A/N:
Thanks for the suggestions from those of you who dropped a few comments on chapter 1! I made some revisions here and there and re-uploaded chapter 1 the other day. Here's chapter 2, I updated some of the formatting and such so I hope y'all like it! As I said before, I welcome constructive criticism just don't be a jerk.
Enjoy,
Rich
Chapter 2: Same Old Song and Dance
"Ryan, did Abbott just speak?" Another more sweet, unfamiliar voice reached my ears. I turned to face the noise and all my senses reminded me where I was.
A light smell of green tea and incense tickled my nostrils. There was a faint warmth radiating over my skin contrasted with the cold feeling of the marble throne. I felt my tongue in my mouth, my moustache tickled my upper lip, I felt my eyes blink, the soft warmth of her thigh, and her tender fingers locked in mine. I looked at Rose's face and it wasn't her, well it was, but it wasn't.
Irinith looked down with a distressed face and a slightly agape mouth. I felt her shallow breaths reach my face, they were warm and smelled like mint, "Your face, your voice, it's…" I looked around the room at the concerned faces looking up at us both.
The same voice, which I now know came from Abbott, spoke again, "Apologies, my lady. I had no intention to speak out of turn, I simply noticed concerning behavior from the great ones. This is what incited my questioning, it will not happen again."
His head bowed in shame at his words, Irinith responded quickly, "Oh, Abbott, honey. Pick your head up, you didn't do anything wrong! It's just, something strange is happening."
At the end of her last statement, a hollow voice spoke that sounded like reverberating metal, "Great ones, if there is a problem, I must address it immediately! I am your sword and if you will it, I won't hesitate to remove this problem from existence!" I turned toward Torment who quickly rose as he spoke, drawing his massive sword that spread its glow through the room. It was much brighter and more vibrant than it had been on the salt flats. The warmth throughout the room grew rapidly and intensely.
I ordered in response, almost losing focus at the sound of my own voice, "No. That won't be necessary. We need to assess our situation as soon as possible and raise our defenses." Torment returned to his knee, sword still drawn, as I continued, "Shades, get a group of scouts together. Guardians lend any help from your floors toward her efforts. You're personally responsible for leading a group to survey the surroundings. Do not go more than two miles from The Maze. Get as much done as you can in an hour and meet us back at your den on the third floor, you understand?"
A silky voice vibrated from the panther goddess, "It is your will."
A few quick comments passed between the other guardians about scouting forces before she left the throne room in less than a minute. Another feminine, albeit still gravely, voice spoke up after the doors closed, "Do you have any orders for the rest of us, great ones?"
This time Cecilia spoke up, and Irinith quickly responded, "You are all to meet us at Shades' den on the third floor in one hour."
You read my mind, baby. I felt a squeeze on my hand and turned to see a smile on her face. I gave her a strange look, to which she nodded while the guardians moved to filtered out.
I nodded in understanding while she continued to the group, "Before you join us, check all of the defenses on your floors and ensure the safety and security of every piece of The Burning Maze down to the very last stone."
In unison, a cacophony of replies sounded, "It is your will," followed by hurried footsteps and closing doors.
"Rose, what the hell is going on?" I still couldn't wrap my head around it.
I had an idea of what was going on, but I didn't want to admit it to myself, "They're alive! Like, for real alive! It feels like we are too, but it's more than that," I tilted my head quizzically at her statement and she spoke softly, "I can't explain it exactly, but it almost feels like I can sense their emotions, and yours too. After I ordered them to meet us, I felt a sense of calm wash over you followed by approval."
I nodded, "So that's why you squeezed my hand, I see. So it's not actual thoughts, just emotions?" She nodded so I asked a question I'm sure she expected, "What were the guardians feeling?"
A smile spread on her lips, "I couldn't get a read on each of them, I'm a little biased so I focused a lot on Shades then back on you when she left," she giggled with a blush and continued, "With each word we spoke, I felt her overwhelming desire for approval. I couldn't determine toward whom, but I can imagine it was toward us. She wanted to work, to serve, and please us by any means necessary." She smiled at me when a wave of relief washed over me, I had an inkling as to the reason for her cute grin.
