Fire Emblem Bonds

by Galaxia19

During the war against a mad dragon god, there's still plenty time for love and lust. Following the ladies of Fates Revelations during the war and into post-game. There's a lot of sex but also plenty plot. Spotlight characters: Selkie, Velouria, Soleil, Caeldori, Hinoka, Rhajat, Corrin, Ophelia, Sophie, Nina, Charlotte, Camilla, Kagero, Orochi, Felicia, Flora, Tiki, Kjelle, Cherche

32. Chapter 32 – Acting on Desires

Weddings are common events across all realms. Many cultures and religions, unconnected to each other, have devised the same rough concept of two people pledging to live their lives together. A wedding is many things; it is not simply about the two people swearing to love each other to the end, even though divorce is a thing too. It is not about showing off your wealth or popularity to your guests, though there are many who treat it as such. It is not for still single guests, upon seeing their friend marry, to seek solace in alcohol and wake up the next morning wondering who this is the next to them. A wedding is a milestone, the beginning of change for the couple and for many a guest.

Today, there will be many weddings taking place but one in particular is of interest. It is not a grand affair but it is still a big day in the lives of those involved. It's a wedding in a small town in the south of Nohr, one few outwith the local area could even name, but still gladly called home by many. Two of that many were the bride and groom today, Lorena and Blaine, who would cease to be boyfriend and girlfriend after two years and four months and would now be husband and wife.

The newlyweds had been in the same year at school and Blain's father worked for Lorena's at the carpentry firm he co-owned which his son then joined as an apprentice after leaving school. The two had been friends but now working together, they had soon fallen for each other, though neither acted on it. It was after Lorena's friend Kate, along with her new adoptive sister Amy, returned after having been held as slaves, that Lorena decided she had to make life count and asked him out.

The town hall had been hired for the reception and it was filled with family, friends and co-workers. In a small town, that meant a notable percentage of the population was present, especially as the two and both their fathers are tradesmen and are known by most of the town. The ceremony had gone smoothly and now everyone was enjoying the reception with a sizable buffet having already been mostly consumed. While the band took a break, Lorena took the chance for the bouquet toss.

In the middle of the scrum behind her waiting, was Maria. She was already fairly tall and with her six-inch wedges on to go with her black mini-dress, she had a good advantage. She was also incredibly keen to claim the prize and had already decided she would jump on people if necessary. She'd only been dating the love of her life for five months but having been friends for two years before meant they knew how compatible they were and Maria had no doubts that she wanted to marry her. It may be just a traditional belief, but she wanted that bouquet as proof they were going to be wed.

As the bundle of flowers arced through the air, she timed her jump perfectly, and pushed down on someone else for more height, to snatch the prize from the air. She held it aloft as she landed and kept it up until the scrabbling hands all fell away.

"Nice going," called Lorena but her friend was already pushing out from the scrum and away from her.

Approaching Amy and Gwen, neither of whom had wanted to be in that fight, Gwen sidled off a little to give them space. With nothing but a smile, she held out the bouquet in both hands.

Amy, having enjoyed a full length look at her girlfriend's sexy legs in those wedges and the short dress, then saw the smile and understood the intentions. "Yes," she said softly as she took the flowers.

Keeping her composure, Maria, with a notable height advantage from her shoes, leaned in and kissed her fiancé's forehead.

"Honestly, you two are so adorable it hurts," said Gwen as she sidled back in.

The pair could only laugh.

"There's plenty single guys around," assured Maria. "Anyone take your fancy?"

"You two going to be my wingwomen for tonight?"

"We'll do our best," assured Amy.

"Well, alright then," accepted Gwen as she began scanning the room for a few targets. Seeing her friends now coupling up or marrying had spurred a desire for a relationship as of late but she'd very happily take a one-night stand tonight.

---

An hour or so later, the wingwomen had managed their job quite well with Gwen having left them to talk and dance with one of the boys that had been in year at school. With their duties finished and the hall getting rather warm as the night went on, the pair headed outside for some peace and fresh night air. They headed round the side of the hall where there was a small public garden with some benches and rested their weary feet, although Amy had no idea how her girlfriend coped with heels or how switching to six-inch wedges counted as 'comfy dancing shoes'.

After an enjoyable silence, Maria had to ensure Amy had understood her meaning earlier. "So," she began, "we're engaged."

"Yeah," confirmed Amy. "But…"

Maria knew what was coming. "But we can't afford too."

"Yeah," agreed Amy. "I'd want us to have our own place if we got married. I've been saving up but it's not nearly enough to safely support us and I can't ask my mom to start paying me more."

"Same. I love performing but a job dependant on gigs isn't a high or stable income."

"Would we be alright living with your parents?" It couldn't be hers as the house only had two bedrooms and a married couple should not be sharing a room with one's sister.

"Actually," began Maria hesitantly, "I've been thinking."

"About what?"

"About auditioning for a permanent role for an opera company in Cyrkensia."

"Cyrkensia," echoed Amy, taken aback by the suddenness and scale of this plan.

"Even for a small company, the pay will be better and it'll be reliable."

"I can work as a seamstress anywhere," added Amy.

"You'd come with me?"

"Of course I would," she assured as she took her fiancé's hand. "If you're getting a bigger income to better support us then with our combined savings now we would hopefully be able to rent somewhere…" she trailed off as somewhere even just half decent in Nestra's capital city would probably still be out of their price range. "Not terrible," she concluded. "And it's not like we'd be moving far, it's only a few hours by coach."

"I've actually been looking and it seems like most companies are usually always looking for new members. I thought I could go there for a few days and beg around for an audition at every company I can find."

"You'll have no trouble getting offers," encouraged her fiancé. "You're a great singer, you can dance too and you're super-hot."

"You're a little bias on that last one," teased Maria.

"Mm, maybe," agreed Amy as she leaned in. "But I get to see every inch of you, so I know best," she purred into her ear.

Maria could only laugh at the brazenness.

"You can use your feminine charms to help at auditions but if some sleazy guy's suggesting you do things for a job, shut him down by telling him you've got a fiancé." At that, a barley muffled squeal came from the other side of the garden wall. "Mom?"

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop," apologised Jessica as she entered, "I was just waiting for a lull to step in. Did I hear you right?"

"We're engaged," confirmed Amy and stood up swiftly for her mom to hug her.

"Ah! My baby's engaged," squealed Jessica as she squished her daughter. "And you," she said to Maria over her baby's shoulder as she gestured for her to stand up and join them, "you really need to call me mom from now on."

"Yes, Mom," accepted Maria as she joined the family hug.

"Now," began Jessica, sounding all serious as she let go, "I've nearly finished your dress designs so I'll show them to you tomorrow and I can incorporate any comments, then it's onto fabric-"

"Mom," interrupted Amy. "We won't actually be getting married for a while. We would want our own place and we just can't afford that now."

"Oh, of course," accepted Jessica, deflating slightly.

"We were actually talking about moving," began Amy tentatively and could see the worry on her mom's face.

"I'm planning on looking for permanent work in Cyrkensia," continued Maria.

"And I'd move there with her," finished Amy.

"My baby's leaving the nest," accepted Jessica with the happy sadness that all parents know. "Cyrkensia won't be cheap."

"We know but if Maria's earning more, we should have enough to get somewhere."

"Not somewhere good or safe," protested Jessica. "You remember that bag of gold and jewels that Beruka gave you?"

"Yes."

"Well, there still a third of it left. Half of that is yours so you should use it rent yourself somewhere in a nice part of the city."

"Really? Thank you so much."

Jessica reached out to caress her daughter's cheek with a sad smile. "It'll be so strange only having one of you in the house. I can't imagine what that'll feel like."

"You had that for fifteen years," Amy pointed out.

Jessica stared for a second, hand still on her daughter's cheek, with no idea what she was on about. "Oh, you're adopted," she then realised.

"You forgot that?" questioned Maria.

"She's done this a few times," chuckled Amy. "She once spent a whole day panicking about not remembering my first day at school."

"They tease me a lot with this," Jessica informed her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. "One of my friends' youngest was starting school so we'd been talking about first days and I could remember Kate on her first day but not Amy. I spent the rest of the day worried I had early onset dementia until Roger asked what was wrong with me and reminded me."

"That's actually really sweet," assured Maria. "Even your memories don't see a difference between her and Kate."

