7/26/14
Towards the end of CH27 of my Nephenee x Heather story Cerulean Gold. Heather asks Tanith and Sigrun about how they got together.
In the simplest way: this is the story they tell.
Originally to be a oneshot I decided to divide the 15K+ story into 3 parts.
Love is in the Air
Tanith: It is a rather long story but I can see from your expressions that you're alright with that. So let me start at the beginning…before the Mad King's War.
Heather: That long ago eh?
Tanith: Indeed. At that point I'd already risen through the ranks to become Deputy Commander of the Holy Guard. Sigrun also acknowledged me as a friend.
Sigrun: Though it would be a while yet before anything else came of it.
Nephenee: You two have been together for much longer than I would've guessed.
Tanith: Years of bliss…anyway…I'll start in the barracks of the Holy Guard, early one morning before the recruits arrived to train.
"Commander."
"Tanith…you know, you don't always have to refer to me as Commander."
"I am your subordinate."
"You're my second in command. Sigrun is fine, this isn't the first time I've told you this."
Tanith nodded, it was true. Sigrun made it a point to repeat the request and that was exactly what Tanith had wanted.
The woman knew that Sigrun was unaware of any feelings Tanith might have for her but Tanith was confident that being on a personal name basis despite their positions was a good thing for her.
"Sigrun. I've already taken the liberty of preparing the Pegasi for today's training…hopefully all the recruits arrive on time."
As Sigrun walked past her she observed the barracks from her office "You're always so…consistent. It really has gotten better running things around here with you."
Tanith bowed "Of course. Thank you, Sigrun."
"Now, now, no need to be so formal, I get enough of that…trust me."
The pair walked outside where their Pegasi were waiting. Sigrun looked at Tanith who just smirked "The recruits aren't going to arrive in time and I know how much you enjoy a quick flight. I'm not imposing if I offer to come along am I?"
Sigrun shook her head and smiled "Of course not Tanith, I'd love to have you along."
As they mounted their steeds, Tanith thought of Sigrun's words. Everyone knew of Sigrun's status as a member of House Mierre, despite her elegance Sigrun, at least to her father, was somewhat rebellious. She wanted to live her life her way but her father was determined to tie House Mierre to the other powerful Begnion houses, to do so he was hoping to arrange a marriage for his daughter but-
"Tanith? Are you alright?"
Looking up the brown haired woman raised an eyebrow "What?" She quickly realized that she had spaced out and was flying rather slowly.
"Looks like someone needs this trip just as much as I. What's on your mind Tanith?"
Resisting the answer she exhaled roughly "Nothing really…"
Sigrun tilted her head "You always ask me about my day; how I spend my time…it's fair to say I'd like to know the same thing about you. I never really thought much about what you do after our work day concludes and I am sorry for that."
"Not at all…I don't have much of a personal life…though I receive letters from my parents telling me how proud they are…ever since I attained my position so close to serving the Apostle and so high among the Holy Guard…I'm glad that they're forever proud of me."
Sigrun smiled, it was good to hear that Tanith's parents were so happy with her. Feeling a slight bit of envy Sigrun couldn't help but laugh at herself which caused Tanith to look her way.
"You'd think being one of the Apostle's personal confidants and leader of the Holy Guards would put me in the good graces of my father…"
Tanith watched as Sigrun's expression changed before becoming distant, looking over the horizon.
Flying closer, Tanith reached across from her Pegasus and touched Sigrun's shoulder snapping the other woman back to reality.
"You've done well. I don't understand why your father can't see it but I can. You're very devoted to everything you do…"
Tanith wanted to say more but decided against it "Thank you Tanith. We should head back."
After exchanging nods the pair turned and flew back towards the barracks.
Nephenee: I'd like to meet your parents, Tanith.
Tanith: They're nothing remarkable or unique…just my mother and father.
Nephenee: That makes them remarkable and unique to me.
Tanith: Thank you, Nephenee.
"Tanith, ma'am!"
Turning to the recruit she remained silent "The barracks are clean and the Pegasi are away, anything else you require of me?"
"No Marsha, that is all…and a very impressive time. Keep it that way."
"Yes ma'am!"
After the knight left Tanith began walking away from the barracks, she had already bid her Pegasus farewell so all was good.
As she hit the main road and began her walk home she felt someone approach "Sigrun."
