looks over her shoulder. She laughs a little before turning back as the two made their through the crowd. The two girls weave through the crowd, Raya moving faster as her heart races and her giddiness causes her to laugh again as she drags Namaari along. Namaari for her part, apologizes quietly as they cut through groups; holding on tightly to the hand dragging her along, keeping her eyes on the back of Raya’s head. Namaari glances around to see if her mother is watching, only somewhat disappointed but immensely grateful to not see her before the two girls pass through the threshold of the throne room. The evening air greeting them immediately.

The girls escape the throne room, leaving behind the stares of curious patrons. Dismissing their responsibilities in for a moment, ignoring any expectations people hold for the two royals. Namaari finally lets out her contained giggle and moves to walk right beside Raya, not releasing her hand though. Raya laughs too, their shoulders bumping softly as Raya points to the outlook she wants to go to. The crisp night air wraps the girls in a cool breeze, not uncomfortable but definitely a stark contrast to the warm air of the throne room. Dozens of lanterns line the walkway as they approach the sitting area and railing, creating an inviting lighting without sacrificing the view of the city below and the stars above. The garden's lanterns flicker with the breeze, the dancing shadows emerging and Namaari grins  over at Raya as she recalls the multiple conversations they've had in this very area.

The girls approach the railing and Namaari releases her hand in favor of placing her hands on the stone ledge of the small wall, leaning forward to look down at the glowing city and the bridge below. A breeze races upward along the cliff’s edge, Namaari closing her eyes, breathing in deeply as the wind blows her hair back. Raya approaches from behind, her curiosity getting the better of her as she tenderly grabs Namaari's shoulder cape. Namaari freezes, not turning around fully, but peering over her shoulder, an eyebrow raised in question. Raya pulls the cape to the side, revealing a sewn design of a winding curve that spans the length of the princess' spines. The dragon curls, twisting as it climbs between Namaari's shoulder blades, holding a gemstone in one of its paws and Raya gasps at how beautiful the design is.

       “Wow...beautiful." Raya reaches out her other hand to run her hand along the design, causing the taller princess to shiver. Namaari does her best to fight the reaction, but her body gives her away. Raya release the cape, moving to stand beside her best friend, proud she could cause such a physical response from the one person who always seem to have their emotions in check.

       “Yes, the seamstress did substantial work to get it done for tonight's festivities." Namaari peeks over at her friend, turning back to the railing and resuming her earlier position.

       “I meant you, dep la."

Namaari drops her chin with a breathy laugh, closing her eyes and unfortunately not dropping her head fast enough for hair to cover her blush. Raya laughs fully, taking the opportunity to turn around and hop up onto the railing. She sits with her back to the cityscape below, allowing the breeze to run up along her spine, ruffling her hair as she lets out a deep breath. Raya is enjoying the silence between the two of them, but her gaze snaps to Namaari when the other girl speaks, "I pale in comparison to how you look tonight, Raya."

Raya looks down at Namaari, the taller girl a few inches shorter from Raya's sitting perch on the railing, but she stares back at the princess of Heart, not wavering despite the bold compliment. Raya pushes some hair behind her ear, laughing softly as she looks away and grins. She laughs a little harder when she realizes she's taken on the same habit Namaari has when it comes to reacting to compliments: pushing her hair back. Raya lifts her eyes back to Namaari, but the princess is looking back out to the horizon, a smirk on her face as she speaks again, "Toi, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the view from up here.”

Namaari shakes her head slightly, crossing her arms and laying her chin down. Raya hums in agreement, her legs swaying slightly as she enjoys the moment. She isn't quite sure how to proceed from here. Getting Namaari away from the crowd has been the easy part, but now came the actual conversation. Maybe she shouldn't have been to quick to pull her outside. Raya tries to think of a joke or something witty to say to start the dialogue but Namaari beats her to it, “So, out with it.”

       “Can't say I know what you mean.” Raya shrugs, looking up at the stars above as if asking for assistance from the cosmos. Namaari sighs next to her. Raya hadn't expected Namaari to be so blunt with her question, given both girls usually shied away from not so simple conversation, but Raya playing it off wasn't going to get them anywhere. She peeks a glance at Namaari, finding that she isn’t even staring her down or anything. The other princess' gaze steadfast as she looks out at landscape. The sun having disappeared beyond hours ago and the moon making her appearance. Painting the land in a soft glow. Namaari takes a deep breath before giving Raya the side eye.

       “Come on Raya, your emotions are blatant when something is off." Namaari begins. "For one, you didn't come to the bridge like you usually do. Then you were acting when I gave you a hug, your anxiety was on full display which you never show, and I don't know. You've just been off all night."