"'Cos there isn't one," assured Jessica grabbing Amy for another hug and nuzzling cheek-to-cheek. "She's my baby, even if she was fifteen when we met. You're my baby now too," she added and gabbed Maria. As they parted, all feeling warm and loved up, she remembered why she came out to find Amy. "Oh, your sister's flirting with someone at the bar."

"What!" yelped both girls.

"I know," squealed Jessica as her excitement returned and she set off for the door with the girls in tow. "I wanted you to see. I don't know if we should help her or just leave her to it."

"Probably leave her," suggested Amy.

"Is this the first time?" asked Maria.

"Yes," replied Jessica, still squealing with excitement. "It would be so good for her if she's ready to open up to romance."

As they entered, the three sidled along the wall to keep their distance and observed this new growth. Maria informed them it was, Ewan, a boy from their year at school who was a nice guy so could be good for her. The laughter and held gazes certainly had the hallmarks of flirting. Whether it led to something more or not, this was a big step for Kate and her healing.

---

After the wedding, with the plan out in the open now, Maria began preparing for her trip to Cyrkensia. She had talked to other touring performers that she knew about what to expect from these auditions and about safe and cheap places to stay for a few nights in the city. With a letter sent to book a room for three nights at the recommended inn and confirmation received, it was all really happening.

For the four days and three nights she was away, everyone left back home worried constantly about her, Amy and Kate most of all. They knew the worst that could happen to a woman travelling on her own. That said, they had been fourteen and fifteen when they'd been abducted whereas Maria was now eighteen, fit and with some self-defence training courtesy of her girlfriend. Still, it's the job of loved ones to worry. Thankfully, she returned entirely unharmed letting everyone breath freely again.

She'd been able to get seven auditions in her time there, none for the big and prestigious companies due to her lack of experience on a big stage but she'd managed to talk her way into three medium sized ones to go with four small ones. She'd been told no from three after her audition and now all she could do was wait for the letters to come from the remaining four. When the first one arrived, she was about to explode with excitement only to then deflate at being rejected. It was from the best of the companies that had seen her which was a big blow. The next letter too, was a rejection but was from the smallest which had a rather run-down theatre so that wasn't such a loss. The third letter, well, the third letter caused a tremendous amount of screaming, initially at her parents and then, after running all the way there, to her girlfriend and her family. She'd been accepted by the second best of those that had seen her.

The contract for her to sign had came with the letter and, after being shocked and overjoyed by how much she would be getting paid, she was confirmed to start with them for the casting and rehearsals of their next show in five weeks. Everything suddenly felt real, the pair were moving.

Now needing to view places to live, the two girls, accompanied by Maria's mother and Amy's father who could both provide expert advice on the quality of prospective houses as a merchant and carpenter, had planned a trip there to view as many houses and apartments as possible. Maria had been round estate agents when she had been there and been furnished with brochures about the city so they had a starting point.

From planning it, it would be a week before they could go which meant there was enough time for Amy to send off a letter and receive a reply. She wrote to Beruka, informing her friend of this massive change to her life and asked if she could provide any information that Shelter may have regarding unsafe areas in the city. Two days after sending it, she received her reply with encouragement from Beruka, Camilla and Jenny regarding this change and a detailed map and report about the city, showing everything from crime rates to known gang territory.

Now armed with this extra information, the four were well prepared for their mission and on the second day of their trip, found a one bedroom flat in a very safe area that the girls immediately loved. Property prices in Cyrkensia were astonishingly high compared to the small town they called home but with their savings boosted by Amy's half of the loot Beruka had left with them and Maria's surprisingly high salary, they could afford this small apartment. It had a combined kitchen, dining and living room with one bedroom and a separate washroom. What was impressive to the country folk was the full indoor plumbing and even a flushing lavatory, something they associated with only the wealthy but, from what they'd seen, this seemed to be the norm for the big city.

Papers were signed and with their job done, the four returned home to prepare for the move. Furniture was sourced, with Roger making a few pieces and fixing up a couple more, and all was eventually loaded onto their wagon along with cases of the girls' clothes and personal items. Standing ready to go, with Maria, Gwen and Jessica all crying, it all felt so permanent despite it only being a few hours journey. After many a hug, Amy, Maria, Roger and Jessica headed off.

Arriving at their new abode, having picked up the keys, everything was unloaded and soon the bare apartment looked like a home. With that task finished, the four went to the market to stock the kitchen, finding a phenomenal verity of foods they'd never seen before. Sticking to what they knew for now, they headed home, heavily laden, and Maria made dinner for the four. Leaving straight after dinner, Roger and Jessica would make it home around nightfall so left the girls alone. Looking around their home, the girls could scarcely believe they were now living with their beloved. After a little talk of christening their new bedroom, both accepted today had been very tiring and were soon asleep on the sofa while there was still light in the sky.

---

With a few weeks until Maria started work, she accompanied Amy as she went around the city to look for work as a seamstress. There were plenty of dressmakers and tailors she could have enquired with, but she was being rather picky and kept coming up with excuses to not even go in. After several days of them exploring the city, she eventually accepted she had to try and went in to ask at a shop that was fairly close to their new home and was accepted. She still didn't seem very enthusiastic but evaded Maria's questioning on the subject.

With Amy now working a nine-to-five job, Maria found herself alone during the day so would spent some time working out to improve herself before starting rehearsals which would no doubt be very intense. As well as a daily workout, she explored the city she now called home and had bought a recipe book so she could make use of all the exotic ingredients the major port city had put at her disposal, surprising Amy each night with something new.

This easy life only lasted a few weeks before rehearsals began and they were as tough as she had expected. She was at the theatre for six to eight hours most days as scenes and routines were run, glad of her breaks when she wasn't in a scene. She may only be in the chorus, but there was a lot of musical numbers she had to learn and perfect. While it was tough, she also found it immensely enjoyable being with a large group. She had soon made friends with other girls in the chorus, although the leading lights of the company were a little harder to get along with, and she had been encouraged to bring Amy along to some nights out.

---

With four of the six-week rehearsal period passed, the show was coming together and Maria was very pleased with how well she was coping in this new and very different environment. Heading home from today's eight hours, she was feeling good and, as Amy would already be home, wondered if she'd be making dinner for her.

"Hey," she called as she entered their home only to see Amy standing waiting for her with her arms outstretched and a cute little pout. "What's wrong?" She got no response so walked into those arms which then clamped around her. Knowing Amy just wanted some physical comfort, she hugged her back and her fiancé snuggled into her. Something was clearly bothering her to have her acting like this but now wasn't the time for words.

They stood there for a while, each enveloped in their beloved before Maria found she was now stroking Amy's hair. Shortly after that, Amy took a little step backwards, pulling her source of comfort with her and walked them to their bedroom, turning them both round and then forcibly lying Maria down on the bed, never breaking their hug, so she could lay on top of her, snuggling into her chest. She needed this warmth.

Maria had no idea how long they'd been lying there, swaddled in their combined warmth, their hearts beating in sync, but she was brought out of the contented trance by lips on her neck. A long, lingering kiss was followed by another, then another, before Amy lifted herself up a little and stood on all fours over her girlfriend, still with a cute little pout. If she was still feeling this needy, then she would get whatever she wanted. Maria reached up and stoked her cheek, with Amy nuzzling into her palm, before guiding her down for their lips to meet. The kisses were slow and delicate at first but as the heat rose within and between them, lips were parting, tongues meeting, the kisses growing needier and needier.

Maria, on her back, was holding Amy down onto her with one hand on the back of her head against her gorgeous silky hair and the other around her back, working on unhooking her bra through her top. With her fiancé's left hand busy between them at her chest, she couldn't' really hold back anymore. She tipped Amy of her and turned over to straddle her, going to sit up to undress herself but Amy grabbed her and pulled her down.

"Stay."

The command was absolute and Maria pressed herself into her beloved, Amy's hands now freely roaming over her body, between them to her chest, down her spine, grabbing her ass and, all the while, their tongues danced. Both were growing so horny, the heat building within each of them, moans passing each way in the eternal kiss, bodies restless, itching for more, needing more. She felt Amy inching her skirt up with her fingertips, pulling until she could grab the hem and then hauling it up over her back, her lover's hands against her bare ass, squeezing, kneading, her nails digging in but then her left hand slipping down, around her hip and beneath her, teasing it's way beneath her sodden panties.

