Reflections of a pleasant past flickered through her mind at the sound. As she faced her guest, Vika's beady eyes soon found their way to the source of the voice; a pure-white wolf, her coat shining radiantly in the glow of the moon as alabaster fur gently swayed in the wind.

However, as soon as the wolf appeared, it began to disappear, the new laguz gradually assuming a more humanoid form.

Sharp claws began to form slender fingers and the beautiful white coat was quickly replaced with a wild shade of brown, which reminded her of the endless sands of the Grann Desert. As the transformation came to an end, Vika was greeted with the sight of a beautiful woman, her purple hair pleasantly nostalgic of the white wolf's coat and long, exotic flaps of fabric concealing her left eye.

Nailah. She looked just as gorgeous and radiant as when they first met.

Snapping out of her daze, the raven jumped violently as she was suddenly graced with the presence of object of her desires, purple hair flowing softly in the meadow air. With a smirk, she slowly made her way over to raven, plopping down right next to Vika with an airy sigh, their arms meeting in the faintest of brushes.

''N-N-Nailah! Wha-Why are you here?!'' she squeaked as a familiar, musky, scent tingled in her nose.

''I was going to ask you the same thing, bird.'' the wolf breathed, playfully flicking the raven on the shoulder. ''I couldn't properly enjoy myself without the feeling of a certain, sexy, laguz by my side.''

A hot blush burned on her face. It felt like it had been years since her face had heated from one of Nailah's teasing quips. Against her wishes, her lips gradually turned upwards as her heart danced with taboo. She didn't mind it this time.

''Y-You are too bold, your majesty.'' she smirked through her blush, hand covering her face in an attempt to hide her giddiness. ''Surely there was a treasure chest of attractive cats at the festival. Are your hands that desperate for my skin, oh wolf queen of Hatari?'' leaning in seductively towards the woman.

Vika's heart sang as she saw a tiny patch of red travel across the Hatarian's cheeks, Nailah fidgeting slightly before playfully dragging a thin finger down the length of the raven's neck, inciting both giggles and shudders. ''Hmph, do you not recall your courtships during the Crimean festival nor your needy hands whenever I comfort you? If I am desperate for your skin, then you are addicted to my touch.''

A lively squeal sparked out of the raven's throat as she abruptly felt Nailah's antsy fingertips run across her abdomen, tickling the flighty raven. The ensuing battle was filled with frantic laughter as the two traded tingling blows, finally ending when the two fell exhausted against the tree trunk, mirthful pants warming the air. The night sky paraded its glory in full this evening. Stars glimmered like sky-bound diamonds against a entrancing sea of black. Dust swirls could be seen in their complete lustre as they painted a dazzling picture to been appreciated thousands of leagues away.

''This is just like when we first met, eh?'' the wolf sighed, eyes trained on the moon. ''Man, it felt like ages ago.''

Vika calmed her breathing down before flashing a happy grin, following the wolf's gaze. ''Mm, yeah, if only I knew what I was getting myself into, I would have stayed in my tent.'' she joked, getting a miffed elbow to the ribs in response. Her eyes took a softer tone, though, as she inched closer to her friend, blades of grass teasing her skin as she moved. ''Hehe, but seriously. I loved every moment of our time together, Nailah. I'll...I'll treasure them for the rest of my life, even after you...you go back to Hatari. Thank you.''

Nailah produced a soft hum as Vika rested her head on her shoulder. She was still for a moment, eyes wordlessly drinking in the form of the raven slumped against her body. Vika then felt a warm, calloused hand find its way into her palm. She then blushed as she felt the accompanying nuzzle of the wolf queen's head against her hair, sending goosebumps racing down her spine. ''Hm, I loved it too, Vika. I'll never forget you either, my precious, little bird.''

Vika bit back the tears that threatened to leak through her eyes. Why did Ashera taunt her so? Every moment she spent with Nailah made it hurt that much more when she thought about their inevitable departure. Yet, Nailah's smiling face was impossible to resist. She didn't care about the pain right now, didn't care about any aspects of saying goodbye to the holder of her heart. Right now she just wanted to be held by strong, comforting arms, brown like the endless expenses of the desert. She just wanted Nailah.

''Give me some more memories, your majesty. Indulge me for a little while.'' she whispered, savouring the feeling of her queen's smooth skin.

A small smile formed on the Hatarian's lips, wrapping a lock of the raven's jet, black, hair around her finger. ''...Yeah. Yeah, I can do that.''

Thus, as the stars shone brightly above them, the two woman made memories one more time, the wind sheltering them in its embrace. They reminisced about the journeys they had, whether it be extravagant dances in the air while the sunset washed over them, or a quiet night in the castle town, enjoying a cup of tea underneath the moonlight. They shared secrets with each other, quirks from their past or fun little tidbits of their personality, quickly followed by teasing jeers. Vika relished in it all, her heart blooming with bliss as she spent time with the woman who made her life worth living. Seeing the crease of her cheeks as she smiled, the jingle in the air as she laughed. It sparked her senses to life.

'So this is what it feels like to be love. Heh, I wish I had recognized it earlier.'

As Vika swooned in the queen's arms, the two talking the night away, conversation once again drifted back to Nailah's stories of Hatari. The raven's eyes lit up with that familiar curiosity as the wolf queen began to recount stories of her experiences as the Lodestar and her dealings with the other rulers of Hatari.

''So we were in the middle of some stupid meeting amongst the leaders discussing some odd reports about zombies or something. Then, all of a sudden, right in the goddamn middle of Treshunara's speech, a loud, lusty, moan blasts through the room, so exotic that the ice dragon envoy almost fainted.''

The story was momentarily paused by its teller's sudden laughter, hugging her bare stomach in hilarity The raven grinned through her blush, amused by her friend's childish sense of humour as the two leaned back on each other beneath the shade of the oak, hands still intwined.

''Room was dead silent after that. Treshy still had his mouth open, frozen mid-speech, while dad looked like he was gonna have a heart attack. Everyone in the room was giving each other nervous looks while fidgeting like twigs in the wind. Of course, I was the only one who knew what was going on. My nose can pick out the scent of a flower in a perfume shop.''

''Y-You could smell the scent of...''

''Yep. In all this raunchy glory.'' the wolf sighed, a light tinge of red on her face. ''They were in the supply closet of the meeting room, smelling like bitches in heat. Even if they had decided to stop their bustling, the smell didn't leave much to the imagination.'' she miffed, twitching her nose.

''But here's the kicker. Before I could even say a word, Henu, the ox queen, comes barging into the room, late as always and piss drunk. The dumb cow then starts looking for a chair in her haste and, honest to Naga, she rips the door to the closet straight off its hinges.''

Vika braced herself as a perverted grin seeped into the wolf's face. ''Huddled together in a pile of torn off clothes and shame, was the vulture queen and owl king, looking like deers in torchlight. Pft, oh man, it was the craziest thing that ever happened in that stuffy room. All the manaketes and oldies shot straight out of their rockers. Me and Henu just about wet ourselves laughing while those two feathered exhibitioners burned a hole through the ground. Ha, meetings were always awkward after that.''

The raven's hair frizzled and mouth stammered as Nailah finished her saucy tale, the Hatarian looking oddly proud of herself. ''W-What the hell was that! All of the things you could tell me about in Hatari, you tell me about two people getting it on?!'' she shrieked, feeling strangely uncomfortable.

''My, my, why so angry, bird?'' the wolf teased, a frustratingly sly flair to her expression. ''Is it the story you're flustered about or your...inexperience.''

Vika shrunk as the leering wolf loomed sleazily over the raven, her face burning with embarrassment. Vika had never really had to time to deal with such base desires. After being freed, she would sometimes feel a mild physical attraction to some of the men and women in the Emancipation Army, but none which she wished to pursue. Hearing the Hatarian speak so casually about the topic only reminded Vika of her callowness.

''U-U-Uh...Wh-What about you, huh?! A-Are you still a vir...er, u-untouched?'' Vika fidgeted as she stumbled with her words, though Nailah's sheepish expression brought an odd sense of worry to the raven's mind.