Raya knew her awkwardness was bothering Namaari because her best friend could always articulate what she was thinking, for Namaari to be unsure of what was going on with Raya was a rarity. Even more so given the princess admitted she couldn't figure out what was troubling Raya. Yet, Namaari knew Raya well enough to stare her down when she asked her questions. Maybe sensing Raya’s hesitation, Namaari does not look at her as she speaks. She gives the long-haired girl the reprieve of not having to make eye contact and talk. It is so considerate and so unmistakably Namaari that it makes Raya’s heart squeeze. “You don't have to tell me everything, but know that you can if you want to. You can trust me. Right?"

The softness in Namaari's voice is the breaking point for Raya, if only because of how vulnerable she's allowing herself to be. Namaari's voice never lacked conviction, never hesitant, but in this moment she allowed Raya to again see her in a way no one else could.

Raya looks back towards the throne room, trying to gather her thoughts and she isn’t quite sure where to begin. Of course she trusted Namaari, but it didn't make the conversation any less complicated. The two princess had never really talked about what happened six years ago, what it meant for the two of them when they faced down the druun together, or what this relationship between was becoming. As much as the two talked, it seemed both tip-toed around harder topics like trust or emotions, and Raya knew that if she was going to tell Namaari about her feelings, she should probably start at the beginning. Raya feels something warm on her hand and looks down to see Namaari’s gently resting atop hers, glancing up a muscular arm to see two beautiful eyes looking up at her expectantly.

       “Right?"

If she was going to tell Namaari about her new feelings, maybe they should sort through their past ones first. Raya nods towards Namaari who visibly relaxes with her answer, letting out a breath as Raya mentally prepares to speak.

       “I want to talk about a few things, I guess, I’m just not sure where exactly to start.” Raya slowly admits, she holds Namaari’s stare and the taller princess takes a hard look at her, looking for any clues in her features before she sighs.

       “Then let me start.” She releases Raya’s hand, placing both hands down on the stone surface and taking a deep breath. She closes her eyes briefly, letting out a breath as she says, “I’m sorry for what happened. Back when we were kids, when you asked me to meet you with the gem piece, the time between , just all of it Raya.”

Raya wasn’t sure where Namaari was going to start, but wow, those were the exact things she wanted to talk about. She chuckles slightly, Namaari glancing at her with wide eyes, “No, wait. I’m not laughing at your apology. At all. I’m just…that’s what I wanted to talk about too, among other things. Ha, it still surprises me how you always know what's on my mind."

       “Except now," Namaari grimaces. "Right now, I'm unsure what's going on in your head and it isn't a feeling I'm used to. Or one I enjoy."

Raya nods slowly, not rushing Namaari if she has more to say, but when she doesn't look back to Raya, the princess of Heart takes that as her cue to say something in return.  Raya takes a moment to look at Namaari's body language. Her jaw is set, her hair blocking Raya’s view from this side, but she hopes Namaari isn’t tearing herself about her timidness tonight. Or about their past, the other princess had always been torn regarding this topic. Raya hoped they'd moved past it, at least enough to let guilt be forgotten.

Namaari hadn't.

She absolutely had not let go of her guilt. Namaari looks out at the horizon because she’s afraid to face the fury she knows is on Raya’s face. The anger she predicts that will come from this discussion, it's why she'd avoided it for so long. She deserves every ounce of it though. If the princess needed to vent, to yell, to scream at her for not trusting her, for what happened when they were kids, so be it. She’d take it all if it meant Raya and her could move forward, if it meant she’d be forgiven by her best friend.

       “I don't even know what's going on in my head right now. But I do know this," Raya says softly, "If we are going to talk, about the not so good things. Then I'd like to see your face."

Namaari glances up at her and watches as the princess shifts so she straddles the railing, one leg over both sides and facing the short-haired princess. The princess looks away quickly as Raya's skirt rises to reveal her upper legs, Namaari giving her privacy and trying to be respectful. Skirt be damned, Raya made sure she was still decent, the fabric covering her upper thighs as she pats the railing, inviting Namaari up to join her. "If I'm ever going to be able to speak my mind then no hiding. Not me from you, or you from me. Is that okay?"

Namaari doesn't turn to her immediately, her hands balling into fists where they rest on the railing as she takes a deep breath. The muscles of her arms and shoulders flexing with tension as Ray awaits an answer.

No. Toi, no it’s not okay. You’ll see how weak I am.

Raya senses the hesitation, fighting the urge to speak again because she knows Namaari is going through her thinking process. Calculating her response, always calculating before speaking or reacting. And so, Raya doesn’t rush her.

