Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I had never felt so insecure and uncertain in my life. I have been through many trials, a few of them relating to the fate of the world, but this was the first time that I was doubting my choices. I always followed orders without a second thought, as that was what a knight did. Yet that had only gotten me in trouble. A king who used me to further their goals of ruining the lands and tried to make me turn on my friends, then a woman who succeeded in that where even the king failed. 

Atonement

Author: Satashi     Editor: Siliga

“Please eat?” Nerissa’s soft words made Elizabeth glance backwards from her place at the window. They were in an abandoned fort just outside of the capital town of Libestal, a place that used to be a strategic military power before the stains had overtaken it. Now it lay dormant, eroded and decrepit. Still, it was a place to be, and it beat being outside in the elements.

Liz sighed softly, muttering the same words she had the day before. “Not hungry.” Her stomach twisted at the thought of food. Guilt and doubt were clawing at her insides like a miasma and the only woman who could comfort her was also the cause of it. “Please, just leave my plate there. I’ll eat eventually.”

“You said that yesterday too.” Nerissa walked across the stone floor of the room only to stop a few paces short of her destination. “My Knight, please? Just a few bites? For me?”

Shoulders bristling, Liz turned from her sworn princess to head directly to the plate upon the single table in the room. She picked up the bread and bit into it without a word. It was warm, probably freshly baked, and was coated in butter and herbs. It was honestly delicious but getting it down was a struggle. Her throat was tight, mouth too dry to fully appreciate or want what was being put into it.

Hands touched at her back, fingers gripping into the cloak she wore. The cloak they all used to wear. It was shortly followed by a gentle pressure at the base of her neck. Nerissa was leaning against her, forehead pressed right where her spine began. “You don’t have to force it...”

“You told me to.”

The grip upon her clothing tightened and she felt Nerissa lift up a little to speak against her neck. “I gave you permission to make your own choices.”

“And look where that got me?” Lis turned, the loaf being placed back down. “Away from everyone we know, when we should be jumping time to find the true mastermind behind all-”

“They are the cause!” Her words suddenly got harsh, eyes narrowing. “We know it! We’ve proven it!”

“People missing isn’t a direct cause to them doing it! Fia didn’t have their memories either! They’re a victim in-”

“Elizabeth!” 

One word was enough to make the woman stop her ranting. Nerissa never called her by her name unless it was important. It was always a sweet term, honied and intimate. My Knight, was the most common. Possessive, claiming. Sometimes it was Darling, or at the very least a respectable Lady Bloodflame. The only other time they had said it...

Her cheeks darkened at the mere memory of that night. She wasn’t sure if it was from embarrassment or anger, but it was there. She had given her blade to the princess in name alone and then offered her body that same night. Now she was bound to them by both honor and pride, even if she didn’t understand their goals. 

“Trust me... Please, just trust me.” Nerissa forced her breath to calm, her words going more and more gentle. She moved around Liz, got before them, and reached up both hands to caress their cheeks. “You’re on the right side. We’re not evil. Our friends aren’t evil. We just have more knowledge than they do.”

The knight broke the eye contact first, hands reaching to take the palms from her cheeks to hold. “If Shiori would just tell me more-” Already Nerissa was gripping their fists, eyes downcast. “My Princess, if she has information-”

“She’s trying!” She shook her head, squeezing their fingers so they couldn’t pull away from one another. “I told you, she is trying. She really is. We remember more than you. It will take a lot to make you trust us when you don’t recall the things we tell you.”

“What could you possibly say that would make me trust Shiori?” Elizabeth frowned but kept her place, unable to fight against her charge’s desire to keep her right where she was. “Tell me, and maybe I’ll consider it.

“Because... because you and her used to...”

“That’s enough, Nerissa.” A new voice made both of them shift their focus to the open door, where Shiori was standing. They were facing away from them, large tomes carried in their arms with obvious difficulty. “Don’t say anything else.”

Liz felt her jaw tick, hands twitching in need to arm herself. Shiori always put her on edge, always made something inside of herself ignite with a passion to protect. Her gut instincts had always let her survive on the battlefield, kept her alive in the most trying of times, so she would keep trusting it. Whenever Shiori was around, she wanted to grab her sword. She wanted to protect Nerissa, her sister, and the need to do so was telling her as much. 

“Leave us, Witch.” She almost spat the word.

“Nerissa is a witch too, is she not?” Shiori smiled at her, head slightly cocking upwards as if to look down upon her despite being so much shorter. With her words turned back upon herself, Liz stayed silent. “That’s what I thought. Come, ‘Rissa, I need you.”

Nerissa took one step toward them before turning back to Elizabeth and gripping their hands again. “Eat. Please.” 

She watched them both go, Nerissa closing the large wooden door to her room for privacy. Whether it be for them, or for her, she wasn’t sure. She sat at her table instead of focusing on it, the chair old and uneven, and stared at the food. The last thing she wanted was to fill her stomach, but her Princess requested it of her.

So she reached for the utensils to finish the food she was given. 

~**~

It was hot in the fort. Stone baked in the sun, retained it, and radiated an uncomfortable warmth that clung to every surface. There were more than just them in the old run down fort, and Elizabeth often saw the citizens on their side either fixing up things or cleaning. Part of her wanted to hate it, to pretend as if she didn’t need a clean place to live because she wouldn’t be there for long. It was a rebellion. An advent. 

A mistake.

But mistake or not, she had chosen her path. If she had to dwell in it until the misunderstanding could be fixed, then she would. Two days was long enough to mope, to hide away and think that this was a flash idea that would crumble once everyone realized what they were doing. 

But it was becoming so much more. Word got around that heroes were going against ideas that they disagreed with and the kingdom was being split by the hour. Word traveled fast, information was twisted, and Elizabeth knew that she would be there for a while. 

Against her better judgement, she began to clean. Nerissa’s room at first, sweeping the stone floor to remove it of dust and then going about making sure the linens on the bed were cleaned. She handed them off to a willing maid, one of the ones who first came to help. She didn’t know them, or even their name, but they were there. People were actually joining this stupid cause. 

When night fell and Nerissa came back from the main lobby where they had spent the day with the others, she was there to welcome them. The witch was awestruck by their room, and it made something resembling pride flare in Elizabeth’s heart. The floors were clean, rugs had been dusted and washed, dried in the heat of the sun so they could make the wooden floors more pleasant to walk upon. Curtains were on the stone archways, giving a sense of privacy.

“My Knight...” Nerissa walked into her living quarters slowly, eyes moving toward the everlasting candles now mounted to the walls with holders. Bookshelves were added as well, the table covered with a cloth, and the area felt more inviting than any other room in the fortress. “...You gave me a home.”

Elizabeth didn’t answer right away. She had meant to just make their time there more pleasant, not give them a reason to stay. But Nerissa was happy, and that was enough for her. “I want you to be comfortable... As best I can.” She added on the last part meagerly, her eyes looking at the state of the furniture. The fort had been abandoned for ages, and it showed. 

“One day we will be able to use this as a base to fight against the stain. Until then, it will be our home... so thank you for this.” Nerissa took her shoes off before walking into the room fully, a testament to how comfortable she felt now that it was more clean. “Will you be staying with me tonight, My Knight?”

Crimson eyes turned to break eye contact. “A knight shouldn’t sully her Lady’s bedchambers with their presence.” 

“Stop that.” Nerissa moved to her in deft, swift strides. “You are my knight, but before that, you are my lover. You are Elizabeth. Don’t change our relationship just because you... because-” The anger they felt was seemed to be draining, words not coming to despite wanting to express themself. “I want you as you... don’t change that...”

“...I’ll stay with you.” Her shoulders dipped and her eyes closed. She couldn’t say no to Nerissa, even without the title of Princess lingering over them. 

The declaration was met with enthusiasm, the Lady of Feathers and Blue starting to work at Elizabeth’s armor. The straps that held it on were known now and she didn’t have trouble undoing the latches. Piece by piece was removed and placed upon the table in lue of a proper armor stand. 

Soon she was pulling on Elizabeth’s hand, drawing her near the bed. It was clean, freshly made, and she wanted to be in it with her lover. She stopped right before it, hands quickly darting up to scoop her hair into a ponytail. “Unclasp me?” Her cloak wasn’t worn that day. Only Elizabeth kept their enchanted cloak on after the ordeal at the library. But she had on a dress, and she wanted it off.

Fingers moved to the zipper of the gentle blue garment, great care being taken in sliding it down to reveal a soft back. It looked smooth and pristine, soft to touch, and Elizabeth hesitated at the feeling it caused her. “Princess...”

“If you want to...?” Nerissa’s hair was pulled over their shoulder, both hands holding it while looking back with half lidded eyes. It only took a moment to get her answer, and the two fumbled upon the bed together.

~**~

Her eyes gazed up at the moon in the sky while her lover slept next to her. The bed was beside one of the arches, this one having the curtains moved just enough to allow the moonlight to come in while being high up enough in the fort to afford privacy for the resident. Her body leaned against the stone, still warm from the summer’s heat, and her head rested upon the frame so she could gaze up into the night’s sky. 

Soft snores were heard beside her, crickets were singing outside, and she felt something within herself ache for unknown reasons. Even her flame was smaller, flickering against her chest weakly despite having more than enough power to blaze. It reflected her emotions; a sense of loss that she couldn’t describe. 

It wasn’t for her friends left back in the capital city. It wasn’t even the comfort she had there, the home she had for herself, the bed she used to sleep in. It wasn’t that her pride and honor dictated that she keep helping people who needed her. It was something else, a feeling that the full moon brought about. 

Great care was taken as she moved, sliding to the edge of the bed to prevent Nerissa from waking. Her princess and lover was comfortable under a sheet, body almost glowing in the moonlight and love making they had intimately shared. It looked beautiful upon them and for a moment she almost decided to stay just to gaze upon their sleeping form, to bask in the knowledge that no matter what happened, she still had Nerissa. 

But that, too, was a cause of her distress. Something was off, something she couldn’t explain. The bed was too big, even if it barely fit them both, and she didn’t understand why. The light cloth she wore under her armor was picked back up to cover her body and she left the room silently. 