''Er, well...Y-You see how women get around me...plus I am the queen, so...''

A scowl slowly trickled onto Vika's face as jealousy began to rear it's ugly head. The way Nailah was timidly scrunching up, made her all the angrier. ''O-Out with it then, y-you perv!''

The wolf was sweating small oceans as she was harshly scrutinized under Vika's stare. ''Heheh...I, well...'' She had enough, bolting up in a red heat. ''Aww, come on, bird! You can't expect me to control myself when those cute wolf girls are practically throwing themselves at me when I go home! Man, their tails were so soft...''

''Wha...I-I d-don't need to-''

She didn't stop. ''And the ox queen! Naga alive, her knockers are huge! Bastard always teased me with them when we were young! A girl can't resist it forever!''

''Eeeep! Shut u-up-''

''I remember this one time where we were both in heat and she started using her horns to-''

''STOP!''

In a steaming fit of discomfort, the raven fiercely slapped the wolf across the face, sending her sliding across the meadow grass as Vika tried to catch her ragged breath, a red-hot blush covering her entire body. Hearing her crush talk about her sexual exploits with other women was not suited for a memory under a moonlit sky.

Nailah, head spinning before realizing what she just said, hastily crawled back to the woman like a child to her mother. ''Shit, s-sorry about that, Vika! I-It was just a little bit of teenage hormones! I ain't like that with her!''

The raven simply gave an annoyed huff in response, irate and cold as she shifted her face away from the libidinous queen. Nailah winced, feeling somewhat hurt, before wrapping an apologetic arm around the woman, eyes pleading for forgiveness.

''Come on, Vika, I'm sorry, honest! I didn't have any real feelings for any of them, a-and if it makes you feel better, you're ten times prettier than any woman I was with.'' she chimed, charming sincerity in her voice.

Vika felt the temperature of her body rise further, stiffening at the praise. ''...I-It doesn't...'' she lied, yet the happy fluttering in her chest proved otherwise.

Nailah knowingly smiled at her antics, before softly leaning into the raven's being, almost purring as her cheek relished and explored the surface of Vika's smooth, white, skin. At first, Vika tried to shy away from the insistent embrace, still mad at the thoughtless woman. Yet, Vika was never one to be able to resist the magic of the Hatarian and eventually succumbed to her comfort, lightly leaning into her touch as she cursed the goosebumps that sprung as a result.

''This...this doesn't mean I've forgiven you.''

''Mm, I 'hate' you too, Vika.''

She couldn't help but to give a shameless snicker at the joke before cloaking the queen's body in a feathery wing. The evening breeze felt so good on her skin as the two huddled together under the sky's glittering, indigo canvas, as they had done on so many nights earlier. As the clouds drifted by, Vika took a moment to lose herself in the sensations. Grass daintily tickling her legs. The scent of charcoal and incense, drifting in from the festival. Crickets and fireflies singing their nightly ensemble. A pair of hands thoroughly caressing her breasts. The slight sting of moonlight as it shone into her eyes.

'...Wait. One of those didn't belong.'

Looking down, Vika eyes widened at the sight of ten, brown, digits, curiously exploring the surface of her bosom while their owner judged the two mounds like a farmer at a fruit. She couldn't find any words.

''Hey now, you're no slouch either! And so soft, too...'' Nailah commended, a childlike awe to her voice. ''Oh! You don't wear a bra!''

The two shared a brief moment of silence together afterwards, a hardened, unreadable expression on Vika's face as Nailah continued the assault with no signs of stopping. One could even hear the rustling of fabric and jiggling of fat against the chirping of the meadow.

''...CAWCAW!''

Finally finding her resolve, Vika snapped in a blur of shame and embarrassment before suddenly shifting with a shriek on the wind. Nailah, finding her squishy playthings replace with flared feathers, didn't even get a chance to retract her hands before being venomously pecked by the raven's resentful and hard beak.

''Ah! Pft, ouch! Heh, I supposed I should have, ow, seen that coming!'' Nailah proceeded to give a charged smile, even through the winces. ''Well, I can bite too, bird!''

Accompanied by howl, Nailah, too, shifted, another flash of light cutting through the once peaceful meadow. As the glow died down, the raven swiftly felt furry, tough, muscles where the brown flesh once stood, and one very eager looking wolf grinning through Vika's now ineffective attacks. Said grin happened to show off two rows of sharp, glistening, teeth, teeth that had sent many a foe to the embrace of the goddess.

Peck, peck...squawk.

The little bird braced herself as that killing maw slowly inched itself towards her feathers.

'This isn't how I pictured Nailah eating me out.'

Perverse illusions aside, Vika felt not the stinging of teeth around her frame, but a sudden tongue fling its way out of the mouth and sloppily trace a long, wet, line right up the middle of the raven's body.

Nailah snickered as the raven achieved a moment of stillness in the air, sticky with her drool and beady eyes spinning dizzily, before she puffed her snout up to Vika and bolted away, a familiar guffawing rebounding through the night valley.

''Kerrk! All this time, and I still like that look the most, Vika!''

Dazed and wet, Vika simply sat slumped on the ground as she watched the wolf present a frivolous, wagging, rump to her direction. She could hear distant, taunting, howls and japes at her dignity.

''...ha, ha...HAHAHA, THE TIME TO GET DROPPED IS TODAY, MUTT! CACAAAAAW!''

In a stream of ebony downs, Vika took a deep breath of air before leaping up and soaring madly towards the wolf, murder written in her little eyes. Nailah yelped in thrill and astonishment as she saw the speeding arrow make a beeline for her behind, before turning tail and running, gruff voice rumbling with mirth.

''Wind must feel nice with my charming wolf slobber sticking to you, doesn't it, bird?'' the wolf chuckled through her pants, grass ripely crunching beneath her paws.

''I am gonna take you to the biggest cliff, tree, or freaking anything and enjoy seeing your snot-dripping face again as you fall, Nailah!''

The valley was lit up with the two laguz's gleeful laughter and unsportsmanlike taunts. They raced over hills, through ponds, even off small hills as Vika chased down the mocking queen. She had never felt so full of life. Delicious adrenaline coursed through her excited veins, making her blood thrash powerfully against her skin. It all felt surreal. The evening breeze through her wings, the sweet, yet gruff, sound of Nailah's voice, the light of the full moon above her head as it bathed both the valley and the two in a tranquil, pale, glow. She wanted to stay in this snapshot of bliss for eternity, racing through a timeless meadow with her love as the rest of the world drifted by. Goddess, that was the only world she needed.

'...heh, I'm always chasing you, aren't I. Now and forever...'

Vika rustled her wings before letting the th ought pass from her mind. It would be a cold day in the Grann before she allowed something to dampen her mood when she was having so much fun. The raven grinned as she saw Nailah lose a moment's footing as she tripped on a sneaky branch, hidden in the tall grass of the plain they had found themselves in. That moment was all she needed.

Speeding up, the raven quickly shot down and reverted right above the wolf, eyes twinkling and arms menacingly extended as threatened to rip the woman away from the safety of the ground.

'Just a little more and...huh?'

To her surprise, Nailah had foreseen her presence, suddenly reverting herself and beginning to flip the fabric above her right eye, grinning.

Vika shivered as she began to feel her body hardening up in anticipation of the evil eye's reveal. Forcing her eyes close, the cool expense of the open air was soon replaced by warm, hard, muscle as she unwillingly collided with Nailah in the attempt to avoid the gaze. The wolf queen winced at the abrupt contact, losing her own footing and joining her attacker in a rough tumble to the ground. Mangled plants and feathers littered the sky as the two laguz flopped through the grassy meadow, limbs intertwined.

''Ouf!''

Their roll finally came to an end, hot pants fogging the vicinity and flustered skin beating against flustered skin. As her eyes slowly fluttered open, Vika found herself face to face with Nailah. She gasped at the position that the two had found themselves in. Surrounded by tall strands of flowing grass, Vika now sat directly on top of the winded Hatarian, her rump situated just south of Nailah's belly and legs straddled on opposite sides of the queen's own legs. Looking down, she saw Nailah peak her good eye open before slightly blushing at the close proximity, noticing the raven's hands laying just above her shoulders.

