Work Text:
Bell’s Hells, despite their best efforts, are down one member. Flying on the airship back to Jrusar is a much more solemn experience than when they left. They set aside one cot for Laudna’s body.
As Ashton gently lays her limp body down, Fearne reaches out and squeezes Imogen’s hand. Imogen’s tears fall silently, but her whole body is trembling. She approaches Laudna and Ashton steps to the side to give her space.
“I’m sorry,” Imogen chokes out. These words have been a mantra, repeated countless times in the past day. “I’m so sorry.”
“I know you’re blaming yourself,” Fresh Cut Grass starts softly. “And I know this isn’t something easy to believe at the moment, but this isn’t your fault. Otohan was the one with the blade in her hands, not you.”
Imogen nods, acknowledging their words. She presses her fingers gently to Laudna’s eyelids, ensuring they’re closed. She moves Laudna’s arms so that they rest at her side. Her cold skin feels lifeless in a way Imogen has never felt from her before and her heart breaks a little bit more. A quiet, choked sob escapes her lips and she grasps one of Laudna’s hands.
***
The first night on the airship, the others return to see Imogen already asleep. Her expression is more restless than peaceful, and her eyes are red and puffy from tears. She pushed another cot so that it’s right next to Laudna’s and is sleeping right next to her, holding her hand as she sleeps.
The entire journey, someone is always by Laudna’s side. Imogen leaves her side to stretch her legs or use the bathroom, but only if someone else is there to keep vigil. The first time Orym had tried to encourage her to get up and walk around, get fresh air, Imogen had refused to leave Laudna alone.
Bell’s Hells spend a lot of time with Laudna and Imogen, even if it’s just quietly playing cards on the floor in the room. FCG and Orym are near constant companions, the others drifting in and out.
Fearne has been good for holding Imogen when the tears can’t stop and she’s gasping for breath, drowning in her grief. Her soft fur gets soaked with tears and occasionally snot, but she just holds Imogen tighter, Fearne’s own tears falling. The two women haven’t talked much since Laudna’s second death. The first few attempts resulted in endless apologies on both sides. The guilt they both feel and the desire to comfort the other person makes talking an endless cycle of tearful “sorry”s and assurances that they know aren’t able to sink in yet.
Ashton is a grim, but somehow calming presence. They’re not great with emotions. Their speciality is rage, though only their own. One night, the airship flies through a minor thunderstorm. The ship moves through the sky with a bare bones crew on deck, switching out every so often so folks can get out of the pelting rain. Despite his usual indifference or disdain for water, Ashton heads out onto the deck. The others pretend that they don’t hear Ashton rage and scream into the night sky. When they come back inside, it’s hard to tell if the water on their face is just rain or if there are tears mixed in.
Chetney, on the second night, places something wooden into Imogen’s hands. “This doesn’t count as your toy. Creativity struck, and I had to follow it.”
Imogen recognizes his reasoning as an excuse without trying to focus past the constant buzzing of minds. He wanted to make something for her. She looks down in her hands and her breath catches. It’s a small, wooden bird skull. He used the paints from Imahara Joe to make it even more realistic. It’s mainly a yellowish white, and he must have been playing with the colors, because there are highlights and shadows painted on, giving the realistic bird skull even more depth. Under the eye holes, he painted black tears trickling down.
“I don’t know what to say,” Imogen breathes, looking up at him. His cheeks are pink, uncharacteristic for a man who so brazenly flirts and flaunts his old man body. “This is beautiful. Thank you, Chet.”
Chetney clears his throat awkwardly. “I thought it would make a good necklace, so I found some scraps.” He hands her a short, leather band with a clip on the end.
Imogen threads the leather through the holes for the eyes and slips it around her neck. She smiles genuinely, a rare occurrence now. “Thank you.”
FCG, like Ashton, is a silent presence. At first they had tried to get Imogen to open up and talk things out, but after the first few attempts resulted in a panic attack and didn't seem to help, they became a quieter, yet supportive, constant. Despite FCG insisting in the past that they can’t really make expressions, Imogen can see guilt on their face and knows they can see the same in her eyes.