She let out a huge yelp as Amy's fingers met her clit, rubbing their way around and across before slipping down her hungry lips, pressing in, driving her mind wild with desperation, the need for her lover's touch. Her moans were near constant but she couldn't split off from Amy's delicious tongue, their lips couldn't part and her gasps and moans took in the shared air trapped between them, her beloved's breath turning her on even more. Though her own lust, she knew Amy was just the same, her moans were just as loud, her gorgeous body twitching beneath her, the fingers that were spreading her lips jerking on occasion but that only served as even more stimulus.

With both going mad, Amy slipped two fingers inside and Maria jerked onto them, her desperation only worsening. Her mind was consumed with lust, all she could do was buck on the digits within her and lap wildly at her tongue's counterpart as her body was lost to molten pleasure, her senses ablaze at the heat from with her. Through those flames as they began to fade, her thoughts were able to register the grunts from below her, the writhing body and the fingers within her clenched tight as Amy climaxed alongside her through nothing but the kiss, her arousal and the scent and heat from her beloved atop her.

Still lying with Maria on top, their open, panting mouths recycling air, both were getting light headed. Maria sat up unopposed this time and whipped off her blouse and bra before hauling Amy's top and already unhooked bra off her. She hadn't recovered her breathing from her orgasm but looking down at the incredibly sexy, muscled body, her abs seemingly growing more defined by the day, the clear firmness in her arms that now lay above her head as Amy pushed her chest out. Maria chuckled as she remembered this view from their first night together.

She caught Amy's lust filled gaze as she caressed her sold stomach. "Can I eat you?" she pleaded.

Amy convulsed just from the anticipation. "Yes," she groaned.

Maria bounced backwards on the bed to free Amy's legs and pulled down her leggings and panties in one fell swoop, tossing them aside, before diving onto the source of the sweetest of nectars. She was hungry, frenzied in her attention. Her lips and tongue tormented those gorgeous lips, that swollen, pulsing, needy clit, every touch, every breath drawing more and louder moans from that voice she adored as her senses were flooded with the scent, the wetness, the heat that Amy was putting out.

It was no time at all before Amy was lost, her entire body dancing to the steps Maria's tongue laid out for her, her hips jerking, her legs pushing out, her shoulders bouncing her on the bed before a huge, all engulfing pulse of pleasure coursed through her, ever muscle jerking her body off the bed and bouncing down as she writhed, her voice nothing but squeals of undiluted bliss.

She still hadn't come down from that orgasm before Maria was stripping completely, kneeling to remove her skirt and soaked panties. Still gasping, Amy watched the full beauty of the performer, her gorgeous boobs sitting just perfectly, her flat stomach, her glistening pussy but it was the lust in her eyes that she loved the most at this moment. Maria grabbed her left ankle and lifted her leg, slipping in to scissor. The two women, their eyes locked, reached out a hand to the other, holding tight as their other explored the body of their adored, attention settling on Amy's chest as she stroked her beloved's hip and stomach. With wild hips bucking, it took very little time for two as aroused as they were to finish together.

Mind still buzzing, body still panting, Maria lay down atop her fiancé and locked lips. With orgasmic heat trapped between their beautiful forms, with the make-out session helping add some more fuel to it, each remained lost in an encompassing pleasure. Their long snuggle session had turned into a short but immensely satisfying fuck but both knew they were finished.

Although the wonderful, shared orgasmic heat felt good initially, the more they lay trapping it between them, the more uncomfortable it grew. Eventually, Maria rolled off, feeling a wonderful coolness flowing over her sweaty body.

"Considering all you wanted was a hug, that got pretty intense," she observed. Looking over at her love, her blonde hair plastered to her forehead with sweat and wearing only a little smile. She nearly wanted to jump her again. "Time to eat."

"I don't think I've got another one in me," admitted Amy as Maria rolled out of bed and got up, looking back a little puzzled. "Oh, you meant food."

"You've got a dirty mind," teased Maria as she turned and headed for the kitchen.

"Only because of how much you turn me on," called Amy as she rolled over and watched that sexy ass on those gorgeous legs leave, still entirely unclothed. She then got up and followed her though.

"I fancy a curry," suggested Maria as she put on her apron and did a twirl. "Does it suit me?" she purred, leaning forward.

Amy stared down the magnificent cleavage that looked barely contained by the apron. "You should wear that outfit at home more often," she said, her voice tight with a resurgence of lust.

"I love having our own place," confirmed Maria as she turned around and bent down to get the wok out of the cupboard, keeping her legs straight and glad Amy took the bait as a hand gently ran over her ass and up her back as she stood up.

"Curry's the spicy thing, right?" asked Amy as she slipped her arms beneath the apron to hug the chef from behind.

"I won't make it too hot," assured Maria, happy to work with the handicap of a super-hot, naked girl pressing into her back.

After watching her work for a little, Amy let go and started to help. She liked when Maria had not yet started her rehearsals and had dinner ready for her coming home but she liked cooking together even more. It somehow felt like an activity that cemented their status as a couple.

---

With dinner cooked, eaten and the washing up done, the two women, still undressed, headed for their living room, which was technically the same room as the kitchen and the dining room so hardly far. Maria was first to sit and then found Amy snuggling in close, head on her shoulder and her legs tucked beneath her to lean in better.

"You don't have to tell," said Maria softly as she took her girlfriend's hand.

"I'm… I'm not happy as a seamstress," confessed Amy. She got a comforting squeeze. "I'm worried that you'll be worried at what I want to do."

"Which is?"

"A guard for Shelter." She was surprised by a kiss to the top of her head.

"You'd be great at that, you're like a demon when you've got a knife in your hand. And I know how much that charity means to you."

"You're not worried?"

"Of course I'll be worried. You'll be putting yourself in danger but it'll be to help people who're in a situation you were once in. I'll always support you," she made clear.

"Really?" questioned Amy, only now looking up from Maria's shoulder.

"Was that all you were worried about?" asked Maria as a laugh started to form that wouldn't be restrained.

"So what if it was," protested Amy as her fiancé gave in and started laughing.

"You're so adorable," cooed Maria as she grabbed her girlfriend and hugged her.

"You're naked and I know every way to hurt you," warned Amy, feeling very defensive about having been worried for nothing.

Maria let go and pushed her away to look her in the eyes before aiming for maximum seduction. "But if I were hurt," she said as breathy as sounded sensible, "we couldn't make love." Trying to resist smiling at the seduction, Amy again started pouting. "Ah, you're so cute," she squealed and leapt at her, incapable of not hugging her.

---

With her worries unfounded, Amy had made up her mind that she would go to Cyrkensia's Shelter location during her lunch break tomorrow and inquire about jobs. On approach to the well signposted location she steeled herself and walked up to the guard at the door.

"I'm not in need of help," she explained, "I'm looking for a job with you." The guard, a woman in armour with the charity's logo on their arms, eyed her with suspicion. That was her job after all.

"Alright," she accepted.

As she entered, the guard watched her as walked up to the receptionist's desk, one of the fancy looking ones with the high front on it. Behind was a girl with purple hair, albeit with brown roots showing, maybe mid-twenties and looking up at her with a very calming expression.

"Can we help at all?" she asked soothingly.

"I'm actually wondering if you any positions as guards available?" The woman's demeanour changed entirely at that with a big smile as her eye slit up.

"Awesome. We're always looking for new guards," she said as if in a rush. "Step round, let me look at you."

Amy did as instructed and moved round to the side of the desk where the woman, literally on the edge of her seat and grinning, examined her.

"Ooh, you like pretty lithe under that pretty exterior, fast on your feet, decent strength by the looks of you." Satisfied, she turned and bent down to a set of drawers. "I'll get you the form to fill in which should… be… some… where, there. Here you go," she said as she handed the from over. "Fill in every section with as much detail as you can. We need all three references and they should come from different aspects of your life, family, work, person of social standing like a government official, priest or respectable business-person."

"Thank you. Can I fill it in here."

"Pencil?" asked the receptionist as she offered one.

"Thanks," accepted Amy. There was a kind of manic energy to the woman but if she's working here, she must be a good and intelligent person. She knew the process everyone had to go through to work for Shelter from Beruka. She took a seat on the row of chairs along the far wall and pulled the table with books and leaflets towards her a little to write on.

The form was as she expected, sections for a personal statement, work experience, combat training and the references but the section that could lose her a chance here was combat experience. Since she'd started her training with Beruka, she'd never been in a fight that was anything more than shoving a drunk at a tavern. She had to be honest and wrote 'none'. With a proofread, she went and handed it back to the receptionist who then read it.

"Mm, interesting. The boss is in so I'll give it to her now. Have a seat."