Her blush stayed as the wolf adopted a perky smile. ''Yeesh. You just can't keep your hands off me, can ya, bird?'' Nailah's tail swatted Vika's back playfully, earning a little squeak.

It started as a little giggle, likely from the tail tickling her sensitive sides, but soon erupted into full blown, jubilant laughter, Vika retracting her hands to clutch her strained stomach. Nailah was easily swept up in her friend's mirth as the two filled the meadow with the happy voices.

Boom

Their laughter was loudly interrupted by a rather distant roar, followed by vibrant burst of light which blanketed the two in dull shade of orange.

Boom, Boom, crackle, Boom

Another loud blast, then another, and another, each producing a different shade of colour. Their eyes finally wandered over to the direction of the sounds, slightly recoiling as a sudden burst of blue erupted just as they turned. Vika's eyes glittered with awe as her eyes fell upon the source of the light. There, in the sky just above the village, were dozens of sparkling, dazzling, flowers of light, each bursting and blooming with the radiance of a thousand stars. Fireworks. They showered an entire section of a sky with colours as vibrant as a rainbow, fire as bright as the sun. Each time a flower dimmed away, another one took its place, giving off a performance of light that rivalled the goddess's dawn that joined in a chorus of brilliance. It made Vika shudder with amazement. The ballad of fire and colour was simply divine as the sky lit up the indigo canvas in tribute to the Gallians' indomitable will. She could even hear excited chants coming from the festival on the wind.

A particularly blinding flash of pink caused the raven to wince away, curling her head inwards. As the sting of her retinas faded, her eyelids slowly unlocked as smooth expenses of brown and purple began to fill her vision. Nailah, the wolf's eyes better acclimatized than Vika's, was dreamily absorbing the spectacle of light before her, with a smile serene and eyes glossy with wonder.

''Wow...you guys have spark flowers too?'' she quietly breathed, words sliding off her tongue like silk. ''Gorgeous no matter what sky they're under, huh?...''

Yet, Vika didn't register the words. Her senses were too focused on the soft, radiant features of the woman beneath her, ears too focused on the enthralling sound of the wolf queen's breath as it cascaded off past her lips, dimly fogging up the air with a smokey white. The sight of her peaceful queen bathed in the light of a thousand shades of light surged a grand canopy of emotions from deep inside her soul. It made her eyes shimmer with water, nose tingle with delight, heart pound with longing. The inviting, brown expense of Nailah's glowing face attracted the raven like a moth to a flame and Vika was helpless to the desires of her heart.

She could cry at how beautiful her love looked as the light of the fireworks and moon above danced across her skin in a ethereal waltz. Her breath weakly shivered out as her mind blossomed in wistful fantasies together. Vika wanted to feel her, to be with her so bad, it hurt. Her blood and feelings could be held back no longer and pulsated through her veins with a purpose, desperate for release.

'...I want you, Nailah. Keep your promise...'

So this was it. This was where she finally lost herself.

Boom. A flash of green.

Vika's shoulders lose almost all control as they slump down, face gently falling down.

Boom. A flash of orange.

An amber light glistened like fire across Nailah's features, reminding Vika of the times where flames and sunsets had done the same.

Boom. A flash of red.

Vika could now smell the overwhelming desert scent of Nailah's body, filling up every inch of the raven's mind as it wafted nostalgically.

Boom. A flash of purple.

Goddess, the light complemented the wolf's hair so well. Like a heartfelt reunion between two brothers. Nailah had turned her head back towards the raven, showing a mild surprise at the sudden proximity of the woman.

Boom. A flash of gold.

Nailah's eyes began to widen she sees the tenderness in the raven's eyes. Vika pays it no mind as she inches even closer.

Boom. A flash of blue.

Vika was so close now that she could feel the heat radiating from Nailah's cheeks. She sees the Hatarian shakily open her lips a fraction, as if unconsciously inviting her attacker. It fires the raven up even more as her eyes drift close.

Boom. That colour is lost to her.

The warmth from Nailah's mouth rises up to meet her own pants as their lips hover in front of each other. Their breaths mingled with together in the air before leaking into the other's mouth. Vika gave a lustful squeak as she tasted the spice and musk of Nailah's breath. They were a string's width apart now.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

Crackle,

crackle,

crackle...

In that moment, they met, they finally met. It was a light and chaste meeting, akin to dabbing a napkin to your mouth after a meal, yet to Vika, it felt like Ashera had showered her lips in a bliss unimaginably. She relished in the texture of Nailah's, wet, cracked lips on her own soft ones. Her heart threatened to burst out of her chest as small streams of the Hatarian's saliva broke into her mouth. Her mind became clouded in an ecstatic haze as Nailah's lips moved up to keep in contact with Vika's own whenever the raven bobbled her head, the wolf mewing almost shyly as sought the forbidden embrace that both had dreamed of for so long.

With great displeasure, Vika was forced to stop the kiss when her lungs begged for air. With a loud and breathy gasp, the two separated their lips, desperately gasping for air. The raven inwardly smiled at the sight of Nailah innocently trying to regain her composure as she squirmed on top of the grass, eye clouded with release. The meadow was still save flashes of fireworks as the two lay intwined upon each other.

'I...I did it, I really did it!' Vika thought happily, eyes never leaving the wolf's recovering form. 'I'm so...so...'

Flash

Vika's veins filled with ice. Her elation was deflated instantly as Nailah's eye looked up to meet her, a familiar and haunting look staring back. It was that look again. She made Nailah put that terrible face on again.

Helplessness, Uncertainty. Fear.

Goddess, what had she done. Panic ripped through her body as she realized that she had given into her selfish desires. She had been down this road too many times. She put her heart into the woman, made Nailah a part of her life, just as important as the rising of the sun. Yet, after her pathetic little fantasy, the woman would eventually leave her, leaving a gaping, bleeding hole in the middle of her heart. A hole that could only be filled with hatred.

'Goddess, goddess, no! Why did I do that?! This can't be happening! If she ends up hating me...if I end up hating her...no, please don't make me. Not her...no, no, no!'

Her breathing lurched uncontrollably as her blood felt like it was going to burn through her skin. She didn't even catch Nailah's uncertainty be replaced with worry, before throttling up with her head in her hands and desperately leaping away from the woman who she had tainted.

She didn't register Nailah's frantic yelling nor the bloody cuts on her feet as she stepped on sharp rocks. All she had on her mind right now was getting as far away from Nailah as possible, the usage of her wings forgotten in her panic. Her heart was in her throat.

'No, no, no. Don't hate me, don't hate me, don't make me hate you...I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Nailah!'

''Vika!''

The raven barely reached a stone's throw away before she felt a pair of strong arms envelope and tackle her body to the ground. This time, it was her body being pinned to the cool, meadow, turf. Through her tears, she could make out a single, green, eye staring back at her, laced with concern.

''Hah...hah...Vika! Why did you...'' The Hatarian's pursed her lips in for a moment before bringing a hand to their surface, cheeks red and eye contemplative. ''...Why...why are you running?''

The raven's face scrunched up with paralyzing fear and regret. Nailah looked so uncertain, so confused. And Vika was to blame. She was the one to make her beautiful sun dimmer with regrets and pale with weakness. It would inevitably come the time where that sun would finally be put out and leave her in a damning darkness, eyes thirsty for one more glance of the fire she had been so desperate for.

'The sweeter the wine, the more bitter the aftertaste, isn't it, my goddess.'

The raven thrashed in despair beneath the wolf, desperate to place as much distance between her love and her own raging heart as possible. Yet, she failed to escape the Hatarian's heated hold, merely squirming about like a fish out of water as her body was pinned beneath Nailah's thighs and arms beneath Nailah's hands. Her helplessness only served to return the tears to her eyes, the Hatarian yelping with worry at the sight as fireworks continued to pop and shower behind them.

''Stop it, Nailah. Just let me go, damn it.'' the raven whimpered, trying to hide her shame with her hair. ''We...We should stop talking to each other from now on. Thanks...sniff...ah, thank you for all you've done, your majesty.''