The fort was calm at night. Quiet, almost eerie in the way the blue flame from magical candles were adorning the walls. Shiori and Nerissa made them during the downtime they had during the days spent there. Everburning candles, able to be turned on and off with a wave of a hand and magical words. Even non-mages could do it, and it was enthralling at how witchcraft could be used to help the common folk. 

Nerissa was a witch, she had accepted that. It wasn’t inherently bad to be one. Magic was common in that land. It was okay. It wasn’t like Shiori, who hid under the brim of a wide hat, who smiled with knowledge they wouldn’t share, and whom’s eyes glowed a dull golden hue. 

Just the thought of them made her face turn into a scowl. She had tried to make peace with the witch, had tried to talk to them about what they were doing, but her answers had been things she didn’t want to hear. Answering her questions with more questions, turning things around as if they were encouraging her to think instead of communicate.

Like a chess master guiding their pupil into making the right moves.

Her mood was soured, a bad taste in her mouth that was overtaking the flavor of Nerissa’s lipstick and sweat stained skin. Each step was heavier, her bare feet padding across warm stone and the occasional bit of worn out wooden flooring. She was walking without thinking, instincts taking over. Up the stairs, toward the west tower that wasn’t built into the side of a mountain.

The wooden door there was reinforced with bands of steel, as if to prevent anyone from breaking it down. All the entryways into the fort were like that, each door heavy and creaking loudly as she pushed through it to walk out onto the balcony. Moonlight overtook the glow of blue flames, the sky outside clear and littered with countless stars. 

And there was Shiori.

Standing in a nightgown, hands upon the stone railing that surrounded the turret, looking back at her with wide eyes. For a moment, a fleeting second of a heartbeat, she saw them alight with an emotion she never expected to see: hope. 

“Oh.” Elizabeth monotoned her voice. “It’s you.”

Then it was gone. Replaced by anger, Shiori’s face contorted into a snarl and they turned to face her. “Can’t I enjoy my moon without you ruining my night, Elizabeth?”

“How was I to know you would be here, Shiori of the Nyavellas?”

“Where else would I be tonight!?” Shiori almost spat the words, as if they had not only been stabbed by her comment but had the knife twisted as well. 

Wind blew and it felt as if the air carried a chill with it that didn’t offer any comfort in the humid night time air. It made Shiori’s nightgown push against their body, outlining it and showing their figure cleanly with the moonlight behind them. Small. Frail. 

The urge to protect roared at her from the inside, a caged animal protesting for not being let free. Her instincts again, a gut feeling letting her know that this woman was dangerous. They looked so weak like that, in only a nightgown that was too large for their body. Yet she knew how powerful they were. All they needed was the quill they could call for from thin air and they could write words to cast a spell powerful enough to level the fort they were in. 

“Well?” Shiori crossed their arms. “What do you want?”

“Running into you is a coincidence,” she shot back while walking forward. Two enemies without armor or weapons, staring each other down atop a fort’s walls. If it wasn’t for the time and place, she might have thought it’d be a fitting battleground to end their conflict with one another. “But since I have you here, I want you to tell me something.”

“...And?” Shiori’s chin lifted in that aggravating motion that made her feel so damn mad at seeing. As if they were several steps ahead, as if they knew what to expect but wanted it asked anyway. 

“What do you know that would make me want to be on this side?” The cocky grin fell, their head leveling and eyes boring into her. “Nerissa has hinted at something that she is sure would make me forgo everyone that I know and love just to support your cause. What is it?”

“Is your Princess not enough of a reason?”

“I am willing to trust her, even if I don’t agree with her,” she said firmly, closing the distance until she was standing before them and forcing Shiori to look up at her instead. “But you? No, I don’t trust you, witch. I don’t trust your words, nor your smile, nor your unwillingness to sacrifice for ever-”

“Don’t you dare talk to me about sacrifice, woman!” Shiori finally spoke in a way that wasn’t neutral or monotonous. Their words were angry, loud, and shook with a pain that Elizabeth didn’t understand. Immediately after, they were back to normal. Cold. Calculating. Ahead. “You’re not ready to know the truth, so don’t ask me to give it.”

“I’ve given enough to earn the right to know!”

“You give to her, not to me!”

Elizabeth growled deep in her throat. “That’s right. I’d die for her. Tell me, what would someone like you do?”

“Me?” Shiori’s words grew dark, their eyes glowing in the moonlight. “I’d live for her. Tell me, knight, which of these things is harder?”

“Liz?” Nerissa’s voice came from behind her and she quickly stepped away from Shiori as they moved from her. “You weren’t in bed, so I came for you.”

If they were surprised by seeing her with Shiori, they didn’t show it. “Sorry, Princess. I needed some air.”

Shiori stepped past her, not even pretending to watch their back as they exposed it to her. “Nerissa, go back to sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” Instead of stopping by her friend, Shiori kept walking past, leaving them both behind.

Elizabeth slowly relaxed, the tension in her shoulders easing as Nerissa walked toward her. They were wearing one of her shirts, much too large for their body and draping upon their skin like a dress. “Princess.” She greeted them with a weak smile. She knew she should apologize for arguing with Shiori but she didn’t want to. Instead she asked a question to guide the conversation anywhere except for there. “How did you know where I was?”

Nerissa just seemed to smile at that, answering as if it were the simplest question that could be asked. “Where else would you be tonight, My Knight?” Their hand took her own, fingers interlacing and gentle pulling making her take a step forward and toward the door leading back inside. “Come on, let’s go back to bed.”

She followed, those words lingering in her mind as if they were important.

~**~

The morning was bright when she awoke. Birds were already singing, the room felt uncomfortably warm, and there was a lingering haze in her mind. The bed in Nerissa’s room was perfectly situated where the sunlight had to work to reach the pillow, allowing for sleeping in without the natural alarm clock of having it in her face. She wasn’t sure if she loved or hated that, but she had grown accustomed to it over the two weeks that she had been there.

Already the room was well lit, making Liz instantly feel bad for not waking earlier. There was a lot to do, and little time to do it. Nerissa was already gone, the sheets pulled back up to be tucked in around herself. It was a little thing, taking time to ensure she got rested after waking up, and honestly, she appreciated it. Nerissa loved showing affection in a few ways, and that was one of the methods that really spoke to her. Touch was another that they loved doing, but it didn’t speak to her as much as the act of ensuring she was comfortable or ate enough. 

First act of the day was to get her armor back on, strap it tight, and connect the latch of her enchanted cloak. It was hot, uncomfortable, and made her stand out from everyone else around the fort, but she wasn’t going to go without it. That cloak was the only thing that was keeping her mind at ease. 

Elizabeth wasn’t surprised when she walked out into a crowded mass of people all milling around that morning. The citizens were coming in droves, flocking to the safety the fort promised. Thankfully it was large enough to accomodate everyone so far, but already there were people setting up camps outside of the protective walls, making shops, and building stalls to sell wares. Their little reclaimed fort was rapidly expanding outwards to become something of a small village. 

She hated to think ill of the people who just wanted safety, yet there was always something in the back of her mind, a nagging sensation that something was wrong. The other girls outclassed them, outpowered them, and had the numbers to completely overrun their little spot without too many casualties. 

So why weren’t they?

It didn’t make sense to her. The only reasons she could possibly latch onto were either mercy or knowledge. If Fia knew things that were preventing them from acting, then that would make the most sense. Yet what could be so powerful that they would hold back and let this rebellion take place? Even if it was ignorant or hopeful, she chose to believe they just wanted peace. Possibly they were giving them all time to cool off so everyone could set up negotiations. 

“Lady Bloodflame!” Her name was spoken respectfully from one of the few guards that had arrived. There were only a few but it was enough to keep the stained beasts away from their encampment. She had to respect them, fighting for what they believed in so valiantly... even if what they believed in was currently her and the puppetmaster that caused this to happen. 

“Speak freely.” She took a relaxed stance for them, smiling down at the shorter creature.

“Yes - thank you - Lady Bloodflame, I was asked to give you a message should I see you. Lady Shiori of the Nyavellas wishes to meet with you on the north side hill.”

“Of course she does.” Elizabeth did her best to keep her voice as neutral as she could. “Thank you... uhm...” Her voice began to waver when she realized that she had no recollection of seeing this person before.

“Kain, ma’am.” The guard saluted her while stating his name, eyes bright at being given the chance to give it to a known warrior.

“Kain,” she repeated it back to him politely. “Then, thank you, Kain. I’ll go immediately.” She allowed them to take a step back, turn, and head off. While watching him go, Liz tried her best to repeat the name in her head to commit it to memory. She had just managed to learn everyone’s names at the castle and now she had to do it all over again. Because of Shiori. Because of the evil witch, the one who didn’t want to help.

Anger made her brows knit together, her strides long and purposeful. Both citizens and workers all seemed to just veer away from her path, not wanting to be in her way lest she get too close. The hill wasn’t far enough to call for her horse but it wasn’t close enough to make it without being covered in sweat from the morning sunlight either. Her armor was hot, her breathing tired, and her patience thin when she arrived. 

Shiori was waiting for her, casually sitting in the shade of a tree with their large hat blocking what little sunlight streaked down through moving branches and shifting leaves. Their dress was light, clothes silken and soft, with magic that both kept them clean as well as protected them. Shiori could take an arrow to the side and would walk away with a heavy bruise and anger issues, but that silk wouldn’t give. 

She preferred her armor. Strong enough to deflect blows without damage, even if it was heavier. She was a protector, and that urgency was still at the pit of her stomach when she stood before the still-sitting woman. Nerissa wasn’t around, so she forced it down and spoke with a neutrality that was bitter with a stilted, uncanny tone. “Why did you ask me to meet you here when you could have easily come to me this morning in the fort?”

“Because we are taking on people in our rebellion and I don’t know if any of them are spies yet.” Shiori motioned to the space next to her under the shade off the tree. “Sit with me.”

“I’d rather stand, Witch.”

Shiori’s face set, their head dipping a bit so the brim of their wide witch’s hat concealed the look of hurt that was quickly being masked with anger. “A good dog knows when to listen to the one in charge.” The fact that they were technically pulling rank on the knight wasn’t missed. Elizabeth made a scoffing sound but still moved to follow orders.

