A/N: Hello! Another one. Things finally cross into the M rating here. It's fairly shameless, though I wouldn't say crass. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. Please enjoy!
-Prologue-
Part 5: Passion
Lila lets out a long breath as she reclines on the mattress of her bed. The only sound in the room is her breath and the faint crackle of the candle at her bedside. She draws slow circles around the lower half of her abdomen. Children... She'll never have them. It had always confused her, that she'd never bled like the other women she'd known. When the physicians had claimed her infertile and she'd cried and cried. Now she knows why. Her past incarnation had nearly lost her own child. To save them and curse their enemies, she had given up any future children.
Would she make the same choice now? She can't tell. Midna was right, she supposes, it had been unfair of her to ask such a thing of Paya. How could she expect an answer when she can't give one herself. Lila lets out another long puff of breath. They'd left Paya's house almost two hours ago now. What a strange visit that had turned into.
She flexes her fingers against her bare stomach. She hadn't expected Midna to soften so suddenly. What, Lila wonders, did Midna see in Paya to cool the flames of her ire? She wishes that the Sheikah woman could be straight with her for once. She'd finally thought herself to be getting over her unrequited feelings, when she'd discovered the woman's hand on Midna's. She'd expected that Midna would have flown into a rage, not for her to have accepted the touch... leaned into it even.
Was she misreading the situation? Did Paya simply not like her? Is something wrong with her that Paya doesn't desire her the same? Or perhaps the woman... has merely held her tongue? Could it be plainly written on her face and Lila is literally too blind to see it? That's a thought she supposes. That everyone can see Paya's infatuation but herself. Would they not tell her? Would Zelda and Link not say anything? Perhaps... out of respect for Paya, she could see them keeping some form of silence.
Ugh... She hates all this supposition and wild guessing. Midna would tell her, if she asks. She's certain of it. But that's another problem altogether. She likes Midna too... Maybe she's starting to more than like the woman. It should be too early to say, but... At the very least they share a mutual desire and a mutual respect. She can see herself becoming attached to the woman. That might be the best way to describe her feelings.
Can she really risk that possibility? Is it a choice between Paya and Midna? It scares her that she can't decide what she'd choose. If Paya came and suddenly professed her love, would she be able to sacrifice the possibility of what she and Midna could be? Gods, it shouldn't even be a struggle, but it is. Six years, Lila has quietly pined after the Sheikah. Six long years. She thinks that may have been just too long. She doesn't know if she can forgive Paya of such a wait. That is all on that hypothetical alone.
But Midna is not from their time. What if she falls for the woman only for Midna to leave her and return to her own time? Could her heart survive such a thing? But then... What if she decides to stay? Midna is powerful, knowledgeable and respectful. She's the heir to Twilight. What sane person could pass up a chance at such an amazing person? Lila doesn't know what to do anymore. How did her life become such a sudden mess? She hopes that Zelda has had an easier time than herself. She hopes that Link is doing alright, wherever he is.
A gentle tapping at her door draws Lila from her thoughts. She pulls back down the thin fabric of her night gown until it covers her upper thighs and calls out, "Come in."
The door creaks open and a familiar voice fills the air. "It is just myself, Midna," Lila chuckles at the nervous tone. "I simply finished my bath and came to see if you needed anything else for the night?"
Lila's smile fades. "Oh... Were you not... Are you sleeping elsewhere?" She asks while rising up on her elbows.
"I had thought that you might like some privacy," Midna explains in a gentle tone. "We have basically shared a bed for three nights now. This house has multiple rooms so I thought... well... I did not know if... You would want me around?"
Lila reaches out her hand and the sound of bare feet padding across the wooden floor fills the room. When Midna's hand finally slips into hers, she grips firmly before pulling the woman onto the bed. Midna makes a surprised squeak as she lands atop Lila's form. She feels the woman's weight draped across her as the bedding dips on either side of her head. Lila realizes her mistake when she feels hot breath on her lips as her hand is pinned to the mattress beside her head.
Deciding to play off the situation in order to maintain some control, she says, "I apologize if that is the impression I have given. I actually enjoy your company very much. It... It's nice to have somebody to sleep with."
She feels Midna's weight shift as the woman rises off of her and settles on the edge of the bed. "Is it... Is it nice to have me though," Midna's voice is thick with an emotion that she can't quite place. "Or perhaps... would you prefer Paya's presence?" Lila parts her lips to say something, anything, but Midna is quick to add, "I don't ask to be cruel, it is simply... well I would like to know where I stand. I saw the way you are around each other and I can read between the lines. I know you care for her, just as she does you. I... I do not wish to... find more meaning in your affections than is actually there."
Lila feels like her stomach has simply fallen from her body. She wasn't prepared for this conversation. She hadn't been able to find an answer earlier and she still doesn't have one. Perhaps it is simply time to make a leap of faith... Midna speaks again into the silence, "I... She is beautiful. Kind and compassionate. She clearly represents the best of her tribe. Even from the few hours we spent with her... I can understand what you are drawn to. I just... I would like to define our boundaries, Lila-va."
"Hililiso," Lila says immediately. The word flows past her lips, almost thoughtlessly. "I am your flower. Please... I can't... I don't want to lose that, Midna. I don't want to lose you."