Orym, out of everyone, understands what Imogen is feeling the most. Despite her and Laudna not “technically” being romantically involved, they love each other deeply. Everyone in Bell’s Hells knows that. They've been by each other's side for years. Traveling together, growing together, loving together. Orym was lucky enough to find a romantic soulmate in his lifetime, and he had recognized that connection between the two women early on in knowing them. Now, he recognizes the helpless agony of losing a soulmate.
Impatient, restless energy fills Bell’s Hells as the spires of Jrusar appear on the horizon. Luckily, with the speed of the skyship, it’s a much quicker journey, so it isn’t very long before they land at the skyport. Orym hands the crew and Captain Xandis a couple gold each, thanking them for their hospitality and kindness.
Lord Eshteross is waiting for them when they disembark, glancing around cautiously as they approach. He’s flanked by numerous Wardens, the guards of Jrusar. He takes in their haggard appearances and lets out a breath. “Despite the circumstances, it is good to see you all.”
Orym steps forward, pulling along a disdainful Armand Treshi with his hands bound together, finally showing some nervousness at the sight of the Wardens. The Wardens step forward and put manacles on his wrists and ankles, ensuring they are closed and locked before untying the rope and handing it back to Orym.
“Is your estate a good place to send the bounty, Lord Eshteross?” One Warden asks.
Eshteross nods. “Yes, thank you. If possible, I would like to be kept informed. I’m the patron of these folks who captured Treshi and brought him back, at great personal cost.” He gestures to Laudna and the Warden nods understandingly. “I hope the Chandei Quorum will take that into account.”
“I will do my best to impress that on the higher ups, sir.” The Warden bows his head respectfully. “We will deliver the bounty, but we need to get him out of the streets before his allies try to steal him away once more.”
With that, the Wardens leave and Eshteross turns back to Bell’s Hells, his gaze falling upon Laudna. Ashton is carrying her again, like a backpack. They have a short length of rope tied around their and Laudna’s chest so that she can’t fall back. Her arms are draped over their shoulders, her head resting on one. They’re holding her legs aloft. It’s almost reminiscent of a father carrying a child on their back, but much more tragic.
“Did you… did you find anything?” Imogen tries not to get her hopes up, but she knows that her hope and desperation are clear in her voice.
Eshteross nods. “Yes. Through my contacts and the contacts of the Voice of the Tempest, I found someone who can help. Follow me.” Bell’s Hells comply, Imogen walking next to Ashton, glancing over at Laudna every couple seconds like she needs to reassure herself that she’s still there. “Things like this can’t be guaranteed. I found someone who has done this before, but they explained to me that it’s not only up to the ritual or their expertise. It’s also based on a little bit of luck, like a roll of the dice, but most importantly, it’s up to the person. My understanding is that Laudna has to want to come back. The priest will clarify, of course.”
The somber silence feels almost unnatural as Bell’s Hells follow Eshteross to a small-ish temple. A symbol of a feminine humanoid mixed with a phoenix.
“This is a temple of Sarenrae. She’s a more minor deity in the Pantheon, and her followers believe strongly in compassion and atonement.” Eshteross explains. “The Voice of the Tempest once traveled with a powerful cleric who is a champion of Sarenrae.”
Orym nods. “Pike, yes.”
Eshteross knocks on the large doors, which almost immediately swing open, revealing an elven woman and blue scaled dragonborn who peer out at them. They seem to recognize Lord Eshteross and gesture for them to enter.
“Follow me,” the dragonborn says, walking further into the temple. The inside seems more minimalistic than expected, but Imogen isn’t too familiar with religion or the gods. “This temple is new, still under renovation. We hope to be able to spread Sarenrae’s influence to this city and serve the community. Everyone needs mercy, compassion, and patience.”
They turn a corner and lead the group into a small room off the central chamber. It seems like this is designed for rituals, perhaps. In the center of the room is a large pedestal, long enough for Laudna to lay down comfortably on. The walls are lined with shelves full of spell components and softly flickering candles.
