Chapter 44: Difficult Feelings

Bren returned as the sun began to set. He knocked gently at each of their doors, and they gathered in the main room, around their normal table with food and drink.

“So, I have heeded your requests and have not gone overboard in my research. More importantly, this is my new wand,” he said, placing it on the table and beaming with pride.

It was beautiful. About the length of his forearm, it was made of a rich, polished wood. It didn’t quite look carved, so much as grown, and the gem that he’d received from Estvall was near the tip. The wand didn’t appear to have the golden gem set within it; rather, it looked as though the wand grew around the gem, with tendrils surrounding it before reforming at the tip.

“That is a gorgeous wand,” Rosalyn gasped, lifting it delicately. “It looks as if it were like this naturally and you plucked it from the tree it grew from. You found a wonderful enchanter for this work.”

“Yes, I had met them some time ago, in one of our earlier visits to the region. They were kind enough to accept my request.” Bren beamed at the praise. He didn’t show off much, but he was clearly ecstatic. Rosalyn handed it back with reverent care.

“Anyway, as I was saying, research,” he continued. “As we’re aware, it will be a lake based Seed. Climate appears to follow the surroundings. Since it is a lake, this means it will largely be frozen over. The core, as reports have it, will be in the center of the domain, as is typical. The issue being that this means it is currently encased in ice.”

“I don’t have enough lightning to blast our way into that,” Rosalyn muttered, leaning on her hand as she thought. Ann took a moment to admire how bouncy her woolen hair was whenever she moved, before refocusing.

“So we’ve gotta figure out some other way, right?” she asked.

“Not necessarily,” Kat interjected. “Some o’ the seeds like this ‘ave methods o’ reachin’ their core without ‘avin tae blast. It mighta changed itself tae better facilitate the climate. Who the feck knows what that’ll mean, though.”

“And I purposefully did not investigate further, besides the fact that the core is, indeed, accessible. As requested,” Bren muttered. “We will face resistance, no matter the situation. As we thought, aquatic Warped are common, as well as some avian types.”

“So fish and birds, that can’t be that awful, right?” Ann asked hopefully.

“Remember the centipede thing I talked about?” Rosalyn reminded her.

Ann’s heart sank. Would it hurt to have somewhat normal monsters to fight for once? Not some body horror freak that would make Cronenberg proud? The Twinwolves were close. More a zombie movie kind of thing, but still. She slumped across the table, and felt Kat’s hand patting her back.

“At least when they’re all freaky, ye don’t ‘ave tae feel bad about killin’ em?” she tried to console her partner.

“Yeah, but still,” Ann pouted. “Kinda surprised you’re not more scared of them, Rosalyn,” she pointed out, rolling her head on her arms to face the woman.

“That might just be because I’ve had to deal with them for so long? They’ve been a factor of my life since, well, since I knew how to tell what was Warped and what was just some weird animal.”

“Right, that’s normal for people,” Ann sighed as she rolled her face back onto her arms.

“Nature may be twisted, and much changed since your time,” Bren said the last part quietly, to avoid any prying ears, “however, it is our reality. Something that must be contended with for life to continue. At least they are in a manageable state for now. Gods forbid another Swarm breaks out.”

“You and Orenous talked about that, so they just kinda start spawning out of Seeds like crazy now and then?” Ann asked.

“About every century,” he clarified. “No one knows why, or where so many of the things come from, but it happens and all the Kingdom’s might is called to bear defending the cities and exterminating the outbreak. We are, unfortunately, due for one fairly soon. It has been ninety-three years since the last Swarm and the people are growing somewhat anxious. Hence my question to Orenous.”

“That makes sense,” Ann said, sitting back up and smoothing the fur on her ears. “Well, I’m probably a bad sign then, like you seemed to guess. God given champion showing up right on the cusp of one of these? Can only mean the best, right?”

“Riiight,” Kat said, completely not reassuring at all.

“Fuck, well. I guess we get to fight things not in Seeds, then. Speaking of, how the fuck was something as strong as that Snail outside of a Seed?”

