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Veris Faldor leans against the doorframe, pensive expression on sharp features as thoughtful brown eyes rack over her adopted daughter's tense body sitting on the bed.
Veris crosses her arms, head tilting to keep her short black hair from obscuring her vision.
Yennefer's grip on the letter tightens as amythist eyes glance up with a flicker of fear.
"What do I do?"
The oldest hums.
"It has been a long time since you last needing my input to make a decision. Near a decade, if memory serves."
Yennefer rolls her eyes before looking back down to the reason for her trepidation.
"Not the moment to tease me, Veris."
"Isn't it?" She quips back with a half-shrug. "Why should I humour you an answer when you have already made up your mind?"
The mage bites her lip.
"I fear you have grown to know me too well, mother."
At that, Veris' features soften, pushing from the doorframe to take a seat beside her daughter.
Yennefer only ever called her 'mother' when both sides of her were warring with each other.
The need for freedom and the desire for love.
Yennefer's greastest conundrum.
Veris takes her hand gently, squeezing.
"My daughter, I am not the only one."
The woman flinches at the implication, re-reading the letter again.
Tissaia's letter.
An invitation for an upcoming ball in Aretuza.
The last two lines seem to mock Yennefer.
'I find myself hoping for your presence while understanding you might just burn this letter before even removing it from the envelope.
Yours either way, Tissaia'
With a groan, Yennefer drops her head on Veris' shoulder.
"Eighty years."
She hums again.
"A relatively long time, yes."
"How am I supposed to keep up the pretense?"
Veris kisses the top of her head, sighing.
"Perhaps it's well due you do not."
The mage stiffens, shifting to look up at brown eyes.
"You can't mean-"
"And yet I do." Veris interrupts calmly, gently, the face of patience as Yennefer stands abruptly and begins pacing the room.
She runs a hand through black hair and leans back on the bed, watching silently as Yennefer's face shifts with every emotion, every thought.
It is dangerously close to the time for the ball to start when Yennefer turns abruptly, amythist eyes alight.
"Fine."
"Oh?" Veris leans forward, eyebrow raised.
"I-" She hesitates, shoulders slumping. "I'll go. More, I can't promise."
The oldest chuckles.
"As I imagined." Veris stands, lifting Yennefer's face by the chin so their eyes lock. "Let me accompany you then."
Amythist widens.
"You want to come to the ball?"
"Want? No. I despise the Brotherhood more than you. Klara's precious Aretuza even deeper. If my daughter wants my company, however, I will gladly endure a night in it's halls and with those despicable people."
Yennefer snorts, swatting Veris' hand away.
"Most are despicable, yes."
"Ah." She grins, looking at her with mischief. "But not all, of course."
Yennefer rolls her eyes.
"Stop, will you? Triss is a sweetheart. Sabrina might be a Kikimora's nightmare but she's... alright."
Veris hums.
"Seek refuge with the sweatheart and nightmare if I am inclined to heed my murderous intentions. Understood."
Yennefer laughs.
"You're horrible."
"A family trait, I assure you."
Amythist eyes shine with amusement before they shift with nerves.
"What in Melitele do I wear?"
Veris smirks.
"It has been well over a century since I was last at a ball and you, my daughter, do have a... flair for the dramatic, let us call it."
Veris mutters an incantation, snapping her fingers.
Yennefer feels the fabric on her body appear and shift, moving to the full lenght mirror in the corner to appraise Veris' choice.
Black shoes, the lack of heels raising an eyebrow. Her pants the exact same shade of black and hugging her body. The only white comes from the shirt, plain but tight on her chest and showing some cleavage. The jacket is black as well but embroided with dark green stitches down the arms and, as Yennefer turns, the back as well.
Veris snaps her fingers once more with another whispered spell and Yennefer watches as her hair twists into a high ponytail. She blinks and suddenly has dark green eyeshadow on.
Veris claps once.
Her own suit is incredibly similiar, though the jacket is completely black, stretching on the arms and shoulders with the strain from Veris' more muscular build. The white shirt is gone, instead her chest wound by wraps and tape to bind it.
Black hair is slicked back, showing for once the scar from her right eyebrow up to her hairline.
Yennefer snickers, poking at Veris' abs.
"And I'm dramatic?"