She feels Midna's knuckles brush across her cheek, as they wipe away tears that she hadn't realized were falling. She feels the weight shift once more before Midna's soft lips are pressed to hers. Her hands immediately find purchase on the woman's shoulders. "Hililiso," She breathes against Midna's lips. The woman moves until her weight is settled against Lila's waist and she can feel long legs pressing on either side of her own.
She clings to the long tunic that is draped over Midna's form. She knows it well, a long thing that Midna has worn to bed the last couple of nights. Part of the supplies given to them by the people of Lookout landing. It's a little rougher than her own nightgown, but Midna seems content with it. Right now it's all she can do to clutch the fabric and hope it keeps her grounded while those wonderful, magical lips are moving against her own.
"Sa'oten... Hililini..." Midna breathes against her mouth and Lila arches into the woman.
"Yes," She almost hisses out as she nips at Midna's lower lip. The woman above her makes a low pleased rumbling moan. She breaks the kiss and presses her forehead to Midna's. As they both pant quietly. Their hot breath mixes in the thin space between their lips. "Midna... I'm a greedy woman... I don't... I don't know how I can choose... So I suppose I can only be honest with you, before we do anything more."
"You love her?" Midna asks in a soft tone.
"I... I could. I would. But... It has been roughly six years, darling. Six years I have hoped to have her love and received nothing... I can't wait forever..." Lila glides her fingers up Midna's neck until she's caressing the Twili's jawline. "I don't know that I could sacrifice us, what we could be, for her. It might be strange but... I feel more complete than I ever have, with you in my arms and by my side." She can feel Midna's eyes on her. Searching in the silence.
"But... You don't think you could lose her, for me either." The fact that it isn't a question, rends her heart. She can't bring herself to answer in words. Instead she simply shakes her head lightly and lets out a sharp sob. "Oh Hililini..."
She feels warm lips pressing to her face, leaving a line of kisses along the trail her tears leave on her skin. She loops her arms around Midna's neck and can't help but laugh through her tears at the playful nature of the woman's affection. That she's still expressing such affections makes Lila feel better about the situation. Maybe she's not as broken as she feels.
Midna stops the assault when Lila's tears stop falling once more. She feels the Gerudo fall onto her side and lets the woman's arm slip beneath her neck. Lila turns onto her side, so that she can drape her leg over the other woman's. She scoots closer until their bodies are flush together. Until she can feel each rise and fall of Midna's chest against her own. She bites her lip as Midna's free fingers begin to glide lightly up and down the bare skin of her arm.
"I have to admit... that you do have good taste in women," Midna's teasing words make her laugh. A short sharp laugh. "That Paya-ga... She's pretty cute... for a Sheikah."
"For a Sheikah," Lila agrees with a lopsided grin. "Is that why you held her hand? Because she was cute?"
Midna takes just a second too long to answer. Lila smells blood in the water now. She's going to milk this for all its worth. She leans in until her lips are just barely brushing Midna's. "How cute is she? Is she cuter than me, Midna?" Lila questions as the other woman's breath hitches. She hopes it's because of the dark tone she's adopted. "Is it her lips?" Lila presses her lips to Midna's in a short but sincere kiss. "Is it her nose?" She leans up until her lips brush airily against the tip of the other woman's nose.
"Definitely, not cuter than you," Midna admits through breathless pants. "She has a different beauty. You are far softer, like silk to the eyes."
"Is that so?" Lila wonders as her hands find purchase on Midna's clothed hips. "Her hands aren't as rough as yours. I like that about you, darling. You're all sharp edges and rough curves. Not to mention tall. Having to lean up to kiss you... It's sexy."
Midna makes a throaty noise that makes her body twitch and her breath hitch. A sharp thrill of desire shoots through her veins. There's something dark and seductive about the moment. It's driving her crazy. She grabs Midna's hand and pulls it down to press it to her upper thigh. A low hiss of pleasure glides past her lips as the woman's fingers press into her soft flesh.
"What else have you noticed about me, I wonder?" Lila mutters as Midna's hand trails lower.
She feels the rough pads brush to the inside of her thigh before slowly trailing upward once more. She sucks in a breath as Midna's other hand finds purchase in her hair. The woman pulls lightly until her chin is high and her throat is exposed. The Twili presses hot, wet lips to the center of her neck, at the dip of her collarbone. Lila thinks she may die. Her veins are full of liquid heat and molten desire burns at her core.
How long has she ached for such affections? She'd imagined what it might be like hundreds of times, but the real thing... Merciful Goddess. Midna is ruining her in all the right ways.
"I am obsessed with your legs, for one," Midna breathes as her fingers press firmly into Lila's inner thigh. She whimpers and gasps, unable to decide if the touch or the words are affecting her more. An electric jolt sears her stomach. "I can barely keep my eyes off them, especially with those black boots that climb your seemingly endless legs. Not to mention that short skirt you wear? By Hailiya, it should not be allowed."
"O-oh, is- hah... is that... so?" Lila's voice cracks despite her attempt to play coy. She spreads her thighs slightly as she pulls Midna's hand higher. She feels the woman's fingers against her delicates even as she hears the sharp intake of breath. The hand in her hair tightens its grip as Midna pulls her into a mind numbing kiss. It's true, she's dying. Midna is going to be her end and she can't get enough. The taste of Midna's mouth fills her senses with mint and honey.