I figured I'd get the idea out of the way now while we were both alone, "As scary as the thought is, I don't think this is a game anymore, baby. I can't give you an answer on why or how, but everything I can feel, see, smell, there's no way this is a game." She stroked my hand, seemingly in agreement.
She quickly stiffened, then frowned when another emotion passed over me, regret, "I'm so sorry. None of this would've happened if we didn't come here tonight, we could've just…" I stopped before I said too much and looked down since I hadn't told her anything about the surprise dinner plans, and definitely not about my alternative plan for our night.
She broke eye contact, a bit downtrodden at my sudden shift toward sadness. I gently grabbed her chin and lifted it to look at me. I needed to stand tall and be the strong leader we're now expected to be. Her gaze fell on me, so I gave her a wide, close-lipped smile with an assuring look. She simply smiled with teary eyes and took that as an invitation, and we locked lips. They were soft, warm, and felt just like her. Like they always have, and it brought a wave of peace over us.
A soft purring sound echoed through the room, and I felt something rubbing my legs. We broke the kiss and looked at Gregory with a smile. Looking back at me, Rose spoke, "How about we figure out what the hell is going on?"
I gave her my answer with another, longer kiss. Her robes were modest, but my notorious wandering hands told me just what they were hiding, "Slow down there, cowboy. Any more of that and we'll be late to our first meeting." I was ignoring her, laying kisses on her neck while she begrudgingly pushed off and stood at the base of the throne.
Her cute smile brought me out of my stupor, "If you act right, maybe you'll get what you're looking for tonight." I stood and descended the stairs. The over exaggerated sway of her hips wasn't missed by my attentive eyes. Nothing I ain't seen from her before.
My gaze shifted back up and I asked, "Why don't we go to an open area on the third floor, we need to see if we can use our skills and how it works. Do you think our guild rings can still teleport us?"
She shrugged her shoulders and replied, "No idea, baby. I can't access any menus or call a GM, but I can feel something in the back of my mind. The knowledge and skills are there, I think we just have to will them into being. Maybe try thinking about it really hard." I couldn't help but grin at her goofy response, but I followed her words while bringing her tightly into my embrace.
We were still wrapped up when the scenery shifted to an open area not far from Shades' den. It is just as humid as I imagined it would be, holy shit. The thick air stuck to me, but it wasn't a hindrance. We slowly separated. I could tell it was incredibly hot and humid, but I wasn't uncomfortable. Irinith seemed fine too, I guess our resistances work like they did in the game, otherwise this floor would be intolerable. Not to mention the first, second, and fourth floors. Looks like our guild member status is doing its job.
Not long after our abrupt appearance, a small pack of jungle raptors started to stalk toward us. She must have noticed them too, because Irinith started scanning the tall grass nearby, "They won't hurt us, right?" There was a hint of worry in her voice, for good reason. I mean, these things were sneaking up on us like they were hunting.
I pulled Irinith close, putting my arm in front of her and pushing her behind my back. That same rough voice from the throne room spoke behind us, "Children, it's not polite to sneak up on the great ones. Present yourselves in a respectable manner!"
Responding immediately to Abbott, the four jungle raptors stood tall in the grass and approached, heads hanging low. They prostrated in front of Irinith and I, producing a strange throaty growl, "They look so sad! Oh, honey, they're so sweet! And so cute!" As always, her sweet natured heart brought a smile to my lips.
She carefully reached out to scratch one of their chins. It was styled like the rest, their body like a typical velociraptor you'd see in a museum or a movie. There were a few noticeable differences, including spines along the top of their back, neck, and head and their unique coloring. The spines were better described as dorsal plates, wider at their base and narrowed to a rounded apex, with honed edges like a blade.