#
Veris hands Yennefer a glass of champagne, leaning on the pillar beside her as they watch the others dance and ignoring the gazes fixated on them.
Their appearance had caused quite the rumors.
The ones not whispering the duo was in a relationship, whispered instead of nefarious intentions for Yennefer of Vengerberg of all people to attend the ball with a mysterious presence at her side.
Triss is suddenly in front of Yennefer, smiling happily and pulling the other woman into a hug.
"Yen, it's so good to see you!" She proclaims, squeezing tightly before letting go, smile dimming but still warm as her eyes land on Veris.
"You too, Triss." She waves at the oldest. "Meet Veris."
"Veris Faldor." She takes Triss' hand, kissing the back. "A pleasure to meet you."
"You are allowed to flirt with anyone but her." Yennefer deadpans, arm wrapping around a gaping redhead.
Veris smirks, taking a sip from her glass.
"Gods, you take the fun out of everything."
Triss turns to Yennefer, question clear in confused eyes.
Yennefer pats her shoulder.
"Meet my mother in all but blood. Also the bane of my existence."
Veris dips her head as the woman's face shifts to shock.
"Once again, a pleasure. Would you care for a drink?"
"What did I just say?" Yennefer drawls out.
Veris raises both hands placatingly.
"Can a drink not be only that?"
She raises an eyebrow in response.
"I have been witness as you seduce women to your chambers far too many times to believe those words."
Triss clears her throat, smiling confusedly at her friend.
"Yen, I am happy to see you, truly. But-"
"Why am I here?"
"-and accompanied by a mage no one seems to know?"
Veris chuckles.
"Perhaps I ought to go fetch us three some drinks, hm?"
They watch Veris' back as she retreats for a moment before Yennefer feels Triss' eyes on her.
"I was invited."
"As I know you have been many times before." The redhead replies immediately.
The people that know her are starting to know her too well if she's become this predictable.
Yennefer leans back against the pillar with a sigh.
"Tonight is different."
"What's changed?"
She watches the curiosity swim unbashidly across the features of her friend, smiles and wishes for something stronger than champagne.
"My willingness to allow the illusion."
Triss wants to ask more, she's sure.
But her reprieve comes in the tight dress fitting form of Sabrina.
The blonde grins, makes a point of giving Yennefer a thorough once over as she stops at Triss' side.
"Not your usual attire." The comment lacks bite and Yennefer smirks in return.
"A change of pace, if you will."
Sabrina turns to Triss, sharp features softening as her hand comes to rest at the small of the redhead's back for a brief moment.
"You look wonderful."
Triss blushes, as Yennefer expected her to, head ducking.
"Thank you. You're beautiful."
Veris appears then, handing Triss a glass of champagne with a raised eyebrow directed at Yennefer and barely hidden amusement in brown eyes.
"It seems we are yet again a drink short." She comments, offering her daughter a glass of wine and the woman smiles in gratitude.
Yes, the people that know her, know her too well.
Yennefer takes a large sip as Veris winks at Sabrina.
"May I ask what the lady would desire to sate her thirst?"
The blonde's cheeks redden.
Yennefer snickers into her glass.
Triss, blissfully unaware, introduces the duo.
"Sabrina Glevissig, this is Veris Faldor."
Sabrina extends a hand and Veris kisses the back, eyes trained on Triss as the redhead acutely follows the action.
"Enchanted, Sabrina Glevissig."
"Likewise, Veris Faldor."
Yennefer snickers again when Triss glances up at her.
"I would like to make an amend to Yennefer's statement in our previous conversation."
Yennefer barks out a laugh and Veris elbows her side, body turned to Triss.
"I imagined as much, my dear. Will it soothe your aching heart should I promise to keep to that unspoken amendment?"
Triss blushes again but nods resolutely. Were it not so adorable, it might look demanding.
"It will."
"Then I promise as much." Veris swiftly turns to Sabrina, the face of politeness now instead. "A drink, Sabrina Glevissig?"
"Wine, if you would. It seems the night asks for more than champagne."
"Indeed it does." Veris downs her glass and walks away once more.
Yennefer rolls her eyes at the look on Sabrina's face.
"Oh, just ask."
"Who the fuck is that flirt?"
Triss swats her arm half-heartedly.
"Not so loud."
The blonde grabs her hand, squeezing in apology but not letting go.
"My mother."