She never has.

Immediately after the druun were defeated, to say Raya and Namaari were awkward around one another was an understatement. Sisu poked at them every time they avoided the other the first few weeks after the emergence of Kumandra. Conversations never did come easily so Sisu had to make most of the conversation; but Raya was patient, always patient when it came to talking with Namaari then and learned that the princess of Fang liked to take her time in responding. Liked to think over what she’d been asked, consider her response, and speak clearly. So just as Namaari had given Raya time to relax and not stared her down, Raya wouldn’t push for an immediate response from Namaari.

Namaari lets out a puff of air, the tension in her arms and shoulders receding as she jumps up to sit on the railing across to sit across from Raya. She faces Raya, bringing her legs up to rest atop the railing, one extended out and bringing her knee up with the other. She leans back on her hands, taking another breath before looking up at Raya with soft eyes. She nods, giving Raya the confirmation that she would at least try this way.

       “Okay, uhm,” Raya takes a deep breath, playing with her the fabric of her top before continuing. “I don’t, at least not anymore, I don’t blame you for what happened okay?”

Namaari takes that in, her brow turning upward sadly and her eyes staring downward for a moment. “What changed?”

       “I guess,” Raya chews on her cheek. While Namaari took to remaining quiet as she gathered her thoughts, Raya liked to fill the silence quickly. Allowing herself to just say everything even if it isn’t pretty. A very different approach from the patient princess sitting across from her, one decisive with her words and the other jumbled. It made for interesting conversations, especially when both were unsure where the conversation was going.

       “I guess, after we defeated the druun, I realized that we were just kids you know? I mean, I thought I knew everything there was to know about each of the kingdoms and what the people were like.”

Namaari lets out a scoff. “Like how Fang couldn’t be trusted? You weren’t completely wrong dep la.”

Raya looks critically at Namaari, surprised by how quick the response comes but how self-inflicting the insult is. Namaari’s stare doesn’t waver, it’s hard to read from this distance but her brow turns to a scowl as Raya continues. “Namaari you said it yourself, you couldn’t have known—”

       “But I knew we were going to betray you though Raya!” Namaari cuts her off, her hands tightening into fists in her lap. Her voice rising in volume, but not malicious, no bite behind her words. Just conviction. “Did I think it was a bad thing then? No because my mother convinced me what I was abut to do was in Fang's best interest. I knew before even meeting you that I'd betray you if the opportunity arose. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t regret what came next.”

Raya nods. Allowing the small amount of tension that crept up on them to slink away, not forgotten as Namaari's breathing began to slow. Raya wasn’t here to argue or pick a fight, she just wanted to have an open, honest conversation with her best friend. And something told her that Namaari needed to get a few things off her chest too. Raya couldn’t deny her this if it was what she needed anymore than Namaari would deny her opportunity to speak honestly. Raya takes a moment to think through her next selection of words, knowing that if she didn't, this conversation could take a dark turn. Fang's guilt still ran deep in Kumandra, the kingdom carrying most of the weight of what transpired years ago, but their princess baring the brunt of it. Namaari is looking into Raya's eyes, her shoulders braced as she awaits her punishment, but it never comes.

       “I think we were both a product of our environment Namaari. I’ve talked about with my ba and,” Raya explains. “I didn’t trust you, yeah, but the world was different back then. No one trusted anyone. It’s all we’d ever known, but I won’t lie and say it didn’t hurt when you betrayed me. I tried to trust one person and well…”

       “And then that person goes and breaks the world…” Namaari’s laugh is dark, laced with shame and she looks out to the horizon again.

       “The world was already broken Namaari.”

Namaari holds her mouth in a hard line, holding her gaze out to the horizon for a moment before nodding slowly. Accepting that Raya held no grudge against her for what transpired in their youth. And it was true. The time for animosity and hostility was over, Kumandra was back and if the people wanted to maintain it, then it started by forgiving. Raya was glad she could talk so candidly about this with Namaari, knowing the internal punishment she'd put herself through ever since Kumandra's return. Raya saw no point in hashing any of that out anymore, it would serve no purpose other than to hurt Namaari further, and nothing could be further from she wanted this conversation to do. Raya wanted Namaari to feel freed from her guilt, to allow the princess to share her vulnerability and unrestricted emotions with more people, and with Raya especially. Namaari nods, allowing Raya's words to sink in and telling herself to make peace with her past. She looks back to Namaari, ready for the conversation to continue.

Well, there’s one hard topic down.

Raya doesn't speak immediately, hoping Namaari will speak next and to her relief, the princess does as she leans forward, shifting her weight off her hands.