Standing next to the pedestal, lighting one last candle on it, is a gnomish woman. She has braided white hair, but looks too young for it to be because of age. There’s a scar over her left eye, and she wears plate armor with blue and white accents. She looks up as the door opens and smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes, which follow Laudna draped over Ashton’s back.
She looks at Orym. “Hello again. Keyleth told me that you needed my help. Orym, right?” The woman looks to be half a foot taller than him, but the force of her presence makes her seem impossibly tall compared to Orym.
“Yes ma’am. This is Fearne, Fresh Cut Grass, Chetney, Ashton, Imogen, and… Laudna.”
“It’s nice to meet you all, though I wish it was under different circumstances.” There’s sadness and a profound understanding in her eyes. Imogen can tell she’s gone through something similar. “My name is Pike Trickfoot; I was part of the group Vox Machina with Keyleth, the Voice of the Tempest.”
With that, Lord Eshteross nods his head respectfully to her. “Thank you again for doing this.” He turns his attention back to Bell’s Hells. “You’re welcome to come to my estate whenever you’re ready.” He makes eye contact with Pike. “Please let me know how this goes.”
Pike nods. “Of course.” Lord Eshteross leaves along with the dragonborn, shutting the door behind them. “Ashton, please place Laudna on the altar.”
They nod, untying the rope ensuring that she doesn’t fall, and set her down gently. Her head lolls to the side, her long dark hair obscuring her face. Imogen, who has been keeping as close to Laudna as possible, moves to stand next to the altar. She brushes the hair from Laudna’s face, forcing her trembling hands through the motions.
“I’m not sure how much Lord Eshteross told you about this, or how well versed you all are in this, so I’ll explain it before we start. Please feel free to ask any questions.” Pike clasps her hands in front of her, her expression growing serious. “I have done this before. I’ve had to bring back people I consider to be chosen family in Vox Machina. I’ve had to be revived before. But I want to make sure you understand this isn't guaranteed to work. I've failed before. " Her voice trembles slightly and she takes a breath to calm herself. "That's how we lost Vax, Keyleth's partner. I'll do everything in my power to make sure that doesn't happen to you. Three of you can help me with the ritual. However you see fit, you can implore her to return to her body. That can make it more likely to succeed."
"Well," Fresh Cut Grass says. "Of course one of them will be Imogen. Who else wants to help? I'd like to try, but I don't need to if someone else wants to."
"I… I think I'd like to try." Fearne's voice doesn't contain any of her usual energy or mischievousness. "The coin toss chose Orym over her, but I still chose to follow it."
Imogen places a hand on Fearne's arm. "It isn't your fault."
Fearne gives Imogen a small smile, but she can tell that it'll be a long time before Fearne will be able to accept that, if she ever does.
"Letters, I think you should be the third." Orym says.
"Alright. O-okay. How do we do this, Miss Trickfoot?"
"Pike is fine. There are three stages to the spell. I'll gesture for one of you to come forward; it doesn't matter which one. Do whatever feels right.” She pauses and looks over the assembled, somber group. “Do you have questions? Or are you ready?"
Imogen lets out a breath. "I'm as ready as I can be." She refocuses on Laudna, grabbing one hand with both of hers. She looks up at Pike. "Is it alright if I hold her hand?"
"Of course."
Pike looks over at the rest of Bell’s Hells. "This spell will take an hour. Any objections to starting?"
She pauses. When no one interjects, her already melodic voice makes the words of the spell seem like a song. Imogen’s heart has sunk into her stomach, but the arcane words feel somehow comforting.
The combination of Pike and her god make the room feel warm and welcoming. Pike walks around Laudna slowly, her fingers tracing arcane symbols in the air. Softly glowing white sigils appear off her fingertips. She gestures for someone to step forward.
"I'd like to go last, if that's alright." Imogen says, focusing on Pike and Laudna.
If she looks at her other friends, her newly found family, they'll see her anxiety and despair mixed with hope, and emotions Imogen doesn't have names for.
Fresh Cut Grass wheels forward to the other side of the altar and rests a metal hand on Laudna's other one.
"Hey, Laudna. I'm so very sorry I couldn't fix this. I told you before that you have a big spark in you, pulse or not. Seeing you without a pulse or a spark feels so wrong. You deserve to have so much more time to live. We miss you a whole lot. I miss you."