“That can happen,” Bren advised. “Time and again, some creature will grow too strong to be contained by the Seed’s walls and it will escape. It is, confoundingly, usually not the Guardian of the Seed. Something will absorb enough of the energy that changes them, and enough other creatures, that it will just override the barriers and terrorise the surrounding lands.”

“And that’s why mercs ‘re such a thing,” Kat explained. “Military is good at defendin’ cities an’ workin’ in big groups, but fer dangerous shite like tha’? Gotta ‘ave specialists. ‘S why the Kingdom sponsors the Merc Association. Gives folks who wanna get their hands dirty a way tae do it officially.”

“Yeah, gotcha. Ugh, and that’s what we are, and what Orenous wants me to do. Well, guess I won’t hold it against her, seeing as she kept me safe all that time,” Ann sighed again.

“Do you not like that she saved you?” Rosalyn asked, leaning a bit closer in her chair.

“No, no. I’m pretty damn grateful, especially after meeting you all. I just sometimes wonder if she chose the right person? It’s a stupid thought. She knows me better than I do, so of course she did. I just have to convince myself.”

“Well, ye’ve been doin’ great. Especially fer someone ‘ere just over a month. Speakin’ of, congrats on makin’ it this far,” Kat said, raising a mug to her. “Oh, just a thought, the feck’re ye gonna do if someone wants tae know yer birthday? Not like ye can just use whatever calendar ye all used before.”

“Yeah, good question. I think I might just use the date I showed up, and run by that. How does your calendar work, by the way?” Ann asked, cocking her head.

“Pretty simple, really,” Bren spoke up. “According to research, it is based on the older calendars, however, there are thirteen months. Each has twenty-eight days, and every thirteen years, we have a special holiday to honour the gods. You came to us in the Month of Ice. The coldest month of the calendar, on the ninth day, year 583 F.R.”

“Oh, that makes sense,” Rosalyn mumbled under her breath. Noticing Ann glanced her way, she raised her hands defensively. “It’s an old superstition. Those born in the Month of Ice are said to be hardy souls. People who were born to weather hardship and turmoil, but come out the other side better for it. Just being born then is tough for the parents, having to provide for a babe in the harshest months of winter is no easy task. The cities have magic abounding, but the larger population in the countryside isn’t that lucky, and the cold is as deadly as any Warped.”

“Well, let’s hope for less hardship, more friendship,” Annita laughed, raising her mug in a sarcastic toast.

“Ye joke, but I think that’s fer the best, considerin’ current company. Blessed be our days, an’ may we all find love under Orenous’ guidance!” Kat cheered, raising her mug to meet Ann’s.

“To adventure and knowledge! By Qu’Sella may our paths be enlightened ones,” Bren toasted.

“I don’t have any fancy things like that, but I just really hope we can see some really cool animals and Warped. Hopefully stopping them as well, you know,” Rosalyn added meekly.

Ann took a moment before she drank. It was funny. She’d known these people a month, or less, in Rosalyn’s case, but she could see a future with them. It was a good feeling, and she revelled in it as she tipped back the glass full of amber liquid and drank deep.

“Ahhh, y’all are the best,” she laughed, slamming her cup down. “Needed that. Now, what’s gonna be with the rest of the night? Just turning in?”

“Actually, wanted tae ‘ave a talk wit’ the girls before we left, so can we do tha’?” Kat asked, an uncharacteristic nervousness in her voice.

Bren looked at her, then Ann, then Rosalyn. Ann could see his brain connecting the dots, intuiting the unsaid purpose of the conversation she proposed.

“Remember, Ann, what I said.” He spoke calmly, but the seriousness of his tone sobered any buzz Annita was enjoying. She remembered the conversation they’d had at this table after Orenous had visited. That he’d never forgive her for making Kat unhappy.

“I know. It’ll be fine,’ she reassured him.

“That it will be. I will turn in, leave you three to it. First light tomorrow we set off, correct?”

“Aye, that’s the plan. Good amount o’ walkin’ tae do.” Kat confirmed.

“Then a good night to you all, and do not stay up too late. A sleepy mind is as dangerous as a clouded one,” he advised sagely, before heading upstairs.

“Soooo, our room?” Ann asked, standing and scanning the other two women.