“Up until the scroll was stolen, I though your entire kingdom had been taken out by the druun. So when the guards informed my mother it'd been taken, a part of me hoped it was you. I know I didn't exactly show it well, or at all, but when I found you in the desert, I was relieved. I was happy you were the thief.”

Namaari gazes back at Raya with her admission, her hair fluttering in the breeze. Raya blushes for some reason and laughs lightly. “Heck of a way to find out I wasn’t stone huh?”

       “Ha, yeah.” Namaari gives a small grin, before her face turns serious. “I was relieved when I heard whispers of a girl traveling across the land on an armadillo-bug, I was...so happy my actions hadn’t cost you your life Raya.”

Raya smiles back at her, taking comfort in knowing that Namaari had been worried about her over the years between their encounters. And understanding why Namaari was so harsh on herself, it couldn’t have been easy knowing so many people had been affected because of the events of a singular night. Raya would be lying if she didn't admit to blaming herself for the first few years on her own, she had been the one to lead Namaari to the gem. She'd been the one to risk it all, but that was a pointless train of thought. If Raya urged Namaari to move past this guilt, she couldn't hold herself to the fire either, instead she focused on the comfort she felt that Namaari had worried for her, thought of her even.

       “I’m glad you were worried about me, dep la. Thought you might have just forgotten about me.” Raya’s response triggers deep emotions for Namaari who tries to just nod.

Worried.

The word worried couldn’t begin to explain what Namaari felt over the six years between the gem breaking and the scroll of Fang going missing. Her mother had tried to explain to her that it wasn’t Fang’s fault for what had happened, but even as a young girl Namaari hadn’t believed her mother. The Chief's words falling of deaf ears as her young daughter was tormented by nightmares of a vengeful Raya or even worse, a vengeful Sisudatsu.  Namaari tried to distract herself from her inner guilt, throwing herself entirely into her princess duties, training harder than anyone because she refused to be bested by anyone again. The shame she'd felt when Raya had defeated her before the gem's shattering kept her fire burning as she climbed through the ranks of warriors in the royal army. A part of her though, despite the years of doubt, always prayed that the young princess she'd met had made it out alive. When word of Heart's demise reached Fang so too did the news of Chief Benja, Namaari cried that night for the first time in her life, but it hadn't been the last. No, that scroll be stolen had been the shift Namaari needed, if Raya truly was alive she'd scour all of Kumandra to find her, unsure as to why she longed to find her then, but knowing now it was because she just wanted to say she was sorry.

Namaari's other priority had been earning back Chief Benja's favor, a task he'd told her on multiple occasions was endearing but unneeded as the princess already possessed it. She couldn't understand why he'd given it back to her so eagerly. Heart’s chief had welcomed Namaari and her people into his home and by the time the other kingdoms were done, the druun had wreaked havoc on the city. Losing dozens to the druun that day. Not just from Heart, but from every corner of Kumandra. Namaari grew up knowing how the other kingdoms saw her family, her mother, even herself. But Chief Benja, being the kind-hearted leader he'd always been, had made it clear to all of the kingdoms that retribution was not the way forward, as it would seek to push them back into their darker history. She'd been grateful, but still, could the Chief accept someone who'd costed him six years of his life if she'd come forward about her affections for his only daughter?

Namaari feared the answer.

Raya can physically see Namaari’s walls beginning to rise around her as the girl’s face turns dark, her arms coming in as she attempts to be smaller than she is. Namaari attempted to make herself smaller when she picked through her emotions, attempting to hid her lack of composure from the world. It was a habit she'd developed as young girl, trying to hid any imperfections from her mother's harsh gaze, but Raya refused to let Namaari shy away from her. She was determined to be the outlet Namaari needed, whether good or bad, and so scoots forward slightly, drawing the other girl's attention immediately.

Namaari lowers her arms and knee, letting her legs fall to the wayside and assume the same posture as Raya as she straddled the railing. Raya bends down to look up into Namaari's eyes, an encouraging and forgiving smile on Raya's face. She attempts to lighten the mood, "Well, when I came for the dragon scroll, I uh actually saw you in the courtyard. I'm glad you didn't change your hair style because I wouldn't have known it was you otherwise."

Namaari’s face is still clouded with a shadow but she does shift her eyes to Raya as she speaks up, a brow raising in curiosity.

       “You were sparring, and I may or may not have stopped to watch for a moment. Curious to see if you'd improved or not, can't say I was all too impressed by what I watched.” Raya smirks, hoping to gently push at her friend’s buttons and ease her mood if ever so slightly.