They stay at Laudna's side, looking down at her until Pike gestures for Fearne. Her face is already wet with tears as she takes the hand not held by Imogen. She lets out a shaky breath.
"I'm so sorry I couldn't save you too. Please, please come back to us. We love you and want you back. We need your warmth and how positive you are. You've been looking toward the future for as long as I've known you, and you deserve to have a beautiful future of your own.” She swallows. “I don't want to do this without you."
With that, Fearne falls silent, her tears occasionally dropping down onto Laudna’s hand. She stays where she is when Pike eventually gestures for Imogen.
"Laudna. Darling." Imogen repeats what Laudna has called her before. It would always make her heart skip a beat. "Please don't leave me," her voice cracks. "I can't do this without you. I need you. We're supposed to buy a house someday and-and bicker over whether the drapes clash with the room."
Imogen's trembling that had started in her hands seems to travel through her whole body. It becomes hard to breathe, and she gasps out a quiet sob. Though she knows she won't be able to reach out and contact Laudna's mind, Imogen can feel that she can hear her anyways.
"I didn't say anything when you said you loved me deeply," Imogen thinks to Laudna. "I saw how confused you looked, like you weren't sure what kind of love it was. If it was the romantic love you were asked about. It doesn't matter what you meant, or if you still don't know. I love you too. More than I thought possible."
"Please come back to me," Imogen whispers.
She leans forward and shakily kisses Laudna’s forehead, silently staring at her unmoving face as Pike continues the spell. It isn't long before Pike approaches Laudna with a large diamond in her hand. Pike presses it to her skin, the space where her chest isn't covered by the neckline of her dress.
The sigils in the air light up and the magic in the room is palpable, at least to Imogen. She sees the marks on her skin glow as well. Though she doesn't know if it'll help or even work, Imogen lets her own magic flow out of her and join Pike's own. She pushes out everything she has, focuses it on Laudna. If this even has the possibility to help, it's worth trying. Laudna is worth everything and more.
In a bright flash, the room glows a mixture of lavender and blue as the diamond audibly shatters. Everyone stares at Laudna, looking for any sign of movement.
Imogen lets out another sob as she sees Laudna’s eyes flutter. All at once, her eyes fly open and she sits up.
"Imogen?" Laudna breathes out, frantically looking around until she sees her. Her bony shoulders relax and her unoccupied hand reaches up to cup Imogen's face. "Darling, are you alright? Were you hurt?"
Imogen turns her head to press a gentle kiss to Laudna’s hand. "I'm okay now that you're back. What about you? You just came back from the dead! For a second time! How are you feeling?"
Laudna stretches out her limbs and it sounds like everything cracks. She grimaces and rolls her neck, which loudly cracks as well.
"Somehow physically worse than the first time I came back from the dead, and I haven’t been hanging from a tree. A lot better emotionally, though."
She gives her friends a genuine smile. Perhaps just a couple weeks ago, Chetney would have jumped. Laudna is, as Imogen had put it, not fun-scary, but scary-scary.
Laudna takes in the room around her and her eyes rest on Pike, who she hadn't noticed until now. "Oh, hello! You must be the person who helped bring me back. Thank you. My name is Laudna, by the way."
"I'm happy to help! I'm Pike Trickfoot, and I used to travel with the Voice of the Tempest, Keyleth. Any friend of Orym's is a friend of mine." She smiles. "I'm glad you're back, your chosen family was distraught. Oh, and you must still be hurting, hold on."
Pike brings one hand up to her necklace with the symbol of Sarenrae on it. She murmurs arcane words and draws sigils in the air. They stay in the air, glowing blue, until the arcane character they're part of is finished. Then it flashes white and disappears. It's only a few seconds of her casting, but it seems almost like an art form.
She touches Laudna’s arm and a pulse of healing energy enters her body. The bruises and scrapes that have littered her body heal, cuts closing up while bruises yellow and disappear.
Laudna lets out a relieved sigh. "That feels much better. Good as new." She looks back up at Imogen with a soft smile and squeezes her hand.