The wolf queen gasped as if she had just been slapped in the face, punched in the gut. Vika fiercely tried to hold in her sobs as she saw the woman, gorgeous, green eye, glisten with hurt and sorrow.

'I'm only causing you more pain, my love. I don't deserve you...I didn't deserve a moment of your beautiful, stunning, amazing kindness, Nailah...'

''You...Y-You're joking, right, bird?'' Nailah shakily said. She almost wanted to laugh at the pure insanity of the moment. ''W-We...We...We're supposed to be together forever, Vika.''

The raven winced in both pain and anguish as Nailah's nails dug deeply into her forearms, as if digging for answers. ''We're friends, a-aren't we? I-I promised I would always be-''

''STOP IT, NAILAH! JUST STOP!'' Vika snapped as her voice bellowed in agony, heart unable to stand the torment for much longer. ''Stop this, Nailah! You know what I did back there, how disgusting and selfish I am! Please, you're better off without me.''

Nailah's face heated as she recalled Vika's surprising advance moments earlier, yet the worry refused to fade. ''I-I...I don't...'' The wolf queen's words felt weaker than ever before. He usually indomitable will had failed her, making her feel like she was a newborn pup again. She actually felt like crying.

''V-Vika, please! I don't even care about w-what you did! Why are you-''

''I SAID STOP!''

The meadow air trembled in wake of the raven's screeching outburst. Nailah retreated her hands and body in shock, yet Vika made no move to escape, despite the freeing of her bonds. She feebly lay there among the wafting blades of grass, her weak, pale, skin slowly lit by the light of the moon and fireworks as her face quivered and voice cracked.

''Please, stop pitying me, Nailah.'' she whimpered through gritted teeth. ''I saw the fear and hesitation in your eyes, don't try to sugarcoat it. I'm only holding you back.''

The wolf's eye glimmered as she felt the raven's smooth hand slowly raise and place itself on her cheeks, trembling fingers painstakingly relishing the contact and texture of her skin, as if feeling them one last time. Vika's eyes shined with a dull, bittersweet glow as they met with Nailah's own, the raven's mouth weakly forming into a pained smile.

''Every moment I'm with you, every heartbeat that you're responsible for, it makes me want to stay by your side all the more. I know it hurts you every time you have to dote on me, and it will hurt me when you finally have to go. I won't have you giving me any special treatment, my love.'' Nailah gave an arresting gasp at the mention of those words, which Vika giggled quietly at. ''I love you more than I know how to put into words, but I couldn't bare it if you lost so much just for me. Your happiness means so much more than my suffering, Nailah.''

The raven then placed a familiar, chaste kiss upon the unresponsive woman's forehead. The wolf's musky skin felt so nice against her soft lips, so much that Vika cursed herself at letting the contact last as long as it did. With her heart heavy, Vika lifted the rather limp Hatarian off her lap and sombrely got up. She offered one last smile to the woman. ''Hehe, you know, I think you may be the first person who left me that I won't hate. Thank you, for everything.''

Vika took half a second to stare at the most important person in her life, her normally radiant, green eye dim underneath the unreadable cover of purple locks, before reluctantly turning her head around and forcing her legs to move, her great disagreement with the act hidden behind a false smile. Every step echoed accusingly against her head. Her feet felt like they were filled lead as they crushed the meadow grass beneath her feet.

'I don't want this, I don't want this, I want Nailah. I want to touch her now.' the voice in her heart screeched, physically tearing and trashing against her chest. Yet, Vika painstakingly walked on regardless, biting down the mutinous aching of her emotions.

This was for the best. Even if she would never see Nailah again, she had to soldier on. Even if she would never hear that lively, tingling laughter, never smell that wild, desert scent on Nailah's clothes, never feel Nailah's teasing, calloused finger glide playfully off her wanting, virgin lips...

The raven suppressed a lamenting whimper.

'No...I can't be weak, s-soldier on...ah, damn it you pathetic bird. This is for your love's sake. I'm stronger than this, I-...h-huh?'

Vika's blood froze in her veins as she noticed her feet fail to move. As her blood resumed pumping through limbs, she realized that it was not her feet that had stopped walking, but a hand that was holding her back. Goosebumps crawled across her entire body as the rough surface of the not-so-mysterious hand tightly grip and squeeze her wrist.

'S-Stop making this so hard, you stupid, sexy, caring, arse...'

With great willpower and even greater regret, Vika swiftly turned around to face her captor, traces of her emotions breaking out of the facade.

''S-Stop this, your majesty. I've made my-''

Slap

With a mighty, passionate, smack, the wolf queen loudly struck the raven right across the cheek, sending her collapsing to the ground. Vika didn't even register the pain through her sheer shock, kneeling numbly on the soft grass. Something tingled where the woman had slapped her, but it wasn't pain. It almost felt good, refreshing. Her trembling hand slowly caressed the big, red, mark, almost savouring the burning of the wound against the cool, meadow, wind. Vika felt rough hands upon her once again, as Nailah's arms tensely latched onto her shoulders. The raven's trembling eyes tried to read the woman's strained face, green eye hidden behind curtains of violet.

''Who...''

The word was almost lost to Vika's ears. She tried to say something in response, yet no letters formed on her tongue, simply a dry, whisper that paled in volume against even the night breeze. Yet, Vika soon found her voice as she caught sight of Nailah's eye. It sparkled against the fireworks as splashes of moisture dampened its surface. Emerald twinkled against whites, blues, and every other colour imaginable as sharp teeth grit against each other in the wolf's mouth. She had made Nailah cry again.

''I, I-I-I-''

''Shut it, Vika!'' the Hatarian cried heatedly, startling the raven as her love angrily shoved her face up to hers. Vika could smell the musk on Nailah's breath. She had never seen the woman so passionate, eye fierce against the barrage of fireworks. ''All this time you've been spouting your bullcrap and haven't let me get a single thing in, damn it! Who said that I hated you kissing me, huh?!''

Vika could have sworn her heart stopped. She tried to stop the flood of hope that threatened to drown her, but ultimately failed as a cascading warmth filled her entire body. Even as Nailah continued to scream at her, the feeling still poured through her bones and flushed her cheeks.

''Maybe I do like you, maybe I love you! Maybe some stupid, sexy raven made me feel things I had never felt before in my life, Vika! Maybe I'm fucking scared of those feelings too!''

This wasn't good. Vika couldn't stop her shaking and the warmth had spread to every corner of her body.

'Did...Did Nailah just imply that she loved me?' She didn't know if she should be ecstatic or terrified.

''Maybe when the person who I have these feeling for, kisses me under a spark flower-lit, night sky, I start getting flustered and uncertain! Is that so unbelievable to you, Vika?! Didn't I tell you, that I can get nervous sometimes too...''

One of the Hatarian's hands left Vika shoulders and placed it upon her brown chest, as if trying to calm her heartbeat. Nailah panted almost pitifully as tears streamed down her face. Vika gawked, stunned as she tried to calm her own heart.

''Nai-...Nailah?'' she croaked, her voice hoarse and vulnerable in wake of her love's confession.

Nailah simply squirmed along the blades of grass, eyes still dripping with uncertainty. Her hand clutched her breast for a moment longer before returning to its former place on Vika's shoulder, both arms slowly sinking down the length of the raven's arm as Nailah's face quivered under the glow of moonlight.

''You...You make me feel weird, Vika.'' the Hatarian said, almost lamely. She fidgeted like a schoolgirl as she seemingly tried to put her flighty emotions into words. This clearly was a subject the proud wolf queen wasn't used to discussing. ''I've been with plenty of women, but I've even come close to feeling the shit that I feel with you, damn it.'' Nailah squirmed even more. ''The fun I have when we talk, the tingle in my heart when I see you flustered or happy, the crazy warmth that hits me like a bull when I hold you in bed. Sometimes I think it's that thing I hear people talk about, what those naive, young women, and aged, old couples alike, fawn so strongly over. Maybe it's...that thing called... true love?''