The raptor Irinith was scratching had a green body, with a few unique streaks of red and yellow popping up throughout. It seemed to enjoy the attention from Iri, leaning its head low into the scratch and, purring? It was a guttural noise, more akin to the sound your stomach makes when you're hungry. The others seemed to feel left out and crept up to her, lifting their chins expectantly. With only so many hands, I joined in the scratch fest to help Irinith out.
After a half minute or so we stopped, much to the raptors' displeasure. Unfortunately, we had work to do, and it wasn't going to get done before the guardians got here if we played with the raptors all day. "Abbott," I spoke firmly, "can you arrange some of the test dummies at varying distances? Spread them apart irregularly, we'd like to test some of our skills."
With a simple bow he responded, "Of course, Lord Urucan. While I'm sure it's unnecessary as both of your skills are unmatched, it is your will."
At his final word, he brought two fingers to his temple and closed his eyes in focus. Moments later, a small group of spiritual monkeys came running with a half dozen wooden test dummies. It only took the creatures a moment to set up. I tilted my head at Abbott's strange action as the set up was being complete. I pushed off the thought for our meeting later with the rest of the group. Finally complete, some training targets were over 100 yards away, with the closest about ten yards away. I nodded my thanks, then drew my babies for the test.
I focused intently and spoke softly, "[Auto-aim]," my body was surrounded by a faint green glow for a split second as I focused my pistols on the closest target. With a mind of their own, my arms and wrists adjusted my aim ever so slightly. Lined up perfectly I said, "[Piercing Shot]," then pulled both triggers.
As the triggers registered the weight of my pull, red runes encircled the barrels, and a blast rang out through the jungle. The beasts watching our display hopped up and down in what I assumed to be excitement, growls and hoots coming from the raptors and monkeys. Two holes, one in the head and one where the heart would be, went clean through the wooden dummy.
Moments later, a magic circle grew around the base of the dummy. Wood fibers stretched in a zigzag pattern across the bullet holes and the dummy was fully repaired. "Wow, that was actually pretty easy. It's just like you said, Iri. Why don't you try something out and see how it feels? You'll feel a tug at the back of your head when you cast, but I think that's the drain of my MP. It seems so natural, and so foreign at the same time."
She listened intently, then nodded, "I'll try out a higher tiered spell, I wanna see if my AOE spells work any different than a target spell. Plus that was, what? A fourth-tier spell and one of your class skills?" I nodded my reply. Stepping forward she muttered, "[Fly]," taking to the air like she'd done it a million times.
Positioned about 20 feet above the ground she pointed her spear skyward and said, "[Heaven's Recompense]." A faint, almost invisible, circle appeared around three of the dummies and filled with golden runes. A blast of pure white light hit the ground, completely incinerating the ground and dummies caught in the area. It looked to be almost 30 yards across, "Wow, 10th tier ain't no joke!" She grinned while examining her handiwork.
Same as the dummies, small magic symbols appeared over the ruined dirt and the ground began to slowly change from charred black to a soft green. It grew darker as the grass sprouted back from the dirt, exactly as it was before the spell.
After the damage repaired itself, the cheering was followed by gentle clapping and that same, uniquely gruff feminine voice from the throne room, "As expected from our great lord and lady! Your skills in combat stand inimitable!" Cecilia bowed when she got closer, a gentle smile gracing her lips. It was a funny sight to see her small tusks peek through her lower lip, being a half-orc and all.
Iri replied to her praise, "Oh please, Cici! We were just practicing a few things, that was hardly a praise-worthy show." I could tell all this constant admiration was difficult for Rose, she was always so bashful when I would complement her.
Abbott spoke this time, "Forgive my impudence, Lady Irinith, but any show of the greats ones' strength is inherently praise-worthy in the eyes of your humble servants," he followed his statement with a deep bow that was mirrored by the surrounding NPCs.
"Damn, Ryan. This is definitely gonna take some getting used to." I heard her laugh as she spoke to me telepathically, I quickly turned in response and heard her in my mind again with a shit-eating grin on her fact, "What? If all our other skills work, it stands to reason a message spell would work too."