Slowly she reached back and over her shoulder to grip the handle of Thorn. Enchanted holding magic allowed it to be removed from her backplate and she twisted it to stab into the ground between herself and the woman next to her. Only then did she sit, keeping the width of her sword between them.

She saw their small hand grip at the grass beneath them and tighten yet they didn’t tug up the greenery. Slowly those fingers relaxed and lifted, revealing a plucked tulip underneath. The petals were stroked gently, as if in apology, before Shiori spoke. “I found the next Dungeon of Memories.”

Her breath faltered. There weren’t supposed to be any more of those. The few they had found in that time era had been for others, helping recall memories of friends and reveal who they were before the whole mess started. It always seemed to be for someone else, never for her.

The fact that there were more meant there was another chance to reclaim her own memories. She hoped it was true, yet there was one thing that bothered her about this new information. “...Fia told us there were only three, didn’t they?”

Shiori’s face wasn’t visible so she didn’t know what kind of expression they wore. Going by sound alone, it was one of anger. “Well, Fia told us a lot of things that weren’t true, didn’t they?”

“...Are you saying this new place will hold memories for us?” The way Shiori was reacting made her think that the words had a deeper meaning. “... Are you implying they might possibly be about the ones who didn’t make it to this land?”

“I don’t know. I just found it a few days ago while scouting with my magic. Calliope was also there.”

If they also knew of it, then why hadn’t they cleared it yet? Were they waiting? Possibly going to use it as a bartering chip for peace? “What do you plan on doing?”

“I want to go there with you and Nerissa. See what memories are being held within, and act once we know that.”

“And what of the other girls? Our friends?”

“... They know it’s there. If the magic of recollection doesn’t flow to all of us, then they can also go reclaim what was stolen from them.”

“Our memories weren’t stolen, they were lost.”

Shiori’s breath hitched, anger gripping at her words. “They were taken from us! They’re making us be lambs to sacrifice!”

Liz scoffed bitterly. “I’m sure you’d throw me on that altar as a sacrificial lamb without hesitation, wouldn’t you?”

“...I’ve already sacrificed you.” Shiori’s sudden gentleness caught her off guard. The way their voice seemed to waver on the brink of desperation and denial mixed with reluctant acceptance made the flame upon her chest fizzle for just a few breaths. “Anyway.” Just like that, it was gone. Back to the cold, calculated leader, Shiori gave their orders. “We’re leaving at noon. Pack your things for a three day trip.”

“I don’t like taking orders from you.” She stood, hand reaching up to the handle of Thorn to grasp and pull up from the ground.

“Then I’ll go tell Nerissa to command the obedient puppy so you’ll bark for me. I care not how you want to play this, Woman.”

Her teeth grit together but she didn’t lash back. Her sword was put against her back again and she began to walk back to the fort, much easier going downhill. The sun was annoyingly brutal on her, the shade of the tree already being missed. Yet she stopped at the small stalls that were set up, got dried meats and rations for her trip, and filled three canteens with water just in case they needed them.

It wasn’t until she made it back to her own room did she notice the addition to her armor. On her boot, carefully tucked into a place between laces and plate armor, sat a delicate tulip. Yellow in color, it’s tips stained with crimson, much like her eyes. It was the flower at Shiori’s side earlier.

“Are you mocking me, Witch?” She pulled it from her boot and held it up to stare at. Part of her wanted to crush it in defiance, yet no matter how much she leaned toward that idea, her fingers refused to close around the gentle flower.

It matches our eyes, doesn’t it, Liz? She could swear she saw the face of a gentle girl with a loving smile and bright eyes. Maybe if we plant them, they’ll grow?

Nerissa Ravencroft found her knight an hour later, preparing to depart for their trip. She came with a kind gaze and smile that was uncertain of what would happen but still wanted to offer support. She waited for Elizabeth to get ready, stayed patient while the remainder of things were gathered, and didn’t mention that it was unlike them to not be ready on time. As she stood there, her gaze went across the room to stare at a chipped and damaged flower pot half filled with dirt. 

A single flower was in it, leaning to the side as if it were struggling to take root.

~**~

The way to the dungeon was mostly uneventful, save for a few stray stained creatures that were taken down before they even got close. Shiori would summon their quill into existence, right into her hand while already scrawling out magical words into the air to cast a spell. Nerissa and her would have to dismount to use their weapons, using precious time that they often wouldn’t have if the battle happened quickly.

She hated admitting it but Shiori was powerful. Nerissa wasn’t anything to laugh about but the other one, they had a depth of magic and skill that was hard to fathom. It also helped her be at peace with their formation. Shiori was at the front, where she normally would be. She trailed just behind and in front of Nerissa, who was close enough to her flank that she could keep an eye on them. 

If the situation called for it, she could protect Nerissa quickly and easily. Shiori would have to fend for themself. That knowledge was a double edged sword. On one side she didn’t want them to be out of her eyesight while the other made her feel wrong for not being the shield they needed. 

Shiori frowned at the formation when it was presented to them at the start but had remained silent about it since. 

“How much farther?” Nerissa’s whiny voice made Liz smile. They could probably go another several hours before getting tired but she found it cute how they pretended to be a bit weaker just to get affection from her. 

“Hang in there, it won’t be long, I’m sure.” Liz offered them a smile that perked the raven witch right back up. “Nyavella?”

Shiori didn’t look back. “We’ll be there before sunset. I was thinking we could camp near the entrance and go in freshly rested tomorrow morning.”

She didn’t like that idea. “Clearing a dungeon shouldn’t take more than a few hours. We could do it tonight. I don’t like the idea of camping near the entry site of a dangerous place.”

“My magic can conceal us.”

Elizabeth set her jaw, her eyes looking toward Nerissa for assistance and finding her lover rubbing at their brow. “Could you two please not fight for two days?”

The woman in front turned to look back at them, a smile on her face while speaking smugly. “You heard her, Lady Bloodflame. Don’t argue with your leader.”

She opened her mouth to swear at them, or at least growl, but Nerissa’s plea caught her before she could. “My Knight. Not now.” 

Red eyes glared angrily toward Shiori, who looked so comfortably smug. “Woof, woof, puppy.” 

“Shiori! You too!” Nerissa snapped at her friend sharply. “Don’t. Just don’t. Please! Two days, that’s all I’m asking for, just give me two days where I’m not stuck between you two!?”

Shiori averted their gaze first, head tilted down to look at the saddlehorn of her horse. “...I’m sorry.”

Their voice was so sincere that Elizabeth couldn’t find it in her heart to press the advantage. “Me too... I’m sorry. I won’t argue anymore.” Even after saying the words the air between them felt strained and awkward. A heavy sense of tentative peace was breaking like eggshells under their feet so she took a deep breath to steady herself. 

Heels pressed into the sides of her horse and the trot they were on turned into a full gallop. She moved ahead, getting even with Shiori, and speaking in the best neutral tone she could. “Where exactly are we going?”

“...The hills ahead, off in the distance.” A finger pointed in front of them. “There is a river near the entrance of the cave.”

“Right” Liz nodded at that and once again made her horse speed up. She didn’t push it this time, guiding her ride to take her just into the lead before matching the normal pace. Behind her she heard Nerissa’s horse pick up speed as well, moving into position at her back-right while Shiori took the left, forming a triangle. 

Both casters had room to use magic while she was ahead of them to face any danger head on. If anything came from the rear, it wouldn’t take but a few seconds to stall her animal so the others could rush ahead and out of harm’s way. It was the correct battle formation for them, but it also revealed something much more valuable than combat maneuverability. 

It showed that she was willing to trust Shiori at her back. 

The tension seemed to ease immediately and she was sure she even heard Nerissa make some kind of pleased sound. Together they rode on, sticking to the trail for as long as they could before crossing out onto open grassy plains and toward the river that had trees surrounding it and scattering out more and more densely toward the large hillside that would soon turn into mountains. 

Liz hated to admit it, but it would be the perfect spot for camping. Fresh drinking water, half the area covered by a flowing stream, and the other half by trees and a large hill. It was open enough for moonlight to illuminate the area but shut off enough to provide cover from any ranged attackers should they need it. 

Sighing, she led her horse to the stream and dismounted so she could allow it to drink. “We’ll set up camp here for the night. We should still have another hour before the sun goes down, so let’s get some wood for a fire and make some dinner.” 

Shiori didn’t try to sound smug but instead simply began to unload the bags she had on her horse so she could unpack. “I’ll get dinner started-”

“No!” Both Liz and Nerissa spoke at the same time, the latter actually reaching for their bags to take from them.

“You help Liz gather wood, I’ll start the camp here.”

It was clear the girl was offended but she didn’t say anything about it. Instead, they turned to look at Elizabeth and shifted on their feet for a moment before nodding to herself. “Okay... Uhm, I’ll get kindling if you can pull some bigger limbs?”

Each passing minute was spent doing what they needed for the night, somehow going much more smoothly than they thought it would. They worked well together when they weren’t at each other’s throats and even Elizabeth couldn’t deny that she felt at ease after having a delicious meal made for her by her princess. 

By the time the sun had fully receded and the insects of the night began their song, Elizabeth felt the strain of riding all day finally creep up on her. Already she was sitting against a tree with Thorn at her side, handle within reach. Her eyes were dipping, the only thing keeping her awake was the two girls across the way.

“You should rest.” The voice of her princess made her look up and blink. Nerissa was standing before her, body framed by fluttering light from their campfire. It was even darker now, as if she had dozed off for a moment after such a filling meal. “I’ll take first watch, then Shiori can have second. You’re the only melee fighter. If you’re tired, we’re all in danger.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes and tried to focus. Her mind was still trying to wake up, sleep clinging to her lashes in a way that made her reach up to rub at them in an attempt to wake up fully so she could have first watch. At least then her princess could sleep and be more prepared for tomorrow. 

“I can take watch...” She heard rustling next to her as she continued to try and wake up and soon felt the presence of someone kneeling down next to her. The hand that wasn’t trying to clear her vision was taken so a canteen could be pushed into it. “Thank you, I’m parched.”

The canteen was held and the hand on her face moved to reach for the woman next to her as if to bring them in for a quick hug as a thank you. She stopped partway through, mid-reach, when she saw exactly who had knelt down to be at her side. “Nyavella?”

