A/N: NSFW!

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Miranda realized just how hard the seemingly trivial —on the surface—incident on the Saturday had appeared, had taken Andrea, as the girl took more than two full days to recuperate enough to leave her room. Whatever the happenstance run-in with the Terrences, had stirred in Andrea, it was not anything trivial at all. Miranda knew from the haunted expression in Andrea's eyes it had at some point had a profound effect on her. She also knew that if she or anyone else pried, it would merely prolong her recovery.

On a Tuesday evening, Andrea surprised them all by leaving her room and joining the girls for supper, like before. They were all about to take their seats, and Mrs. Serena was in the process of arranging for a tray to be taken to Andrea's room when she suddenly stood there as if sprouted from the floor.

"I thought I'd join you," Andrea said, making Miranda jump at the sound of her voice. Andrea hadn't spoken much the last two days, merely slept most of the time, as if her body needed all the rest it could get. Miranda and the others had taken turns sitting with her, and the girls had been allowed to come in and say goodnight if Andrea was awake when it was their time to retire for the day.

Caroline and Cassidy had made drawings, suggested books Miranda could read to Andrea, and even sung outside her door.

"Miss Andrea," Caroline whispered.

Miranda could barely take in the vision of Andrea, as she looked so different. Dressed in the light yellow dress Madame Tatiana had created for her, she lit up the room. It cast a completely new light in her eyes, or perhaps it was there because she was truly feeling better.

"Miss Andrea." Kipling rose and pulled out the vacant chair to Miranda's right for her. "So lovely to see you up and about."

"I've rested enough for a lifetime, I think." Andrea patted his arm as she sat down. Gazing around the table, her eyes locked on Miranda's. "Thank you for all your patience. It's been a difficult couple of days, but I heard Caroline and Cassidy sing, and I heard you read, Miranda. And Emily and Mrs. Serena—thank you for all you've done of a more practical nature. And Mr. Kipling, you carried me. Literally."

"I hope I won't have to, but I would do so again," Mr. Kipling said.

"We've missed you," Cassidy said. "Even if you were right there in your room, we missed you so much."

"I missed you too, girls, but I needed to find my strength again. And thanks to all of you, I have." She turned to Miranda. "Miranda." She swallowed hard and smiled despite damp eyelashes.

"Yes?" Miranda said quietly.

"Just…Miranda." Andrea took Miranda's hand under the table and squeezed it.

"Well, then." Miranda nodded at Mrs. Serena to begin serving and after a few slightly awkward moments, they began to eat.

Later that evening, when it was time for the girls to retire, Miranda turned to Andrea who was reading by the fire. "I see you have decided that you've been stuck in a black dress for long enough. Excellent. Do you feel up to reading a little to the girls tonight?"

Andrea looked up and smiled. "Oh, yes. I really want to do that. Tomorrow we can resume a few of our classes, and if I can manage, we'll hold the art class in the afternoon—unless you have arranged for another activity for the girls."

"You are being facetious, right?" Miranda chuckled. "I haven't been able to get them to do anything more than take a walk the last few days. They didn't want to be away from you. The art class will help them settle down and trust that you're doing better." She studied her nails for a moment. "Something I would like to accomplish as well."

"Oh, Miranda." Andrea ran quick fingers along Miranda's hands. "Then, let's see what they want me to read."

"I know exactly what they want you to read." Miranda fetched a document from the small desk where her typewriter sat. "Here. The continuation of the new Bantillion story. Just a couple of pages."

"Yes!" Looking every bit as excited as the girls were about the new story, Andrea held the page with care.

The girls were in bed, and Caroline patted on her bed. "Please sit on my bed this time, Miss Andrea."

Andrea sat down and looked over the edge of the single page. "Now. Do you think we're ready to find out about the new dragon that Naramehr came upon in the forest?"

The girls squealed and clapped their hands. "Hurry, Miss Andrea. Go on!"

Andrea adjusted her skirts and glanced over at Miranda who had sat down at the foot of Cassidy's bed. Miranda nodded. She looked forward to hearing Andreas's gentle alto voice make her story come alive. In the doorway, Miranda saw Emily, Mrs. Serena, and Kipling, stand, obviously curious. No doubt, the girls had told them about the part that Andrea had read to them at the house in London.

Naramehr circled the younger dragon, taking in its golden-brown hue, and the pattern of her scales. Whereas Naramehr's scales were sharp triangles, having been weathered through the centuries, the young dragon's scales were raised in slight curls, which reflected the light, making her glimmer.

Names were not based on looks alone, even if it played a part. The way a dragon moved, and how it carried itself when addressing others, be it elders, or hatchlings, mattered even more. This dragon was at a disadvantage, as there were no more hatchlings as far as Naramehr knew. Her own were long gone, and something she would rather not dwell on. It did not escape her, that Sparkle and Astra had become—not like her children—but her wards, in their place.