"I know you were hurtin, but if you feel better… would it be alright to hug you?" Imogen asks, seemingly almost shy in a way she usually isn't with Laudna.
Still holding onto Imogen's hand, Laudna stands on shaky, spindly legs and spreads her arms invitingly. Imogen lets go of Laudna’s hand and embraces her tightly, loosening a little when she hears Laudna wheeze in her ear. Imogen is only an inch or two shorter than Laudna, but it's perfect for Imogen to tuck her head against Laudna’s chest as her bony chin rests gently on her head.
The dam breaks on Imogen's emotions. Things that she didn't even know she was holding onto. It felt like she had cried so much over Laudna’s body that she didn't think she had anything left. Imogen’s grief isn't gone; she doesn't think she'll ever let herself forget the pain of losing Laudna. The anxiety still roils in her stomach, but Laudna physically holding her was driving home that this is real.
The pure, raw relief is what breaks her. A strangled sob escapes her lips and Imogen buries her face against Laudna's neck, tears wetting Laudna's cold skin. Laudna hums tunelessly, gently rocking Imogen back and forth. She turns her head to press a kiss to Imogen's hair.
"I'm here, darling. I'm alright. I came back to you. I won't ever leave you willingly." She murmurs.
Imogen’s words to try to bring her back, the ones said out loud and the ones Imogen told her in her mind, ring in Laudna’s head. She wants to talk to her about it, but doesn't bring it up just yet. She's processing more than enough at the moment. Laudna can bring it up tonight; it feels more like a private conversation, anyway.
"I got your dress all wet." After many minutes of quiet reassurance and being held by Laudna, Imogen calms enough to speak, her voice raw.
"That's alright, I don't mind."
Imogen pulls back, reluctantly letting Laudna go and looking back at the rest of Bell's Hells. "I guess I kinda hogged her, huh?"
With that, the rest of Laudna's chosen family move forward to welcome her back to the world of the living.
***
That night, Bell's Hells celebrates at the Spire By Fire Inn with a truly irresponsible amount of alcohol. Imogen only indulges enough that her cheeks are a little more flushed than usual and she laughs a little harder at Chetney's attempts to seduce Fearne than she usually does.
Laudna is the first to bow out for the night. "I'm still rather exhausted; I'm going to head up for the night." She stands and traces her spindly fingers along Imogen’s shoulders as she passes. "Come up whenever, darling."
Laudna pretends not to notice Ashton’s wolf whistle at her words and their gravelly, boisterous laughter. Laudna pretends not to notice Imogen’s already pink cheeks darken as she elbows Ashton, who dramatically winces as if she could have hurt them.
Being alone, or as alone as Laudna can be with a Briarwood in her head (though she hadn't heard a peep since she was brought back), gives her a chance to process. A chance to wonder if her connection to Delilah is still there.
"I'm not that easy to be rid of, child."
That dreaded voice invades Laudna’s mind. She's always been cautious and mistrustful of Delilah at best. Laudna’s perception of her declined as she began her life with Imogen. Imogen didn't have Delilah in her head to gaslight her into doubting herself, so she could point out the fallacies in Delilah's words and her manipulations. But their declining relationship had never before resulted in a hatred brewing in her heart.
"Delilah, inviting yourself to a party you're unwelcome at once again." Laudna drawls, sitting down on the two person sized bed. "I had hoped you would have stayed dead."
"Our minds are bonded. I'm here to stay, to learn and grow stronger alongside you."
"You are nothing more than a parasite, stealing energy from this world in a pathetic attempt to regain strength. I have my mind, I have my body. You're just a leech with illusions of grandeur, believing you'll be able to exact revenge on those who killed you and your dear, dead Sylas." Laudna’s voice is colder than her body is. This tone isn't one she's heard from herself before. "When I died, you couldn't do anything. The body you so desperately cling to was no more, was empty. You couldn't even take it over, you couldn't bring me back. You're weak, Delilah. Powerless to move throughout the world on your own, to do what you want. I can't wait until the day that my strength is enough that I can rid this world of your annoying, useless existence."