Amy returned to her seat as the receptionist knocked on the door behind her desk.

"Commander?"

"Come in," came a gravely female voice from inside.

Amy couldn't hear any conversation from within so tried to distract herself looking round the room, but nervously glancing back to the door repeatedly. There were posters and paintings on the wall all conveying the message that no one is alone, that help will be given if it's asked for. She wanted to be involved with charity, she wanted to be able to help people.

Eventually, the receptionist emerged and gave her a big smile, hopefully that meant the commander was interested in her. A few minutes after that, it opened again and a tall, rugged looking woman stood looking at her.

"Amy?"

"Yes, ma'am," she replied as she stood up and was beckoned in.

"Close the door, take a seat," she was ordered as she entered with the commander already at her desk. Sitting opposite her, she looked like she'd be nearing fifty, with greying hair, a couple of scars on her right cheek and wearing armour. She had the air of a veteran soldier about her, someone who'd had a hard, physical life but was tough as iron because of it. "I'm Commander Valerie, I'm in charge of our operations her in Cyrkensia and the surrounding areas. So, why does a seamstress want to become a guard?"

"Well, em, it wasn't a job I ever really wanted," began Amy, nerves now starting to creep in as the formal interview began. "My mother does it and my sister always planned to but I just fell into it through them. I want to do something where I can put my training to use and help people who need it."

"Why us? Why not the watch or the army?" questioned her interrogator.

Amy took a few deepening breaths. She had already made up her mind she would explain the full reason behind this. "I was abducted when I was fourteen and held as a sex slave for six months." She could feel herself starting to tremble as she recounted the horror. This was the first time she'd ever explained it to anyone as Kate had told their parents and friends after they had first been freed. She had also decided to not mention Kate being there too in case she ever met with her boss so she wouldn't have the stigma surrounding her. "I was raped on a daily basis and I couldn't do anything to help myself. If someone is suffering like I did, I want to help them."

Valerie was blindsided by this. She'd heard a lot of stories from the woman and a few men who came through here but this was one of the worst. While it wasn't relevant to the interview, she had to know if the person or people who held her were still alive and needed to go on the black list. "I understand your desire to be here," she accepted. "I know you may not want to, but can you tell me how you escaped?" She of course knew the name of the girl's trainer and one of her references so this would also confirm that.

"Beruka had been sent by Camilla to kill them. She found us in the basement." She realised she'd let a plural escape there but could only hope it hadn't been noticed.

"And you became friends with our head of security afterwards?" No need for the black list if it was Beruka who freed them, it would seem. She had also noticed the lack of a title regarding Lady Camilla. For a girl from a small town in the back of beyond of Nohr to be close friends with a princess and her retainer seemed unlikely but it would be such a stupid thing to make up she had to conclude it was the truth.

"Yes, ma'am. She came to check up on me frequently. I was an orphan and she had found a family to take me in and wanted to make sure I was recovering."

"And she trained you."

"Yes. My new sister and I went to Camilla's house for six weeks and we had an intense course in unarmed and dagger combat. We were sent home with strict workout and training regime which I have always maintained. She would test us when she came to visit and update our goals." She was sure this was leading into the part where she could lose the interview so went in first. "I know I don't have actually combat experience against anyone trying to harm me, but I promise you I am competent and focused when fighting. I won't get scared, I won't let myself."

"That point is a concern, I'll be honest. Most of our recruits are former soldiers or watch officers, formally trained and seen real action." At what she was purposely making sound like a possible rejection, Amy only looked more determined. "So, trained by the best but no real experience. You call yourself skilled in unarmed and dagger combat but only moderately with a sword."

"I've only been learning to use one kind of piecemeal because I don't have a regular training partner. I roughly know what I'm doing but I'm not good enough to want to use one in a real fight over my daggers."

"Presumably you would want to continue that training if you were successful in this application."

"Yes ma'am. I'd love the chance to spar and improve myself."

That was certainly a good attitude to have. She decided the girl would be worth seeing in action but wanted to know more about her before concluding this part of the interview. "Tell me more about you. Why move here from Nohr?"

"Actually, I got engaged to my girlfriend," began Amy.

Valerie almost felt herself smile in response to the lovestruck look that immediately formed as soon as Amy mentioned her lover.

"We couldn't afford to get married with what we were earning back home and she wanted to audition for opera companies here. She's a really great singer, she'd been touring with a band since school. We're renting a nice apartment and I just love being here with her. Sorry, em…" she began but forgot what the question had been.

"Don't apologise, she must mean a lot to you."

"I didn't think I could ever want to be near someone after what I'd been through but now I couldn't imagine not being next to her."

"And how's your relationship with your adoptive family?"

"Excellent. I love my parents and my sister and I know they love me. My mom actually forgets I'm adopted sometimes so I know they don't see me as a burden forced on them after we were freed." She'd let another plural out again and she was fairly sure the commander had noticed it but wasn't asking.

"And outwith your current job, how do you spent your time?"

"I work out, I like running so it's a good way to explore our new home here. We don't have much free income so we can't really go to see lots of shows like Maria wants, Maria being my fiancé, but we're seeing the sights together. Now we've got our own place we're cooking together a lot which I really enjoy. You can get so many fancy ingredients here that I've never seen before so we're doing lots of new dishes.

Clearly with her fiancé now on her mind, that adorable smile was present all the way through that list. Valerie decided she liked this girl. "Alright, safe to say you've passed this portion of the interview, but I need to see you in a fight. Are you free tomorrow?"

"I'm at work but I could get some time off."

"Alright. Given this is to test you in a fight, let's make it three o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Presumably you won't have to go back to work then?"

"I will make myself free for then."

"Good. Be at the city barracks for quarter to and ask for me."

"The city barracks?"

"I was commander there until Lady Camilla poached me. My former second-in-command is now in charge and the guards here get to use the training facilities there."

"And train with the actual soldiers?"

"Correct."

"That would be such a good learning experience."

"Glad to hear you say that. We do expect continual improvement from our staff. Mastering the sword would be a good initial goal for you.

"Yes ma'am."

"Alright," concluded Valerie as she stood and offered her hand which Amy shook. "Thank you for your time and I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes ma'am. Thank you, ma'am," replied Amy, realising she was saying ma'am too much as the commander went to open the door. "I'll do all I can tomorrow."

"I would hope so," the commander left her with before closing the door.

Amy turned around to see the receptionist looking expectant with a big grin. "So how'd it go?"

"I've got to show what I can do tomorrow."

"Ooh, you passed round one, I'm so happy for you," she squealed. "If the boss thinks you're worth testing, you're probably good enough. I'm Enola. Hope we'll get a lot of shifts together, you look fun. I know you're Amy, from your application."

"Yeah, that'd be nice," she assured. She did seem a touch high energy when she didn't have her kind face on for newcomers, but she seemed nice. "I need to get back to work but I hope we'll see each other again."

"Me too. Good luck tomorrow."

"Thanks," she called back as she headed out.

On the walk back to her dull sewing job, she felt a lot better about life. Now it was just a case of doing her best tomorrow and hope it's enough.

---

Holding her nerves all evening and through to the next day, she was allowed leave in the afternoon and arrived early at the city barracks. Given it was the main base for the army in the city it was formed of high stone walls but as she looked, some sections seemed to be very new looking stone. She wondered if even this impressive looking structure had been damaged during the last war between Nohr and Hoshido, though even now no one was entirely sure by who or what. At the gate, she identified herself and was shown to a corner of the sparring grounds where Commander Valerie was already waiting.

"You're early," called her hopefully future boss. "Always a good start. This is Jackson," she said grabbing the shoulder of the soldier next to her, "he'll be your opponent today."

"Nice to meet you, miss," offered Jackson along with his hand.

"And you," replied Amy, shaking it firmly.

"We'll see what you can do with dagger first," instructed Valerie. "There's a selection of training weapons over there, use whatever you want."

"Yes ma'am." They had quite a selection of daggers to use, all blunted on the edges and the tip, so she made sure to check several for balance before selecting a ten-inch curved blade for her dominant left hand and a six-inch parrying dagger for her right.

Valerie was pleased to see her considering her choice and noting the she's left-handed. That can be a handicap sometimes, especially for dual wielding, where most of your opponents will be right handed and her parrying dagger is on the wrong side. Regardless, she had been trained by Beruka so she was keen to see how she'd perform. "Alright, take your positions."

"Presumably no warm-up as an attacking enemy won't give out the time?"