“I’m ok with that,” Rosalyn agreed, joining Ann.

Kat was the last to stand, but the first to the stairs. They piled into the room, with Rosalyn and Kat taking the bed, while Ann sat cross-legged on the floor, brushing the fur that covered her lower legs.

“Ugh, this is gonna be awkward no matter what,” Kat groaned, flopping back on the bed like she always did when she was frustrated. Even on the floor, Ann could picture her chestnut hair splayed over the sheets, with her long ears spread to the sides. “Rosalyn, largely about ye. Ye’re doin’ a damn good job o’ makin’ it hard tae be selfish with Ann ‘ere.”

Rosalyn curled into herself. Ann could see the anxiety coursing through her as her eyes darted. “I’m… sorry?”

“Sorry fer bein’ so nice? Fer bein’ cute as shite? Fer bein so supportive? Little sheep ye’ve been nothin’ but great an’ that’s the part that’s frustratin’.” Kat chuckled begrudgingly. “Would be a damn sight easier tae tell me ‘eart tae shut the feck up if ye were a bitch.”

“Sorry.” came the quiet reply again.

Ann sat there, watching the two go back and forth. Kat clearly was trying to get her feelings across, but the aggressive woman was not doing a great job with the timid Druid.

“An’ what’ve ye got tae be sorry about? Ye’ve talked me outta me feelin’s, ye’ve saved Ann’s life a couple times, shit probably mine too considerin’ the Snail, but I ‘ave a hard time trackin’ tha’. What I’m tryin’ tae say is that ye’re good. I like it. I like ye. Makin’ me spell it out, feckin, feck.” Kat grumbled, burying her face in her hands.

“She’s grumpy she can’t stay mad at you.” Ann tried to explain a bit more clearly for Rosalyn’s sake. “And that she’s considering giving us the go ahead to have you, if you’d like.”

“Ooooh, ok. That makes sense,” Rosalyn said, clarity sparking in her eyes. “You should probably work on being a bit more gentle with your words, Kat,” she chided. “I was scared you were actually mad at me. That’s not something I’d want. Not from you at least, that’s for sure. Cause you’re kinda really awesome, you know that?”

Ann laughed as Kat sat up, giving Rosalyn a confused look. “I mean, I know I’m pretty good, but awesome? Nae, better at fightin’ than most, but that’s nothin’ great.”

“Not just that, though that’s impressive in itself. You and Ann take hits that’d terrify me. I wish I was that tough, I could do so much more.” Rosalyn’s eyes drifted, lost in a sea of thought, before she snapped herself back. “But no, just you. You’re so considerate. I’ve noticed you watching out for me since we got to the city, and it’s only been one day. Heck, both of you have. I’ve been terrified of so many people, and neither of you have said anything about me clinging to you. It’s nice. Nice to have someone to rely on that’ll help me without asking. I can only hope I’m able to support you too.” Rosalyn patted Kat’s shoulder, fingers lingering as they traced the definition of her muscles none too subtly.

“I… er… thanks? Thanks,” Kat said with a decisive nod, her blush betraying her matter-of-fact tone. “Sorry tae make ye feel worried. Wasn’t what I wanted.”

“I know, you told me a lot in the clothes shop, even if you didn’t say it,” Rosalyn assured her.

They sat for a moment in quiet. Eventually Ann could feel the silence suffocating her and spoke up. “So I guess the main topic tonight is us, right? The three of us? I like you, in more ways than one, and from that last exchange, is it safe to say you like her too, Kat?”

“Aye,” Kat confirmed quietly, still receiving shoulder pets from Rosalyn.

“So, what are you thinking Rosalyn?” Ann asked, leaning forward so her elbows rested on the floor, stretching with her increased Dexterity.

“I… wow, on the spot and my mind goes blank,” Rosalyn giggled nervously as the other two women focused on her. “I’d say I like you. Both of you, that is. I told you I like other girls, right? Yeah. I’m sure I did. But yeah, anyway. You two are, wow. Talk about gorgeous and strong and… big.”

Kat chortled but silenced herself with a glare from Ann.