Vika couldn't breath. Every rational thought in her mind screamed at her to ran away now. Yet, her heart begged and throbbed and absolutely refused to move her body a single inch and Vika was obliged to listen. This was what she wanted, what she longed every waking minute for. Nailah had felt the same way she had, harboured the same confusing feelings that had once made her feel alienated from the woman. Yet, at the same time, her happiness was also overshadowed by a great fear. These thoughts and feelings would only serve to make their parting even more painful and serve at make Nailah's resolve to leave much more difficult.

She really wanted to be with Nailah, oh goddess, she wanted to, but she would sooner die than to hold the amazing woman back. She couldn't do this. She had to put a stop to this, her heart would just have to break alone. Vika had to tell Nailah to stop...stop...

'...oh...'

Her resolve began to slip like sand as her eyes noticed the complete adoration in Nailah's features. Her mouth was parted just slightly, as if inviting the raven in. A single, green, eye glistened with faint remnants of passion as it stared right into Vika's very soul, quivering with impulse and desire. The glow of the lights lit up the woman's tanned face with a myriad of colours that reflected a different emotion for each shade that bounced off the Hatarian's shining skin. Vika's legs felt like jelly.

''Vika...'' the wolf so alluringly breathed, voice husky with both desire and meekness. Vika was being tore apart. One half of her body was trying to pull her away, terrified by the prospect of hurt, while the other half planted her thighs firm on the ground and lurched her torso towards the Hatarian, senses vibrant with yearning for her beloved. It seemed that the latter half was winning, given the slow drift Vika was making towards the woman's lips. She was losing it.

Vika saw that look again. Not the confused one, but a much more pleasant look. It shined with the same longing and passion she had first seen when the raven had given her the pendant. It reminded Vika of moonlit meadows, colourful festivals, dancing bonfires, peaceful embraces, and so much more. The memories reflected through the Hatarian's single, emerald eye stole her away from the waking world, breathing a nostalgic, shivering wave of comfort along the walls of her body. All those wonderful days, all those beautiful nights, Vika remembered every second of her time with Nailah.

'Oh goddess, I don't want to give that up, Nailah.' her eyes pleaded, visibly shaking in the wolf's arms. 'B-But I can't...I-!'

The raven's breath hitched as she suddenly felt Nailah sag down to the ground, taking Vika with her. The Hatarian winced as she kneeled down in the dirt, legs seemingly giving out on her. A thin streak of blood was even visible across her creamy brown thighs, cut by a wayward stone.

Vika's mouth opened instinctually in an effort to raise attention to the wound, yet abruptly found a couple of rough fingers creak her jaw slowly shut, stopping just shy of closing them. Trembling eyes never leaving from Nailah's own, Vika shuddered as she felt a thumb succulently trace itself over every inch of the raven's lips, adventurous enough to even dip inside and wrap strings of hot saliva around Nailah's fingertips. Said tips eventually stopped their assault on the stunned raven's mouth, tipping Vika's chin up to meet the radiant, wolf queen's eye, the wet streaks of saliva on Vika's skin amplifying the coolness of night. Staring back at her was that single, shining, orb that had dominated everyone of Vika's dreams, glistening with an indescribable passion.

''Vika...I...''

Her defences were being torn down like paper. The pure emotion laden in Nailah's words was drawing her back in, gravitating her back towards her beloved. It was like falling in love all over again. She felt Nailah's sweet breath dance hotly on her skin again as the woman fervidly started talking, as if she was voicing her very soul within her words.

''...Ever since we met, I knew you were special, Vika.''

Vika's mind flashed.

''Hahaha, I think I like that look the most, bird!''

''I liked sharing my stories with you, enjoyed seeing you smile.''

''I am your friend Vika, and on my honour as queen of Hatari, I won't let anything happen to you.''

''I loved seeing your lively, beautiful, free side,''

''My, my, my. Now that was pretty smooth bird. I'm swooning.''

''...as well as your sensitive sides.''

''Cherish those moments, Vika, and when you look back at those stars under a new sky, remember each happy encounter fondly.''

''Somewhere along the way, I realized your happiness was my happiness,''

Their lone laughs brought life to the dark, empty streets as they teased each other back to their huts.

''...that your soul filled up the cracks in mine.''

''...But I matter to you, Vika, and that is enough.''

''When I come to grips with these feelings, I was shocked,''

''Y-You look good! O-Oh but I-I already said that, d-didn't I, ha,heh...''

''...and afraid.''

Nailah's thirsty lips never met hers, instead pausing just shy of Vika's wishes before climbing up and kissing the raven's forehead chastely with a defeated sigh.

A crease ran over the Hatarian's forehead for a moment, as if resolving some past dilemma, but quickly faded with the flashing of the fireworks as her eye took on a resolved, yet serene expression. ''...But right now, I don't think I can resist the warmth inside my heart anymore...my precious, little, bird.''

Vika silently swooned as Nailah began to close the last couple of inches between them. Her soul was on fire. She was so close, so close to losing it. She tried her best to abstain, yet Nailah's allure was too overpowering, too enticing...

''Vika...all those false advances I made in the past, I'm making up for it now...''

The raven whimpered.

''Vika...''

The heat on Nailah's breath took over every bit of skin on her face at this point, her tense body crazed with indecision.

'Damn it... just...just leave now, Nailah...'

''I've always...''

'I won't be able to...' She was half a step off the cliff. Her heart was breaking. 'I...damn it, I can't let this happen!'

''I lov-''

''STOP!''

A one, desperate act that shattered her heart to make, Vika lurched both hands clasp over Nailah's mouth, fingers trembling in their hold as bitter tears trickled out of her eyes.

''DON'T SAY IT!'' Vika insanely begged, the Hatarian staring surprised at the blatant interruption of her confession. The raven's body sagged gracelessly as her face was stained with moonlight and tears. ''If you say it, I won't be able to leave, damn it...''

Vika put up the faintest resistance as the wolf queen's hands slowly reached up to remove the soft obstructions on her mouth. A concern frown was engraved on her lips, directed the snivelling shadow of the quirky woman she had learned to love. ''Vika, why can't you-''

''No! Stop being so kind, Nailah! I can't...'' Her voice was hoarse with despair as it echoed against the pounding of the fireworks, the pounding of her heart. ''You can't abandon your queenship just for some pathetic thing like me, Nailah...'' Her words sounded so hollow, so weak. ''I don't want to hold you back, I'd rather die!''

Vika brushed off the appalled look the wolf gave at the idea, shrugging away a hand through her tear-stained vision. She was hopelessly clinging onto Nailah's chest at this point, her words conflicting with her actions as she damped Nailah's clothes. ''B-But, if you keep acting so nice, keep looking at me with those big, stupid, beautiful eyes, I-I'm gonna lose it, Nailah! I won't be able to stay away when you leave, I'll cry myself insane every moment I'm not with you, I'll hate you with all my heart, Nailah!''

She clutched her bleeding heart. ''Don't make me go through that, my love. Don't make yourself go through that, please...sniff...I just some weak, needy, selfish nobod-!''

In one swift and sudden move, Vika's entire body was thrown upwards by rough, strong hands. Through her tears she was able to see half a second's glimpse of Nailah's intensely resolute face before the sight was swept away with a sea of delicious lavender and a feeling of bliss. Nailah had kissed her.

She tried to overcome the elation and break it off, but her body was jelly in the hands and lips of the desert beauty. Hungry hands which had just moments earlier been so rough, now took on an unnaturally soft role while they lovingly caressed every inch her sensitive, white, skin. A muffled squeak was smothered in her throat as her mouth was abruptly invaded by the Hatarian's warm tongue. Vika's heart smashed against her chest in response to the wet appendage as it gently, yet impulsively, explored the insides of the raven's mouth, occasionally intwining with Vika's own tongue in a needy and hot dance of lust. Her cheeks blushed like never before as she unconsciously savoured the euphoric taste Nailah's sweet saliva, guilty moans of pleasures echoing in Nailah's mouth.

In a burst of hot air, the two finished their intimacy with a sloppy popping of their mouths apart, strands of spit dangling between the two as they struggled to catch their breath. Nailah lightly smirked at the raven through her gasps, the overwhelmed bird limply cradled on the grass in a warm haze. Wiping the drool off her chin, Nailah hoisted the tired woman into her arms, uncertain eyes wordlessly searching for an answer to the kiss.

