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It started in Dragonspine. Maybe it didn’t. Maybe it started earlier than that. Perhaps it was when they first saw each other. Spindrift Knight and Outrider.
“Then please excuse me. I have a frozen lake I need to be at,” Eula announces.
An ice bath? Right now?
“You're going for an ice bath at this time of the night? Wait up, don't go without me!” Amber hurriedly stumbles out.
Eula looks at her with a strange look, “Did you not want to rest?”
Well. That is most definitely something that was said. Something that she said.
Amber attempts to think of a reasonable excuse, she is tired (this doesn’t bother her too much for some reason) “No, I should come with you. It's late, and it's dark, and you're not good with directions like I am,” Eula looks mildly offended but doesn’t seem to take it to heart, “Come on, let's go together.”
During their way there they talk. Conversation is smooth with Eula. Somehow they’ve never run out of things to say to each other, yet. Whether it’s words declaring future plans of vengeance — which never happen. Or the simpler parts of life, eating meals together and the usual groups of citizens staring at Eula with barely concealed dread. That’s not so simple. But they get through it regardless.
At some point they get there. Amber has been in this situation a few times. She can still remember the first time she offered to go with Eula. It was a few months ago — not too bad of a day. The lake was freezing, obviously. Even dipping the tips of her toes in left her bone chilled and shivering. It was definitely more awkward back then, their bond just starting to take shape.
Now, they wait a moment, taking in the freshness of the chilling night air. Taking off their shoes, they strip down to their undergarments, leaving them near the shore. Getting closer to the lake, they dip their toes in. It’s cold, but that’s to be expected.
Despite them doing this several times, Amber can never get used to the initial shock of the water. Luckily, Eula is there. They go a bit deeper into the lake.
“You really didn’t have to come with me,” Eula says, a hint of awkwardness in her tone, “You should’ve taken some rest, it’s been a while since either of us got some.”
“And then what would you be doing? Would you be resting?” Amber gently inquires. Eula goes silent, absentmindedly fiddling with the ends of her hair.
The unexpected silence isn’t too overwhelming. A few seconds later Amber swims towards Eula. She goes just a little closer than she normally would — it is cold after all and shared body heat is good in a cold environment. They relax like that for some time. They get closer. Their glances last a bit longer.
When they finish dressing Amber grabs Eula’s hand, pulling her in. Eula looks confused, lips slightly parted with an intense stare.
Amber leans into Eula’s ear and whispers, “I like you. A lot.”
“For how long?” Eula asks, cheeks turning a deeper shade of red, already pink from the cold.
Amber has to think for a moment, “I think it was a few weeks after we met.” The confession has her blushing and averting her eyes away from Eula.
Eula stares at her with that same intense gaze, “For me, it was when we went here the first time.”
They gape at each other. Maybe to contemplate their stupidity.