"Correct," grinned Valerie. She was liking this girl more and more and another more got added as, confirming her opponent as right-handed, Amy swapped her daggers over. If she was truly an ambidextrous fighter, that would be a great boon for her.

Paying close attention to the prospective employee, Valerie saw the determination on her face. She may never have been in a fight but she had the spirit. She watched as Amy darted forward, drawing a swing from her opponent which was blocked with parrying dagger as she gave a slash with her curved blade beneath the sword to force her opponent to retreat. Jackson then thrust back which was sidestepped and a follow-up slice was blocked by the parrying dagger. She also saw Amy change her grip to backhanded on the curved blade. As Jackson again swung, the girl dodged, retreating and inciting her opponent to follow, waiting for the right angle. As the sword's momentum from the previous swing sent it up, Amy lunged on the downswing, catching it with her parrying dagger and darting in under the blade's length, twisting away from the desperate kick and slid her blunt, curved edge against and past her opponents side as she moved in for an embrace, safe from any possible attack, and pulled her dagger back for what would be a strike from the rear into the opponents right lung.

"Stop," called Valerie as Amy made to throw her opponent to the ground.

"Nice moves," admitted Jackson, though slightly annoyed at having been beaten by a seamstress.

"Go again," came the order and both took their positions.

Amy again took the initiative and charged but caught Jackson completely off guard by hurling her curved blade straight at his face. As he panicked and tried to block and dodge, Amy caught the sword with her parrying dagger, pushing it out of the way as she leapt on him, knocking him down and, on top of him, stopped her heel-palm strike to his nose just before impact. Beruka had always said the nose was a good target as the damage, pain and bleeding will affect the opponent's sight and breathing.

Valerie burst out laughing at the two seconds long fight. "I'm sorry, that was highly unprofessional of me. You can certainly mix it up."

"I would normally have a third dagger," added Amy to better justify throwing her weapon away.

"Perfectly justifiable technique," she assured. "Alright, you can clearly handle daggers so let's see your moderate competency with a sword."

Facing up, Amy clearly wasn't as comfortable with the sword and was planning to play defensively, waiting on the professional soldier to make the first move. As he did, she was able to block but her follow through was quite poor and left her vulnerable, barely blocking the next attack. She did manage to hold her own longer than Jackson had against her and her daggers, but she was clearly at a disadvantage the entire time, with a thrust to the abdomen ending the bout.

"The basics are there," offered Valerie, feeling she should go for the positives first, "but you certainly do need more training, not just practise."

"I know, I'm sorry."

"No need for that. You're as a capable as you claimed to be and you made it clear you want to improve."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Off you go, Jackson. You were a big help."

"Yes, Commander."

"Right," began Valerie as she began removing her armour. "I'll be your opponent for the unarmed fight."

As the metal plates came away, leaving her in the under-tunic and leggings, Amy was rather worried by the coming fight as she saw how muscular her opponent is.

"Nervous?"

"Yes," came the very honest answer.

"Good. You'd be a fool not to be. I'm an old woman and there's probably only a dozen twenty-something-year-olds here that could beat me. Feel free to get rough on me, just avoid the face or trying to break bones, okay?"

"Okay," confirmed Amy taking her stance against the tank of a woman. She was big and muscular which would hopefully mean she wouldn't be too fast. Although it was best not to just assume that.

She was glad she didn't as the woman in her late forties blocked her every attempted attack. As she fainted and lunged, her opponent seemed to anticipate almost all of it. Through several minutes of being toyed with, she only managed to land a few solid strikes. Eventually the toying came to an end and she found herself having to evade, keeping herself out of reach for nearly thirty seconds before a fist of steel clamped onto her arm. She couldn't break free and soon there was an arm around her throat, squeezing hard. She rammed her left elbow into her opponent's stomach which did nothing so she used her right hand to hep hammer it home, again and again but it did nothing.

"I give," she wheezed and found herself released and stood upright.

"Not bad."

"Not bad?" questioned Amy, turning to the slab of iron who beat her. "I barely did anything to you. You didn't even notice me elbowing you in the gut."

"Not at all. That was impressive power you had on those strikes, I'll definitely be bruised. Noticing the hit and reacting are two very different things. So, your performance."

"Yes?"

"It's safe to say you've passed." Amy's face lit up at the news but she tried to stay serious. "Assuming your references come back positive, I will offer you a job."

"Thank you so much, ma'am," accepted Amy, now trying very hard to stay calm.

"While we're here, let me introduce you to your co-workers," she said as she beckoned over two women from the group who had been watching the entire thing.

Now suddenly nervous about meeting people who had been watching her, she saw the two step out of the crowd. One was tall and clearly muscular with short, white hair and wearing the charity's branded armour. The other was about average height with long brown hair and wearing a scowl along with her armour.

"Frost, Catrice," she identified gesturing to each, "this is Amy. She'll be joining us if her references come back positive."

"Nice to meet'cha," greeted Frost. "Name's Skyla but everyone calls me Frost, 'cos of the hair. Looked like you're pretty handy with the daggers there."

"Your swordsmanship was dreadful," sneered Catrice.

"I've only recently started training with one and I know I need to improve considerably," agreed Amy.

"As it happens," interjected Valerie, "Catrice is our most skilled swordswoman, I'm sure she'd be an excellent instructor." This got her a glare.

"I am but-"

"Great. Amy has made it clear to me she wants to improve so I'm sure I can count on you."

"Fine," accepted Catrice as she was clearly not getting out of it.

"You saw her moves with those daggers," added Frost, "she's got it in her."

"Have you anything to rush off for?" asked Valerie.

"I've a couple of hours free." She wasn't going back to work this afternoon and Maria wouldn't be finished with rehearsals until six.

"How about you hang around here and the three of you can get to know each other?"

Amy looked to the other two, with Catrice still scowling.

"Sounds like a plan," agreed Frost with a big smile. "If the boss didn't take too much out of you, I'd like to go up against you using those daggers."

"Give me a few minutes and I'll be ready to go."

"Yeah, no worries. So, where're you from?" she asked as she said as headed over to the benches along the wall.

With Catrice following after them, Amy and Frost sat and talked for a while about their lives, their training and, after Maria had been mentioned, it seemed the giant was a bit of a gossip when it came to relationships. Catrice only spoke when her past poor choices in men were about to come up. Having spent some time with them, Amy could hardly wait to start her new job.

---

It was several days later when she received a letter from Beruka congratulating her on this step in her life, with a paragraph from Camilla saying the same, and assuring she sent back a glowing reference. There was also promise of a present that she'd had commissioned specially for her which should be with her in a couple of weeks.

Not long after that, she received her contract with her salary and start date. She signed it immediately and went to drop it in. While there, she made a hopeful request regarding shift patterns, Maria's opening night was only two weeks away and she wanted to be there for it. Valerie agreed but made sure she was aware that shift changing is allowed but not encouraged. She also received a letter that she was to take to the city's premier armourer to get herself fitted for her branded armour and outfitted with daggers, as the charity didn't stock many in their armoury. That would have to be after work but today she had the joy of handing in her notice to her current employer.

After a day of sewing, she gleefully headed to the armourer and showed her letter. The man that greeted her then went to fetch a female colleague to measure her up and talk through her needs. Given her fighting style was based on speed, her suggested armour would primarily be mail and leather with plate guards for her arms to aid with defence. She loved the thought of real armour and with the plate metal, she'd have a more options than relying purely on her parrying dagger for defence. As it was an order for Valerie, still a big name in the city's military supply chain, the job was given priority and she was called in to try it on only three days later. A few adjustments were made, the charity's logo applied, and she left a few hours later with her armour and three daggers. She really felt like she was a guard now, ready for her fist shift in a few days' time.

---

Reporting for duty in plain clothes, as had been instructed, she was told she'd be stationed here at the head office for her first few weeks to get acclimatised to the role and procedures under supervision. She was pleased to see Enola on duty so there was one friendly face, along with the known but stern face of her new commander. The first few hours were mostly orientation and procedures around her role but also informing her of the charity's other roles in both counselling and prosecution. She was also given her dates for the basic counselling training all guards had to attend.

