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Phoenix had a lot on her mind these last few months, mostly one kind and pretty warrior… She blinked hard as Ora helped brush Phoenix’s hair.
“Ever think of getting a trim? Might make your life easier.” Typical merchant, always trying to optimize everything in life.
“I don’t hear you complaining when you get to do this every morning,” Phoenix’s monotone voice snarked as Ora blushed.
“Its a good thing you’re hot, pretty.” Phoenix raised an eyebrow at her a smirk growing on her face.
“Hot would be right, you know, the whole Flamebringer’s Chosen or whatever.” Ora looked away, focusing on brushing the tangles out of Phoenix’s hair.
“Yo, why are we bullying Ora?” Teara asked, stepping into the room only dressed in a bathrobe and a towel around her hair. Phoenix avoided staring at the warrior’s toned body, lovely dark purple eyes and… Phoenix blinked again, tearing her gaze from Teara.
“She called our little ball of fire and darkness, hot.” Henna said, looking up from her book with a snort. Teara blinked, looking between Phoenix and Ora.
“I mean, she’s not wrong?” Teara smiled as Phoenix failed to keep her face from being dusted by pink. “Sometimes I wish I had your hair Phoenix, I love the black and the bits of blonde.”
Ora seized her petty revenge and began to make exaggerated kissing noises.
“Get a room, you two.” Ora laughed as both Phoenix’s and Teara’s faces turned an amazing shade of ruby.
“Says the woman who can’t flirt her way into our Apothecary’s bedroom.” Henna said in a deadpan as Teara and Phoenix had their chance to laugh.
After a few minutes of light hearted banter, the four women headed down stairs to join the rest of the travelers.
---
As usual, Otis and Taunic chatted up the locals. Angus and Caster were helping the chef prep breakfast for nine… well seven humans, one Foxling and a Fire Sprite. Aji had taken the form of a sparrow today, resting on one of the men’s shoulders or head.
“They’re here!” Angus cried holding up a tray. “Phee, you got to try this pastry!” Phoenix nodded, walking over and plucking one donut from the tray as the rest of the women took spots around several tables.
“Wha’ a morning,” Otis sighed, plucking the last chocolate donut that Teara was eying. He blinked, cutting it in half and handing half over to her. Teara grinned at him and began to happily dig in.
“What’s the problem Otis?” Henna asked as she sipped a cup of tea.
“Just, not much has changed ‘round these parts.”
“... Outside of us nearly stabbed to death by Lizardmen?” Caster asked, resting his hand on Aji’s head. Otis blinked before looking away.
“Ya, my bad.” He mumbled as Taunic joined the group.
“I’d say it worked out in the end, good to know my treatments worked on stab wounds that deep.” Taunic nodded at Caster, who shrugged, using his free hand to rub at the wrappings around his chest.
“Seriously, Otis,” Ora chided, “What did you think would happen?” For what it was worth, Otis did not reply, only looking at Caster with guilt all over his face.
“Don’t worry about it, I’ve taken worse things to the throat.” Caster glared at Ora, who was doing her best not to snicker.
“More to the point,” Phoenix’s monotone broke through Otis’s pity party, “what’s the plan for today?”
“Well,” Taunic’s deep voice always gave Phoenix some comfort. “Caster’s injuries are healing quite well, he should be fully recovered in a day or two. So I put the offer on the table of, well, just relaxing?” Phoenix looked at everyone who nodded.
“I wouldn’t mind trying these so-called ‘world famous’ hotsprings,” Henna said, downing the last of her tea.
“Oh, the professor finally lets her hair down?” Ora raised an eyebrow at Henna.
“If you want to see me in a swimsuit, all you have to do is ask.” Henna once again deadpanned as Ora’s face turned to the same lovely shade of ruby.
“I wouldn’t mind just walking around, this place reminds me of the Peaklands… just way hotter.” Teara said, finishing a protein shake.
“Oh, ya, we’ve got plenty of nature trails, just stick to the paths and signs and you won’t get los’,” Otis grinned, Phoenix had to admit, she rather see their dancer smiling then have his face painted with guilt.
“Well then, seems everyone has their plans; as for me, catching up on some sleep should do me well.” Taunic yawned as he slung his pack over his shoulder.
“I can keep our eyes open for any more of those creeps trying to hurt Phee,” Angus offered as Caster reached over and rested his hand on his tail.