''I know you're selfish, Vika.'' the Hatarian wistfully chuckled, prompting a guilty wince from the raven. Said wince quickly faded as Nailah softly laid a velvety hand on her cheeks. ''So, allow me to be selfish too.''

Eye not leaving her, Vika watched Nailah dip her hand into the confines of her dress, quickly pulling out something from the cloth, something shiny. At the instant Vika's eyes made contact with the object, the entire world around her become perfectly still. She couldn't even manage a breath.

''I've had this damn thing ever since I bought you that necklace, but I was too much of a wuss to give it to you.'' the Hatarian grinned, sheepishly rubbing her head. Vika barely noticed, eyes still glued on the object, as if verifying its authenticity. Nailah's eye then took on a caring, serene expression, hands playfully tilting the still flabbergasted raven towards her. ''Trust me when I say that you mean the entire world to me, Vika. You're the last thing I want to see going to sleep and the first thing I want to see waking up. Parting with you would hurt me just as much as it would hurt you. That's why I want you to come back to Hatari with me...as my bride.''

Vika's soul was blazing. Her heart was in her throat and her blood threatened to explode out of her veins. She almost wished that Nailah was lying just because of how much it would hurt if it wasn't true.

'Oh my goddess...oh goddess...is this really happening...please, let this be real.'

With a charisma unparalleled and a smile both heart-stoppingly nervous and powerfully bold, Nailah got down on one knee as she lovingly slid the silver ring onto Vika's shivering finger, her own digits slightly trembling.

''I love you, Vika. When I told you I would never leave you behind, I meant it. Now, would you make me the happiest woman, Lodestar, or any other damn thing under the sun...and marry me?''

Under the light of bursting fireworks and dazzling moonlight, Vika sat frozen, more shocked than she had been in her entire life. Nailah simply kneeled patiently, hands still clasped around Vika's, as the raven mentally and physically fumbled. She couldn't believe her ears. Never in a million years would she had predicted this development.

'She...Nailah...goddess, she wants to m-marry...me? As in...live together?'

The angst that polluted her body just moments earlier, the incredible weight on her shoulders, it all seemed to have vanished in those few seconds and words. If she was to go with Nailah, then she could still rule her country. She wouldn't hold her back, yet at the same time, she would be able to stay with Nailah.

'We...We...'

Nailah, rightfully worried at how long Vika was taking with the marriage proposal, fidgeted her hands in an attempt to get a response, sweat dripping from her brow. Happiness blossomed through Vika's being like the sun across the morning sky. She trembled with glee. This was real. This was really happening.

''...we...'' Vika squeaked, voice quivering with a hundred different emotions. Nailah had anxiously leaned towards her, eye pleading for a replay. ''...we can actually be together.''

A soft smile graced Nailah's features. Her hands gripped tighter on her love's shaky fingers. ''Forever.''

Vika smiled. A massive, utterly blissful, grin that sung out the pure delight she was feeling. Happy tears trickled down her face, testament of her love to the woman, before tackling the wolf to the ground in a needy kiss. She was drunk with joy, lips almost squeezing the life out of the pleasantly bewildered wolf while her arms thankfully wrapped around her brown shoulders.

'I'm so happy, I'm so happy!' she thought, giddy giggles slipping past her lips, fogging the air. 'Nailah, thank you so much.'

Finally releasing the Hatarian from her wet prison, Vika parted their mouths with a happy laugh, hands cradling Nailah's flushed face as she lovingly stared down onto the wolf. ''Yes! Yes! Of course I'll marry you, you stupid mutt!'' she screeched, forehead lightly leaning against Nailah's. ''I love you so much, Nailah!''

This time, it was Nailah's turn to leak tears, a goofy smile, every bit as wide of Vika's, stretching her face. ''R-Really? You'd leave Tellius behind to come home with me?''

''You idiot! I told you that you mean more to me than all the stars in the sky! I'd follow you to the ends of the world, spend the rest of my life in a wooden shack! If it means I get to see you everyday when I wake up, I'll be the happiest girl in the world, Nailah! I love you so much!''

For a moment, the two simply sat there still in the meadow, still intwined in each others arms and mildly blushing as the embarrassing weight of their words slowly sunk in. Then, in perfect unison, the two newly-weds burst into a fit of jubilant laughter, cheeks flustered together as their happy tears glistened off moonlight.

'This is all I could have asked for.'

They laughed at the cheesiness of the moment, because of the high they were feeling, and simply laughed for the sake of laughing. As their mirth gradually subdued, the two slowly calmed down onto the cool embrace of the meadow grass, Vika curling up into Nailah's arms as the two silently watched the last of the fireworks dance in the air, eyes and smiles blissfully content.

''...I love you, Nailah.'' Vika soothed softly, breaking the silence. It incited an expected chuckle from the wolf and a flicker to the ear.

''I heard you the first hundred times, bird.'' she teased, though her heart still quickened all the same.

''I know. Just wanted to remind you.'' Vika breathed, the elation in her heart still lingering. She then raised her hand towards the moonlight, inspecting the wedding ring that she had momentarily forgotten during the shower of kisses. ''Hey, what do these words mean, Nailah?'' Strange symbols, likely ancient language, seemed to be engraved on its surface, enchanted to glow a hot bronze, as if fresh off the forge.

''Oh, it says 'This hot, raven ass is property of Nailah'. Have to let people know you're taken somehow, right?''

Vika gave the wolf a playful pinch on the cheek, holding back her giggling. ''Ha-Ha. You're hilarious, your majesty. Some husband I picked. Now, what does it really say, perv?''

Puffing out her wounded cheek, Nailah resigned to the plea as she traced her fingers over Vika's, feeling the tiny crevasses where the print was engraved. ''Ikust ot Oyiat. It means 'sun and moon'.''

Vika softly gasped as Nailah brought her ringed hand to her mouth, gently kissing it in the glare of moonlight. Her shiny, green, eye then directed itself towards Vika. ''Because you are the sun that wakes me up, as well as the moon that drifts me off to sleep.'' she finished, meadow silent in wake of her words.

''...''

''...''

''...Pfffft! Hahaha!''

A scarlet blush flared on the Hatarian's once brown cheeks as Vika laughed herself to tears. ''Ha, a-and you say I'm cheesy! Is this way you never settled down before, Nailah? Scared off all the cute girls with 'sunshine and moonshine'? Hehehe!''

The disgraced wolf queen groaned as she attempted to hide her shame with her hands, Vika teasingly elbowing her ribs all the while. ''Errrrg, that sounded so much more romantic in my head.''

Vika grinned the last of her giggles away before grabbing the embarrassed wolf's head and pulling her into a hot kiss. Even after the barrage lips they shared earlier, Vika's heart pumped all the same as she tasted the sweet nectar of her lover's mouth, drunk with love. Finishing the meeting with a pop, the raven took great joy in seeing the blush on Nailah's face magnify before settling back into her arms.

''I suppose it is the thought that counts, you hopeless charmer.'' she mused, eyes looking up lovingly at her new husband, wife, whatever. ''I love it, Nailah. It really could say that my 'hot, raven ass' belongs to you. As long as it still means you married me, I'll cherish it forever.''

''...''

''...''

After a short eternity of silence, it was Nailah's turn to howl with laughter, voice thunderous against the night air. Vika lightly smirked at the booming, somewhat pleased to see the woman return to her usual mirth.

''Ahhh, alright, I guess that sounded a lot better in my head too.''

''Hehe, c-careful now, bird!'' she grinned, wiping tears from her eye. ''I really might engrave that on it if you approve!''

Miffed, Vika bashed her wings against the mocking wolf, Nailah yelping with apology before they once again returned to silence, enjoying the heat and texture of each other's skin. It was a beautiful feeling.

''You're gonna love Hatari, Vika.'' Nailah finally spoke, a dreamy glaze to her eye. ''I'll show you in person every sight I've told you about. You'll get served the finest foods, meet all my buddies and the high council. It will be great, I promise.''