"Your mother has been dead for a few decades now." Sabrina deadpans.
Yennefer snorts.
"Not that excuse of a birth mother. Veris is the mother that I chose."
"And she chose you in return? How perplexing."
"Sabrina!" Triss hisses, bewilderment clear on her features as she glances around to ensure no one else heard.
She squeezes Triss' hand again, fingers interlocking.
"Breathe, sweetheart. Yen knows I mean nothing by it."
"Insults and slurs are her way of saying she loves me." Yennefer quips before scowling. "Gods, even saying it felt wrong."
#
Yennefer watches, entirely too amused, as Veris, having finished the dance with Triss, pratically deposits the redhead into Sabrina's arms. With a few parting words that leave both women red in the face, her mother walks over with a grin.
Yennefer chuckles, raising her glass for a toast.
"I have been witness for years to whatever the fuck those two have going on. Well done."
Veris winks, glasses meeting with a soft clink before the duo down their wine.
"If only you were as easily convinced."
She sighs, shrugging.
"I promised you what I could give."
"Come now, my daughter. We have been here for well over two hours and you have yet to so much as greet our host."
Yennefer mutters something - a curse word is likely - before looking up at brown eyes with an indifference that would fool most everyone.
"Tissaia invited me. As you said, she has had well over two hours to come say hello."
Veris gives her an unimpressed look.
"You twist like a sunflower at the sound of her voice." She states in that matter-of-fact voice Yennefer hates purely for the truth it always speaks. "I have seen you, for well over two hours," The woman adds mockingly, "doing exactly that. Were you truly not interested in a reunion, your head would remain where it was before the dear Rectoress spoke anywhere near your vicinity. Not to mention that we would not be here in the first place."
Yennefer flinches.
"Must you always call me out?"
"Someone ought to." Comes the immediate reply. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I am many things and polite is one of them."
Yennefer watches in silent defeat and with wide eyes as Veris walks with purpose across the ballroom, dodging dancing pairs with ease until she reaches Tissaia and a man speaking by the pastry table.
Veris doesn't bother to clear her throat, offer a polite smile or anything of the like.
Instead, she stops so close to the man that if she exhales deeply, her arm will touch him. Veris ignores the man's glare at the interruption, attention on Tissaia.
To her credit, the Rectoress remains unfazed, blue eyes facing her head-on.
"Excuse me." He huffs.
Veris hums, clasping her hands behind her back and refusing to turn her head.
"You are being incredibly rude, ma'am."
The corner of her lip quirks up but she makes no comment in return.
Tissaia's own stance remains the image of calm.
He breathes deeply. Veris can feel the shift of the movement before he even raises his hand.
"Do touch me." She challenges.
Tissaia's eyes narrow slightly.
"Address me properly!" He demands.
There's a pause. Veris knows perfectly well near everyone is watching them intently. She can feel a particular set of amythist eyes at the back of her head.
With an exaggerated movement and while making no effort whatsoever to hide her disdain, Veris shifts her focus to the man, head tilting to look him up and down before brown eyes reach his face.
She snarls.
"Become the dirt I walk on."
She can feel the anger.
He growls.
She raises an amused eyebrow in return.
"Introduce yourself so I know who to call security for!"
"Are you the host, boy?" Yennefer's snicker reaches her ears. "Then instead of making empty threats, your time would perhaps be better spent listening to very real ones."
He sputters, fists clenching as he turns fully to stand up to Veris.
Her posture shifts, body twisting to be looking directly at Tissaia once again.
"You-"
"I do not repeat myself. Both threat and warning alike have been spoken. Should you continue to talk, I will resort to action."
Veris waits.
He flees. Men like him always do.
Tissaia remains in the exact same position she was before Veris arrived.
"If I could only have a moment of your time to express gratitude at the invitation?" She offers the Rectoress her arm.
Tissaia smiles wryly.
"I am not in the habit of going any place with someone unknown."
Veris chuckles.
"Then go a place with the mother of a woman you know."
Blue eyes widen the slightest at the admission. The Rectoress takes the offered arm and Veris leads her to the gardens.
They walk aimlessly at a leisured pace.
"My name is Veris Feldor." She comments after some time, chuckling at the well hidden, barely seen recognition that flahes for a brief moment upon Tissaia's face before she schools her features. "Ah, the stories still live, then."