The Twili swallows her sharp cry as lithe, rough fingers slip under the fabric of her underwear. Pleasure, boiling hot and all consuming, floods her body. She has to break the kiss to gulp down air greedily. Her heart is pounding, her breath is quick and shallow, her body shifts and writhes uncontrollably as Midna presses into her most sensitive spots. She lets out another sharp cry and tries to mute her loud moans and breathless noises in a pillow.
"Let me hear you, Hililini. Let me hear you moaning for me. I want to watch you fall apart at my touch," Midna sounds almost pleading. Lila certainly won't be arguing. She presses her forehead to the taller woman's as the rest of her body presses down on Midna's hand. Greedily chasing every last bit of pressure and attention.
"Midna. Darling. Oh Goddess... I- Oh!" She feels Midna's own body reacting to her words and noises. She can feel her hips rocking and her legs rubbing together. Eager to return the favor – to feel Midna's slick around her own fingers – Lila moves her hand from the Twili's hip and dips them into her delicates. The other woman, she discovers, is almost as wet as herself.
"Lila!" Midna gasps out her name as her fingers push aside the fabrics and slip into the Gerudo's dripping core. She struggles to remain coherent enough to explore the intimate space. So similar to her own, yet completely alien.
A faint feminine gasp sounds from the doorway, so quiet she almost misses it. She's suddenly aware of familiar eyes on them, the attention prickling against her magic. Lila almost stops, but then Midna touches something that makes her body arch and another loud cry free from her chest. "Midna!" Lila gasps out, something about knowing Paya's still standing there, watching them, pushes her closer to the edge. The molten puddle in her core has become a raging inferno of intense pleasure. Midna shifts until she's nipping at Lila's earlobe.
"Did you hear her?" Midna whispers quietly in her ear. Lila nods quickly, almost violently. "She's watching you, Lila. Watching you fall apart under my fingers." Lila's heart flips and she can feel herself approaching a precipice. It's almost too much. "Should I stop?" Lila shakes her head even more violently.
"D-don't stop!" She keens, desperately closing her legs around the hand currently disassembling her touch by touch. "So close- Hngh... S-so close."
"Say her name for me, Lila." Midna mutters in her ear and Lila tosses her head back, almost breaking at the very idea. So close, she's so close. So-
"Midna... I-" Lila buries her face into Midna's shoulder and bites onto the fabric of her long tunic.
"It's okay, Hililini..." Midna breathes into her ear once more. "I want to hear it. Let her know that you're thinking about her too."
She groans into Midna's shoulder before releasing the fabric. "P-Paya... I-" She exclaims and another squeaking gasp sounds from the doorway. Much louder than the last time.
"That's right Lila... She knows... Let it go now... Release is right there..." Midna's panting as heavily as her and she realizes that the woman is grinding into her own hand.
"Midna... Paya... I'm going to- I'm- Hngh- A-ah!" Her ears fill with a loud ringing and her mind blanks. Her body tenses and stiffens as something breaks in her center. The molten heat that had built up so intensely begins flooding her veins in searing hot waves. She rides out the mind numbing waves of pleasure for what seems like an eternity.
Slowly her senses begin to return and she captures Midna's mouth with her own immediately. Their connection is hot and wet and desperate. The Twili's hand is no longer between her legs, instead her fingers are grasping tightly to Lila's nightgown. She can feel the woman's hips jerking and grinding at an irregular pace. She can still sense Paya's presence and hear her quiet panting in the doorway.
She tries to mirror what Midna had done to her. Searching out the most sensitive spots, until her finger brushes against a little nub. Midna's whole body jerks in response and a high pitched cry escapes the woman's throat. Lila swallows it even as she presses closer to the woman until Midna is on her back, with herself propped up on her elbow. She breaks the kiss as they both greedily consume the fresh air. Lila brushes her finger over the nub again and before rubbing slow circles into the sensitive flesh.
"L-Lila!" She decides that she's enamored with the sound of her name being cried out like this. She rewards the woman by increasing her pace and pressing more firmly.
"You sound so gorgeous, darling. Those sounds you're making..." Lila's praise is met with more appreciative gasps and moans. Midna's hips roll with more urgency. She bites her lip before asking, "Does she look as sexy as she sounds Paya?"
"Y-y-yes!" The Sheikah exclaims immediately before squeaking loudly. Midna's whole body trembles and arches beneath her.
"Do you hear that darling? Paya thinks you're sexy," Lila mutters as she aims a lascivious grin towards the doorway. "What should I do to her, Paya? Hmm?"
"K-k-kiss her again," Paya gasps out and Lila is happy to oblige. She leans down laps lightly at Midna's lips before pressing another kiss to the mildly abused flesh. She can feel Midna's hips becoming more erratic and she knows that the woman is close to the same peak she'd just reached. "I-inside... Go inside." Midna nods fiercely at Paya's words while she makes a dark noise against Lila's lips. Lila slips her hand lower and fills Midna with her middle finger.
Her reaction is immediate and visceral. The woman arches as her body almost stiffens and tenses. She can feel the inner walls squeezing tightly around her finger. She gently pumps her hand as a slick wetness almost pours out of the woman beneath her. She can hear Paya gasping and panting from across the room. It's wreaking havoc on her.