I couldn't argue with that logic, so I shrugged as a reply and reached for her hand. Our fingers interlocked and we shared a warm smile. It's a strange situation, but there's no telling how long we're going to be here. It's better we get used to this treatment sooner rather than later.
We spent the rest of the half hour until the meeting playing a bit with the raptors and talking with Abbott and Cecilia. They were both very respectful and occasionally reprimanded the raptors for their childish behavior. In all fairness, Iri designed them that way. The thing is, it wasn't their actual programming, that of Yggdrasil's design, that was causing this behavior. Seeing the actions of the other NPCs on top of the raptors confirmed my suspicions, the flavor text that most of our old guild members deemed unimportant now influenced the personalities and actions taken by the individual NPCs. Luckily, she loved messing with their background text just as much as she loved cute animals, so these little deviants of hers were unique compared to wild raptors, and even unique to each other. I couldn't imagine how they'd act if they were left with the default description, reduced to nothing more than animalistic and bestial tendencies like their wild counterparts.
My mind continued to wander as we walked and talked on the way to Shades' den, and I examined Irinith's design of the room when we arrived. It was rather spacious yet simple, decorated with pelts and religious effigies dedicated to the panther goddess. There were several stone slabs made to be benches with stuffed pelts that served as cushions. She and I took a seat on one bench, while Abbott and Cecilia stood on either end, "Hey, you two! Why don't you take a seat? We don't bite," Iri's words surprised them.
Abbott spoke up, "While we may be in the impenetrable fortress that is The Burning Maze, we must remain ever vigilant. It is our duty as good butlers and guardians to be prepared for anything and ready to serve at your every whim."
With a wave of my hand I spoke, "We're not gonna take no for an answer. Y'all take a seat with us, I'm sure anyone stupid enough to come in here wouldn't make it far past the threshold anyhow." Reluctantly, the twins took a seat. Abbott sat on my left while Cecilia sat on the other end of the bench, to Irinith's right.
Not long after the seating debacle was handled, the first guardian to arrive made her way into her home flanked by a pair of shadow demons. Shades walked with all the silent elegance and grace one would expect with the title "Panther Goddess".
As she entered her den, she bowed deeply and her smooth voice pierced the air, "Great ones, you humble me with your presence in my home. I hope you find the accommodations suitable to your needs."
When she straightened up, I spoke, "It's perfect, Shades. Thank you for letting us meet here. Why don't you get comfortable somewhere while we wait for the other guardians?"
She bowed when I finished, more akin to a respectful nod of her head. She looked tentatively around the room, then Irinith spoke suddenly, "Don't be embarrassed to ask, Shades. Come here, baby girl," then Irinith spread her arms open. I wasn't sure what was going on, I figured she did a little unintentional empath-ing again. I was, however, definitely sure that I'd never seen a panther smile before. There's a first time for everything, I guess. The moment Irinith finished her sentence, Shades was bounding across the room like an excited pet when you get back from a long day at work. She leapt over one of the benches and gracefully landed right on Irinith's lap. I couldn't help but chuckle at this so-called panther goddess acting like an excited lap dog. Loud vibrations echoed through the room while Irinith and I stroked her thick fur.
She's like a big baby, if big babies could sneak up on you in virtually any environment completely undetected and kill you in a split second. Irinith chuckled softly at the situation as the subject of our affections continued to purr. Looking to the other two guardians in the room, I couldn't tell if they were feeling jealous at the attention or disgusted at their fellow guardian's behavior. This behavior from the typically stoic twins brought a smile to my face, Maybe this isn't so bad.
While Shades was getting comfortable on my lady's lap, Henrion arrived from the second floor. Snow dotted his skin and armor, melting and dripping on the floor of Shades' den. He bowed deep as the others had, and I heard his voice for the first time since our transition, "Great Lord Urucan, Lady Irinith, with the help of my fellow frost giants and the great guardian, Sable, we have confirmed the safety of the second floor, and it is completely secure." His voice was soft, yet deep. Henrion was covered in snow and with his big, fluffy beard I couldn't help but think of Santa Claus when I saw the frost giant.