Namaari’s gaze goes blank for a moment as she attempts to recall when Raya is referring to, she recalls the memory and nods slowly before looking Raya in the eye. She smirks back, “Hmm, I guess I should thank you for beating me when we were young, I became Fang's best fighter in hand to hand."

       “I mean I was a Dragon Gem Guardian. I am a pretty great fighter, did my move impress you?"

       “No, I just hated losing to you." Namaari grins nostalgically, recalling how hard she'd worked to ensure that if her and Raya ever crossed paths again, the outcome would be in her favor. "Payed off too, I beat your ass in Spine. Some guardian you were."

Raya's jaw drops, mock insult on her face as she brings a hand to her chest and the other to her forehead, feigning insult. "You wound me princess!"

       “Just stating the facts dep la." Namaari chuckles, pushing forward. "I think everyone knows who the better fighter is between us."

       “Oh please, need I remind you of our fight in Fang?" Raya makes a show of putting her hand on her chin and pretending to go into deep thought. "Yup. If I recall, I won that fight. Not sure why you prefer swords, because they do you a disservice, but don't worry I could teach you a thing or two."

Raya accents her jab with a wink, a bold smile on her face as Namaari’s jaw drops and she laughs, her head rolling back slightly. Raya joins in as Namaari leans forward to poke her forehead, “Excuse you, if anyone is teaching the other something, it was me teaching you to dance tonight. Had it been up to you, we would have stared at one another the entire time."

       "Well excuse me if I didn't have time to practice dancing while on the run!" Raya throws back the comment, not thinking through the ramifications of it. Raya doesn't mean to bring the mood down, but nonetheless there's a shift in the air between the two princesses. Namaari’s smile becomes strained as she remembers, this time though she doesn’t shy away from the backlash emotions. She lets out a puff of air, shaking her head slightly. Raya grins slightly, watching Namaari decide not to go down back down that rabbit hole.

Instead she takes a moment to close her eyes, squeezing them shut as she almost whines her response, “I can’t believe I didn’t help you when you left me that note.”

Namaari never whines, but the despair in her voice is only superficial, not literal. However, Raya for an instant lapses in her high spirits, remembering how angry she'd been that day. She grits her teeth, if only momentarily. And Raya was awful at hiding her emotions, so the shift was obvious to Namaari who picked up on the slightest changes in the younger princess. This turn was obvious.

The events in Fang had been the most impactful on the girls, no argument there, but the momentary death of Sisu? The sequence of events in that short interaction, was far more intense. An indescribably sensitive moment between the two of them. 

       “I was so angry with you.” Raya admit quietly, knowing angry isn't enough to convey how strongly she felt in that moment. Her brows come together as she recalls how blinded by rage she'd been, how ready she'd been to succumb to the druun she was as long as she took Namaari with her. The dark emotions wrap around her chest for a moment, Raya bringing her arms to hug herself gently, taking a steadying breath before looking at Namaari carefully. "I don't think I've ever been that angry."

       “And you had every right to be Raya.” Namaari looks at her, brows drawn in as she pokes at the railing to emphasize her point. She looks at the space between them as her voice becomes laced with venom, recalling her actions at their gathering. “I could have just trusted you; I didn’t have to tell my mother about your note and if I hadn’t told her I never would have showed with that stupid crossbow. Hell, I’d never even used one…and Sisu saw right through my façade. And I convinced myself I had no choice. My hands were shaking, I didn't have control of that weapon and I was careless. I couldn’t even keep eye contact with Sisu or with you, and I was just so—”

       “Scared.”

Namaari stops her rant to look up at Raya, the other girl staring right back. Understanding exactly what she'd felt in that moment as the stood on the typing point of their destinies. Namaari feared failing her people, disappointing her mother, but she feared what would happen if she finally let go and just trusted someone in her life. Raya feared losing her last change to save her ba, feared what might happen to Sisu, but she also feared trusting Namaari. They shared in their trepidations for what it might mean to put their faith into anyone but themselves.

Namaari nods at Raya's interjection, “Yeah. I was scared. What would happen when the druun were gone? How could the world forgive Fang for our wickedness, for our actions six years earlier? And...how could I believe you were willing to forgive me?"

The last sentence comes out just above a whisper, Namaari’s voice cracking as she struggles to admit her fear. She squeezes her hands, leaning away as she takes in a sharp breath. No tears fall, but Namaari’s eyes shine with the threat of spilling over as she looks back to Raya with a dejected expression. Raya stays quiet, looking into deep umber eyes and is surprised to not see guilt flooding them, but heart ache. Namaari looks up at the stars and shakes her head, letting out a despondent chuckle, “And you don’t know this next part Raya, but when you and Tong, and Boun and Noi gave me your gem pieces I ran away.”