“I... just wanted you to drink before you slept.” The girl didn’t pull away even if she looked like she was debating it. “My canteen is enchanted to be cold... So drink up, okay?”

“...Yeah.” Liz accepted it, slowly pulling from their grasp and bringing it to her mouth while leaning away. Just as they promised, the water was cold upon her lips. There was a soft tint to it, a pleasant flavor as if they had put in a few strawberries into her canteen before filling it. She took a few more gulps, not minding if she took most of it because they had a source of water next to them. 

When she was done her body felt even heavier than before. Her eyes blurred, vision going hazy. Everything felt so hard to move, hard to even think. The canteen spilled as it was dropped, the back of her hand thunking against the grass as her head fell forward. 

“Did you put her to sleep?” She could barely make out Nerissa’s voice through the haze that she was fighting.

“Yeah. It's a more gentle spell than I used to use. She will wake up if there is any noise, so she won’t be in any danger. If we left her alone she would stay up all night to watch over you.”

Liz tried to say something but her lips wouldn’t move. It was taking everything she had just to stay awake, to fight the magic singing such a gentle lullaby in her head. She felt fingers on her cheek, a thumb brush by her nose, and she groaned defiantly against the sleepiness. Nerissa’s face was right in front of her, a loving smile being given so freely. “Sleep,” they commanded her fondly. “I’ll watch over you. I promise.”

The world grew darker as her eyes refused to open anymore. 

~**~

“Shhh... It’s okay... let it out. It’s okay.”

Liz couldn’t focus. She had no idea how long she had been asleep. The effects of the magic were still strong but she could at least force her eyes open enough to look down with blurry vision. Her back was still propped on the tree but now Shiori was halfway lying on her lap. Their head was buried against her thigh, which was wet with warm tears. Their body was shaking, hands grasping at her clothing to hold.

‘What’s... happening?’ She still couldn’t speak, could barely blink. ‘I’m so sleepy...’

“Just let it out... it’s okay to cry.” Nerissa’s voice was in front of her, next to Shiori, and she realized that they were petting the archiver’s back in long, slow strokes. 

She tried to look toward them but the best she could do was lean her head back enough that it would thunk against the tree. Her vision barely made out Nerissa looking at her, uncertainty on their beautiful face. Words failed to come out, her mind slowly losing grasp on reality once more. Her head lulled forward once more, staring at the crying Shiori on her lap. 

‘Why is she...?’ Nothing made sense and she couldn’t piece together two coherent thoughts in a row. ‘The spell is...’ The singing in her head was back, soothing her and making everything else seem less and less important. For some reason, fear never came. Not being scared to sleep like that felt almost natural in a way. There was no anger toward them for what they did, and even if that should be cause for alarm, she was too tired to care. 

Her last defiance against the sleep spell was to simply lift one hand. Elizabeth wanted to at least touch Nerissa for comfort but found her coordination lacking so much that she only managed to drop her palm atop of Shiori’s head. The girl jolted and she barely made out their face looking up at her. Tears covered their face, that makeup they always wore smeared and ruined. Something tugged at her heart, that always there feeling of wanting to protect, but she knew Nerissa wasn’t in any danger right now.

“Don’t cry...” Her words were drunk and slurred. “I don’t... like when... girls cry.” She wasn’t even sure what she was saying. It didn’t matter, as her muscles were too weak to even keep her hand upon their head. Her hand fell to the grass once more and her head slid forward, sleep once again overtaking her.

The second time she awoke she was on her side. A blanket was over her body and bunched up clothing was under her head for a makeshift pillow. Her senses were sharp now, fully rested and feeling better than ever. As she sat up she took notice that the grass next to her was crushed, a sign that someone had slept there with her. A smile came across her lips and she looked up.

She had expected to find Nerissa cooking them breakfast but instead she saw Shiori by the campfire. They looked so small without their large hat, so dainty in clothing that wasn’t flared out or pretty. Nerissa was a few feet to the side, asleep with a blanket and facing the other direction. When she scouted the campsite she didn’t see Shiori’s sleeping blanket and they had clearly already changed into clothes more befitting of battle than travel.

She ignored that and began to pack up. They had a challenging day ahead of them and focusing on something like that would only prove to be distracting. Right now, she needed to get ready, and that meant inteacting with the woman making her breakfast and refusing to meet her eye...

Chapter Text

If the archiver had any reservations about putting me to sleep with magically enchanted water, they certainly didn’t show it. Shiori didn’t even look nervous about it when I walked over toward the fire. But it seemed to be okay... for some reason I didn't even feel angry about it. Somehwere deep in my mind it almost felt natural, as if this wasn't the first time they had helped me go to sleep. The thought brought up more questions than comfort so I forced myself to push it away from my mind. I had a good night's sleep from it, so I should just be thankful. I hadn't woken once after that cold liquid touched my lips, giving me the best sleep I could ever remember having.

Atonement II

Author: Satashi    Editor: Siliga

Shiori gave her a quiet “Good morning,” while ladling out some of the soup they had going in their small pot perched above their campfire. The food was placed in one of the few wooden bowls they carried on missions, then handed over toward her. 

The bowl was held in her hand and she stared down into it while sitting a bit away from the fire so its heat wouldn’t make her sweat. Her spoon slowly stirred the contents while debating if she should ask if it was magically enchanted like that water had been.

 “I’m sure it’s good,” she heard Shiori tell her. “I had a chef premix all the ingredients so all I had to do was add hot water to it.” Common practice for an overnight trip. Prepare food in advance, take a little bit more than what was needed to get there and back, and complete the mission quickly.

Liz nodded and lifted the spoon to her lips to blow. It tasted heavy with a lot of bold flavor. Shiori clearly hadn’t added enough water to make the concentrated meal given to her just right, but she still enjoyed it. It felt good in her stomach and was easily digestible so it wouldn’t weigh upon her in the upcoming hours. 

“Thank you; it’s delicious.” She watched Shiori’s shoulders lift as if they had been praised despite it being a meal pre-made for their breakfast. 

“Nnghhh...” Nerissa was slowly pushing herself up, awakened by their conversation. The princess in name moved into a sitting position and rubbed at her eyes. “...Good morning.” 

“Morning, Princess.”

“Hey Rissa. Sleep well?”

“Not enough.” Nerissa decided to crawl the few feet between them and the campfire rather than waste the energy actually standing up. Shiori greeted her with a prepared bowl of soup, complete with a spoon. A loud yawn split their face while sitting down next to Liz, close enough their sides were touching. The redhead almost wanted to say something about how if they split the watches into three shifts instead of two, then they would have gotten enough sleep, but she held her tongue. Nerissa, however, didn’t hesitate to speak their mind after the first bite. “Ugh, Shiori, this is so strong... how much water did you put into it?”

The archiver bristled, suddenly looking nervous. “I... I don’t know... A bit?” She hadn’t even given it a taste before serving, despite always having been told that by the person who tried to teach her how to cook.

Nerissa sighed, but the sound was sweet and endearing instead of annoyed. “Oh, you.”

Golden eyes stared into the pot, their own bowl in their hands. Slowly they took their first sip as well, then made a face down at it. “...Needs more water. It’s too strong.”

Liz sat her empty bowl down onto the dirt and stood up. “I’m going to prepare everything for us to enter the dungeon.” Those words got her two soft nods of recognition from her friends. She left the pair, walking over to the horses to check in on them and guide them to the water to drink before re-tying their leads to the trees. 

Nerissa eyed the empty bowl left on the grass, then arched an eyebrow up at Shiori. A small tint of cheeks was her answer, the girl shyly looking away.

~**~

Like most other dungeons in that world, the cave felt alive in some kind of way. Magic seeped from the stone walls, energy swirled at their feet, and trials to test their knowledge and athletic ability challenged them. 

“What always confused me,” Shiori stated while she put a glowing, green, moon-shaped stone into a corresponding slot in the wall. “Is who made these places, set up these traps, and hid things directly related to us inside them?”

“Don’t ask me...” Liz set a yellow orb into the recessed pedestal matching the color.

Nerissa was the last to put in their red stone into the matching slot. “It goes into the square hole! Wow, riveting! I’m so glad the people who made these challenges made it so only we could solve them!” 

The moment the final piece of the puzzle was inlaid upon the intended spot, the three pedestals sank into the ground. Black mist sprung up from the cracks on the stone floor and a deafening roar forced all three of them to cover their ears. From the ceiling, a giant bat-like stained creature fell down and flared out its wings to fly in the gigantic room opening up before them.

“You had to say something!?” Shiori yelled at Nerissa, who was more preoccupied pulling their bident of sound from their back. 

“I’ll take point!” Elizabeth was already moving forward, Thorn drawn and scratching the ground as she one handed it in a sprint. “Princess, Nyavella, fan out and use magic!” 

“Aww, how sweet!” Shiori flicked her wrist and summoned her quill to begin scrawling ancient runes into the air with illuminated black ink. “But you don’t have to call me your princess!”

Liz snarled. “Nerissa and you, don’t make me clarify!”

“Girls!” The other woman yelled at them and the three turned back to the focus of the room. 

With Thorn in hand, Elizabeth rushed into range. Just as she had hoped, Nerissa’s magic fired off and forced the bat down toward the floor with a gravity spell. It was rapidly followed by purple streaks of magic that turned into daggers to tack the wings to the floor. Liz was last, jumping to add strength to her blow that cleaved the bat creature in half on the first swing. 

Thick, black smoke billowed out from the corpse, engulfing them all and making them cough. Shiori stumbled forward, waving her arm out in front of herself to make the smoke clear. Her lungs felt like they were on fire, her eyes misting from the burn of smoke, then she felt her stomach drop when she heard a gut-wrenching sound of pain come from where the knight had been.

“Lady bloodflame!?” Shiori rushed forward, feet stumbling and drool leaking from her lips from the overwhelmingly thick smoke. “Elizabeth!? Liz!?” 

“Shi... ori.” The voice was so weak, deep and guttural. She spun on her heels, facing the right, and went still at what she saw. Elizabeth was falling to her knees, blood coating most of her armor. It was dripping in steady streaks from their nose, her mouth leaking from the corners. “Help... me...” They reached out for her, falling to the ground halfway in her plea, and collapsed lifelessly upon the floor.