At his mention of the frozen leviathan a thought crossed my mind, I almost forgot about Sable, I wonder if she can speak or if it's just telepathic? I'll have to visit her after our meeting, "That's great news, Henrion. Why don't you find a seat while we wait for the rest of the guardians? You've done well," he beamed in pride at my praise. With a bow, he took a seat on an adjacent bench.
Xerxes and Torment arrived shortly thereafter, and I noticed Xerxes speaking as they approached the cave entrance, "…and since I'm an ancient dragon, I can shift forms. Let's me go through to other floors since the damn doors are so small," his voice was smooth, a slight southern accent by my design. I always loved the idea of a massive, winged lizard talking like a cowboy, but I'd never seen one before so I figured I'd make my own redneck dragon.
As soon as they crossed into the den, Xerxes stopped talking and they both bowed in perfect unison. "Lord Urucan, my creator. Lady Irinith, gorgeous as ever. I speak for us both when I say the first and fourth floor are secure, and all systems are up to snuff." I couldn't help but smile at my wonderful creation, his voice and look were completely contradictory, and I loved it. Iri giggled and a light dusting of a blush crossed her cheeks with Xerxes' compliment.
I couldn't help a chuckle myself at his tendencies, before shaking out of my lapse in focus, "Outstanding news, you two. Y'all find a seat, let's get this show on the road."
Shades took center stage amidst the benches and stood tall to deliver her report, "Using a large scouting squad, with some help from the forces of the first floor, I surveyed the surrounding area in moderate detail," she nodded toward Xerxes in thanks for the help of his hanzos, then continued, "while The Great Burning Maze still finds itself situated in a rock face, the surrounding environment is certainly not the lava lakes of Muspelheim." I couldn't help the shocked look that crossed my face, this was certainly a surprise. From the face Iri made, she was thinking the same thing, "Our survey found that The Burning Maze is just inside the mouth of a cave on the face a large mountain. We are unfamiliar with any directional bearings as the stars in the sky do not match those of which I am familiar. Until this information is obtained, the face of the mountain where the mouth of our cave is found will be referred to as northward for convenience's sake. There are several snowcapped peaks surrounding our own, particularly to the south. There lies a river valley a few hundred feet down the north slope of the mountain we find ourselves in. We have confirmed the existence of life, intelligent and otherwise. Several different beasts including deer, elk, wolves, rabbits, and the like as well as clear evidence of cart tracks and a roughly paved road to our east." Interesting, it seems the world is not very advanced. Or at least the area we're in isn't very technologically advanced.
With no interruptions or questions, Shades continued, "The western face of the mountain gave our scouts a clear view of a small settlement, estimated population in the hundreds based on the number of structures. It seems to be a farming village with adjacent crop lands on every side. Except for directly south of our location, which lay much of the mountain range we find ourselves in, there exists an extremely dense and rather expansive forest. Of course, this settlement is found in a clearing amongst the woods, with sparse trees found throughout the rest of this mountain range." With her report complete, Shades returned to her seat rather enthusiastically.
Before I had a chance to speak, Xerxes rose, "Great ones, with the given information I ask if y'all'd let me give my two cents on the deal?"
Surprised at his eagerness, I turned to Irinith. She gave a curt nod, so I gave a response, "You may, in a moment, Xerxes. I'd first like to clarify a few points with y'all before you give any suggested courses of action, since my information may change your ideas."
Xerxes bowed deeply and returned to his seat, "As y'all can probably tell, something's off. Based on that report and other recent events, Irinith and I believe this world we find ourselves in isn't just another realm of Yggdrasil. We believe this land to be another world entirely."