The Rectoress hums.
"Not particularly kind stories if one is to believe them true."
"I have killed a Brotherhood member, yes."
Tissaia pauses at that but keeps her arm locked with the woman's.
"The assumed reasons range from a petty fight to a mercy kill."
Veris turns her body slightly to look at Tissaia properly.
"Both untrue, I admit."
Tissaia remains silent. Veris waits for a long moment before disentengling herself gently.
"I killed her because I learned of her treatment of those trusted into her care and could not go on living while pretending I did not know of it."
The breeze rustles the nearby branches in the following silence.
Veris watches as a few strands of white hair wisp in front of Tissaia's face, hands clasped behind her back as she lets the woman process her statement.
"Is it guilt that prevents you from saying her name?" The Rectoress finally whispers.
Veris smiles.
"Is it anger or embarressment that prevents you?"
The silence falls once more, growing tenser.
They stand still, an impass.
"Anger." She admits quietly.
"Something I cannot blame you for, Skylark."
Sharp eyes snap to attention. Lightning strikes nearby with no warning.
"How do you know that name?"
"You changed nothing in your Enchantment but your womb. I recognize your eyes and happily acknowledge that they are no longer downcast."
Tissaia frowns.
"Yet I don't remember you."
"Understandably so. We met merely once in passing in my first and, until tonight, only visit to Aretuza. Your gaze remained on the floor as you walked by me but I saw the marks on your neck and wrists." Veris' face softens. "It was you who called my attention to the atrocities Klara called educating. Upon confirming in others what gave me suspicion on you, I acted."
"Killed her, you mean."
She shrugs.
"Is that not an action?"
Tissaia confirms with a tilt of her head.
"I can only assume your lack of punishment came from having the abuse so clearly seen on the novices."
Veris laughs for a long moment before shaking her head.
"Who said I wasn't punished? I was imprisoned for a hundred years, dear Rectoress. Passed around from Brotherhood member to Brotherhood member, my cage changing but my pain always the same. I have permanent scars on my ankles from the dimeritium shackles I dragged with every step for thousands of days and nights." She smiles sadly, exhaling slowly. "Our hatred for the Brotherhood does not come from foolish reasons. Political or otherwise."
As pale as Tissaia is, she somehow looks paler at Veris' words.
The wind subsides as the woman frowns.
"You said 'our'."
"Purposefully."
"It does explain why Yennefer was suddenly much more volatile towards the Brotherhood. Sixty seven years ago, if I'm not mistaken?"
Veris chuckles.
"You are not, no. Although I met Yennefer for the first time sixty eight years ago but yes, that was the year I told her."
Tissaia nods, smiling dryly.
"When did you adopt her?"
The laughter that follows is both abrupt and genuine.
"Why do you assume I adopted her? That insufferable, wonderful daughter of mine hardly gave me any choice."
Tissaia's smile turns with memories.
"Quite expected from her, really."
Veris hums.
"As much as she insults the woman, I cannot help but see that Sabrina Glevissig is a sister as well, among other... adoptions of hers. I cannot stress enough how I agree with some more than others but alas Yennefer has chosen her family."
For all the poise, Veris sees the cracks that her statement caused.
She waits, makes a show of walking towards a nearby bench and running her fingers across the wooden surface before finally looking back at Tissaia.
"I am glad Yennefer found a family." While true, the pain behind her words is palpable.
Veris hums and with three long strides is in front of her again.
"She has chosen more than her family." Brown eyes search, waiting, as she clasps her hands behind her back.
"I imagine as much." The beginnings of a scowl appear before Tissaia schools her face.
"Something as fleeting as lovers was not the meaning you were supposed to take from my comment."
Tissaia breathed sharply, mouth opening to retort but Veris' lip quirking up kept her silent.
"I will give you my agreement that Yennefer has chosen that as well if only so you won't attempt to use it further in this conversation. My point however remains despite that. Yennefer has chosen a home, dear Rectoress."
"Several, in fact."
Veris takes yet another steadying breath.
She expected the refusal to state what is obvious from the Archmistress of Magic but it still grates on her nerves.
Yes, Tissaia de Vries and Yennefer of Vengerberg were certainly meant for each other.