"How can you tell?"
Turning to face her, she smirked "You're rather light on your feet and carry a particular scent."
"Sharp nosed, are you sure you don't have Laguz blood in you?"
Tanith shook her head "Of course not, I'm just very aware. I assume you are heading back to the Mainal Cathedral as well?"
"Yes…you wouldn't mind if I accompanied you."
"Of course not Sigrun…stay close though the night can be…"
Tanith lost her train of thought as Sigrun moved closer. She was never one to be flustered but she'd been harboring feelings for Sigrun for far longer than she cared to admit. Having her so close to her was…comforting.
Heather: Did Tanith ever get flustered after that?
Sigrun: I can think of a few times.
Heather: Really?
Tanith: Ahem, that is skipping too far ahead.
Heather: Right, sorry.
A few days later
"Tanith. What do you think of these? Too much?"
"Never Apostle."
Sanaki sighed "I know you feel you shouldn't give your honest opinion but-"
"The first one is too long, the second is too dark…perhaps a different choice would suffice."
Sanaki laughed to herself "There we go. Thank you Tanith."
"Of course…is that all?"
As Sanaki put the robes away she nodded, there was a special Calling of the Houses scheduled in a few week and she was preparing herself. The tasks were normally very arduous but having Tanith, Sigrun or Sephiran along was always a good thing.
"Are you needed elsewhere, Tanith?"
"No Apostle, if you require me here-"
"Tanith. Do you want to leave?"
"…Apostle…I would like to. Yes."
Sanaki smiled "That is one of my favorite things about you Tanith. You're stern, unshakeable and independent. I don't intend to treat you like a slave and make you do things you don't want to do but I hope you know I enjoy your company."
"Thank you Apostle…perhaps I will stay for a bit more, if it pleases you."
After another session of preparation Sanaki was called by Sephiran to a meeting, leaving Tanith to herself.
The Falco Knight had to admit it was odd not seeing Sigrun around the Cathedral.
As she prepared to search for the woman a man approached her "You there, where might I find Sigrun of the Holy Guards?"
Tanith eyed the man, noble no doubt. What did he want Sigrun for?
"I do not know."
"You are required to tell me if you know, understand?"
"Hmph, I understand but I do not know. Excuse me."
Ignoring whatever he called out after her she departed.
Sure enough her first stop, the gardens, she found Sigrun sitting on a bench smiling at nothing.
Tanith remained still watching her from afar. "How laughable must I look right now? The stern, cold hearted and cruel second in command of the Holy Guards…fawning over another woman."
Shaking her head she laughed lightly, causing Sigrun to turn.
"Tanith! How-"
"Ah! I found you!"
Tanith turned as the same noble moved past her "Sigrun of House Mierre!"
"Bachstail…why are you here?"
"Is this man bothering you?" Tanith stated moving forward.
"It's of no concern, please leave us."
Tanith was about to say something when she realized the voice telling her to leave was Sigrun's.
Holding her tongue she nodded and after a curt bow, left.
Sigrun: Oh…I'd…I'd forgotten about that…
Tanith: …
Sigrun: I've probably apologized before but-
Tanith: It's fine. It was a long time ago…and you weren't wrong, it didn't have anything to do with me…
Heather: But you proceeded to make it your business?
Tanith: Yes. Yes, I did.
"Again!"
"But Tanith-"
"Don't back talk! Again!"
Sighing Marcia mounted her steed and took off to perform several more aerial flips.
Spotting the slightest error, Tanith called her down again and scolded her.
Marcia sighed "Ma'am…I've been at this-"
"And you still haven't got it!"
Marcia looked up "I know you're always the forceful one…but now you're just being cruel! What's gotten into you?"
"Excuse me? Do you know who you are addressing?"
"Yeah! A big meanie stupid head!"
With that Marcia stomped away, pursued by Tanith rather quickly "Get back here!"
As the Falco Knight reached out Marcia took off around a corner.
Tanith followed after her but upon turning the corner the Pegasus Knight was nowhere to be seen.
"Marcia! I swear! Get back here or there will be massive consequences!"
As Tanith continued screaming for her she walked past a somewhat inconspicuous hay bale hiding the aforementioned pink haired Pegasus Knight.
Nephenee: Marcia told us that story once.
Tanith: Did she?