Raya doesn’t respond. Doesn’t move. She commands her body to remain neutral, motionless. Begging her body language to not betray Namaari's trust, to not screw this up and to let her best friend finally say everything she’s been feeling. Raya knows how hard this must be for Namaari, knows how east it is for the princess to articulate diplomatic negotiations but how she struggles to express herself emotionally. She knows how hard it is to say the deeper feelings they both feel because Raya had been struggling all night to admit her own. Namaari holds back a sob, no tears falling, but her shoulders quiver, making the princess appear younger for some reason, but she looks at Raya, awaiting backlash but Raya only leans forward to give a curt nod, encouraging as always.

You can trust me dep la, I'm not going anywhere.

Namaari’s heart is racing.

Finally. Finally.

She’s finally admitted her greatest failure to Raya.

It had taken her so long to gain the courage to even consider telling Raya how she’d almost betrayed her trust again. Despite sparing her life, despite all of them defending her as their own as Raya convinced them to try the gem once more, despite it all they had trusted her. To this day she couldn’t understand why Raya had chosen her, it could have been any of them. No, it shouldn’t have been anyone other than Raya, and yet she sacrificed herself for others. Namaari remembers questioning her sanity, but the look Raya had given her as she stepped away?  Raya had handed her Heart's gem piece, and Namaari, though not realizing it then, can't remember at time prior where Raya's emulated such power. Her eyes seared into Namaari's mind as she'd taken her final step back, accepting whatever came next as she handed Namaari her literal lifeline. One by one the others came forward, joining their leader as they were turned to stone, but the vividness in how Raya had peered into her being?

Toi.

Namaari knew then, in that moment, that she loved her. To look so calm, so formidable when the world around them crumbled. The kingdom in chaos and coming to its end, but Raya walked up to her with the ferocity of any dragon. Losing herself to stone, she had awoken to face the same blistering gaze. Raya’s eyes manifested no resentment, no hatred, only forgiveness and pure delight when she reached up to grasp Namaari's hand on her shoulder. Namaari could only look back, giving her a crooked smile as she tried to come to terms with the adoration she felt for the other princess in that moment. Namaari takes a deep breath, all the memories of that day coming into forefront of her mind.

Namaari looks up at an awaiting Raya, her mind flashing between that moment and the present, the night air replaced with rampaging druun, the soft tone of the party replaced with the wailing monsters that surrounded them. Namaari blinks, and suddenly she's back in Heart for her first visit, the memory plays out as she recalls handing Raya her Sisu necklace, but when she hands the necklace to Raya, instead it's the gem piece. The parallel of the gem piece and her necklace becoming evident as Namaari's eyes widen, returning to the present as her mind connects the three memories together.

A gift.

Raya had gifted the gem piece to her and by doing so Raya had asked if she could trust Namaari, because despite everything they’d been through, despite the death of Sisu, and despite the world being thrown into chaos by the very girl standing in front of her, Raya chose to trust her. And what had she'd done? What had been her gut reaction? To run.

       “I nearly doomed us all over again Raya, the second there was an opening in the rubble I was out of there..."

Raya watches the princess across from her look down into her lap, still fighting her emotions and refusing to cry; however, as proficient as Namaari was at emotional control, she couldn't stop her shaky breathing. Raya uses her hands to scooch even closer to Namaari, placing her hand hesitantly on the shaking girl's knee. Raya tries to give comfort with the touch, but also to prevent Namaari from bringing her knees up, shutting herself off on instinct. She didn't want Namaari to shy away from what she was about to say, wanting to convey exactly what she wanted the other princess to understand clearly. Leaving no question as to where the two stand despite the new admission of guilt from Namaari.

Raya leans down slowly, trying to catch Namaari's gaze which had fallen to the minimal space left between them, "Namaari, I'm alive because you trusted me. Kumandra is back because you trusted us, you didn't run. You didn't abandon us, you didn't' abandon me."

       "I nearly did."

       "And yet, here I sit in front of you" Namaari shakes her head, turning away from Raya slightly, but the princess of Heart isn't having any of it. Raya uses her other hand to gently grab Namaari's chin between her thumb and forefingers. "Look at me please."

Namaari doesn't fight Raya's pull, allowing her chin to be tilted up to give Raya full view of her face, the tear streaks going down her chin, but Namaari's eyes widen when she sees a few tears on Raya's face as well.

       “Raya—”

Raya shakes her head, holding up her hand to signal that she needed to speak her piece now, that she refused to allow Namaari to tear herself down despite saving the world.