Lila falls against the bed, then slips her arm under Midna's neck and holds her close as the woman's body slowly begins to relax. She presses her lips in gentle kisses across the Twili's damp brow. The taste of salt and sweat hits her tongue, it's addictive. Carefully, she pulls her hand from Midna's soaked underwear and brings the soaked fingers to her mouth. She hears Paya whimper as her tongue darts out to taste Midna's slick. A tangy and almost sweet blend of flavors. She can't help but groan and lap up the juices greedily.
"Sa'oten..." Midna gasps beneath her, she feels the woman's head turn. "W-why are you all the way over there still?"
"M-me?" Paya gasps out and Midna chuckles in response, a low dark thing that ruins Lila.
"Who else, Takata?" Midna wonders and Lila hears the nervous shuffle of bare feet across the floor. Shortly followed by the sound of cloth hitting the floor. "Oh... you are bolder than I gave you credit for..."
"I-I am trying... something new," Paya explains in a breathless tone. "I apologize... for interrupting."
"It's a little late for apologies, isn't it?" Lila teases as she reaches across Midna's body and towards the woman at the edge of the bed. "Come here... I've wanted to kiss you for so long, Paya... Don't make me wait any longer."
"Lila..." The Sheikah breathes her name as the extra weight settles on the edge of the bed. Lila shifts back, making room between herself and Midna. She feels Paya's hand settle into hers as the woman's moves. Instead of settling between them, though, Paya pushes her back and straddles her waist. She can feel the Sheikah's surprisingly toned legs on either side of her thighs. The woman's hands find purchase on her abdomen and slowly glide against the exposed skin, pushing her nightgown higher as she explores.
Midna's airy laugh fills her ear and then her hot tongue is tracing the shell of Lila's ear. She can't take the waiting any more. She reaches up to grab whatever cloth is on Paya's body. Her hands connect with a bare stomach and her mouth goes dry. Paya's stomach tenses and rolls beneath her fingers. "Surprise," Midna mutters as Lila's hands climb higher until the Sheikah's bared breasts sit heavy in her hands. "She's gorgeous. So very gorgeous, Hililini. Her eyes are all dark and lidded. She's biting her lip. Oh... she wants you so badly..."
Lila's hips buck involuntarily, making Paya tremble and fall against her. "Kiss me Paya..." Lila begs as her hands knead the velvety flesh in her hands. "Please. Please, Paya I- Mmph..." Finally, Paya silences her begging with thin, gentle lips. If kissing Midna is all consuming passion and desperate heat, then Paya is gentle warmth and slow curiosity. She moves gingerly and slowly as if Lila is a precious jewel that must be handled with care. It's just Paya's nature, she realizes. The woman doesn't seem to have a rough bone in her body.
Lila whimpers against Paya's lips as someone's fingers begin to brush through the loose portions of her hair. She can feel Midna's hot, open mouthed kiss along her jawline until Paya's lips disappear from her own. Then the sound of wet kissing fills her ears and she groans at the thought of Paya and Midna kissing above her. She leans up and nuzzles into the Sheikah's exposed throat before nipping lightly at the pulse point. She smells like mint and incense. It's a uniquely Paya scent. She can feel the body atop her quivering under Midna's and her own shared attentions.
She finds the most sensitive portion of Paya's chest and lightly tweaks the nerve bundles. "Lila..." Paya gasps above her only to have her next noises muffled once more by Midna's mouth. The muffled moans and high pitched grunts are destroying her sanity. She feels another hand ghost across hers, trailing lower down Paya's shaking form.
The sound of a wet pop fills the air before Paya's face buries into her throat. She can feel the Sheikah placing desperate kisses along the side of her neck as her hands grasp tightly onto Lila's shoulders. "Did you expect to find us?" Midna wonders in a thick throaty tone. The low husk of her voice has Lila rubbing her thighs together. "Did you come to watch, Paya?"
"N-no!" They're in a nearly naked, definitely sweaty and intimate position. Most people would be scandalized to know what is happening in this room, but Paya somehow manages to sound scandalized at the accusation. Lila can't help her breathless laugh. "I- Hah-ah... I- Lila... I came- Hngh... to talk..."
"Is that so?" Midna chuckles and she feels the Twili nuzzling into her cheek. "Did you come to confess then? To admit to your painfully obvious feelings?"
"I-I..." Paya's embarrassment is palpable as she nods into Lila's neck.
She feels Paya's head lift with a sharp whimper from the Sheikah's lips. "Words Paya," Midna's tone is scolding. "Use your words Takata."
She can feel Paya's hips jerking and grinding against her abdomen, covering her in wet heat. "Yes!" Paya gasps out loudly, her voice slicing through the sharp gasps and breathless panting that fills the space. "I came to- Hah... I came to confess- O-oh... To finally be selfish for once..." Something about the words fills Lila's chest with thick emotion. She keeps tweaking and massaging Paya's chest with one hand while her other moves up to cup Paya's face.
"Tell me Paya," Lila practically begs as she pulls their foreheads together. Paya's hips press down with even more desperate need. She can feel the rhythm becoming unsteady and convulsive. "I need to hear you say it. I've waited so long."