Vika smiled at her lover's enthusiasm, lightly peaking her on the cheek. ''Yeah, I'm really looking forwards to seeing Hatari, though I'm somewhat more interested in life as your wife, Nailah.''

The Hatarian shyly flinched at the suggestion, eye snapping to attention. ''O-Oh...Y-Yeah, t-that part's pretty awesome too! We can do all the lovely-dovey crap I see the owl king and vulture queen do, maybe go on some royal dates around town. I'll give you the best of clothes, comfort,'' Suddenly, that lecherous smile that Vika had come to love-hate resurfaced. ''-and all the hot, sweaty, wolf sex a raven could ask for.''

A red fire sizzled on Vika's face at the mention of the intimacy, hitting the chortling womanizer in a fit of embarrassment. ''N-Nailah! I'm not your wife for an hour and you're already two feet in the gutter?!''

''Hey, we gotta make an heir to the throne somehow, right?'' arms raised in an attempt to fend her wife's attacks. Easily overpowering her, Nailah managed to snag both of the raven's hands in her own, giving the surprised bird a sly waggle of the eyebrows before stealing a quick kiss. Vika half blushed, half winced at how powerless she was against Nailah's strength, shying away as the wolf snickered at the raven's cute plight.

''Oh, but I suppose you already are a parent, bird.'' Nailah pepped, getting an inquisitive leer from the raven. ''Tania's probably inching to meet her new daddy!''

Vika blinked, stone-faced for a second, before breaking out in another blush, feeling strangely meek and nervous about the prospect. ''O-Oh...yeah, your adopted daughter...'' Vika fidgeted in the amused queen's hold, trying to imagine how her new daughter would react to Vika's sudden appearance as her father-er, mother...whatever!

Sensing her lover's distress, Nailah softly and lovingly nuzzled her cheeks, getting a nice little squeak from the raven. ''Calm down, bird. Tania will love ya.'' she soothed, absently combing a row of Vika's hair, the cool, night breeze tussling it nonetheless. ''You just focus on getting me some feathered wolf babies!''

Broken out of her melancholy through annoyance, Vika gave Nailah's tail a particularly hard yank, letting the pleasant sound of pained yelps fill the air. ''You just don't know when to stop, do you, ya mutt?'' the raven scolded through a strained smile, her twitchy hand still on the trigger. Any attempts at Nailah's usual quips was met with a threatening bristle of her tail fur, sharp fingertips foretelling of a raven's wrath.

''H-Hey! Careful with the Hatari national treasure there!'' Nailah cried, skittishly imploring her captor to release her backside. ''I-It's sensit-IIIahhhhh...''

Just as the words came out of her mouth, Vika's finger accidentally dug past the tail's fur and along the flesh of the appendage, tracing her dainty raven tips across the responsive surface and inciting a half surprised, half pleasurable moan from its owner.

Vika made a momentary retreat, taken aback by Nailah's strange reaction. It peaked her curiosity when the woman voiced such a sweet, high, tone, and even more so now as she paled on the grass, eye mortified and cheeks afire.

''T-That...wasn't me.''

Stifling a laugh, the intrigued raven gave in to an impulsive desire and acted on the rather saucy development. Fingers once again intertwined with fur, yet much more delicately this time, Vika delighted in hearing the wolf queen yelp and shiver at her soft, feathery, touch. Her hand stroked the squirming tail with an intimacy reserved for beneath the bedsheets, getting another shrill sound from Nailah.

With a giddy smile, she leaned her body slowly against Nailah's, making sure that the wolf felt every bit of her skin. Vika then found her way to Nailah's head, which was trembling in response to the affectionate contact. In a low hum, her mouth approached a furry ear and breathed a hot breath of heat down its channel, sending jolts down the Hatarian's spine.

''So, my love, did any of the women back home make you shiver like this?'' she tantalizingly whispered, sending a fresh column of air through twitchy ears. Dainty fingertips danced across an expense of brown, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake as feverish, uncontrollable, pants littered the air.

''S-Stop it...Vika...'' the shuddering victim hissed through grit teeth, her body completely at the mercy of her attacker. Damn the gods for giving the wolf tribe so many erogenous zones. ''I'm...ahhh...''

Vika delighted in seeing the cocky women melt in her arms. A stray thought fluttered through her mind from the excitement. With a seductive moan, the raven began to whisper sweet nothings in her plaything's ear, nibbling on flesh for good measure.

''You know, all that teasing you did during our journey took its toll on my 'hot, raven, body', oh lover dear.'' As the words entered her ears, Nailah gave a panicked squeak as she suddenly felt a pair of hands slowly and succulently melt down her body. Her eye just about bulged out when the two hands stopped and began to run hot circles at the bottom of her stomach, and just above perhaps the most sensitive erogenous zone on her body. She could barely contain her trembling.

''V-v...Vi-Vika!...'' she quaked, a small river of drool dripping from her hungry mouth. ''I'm...ahhh!...D-don't...haaa...''

Vika's fingers continued their dance unhindered. She would gradually allow her fingers to dip a fraction of an inch downwards with each rotation, then slowly trace them upwards when they got too far, causing her prey to hiss lustfully. She eventually moved one of the hands away, getting a half-hearted pant before said panting returned in full force when Nailah felt the hand find its way back towards her tail, stroking it lovingly. This was too much fun.

''All that groping, perverted advances, they can really make a girl go crazy in a certain spot.'' Nailah gave a intense cry as a tongue began to lick its way up her chin, mopping up the trail of drool they dripped from her mouth. She could just barely make out a pair of teal eyes staring seedily back at her through her haze of lust. Vika's face then propped itself right next to her, placing a wet kiss on the fringes of her lips.

''My, my, Nailah. You're sweating up a storm here, aren't you?'' the raven leered, her cheek sticky were she had made contact with the woman's skin. Motioning the wolf's head towards her, Vika breathed a gust of heat right into Nailah's mouth, eyes piecing and voice low. ''Truth of the matter is...'' Her mouth dipped towards the shivering Hatarian's ear. ''You made me so damn horny, Nailah...''

Just the mere words seemed to flip a switch in the shaking wolf. Her eye twitched and strained in its socket, her legs buckled and shivered. She was clearly at her limit.

''Vi...Vikaaaaa...Please...just...d-d-do i-t...'' she groaned, hands damning themselves at their inaction.

Yet, Vika made no move herself. She simply sat there, eyes glinted against the moonlight and an amused smile poised on her lips. ''Do what, Nailah?'' she asked, innocence feigned in her eyes. ''I can't do anything if I don't know what you want.''

''Mahhh...Sss...'' The Hatarian hissed and breathed at the torture she was being submitted to. She could feel her pride dying before her eyes. ''Errr...T-...ahh...t-touch...it...d-do...-e...''

She sharply inhaled as the fingers on her stomach pressed even harder on her stomach. It even felt like they were moving towards the sacred spot.

''What's that, my love? Touch? Do? I can't answer any request with those slovenly speech skills. Tell me loud and clear what it is you oh so desire, Nailah...''

Oh Naga. She couldn't take a another minute of this hell. The musk on Vika's breath, the suppressed pleasure of her touch on her skin. Tears prickled at her eyes in complete angst. She took one shaky breath before kissing her pride goodbye.

''Fu...''

''What's that?'' Vika whispered, fingers strengthening their hold. Nailah lost it.

''F-Fuck me, Vika! T-Take me! Touch my maidenhood! Haaa...I-I need you...please...''

'...oh.'

A scarlet blush burned heavily on Vika's face as the extremely explicit words entered her ears. As Nailah's hungry, needy, emerald orb focused on her with an infinite desire, Vika shirked and gaped at how lust driven she had made her new husband.

'I...I made have taken this a bit too far.' She almost felt sorry for what she was going to do next.

''O-Okay, Nailah...S-Since you asked so...passionately...''

The wolf queen's senses bursts like fireworks as Vika's hands stopped swirling and began a slow, delicate migration downwards.