“No... No...” The archiver scrambled over to them, falling to her knees and letting her book clatter onto the floor. “Liz, Liz!” She pulled the knight close, desperately feeling for a pulse or any other signs of life. “No, no, Liz, don’t- don’t do this, don’t...” Hot tears trickled down her cheeks, smearing with blood as she held her dear knight close to herself..

And screamed.

Nerissa spun around, her heeled boots clicking on the stone as she moved. She stepped toward the direction of the sound, her eyes not seeing more than a few feet in front of herself from all the smoke. “Shiorin!? Liz!? Where are you!?”

Her call was answered by a shriek of pain and a call of her name muffled by gargling. Instantly she moved toward it, rushing blindly through the fog until she saw what had caused it. Elizabeth was standing before the slain bat, blood dripping from her weapon. 

Next to them laid Shiori, blood soaking into most of their clothing and eyes open in a lifeless stare.

“Princess,” Liz’s voice was calm, unlike the shaking, ragged panic that clawed at Nerissa’s throat. “I killed the beast. Nyavella got too close and was hit with my attack. Nothing to fret over, though. Now at least she won’t be in the way.”

“No... No...” She felt her knees give, her bident falling next to her as she collapsed. “Shiori...?”

Liz smiled at her. “Why are you acting so surprised? It’s not like Shiori was important to us. Now we can be together without her interfering. It’s better this way.” Their smile seemed to grow wider, eyes looking down at her like she wasn’t even human. “Or was there something you should have told me to make me not want to do this?”

~**~

Elizabeth turned to the sound of the scream, dark smoke wafting around her as she did. “Nyavella!?” Her words seemed to be absorbed by the fog, no echo or proof it was spoken following. “Princess!?” Her feet worked steadily, turning her body and moving her toward where she knew the girls to be. “Where are... you?” Her eyes widened, the smoke clearing.

She saw Shiori before her, looking at her in a mix of pity and contempt. Nerissa was to the side, looking away and holding herself in a hug. Their slender shoulders were shaking, body trembling from the sobs. “Liz... Liz, she...”

“What happened!?” She darted forward, sliding in between the two and glaring at Shiori. “What did you do!?”

“Me?” They sounded disgusted at the accusation. “I didn’t do anything. You are the one who told her you wanted to try this! Two women? Really,  Elizabeth? You really thought I would say yes?”

The redhead slowly backed up toward Nerissa, eyes set on the one before her. “Nerissa... are you okay? Talk to me.”

Shiori scowled. “She’s crying because you broke her heart! You wanted me more than her!”

“...Have you gone mad? Straight up looney?” Her arm reached for Nerissa while keeping her eyes on the girl snarling at her. “Princess, take my hand. We need to figure out what to-”

“It’s your fault!” Shiori’s voice cracked, full of venom and accusation. “You told me you loved me! You wanted us both! You are the one-”

“Oh shut the frigg up!” She had enough of this. “I don’t have time for you, and whatever little pity party you’re throwing for yourself! We have a job to do so snap out of it and let’s-” Her hand still hadn't touched Nerissa yet but she was clearly within range. Her eyes turned to look, arm outstretched through a stuttering vision of Nerissa formed in the smoke. “Oh bloody hell, this is a trap!?”

Smoke condensed and collected, the forms of the two other girls vanishing from her sight. The room became more clear, the haze thinning out to reveal a tall woman with jet black hair, sunken cheeks, and red eyes. A black cloak was over their shoulders, concealing most of their body and whatever weapons they might have. “Well, this is a surprise... My spell has never failed before. Especially not on a...” Her words turned disgusted, as if the word she was saying itself was vulgar. “Human.”

Liz’s arm lifted, Thorn now pointed horizontally across the ground with the tip toward the beast she could only assume was a vampire. “You should have chosen something besides a lame hypnosis spell. You don’t even know what would work on me.”

“My spell,” they snake back while walking forward, “Shows the victim their most fearful thoughts. The very thing that they keep hidden within their heart, their most concealed secrets and fears that they themself might not even know.” They stopped a mere foot from the end of Elizabeth’s blade, unwavering at the threat of an attack.

Her eyes narrowed. “Your spells are third class compared to the two women who accompany me.”

“Ah yes... the women you are with.” The vampire lifted her hand and the room seemed to gust with a wind of unknown origin. Smoke billowed around, temporarily blinding Elizabeth. A blink later and she darted forward to impale the beast, only to still her blade inches from Nerissa’s chest. 

Her princess was dangling in the air, head down and arms limp. To their side, Elizabeth saw Shiori’s sagging body skitter across the ground before taking flight just at the vampire’s side. 

“Coward!” She spat the word, jumping back to avoid a slash of claws that came from beside the human shields. “Fight me fair!” Another delay on her attack came when Nerissa was flashed across her path. “Princess! Wake up!”

“...Liz?” Nerissa’s word was audible but their body didn’t react to the call, seemingly lost in a trance.

“Oh, a princess?” The vampire cooed their words, taking great pleasure in lifting up the Ravencroft to inspect. “Royal blood is so very tasty...”

“Make her bleed and I’ll have your head,” Liz snarled darkly, eyes taking on a glint of light that promised their untimely demise should they harm the one they had hostage. 

“A knight through and through.” The vampire seemed to reflect on this, staring at the woman before them as if looking into their very soul. “I see... This is your lover.”

Her hand tightened on Thorn’s handle. “Get out of their mind!”

Their smile grew, fangs now visible in the dim torchlight of the cave. The creature was staring at her now. Memories began to come to the front of her mind, blurry and disorientating from how scattered they were. She shook her head as if to physically force the probing of faded memories from her mind.

“You little harlot,” they accused of her. “Taking two for yourself. You are a greedy thing are you not?”

“Enough!” She ran toward them again, only to stall when Shiori was swung in her way. “Sod it all!” Two jumps back regained her distance, her mind racing with ways to overcome this challenge without hurting her comrades. 

“And this one...” The vampire pulled the unconscious girl toward them, eyes keeping careful sight on Liz’s reaction. “Your other lover...” A hand lifted to push up on the wide brim of Shiori’s cat eared witch hat. The material shifted and fell to the floor with a soft jingle of the decorative bell. The smaller magic user groaned weakly, their head lulling to the side to expose their neck.

“Don’t you dare!” Elizabeth grasped at her chest, hand pulling her flame to fling it upon her blade in preparation. ‘Nerissa won’t be burned by my fire... if I can trick it into using her as a shield instead of Shiori, I could...’

Shiori was pulled closer, dangling in the air limply. “I wonder,” they peered at the girl’s neck in honest appraisal. “What secrets are held within the mind of a witch such as yourself?” Eyes illuminated as they began to pry, scouring for magic spells or information. Just as they prodded a little bit deeper, Shiori’s fingers twitched. 

A roaring scream of agony echoed on the stone walls as the vampire dropped both women from the air and clutched at their head. Nerissa collapsed into a heap, yet Shiori landed in a crouch. “You dare to look within me?” As they stood, they appeared to grow infinitely taller to the vampire. The very light seemed to be sucked from the room, gigantic eyes opening around the cave walls and ceiling. “You... dare hurt my lover!?” Shiori’s words cracked and somehow overpowered the screaming around her that just wouldn’t stop, pure rage lacing every syllable.

“What are you!?” The vampire fell to one knee, then tumbled forward. The sight of the eyes bleeding ink flashed from their mind, turned to static, then came back with even more intensity. Mouths began to crack gleaming smiles, teeth sharp and ready. “Inside your head... What’s inside your head?!” They looked down at their own shaking hands, long lines cutting across their pale skin to bleed ink that seemed to crawl up her arms in tendrils. 

Shiori’s hand lifted, ancient runes scrambling to life in a concerted mess of lines and phrases that soon began to form out into glowing cuts in the very air itself. “I won’t forgive someone who has the audacity to bring harm to those I care about!” Knuckles cracked as she flexed her fingers, words unintelligible but powerful being spoken quickly. Each rune’s glow brightened as it was spoken, the dead language like a whispered shadow that reached across the stone floor and cracked the walls of reality.

Hands of ink erupted from the ground, grabbing at the weakened vampire and tugging them downwards into the puddle. Instantly they fought back, swinging their arms uselessly in an attempt to try and grab ahold of something to prevent their submersion. The vampire tried to scream, to pull magic from the air heavy with the metallic twang of ink, only to have their fanged maw flooded with the very thing she was trying to avoid.

More tendrils lashed up, wrapping around the creature of the night and jerking them down into the liquid. Soft giggles and happy cries echoed around the cave, and the ink began to seep into the cold stone, as if it had never been there.

“Nyavella...?” Liz’s word made the witch stiffen. Their whole body went taut, then began to shake. Slowly they turned, tears re-wetting the lines they had traced not a few minutes prior.

“...Liz?” She took one step forward, toward them, then collapsed to the ground when her knees gave out from under her. “My knees...” Her hands were trembling, legs shaking so hard that she couldn’t even keep herself upright. She couldn’t stand, couldn’t even crawl, so she reached. A hand desperately pushed forward, eyes overflowing with hot, salty tears. “I... Liz, I...”

Thorn tumbled to the floor, forgotten as the knight rushed forward. Her feet slid along the damp ground, body crouching down to rest on knees. She tried to pull the caster into her arms but found them already shoving themself onto her so forcefully that she fell back onto her butt. Hands pushed at her armor, seeking any joint of overlap they could find to push through in an attempt to touch her body more directly.

“Nyavella? Hey... Hey! Answer me!” Her arms looped around them as well, cradling the woman while her head darted toward Nerissa. The other witch was groaning and rolling onto their side, clearly dazed. “Princess!? Are you okay!?”

Shiori clung to her, arms weakly pulling her down and refusing to let her go. “Don’t leave me... don’t...” The words were broken in sobs, each one feeling more heartbreaking than the previous. “Please don’t...” 

She didn’t have a choice. She stayed there, sitting on the cold stone and cradling a crying woman in her lap. Nerissa seemed to be okay, or at least they were able to shake off whatever vision they had been having when honing in on their position. “Is she alive?” Their voice sounded so heartbroken, shaky as if it were hard to believe what they were seeing.