       "Namaari, when it all came down to you, when we put our lives in your hands, I don't care if you hesitated. Hell, I probably would have to, because we'd been so conditioned to look out for ourselves. But when it really mattered, when there was no one around and the choice was completely yours, you chose to trust us. You chose to trust Sisu okay?" Raya takes a breath, trying to stop her lip from quivering as she releases Namaari chin in favor of wiping her tears away, her best friend mirroring her as they both use the backs of their hands to wipe away tears.

       "Namaari, you're one of the strongest, most reliable people I've ever met. You’re not afraid to do what it takes to defend your people, you never have. Not even when a young girl is told to betray a complete stranger.” Raya sniffles a bit as she takes a deep breath, her words rolling of her tongue rapidly and without much control. Willing herself to convince the other princess that she was undeserving of such harsh criticism. “When I handed you that gem piece, I wasn't sure what would happen, but the last thing I saw was you, and the first thing I saw when I woke up was you, and I've never been so happy to see your stupid face."

Namaari lets out a wet laugh, leaning forward to grab Raya's hand softly, using her thumb to rub the back of it as she comforts Raya without interrupting.

       "So what if you almost ran away, because the fact is you didn't." Raya smiles widely, looking at Namaari lovingly. "I trust you okay? I trusted you with my life then, and I trust you with it now. Always."

Namaari nods, laughing slightly as she is enveloped in the kind, genuine words of affirmation from Raya. "I'm glad you think my face is stupid dep la."

       "Hahaha, it's not stupid," Raya corrects, grabbing Namaari's hand with both of hers lightly. Raya lifts the larger hand to her chest, Namaari freezing as her faces warms up at the gesture. "In fact, I think your face is beautiful Namaari."

Here we go.

Namaari's blush is instant, "Raya—"

Raya shakes her head, laughing slightly as she shushes her best friend, "No, wait! Let me say it before I lose my confidence, ha."

Namaari nods, a soft smile slowly spreading on her face, her nose scrunching and her eyes melting. 

     “And these past few months have really allowed me to trust you again, completely and arguably, foolishly haha. I trust you with my worse days Namaari, I trust you when I don't know what to do. Hell, I trust you enough to attempt to dance for Toi sake." Raya jokes and Namaari laughs slightly. “You’re my best friend, and so I want you to know that I forgive you, and that I trust you, all of you. And I want to be able to be honest with you, okay?”

Raya leans forward then, Namaari’s eyes going wide but not backing down as Raya releases her hand, one hand going to steady herself on Namaari's knee and the other coming to slowly brush her bangs back, allowing her to cup the taller girl's cheek. Delicately, Raya lowers her eyes to Namaari's lips, they're slightly parted as both hold their breath, afraid to react to quickly and break the trance both seem to be in. Namaari's eyes shine, glistening from the tears, but her pupils are blown, anticipation evident in her body language as she awaits Raya's next move. The few lanterns around them painting Namaari in a beautiful, soft light and Raya swears she’s never seen anything so beautiful.

       “So, if I’m being honest, I’d really like to kiss you. If you know, that's okay?”

       “More than okay, dep la.”

Raya giggles but doesn’t have time to lean forward because Namaari closes the distance between them and it’s like nothing Raya has ever felt in her life. Her chest tightens almost immediately, her lungs scream for air, but she ignores it in favor of tilting her head slightly, encouraged when Namaari raises a hand to her cheek. The touch sets her skin ablaze, her mind going blank except for how smooth Namaari's lips are on hers, how gentle the powerful princess is as their mouths glide against one another.

Namaari pulls back just as quickly as she leaned in, but Raya follows after her lips, seeking their connection again. Raya kisses her again, now using both hands to grasp at Namaari's face, sliding to her jaw to keep her close. She isn’t sure how many times they kiss, but eventually she tilts back just enough to look Namaari in the eye, the taller princess out breath but has the biggest, goofiest grin on her face. She stares at Raya with wide, expectant eyes.

       "And here I thought I was the one courting you."

Raya laughs, Namaari committing the other princess' expression to heart. Never before has seen such happiness in her smile, her laugh contagious as Namaari chuckles in response.

       "Well, after that dance, I couldn't let you continue to one up me." Raya lowers her hands, intertwining her fingers with Namaari's.

       "I was unaware that courting was a competition dep la," Namaari wiggles her eyebrows, Raya letting out a squeal of a laughter as she's never seen her do that. "But, if the consolation prize if your affection, I guess this one time, I can concede."

Raya smirks, "So flirtatious princess, what would my father say if he heard you being so bold?"

Namaari raises an eyebrow, "Oh, I think you should be more worried about dealing with my mother now that you've taken to courting her only daughter, and the heir to the Fang no less."