"Lila... I... I love you!" Paya's words feel rushed and sharp almost as if she's afraid, or ashamed. "I've loved you for years..."
"I love you too, Paya," Lila admits as the warm emotions burst forth in watery laughter. She kisses the Sheikah again and again and again. She feels free and complete. The heavy feelings that she's tried to strangle for so long finally have room to breathe and she's so so happy. "I love you, sweet shadow."
She feels Midna's lips on her cheek and then hears them on Paya's skin. "You're so beautiful together... Let go, Paya, you're safe here. I'll protect you."
"M-Midna..." Paya's soft gasp makes Lila ache in such pleasant ways. "I'm- I'm going to- Lila!"
"I've got you love," Lila breathes and Paya lets out a low, keening cry. She feels the Sheikah go stiff and tense just like Midna had. She gasps as the woman arches away from her touch as if it is too much. Midna makes a low groaning sound and pulls Lila into a searing kiss as Paya rides out her climax. She reaches out to touch Midna's face and hold her in the passion filled kiss. Mint and salt and oh gods...
Then Paya is moving against her again and pressing dozens of kisses against their faces. Lila escapes Midna's lips to grasp at the Sheikah's chin and pulls her into a kiss as well. She's drowning in them. In the musky smells and the other women's tastes. In the feeling of their skin, sweaty and hot against her own. She's losing track of whose hands are whose and which pair of lips belong to which woman.
Before Lila realizes what's happening, Paya is draped on her other side. Then Midna is whispering instructions and words to the Sheikah. But she can't quite process what they're saying, due to the hands roving over her body and pressing into her secret and most sensitive places. She's vaguely aware that her nightgown is being peeled from her form along with her underwear. Then hot mouths are on her neck and her chest and hands are pressing on her and between her thighs.
Lila is gone and a writhing mass of searing heat and molten desire has taken her place. Someone claims her in a kiss, they're nipping at her lower lip and sucking on her tongue. She feels a lithe rough finger filling her core. While a separate hand is pressing against the sensitive bundle just above. Her mind has fogged over and she's gasping and crying out in low heady noises. She's so close again. The knot beneath her stomach is so taunt and it's so close and she's going to-
If she thought the last time was intense, then this is mind shattering. She's a void of fiery and violent pleasure. Darkness swaddles her and comforts her through the consuming waves of pure rapture. After eternity has come and gone, she's returned to her own body. Her senses become her own once again.
Her body aches with a pleasant soreness and her muscles feel almost too tired to move. She rolls over and cuddles into someone's naked form. Their skin is cool and sticky but comforting. She reaches back and grabs the other woman, pulling her closer as well until two pairs of arms are wrapped around her body.
"Sleep now..." Lila mutters out followed by a long yawn. Quiet giggles and fond whispers fill her ear. She shivers as gentle lips press to the nape of her neck and against her forehead. There's some shifting and then the bed's thick blanket is being pulled over their bodies. Lila makes an appreciative noise before letting herself fall into the comforting silence of sleep.
/-/
Day 4
Midna awakens feeling like a new woman. Her body still aches and her muscles are still weak, but she feels so refreshed. She nuzzles into the fluff of hair beneath her and her eyes drift open lazily. She sees Paya across from her, with Lila's violet hair mussed and tussled between them. The Sheikah's own amber eyes are blinking away the vestiges of sleep. She sees a lazy smile on the white haired woman's face, before her dull yellow eyes brighten and a flush fills her cheeks.
Midna can read the embarrassment written plainly on her face. The Gerudo strangles the laugh that threatens to bubble out and settles for slowly, gently, shifting her arm to brush her fingers along the Sheikah's pale shoulder. She watches Paya bite her bottom lip and indecision on her features. Midna offers a warm smile, before pulling back… Only for the Sheikah to catch her wrist in a swift motion.
A dark eyebrow lifts in confusion before Paya's pulling her hand to thin pale lips. A light blush of heat touches her own face as the Sheikah presses her lips to the pads of each of her fingers. Amber eyes holding her gaze through dark lashes.
Midna, not to be outdone – least of all by a Sheikah – pulls Paya's hand to her own lips and copies the gesture. Then she pulls the warm palm to her cheek before turning into it and nuzzling into the slightly calloused skin. She hears the hitch in Paya's breath and a slow, victorious grin pulls at her lips.
She releases Paya's hand and shivers as the woman's touch lingers, her thumb brushing across Midna's sharp cheekbone. Midna takes a moment to bask in the simple touch. Her night had certainly turned out far different than she'd expected. To be completely honest with herself, she hadn't expected to actually find herself sharing a bed with Lila again. Much less for the impromptu joining of Paya to the mix.
Not that she was complaining, really. It wasn't unheard of for such things back in Gerudo Town. Especially among the younger women. A couple of her close friends had actually found a Hylian man that they'd both fallen for. The last she'd heard, they had been happily together for four years and still going strong. They'd already had two daughters. Hot tears prick at her eyes as she hopes that they had good lives. Suddenly, she feels the need to be elsewhere.
Midna carefully disentangles herself from the mess of limbs and tries to avoid Paya's concerned gaze. She slips quietly out of the bed and onto light feet. It's a simple matter to find her way to the large wooden tub. Still empty from when she'd vanished the water last night. She leans on the edge of the container as tears drip down her cheeks. She's lost everything... Everyone... By the Golden Gods... She's alone, the last vestige of a past so long forgotten that not even legends remain.