No response to Laudna’s harsh words comes and she smiles to herself. She spends the next while sitting cross-legged on the bed, her eyes closed as she reflects on and tries to process her second death and second revival, as well as Imogen’s words to her to bring her back. But it isn't too long until Laudna hears soft footsteps head up the stairs next to the room she's in.
Laudna lets out a shaky breath, unsure on what to say. Unsure of whether Imogen would want to be with someone who's living on borrowed time in quite the literal sense. Unsure of if Imogen would just… want to be with her, romantically. Whatever happens, she just needs Imogen to be in her life, er, unlife. To continue to be her best friend.
The door squeaks as it opens and Laudna opens her eyes to see Imogen pulling it open slowly. She makes eye contact with Laudna and gives her a genuine yet nervous smile.
"I, uh. I got the impression that you might want to talk? Did you want to talk through the whole dying again thing?"
Laudna shakes her head. "No, that's alright. I think I'll be able to process that fine, given enough time. What I wanted to talk to you about was my resurrection, your words to me."
Imogen’s breath hitches and she fidgets with one of her sleeves. "Okay. Okay. What, uh. What do you remember?"
"I remember you begging me not to leave," Laudna begins. "You talking about our future, bickering about home renovation. You saying that you can't do this without me." Laudna pauses for a moment, making direct eye contact. "Imogen, you are the strongest person I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Sure, with magic, but also with your mind."
Imogen shifts her weight. "I think I'm a bit too emotional to be as strong as you think, but thank you."
Laudna shakes her head and stands, only about a foot of space between them. She takes one of Imogen's hands. "Darling, emotions are strength. I wouldn't fight nearly as hard if I didn't also want to protect you and our friends. Our family."
Imogen lets out a breath. "Yeah. I know that you're right. It's just… emotions suck sometimes."
"Emotions do suck sometimes. But it's worth it. And Imogen, I also heard… I love you too, darling."
Laudna squeezes her hand, her dark eyes trained on Imogen's as emotions flicker rapidly across her face. Confusion, shock, shyness, and… relief?
Imogen’s mouth opens slightly, her lower lip trembling. "Laudna, you don't… I don't want to pressure you into saying anything. It's been a hell of a day for both of us, a hell of a week. I just don't want you to do anything you'll regret, say anything you’ll regret."
"Imogen, darling, please listen for a moment." Laudna takes a breath to steel herself.
Imogen knows her, perhaps better than she knows herself. But not in this way, not yet at least. It's a different kind of intimacy. As Laudna had told Yu, she hadn't accessed this part of her in decades. As much as she loves Imogen, she never thought romance was in the cards. Laudna would indulge herself in her own little fantasy world where she and Imogen lived in that small house in the future they talk about, but as wives or partners. But she hadn't truly accessed this part of herself because she knows Imogen deserves the world. Deserves better than her, as much as it hurts.
But now that she knows that Imogen may actually feel the same? Any remaining walls Laudna has had up are crumbling into dust. It doesn't matter if Imogen doesn't love her romantically. It doesn't even matter if Imogen isn't ready. She is much younger than Laudna, if only because Laudna stopped physically aging once she was brought back the first time. Laudna resigns herself to whatever may come next. She would wait forever if it meant getting to hold Imogen in her arms every night.
"I love you deeply. In every way possible. You're young, and you deserve everything and more. It's alright if you love me as a friend; having you in my life is most important. If you're unsure, that's alright. If you need time, I'll wait as long as you need." She smiles at Imogen, a soft, warm one that is only ever directed at her. "And… you don't have to answer right away, darling. This isn't forced out of me. I've been falling for you ever since we met. I just never dreamed you would feel similarly. You deserve to know the truth of my emotions, no matter the result."
Imogen's eyes flicker between Laudna's, as if searching them for something. "Laudna," she breathes out, sounding almost breathless.
Laudna reaches up with brushes a stray purple strand of hair from Imogen’s forehead. "You don't have to say anything until you're ready, darli-"
She's cut off by Imogen using her other hand, still holding Laudna's, to pull her forward. Imogen’s eyes close as she tilts her head upwards and captures Laudna’s lips with her own.