Raya's eye widen as she realizes Namaari is very serious, Toi, if Chief Virana had given her that look for simply dancing with Namaari, the princess could only imagine if what the fearsome chief would do if she knew she'd stolen her daughter away only to kiss her out in the gardens of Heart.

       "Oh, Toi. I'm afraid haha," Raya laughs, looking more worried the longer she thought about. "What should I do?"

       "I'm not sure, no one's ever courted me."

       "Maybe because they weren't worthy enough huh?" Raya raises an eyebrow, throwing Namaari's words back at her from earlier. Namaari catches on, raising a hand to touch the armband softly, before grabbing Raya's chin softly.

       "None more worthy than you, Raya." Namaari eyes never wavering as she leans to touch her forehead to her best friend's. "And I trust you too. With my life. Always."

Raya leans into the touch, enjoying the moment as long as possible, until Namaari adds wickedly, "Remind me to thank Sisu."

Raya looks at her questioningly, leaning back to tilt her head.

       “Oh, were you unaware of your plot dep la? I received a letter from Fang sometime last week explaining in scratchy hand writing that you wished to speak to me about 'something' tonight," As Namaari explains, she starts to giggle as Raya turns redder and redder, realizing Sisu's meddling went beyond just tonight's antics. "Well the vagueness of the letter threw me, so I came tonight not knowing what to expect and I hate to admit I was very nervous. Guess we were both played by the cunning dragon huh?

       “Oh, my gods. Remind me to kill her.”

Namaari laughs, Raya joining in as she scoots closer to her best friend to kiss her firmly. Namaari's hair tickling Raya's nose as she moves her lips to the other girl's nose, she whispers tenderly, "At least I couldn't tell you were nervous, I was freaking out about telling you about my crush all night."

Namaari nods, "Ah, a crush huh? What are you twelve?"

Raya rolls her eyes, pushing Namaari's shoulder to gain some distance between them and the older girl can't help but fall back and laugh. Raya looks down at Namaari, her eyes shut as she continues to laugh, her Sisu necklace peeking out from under her collar and from this angle Namaari looks carefree, lighter even. The talk definitely seemed to have been a benefit for both of them, in more ways than simply confessing feelings of affection, it allowed for long-awaited healing, acceptance of their past, and a step forward, together. Their past hadn’t been the happiest, hadn’t been the easiest, and had not had the happiest of beginnings. Yet, time enabled both girls to come to accept the other, allowing their relationship to bloom despite the chaos it stemmed from. Their shared history blessed them with the opportunity to look to the future together, perhaps even hand in hand.

       “I should probably get you back to the party huh? You are Kumandra' s guest of honor tonight. I would hate to have rumors started about the princess of Fang who stole away the land's future Chief” Namaari raises herself onto her elbows, motioning towards the throne room with her head.

       “Oh, but you have stolen something from me."

Namaari sits up then, a raised eyebrow. "And what is it I've stolen from you princess?"

Raya grins mischievously, leaning into to press her lips to Namaari's softly, not fully pulling away as she speaks again, "My heart dep la."

Before Namaari can control her rising blush, already spreading to her ears, Raya lets out a laugh and goes to change their position. Raya, careful not to knock the older girl off balance, turns around to sit between her legs. Resuming their earlier dance position of having her back to Namaari’s front, her skirt hiked up high, but she finds she doesn't care if it shows a little more skin. She leans back, resting the back of her head on Namaari’s shoulder as she lets out a content sigh.

Namaari brings her arms around Raya's middle, pulling her flush against her and hooking her chin on Raya's shoulder as she whispers, "And you mine, even if you said my face was stupid."

Raya laughs hard then, grabbing Namaari's strong arms as she leans back to laugh harder, the two holding each other close as the night air dances around them, the throne room a distant distraction for now. Raya relaxes into Namaari's grasp, looking out at the stars and wondering why she ever questioned telling Namaari how she felt.

How’s a dragon to know it can fly, if they never take a chance and try.

It’s hard taking the first step, but Raya was unafraid to see what came next, willing to face anything if it meant she could take more 'first steps' with a certain binturi by her side. She hated admitting it, but she was going to need to tell Sisu she'd been right eventually.

Sisu was never going to let her live this one down.

Raya isn’t sure what it feels like for a dragon to fly for the first time, but as Namaari leans her cheek against the top of her head and pulls her closer. Both seeking the warmth of the other as they watch the city below, as Ray melts into Namaari's embrace and the princess places a soft kiss on her shoulder, she thinks, just maybe, she might have an idea what that first flight must feel like.

Because she feels like she’s soaring.

~Fin 

See you in the next story <3

Cheers