Is it ever going to stop hurting? Will she ever find solace? Lila and Paya have each other now... What is she to do with herself now? Surely they'll be done wi- Midna stiffens as a hand presses to the small of her back. She hadn't heard... She looks back and Paya's there. Amber eyes full of compassion and concern. "You- you followed me?" Midna breathes and Paya smiles. Gods... she's smiling and she's here and-
"Of course I did... You're hurting," Paya says, like it's the most simple thing in the world. Like she cares and it's just that easy. She's there, still undressed, because she saw that Midna is hurting. Midna turns and pulls the Sheikah into a tight hug. Paya doesn't hesitate to return it. Her arms looping up until her fingers are pressing into the upper portion of Midna's shoulder blades. The Twili presses her face into the side of the slightly shorter woman's head as her body is wracked with a sob. "I'm here, if you want to talk."
Midna simply pulls the other woman closer as her eyes squeeze shut. She can't say anything right now. She can barely breathe. She thinks that Lila would be here too, if she were awake. It's a terrifying thought. It's more than she could ever hope for. She doesn't know what she's supposed to do with this. With the simple care that Paya's expressing. The woman is a Sheikah, but Midna couldn't even begin to care. Because Paya's holding her, and she cares, and somehow it's enough. Somehow it's helping and she's feeling better.
"Everyone I ever knew is dead and gone," The arms around her tighten. "I don't know why I am here. I am scared that I will be alone. I am scared that I will be sent back... I'm scared... because I want to stay? I should not feel so happy here. Your arms shouldn't make me feel so safe. You and Lila have each other now... I do not want to come between that."
Then Paya's leaning back and she's looking into the woman's amber eyes. The next thing she knows, the Sheikah is pulling her down and kissing her forehead. Warm hands are caressing her face and wiping away her tears. "Then stay. Lila... She…" Paya pauses as if considering her words. "It's okay to be happy. I... It's taken me a very long time to learn that." Paya says quietly, her voice almost a whisper. "So far, I like you enough to try... To maybe... try and make it work? I wouldn't even know where to begin, but..." Thin lips press to the tip of Midna's nose. "I'm almost certain Lila agrees."
Midna can't help the small laugh and smile that curls up the corners of her mouth. She's looking into those amber eyes again and watching as they flicker down to her lips. Then Paya's looking at her with a nervous question and Midna swallows against the sudden knot in her throat. She offers only the barest nod. Somehow she's gone shy, after the night she had, Midna had thought the word was lost to her vocabulary. But then Paya's here, making her blush and bite her lip like a teenager.
The Sheikah's eyes shine with a smile before Midna is being pulled into a feather light kiss. A tentative and curious kiss, as if they're testing the surface of water for its temperature. When Paya's breath hitches, Midna feels her own stomach flip. Emboldened, Paya leans up and forms a more solid connection.
Unlike Lila, Paya's kiss is slow and gentle. It's comforting and peaceful, filling her chest with warmth. Lila's always pushing for more, searching for passion and heat that leaves Midna breathless and weak. But Paya seems content to enjoy the moment. Her arms loop around Midna's neck loose and relaxed. Midna lets her own hands glide down Paya's back and come to rest on her bare hips. She feels the woman smile against her lips and she melts, her worries momentarily forgotten.
Paya sucks lightly at her lower lip and Midna sucks in a sharp breath. "Lila's already been a bad influence on you," Midna teases and the Sheikah lets out an amused giggle. She grins as the white haired woman pushes stray fiery orange hairs from her face before kissing her again.
Suddenly Midna is somewhere else, like she's been jolted out of her body. She finds herself in an unfamiliar space viewing a scene that seems frozen in time.
The simple domesticity of the moment hits her like a rolling boulder. She realizes then, that she doesn't want to be the Queen of Twilight, or the chief of the Gerudo. She wants this. Slow lazy mornings in a rural home. She sees herself leaned on a counter with a steaming cup in hand. She sees Paya leaning across from her and Lila in another room, sitting in front of a fireplace. Three other strangers are gathered around the space.
A tall Hylian with pale gold hair and fair skin, shining blue eyes smiling at her from where they are leaning against Paya's shoulder. A Lorulean woman with sharp features that reminds her of herself is standing at her own side while playing with a dagger. Then a strange Twili woman, with dark horns and a pair of swishing fox like tails, is sitting across from Lila, with familiar vermilion eyes nestled in the soft curves of Lila's almost mirrored image.
Then she's back in her own skin and Paya's eyes are wide as they stare at each other. The sound of footsteps echo into the room and the first thing Midna sees as Lila turns the corner is an oddly familiar golden compass in hand. Then she realizes the woman is naked and her blindfold is missing; her red eyes stare unfocused into the space near them.
"Paya," Lila begins in a soft, almost dangerous tone. "What. Is. This?"
She hears the Sheikah swallow before replying, "The uh... the reason I came by last night? Then, I... I heard you cry out... and thought that you might be in danger... I simply forgot, after you know... everything."
"Okay. But... What is it? Why do I know it's mine? Why do you have it?" Lila demands the answers as she pads into the admittedly spacious bathroom.