Laudna’s eyes widen for a brief second before they close as well and she sinks into the kiss. She uses the hand that's still up by Imogen's head to gently tangle in her hair. Imogen lets out a shuddering breath against Laudna’s cold lips and rests her unoccupied hand on Laudna’s bony waist to bring her even closer.
The few romance books Laudna has read could never have prepared her for the real thing. The heat of Imogen pressed against her makes a warmth fill her body, as though she was alive herself. There aren't any dramatic sparks, a sense of horny desperation, or anything she had read in the couple chapters of Tusk Love she had tried to slog through as a teenager. Instead, being in Imogen’s arms feels like home. Despite Laudna's inexperience, she doesn't feel awkward. Kissing Imogen feels natural.
Imogen pulls back eventually to catch her breath, her hooded eyes looking up into Laudna's. Her cheeks are flushed, darker than the blush the alcohol had caused earlier. Imogen has her pulled close enough that Laudna can feel every breath she takes.
"I didn't think it was possible, but you look more beautiful than I've ever seen." Laudna says quietly.
Imogen’s cheeks darken further and she smiles up at Laudna, squeezing her hand. "I've been a bit of a mess lately, but I'll take your word for it." She pauses briefly, taking in Laudna’s face, still so close to her own. "You're beautiful too."
If a dead woman could blush, Laudna would be so flushed she might even look alive. "Thank you." She breaks eye contact so that she can press a kiss to Imogen’s forehead.
Imogen feels almost overwhelmed by how loved she feels. How safe she feels, how natural it feels to hold Laudna. "I love you."
Imogen has never seen a smile as wide on Laudna's face before. "That feels wonderful to hear. I love you too."
Imogen leans up and kisses Laudna again. The love radiating from Laudna was overwhelming, and any words she could have said would fall short of her emotions.
They trade kisses and whisper sweet nothings. Things they had thought for a long time but hadn't said.
"Let's go to bed, darling." Imogen wiggles her eyebrows at Laudna’s words. Laudna chuckles at the mischievous glint in Imogen’s eyes. "Not like that; not yet. I think we're both rather exhausted and could use some rest before such… strenuous exercise." Laudna smirks and Imogen’s forehead drops to Laudna's shoulder as she laughs against her. "We've known each other for years, but this aspect is new. We have all the time in the world."
"Unless there are gods in Ruidus that bust out and destroy everything." Imogen’s voice is slightly muffled against Laudna’s shoulder.
"True. But even if I knew we were all going to die in the next week, I would still be more than happy to kiss you. I don't need anything more, this is already more than I ever thought I would be fortunate to get."
"Same here."There's a brief pause and Imogen pulls back and makes eye contact with Laudna. "Wouldn't it be funny if we fuck before Chet ever gets anywhere with Fearne?"
Laudna blinks down at her, and after a moment the two women burst into quiet laughter. "At this rate, we could wait years and that would still be true."
"Especially if he keeps sleeping through the boning sessions that Fearne suggests," Imogen giggles. "And bed does sound good. Sleep," she clarifies with a fond eye roll when Laudna gives her an amused look.
Laudna pulls the rock pick from her hair, setting it on a table next to the wardrobe. She takes off the belts around her waist and sets them out as well before automatically moving up to begin removing her dress. She pauses and looks back at Imogen, who’s sitting on the bed and unabashedly meets her gaze.
“Is-is it still alright to sleep next to you in my undergarments?” Laudna asks. “I know you have never minded before, but we’ve also never kissed before. I want to make sure you’re not uncomf-”
Imogen stands from the bed, making her way across the small room with a confidence that Laudna has always admired. Her hands rest on Laudna’s hips, which is what makes her stop her rambling.
“Laudna? The only thing that’s different is now I get to enjoy the view more openly. I don't mind if you don't.”
Laudna shakes her head, her eyes soft as she looks at Imogen. “I’m alright. I will definitely be enjoying the view as well.”
Imogen’s smile grows, her eyes lighting up in a way they only do when she's with Laudna. She flexes one hand on Laudna’s hip and pulls her in for another kiss.