Heather: Though from her recollection she clearly had no idea about your stress over Sigrun…for being a student of both of yours for a while I'm amazed she didn't pick up on it.
Sigrun: Well she did leave prior to the war.
Tanith: Either way. I eventually gave up looking for her…
Sitting alone in the barracks, Tanith sighed she didn't mean to work Marcia so hard but it distracted her from the uncomfortable feelings swirling inside her over Sigrun's abrupt dismissal of her.
"She never pulls rank on me…it may not have been my business but…"
Sighing she began to laugh at herself internally "Once again…here I sit depressed over another woman…if people could hear these thoughts I'd lose my entire reputation…it's sad really."
"Tanith? You're still here? Everyone else has already gone."
Tanith turned to see Sigrun "Oh…yes I suppose I should be dismissed as well…I shouldn't be in your presence."
Standing Tanith walked past Sigrun.
"Tanith? Are you alright? Tanith?"
Without turning the Falco Knight muttered "I'm fine. I'll see you tomorrow, Sigrun."
Sigrun watched her go with some concern on her face. Tanith looked…sad…something Sigrun didn't see much from the other woman.
The next day brought yet another regiment of Pegasus Knights to the barracks for training.
As Tanith ran them through the drills, Sigrun sat in her office looking over several applications.
Strangely enough she couldn't focus on the work, her gaze moving to the window, through which she saw Tanith marching near the recruits no doubt yelling at them about something. A smile came to her face, her work forgotten she continued watching Tanith, not completely certain why and not noticing Marcia walk into her office.
"Uh…Sigrun?"
"Hm? Oh! Marcia! Yes, how can I help you?"
Marcia looked out the window, seeing Tanith working the recruits. Was Sigrun looking at her or…?
Shaking her head and casting it aside she spoke "Some guys showed up to the barracks-"
"More debtors? Honestly Marcia-"
"No…they say they're from House Regulus…some guy named Bachstail asked to see you."
Sigrun sighed deeply "Is everything alright ma'am?"
"Everything is fine, tell them to come here."
Heather: Is that guy still around?
Sigrun: Bachstail of House Regulus? No.
Tanith: Don't look at me like that, we'll get to it.
Outside Tanith spotted Marcia slinking back to the barracks, narrowing her eyes Tanith began moving after her only to see the same man from the day before emerge.
"Bachstail was it? What brings you to the Holy Guards Training Barracks?"
"None of your concern."
"I am Deputy Commander of the Holy Guard; I'm making it my concern. We can't have any visitors while training is in session, if you have an urgent matter-"
"What was your name again?"
"Tanith."
"Well Tanith, go back to your recruits and stop interjecting yourself into others' business."
As Tanith prepared to speak she noticed Sigrun. Clenching her fists she turned and left hearing Bachstail say "That's right, keep walking."
Clenching her teeth she fought the urge to turn back and deck the man.
During the knights' lunch, Tanith sat alone. Normally she sat with Sigrun and listened to the latter's stories, happy that she was so willing to share things about herself but Sigrun was nowhere in sight.
"Tanith."
Looking to her side she spotted Marcia "If you are here to apologize for skipping the last half of yesterday-"
"Are you really going to become the new commander of the Holy Guards?"
"…what?"
"Well…it's a rumor I've been hearing and I just want to know if it's true or not…not that I'd do anything stupid like…leaving after your inauguration."
"Why would I be promoted?"
Marcia shuffled her feet "I don't know…something about Sigrun marrying some rich dude from Regulus…I mean…she can't lead us if she's married to that fancy Duke or Lord or whatever he is…dumb rule but-"
"She's…getting married?"
Marcia noticed the change in Tanith's face, whatever expression she wore now the Pegasus Knight never saw before.
"It's just a rumor around…I just…uh…don't yell at me!"
Not receiving a response, Marcia excused herself.
Tanith had seen plenty of men come calling for Sigrun, most were sent by Sigrun's father but the woman turned them all down. Bachstail seemed to be much more persistent, she noticed him around the camp for several days, effectively keeping her away from Sigrun.
Finally one night Tanith made her way to Sigrun's office only to find the woman was not there.
"Marriage…why am I overthinking this? She's been approached so many times before…what could the difference be now?"
"Tanith?"