“Not that way, but also yes, wow. Um… words. Words, words, words…” she trailed off, trying to organize herself as she fidgeted. “I would like to try this out? With you two? But I don’t know how any of that’d work. And I don’t want to get in the way of anything, or anyone. I’m not here to be stealing anyone. No no no. If I am, I’ll butt right out. I just want to make sure everyone’s happy and safe and can be to-hrf!” Rosalyn’s rambling was cut off as Kat grabbed the back of her shirt, deftly pulling her back and flipping the Druid on top of her, locking her lips in a quick kiss.

“There, tha’ convincin’ enough fer ye?” she grinned.

The sheep woman nodded dumbly, her eyes unfocused and, from what Ann could see, not a little aroused.

Ann pulled herself up to the bed, sitting on the edge, then laying back next to Kat. “I think that just about settles it. Though I don’t want to push you into anything you’re not ready for. So keep your separate room until you feel more comfortable with things. I’d appreciate a date or two before we get more serious, too.”

Kat laughed, rolling Rosalyn in between them. “Ye didn’t take tha’ long wit’ me,” she teased.

“No, but you were practically jumping my bones despite insisting on doing things all proper,” Ann retorted as she felt Rosalyn, who was now facing the ceiling, sinking into the gap between them. She shuffled to make the space a bit more comfortable.

“You two are a lot,” Rosalyn’s soft voice came from between them. “Though, I think I can be ok with this version of a lot.”

“Hmmm, and now I’m feeling a bit jealous. Kat got a kiss, do I get one?” Ann asked with a toothy grin, sharp teeth shining in the crystal lighting. She watched as Rosalyn’s eyes went wide, transfixed, but soon after, there was a slight nod.

Leaning in, she slowly brushed her lips against Rosalyn’s ebony skin, meeting olive. Rosalyn instinctively flinched, but quickly resisted the urge, and kissed her back. It was a chaste kiss, no tongue, nothing more than a scant couple seconds of lips on lips, but it set Ann’s heart racing. She pulled herself back before the temptation to try for more overwhelmed her. Rosalyn still had her eyes closed, lips slightly parted as she panted. Kat had lifted herself on her elbows to watch, and she and Ann shared a glance, both exceedingly entertained by the reaction, before the Druid shook herself.

“More intense than I thought it’d be, wow!” she mumbled. “Less scary too. I mean, you’re a whole two feet taller than me, and so much larger, but it’s almost… comforting? There’s still that danger warning in me that won’t be quiet, but that was… wow,” she whispered, trailing off as a hand reached up to trace her lips. “Both of you, just, wow.”

“An’ now ye’ve got permission tae want that,” Kat laughed, flopping back down on the bed.

“Wow,” Rosalyn whispered again.

Ann was briefly worried they’d broken her, but soon after, the woman sat up, stretching her fit, but decidedly curvy, body. “I… thanks. I definitely want to try the whole date thing, too, Ann. Maybe with both of you? Just, some time less busy, since we’re heading out to the Seed and everything tomorrow.”

“Yeah, definitely to all of that,” Ann laughed. “We’ll figure it all out. No worries or rushes. Though it’s getting late, and Kat and I have something really specific to do. Might be best to say our good nights unless you’d be joining or watching.” She sat up, feeling her kilt rising slightly as she thought of the debauchery she intended for Kat tonight.

“Nope! Not tonight!” Rosalyn decided quickly, standing and skipping, literally skipping, to the door. “You two have fun, though, maybe another time.”

As the door closed behind her, Kat and Ann burst out laughing, laying on the bed.

“Tha’ was a li’l mean,” Kat giggled.

“You see her face? She almost said yes,” Ann laughed, rolling over to face Kat.

“Hmmm, she’s gonna be a lot o’ fun, fer both o’ us,” the Protector sighed, rolling to match Ann, faces dangerously close.

“Speaking of fun,” Ann teased, tracing an extended claw across Kat’s forehead, down the side of her face, and then along her ear, “I think I have some fun ideas for us tonight.”

Kat shivered at the touch, eyes closing. “Mmf, you do?”

“Oh, I definitely do. Let’s put that mouth to better use,” Ann growled as she locked her grip behind Kat’s head and pulled her into a kiss.