''Ahh...yes...c-closer...'' Nailah rumbled. Just a bit more distance, just one more haul before sweet, sweet release. ''Do it Vika...yes...a-almost...H-Ha?!''

''...pft.''

Nailah didn't feel the fingers reach the promised land as she had wished, but make a sudden u-turn back towards her stomach. The dance they did was not the erotic, slow one they had done just moments before, but a lively, giddy tango, tingling her skin with a sensation unlike the one earlier.

'...Damn it, Vika!'

In an instant, Nailah's needy pants were replaced by bubbly, loud, laughter as Vika relentlessly tickled the poor, sexually-repressed queen.

''Heheh. Sorry lover,'' the raven casually chuckled, arms wrapped in a vicegrip around Nailah's torso. ''but did you really think I'm the type of girl to have pre-marital sex in the middle of an open field? I thought you knew me.''

''Haha...K-Kill-hic...y-you...ha-ahaha...r-really...k-kill...hahahah!''

Indignant to the threats, Vika happily continued her assault on the wolf's body, eager to extract every shameful giggle from her perverted companion. Eventually, she did just that as the wolf queen's body lay sprawled out on the grass in a sad, half-turned on, heap of humiliation. Vika lay next to the woman with a satisfied smirk on her face, playing with Nailah's sweat, purple locks as the ghost of her former self weakly sizzled in the night breeze.

''...-ill you...''

''I heard you the first hundred times, mutt.'' she teased, before leaning down and planting a kiss on her lover's cheek. With a sigh, Nailah gave into her wife's irresistible charm, slowly wrapping an arm around her and snuggling up, a gesture which Vika happily returned.

''Haaa...alright. I'll forgive you, but this makes up for all of the teasing I did to you ever since we met. I mean, that bullcrap was bordering a war crime! Making me say all those embarrassing as hell things...ahh, man!'' Nailah moaned as she remembered just how pathetic she had sounded minutes ago, begging and voicing all those morbidly dirty thoughts.

''Pffft! I'll say! 'Touch my maidenhood'?! Goddess, I got embarrassed just from hearing that!'' she grinned.

Nailah's face lit up like a bonfire, swiftly turning her face away from the leering gaze of her tormentor. She grimaced and groaned quietly to herself. ''Please don't remind me. I know my way around when it comes to the action, but Naga hold my tongue if I ever try to put that crap into words. This is exactly why Tania was traumatized going through puberty.''

''Oh, I could tell that from the moment I met you, Nailah.'' she said smirking, squishing closer into her love's embrace. ''If we ever do have children, I'll be the one who gives them the talk.''

''No complaints here, bird.''

The two simultaneously sparked in lively laughter, echoing their mirth for the entire meadow to hear. As the sounds died down, the plains soon descended back into silence as its lone occupants settled down and gazed up at the starry night sky above, heat radiating into each other's soul. Nailah gave a content sigh as she twiddled with her lover's hair, who seemed to be enjoying a state of perfect bliss, a smile soft serene upon the breeze and eyes closed with content.

'I hope my world will be the perfect one you were looking for, Vika.' she silently said, relishing the silky expense of skin upon hers. 'Goddess knows that you're the most important part of mine.'

Just as she finished that thought, Nailah jumped at a sudden feeling of moisture on her arm. Looking down, her ears twitched at the sight of her beloved silently crying, despite the soft smile not weakening even a fraction.

''V-Vi-!''

Her distress was cut short by sudden finger to the lips. Shifting up, the raven simply shook her head before moving in and bringing her into a slow and passionate kiss. Nailah blushed red and feebly squirmed in the steamy embrace of Vika's need. She gave a very uncharismatic squeak when the raven's tongue darted between her teeth and made a second excavation of her mouth. Outside, Vika's hands darted over every inch of the queen's heated face, as if making sure she was really there. Finally, Vika parted their lips in a smooth and storybook fashion, using a single finger to mop up the strands of saliva that dangled between them. A bright smile bloomed radiantly on her face as she briefly touched their foreheads together, before lowering her body downwards into Nailah's shoulder, eyes beaming up at her saviour. The teal orbs glistened with such satisfaction, such pure happiness, like a child witnessing the new dawn for the first time in her life. It made Nailah's heart flutter, as if falling in love all over again.

''I'm alright, I'm alright.'' Vika whispered, wiping the droplets of water from her eyes, yet Nailah could hear the quiver and mild hoarseness in her voice. ''It's...It's just...I-I never thought I'd be talking about this kind of stuff with you in my wildest dreams, Nailah. Marriage, having kids, hehe, even the bedroom talk!'' Vika's eyes began to leak once again, yet it seemed she was too busy trying to keep her emotions under check to notice. Nailah's hand decided to wipe the tears for her, surprising the raven by gingerly brushing her eyes of the glistening dew, prompting a light smile from the woman.

''I'm just...so, so happy, Nailah...So happy that you care for me that much, that you would make me your wife.'' Vika shuddered with bliss, arms wrapping around her beloved. ''Just...just...Thank you. Thank you, you big, stupid, perverted, amazing woman, you. For all the kindness you brought me, for all the times you comforted me when I was hurting, for showing me such a brave, beautiful, world. For being the piece that covered up that gaping hole in my heart. I love you so much, Nailah. You're my everything.''

Nailah could have sworn that her heart physically leap out of her chest as the pure sentiment of the words enveloped her like a warm blanket. She felt that tingly sensation again, the one she often felt when she was around the raven. The feeling that made her want to grasp the ebony-winged beauty's hand while walking alone together on cold nights, that begged Nailah to give into her impulses and embrace Vika wherever they might be.

Love. Love. Love that went beyond the bedsheets, love that could only be directed at one person, love that only came once in a lifetime. It was such a foreign concept to the queen, yet in these last couple of months she had spent with Vika, she had felt like she had loved the raven for her entire life. It was an experience she would move mountains to remember, a lavender memory that would sing clear in her mind until the day she passed and Nailah couldn't be happier. She loved cracking jokes with Vika, loved sharing stories with her, loved spending a night out with her, loved embracing her when she needed it, loved feeling Vika's skin on hers, loved just being next to her precious sun and moon. Vika simply lit her soul in a way that she never thought could have been done, and she needed that light to burn bright for as long as she drew breath.

With a one of the most innocent smiles she had ever formed, Nailah cupped her lover's cheeks and slowly brought the two into another kiss, savouring the sweet joining as if it were their last. As it came to an end, she gave a half laugh, half sob of joy before pulling Vika deeper into her arms, nuzzling her precious spouse.

''I couldn't have said it better myself, bird. You're the spark in my life I never knew I needed. Every moment I'm with you fills me with feelings I never thought I could form, never knew felt so good. I love you, Vika. I love you so damn much. I will always be by your side. As long as you stay by mine.''

Vika chuckled through her tears, wiping drops of wetness off against her love's creamy, brown skin. This was all she ever could have wanted. ''Sniff, heh. It's a deal.''

Weathered, exhausted, and both missing a couple litres of their saliva, the two newlyweds settled down among the grass and back of the meadow's cradle, body's entwined and hearts beating in sync. Lingering ashes of sparkling colour could still be seen sprinkling through the landscape, orphaned by the recent spectacle of fireworks. It amplified and shimmered against the white, crystalline canvas of the night sky, Ashera, Naga, and everything in-between celebrating their marriage through a radiant display of light.

Cool night-time breeze flowed across their skin. Forest and pine invaded their noses. It seemed like the entire landscape had blessed their sanctimony. They peeked their eyes open and stole a peek at the beauty above them, creating new memories for the starry sky to record, before sharing a final, loving glance.

No words were uttered, but their messages reached each other loud and clear.

'I love you.'

The conscious world faded from the two women's mind as they drifted off into a pleasant sleep, accompanying each other to the dreams of tomorrow. Whatever the world would throw at them, they stayed blissfully ignorant. They would deal with it, triumph, then hold each other in their arms again. They had no worries to worry about, no guilts to weep about. All that mattered in this moment was the beating of the heart next to them, the image of intimacy inside their dreams.

'Goddess, thank you. Thank you for this chance. This chance to be happy.'

That night, they slept peacefully until the new dawn.