Standing straight and not moving, the young dragon followed every move Naramehr made, and when there was no hostility, she slowly relaxed her rigid pose and the glowing embers inside her larynx lost its glow.

"You strike me as a brave, and feisty youngling. Do you know which year you came into existence?" Naramehr stopped in front of the other dragon, not taking her eyes off her.

"I only remember growing up in the mountains north of us, near a farm. The farmer and his family found me as a…hatchling. Is it the same as a baby dragon?"

The term did not sit well with Naramehr but had to be what the humans saving this dragon called her. A human hatchling was called a baby.

"It is, but you are not, and never have been a baby. Hatchling, childling, youngling, dragon, and elder. Those are the five age groups among our kind."

"I'm a youngling still?" Not looking pleased, the golden-brown dragon stomped her feet as she clearly found it difficult to remain still for any extended time.

"Not for very long. Once you have your name, and you've trained with me as your guide, you can claim adulthood after a series of assessments."

"Then get on with it. Name me." Whipping her tail around, the youngling showed just why she needed extensive training. Impatience in an Ignis Draco was dangerous. It could lead to immense loss of life, including their own.

"You have made it fairly easy for me to find inspiration for your name." Naramehr walked closer, towering over the smaller dragon. "Once I have let you know, that is the point of no return. You are under my guardianship, and you are my responsibility." Naramehr sighed inwardly. "I can assure you; I have no tolerance for fools or for a youngling that is not prepared to do the work—internal and external. I have cut such younglings loose before...something they rarely survive. Do I make myself clear, youngling?"

"Yes, yes," the youngling said, snatching its tail back and forth, obviously eager now.

"Then bow." Making her voice thunderous, it pleased Naramehr to see the youngling flinch and fall onto her knees with her front legs.

"Your name from now on and forevermore will be Amberzar. Amber for your eyes, and zar, which means star in the olden tongue. Walk among men and beasts as Amberzar, mindful of your lessons, and with respect for all other creatures. Lend your aid to those who need help fighting for justice and protection. Never break the common code bestowed upon you, inherited by you, from dragon to dragon."

Amberzar attempted to swing her tail in exuberance, but she only managed to perform a single little sweep along the ground. Annoyed, she roared, but a faint remnant of an ember that barely showed through the scales covering her throat was all she could ignite.

"What have you done to me?" Amberzar growled. "I will be too vulnerable next time humans attack."

Naramehr made sure she towered over Amberzar. "You won't need to be able to access your embers, as from now on, and until you are finally assessed, you will be with me."

"Amberzar," Caroline whispered, while Cassidy kicked her feet from sheer excitement. "She sounds beautiful."

"And Naramehr will have a lot of work to do, to teach her." Cassidy looked slyly at Andrea. "Like you are teaching us."

Miranda hid a smile. If Caroline and Cassidy wanted to entertain the idea that they were like Amberzar, and Andrea the older dragon—the teacher, as it were—then so be it. In the story, she had needed a new character, and since Andrea joined the Priestly household, the impact she'd had on all of them, made her perfect as a role model for Amberzar.

#

Andrea stood in the center of the sitting room, the heat from the fireplace warming her, and the sight of Miranda approaching her making her heart thunder.

"They're fast asleep. I believe they chattered about the story for an hour after light's out. I couldn't bring myself to reprimand them." Miranda came to stand next to Miranda. "And you look wonderful."

"I'm sure it's the dress. You have grown accustomed to seeing me in a black or grey dress for weeks now. This color would enhance anyone's looks." Andrea smiled broadly.

"Oh, I can think of a few where they would need a lot more than a pretty dress. I meant, despite having been with the girls since supper and onward, you still look radiant—and healthy."

"I was never physically ill." Andrea turned to face Miranda. "But you know that."

"Yes." Miranda put a gentle arm around Andrea's shoulders. "What you went through still manifested itself that way, which is not uncommon."

"I suppose." Andrea turned around and pressed her face against Miranda's shoulder and wrapped her arms around her waist. "I needed time. Thank you for giving that to me."

"Always." Miranda sounded choked up as she pressed her cheek against Andrea's hair.

They stood in each other's arms for a few minutes and Andrea felt how they reconnected, hoping that they would not have lost whatever they'd been heading toward before the incident in the park. She had one more thing to ask Miranda, before she could relax—or not, depending on the answer.

"I promise I will tell you everything, when I'm able to, Miranda," She said quietly. I will explain and I hope you will understand. Both regarding my reaction and to my…past. I just can't…not yet. I can assure you that I have not committed any crime. That must be important for you to know."

"Not the most important thing, but yes, perhaps." Miranda tipped Andrea's head back. "Take your time and share what you can, when you can."

"So I didn't dream that part." Andrea raised her head and studied Miranda's expression. She had heard, or thought she heard, Miranda say something similar two nights ago. "You have no idea how cared for—and trusted—that makes me feel."