“Shiori’s okay.” Liz softened her gaze now that she was sure Nerissa would be fine as well. “Let me look over you.” She almost reached out for them but the girl in her lap tightened their hold the moment the embrace slackened. “She’s not letting go... can you make it to me?”

“Mmmn.” Nerissa seemed weak but managed to stand and walk over toward them before falling to her rear. “We’re fine... we’re all fine, right?”

“I’m not injured.” Liz leaned over toward her and got as much of an embrace as she could while still holding onto the crying woman in her arms. “Did they show you a hallucination as well?” She waited for the nod, then set her jaw. “What... did you see?”

“...You cut through Shiori to reach the vampire...”

Liz swallowed. She reflected back to the battle, where the black and white witch had been used as a shield. “I wouldn’t... I wouldn’t do that-”

“I know but I was seeing it! You... Gods, Liz, you were so angry at me...”

“Why would I- I’m not mad. I’m not mad, okay? Everything is fine.” She pushed forward to kiss at their hair, trying to not drop Shiori in the process. “I wouldn’t cut her.”

“But you almost have... I stopped you before, but this time- it was so real. There was so much blood, and... and I realized it was my fault because I never told you what she is to you and... and...”

She sighed softly, eyes turning down to look at the girl still trying to get themself under control. “What she means to me, huh?” The silence that followed was soul crushingly heavy. Even her long inhale after hearing it felt loud against the quiet. “What is she to me, Nerissa?”

The girl didn’t answer at first, instead looking toward Shiori for support and finding none from the traumatized woman still trying to stop the full body tremors. “She... is very important to you, My Knight... To both of us.”

“The thing that you both know... the knowledge that would make me forsake all the others to fight on your side...” Shiori’s hands tightened on her clothing, tugging at it and making her armor shift even more. “Shiori and I...  were lovers, weren’t we?”

Nerissa leaned against her, head tilting to rest upon her shoulder in a way that made sure their horns wouldn’t be in the way. “Not just you and her... All of us were together."

“All...” Liz’s gaze stayed downward, her mind struggling to take it in. “When they were in my head... I saw things. I saw you a lot but, when they probed deeper, I kept seeing one recurring scene... The night sky. Is that important to me?”

“You and Shiori...” Nerissa slowly began to pet Shiori’s hair in a calming, soothing way. “Agreed to date in a flower field, under a full moon. Once a month, when the moon was at its fullest, you two always spent the night together... Our time was the eleventh of the month, at noon, when the sun was at its brightest.”

“...Our anniversary?”

Nerissa smiled. “Do you remember, My Knight?”

“...No.” Liz’s shoulders dipped but she did move her hand to place on top of the one Nerissa had on Shiori’s hair. “I have faint wisps of memories now... but nothing solid.”

Shiori’s body began to settle, head still forced up against her clavicle but at least they weren’t shaking anymore. The sobs had dwindled, the crying turning into little hiccups. “I saw...” Their words were still pained, eyes squinted so tightly closed. “Liz dead in front of me... I... I could feel her! I felt her blood, felt... felt...”

“Shhh...” Liz let her forehead rest against their hair and pulled them a little closer to whisper against their temple. “I’m alive. I’m alive, Nyavella...” 

“Please...” Shiori took a moment to breathe, then swallowed the heavy lump in their throat. “Please stop calling me that.”

She paused, thinking back to when the vampire had been inside of her head, scouring for her memories, and only one word came back to her from it. “...Mistress?”

Shiori’s body stilled, then relaxed. Their head tilted, cheeks so wet with tears but a smile on their lips that reached their eyes. “That’s right... Good puppy.” Her arm lifted, reaching up and back so she could pull Liz’s head down so she could rub their noses together. “Good puppy... my loyal, brave puppy.”

“All this time...” Liz couldn’t stop the huff of a laugh that brushed their lips. “You weren’t insulting me, were you?”

Nerissa spoke this time. “Shiori used to call you her puppy because of how fast you ran to her when she called for you... it was so cute, how you would play into it just to make her smile.”

This time she did laugh. “Yeah, don’t be expecting that anytime soon. We’re going to work with what we have, but...” She did her best to smile. “At least I know you don’t hate me.”

“Never...” There was a small moment where they just looked at each other, not saying anything. Shiori felt the mood soften, her fingertips moving to curl at Elizabeth’s ear to gently urge them downwards.

“Uhhhh...” Liz pulled back and looked away. “Not yet. Not just yet. Please. I’m, er, still kind of... wrapping my head around all this.”

“Okay... Fair. That’s fair.” Shiori finally moved, halfway rolling from her position and half falling from their lap. “I’m just... going to find my hat.” She managed to get halfway up to her feet before tumbling backwards on weak legs. She was caught by two people and awkwardly sat back onto the ground, legs still trembling. “...As soon as I can walk again.”

“Grab her hat,” Liz asked of her princess. “I’ll carry her.”

They didn’t protest.

~**~

The soft stirring of Nerissa in under the sheets made Elizabeth drift her attention from the sky down toward where her lover lay next to her. The silken negligee they wore looked so beautiful on them, clung to their body from the heat and humidity of the summer night, and left very little to her imagination. 

For the past two weeks, Nerissa had been subtly trying to put her into a good mood. Sometimes it was loving, sometimes it was sexual, but it always had whispered words of Shiori along with them. The memories were starting to come back, though they were pieced together with words from others. She didn’t know where her own past started and what was told to her began. 

She didn’t remember fully. The dungeon’s magic was weak, as the so-called shooting star that it belonged to was no longer in the world with them. Yet somehow, instead of memories coming to them, they got more people. So many Libestians were at their fort now, in such a short time, that it felt like a civilization instead of a rebellion. 

As if someone were guiding them, helping them re-form the bonds that held the people of that world together.

“Can’t sleep?” The question was softly asked of her while Nerissa slowly began to sit up. Elizabeth’s eyes dripped to the curves of their body as her princess moved, but quickly found their way back up to their face. 

“Did I wake you?” She answered it with her own question instead of answering it, body moving to allow Nerissa to snuggle up against her side despite the uncomfortable humidity making the body warmth less welcome than it usually was. 

“You always do that, you know?” Both of their hands wrapped around her own so they could lift it up to their lips to kiss. “When you don’t want to tell us something we wouldn’t like to hear. You never lie, but it is so cute how you don’t realize you answer us with your round-about way of avoiding the question.”

Again, she deflected. “You have been referring to yourself in a plural ever since we came back from the cave.”

“Because you know about her now. I don’t have to hide it anymore.”

Liz’s eyes dropped down to look at how gently her hand was being caressed. Soft, gentle fingers were pressing against her calloused, worn hand. Gentle pressure was applied, thumbs rubbing her palm in a way that made her very soul seem to ease into the comfortableness of the night. Nerissa was everything she knew she wanted, yet there was now a tug in her mind, something more drawing her in.

She turned to look up at the moon in the sky. 

“Are you thinking about her?”

Her body tensed, hand going rigid and pulse quickening. “Princess, I...” She was about to deny it, to say that thinking of another woman while in bed with her wasn’t what a knight would do, but she stopped before the words could form. She couldn’t lie. Especially not to the princess to which she had sworn her sword to. Instead, she cast her eyes away in shame. A light, almost unnoticeable nod answered instead.

“Thought so.” Nerissa sighed softly. The sound made Elizabeth’s heart clench, her flame flickering erratically from the emotions coursing through her. “Just go to her already.” The scolding words weren’t what Elizabeth was expecting. There was no hate in them, no venom of being put to the side, or contempt at having another woman take their spot. There was only love and understanding in those words.

“Princess...?”

“You’re so... dense sometimes, My Knight.” Nerissa’s hands closed around her own, both of them covering her slightly fist with a delicate embrace. “It isn’t just you... I think about her too. I want to be with her, I want to touch her.”

She understood that from the very start. Ever since that day they returned from the cave, she had known it in the back of her mind. It was a three-way relationship, which meant that it wasn’t just her that had two women in her life, but them as well. Her princess and Shiori of the Nyavellas also have shared heartbeats as well. 

“...I’m sorry.”

Nerissa softened her gaze. “Why are you apologizing to me in that tone of voice, my precious Knight?”

“I... shouldn’t be aroused by the thought of you and her.”

She almost laughed. The sound was so close to coming out, her joy at hearing that so bright, but Liz’s eyes were downcast and full of shame at having to admit that. Nerissa took a long, deep inhale through her nose to settle herself and let it out just as gently before explaining herself with a lopsided smile. 

“It comes with being with two other people. Do you feel jealousy when you think of her and myself?”

“...No.” Liz’s flame shuddered, the flickering glow at her chest smoldering for a few heartbeats. “I don’t have any kind of hate or jealousy toward her in that regard... which makes me feel... weird.”

“Weird,” Nerissa repeated it back with that same loving smile they used every time Shiori was brought up in their bed chambers. “That’s not a bad thing... it’s natural. You don’t feel jealous because you already know that it is okay to be like this. Deep down, even if you can’t remember it, your emotions from back then still pull at you... right?”

“...Are you sure it isn’t just my body wanting more?” 

Nerissa’s head dipped, shoulders shaking as she tried to repress the giggles. “My Knight,” they looked back up, amusement dancing in those bright rubies sparkling in the moonlight. “If you were only thinking about sex, you would be able to please me every night.”

Elizabeth recoiled just a bit, pushing against the wall in pure horror at what had been said. Her face felt so flushed and hot, like she had been once again enchanted with the spell that turned it the color of a strawberry. “M-my lady! I...”

“Yes?” They tilted their head softly, inviting her to continue.

“I... I mean...” Her gaze trailed, looking up and away while trying to stumble through the situation she had been placed in. “If... if my princess so desires it, I could...” The giggle that came from her words made her groan and sink back. “Does it... bother you that I’m not always in the mood, Princess?”

“No.” Nerissa brought her hands up toward her mouth so she could place a kiss upon the calloused fingers of her lover each in turn. “I am a sexual person... I show my love through little acts of kindness and physical touch.” She held Elizabeth’s hand to her cheek and nuzzled against it affectionately. “I know it is too much for you, which is one of the reasons Shiori is part of us. She helps fill my needs.”