It was clear this thought hadn't occurred to the guardians. Shocked gasps passed through the gathered crowd, even Shades stiffened and picked up her head, "That said, Xerxes," I glanced to him then looked slowly over the rest of the guardians, "all of you, covert information gathering is paramount. I say this not because I doubt your strength or ability to defend yourselves, but because your safety," I stood while I placed my hand on Abbott's shoulder for emphasis, "the safety of all who call this place their home, is my highest priority."
Scanning the room when I finished to make sure my point sank in, I took in their faces in response to my declaration. From the sight of damp eyes and admirable looks, except the emotionless and hollow helmet belonging to Torment of course, the importance and honesty of my statement was made very clear. I swore I could hear an echoing rumble coming from Torment's direction, unfortunately I was unable to further investigate as Xerxes spoke, "My lord, this declaration of your feelings toward are safety is unearned," each guardian nodded in agreement, "Regardless, we have heard your orders and in response I've made some changes to my idea. I think we ought to attempt contact with that village Shades located to our west. It may be best if we went in disguises in case we do show ourselves elsewhere. Plus, we can use aliases to cover our true identities. What better way to learn about this world than directly from the people who live in it?"
There were nods around the room, including from myself and Irinith. After a few moments of silence, Irinith stood, "A brilliant plan Xerxes. While I'm sure all present would prefer a guardian to take on this task, I believe it should be Urucan and I. As your leaders, it would be unbecoming if we put any of you in a position that we would be unwilling to take ourselves."
I smiled when she spoke, I was thinking that the moment Xerxes finished. All I want to do is go out and explore! A whole new world filled with who knows what? Experience real life nature for the first time? It sounds like a dream.
My thoughts were interrupted by a cacophony of objections from those present. The yelling and bickering amongst the guardians pushed me over the edge, "Enough!" My booming voice ended the squabbles as I rose to my feet, a scowl tugged across my face, "While I agree with Irinith, I hear your concerns. However, no one here will raise their voice toward her again if you value your station. I expect this type of behavior will not happen again, am I understood?"
I felt waves of heat radiate from my body as the temperature of the room grew almost unbearable to all present. Shades began panting rapidly, those capable began sweating profusely, and a dim glow began to manifest on some portions of Torment's metal frame. A light touch on my arm brought the temperature down drastically. Irinith's sweet voice spoke, "What my dear Ura means to say is, we hear you. Let's not get crazy just yet, it's not like we're headed out there right now. We have time to continue investigating the situation, gather some more information, and make a more informed decision later. That being said, the decision is final. We," Irinith gestured toward me as I sat, taking on a firm tone, "will be the ones to make first contact with the village. How we go about that and under what circumstances can be decided later. Why don't we all take a break for a bit? Ura and I want to go check on our rooms anyway, so y'all take some time amongst yourselves to discuss whatever you like. I believe we've covered all that's needed for tonight, hmm?"
She looked at me questioningly as she finished, and I gave only a nod in response. Adopting a softer tone she said, "Well there ya have it. Y'all take care of each other and don't hesitate to come find us if you need anything, okay?"
The guardians all stood and bowed deeply at her words. Cecilia spoke for the group, "We hear your orders, great ones. Forgive us for our outburst, truly our behavior was unbecoming of guardians of the Burning Maze." Irinith gave her a sweet nod and a pat on her shoulder. When her hand left the half-orc, we vanished from the den.
When the great ones left our presence, my brother immediately stood, "How foolish could we be? To cause such a ruckus in front of our leaders, and in response to our Lady's order no less. Have we stooped so low?"
We couldn't help but hang our heads in shame at Abbott's words. He was right. We truly did embarrass ourselves and sully our titles, positions granted by our creators. We had no right to speak in such ways. Several moments of silence passed before the sultry tone of the panther goddess cut the air, "Foolish as we may be, our only option now is to serve them even more faithfully. We have orders, I suggest we begin drafting plans and contingencies for their first contact."
There were several nods among the guardians, and Xerxes spoke up, "I agree, no doubt in my mind that my creator and our lady will stand firm on their decision. I mean, y'all saw Lord Uracan."