Turning she spotted Sigrun; before she could speak she noticed that the woman wore a very tired expression.
Quickly she approached her as Sigrun stumbled and caught her "Sigrun! Are you alright?"
"Just…tired…"
That wasn't true; it had to be more than that.
"It's Bachstail isn't it? His presence is stressing you out."
"No…it's not."
"Just say the word and I'll-"
"Don't do anything…Tanith…I can handle this."
Tanith cursed internally "At least let me walk you back to the Cathedral."
"I have work-"
"Not tonight."
Tanith watched as Sigrun looked up at her, eyes locking Tanith felt her chest tighten. "Are you giving an order to a superior?"
"We are off duty as of five minutes ago. I'm making a request to a very special…friend."
Sigrun smiled and rested her head against Tanith's chest "Then let's go."
Thinking, Tanith remembered the men with Bachstail, no doubt they have been harassing Sigrun with forms and agreements to the union. She wished she could send them away…why did Sigrun want to handle this alone? Either way she was going to help her, as she tried to move Sigrun the knight nearly collapsed to the floor. She wasn't walking on her own.
"T-Tanith!"
Standing, Tanith now held Sigrun in her arms "Y-you…this-"
"You're far too tired to make the walk. I'll carry you out to my Pegasus and fly you back."
"Tanith…thank you."
"Hold on…tight."
Now on Tanith's Pegasus, Sigrun wrapped her arms around Tanith's waist. Taking to the sky, Tanith felt Sigrun rest her head against her back.
"You're a lot lighter than you look."
"Even with this armor on? Maybe you're just very strong."
Tanith smirked before looking back at Sigrun "I've never seen you so worn out…if you want to talk about it…"
"I…really don't…it's not fun."
"…I want to help."
Sigrun smiled "That's nice but…as long as my father desires more influence he'll keep trying to marry me off…he's treating me like an 18 year old…he knows I'd never do it so he's hoping to break me down…"
"What a-"
"He's still my father."
"It doesn't mean he can't be in the wrong…or a bastard."
"Tanith."
Sighing the brown haired woman eased on the reins as her Pegasus came to a stop, dismounting she took Sigrun back into her arms.
Opening her heavy eyes she looked at Tanith "Again…thank you."
Reaching the commander's room, Tanith helped her out of her armor; once Sigrun lay on the bed she instantly fell asleep.
Tanith stood there watching her; she didn't like seeing her like this. It wasn't right. What kind of father intentionally overstresses his own daughter hoping to break her?
"I can help her…I know I can…but…will she accept it?"
Tanith moved over to Sigrun running her hand over the latter's face, feeling the warmth. Kneeling down she pressed their foreheads together.
"Sigrun…sleep well."
Heather: Aww.
Nephenee: That's sweet.
Tanith: ….
Sigrun: Come now you two, you'll make Tanith blush.
Tanith: I will not. Anyway…we'll pick up the following morning.
Opening her eyes, Sigrun looked around recognizing her room but unable to recall how she got there.
Sitting up she stretched and yawned, before she could get out of bed Tanith appeared.
"Tanith? What are you-"
"I'm just here to make sure your properly rested. You may not remember but you were exhausted yesterday."
"I…don't but it sounds right."
Moving over to her Tanith pulled up a seat "Sigrun…"
"I know what you wish to ask about and I'd rather you didn't. I can handle it…really."
Tanith kept her eyes on Sigrun "I don't want to see you the way you were last night. So defeated…that's not the Sigrun I know…"
The commander looked away as Tanith stood "Stay here while I get you breakfast."
"But-"
"I'm going to handle the recruits today, you need to rest."
Sigrun remained silent as Tanith sighed "Please…let me do this for you."
After a short silence Sigrun smiled "Alright…thank you Tanith. Really, thank you…this means a lot."
About fifteen minutes passed before Tanith reentered the room with a plate of food.
"Please take it easy today. I'll be back later."
Sigrun took the plate and smiled "I will."
Heather: You can cook?
Sigrun: She can…try.
Tanith: At the time I wasn't…the best…though I was pleased to hear that Sigrun liked it even if it was mediocre.
Nephenee: And now?
Tanith: Thanks to Sigrun and Oscar.
Sigrun: Much better.
"Good. Keep up the formation!"
"Yes ma'am!"