“So... am I... not good enough-”

“My Knight.” It was said gently but still held a firmness to the words that didn’t allow for protest. “She helps fill my sexual needs... just as she helps fill your emotional ones.” Her body shifted to lean more against her lover, bringing that hand she was holding around her shoulders so Liz had no choice but to embrace her. “I ask you to love me so much. I always want you to touch me, to hold my hand, to embrace me, make love to me... But you have desires too. I know more than anyone that you also crave that affection. Shiori is that for you as well.”

The hold on Nerissa tightened, mind mulling over what she was told. “It’s still hard for me to grasp accepting love from someone else... especially the one I argued with for so long.”

“And yet you stare up at the moon knowing you want to go to her.” Nerissa tilted her head back lightly, smiling up at the one halfway embracing her. “Go to her, My Knight. Get the love that you want. She wants it too.”

“This... isn’t a test, is it?” 

Nerissa sighed softly. “Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame. Lady Knight. I, as your princess, command you to go to Shiori tonight.” Her gaze softened, eyes going gentle and loving. “And whatever you feel is the right thing to do... do it. Be it a touch, a hug, or love making... do what your heart wants.”

The swallow she made was audible. “If you command it of me, then...”

“Then my Knight will obey her princess, right?” The witch moved to sit on her knees between their legs. Both hands reached up to caress her lover's cheeks to hold while she leaned in to carefully lay a kiss upon their mouth. “There... Now when you kiss her, it will also have my lips upon her as well. The three of us, like we used to be.”

“...I don’t know if I will kiss her,” Liz reached up to take both of the wrists by her face so she could bring Nerissa’s hands to her mouth to kiss once more. “But I will go to her.”

“Good girl.” Nerissa moved back, allowing Liz to slide from the bed. “And if you want to,” she added in while getting back under the covers, “bark for her.”

Liz stalled, one leg already half into her casual trousers and the other out. “She did tell me she would ask you to make me bark for her.”

“She likes that. Woof woof, Puppy. Go to your mistress.”

Again she licked her lips, then put her other leg into her trousers so she could pull them up and tie the sash to keep them there. “By your leave, Princess.”

“Have fun.” Nerissa waved softly, then yawned. “Ope... I’m getting sleepy. I’m going to lay back down. Love you.”

Elizabeth’s hand paused at the door handle, stalling for just a moment before her body eased back up. It didn’t feel wrong, not even saying it while walking to another person. “Love you too, Nerissa.” The pleased sound that followed made it very clear how happy they were at hearing their name. Turning back, she looked at the door for a few seconds more, then opened it.

Her feet didn’t lead her to the turret she had gone to last month, the place where the moon would be most visible. She had a gut feeling that Shiori wouldn’t be there this time. Not after their strained relationship came into light. Things have been so awkward between them now that she almost wanted them to be snarky with her again. Anger and hatred were emotions that were so much easier to deal with than pain and heartbreak.

The door to Shiori’s room was different from others in the fort. There was a faint energy radiating from it, of some kind of spell that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up in warning. If someone not allowed entry tried to force their way in, they would be on the receiving end of a magic spell that wouldn’t be good for anyone’s health.

So she raised her hand to knock, gently tapping a small rhythm onto the wood despite it being well into the early hours. “Come in.” The words were replied to her request almost instantly, as if they had been waiting for the sound. The energy faded from the door and she gripped the handle to push now that it was safe to do so.

Back when they were in the capital city, Shiori had gone about placing magical runes in her home. It made the temperature cool and comfortable while also providing safety. The fort didn’t have them yet, as their attention was on more important things, and it showed just how bad the girl was at dealing with the heat.

Shiori was sitting up in their bed, looking over at the door to watch her enter. They were in a nightgown, long and flowing. Unlike Nerissa, it wasn’t sensual or provocative to look at. The archiver was simple with their clothing, preferring a casual cotton dress that was flowing down to their knees. It was also drenched in sweat and clung to their skin in a way that made Elizabeth feel embarrassed to see.

The knight quickly averted her eyes. She hadn’t come to sexualize the woman and wouldn’t allow herself to stoop that low. Even if she knew they used to be lovers, that gave her no excuse to look upon them with impure thoughts. A knight was better than that. 

“Did I wake you?” She spoke while stepping into the room and closing the door behind herself. She heard a clicking sound, then felt the magic pulse to life once more. She was trapped in there now, with the woman she had hated with every ounce of her being not two weeks ago.

“I was hoping you would come... It's our night.” Shiori looked out the arched window of her room, eyes lingering on the moon. Unlike Nerissa’s layout, Shiori’s room was fashioned in a way that light coming in from the outside would streak across the pillow the moment it rose up into the sky. Efficient, precise, and controlled. 

“Yeah... our night.” She strolled into the room when Shiori waved a hand toward the bed. Despite the motion being close to them, she chose to sit at the far side of the mattress, where Shiori’s feet didn’t quite reach. “Soooo...” The word dragged on, voice dropping until she finally had to admit that she had no idea what to say. 

“...Did Nerissa tell you to come here?” Shiori’s voice sounded a little disappointed, their legs moving under the sheets to sit cross-legged and hug their pillow close to their chest. 

“... Yeah.” Liz scooted back, trying to look more casual by leaning against the wall beside the bed. “But I also... wanted to talk with you.”

“Did you?” Shiori’s grip upon her pillow relaxed a little. “It has been so stressful between us that I was worried you would just go back to hating me.”

“I didn’t hate you,” she stressed the word, lifting a hand as if to grasp at the air for a better description. “...Okay, no, I hated you... Sorry ‘bout that.”

“It’s fine... I didn’t make it easy.”

Elizabeth bent a knee, bringing her foot closer to her body so she could drape her arms around it and rest her chin upon her kneecap. Her eyes gazed across the room, voice faint. “... Why did you let me hate you, instead of telling me the truth?”

“That we’re lovers?” Shiori actually giggled at the idea. “Riiiight. Just come up to you and say hey, I know you don’t really remember this, but in all actuality, you’re my puppy.” She said it in such a cute sounding way that even Liz exhaled a soft chuckle from it. “What would you have said?”

“...That your memories were more mixed up than most others, and you should focus on helping everyone instead of playing silly little games.” 

“And thus... here we are.” Shiori held out her hands and let her pillow tumble to her legs. “Awkward as hell and unsure how to even speak to one another.”

“Did you... ever consider telling me?”

The light air that she was putting on fell and Shiori’s gaze turned back to her lap. Her hands reached for the cushion again, squeezing and pushing on it to help work out her nervousness. “I’m not good at this kind of stuff, but... Yes. I wanted to tell you. I really, really wanted to tell you...”

“But...?”

She shrugged helplessly. “You are in love with Nerissa. It was so obvious from the start. The moment we awoke in this world you two began to flirt with one another...” Again she shifted, turning the pillow end over end while speaking. “I thought maybe if I waited, you would remember me too... then we started to drift and... you started to see what I was doing behind the scenes and... began to hate me.”

“When we spoke of Gonathan, you-”

“I wanted to hide my feelings for you into someone else. It didn’t work out between us, and I let him go. Let’s not talk of him, okay?”

“...You were hiding from me?”

“And I feel horrible about it. It felt as if I were cheating on you, even if I was... trying to sew the seeds I needed to help everyone get their true memories back. I overstepped.”

The pillow was being fluffed now, then idly fisted before being turned once more. “I admit... Shiori...” She purposely used their name and it made the pillow still. “I was upset when I had time to think about it... That you knew this and didn’t tell me, but...” She sighed softly and tapped a finger upon her leg. “When is a good time for romance when you’re saving the world?”

“...You found it with her. Naturally. I hid my jealousy behind anger.” Shiori looked away. “I’m sorry, too.”

“Are you... still jealous of my princess?”

“No... Yes... I...” Again she forced a smile and tugged at the fluff on her lap. “In the past; no. I was never jealous. Now... seeing you remember how you felt with her and not giving it to me, I... Am a bit jealous.”  Shiori licked her lips. “I’m not good at these kinds of conversations.”

“You so often deflect when your own character is being called into judgement, it must be hard to speak so honestly.”

“...Anger is so much easier to deal with than heartache.” 

Liz nodded, accepting it. “You suffered it while trying to help everyone regain their memories... You’re more noble than I gave you credit for, Shiori.”

“Don’t kid yourself.” She scoffed and looked up and away, smiling. “I did it for my own gain. If I could restore your memories, then...” Again she fell silent, looking back down. “...Don’t build me up. I’m a selfish, hateful woman who only fought for what I wanted. I split our group to force everyone to realize we didn’t have our memories. I caused conflict between our friends, and chose to pursue this path rather than do another jump. I... I just want this to end, Elizabeth. I want us to live, to not be at the strings of fate, to... remember.”

“... And you sacrificed everything you had, your friendships, your relationship with me, and let everyone see you as the villain just so you could protect them.”

“...Stop making me out to be someone I’m not.”

“You’re just a girl, Shiori.” Elizabeth reached over to grip the pillow Shiori was still playing with. They didn’t deny her tug on it so she lifted it and tossed it lightly to the side. Once free of it, she turned her palm upwards and curled her fingers in offering. “A girl with shoulders that small shouldn’t have to bear the weight you put upon them.”

Shiori accepted the offer with reluctant hesitation. Slowly she placed her own hand upon the one beckoning to her and allowed it to pull her forward enough to imply that she scoot down the bed. Liz let the knee bent upwards fall to the side while spreading her other leg out to make room for her to sit between them. 

She did so without further instruction and soon she felt both arms drape over her shoulders and a forehead touch her hair. She eased into it, taking her time as if trying to convince herself that such a thing was okay. That she deserved to feel loved after everything she had done. 

“...My flame doesn’t hurt you.” Liz stated it in a way that made it obvious that they had somehow known that before offering closeness.

She smiled, eyes closing. “Of course it doesn’t.”

“Even my sister feels its heat when this close. The only other who can touch it-”

“Is Nerissa, I know. We were always the only ones who couldn’t feel its warmth.”

Another sigh into the night, this one being lost in Shiori’s hair. “Tell me something about us?”