As well as knowing her role, she of course got to know her colleagues and found a few she got on well with and would soon call friends. On her first shift where she was actually guarding, she was on duty with a man named Sean who came across as loud and theatrical but was clearly a good man who liked to entertain in life, often regaling with implausible stories of his adventures as a sailor. He was a tad arrogant in his abilities though, considering himself Catrice's equal with a sword while no one else did. That she could so easily talk with a man came as a bit of a surprise to Amy, who even now had little to do with men in any aspect. A few days in, she met Persephone, a girl who was very open with her emotions and referred to her houseplants like children. She was one of these people who was instant friends with anyone she met and Amy was no exception. Enola and Frost were also easy women to get on with and were considered friends fairy quickly though Catrice proved otherwise. Even now getting sword training from her, it was pretty clear the brunette was not going to be warming up to her anytime soon.

Naturally, in conversation with her new colleagues and friends, Maria was of course mentioned and people wanted to meet her. While socialising wasn't prohibited, though being drunk or hungover at work was, it is very difficult to arrange a get together for people on shift patterns so Frost suggested Maria just come to them at work. Keen to see her finance's workplace, Maria was there the next day when Amy, Sean and Frost's shift overlapped, bringing a big basket of cookies she'd baked. There was a bit of fuss over her, mainly just to embarrass Amy by recounting all the love-struck things she'd said, but they hit it off with Frost insisting she visit again, preferably with more cookies.

---

The opening night of a new show always gives the biggest rush and that's even more applicable when you're the lead. Having now cemented her position as her company's go-to choice of leading lady by landing the role for three shows in a row, Gloria was riding high. The show had gone perfectly without even a prompt as far as she was aware and the applause had been thunderous. Now, though, came her least favourite part of fame; the fans. Normal fans were fine, she was happy to sign autographs and bask in compliments, but it was the small number of obsessive fans that bothered her. No one becomes a big name without a few who believe themselves in love you when all they've seen is characters wearing your beautiful face. That wasn't boasting on her part, she was beautiful, fairly tall and slender yet curvy enough where it mattered with jet-black hair contrasting with her porcelain skin.

Tonight, after the normal fans had got their signatures and dispersed, she was left with a group of nine men fawning over her, attempting to force gifts and invitations onto her. She would love to tell them to piss off but some were influential businessmen and donated to the theatre so she had to play it sweet. There was one difference to normal tonight, aside from the group of men, there was a beautiful blonde woman, fit with nice curves and her hair up in a bun held with Hoshidan hair sticks, clutching a bunch of flowers and glancing at her occasionally. Thinking the woman may just be too intimidated to approach her or to try to compete with gaggle of entitled idiots, she instead excused herself from the men and approached her.

"Are they for me?" she asked sweetly.

"Oh, um..." stammered the startled girl. "No, actually."

"A shame," flirted Gloria immediately to play off the embarrassment.

"You were very good though," assured the blonde. "You've such a nice voice." She kept glancing at the stage door and Gloria realised that was where she was interested and that the glances to her must have been because of the chatter of the idiots.

"I'm glad you enjoyed the show," she continued to hold the embarrassment at bay and was pleased that this conversation had at least shut the men up.

"Yes, it was-" the girl stopped as voices flowed out from the stage door. "Excuse me."

Gloria watched her approach the door as three of the chorus girls exited, including one of the two newbies for this show. As the new girl noticed her, the admirer held out the bouquet in two hands.

"Aww, you didn't need to get me flowers," cooed Maria as she clasped her fiancé's hands instead of immediately taking the gift.

"I wanted to though," insisted Amy as her beloved took them and slipped between her outstretched arms.

Gloria's little bi-sexual heart fell over itself as they embraced and kissed, seemingly melting into each other. Neither blonde was particularly to her taste in women, she like them cute rather than beautiful, but the two of them together was the most adorable thing she had witnessed in years. She had to get into their social circle to able to see that again.

"You were amazing," said Amy as they parted from their smooch.

"Nothing for us?" asked Serena, who'd been leaning on the railing and watching.

"Not one of them, certainly," teased Amy.

"No flowers?"

"Sorry."

"Compliment?"

"You were both really good," assured Amy, "but I really did spend basically all my time looking at my amazing fiancé."

"Fiancé?" exclaimed Gloria aloud as the four women turned to her. Seeing her way in to their lives, she grabbed it. "Congratulations on pinning down someone so beautiful already. Maria, right?"

"Yeah," confirmed the woman in question, puzzled by the sudden friendliness.

"You did well for your first show. I hope you can keep that level of performance for the full run."

"Oh, um, thank you," accepted Maria. There was then an awkward silence which she felt compelled to fill. "We were going to have a drink to celebrate the opening night, just one or two," she said, gesturing to her fiancé and two friends. Social convention states you can't mention plans to someone without then offering an invite. "Do you want to join us?"

"That sounds lovely, I'd be honoured," accepted Gloria, pleased to have burrowed into their lives. "Sorry, gents, I shall have to take my leave," she declared to the entitled gits.

Behind her Maria had turned to Selena and Rosa, wordlessly questioning what had happened but they only returned her bafflement. Gloria had never been the type to give much time to those at the bottom of the troupe hierarchy before.

Ignoring that silent conversation, Amy was watching Gloria placating the men but something was wrong with one of them. She couldn't say what it was precisely but his existence triggered a fear she hadn't felt in years. It was the fear that he was exactly the kind of person who would pay to rape a captive girl.

"Come on then," declared Amy as she grabbed Gloria's hand and pulled her away from the men who seemingly didn't believe she was allowed to leave yet.

"That man in the brown overcoat with dark brown hair, do not trust him," she hissed.

"Why do you say that?" questioned Gloria, marshalling her acting prowess to hide her worry that someone who'd just seen him shared her view on him.

"Just don't trust him," insisted Amy. "Don't ever let yourself be alone with him."

The truth was he was the most concerning of the entitled men who believed she owed them something. He'd been so persistent she'd actually caved and gone on a couple of dates with him, trying to put him off the entire time but, as he still came to her performances and the stage door, he clearly hadn't got the message. "I won't, I swear."

With her fears having gotten through, Amy let go of the stranger's hand and turned to check the others were following. Maria caught her eye, questioning what was going on, but that couldn't be explained here, she didn't want to ruin this big night.

---

When they got home that night, Amy explained what had happened and, after getting the reassurance her beloved was fine, Maria volunteered to keep a close eye on Gloria and the man. While she wasn't keen on putting her fiancé in danger, they both rationalised it as the man, if he is what Amy fears, having a clear target chosen already. Amy wondered if she could go to her boss but felt she needed information before that, given they didn't even know his name.

---

Over the course of natural conversation in the following days, Maria was able to get some info from Gloria about him including basics like his name and the fact that his family are significant financial backers of the theatre. That they were now hanging out as friends outside work gave her and Amy more chances to fish for details. As well as information about him, they also discovered Gloria lived only a few streets away from the Shelter head office and made sure to push the conversation in a direction where they could talk about the charity in case the worst happened and Gloria needed it.

After shows, Maria tried to leave at the same time as Gloria as often as she could to see if he was there waiting for her at the stage door. Most nights she did see the star and some of the other leading roles dealing with their fans but the fan of concern was not always there, she only saw him seven times over the shows first four weeks, though always sporting some kind of gift for her. That was still a lot of times to come and see the same show and a lot of ever more expensive gifts which Gloria kept refusing.

---

Now armed with information, Amy decided she could approach her boss and enquire about this. She was on the early shift today so would be able to catch Commander Valerie as she arrived. After a few hours of nothing happening, she spotted her boss approaching.

"Good morning, Boss," she greeted.

"Morning," came the reply.

"I was wondering if I could have a word with you at some point today?"

"Alright. Come see me during your break if I'm free."

"Thank you," accepted Amy with a small bow as her commander headed in. Sadly, her break was a while away yet.

An hour and forty minutes later, she was relieved of her guard and headed in. "Is the commander free?" she asked Melissa, the receptionist on duty today.

"Yeah," she confirmed in the disinterested monotone that was her baseline.

"Thanks." She moved past the desk and knocked.

"Enter."

"Is now alright, ma'am?" questioned Amy, returning to formalities as she was essentially pestering her boss.

"Sure. So what's bothering you?" asked Valerie as her agitated employee sat down across from her.

"Um, well… Is there anything we can do pre-empt something if we're sure someone's going to commit a crime?"

"Such as…"

"There's this man and he's overly interested in one of my friends. She's tried to be nice and put him off, but he isn't leaving her alone."

"First port of call would be a restraining order," explained Valerie to someone who should know that.

"She's not keen on doing that as his family are important to her employers." That was technically true as his family had been financial backers of the theatre for several generations, but she didn't want to give identities away with the details.