Tanith paced the ground looking at the knights flying in unison above her. Keeping an eye out for any mistakes or areas that could be improved on. Her most intense focus was on Marcia, every once in a while she noticed fantastically crisp flying from Marcia and her steed. As rambunctious as the girl is she is clearly talented and has the skill to be one of the best.
"I wonder if this is how Sigrun felt about me as a student…"
After the recruits landed she approached Marcia "Well done up there."
"Really? Nothing too out of it?"
"Well…there is always room for improvement but you were the best in this group."
Marcia tilted her head "Are you alright Tanith?"
"It's a compliment. Take it."
"Y-yes ma'am!"
Turning away, Tanith smirked before moving to Sigrun's office, she was taking it upon herself to complete the commander's paperwork. The last thing she wanted was for Sigrun to come back tomorrow with two days of work. Right now she needs less stress in her life.
Upon opening the door she narrowed her eyes, spotting a vase with flowers on Sigrun's desk as well as a note with the crest of House Regulus.
Shaking her head she approached the gift, first instinct was to throw it over but she didn't like the idea of making a mess. Instead she picked it up and put it on the floor before sitting and getting to work.
"Tanith?"
"Hm?" Looking up she spotted Marsha and Marcia "What is it?"
"We're ready for late drills…we have no instructor for one of the divisions since Sigrun isn't here."
After Marsha finished Marcia spoke up "Where is Sigrun?"
"Marcia."
"Y-yes!"
"Lead the group."
Marcia and Marsha glanced at each other before the former looked back at Tanith "A-are you certain?"
"Yes. I've seen how you fly; you have some understanding of advanced maneuvering…just instruct them on that…on how you fly your Pegasus."
"I don't…I…a-alright. Yes ma'am. I will."
After they left, Tanith returned to her work. It was only a few minutes later that the door opened again.
"Marcia I said-"
"Where is Sigrun?"
Looking up her eyes landed on Bachstail.
"Not here…and neither should you be. You can't keep coming around the Holy Guards barracks, your distracting-"
"It doesn't matter. We're in talks of taking her from here. Now tell me, where is she?"
Standing Tanith approached the man "Think before you do anything to me, woman."
"My name is Tanith and I am acting Commander of the Holy Guard. I have ultimate authority over who is allowed on these premises and you have no right."
"What are you going to do? Arrest me?"
"If you do not leave. I will."
Bachstail narrowed his eyes "You don't know what you're doing, woman!"
"Yes I do. I'm protecting a friend."
Spitting Bachstail turned and left, slamming the door behind him.
Heather: Whoa…badass.
Sigrun: At the time I would've loved to be able to do that.
Nephenee: Why couldn't you? He wasn't listenin to the law…
Sigrun: It's this…ridiculous, unspoken…command of sorts that those with power are above the law.
Tanith: They aren't.
Sigrun: But because of their influence…those who try to limit their reach are met with unpleasant consequences.
Heather: Like losing their jobs and the like?
Sigrun: Yes.
"Well Marcia, how have-"
Tanith came to a stop; the recruits were all, for lack of a better word, lazing about.
Marcia was joking with a few of them before noticing Tanith and standing at attention "Commander!"
The rest of the group followed suit though that did not stop the ire from building within Tanith.
"Marcia…what is going on here?"
"Uh well…I did what you said. I told them about my flying technique…we did a few test runs, they all did pretty well so…"
"The point of drills is to run them to perfection not to satisfaction!"
"You put me in charge! Doesn't that make it my call?"
There were a few gasps from some of the recruits while others took a few steps back.
"Uh…I mean…I'm sorry…Commander."
Tanith waved the rest of the group away "Come with me, Marcia."
As the others went about wrapping for the day, Marcia walked aside with Tanith.
"I'm really, REALLY sorry about that Commander."
Tanith tapped her foot until Marcia's eyes finally met hers.
"I trusted you, Marcia."
"…"
"I just…I thought…this was my first day as acting Commander and I just tried something…and it didn't work."
"I-"
"If anything this is my fault for putting too much trust in you."
Marcia looked down at that. Tanith sighed and messaged the sides of her head. The paperwork and Bachstail tried her patience but this.
"Marcia. Just go, we'll work on everything tomorrow."
"I'm sorry Commander."