"Wrong." The woman takes a step forward, inclining her head down to stare at the white-haired mage. "My daughter has only ever had one home, chosen while still a student within these very walls and recognized as such in the years following her ascencion." Veris gave Tissaia a significant look. "You were already dubbed 'the heart of Aretuza' before casting Azur's Thunder and living to tell it. There is another name you have had for sometime now but seem to either be ignorant or indifferent to. My only question is which."
Tissaia fixed her with a pointed look.
"Unless you plan an attempt at another Rectoress, I advice you to watch your words."
Veris grinned, the glint in her eyes reminiscent of a predator that knew their prey to be cornered.
"Not indifference, it seems. Enlighten me on your ignorance."
"What do you mean?!" She shouted in frustration at the entire conversation, taking a half-step back but Veris followed.
Her hands were still clasped behind her back.
"How can you ignore that you are Yennefer's home?"
For the expression Tissaia wore, Veris might as well have slapped her.
A tense silence fell upon them.
Slowly, Tissaia searched Veris' face.
For what, the older woman wasn't certain but she remained still, expression open and simply waited.
The moment seemed to last forever.
With a shuddering breath, Tissaia looked down and to the side.
Veris gently lay a hand on her shoulder.
"I can see the turmoil within you, my dear. For years my daughter has carried one too. Hers is a ever lasting struggle between wanting freedom and yearning for love. Yours is both simpler and more intricate - control."
Her gaze shifted but she couldn't make herself look Veris in the eyes, focusing instead on a point somewhere to the right of her face.
"I need control." She admitted mournfully.
"I know. For too long, you could not have it. Now you must. Make no mistake, I understand. Surely you will understand my words too." Veris pauses, giving a slight nod of encouragement when blue eyes lock on hers. "Yennefer would never ask you to relinquish control of yourself as I know you would never shackle her."
"How can you be sure of such a thing when you don't know me?"
She smiles.
"Because you had opportunity - plenty, at that - to shackle her and instead chose her freedom and equally your pain. You have already abdicated control freely for Yennefer and Yennefer has already shackled herself to you willingly more than once. She picked life at your request and subsequentially lost the freedom to choose. She chose to relinquish her want for a child after one conversation with you, again picking to lose her freedom. Sweet Melitele, she threw freedom away and marched to Aretuza because a man said your name." Veris squeezes her shoulder, expression as sympathetic as it is grave. "And you, who values control above all else, time and again let it go for Yennefer. You knew she'd do something drastic, something you could never agree to when she raced out of your office after discovering where the Brotherhood assigned her and yet did nothing. You ignored your need for control for forty years to give Yennefer the freedom she wanted. At what you thought your final moments, you relinquished control and asked her to fight with all she had, accepting your death as consequence."
Veris dropped her hand and walked backwards two paces, keeping eye contact with Tissaia.
"You want control of your life. Yet even when that control is yours, the life you lead is not the one you desire, not fully. Listen to me." Veris waves towards the ballroom. "The life you long for, Tissaia? Make it yours. Take control." As an afterthought, she dips her head. "And thank you for the invitation."
Veris leaves her to her thoughts.
#
Even as she speaks with a man, Yennefer's gaze continiously shifts to the place Veris and Tissaia had disappeared to, attention clearly on whatever conversation she dreads her mother to be having with the Rectoress.
When Veris returns nearly an hour later, Yennefer quickly excuses herself upon seeing her alone.
The woman smiles amusedly at the cloud of worry in amythist eyes.
"You won't speak to her and neither can I?"
"You can speak with whoever you want." She retorts, staring at the path to the gardens. "What did you say to her?"
Veris snorts.
"I won't dignify that with an answer. If it bothers you so much, go ask her yourself."
Yennefer releases a shaky breath.
"What the fuck do I say? It's been too long."
Veris pulls her into a hug, kissing the top of her head.
"Oh, my sweet daughter, it is never too late. The love you ache for? It's there, ripe and ready for the taking. Reach out. The rest will fall into place." She lets go slowly, cupping Yennefer's cheek with a small smile. "Trust she will catch you and show her that you will stay when she does."
#
Sodden Hill hadn't been this nerve-wrecking.
Yennefer bites her lip, turns around and glares at the vague direction Veris was in before she started walking.
She looks up at the night sky, groans and more or less runs towards the gardens before she can change her mind again.
Yes, Sodden was absolutely fucking easier.