With that we all gave looks of astonishment, I couldn't help but praise our glorious leader, "Truly, he is magnificent. To think our lord would produce such power and heat. Understandable as it was to protect Lady Irinith and show his faithfulness to her. Despite their respective positions, in his eyes he truly sees her as his equal."
My brother nodded and continued, "It's as you say, dear sister. The mark of a true and fair leader is the treatment of his subordinates, and the mark of a true man is the treatment of his woman. This lesson is one taught to me by our lord himself upon my creation. Something he sought important enough to engrain in the very fibers of my soul. We should all seek to live up to his example."
At Abbott's words, Torment's voice reverberated through the den, "Let's not forget the display of power from Lady Irinith. To temper and quell such raging and powerful flames? The heat of which threatened to reduce us all to nothing but ash. Her loving words and actions speak volumes of the true power within our lady. If anything, we should seek both their examples. A perfect dichotomy and a shining example of equilibrium."
We each took our fellow guardians' words to heart, the wisdom in their words would serve to better us all in the eyes of the great ones. There was much discussion to be had, however, so I tried to focus my associates, "Guardians, I have no doubt we all could speak wisdom on the words and actions of the great ones until the very stars fall from the sky, but we have work to do. My brother and I will return to the sixth floor and see to it that our lord and lady are cared for. I suggest the rest of you carry out their will, as suggested by Shades, and discuss different ways to bring their plans to fruition. Please keep my brother and I updated on your progress via the message spell, and we shall inform the great ones on any developments."
My words were clearly heard over the side discussions and praise directed toward our great leaders. With a collective nod, I turned toward my dear brother. With eye contact alone, we spoke without words and began the trip back to the sixth floor to our masters. Though I got the other guardians back on track to the task at hand, my thoughts drifted back to the previous topic, Our masters are so gracious. To stay behind, while the rest of them abandoned us like trash. To think my, some of our creators see us as little more than toys to toss aside when they get bored. My grin faded as the thought progressed, turning into a frown, then an angered scowl. Were we truly worth so little to the other great ones?
"Ow!"
Her laughter sounded out at my pain, "Stop being a wuss, I'm trying to get this last buckle!"
Irinith kept fumbling with the straps on the sparse armor plating I wore as I struggled against her tugging, "I should've put one of those stupid quick-change crystals in this damn set!"
Another laugh followed my complaints, I only know what those are at all because she just showed me she had one! She's already chilling in a nightgown and I'm over here getting assaulted just to get this damn, "WOMAN!"
A well-earned smack on the face echoed in the room, "Don't you get that tone with me! You handle it yourself then with your sassy ass, I'll go to bed in my own damn room!"
I felt her hands drop down from her work as she turned toward my door. I stumbled forward and let my hand rest on her shoulder, "Baby, hold on," she turned with one eyebrow raised and a frown, eyeing me expectantly. Lowering my gaze I apologized, "Sorry. I'm just overwhelmed with everything, and I just want to finally be alone with you and get some rest. It's been a hell of a day."
I looked up to see a much softer expression, and felt her soft palm on my cheek, "I know, I feel the same way. You're not alone here, neither of us are, isn't that what's important?" She softly kissed my cheek then smiled, "We'll be okay, but we have to work together, right? We certainly won't get anything done if we let the stress put us at odds," her soft words were like a feather on my skin as she gently worked unfastening the remaining straps. I nodded as my eyes closed, grateful I wasn't alone here. Especially grateful it was her.
Only a few minutes passed until the last strap fell loose, another plate of metal clanging to the ground, "I think I can handle the rest of it, it's just normal clothes and…"
A light blue finger softly pressed on my lips and my mouth shut, "Allow me, my lord," her voice tickled against my ear while she pressed ever closer, "I told you if you acted right, you'd get exactly. What. You. Want." Each pause between her words saw her hands traveling further down. They started first across my neck, shoulders, and chest as her body followed lower to match their movements. Yeah, I'm really grateful she's here.