"…I do believe you have the skill to be a great Knight Marcia but you just need to…try…either way, get some rest and be ready for double drills tomorrow."
"Yes ma'am!"
As Marcia started to walk away, Tanith realized something "Marcia, could you do me a favor?"
"Ah…what?"
Telling her to wait a moment, Tanith returned to Sigrun's office and picked up the plant from House Regulus, throwing away the card before exiting.
"Take this."
"What is this?"
"I don't want to throw away fresh flowers so please."
"Do you have an admirer?"
"Good day, Marcia."
"Yes ma'am!"
After the young girl left Tanith returned to the stable to bid her Pegasus a good night before beginning the walk back to Mainal Cathedral.
When you have the ability to fly whenever you wish you take walking for granted. Tanith actually enjoys the additional activity in her day. Thinking about Sigrun waiting back at the Cathedral she allowed a small smile to come over her lips before quickening her pace.
Nephenee: I feel bad for Marcia…I mean; I know she didn't do what you told her to but…
Tanith: Going back to it now…so do I. She and I are on much better terms nowadays at least. I've asked Elincia about her service as a Crimean Royal Knight and she had nothing but good things to say.
Sigrun: Marcia had a good teacher.
Tanith: Elincia told me the same thing.
Heather: You two should spend some time together as well. It wouldn't hurt to let her know how you feel about her now.
Tanith: …it wouldn't.
Sigrun: If we're ever in Crimea we'll look her up.
Nephenee: Sounds good.
"Sigrun?" Tanith raised an eyebrow as she knocked on Sigrun's door.
"Over here."
Turning, she smiled, the other woman was in her room now.
"Why did you move over there?"
As Tanith entered her room, Sigrun closed the door "I thought that some…suitors would come check my room if they found out I wasn't at the barracks."
"Smart." Tanith stated with a nod before sitting down and tapping the spot next to her.
As Sigrun walked over to her and sat down, Tanith eyed her closely. She didn't see her out of her armor regularly. Most of their time spent together was on duty so it makes sense.
Casually dressed in light green she seemed like a completely different person.
"Did you get enough rest today, Sigrun?"
"Yes…thank you, I feel much better…I hope you didn't have a hard time doing both our jobs…unless, I mean-"
"It's alright. I didn't want you to come back to an overloaded desk tomorrow so I did everything for you. It's not an easy job, I can't help but gain more respect for you after trying it for one day and don't you dare say it's nothing!"
Sigrun smiled warmly, Tanith wanted nothing more than to pull her closer but she knew it was far too soon.
"Tanith…truly, thank you for today…it gives me huge joy knowing how much you care about me…"
"I said it before, your special to me."
Looking over to the kitchen, Tanith asked "Hungry?"
Sigrun thought of this morning, Tanith's food wasn't…bad but-
"It was terrible wasn't it…I'm sorry I-"
"No! No! It was…unique…and besides it was the thought that counts…if anything let me cook for you as thanks."
"She wants to…cook for me?"
"Tanith?"
Seeing a smile on Tanith's face, Sigrun couldn't help but giggle "That looks great on you."
"Well, I still want to help you so I'll go with you to the kitchen, just instruct me so I don't…mess anything up."
Standing the pair moved to the kitchen.
Tanith: So, where did you learn to cook?
Sigrun: Picked it up from my mother…she loved making meals for everyone back home.
Tanith: Sounds nice.
Sigrun: It was…the times around the dinner table were some of the best when I was younger. Everyone was just so happy, especially my father…he loved her with all his heart.
Tanith: My dinner table wasn't quite like that.
Sigrun: It wasn't?
Tanith: I was surrounded by three brothers, everything was far more rambunctious. I'm sure there was none of that in a noble home?
Sigrun: Not really, but it sounds delightful.
Tanith: In its own way, I suppose it was.
Sigrun: Don't drop that!
Tanith: I'm not going to drop it…what do you take me for?
Seeing the odd look in Sigrun's eyes, Tanith looked away slowly only for Sigrun to bump her with her hip. As Tanith stumbled the egg left her grasp, acting quickly she caught it with her other hand and turned to Sigrun who just laughed.
Rolling her eyes and sighing, Tanith smiled.
Sitting down, the pair began eating. Tanith's eyes widened "This is…fantastic…"
"I couldn't have done it without you."