"It is an artifact that has been guarded by the Sheikah since the first Calamity at the latest, a golden compass. Legend says that it is meant for the Hero of Shadow and shall guide her to the most important moments of her life." Paya falls into the explanation easily. Impressively easy, for being in the presence of an upset Lila. "Giving it to you was prophesied to be the end of the Sheikah way... I... In the eyes of my tribe, I have essentially doomed them."
Then Lila's ire fades and she's pulling the crying Paya into an embrace. They cling to each other as Lila mutters soft words in her ear. Midna draws on her magic, like drawing a blanket tightly around her mind, and draws a simple circle in the air. It's a simple spell to summon a heavy flood of water that begins to quickly fill the large washtub. She starts to move out of the room, to give the other two space, but is immediately drawn into the embrace by Lila's grasping hand. She hesitates for only a beat before she wraps her arms around the pair and tilts her head down to press her lips against their heads.
Things move rather quickly from there for Midna. She heats the bath and they both decide to let Paya have the first round. She ends up in the kitchen with a blanket wrapped around herself like a strapless dress as she warms up some water in the tea kettle for their morning tea. At the same time, she's making mushroom and tomato omelets. Lila is dressed in Midna's sleeping tunic with that golden compass hanging off her shoulders; the woolen fabric of her tunic reaches to the Lorulean's knees and is still bathed in the scent of their previous night. Midna had made a comment about the smell and Lila had just smirked at her.
"So... what's the plan Hililini?" Midna wonders as she pulls the whistling kettle off the fire. "The sun will be up in... roughly thirty minutes. I think it might be best to leave town soon. I know we were supposed to examine the ruins, but I trust Sheikah far less than I trust the Great Evil. Who knows what will happen when word spreads about Paya."
Lila makes a thoughtful hum from her perch on a stool from beneath the counter. Midna flicks her hand as she swipes one of the tomatoes from their bowl. The blind woman laughs before flicking her arm in retaliation.
"Well... We could head south-east to Hateno Village, I suppose," Lila muses as Midna fills three mugs with water and carefully prepared hibiscus leaves in one and mint in the other two. "I live there with Zelda and Link. We have a few things that would be helpful for a journey. Besides that we can get you some more clothes and see if Cece has any decent armors in stock. Also... The compass wants me to go that way... There's something important waiting for us."
Midna pulls the first omelet off the stove and slides it onto a plate. On a whim, she presses two fingers to Lila's chin and tilts the Lorulean's head back. She examines the parted pink lips for only a moment before kissing the woman. It's a gentle and chaste kiss, lasting only a moment. When she starts to pull away, Lila's hands clasp her cheeks and pull her back down. The shorter woman nips and sucks at her lower lip before releasing it with a soft pop. Midna blinks, momentarily stunned, until she sees Lila eat another slice of cherry tomato.
"Alright. That's enough," Midna huffs despite the silly grin splitting her face. "Go trade places with Paya. And find some clean clothes while you're at it." Lila giggles and grabs yet another tomato. Midna pinches her rear, earning a sharp yelp and sending the woman skittering towards the bathroom. Mad cackles sound from the Lorulean until she bumps into a doorway and a loud groan replaces the laughter.
Midna can't help but laugh at the silliness. Lila throws a frown in her direction and with a snap of her fingers a thin arc of electricity zaps Midna's thigh. She yelps and drops the egg she'd been cracking, splattering yolk and bits of shell across the sizzling pan. "Lila!" She admonishes loudly only to a sharp, petty 'Ha!' in reply.
With Lila bathing, the rest of her shift at the stove passes without incident. Midway through the last omelet, Paya appears at her side. The Sheikah has her hair back up in its proper bun with two little chopsticks poking out of it. The painted Sheikah eye is missing from her face but she's still dressed in a Sheikah outfit.
A midnight blue and skin tight undershirt hugs her front, while a tan jacket, with dark red trim hangs loosely over her shoulders. A pair of matching tights cling to her legs and a pair of sandal boots protect her feet. The collar of her shirt climbs the length of her neck and sits snug along her jawline. Midna watches with some fascination as Paya ties the sleeves of her jacket with silk ribbons.
Amber eyes meet her with a shy smile pulling at the woman's thin lips. Midna offers a playful wink making Paya's cheeks flush with a dust of light pink. Midna motions towards one of the plates and carefully moves a cup of mint tea beside it. "Here you are, breakfast Takata." Midna hums out before returning her attention to the nearly finished omelet on the stove. Or she tries.
Paya's hand presses to her cheek and turns her head until she's staring into the bright golden eyes. "Fe'niso Takata?" May I be yours, she asks boldly despite the bright embarrassment on her face. "If-if that's okay? If it's too much, I completely understand. Or even too soon. I'm sor-"
Midna shakes off her momentary stun and silences Paya with a press of her lips to the Sheikah's forehead. "Fafa'soani Takata." You are mine little hawk. Midna smiles as Paya hesitates for only a moment before strong arms pull her into a tight embrace. Paya hides her face in Midna's shoulder for a long beat, until the Twili begins to worry that the woman is crying. Then the Sheikah leans back with a large, giddy smile on her face. Midna grins in return before motioning towards a stool. "Jalsosul Takatani. Eat and enjoy your tea."