"Alright. That does complicate matters, I accept, but if she believes she's in danger, she needs to take action." She then noticed Amy was trying very hard to control her breathing which she'd realised was a tell with her. "What else?"

"It's just instinct with no facts behind it."

"Trust it," insisted Valerie.

"The first time I saw him, before I knew him or her, he struck me as the exact type of person who…" she felt her control slipping now, "who would rape a captive girl."

"Breath," encouraged Valerie as Amy was shaking now. Whether it was fear or anger, or both, she didn't know but she was a smart girl and not someone to ignore.

After a few long, deep breaths, she managed to regain control of herself. "The first time I saw him, I felt afraid of him. I haven't felt like that in years."

"Has he ever made this intent clear?"

"No, he's always nice and charming. He just doesn't stop."

"Unfortunately, if he hasn't made any clear intention or attempt at a crime, there's not anything we can do, beyond a restraining order." Without any evidence, she couldn't even report him to Beruka and the black list. "Tell her to be vigilant and keep records of his behaviour if she does intend on getting one for him."

"Alright," accepted Amy, unhappy at the expected outcome.

"Can you tell me his name?" asked Valerie.

"Victor Greaves."

"I'll remember that in case I hear anything." She felt it better not to tell Amy she knew him and would now be going to speak with his father tonight.

---

Three days after the confirmation that she couldn't do anything pre-emptively, Amy was on the morning shift at the front door, her mind wandering to pass the time. She'd been there for approaching an hour and half, seeing only a couple of people coming for their counselling sessions before the day took a turn. Coming from the junction a few streets along the road, she could hear cries for help in a familiar voice. Around the corner came Gloria in her jogging attire but this was clearly no exercise as a horribly familiar man rounded it a several seconds later. She couldn't leave her post but every cell in her body was ready for a fight.

"Help me," pleaded Gloria as she neared, tears streaming down her face.

"Get in," ordered Amy and moved to block the door. Thankfully the beast chasing her stopped as he saw an armed guard with a hand ready on her sword. "State your business," she said as calmly as possible, trying to diffuse the situation as she had been trained to do.

"Don't you know who I am?" he demanded.

"No idea," snarled Amy, failing to stay calm. "State your business."

"The bitch owes me so give her back, girl," he again demanded. There was no sense of anything but entitlement in his voice.

"She does not owe you anything," stated Amy, reining in her anger. "Forcing gifts onto her does not entitle you to anything."

"What's going on?" demanded the voice of authority as Commander Valerie exited.

Amy was surprised to see the bastard retreat a pace as she exited.

"You were warned, Victor," cowed Valerie, "and now there's a terrified woman in my establishment."

"She's ly-" but he didn't even finish the word as a glare shut him up.

"Go home," commanded Valerie. "Tell your father everything. I will be getting the girl's side of the story and going to him first thing tomorrow. It will be far better for you if he hears it from you." The fool just stood, trying to look defiant but just looking terrified. "Go," she said with quiet menace.

Amy stood as the man turned and walked off in a hurry, waiting until he was out of earshot before her insubordination. "Commander, you can't let him walk away," she hissed.

"That idiot of a boy is the son of the current commander of the city barracks, my former second-in-command," she explained. "He's a good man with a strong sense of justice. I assure you, once he hears what his son has done, he will personally drag him to the watch and report him." Amy clearly wasn't happy that she was letting him go. "You don't have to like it."

Swallowing her anger, Amy turned to the more important point. "That woman's my friend," she began.

"The one you came to me about. I'm sorry we couldn't do anything to stop this from happening. I fear my warning to the boy may have caused this. I'm truly sorry."

"May I be the one to speak to her?" asked Amy.

"Of course, I'll keep the door."

Heading inside, Gloria was on one of the chairs against the far wall, her legs pulled up and hugging them to hide her face in her knees as Enola was talking to her. As the receptionist saw her approach, she wordlessly asked for some space. "Hey," she said softly.

"Nooooo," groaned Gloria quietly.

"Would it be easier to talk to someone you don't know?"

"No," came the answer.

"May I sit?"

"Mm hm."

"You're safe here, I just want you to know that," she assured. "Are you physically harmed? Do you need a healer?"

"No."

That was a relief at least. Knowing Gloria was a rather tactile person with her friends, physical reassurance could help her here. "Can I touch your arm?" she asked and got a nod, even though she still didn't look up from her hiding spot. With permission, she placed a hand on her forearm, ever so gently squeezing. "Whatever you're feeling right now, if you're scared or angry or anything else, it's completely alright to feel that way." There was a sharp intake of breath which might have been a held back sob. "You're not alone in this. You don't have to, but it will help us help you if you can tell me what happened."

"He was in my house," said Gloria, clearly holding back tears. "I came back and he was there, going through the drawers in my bedroom." She paused to regain control of her breathing. "He grabbed me, said I owed him but I hit him, I got out and I ran." A few heavy sobs shook her now. "I was shouting for help in the street, but people just looked." The tears were freely flowing now.

"We'll always help," assured Amy. "I'll always be here for you. Do you want to run lines with me?" That abrupt change in topic stopped the crying, though she remained hidden in her legs.

"What?"

"We could run lines," reiterated Amy. "It's often best to distract yourself," she explained. "Don't let it settle in your head."

"It's all I can see," whispered Gloria.

"Then look at one aspect of it," she suggested, "the end. It may be a terrifying memory but at least you got away." As those last words came out of mouth, they carried so much more weight than she had intended.

Each of those words slammed into Gloria and so much about Amy now made sense. She was wary around strange men, she never let new people touch her, she was always careful to ask for consent when touching others and so many other little hesitancies. It could only be. "You didn't?" she questioned with horror as she turned to look up at her friend.

Amy's jaw was trembling as her brain tried to throw some form of denial but that would all be lies to her friend who was at her most vulnerable. She could only tell the truth, some of it, anyway. She gave a very small nod.

"I'm sorry," she jabbered, "I shouldn't be-"

"Stop," ordered Amy. "Just because someone has been through something worse than you, doesn't in any way lessen your suffering," she insisted as Gloria clearly began tearing up again. "Can I hug you?" she asked, feeling the need of it herself and got a nod, gently putting her arms around her delicate friend.

"I wish I was a strong as you," revealed Gloria in the hug.

Amy let go and moved back to look at her red eyes. "Can I hold your hand?" Gloria reached to take hers. "I was broken by what happened to me," she confessed. "I couldn't trust anyone, I could barely speak due to fear and I couldn't touch anyone or be touched or my mind would just shut down. Even the family I had been placed with were terrifying to me." As always, she was keeping Kate out of this to spare her any preconceptions should they ever meet.

Gloria tensed up with this new information. She knew Amy had been adopted as a young teenager, but this could mean she was a child when this happened. She fought hard not to start crying again in sympathy.

"It was a long recovery for me," she continued, unaware Gloria had seen the horrible truth. I did grow to trust my family, my sister was my rock and I began to bond with her friends which is how I first knew Maria. It was a little later that I stated to learn how to fight and it was only then that I started to think that I could actually feel safe in the world."

"I don't know what to say," said Gloria quietly.

That took Amy's mind back to a conversation much like this, where she'd been on Gloria's side of it. She looked up, picturing that warm smile and tried to remember Camilla's exact words. "Scars and memories are part of you forever, but they do not rule you nor define you. When you see them, see them as a reason to fight, to tell the world you will never let it happen again."

"That's a good moto," agreed Gloria. Thinking about it, the second sentence seemed to refer more to scars than memories and she now wondered what Amy wasn't telling her. Whatever it may be, it wasn't anything that needed to be known or said.

"I was already in a bad place when it happened while you're so strong already," reminded Amy. "You stand before hundreds of people each night and pull them into a fantasy world. It may seem like a tough fight now, but I have no doubt you'll win."

Gloria simply squeezed the comforting hand in hers.

"Where are you thinking of going from here? Do you want to move to a safe house?"

"Is he in jail?" she asked.

"No," admitted Amy and saw the clear fear. "He took off," she lied, feeling that would be better.

"I can't go home," declared Gloria, "not yet."

"Well, instead of a safe house, would you like to come and stay with me and Maria? Friendly faces could be good."

"But that could put you in danger," she countered.

"Do you ever wonder why I wear my hair up all the time?" she asked and got a puzzled look. In answer, she reached up and pulled the ends of what appeared to be the two Hoshidan-style hair sticks that held her bun in place, revealing them as six-inch stiletto blades.