“My fluffy friend, I’m going to need some nice cuddles if I want to get better.” His voice was calm, but Phoenix could read the guilt slowly creeping on Caster’s face. Even four months later, Caster had not forgiven himself for Angus and Taunic being attacked by street thugs. Angus paused for a moment or two then nodded.
“All... alright, if it will help?”
“Then we all have plans?” Otis nodded as his eyes landed on Phoenix. For her part, she shoved more eggs into her mouth as the rest of the travelers began to head out.
---
Teara found herself staring at Phoenix after everyone had left. A part of her would have loved to see the look on Ora’s face when Henna came out of the room dressed in a swimsuit that showed off the best parts of her body, but Teara’s thoughts always kept landing on Phoenix. Something truly awful must have happened to her before they met, and after that last crazy Bishop nearly ran Phoenix clean through with a dagger, leaving behind a large scar on her right thigh…
“What, is there something on my face?” Phoenix’s voice broke Teara out of her thoughts.
“No, Just thinking as always.” Teara stood up, walked over and sat across from Phoenix.
“Oh, about what?” Phoenix looked at anywhere except Teara, lest she find herself distracted by her big dark purple eyes, the way the corners of her eyes crinkle when she smiles, or the way she could no doubt sweep her off her feet if…
“I’ve been thinking of what everyone had gone through, before we met.” Teara admitted, resting her hand on her white hair. “Cass has been through it, he hardly talks to anyone outside of our little group.”
Phoenix nodded, shoving her tray away.
“Have you thought of asking him?” Phoenix questioned, but still refused to look at Teara.
“Maybe, it just feels a little too… personal; after all we’ve only known one another for like, half a year now?”
Six months is a short and long time, Phoenix thought as she finished her grape juice.
“By chance, are any of your thoughts about me?” Phoenix looked into Teara’s eyes for the first time this whole conversation. Teara’s face grew red as she looked away.
“...Yeah, honestly.” Teara whispered. “Something happened, and I, I just want to help however I can…”
Phoenix would have laughed if it was anyone else. Sure, Otis was a hopeful idiot but he was damn stubborn when it came to helping folks. And yet… Teara seemed to be just as or even more stubborn.
“It’s a long and sad story…” Phoenix mumbled.
“I figured as much, but no pressure.” Teara reached out her free hand tentatively and rested it on Phoenix’s hand.
“Maybe, maybe one day…” Phoenix hated how quickly shame seemed to fill her heart. Why couldn’t she tell anyone her problems? She had told a crew of strangers, but then again she was more than confident that she would never see those people again. Yet now, a kind lady offered to take some of her heavy burden…
“Hey,” Teara’s voice was impossibly kind and gentle. “These kinds of things take time. Just, I’ll be here if you ever want to talk.”
Gods above she was so beautiful. I don’t deserve you Teara… Phoenix nodded, a small smile pulling at her lips. Just as she opened her mouth to say, well, anything, the sound of Ora babbling filled the room. Both women turned their heads to see Ora red as a tomato being dragged by Henna. Both were dressed in swimsuits, but Phoenix would be lying if her eyes didn’t linger on Henna’s body.
“Damn…” Teara breathed, seeing the professor in a new light, and Phoenix had to agree.
“Good luck, Ora,” Phoenix mused as the two women headed to the back of the building for the hotspring.
---
Later that night...
“Otis, how do I go about…” Phoenix started nervously as she walked up to him as he was digging through his pack. He paused looking at her.
“Go about wha’?” Otis smirked, seemingly knowing what Phoenix would ask.
“...Um, hooking up?”
Otis spluttered and coughed. Clearly he was not expecting that. “Phee, the fuck?”
Phoenix’s face burned as she fiddled with her sleeve. “Well, it’s been a while and…”
Otis sighed, shaking his head. “Listen, I get we have itches to scratch but why here?”
Phoenix shrugged as her blush died down.
“I just... need a distraction from a lot of things.”
“Oh, so just ‘cuz I’m the charmer, I know how to get the charms on anyone huh?” Otis asked in mock hurt.
“...Yes…” Phoenix replied simply, already beginning to regret her life choices.
Otis once again sighed… “Listen as long as youse safe about it, sleep with whomever, just promise you’ll be careful?”
Phoenix nodded, feeling butterflies start to dance in her stomach.
“Alright, and sorry if I reacted like that, let’s get ya a nice lady friend for tonight!” Otis barked out a laugh as he took Phoenix by the hand to the tavern.
---
“Why am I doing this again?” Phoenix asked, suddenly aware of her coin purse.