"I think I do, to a degree." Miranda caressed Andrea's cheeks and let her hand slide down along her neck. "And you are cared for."

"Miranda…" Andrea framed Miranda's face with her hands and kissed her. Not like the gentle and whisper light kisses from last Friday, but with more emphasis, as if putting some force behind the kiss, Miranda would know how she felt. She let go for a moment, and they pressed their lips together again, over and over. "I care too. More than I can say. More than I ever knew it was possible to care for another person."

Miranda allowed Andrea to kiss her, and she could tell that Miranda's breath was labored, and her hands restless.

"Please, Andrea," Miranda murmured between kisses. "May I show how to deepen the kisses? If you don't enjoy it, I'm happy to continue caressing you this way."

"Yes. Show me." Excited, and perhaps a little nervous, Andrea regarded Miranda quizzically, not sure what deepening the kisses might mean.

"Part your lips for me, darling," Miranda whispered. "Yes. Just like that." She parted her lips slightly too, and then wrapped her arms around Andrea's neck and kissed her again. The heat increased between them, and where there was merely softness before, there was now also taste. Andrea trembled against Miranda, and when Miranda ran the tip of her tongue along Andrea's lower lip, she whimpered into Miranda's mouth.

"Mm." Miranda changed angles and then slipped her tongue further into Andrea's mouth.

Something indescribably happened when Andrea automatically met Miranda's tongue with hers. Something heavy and pulsating began growing increasingly more intense between her legs, down her thighs, and up her abdomen. Needing more contact, Andrea held Miranda closer, unsure what to do with that sweet ache. She ran her tongue along Miranda's, over and over, while clinging to her. She wanted to place her hands all over Miranda's body but was uncertain how to do that without doing something she shouldn't.

"Andrea, Andrea…" Miranda murmured. "You're breathing too fast. Shh. Let's go sit down before either of us falls to the floor. You're not the only one who's aroused."

Miranda let go of Andrea, except for her right hand. She tugged her along into her room. "Oh, look. Emily hasd put out everything I need to undress and get ready for bed." She kissed Andrea's lips gently. "Perhaps she realizes I don't have any need for a lady's maid every night."

"And is tonight such a night?" Andrea smiled.

"It might be. If you aren't exhausted, which would be understandable, then I'd like to spend some time with you before we retire for the evening."

"I want you to kiss me again. Deeply," Andrea added to avoid any misunderstandings.

"The deep kisses were to your liking, then." Miranda chuckled as guided Andrea past the bed, to a small, plush couch. "We could sit here, in front of this fire, and…"

"…kiss." Andrea sat down and tugged Miranda with her.

"No rush." Miranda said, but then she was in Andrea's arms and pressed against the armrest behind her back. Andrea knew she could never get enough of Miranda's caresses, or her kisses. She resumed the kisses and now she kept the initiative as she seemed to have taken Miranda by surprise. Using her tongue to caress, she tried nibbling at Miranda's lower lips, then soothing the small bites with the tip of her tongue. When she finally gave Miranda a chance to respond or talk, Miranda cupped her cheeks and held Andrea in place.

"Where did you learn that?" she said huskily. "You just learned about deepening the kisses a minute ago."

"It felt like something I'd want to attempt. Did you enjoy it?"

"I did."

"And what did you mean by aroused?" Andrea kissed Miranda's cheek and then kept placing kisses down to her neck.

"A-aroused." Miranda sounded dazed.

"You said that I wasn't the only one who was aroused. How do you define that word? I want to know if it ties into what I'm feeling."

"Arousal is how the body prepares for making love, darling. It makes you feel warmer, it makes everything inside feel molten—at least for me, when you kiss me and touch me."

Andrea nodded slowly. "There's something more," she said slowly. "I hesitate to bring it up, as it is about a very intimate reaction. I have noticed it before, but not as extensive as now."

Miranda pulled her closer. "If you're asking about the body's ability to lubricate itself to facilitate making love, then yes, it happens to me too. It is a natural process, I promise. Nothing to be embarrassed about. On the contrary—it shows us how much we want each other."

"Are we going to make love now? Here on the couch?" Andrea wanted it, wanted to find out what it meant to be this aroused, and then have Miranda do those enigmatic things that were part of 'making love.'

"Do you want to? Are you truly back to your regular self?" Miranda asked.

"I don't know, but I know I want this. I want to be as close to you as it is humanly possible. I want you to show me how to love you—" Andrea stopped talking, and looked down at Miranda, where she lay with her upper body against the armrest, her arms around Andrea's neck, and her legs still on the floor.

"Andrea…?" Miranda mouthed her name as if saying it aloud would break something very fragile. "You mean to make love." Miranda's eyes were so big now, that Andrea could see the white around her irises.