"B-but you're always wearing them?" questioned Gloria. "The first time I saw you, you were wearing them."

"Yep. I'm always armed, even for a night out. These were a gift from a dear friend when I started this job. Have a feel," she offered as she turned the back of her head to another dear friend.

Curiosity winning the day, Gloria felt the hair sticks, or rather the sheaths, that remained in her hair and felt a clasp holding both of them and her hair.

"It's so cool, right?" gushed Amy, just as she had when Beruka's gift had first arrived. "They're really good quality blades and then the clasp keeps my hair up so it doesn't get in the way and holds the sheaths in so I don't need to worry about pulling them out being armed with blunt sticks."

"That's impressive," agreed Gloria.

"My point being, if you come and stay with us, I'm a good fighter and I've always got weapons nearby so if someone does come after you, I'll defend you."

"Can I stay with you?" requested Gloria with a little smile, the reassurance that someone cared so much about her doing wonders for her.

"Of course. It'll be a big long sleepover for however long you need until you feel you can go home."

"Home!" squeaked Gloria. "My front door's open."

"Alright, I'll talk to my boss and she'll hopefully let me run to your place, I'll grab you some clothes and lock up. Are your keys in the house?"

"Yes."

"Okay, let me introduce you to Enola," she said as she stood and led her friend to the desk. "She's great, don't worry. She's a really powerful mage too so you're safe around her."

"Yep," chimed in Enola. "If anyone gets past that door who shouldn't, they'll be electrocuted to within an inch of their lives! Though whether it's plus or minus an inch, I can't guarantee."

As the two friends shared a chuckle, Amy caught Enola's eye and the look made it clear she had heard everything that had been said. She now knew about her past but certainly wasn't going to ask about it now.

Starting Gloria and Enola talking, with the receptionist easily putting her ease, she went out to her boss at the door and asked for approval to go outwith the usual safe house procedure. With permission for that and to run and get her things, she took off and thankfully found Gloria's apartment untouched, save for drawers in her bedroom. She took a few outfits, undisturbed underwear and pyjamas, along with the book on the nightstand and ran back to work. Gloria stayed for the remaining three hours of Amy's shift, initially talking with the counsellor about things she could do for her mental health and the legal process from here, then reading her book.

---

At home, Maria was looking though the cookbook to have some suggestions for what they should make for lunch. She was now having her big, cooked meal in the middle of day as a full stomach is not ideal shortly before going on stage in the evening and she loved when Amy's shifts worked in so they could cook and eat together. She had forgotten her initial purpose and was now just reading through all the interesting and exotic recipes when she heard the lock turn.

"Hey," she said as she turned to see her beloved and saw Gloria behind her. Amy had just come straight from work so there was a horrible possibility Gloria had been there too. If that was the case, then physical affection to her fiancé or friend should be avoided. "Ooh, and a dinner quest. I haven't really got as far as a planning yet," she admitted.

The lack of a kiss for Amy or a hug for herself showed Maria already knew. "Aren't you going to ask?" questioned Gloria.

"I don't need to know," assured her friend.

Even if she says that, not telling her would mean Amy having to keep the truth from the woman she loved most. "Victor was in my house," she explained, "but I fought him off and I got away."

"That must have been terrifying," said Maria as she made to reach out but stopped herself.

"It's okay," assured Gloria and Maria then gently stepped in a hugged her.

"And she knows about me," added Amy when they had parted.

"Are you okay?" questioned Maria earnestly as she gently held her beloved.

"I actually am," confessed Amy, who had expected talking about it to affect her. "And I think I want to apply for the counsellor training." She'd concluded this during the remainder of her shift having realised that she needed to know more to help more.

"You'll be great at it," urged Maria with a smile before glancing at Gloria.

"You can kiss," she insisted and watched as Maria immediately moved in, locking lips with the equally beautiful blonde. As the adorableness these two always emanated flowed over her, Gloria couldn't help but smile. It felt like a little of the dark stain on her mind had been washed away.

"Right, lunch," declared Maria as left those gorgeous lips. She grabbed the cookbook and moved it over to the table so they could all get round it to decided. "What do we want?"

Coming to stand by her side, Gloria noticed what was on the small pile of cards that had been swept aside for the book. "Wedding invites?" she queried as she spread them out to see lots of different designs.

"Yeah," confirmed Maria.

"Now we're both earning reasonably well, we can afford to," explained Amy.

"Don't worry, you'll be getting one," added Maria.

"You're scheduling it for between shows right?" asked Gloria.

"Of course," confirmed Maria. "We get a week between a show ending and rehearsals for the next one, yes?" This was her first show with the company, so she was needing to confirm.

"We do."

"It'll take a few months to plan the wedding but we know production dates well in advance so we'll fit it in."

"It'll be in our hometown," explained Amy, "but that's not a long journey by coach so we hope our friends here will be able to attend."

"I'll definitely be there," confirmed Gloria.

"As we're on shows," began Maria, "what are you doing about tonight's?"

"I'll be there," stated Gloria. She'd already talked this through with Amy earlier.

"Understudies exist for a reason," suggested Maria.

"I'd rather be busy," she explained.

"And I'll drop you both off and pick you up," added Amy.

"Alright," accepted Maria. "Now, what do we want for lunch?" she reiterated.

The show that night went without a hitch and, thankfully, there was no sign of Victor at the stage door. Amy learned the next day that, as her boss had said, his father had dragged him to the Watch and a case was now being put together against him.

---

A few months later, after the close of Maria's second show, she and Amy headed home to get ready for their wedding. The town hall, a band and caterers had been booked and they just needed to go over the details of decorations, playlists and menus.

Their dresses had been made by Jessica, who had reversed her original plans of Maria in the sexy dress and Amy in the classy one as she wanted to show off her baby's physique. Camilla, who had been informed in advance of invitations being sent out, had told them to order any fabric of any price and have it billed to her as an early wedding gift. With material of far higher quality than could normally be afforded, combined with her skill, Jessica was entirely justified in calling the two dresses her masterpieces.

Maria's was in the traditional floor length, white dress with subtle silver trim around the waist and hem. The bodice fitter closely around the stomach before lifting and enhancing her chest with a tasteful amount of cleavage shown as Maria always liked to have the girls out if possible. It finished off white lace, finger loop sleeves. Her blonde hair would be worn up and her makeup focusing on gloriously red lips.

Amy's was very different, though still in white. The skirt didn't even reach the knees at the front but circled round to ankle length at the back, showing off her toned legs and the strappy white heels, with details in gold around the waist and hem. The bodice clung tightly, showing every curve of the solid stomach before pushing her chest up, with the material loosening there to avoid being too sexy, and rose up to her neck, functioning as her choker, and leaving her shoulders and arms bare, save for a golden band on each upper arm. Her blonde mane was left down and her makeup focused on her eyes.

Watching them pledge their love in the most expensive things they would ever wear were their families and friends from their hometown. From Cyrkensia, five of Maria's fellow actors and four of Amy's colleagues, though more wanted to come but you can't just close a charity. From far north, Beruka, Camilla and Jenny had of course been invited but once you invite them, you do need to invite the whole family so Velouria, Selkie, Pima, Severa, Laslow, Liv and Beruka's current foster daughter Rebecca were also in attendance.

Camilla's presence, as well as the beast trio, had caused a bit of stir before the ceremony began but once the princess' presence had been accepted, everything went without an issue.

At the reception afterwards, Beruka was quick to congratulate them both and state her pride in Amy for having come so far, reaffirming her love for her and Kate as her little sisters and stating Maria was now family and under her protection.

This was also a big moment for Kate as it was the first time she would be introducing a boyfriend to her angel and honorary sister. She'd been seeing more and more of Ewan since Lorena's wedding and had only recently accepted she liked him and asked him out. Beruka was thrilled to hear this and gave a speech much like a protective parent to the unnerved boy.

At the end of the evening, looking over so many she called family and friends, Amy could scarcely believe how good her life had become. For a girl who had once wished for death, she had found true happiness.

…

And so concludes the tale of my first major OCs. I hope you enjoyed reading about them because I've enjoyed writing this experiment with original characters.

I know Kate didn't get much screen (page?) time in this chapter but be assured that she is living a happy, uneventful, normal life.

There's some theme naming of the new OCs here. The theatre group are all Pokemon player characters while the Shelter crew, apart from Valerie, are based on She-Ra characters and share the first few letters of their names.

Anyone thinking Beruka's current foster daughter? Have a guess what's coming up next.