Tissaia startles when Yennefer abruptly turns the corner and nearly falls into the bush she was skirting around.
The woman's mouth opens in shock but she remains sitting on the bench as Yennefer curses, kicking the bush for good measure.
"Fucking- you weren't there the last time I was here!"
Tissaia chuckling pulls her attention and the mage's head snaps up at the sound.
"That particular bush has been in these gardens for well over three decades."
She grumbles, walking over.
"I haven't been to the garden in eighty years. And I think it tripped me."
Tissaia's lip quirks up as she raises an eyebrow.
"The bush tripped you."
"Little bastard." Yennefer nods her agreement, glaring momentarily at the plant before sobering and looking back to Tissaia.
"May I sit?"
"I think this might be the first time you ask."
There's no insult or slight to the comment, simply a statement of the truth and Yennefer finds herself uncharacteristically blushing.
"Well," She swallows the sudden lump in her throat, "there's a first time for everything."
"Of course you can sit." There's a softness to her words that doubles the blush on Yennefer's cheeks as she finally sits down.
Tissaia doesn't seem bothered by their closeness, shoulders and thighs brushing together as they breath. Yennefer refuses to mention it as the heat on her face finally subsides.
"Thank you." She whispers, a small but sincere smile ghosting her lips at Tissaia's confusion. "For everything you've done for me, including buying me. I understand now why you did it that way. And..." Yennefer huffs in frustration at how tight her voice sounds, clearing her throat. "And I'm sorry. I kept lashing out at you but you were never the reason I was angry in the first place, not really. In Rinde, I was a fucking idiot." She sounds heartbroken, looking away from Tissaia. "I should have gone with you then. I should have said yes. You were trying to help me and I pushed you away. I did the same after Sodden. I keep pushing you away and you keep trying and-" She shakes her head, gaze landing on Tissaia's open expression. "Fuck. I'm so sorry. I'm a fucking moron and now I'm crying." Yennefer laughs humourlessly, hastily wiping her tears with the back of her hand before offering Tissaia a wobbly smile.
Absentmindedly, she makes a note to thank Veris for the enchanted make-up.
"What I'm trying to say and failing horribly at is - thank you for the letter because I am too far gone to keep pretending it away and it gave me an opportunity."
Tissaia places a hand on her forearm, squeezing lightly.
Yennefer glares at the two layers of fabric keeping her from feeling the touch on one of the very few occasions the Rectoress isn't wearing gloves.
Her thumb rubs against the jacket and Yennefer's eyes shift back up to Tissaia's face.
"You don't ever need to thank me. The apology means more than you know."
She nods in understanding, comprehending the need for silence at the troubled look in blue eyes.
"I will always keep trying, Yennefer. You-" she closes her eyes and they shine with unshed tears when she opens them a moment later, "-you have been the bright spot in my life. What else would I do if not chase it?"
The moment is heavy. Or perhaps it's only Yennefer that feels heavy with longing.
Veris' words echo in her mind.
Trust she will catch you.
There's a suspended inhale before shaking hands cradle Tissaia's face.
The way Tissaia leans forward, relaxing into her touch sends a pang of something straight to Yennefer's chest.
She doesn't name it - can't find the right word but it still suddenly blooms in her chest and fills her with enough courage to tip the scales against the fear.
"I'm in love with you." It feels religious somehow - is this feeling what drives people to prayer? If so, Yennefer understands the urge. "I'm in love with you, Tissaia de Vries." She says it again because she can, because now that the bottle has been opened, she doesn't want to stop saying it. "I love that you fidget when nervous, that your eyes crinkle when you're trying not to smile, that you always need everything to be orderly and precise. I love the outline of your jaw and that when you blush it goes from your ears to your neck. I love-"
Tissaia surges forward, lips a breath away from Yennefer's.
"Kiss me." She whimpers.
Yennefer closes the distance, kissing her slowly.
One of Tissaia's hands grips her jacket while the other grabs the back of Yennefer's head, pulling her in.
Yennefer moans when short nails lightly scratch her scalp and then moans again as Tissaia deepens the kiss.
Her own hands fall to Tissaia's hips, tugging her closer, embracing her waist.
When the tip of Yennefer's tongue caresses her bottom lip, Tissaia groans, opening her mouth to allow the new contact at the same time she pulls hard, her grip on the jacket ensuring Yennefer moves closer, noses bumping.
