He grins at me through heavy eyelids. "Our first time together…. It was… influenced by drink. I wasn't at my best."
There's something in his words that make me think he's holding back, but it doesn't matter, because right now everything is as it should be. "Well, if this was your best, I definitely want more."
He kisses me, smiling against my lips. "And I want to give it all to you, Arianna."
Unfortunately, those hassling thoughts, the ticking of time and consequence stir in me, though not as heavily as before. Still… "We should dress. Find the others. They must be worried."
I don’t think he hears me at first; he is so still and his expression so distant. I've never seen Fen so relaxed before. It's… disconcerting. But his face shifts and it's as if my words finally land on him. "Yes, you're right. Of course."
He seems off. Confused, but we both dress quickly and leave the cave, albeit reluctantly. My body feels the effects of our lovemaking. I want nothing more than to curl up with him and spend hours in his arms. The pull is strong, but that will have to wait. We've had our moment. Now we must prepare.
Once we leave the cave, Yami and Baron join us, Yami riding on Baron's back and clearly enjoying every moment of it. Baron runs to me and rubs his nose into my hand. I drop to my knee and nuzzle him. "I've missed you too, boy. Thanks for taking care of Fen for me."
Baron gives a quick bark of agreement and I laugh. It feels good to laugh. To smile. To feel pleasure. All the things I'd forgotten how to feel for so long.
"Where should we begin looking?" I ask Fen, as my eyes take in the newness and wonder of this world. "And where are we?"
Fen shrugs. "I've no idea where we are. Marasphyr could have portaled us anywhere. As for where we should begin looking, I think our search is already over." He points ahead and I see a group walking towards us.
Dean, in his black chainmail, Kayla in a green gown—with a phoenix on her shoulder, and the man I saw briefly in the dungeons. He wears a white fur cloak and jewelry made of bone hangs from his neck. And then there's the woman I don't know. The one with long black hair and pale skin. Her marvelous black dress cut down the side to reveal her long legs.
When they get closer, Kayla runs up to us and hugs us both. "Ari, I've been so worried about you."
There's something different about the beautiful Fae who was amongst the first friends I made in Inferna, and one of the best. She looks… aged. Tired. Not her skin or body, but her eyes. "Are you ok?" I ask, my tone soft and full of worry.
Something flashes in her eyes and she and the man in the white fur share a look. "I'll be well enough, in time."
She smiles again and holds out her hand to the man. "This is Tavian Gray, a… good friend. Tavian, this is Ari."
Tavian bows his head in a sign of respect. "It is an honor to meet the Midnight Star," he says in a deep voice.
I look between the two of them and smile, then wink at Kayla, who actually blushes. There's definitely more than friend vibes happening here. "It's an honor to meet you as well." I look back to Kayla. "We clearly have to catch up soon," I say with a teasing smile.
Her phoenix chirps and my blood freezes. The last time I saw Riku he was with the fire Druid who tortured me. I still wear the scars, both on my body and in my soul. A moment of panic clutches at my chest and I struggle to breathe. Kayla frowns. "What's wrong?"
Her cool hand touches my arm and I take a deep breath. "I just… I'm shocked you're the new fire Druid."
She looks at Riku with affection, the way I look at Yami. "Not as shocked as I am. We do indeed have much to catch up on."
Dean approaches next, his face a mask. I can't sense what emotions he's holding in, but I remember his declarations to me, and my heart hurts for him. Even still, it's good to see the nearly always shirtless vampire.
"You're actually fully clothed for this occasion," I say, trying to lighten the mood around us.
"It's a temporary set-back, I assure you."
I hug him and he holds me a beat longer, before letting go. When I look to Fen, I expect to see jealousy, but I see only sadness. What have these two been up to, I wonder?
The last one left is the mystery woman looking absolutely stunning and perfectly poised. "Who are you exactly?" I ask, fumbling with my simple white gown.
She raises a perfectly manicured eyebrow. "Don't recognize me?
Fen clears his throat. "This is Marasphyr. The—"
"The mermaid? But your fins? Your teeth?"
"I wanted a different look," she says, shrugging. "Not a difficult thing to change for me."
"But, now you look… you look…" I can't bring myself to say it. Because she looks bloody damn perfect. And Fen had a thing with her.
Before, with the sharp teeth and scales and slimy fins, I wasn't really worried, but now… I guess that answers my question about how you have a fling with a mermaid. They grow legs. And… other parts, presumably.
Fen sighs, wrapping his arm around me, pulling me closer. "Marasphyr helped us rescue you. In exchange for a possible favor from me in the future."
A favor? Oh God. What favor? What if she wants him to—
"There is nothing between us," says Fen, caressing my hands. "Nothing at all." He looks sincere. Honest.