“You asked to help ya meet a special lady friend.” Otis smirked, running his hand up and down the karaoke machine. Phoenix’s eyes landed on the Leaf shape slot on it…
“I just know songs to the Flamebringer.” She hissed as Otis popped a few Leaves into the machine.
“Just impress them with yer Heavenly singing.”
Phoenix tried to protest, but then her eyes spotted Teara sitting at a table by herself. To Phoenix’s horror, she was staring back.
“Shut up, buck up and do it.” Otis laughed as soon as he followed Phoenix’s gaze.
“You set me up?” Phoenix snarled.
“Set up is such a unkind thing to say. I prefer ‘helpful meddling.’”
Phoenix was about to retort, but then the music started and the last thing she needed was the wrong type of attention on her.
Well deep end it is… Phoenix thought. She began to sway slightly with the music as she held the microphone up to her mouth, a confident look started to show. Teara knew she began to like this side of Phoenix as she began to sing and it was as if all the noise died down to let Phoenix’s song be heard throughout the tavern.
“They say… You know, when you know- So let’s face it.” Phoenix began to dance as she sang, the tavern now had her undivided attention.
“You had me at hello.” Phoenix’s robes seemed to shift in the middle of her strides, shifting from black and yellow robes to a long black dress with yellow trimming. Teara’s mouth fell open, her drink now forgotten as she took in the sight.
“Hesitation never helps,” Phoenix’s hair burned in blue fire for a moment only to be straightened and braided with… purple roses! Teara felt her heart rate begin to quicken. Those... those were her favorite flowers.
“How could this be anything, anything else-?”
Phoenix moved to the center of the stage moving in a three point half circle as she continued to belt her heart out.
“All I dream of is your eyes, all I long for is your touch, and darling, something tells me that’s enough, MMM- You can say that I’m a fool and I don’t know very much… but I think they call this love-!”
Phoenix made several spins around the stage before aligning, perfectly center stage. Her ratty boots turned into a pair of heeled boots, one black, one purple. Teara started pushing through the crowd, trying to get closer to the stage, to get closer to the angel singing, to get closer to Phoenix.
“One smile, one kiss, two lonely hearts is all that it takes! Now baby, you’re on my mind, every night, every day; good vibrations getting loud!” Phoenix stepped closer to the edge of the stage, only a few centimeters stood between her and Teara and as a result, Phoenix put more effort into the song.
“How could this be anything, anything else-?”
“All I dream of is your eyes, all I long for is your touch, and darling, something tells me that’s enough, MMM- You can say that I’m a fool and I don’t know very much… but I think they call this love-!”
The music faded as the tavern erupted into applause and cheers. Phoenix and Teara stared into one another’s eyes. Big purple eyes met orange and blue as both women smiled.
“Otis set me up…” they both mumbled. They looked in the corner of the tavern to see Otis making a break for it!
Teara held out her hand, as Phoenix’s smile grew larger. She nodded as she leapt from the stage and into Teara’s arms.
“Hey there, pretty lady.” Teara leaned forward and whispered into Phoenix’s ear as she giggled. An honest to gods giggle!
“Speak for yourself,” Phoenix’s eyes sparkled as Teara carefully placed her down. “Sooo, care for a dance?” Teara did not reply. Instead, she took one of Phoenix’s hands in hers and placed one hand on Phoenix’s hip. The rest of the night was a blur…
---
Phoenix blinked her eyes open as she felt someone nuzzle into her.
“Good morning…” Teara’s horse voice greeted her. To Phoenix’s credit, she smiled nuzzling her as well.
“Did, anything… happen?” Phoenix’s voice quivered.
“Nah, we were both tired and just kissed… I mean a lot of kissing, and then we cuddled for an hour and fell asleep.” Teara grin grew, “Why, did you want something to happen?” Teara batted her eyelashes.
“You wish, Warrior…” Phoenix chuckled as Teara pouted. “Thanks, for making me feel safe…”
“Hey, I’m here to respect your boundaries. Besides I’d say we both had a good night… We’re still killing Otis, right?”
Phoenix closed her eyes and snuggled into Teara’s neck. “Later. For now… more snuggles, maybe some more kisses. If... if that’s ok…” Phoenix was cut off by Teara gently pulling Phoenix into another round of passionate kisses.
Maybe, I can have good things in my life? Phoenix grinned, her thoughts melting only to thoughts of Teara’s lips on her own.