She moves her head only enough so their lips don't touch and laughs breathlessly.
Tissaia whines. Yennefer trails kisses across her face - brow, chin, nose, forehead, jaw, cheeks, the corners of her eyes.
"Yennefer." It's said desperately, both of Tissaia's arms wrapping around her neck and tugging her closer.
"Shh." She cooes, securing Tissaia's legs with one arm and holding the other firmly around a slim waist as she places several kisses on the woman's cheek. "I'm not going anywhere."
Suddenly Tissaia is sitting sideways in her lap and Yennefer wraps both arms around her waist again.
Tissaia cups Yennefer's face in her hands and kisses her.
Yennefer is already addicted to it.
They kiss for a long time.
When they eventually break apart, Yennefer kisses a trail down Tissaia's neck, the woman shifting to allow her a better angle.
Yennefer grins against pale skin, tightening the embrace and then simply letting her lips brush against whatever part of Tissaia she can reach.
With half-shut eyelids, Tissaia hums and removes Yennefer's ponytail to gently run her fingers through dark curls.
She's being lulled to sleep by the soft carecesses and buries her face further into Tissaia's neck, a pleased little sound escaping her lips.
With a hand gently pushing her shoulder, Yennefer pulls back, pouting up at the goddess in her lap.
Tissaia smiles, leaning their foreheads together.
"I'm in love with you too, Yennefer."
She inhales deeply but her exhale is shaky and suddenly she starts coughing.
Tissaia's face morphs with concern as she tries to get up.
"Are you-"
"No!" Yennefer manages in between gasps of air, pulling her closer as she shakes her head.
She coughs another three times before glaring playfully up.
"Damn you, woman. You made me breathe wrong somehow but I am not letting you off my lap."
Tissaia laughs freely.
"It's the bush at fault when you trip and my own when you breathe wrong."
Yennefer narrows her eyes.
"You could have killed me just now. Admittedly, it was absolutely a fantastic way to go but I'm not done kissing you."
Tissaia leans their foreheads together again.
"When?" The sheer vulnerability in that one word has Yennefer tightening her embrace.
"By Melitele, never if you'll have me."
Tissaia inhales sharply.
Yennefer bumps their noses together.
"Don't go breathing wrong on me now."
"How can you tell me that, knowing you're going to leave?" She closes her eyes.
Show her you will stay when she does.
Her mother is a fucking psychic.
Yennefer leans back against the bench and takes Tissaia's hands in her own, squeezing.
Years ago, the mere thought of returning to Aretuza would have her blood boiling.
The memory of Veris telling her about her punishment for trying to help young mages still haunts Yennefer.
But today...
With Tissaia in her arms, kiss swollen lips and so open, so human before her?
The lack of hesitation doesn't even surprise her.
"Ask me to stay."
Blue eyes snap open with fire.
"How dare you? How dare you play with me like this, Yennefer? I will not-"
"I love you." She interrupts, blinding smile on her face to contrast with Tissaia's sulken expression. "I love you more than anything. Aretuza is your home as you are mine. Ask me to stay so I can say 'yes' and go demand my old room back from a poor novice."
The hesitant hope in blue eyes could shatter Yennefer's whole being.
"I... I want you to stay with me in Aretuza."
She squeezes Tissaia's hands.
"Yes."
The woman lunges forward, kissing her so passionately Yennefer thinks her heart might give out all together.
"You-" kiss "are not" kiss "staying" kiss "in your" kiss "old room"
It takes Yennefer an embarassingly long time to focus on the words.
"I am not sleeping on that damned bush, Tissaia."
She laughs, freeing her hands only to wove her arms around Yennefer's neck and hugging her tightly.
"Stay with me."
"If you're sure." She agrees easily.
Tissaia's hold tightens in response and Yennefer buries her face in the woman's neck again, kissing it softly.
#
More than half of the guest have left by the time Yennefer and Tissaia return to the ballroom.
She catches Sabrina rushing past the doors leading to the guest chambers with a redheaded blur quickly following.
Veris is chatting happily with Rita but pauses when she catches Yennefer's eyes from across the room, winking.
To Veris' chagrin, Tissaia is the one who blushes.
Rita turns around, gives them both a pointed look and then raises her glass of champagne in salute.
Yennefer wants to go back to Sodden.