“What do you want to know?” She leaned back a little more, easing more into the idea that this was okay. 

“... Are we really lovers?”

Shiori smiled and moved her hand to start playing with Liz’s since her pillow was now gone. “Yeah.”

“As iiiinnn... Lovers-lovers, or just dating-lovers?”

Shiori paused, debating if she should say what was on her mind or not. After a moment, she decided to just be honest. “You have three moles in a straight line on your left butt cheek. It looks like a constellation.”

Liz groaned. “Okay... okay... So you know my body?”

“Oh, yes. I’ve studied it in great detail.” The laugh that followed was honest, and it sparked the first bit of joy that she had felt in their relationship since that day. “Ask me something else?”

“Mmmn...” Liz leaned back and was content to find Shiori following her to cuddle up against her chest more casually. “What did we do for dates?”

“With Nerissa, we normally went out to eat. When it was just us, we stayed at home and snuggled. Our world's technology was much more advanced than it was here. Do you remember that?”

“Bits’n bobs.”

“Ask me something else?”

She smiled. An honest smile that she would have never believed would grace her face when around the person sitting in her lap. “Did I sing for you?”

“Mmmn, more so than singing, you would often hum.”

“Really? Nerissa likes listening to me belt out songs.”

“Well, Rissa loves to sing as well. I don’t like the quiet, but loud sounds also put me on edge, so you two always stayed at this nice middle ground for me when I was around.”

“I see, I see... Uhm... The whole puppy thing; how did that start?”

Shiori giggled, her hands starting to play with Liz’s fingers the more and got comfortable in their situation. “It became a thing between us all... When I saw you, I would often call out your name. Whenever I did, you would jog over to me and hug me. There was also a thing that people did, where you hold out your hand...” She did as she said, lifting her hand, palm up. “And the person you motioned to would come place their chin on it, like a puppy. I started calling you that soon after.”

“I see...” Liz looked and the hand still being offered. After a few more seconds of debating, she placed her chin upon it. The memory hit her the same moment that Shiori’s motions did. Soft scritching under her chin, at her neck, like an owner petting their dog. “Is that... why I called you Mistress?”

“Do you remember?”

“I... remember the motion.” Liz allowed Shiori to adjust themself in her lap and let them turn around in it so they were face to face, them sitting on her legs. “This... feels familiar too.”

Shiori placed her arms atop Liz’s shoulders and drew them both in closer. “What did we always do, when I sat on you like this?”

Liz’s breath caught, her mind flashing to images that were never quite there enough to fully understand. It felt like a mist that wafted through her fingertips no matter how much she grasped for them. “I... I don’t know, I...” Eyes closed, her mind searched desperately for something to ground to.

“Think,” Shiori asked her in a soft, smooth voice. Her nose nuzzled up against Elizabeth’s, their mouths brushing as she spoke. “What would lovers do... in a situation like this?”

“Kiss.” She said it without thinking, her hands hovering at their sides and head tilting back the more Shiori’s weight pushed on her. 

“Then kiss me, Puppy.” 

“Woof, woof.” She felt the lips upon her own halfway through the second word. They pushed and she met them, instantly submitting to the insistent, repetitive kisses that followed. Hands pulled back to caress her cheeks, Shiori’s mouth hungrily attacking her with short, frantic pressings of lips as if they were air and the girl was suffocating. 

She touched them without meaning to at first. Hands rested naturally on Shiori’s sides, fingers curling to bunch up the fabric of the nightgown. It felt familiar in a way, like the movements were practiced. Instinct made her continue, and before she could stop herself, she had fisted their clothing and began to pull it upwards. It was already over Shiori’s head when she realized what she was doing.

Her eyes opened and she stared at the woman before her. In only their panties, sitting upon her legs, covered in sweat and bathing in moonlight. Their hands were reaching again and she met them halfway. Leaning forward, she connected their lips yet again. Fingertips were pulling at the nape of her neck, Shiori’s mouth gasping in short, frantic bursts to suck in air every chance they got. 

She didn’t know how, but she knew to move them. Hands pushed against the sweating back of her lover, bodies falling to the side in a controlled fall. Unlike with Nerissa, she didn’t push for the top. Instead she found her back being placed upon the sheets and Shiori hovering above her. 

“Is this happening?” They looked so scared like that, on all fours atop her, bare save for the absolute minimum to keep their body covered. “Liz, tell me this is happening? That we’re really about to...?”

“Yes.” She exhaled the word like it meant everything. Their mouths pushed together again and Shiori’s hands slid down her shoulders, felt her biceps, and traced down to her own hands, where their fingers interlaced together. “This is really happening...”

~**~

Elizabeth was the first to wake up the next morning. Sunlight trailed across her eyes early, making her groan and shift on the mattress. It wasn’t as soft as Nerissa’s, but instead felt more firm and supportive. For a moment she thought she was in her own room, only to be reminded of last night’s events when she smelt the sweet scent of shampoo that Shiori used when bathing. 

The witch was against her under the covers, tucked up against her neck without so much as noticing how her flame licked at the underside of their chin. The heat from their bodies and the early, humid summer morning was still enough to make her want to move, even if having a lover against her felt nice. 

Something in her mind told her not to worry, that Shiori was a deep sleeper. The girl woke up to loud noises or light on her eyes, not the movement of the mattress they were on. It turned out to be true, as Liz was able to fully disentangle herself from their body without rousing them. She sat there on the bed, just looking at the woman now laying in front of herself. 

The woman she had despised until recently. 

Stripped of their witch’s hat, of their billowing robes and cloak, without their feathered quill and tome in their hands, they looked just like a regular girl. Thin, petite, with subtle curves. Yet more than anything, they looked so vulnerable. Even if they could destroy a vampire’s mind with their own, could cast ancient magic, could lead an entire rebellion... she still felt that familiar desire she got every time she saw them.

The urge to protect. She understood it now; why she always had that feeling rise up whenever she locked eyes with them. Her heart didn’t beat faster because she needed to protect Nerissa from Shiori. It pounded in her chest with an urgency to protect them from anyone else. Her body remembered Shiori, even if her mind did not, and the idea of them getting hurt was now suddenly terrifying. 

She had held a sword to their neck a month ago, now just the thought of them getting injured spiked her heart rate into an uncomfortable pace. Slowly she reached for them, pausing just above the hand that halfway reached for her. Elizabeth gently rested her own upon it and marvelled at just how small they were compared to her. Even compared to Nerissa. 

She could caress their entire hand in her own, wrap it up and hold it. They were so frail without their protection and the witch had slept next to her, bare and exposed, completely at their mercy. Yet she could only think of protecting them from anything that could harm them. The thing that would make her join their side without question was the desire to protect her lovers. Both of them.

Slowly Liz crawled toward the end of the bed so she could stand and reach the clothing they had disregarded in the night. Her shirt was put on first, covering the scars littering her body, and then stepped into her drawstring pants to tug on and tie. She didn’t know what to do, but thankfully she was saved that choice by a soft knocking at the door.

Without thinking, she went to open it. The Libestal creature that stood on the other side looked confused at her appearance, their eyes darting around the area as if they had mistakenly knocked at the wrong door. “Sorry, Lady Bloodflame, I was to deliver a message to Lady Nyavella and-”

Liz leaned against the doorframe so they couldn’t see past her. “I can relay it to her when she wakes. What news do you bring, Kain?”

They stalled for a moment. “You remember my name, Lady bloodflame...”

“Of course I do. You are the one who assists Nyavella...” She cleared her throat and corrected herself. “One of my lovers. I thank you for your support.”

“Oh! Oh, thank you, My Lady.” He bowed to her, head dipping. “I bring news from the scouts. Last night there was a small encampment discovered not too far from the fort. The people there wear the clock of the shooting stars. We believe they are to come to us this morning.”

Liz frowned. “I should have been informed last night, when they were spotted.”

Kain looked uneasy. “My Lady Knight, we tried to inform you but you were not in your room, and Lady Ravencroft bid us to wait until the morrow to tell Lady Nyavella...” They seemed to put the pieces together and let their words trail for a moment. “So here I am.”

She rubbed her eyes. “‘Rissa...” Again she coughed, this time standing straight. “Thank you. I will tell Lady Nyavella. Expect us down shortly.”

“Ma’am!” He saluted and turned, rushing off. 

Elizabeth gave a soft sigh before closing the door. When she faced into the room again, she was caught off guard by the sight of Shiori standing by the bed. The sheets were wrapped around their body for decency but the morning light behind them perfectly framed their nude body underneath. Her breathing hitched, throat bobbing in a dry swallow at what she was seeing. 

Shiori just smiled at her. “Should I stay like this, or would you prefer I put on my clothes so my puppy can think again?”

“Wha- no! No, I-”

An eyebrow was lifted at her. “No to getting dressed, orrr...?”

“My Lady! A knight shouldn’t-” Her words dropped entirely just as the sheet around her lover did as well.

“Good thing you’re my puppy then?” Shiori looked so thrilled at the situation, a smile covering her lips. “Then, if you want to stare so much... dress me?” She raised a hand to point at her folded clothing laying on the table. 

“...Yes, My Lady.” She picked up the dress and inhaled slowly before turning to look back at her new lover. “Your guard said-”

“I heard him,” they cut her off gently. “We can discuss that after I’m clothed.”

Elizabeth nodded and closed the distance between them with a few steps. The dress was lifted and Shiori dipped their head to allow it to be put over her shoulders and pulled down. Their arms wiggled to find the correct spots for them and Liz waited until they were situated before crouching and pulling the garment along with her until it was fitted upon them. 

When she looked up, she found Shiori looking down at her with a soft gaze. No longer did it feel threatening or condescending, but instead gave her a soft, welcome feeling. “Thank you,” they spoke gently while reaching to caress her cheeks and guide upwards. They allowed Liz to stand, but kept their hands at her cheeks so they couldn’t pull away. “...My loyal puppy.” Their noses touched and rubbed side to side against each other’s in a cute little way of kissing. 

Liz smiled fondly, returning the affection. “I don’t have all my memories back just yet, but...” Her eyes closed and she moved forward enough to ghost a kiss at the witch’s temple and whisper words almost silently into their hair. “Woof, woof, my Mistress.”

~**~