"Yes. I mean that too." Andrea wet her lips and that distracted Miranda enough for Andrea to try and remember to breathe.

"You mean it in more ways?" Miranda blinked.

Running her left hand up and down Miranda's arm, Andrea nodded. "Yes, and I don't think it can come as a complete surprise to you."

"I suppose not." Miranda pulled Andrea down, flush with her own body. "I would give everything I own, barring my girls, to explore every, single part of your body. I swear. But you're fading, even if you can't feel it right now…"

"But it's as if I'm on fire, Miranda…" Andrea tried to explain. "It…it nearly hurts…"

Miranda closed her eyes hard. "Oh, trust me, I know, Andrea. I know."

#

Andrea had to talk about love. Of course. And Miranda's resolve was dwindling with every painful beat of her heart. If Andrea hadn't just been ill, and if they'd had time to talk more, explore their feelings more, then nothing would have kept her from taking Andrea to her bed and showing her just how much she cared for her.

And still, even so, she felt she couldn't let Andrea be stuck in her unresolved arousal. Torn between wanting it to be right, and wanting to pleasure Andrea, she groaned and pulled Andrea down for another kiss.

She shouldn't have, of course. It only sparked more fireworks along her limbs and now Andrea was shaking next to her.

Managing to nudge at Andrea and shifting them both so they could sit up next to each other on the couch, Miranda once again framed Andrea's face with her hands. "Listen to me," she said, her voice hoarse. "I can help you; I mean show you, but you are going to have to trust me.

It was heartbreaking how fast Andrea nodded at Miranda's words.

"First, and you have to tell me, have you ever touched yourself, Andrea?"

Andrea blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Your breasts, or between your legs. Have you ever pleasured yourself?"

Blushing a pure crimson, Andrea bit her lower lip. "I have on occasion been curious, but I haven't been…successful."

"Were you aroused then?" Miranda stroked some errant tresses of hair from Andrea's face.

"No. As I said, curious."

"Then, perhaps I can help." Miranda inhaled deeply and then let the breath go slowly. "Tell me if you want to stop."

Andrea nodded again.

Miranda gathered Andrea's skirts and pulled them up. When they had reached far enough, she held onto the fabric to keep it from sliding back down her legs again. "Spread your legs," she said quietly.

Andrea slowly parted her legs and kept looking at Miranda.

"Yes. Like that. Now, while I hold you, push your fingers up until you feel the source of all that wetness." Miranda was only human. She followed the trajectory of Andrea's hand, and yes, wanted desperately for it to advance between her legs instead.

"Oh." Andrea flinched. "My underwear is d-damp. And I feel so hot." She hid her face for a moment but then returned her gaze to Miranda's. "Do I enter the opening in the fabric?"

"Yes," Miranda said, knowing she sounded strangled. It was all too easy to picture what Andrea was doing.

Andrea shifted the position of her hand and then her eyes grew wide. "Miranda…oh, Miranda.

Unable to resist, Miranda let go of the skirt and placed her hand lightly over Andrea's.

"Press your fingertips against yourself where you feel a hard little ridge, and move in circles. Yes, like that. Now look at me, while you touch yourself…while you bring yourself some relief."

Andrea moved her hand, slowly at first, and the faster. Miranda helped by adding just a little more pressure, and when Andrea arched nearly off the couch and closed her eyes again, Miranda slipped a fingertips in between Andrea's fingers, and found the ridge that she knew held so much of the pent-up pleasure. Miranda barely touched it, perhaps for as little as a second, but Andrea was so close, that she orgasmed instantly.

Miranda didn't even have to touch herself. All she did was witness Andrea come apart and heard her whimper Miranda's name, for her to join her. Convulsing, Miranda's inner vision filled with images of Andrea, dressed in black, naked, and then, like now, in the yellow spring dress. "Andrea. Dear…God, Andrea…"

They clung to each other for long moments, sharing more of the chaste kisses, both careful not to start it all again.

"The day when we're ready to make love, nothing will be able to keep me away from you." Miranda nuzzled Andrea's neck. "I dream of it. I want you so very much."

"At least I know more of what I'm yearning for with you, Miranda." Andrea purred. "I've never felt anything like that. It felt as if it was you touching me.

"I did, just for a second. I have no character when it comes to you, clearly." Miranda pulled Andrea back onto her shoulder. "I will escort you to your room soon, I just need to hold you a little longer."

"For as long as you like," Andrea said and hid her face against Miranda.

Miranda held Andrea until she noticed that Andrea was falling asleep, she helped her adjust her skirts and took her to her room. There, she thought she could restrain herself enough to assist with Andrea's dress. "I'm afraid you are on your own dealing with the rest, or I will do something we agreed to wait a while with." Miranda kissed Andrea lightly on the lips and then walked back to her own bedroom while she was still able to.

Continued in part 14.