Smiling Tanith took another bite before glancing at Sigrun "So, did you have any problems Commanding the Holy Guard today?"
Tanith shook her head "The instructors didn't ask about you when I came in alone, they just took the orders as I gave them."
"Knowing you, they probably didn't want to ask."
Skipping over the Bachstail incident, Tanith told her about Marcia.
"My…such harsh words."
Tanith sighed "She has the ability to become one of the best knights of the Guard. I want to help her realize it but she's too…"
Sigrun smiled "She seems to be the opposite of you in that sense. You are both inherently talented and strong individuals but she does not have your fierce drive…or maybe…it's because she doesn't have something to be driven for."
Tanith raised an eyebrow as Sigrun continued "Most people have a goal or a reason to become what they want to be. Why did you want to become the Deputy Commander of the Holy Guard? I'm sure you could take my job if you-"
"No!"
Sigrun fell silent as Tanith apologized "Doing your job today, I don't think I'd want that position…and I enjoy working close to you. I'm fine where I am."
Sigrun nodded at that "I see…"
After a few bites, Sigrun thought of something "Did anyone come to the barracks looking for me?"
At Tanith's silence Sigrun reached across the table and put a hand on her arm "Tanith."
Looking up, their eyes locked. Tanith nodded "Yes. Bachstail came by…but I sent him on his way."
"…"
"He has no right or reason to keep coming to the barracks. There are rules for a reason."
Sigrun nodded before returning to her food "I just…I just wanted to help Sigrun, I didn't want you to worry about it which is why I didn't mention it…I wouldn't keep something important from you…"
Smiling, Sigrun thanked her.
After the meal, Sigrun stood on the balcony looking out over Begnion. The moon, caught her attention and brought a smile to her face.
"Sigrun."
Turning the woman spotted Tanith with two wine glasses filled with bright red liquid. The brown haired woman held one out to her.
"My, if I didn't know any better I'd say that tonight was a stay at home date between the two of us." Still with that wondrous smile, Sigrun took the glass and tapped it against Tanith's.
"How I wish I could answer that with what I really want to say…"
Tanith took a sip "That would be…"
Trailing off, she continued to stare at Sigrun's profile.
"I can practically feel your eyes on me…what is it?"
Turning away, Tanith shook her head "Nothing."
"Tanith…truly thank you again for today. I don't think I've felt this relaxed in a long while."
Tanith stood in front of Sigrun, the latter about to leave her room. Deciding on her course of action she nodded to herself "Sigrun!"
"Yes?"
"…I'd love to this again sometime…just…be together and talk."
Sigrun turned completely to face Tanith "I…"
She wasn't sure, was it fine? She had to admit there was an oddly pleasant feeling inside her the whole night she was with Tanith.
Smiling she approached Tanith and took one of her hands in her own "I too would not mind spending a bit more time together in the future."
After a short silence and a brief moment of looking into each other's eyes Sigrun broke away and left the room "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
"Aw…that was nice." Nephenee stated with a smile.
Sigrun was now laying her head against Tanith "Thinking back…that night was a date in everything but name…I really enjoyed it, just Tanith and I speaking to each other as women and companions as opposed to our status as commanders. It felt…nice."
Tanith kissed the top of Sigrun's head before looking at Heather "Though it doesn't really count as our first official date."
"Which is what I asked for…but if you feel that this is a good stopping point."
Tanith shook her head "It's not that…thinking about that has honestly got me a bit hungry."
Nephenee agreed "It has been a while."
Sigrun stood "Well, I can make us a late night snack before we continue. Is that alright with everyone?"
The group nodded before Sigrun turned to Nephenee "Would you like to help me?"
"O-of course!"
As they left, Heather's eyes moved to the ring on Tanith's finger.
"I can't wait to hear about your proposal."
"We won't get that far tonight…"
"…"
"Don't worry Heather, the right words will present themselves. Deep down you already know what to say."
After several minutes Nephenee and Sigrun returned, each holding a plate with a sort of pastry ball filled with fruit.
As Sigrun sat down she leaned over and kissed Tanith, "You and your fruit."
"Meat is the last thing we need this late at night."
Tanith rolled her eyes before kissing Sigrun back.
Heather laughed "C'mon you two!"
As Nephenee leaned against Heather, Tanith took a bite out of her orb of fruit "Now…where were we?"