"En, en... Sarqso, Midna-ga," Midna rolls her eyes at the smart reply. Though a smile pulls at her lips. Somehow the Sheikah knows Gerudo. It... it means so much to her. Though she can't even begin to explain why.
As Paya lowers herself onto a seat, Midna returns her attention to the last omelet. Satisfied with it, she tilts the pan and slides it onto the last plate. She snuffs out the fires burning beneath the stone stove by dousing them with a weak bubble of water magic. Then she sips at her own cup of mint tea with a contented sigh. She thinks it is a good morning.
The sound of a wet thud and Lila's annoyed shout echoes from the bathroom. "Are you okay?" Midna asks loudly while sitting her glass down.
"Just ergh- peachy!" Lila replies before appearing from the bathroom. She's naked, dripping wet, and rubbing the back of her head. "I may have slipped... Paya, where's the towel?"
"Uh... I- uh..." Midna glances over to see the Sheikah's whole face flushed bright red. It's adorable. Midna nudges the woman and it's enough to shake her from her stupor. "In the bathroom closet ... There are towels..."
Lila's smile is wolfish and she blows a kiss their way before returning to the bathroom. Another faint thud sounds, followed by a long groan. "She's like this every morning," Midna explains to a concerned Paya. "I was a little shocked at first too. Purah-ji informed me that Lila is always clumsy until she gets her morning tea."
"I see..." Paya breathes before returning to her half eaten breakfast. "I find that a little strange. Though I haven't ever slept in the same building as her before."
"It's likely related to her magic, at least in part," Midna explains as she motions towards the tea cups. "Her free usage of her magic is draining and the hibiscus tea helps replenish her essence. Draining one's magic core tends to have many negative side effects, nothing life threatening of course. One tends to get dizzy easier, their thoughts can become fuzzy and muddled, nausea can become an annoyance, some mages have also reported weak limbs and irritability or mood swings. It really depends on the person."
"Tea helps with all of that?" Paya asks, seeming much more interested. "That seems so... arbitrary?"
"Well, it is not so simple as tea being a magical panacea. While the strength does vary depending on the leaves you use, a bigger component is the method of extraction," Midna adjusts the blanket on her shoulders as Paya nods along. "Boiling out the essence and steeping it is one of the most effective methods for bringing magical properties to the fore. That's why mages are often associated with boiling cauldrons and poor eating habits. Why learn to cook, when a potion is much more efficient?"
"So that's why elixirs are so strong?" Paya asks before sipping at her tea. "Why do the monster parts have to be used then? Elixirs have them as a mandatory ingredient right?"
"Correct. Monsters are basically constructs of dark magic and the parts they leave behind are the most concentrated portions of their magical essence. They make for some of the best, and most easily obtained, catalysts," Midna pauses as Lila appears beside her, dressed in a white tunic and her black shorts. Paya pulls out a stool and guides the woman to the seat, while Midna continues speaking, "The stronger the monster, the stronger the concentration. That is what makes the most dangerous variants so lucrative for hunters. Mages will pay exorbitant amounts for the best ingredients."
"Teaching Paya about elixir crafting?" Lila questions as the woman in question places the hibiscus tea in her hands. "It's one of my favorite hobbies, though I've fallen out of practice recently."
"She was wondering about your tea," Midna explains before drinking the last of her steaming mint. "I ended up on a tangent."
"What's wrong with my tea?" Lila asks with a tilt to her head.
"Nothing. I was simply explaining the restorative effect it has on your magic."
Lila's mouth falls open as if she's shocked. "Wait. My tea... has a restorative effect on my magic?"
Paya snickers into her hand and Midna lets out a long sigh. "You did not know?"
"No!" Lila exclaims and almost vibrates out of her seat. "Why didn't I know?! Wait... does that mean... how do I use this in elixirs?"
"Well, simply put, you wouldn't," Midna states while adopting a tone she'd heard many times from her instructors in the Twilight Tower. "Elixirs are often made using monster parts and critters as catalysts. Potions and infusions are where more plant based ingredients shine. Generally these need to be infused with the mage's own magical essence to really bring to life. Though there are specific monster remains that can serve as a substitute. It is a delicate but rewarding process."
"What's the difference, from a utilitarian point of view?" Paya questions and Midna smiles at her. It's a good question.
"Well. Healing magics, magic replenishment and other more specialized curatives are where potions shine. Elixirs tend to have more specialized but temporary effects; such as heat resistance, boosted strength, or increased stamina reserves." Midna watches Lila nod along while tapping at her chin. Paya's curiosity is promising. She allows herself to entertain the idea of teaching the Sheikah how to access her magic while continuing her lesson, "Elixirs are considered a special category of potions. Infusions, for example, are another such category, but their weaker effects mean they tend to be seen as supplements to daily life, such as morning tea. Tinctures and lotions are other subsets of potions, but also tend to stand apart on their own."
Lila's so lost in her head that she doesn't acknowledge Midna's words. The Twili shares an amused smile with Paya before letting out a soft breath. "Alright. Lesson is over. I am going to have my bath now. Eat up and get ready to go. I would like to be on the road before the hour is up."
A/N: Lore, smut, and struggles galore! Hah. I hope you enjoyed. See you next time.