But for a Slime

<continued - 7/8>

Gwenvair started off strong comforting Kilniara, but when she began to reveal her fears, loneliness, and vulnerability, her voice fell to a whisper and she began to withdraw. Kilniara quickly noticed Gwenvair's concern and rapidly returned, this time not concerned and wrapped her arms around her, pulling her in tight for a deep hug. Once again. Gwenvair stiffened a bit, uncertain what to do before slowly relaxing. Despite relaxing, her arms still lay limply at her side and Kilniara spoke softly but kindly.

"You can hug me back, you know. You do not need to fear hugging me."

Gwenvair started at that and brought her arms up stiffly and jerkily before wrapping them around Kilniara's back. They rested there for a moment before slowly tightening ever more until she was gripping Kilniara almost desperately, deep in need for physical touch. With that, Kilinara's concern evaporated to pity as she realized that Gwenvair truly had never had meaningful physical contact, and she hugged back firmly as well, pulling her in more tightly, allowing her the time to compose herself while also giving her the hug she seemed to dreadfully want. They did not stay like this long, Gwenvair quickly stepped back, her face a deep red at her lack of composure, but incredibly grateful for Kilniara's true friendship.

Gwenvair did not look up, her head down and to the side as she fidgeted before finally replying, "Thank you."

Kilniara smiled but simply nodded, "Of course. I'll give you all the hugs you could ever need!"

Gwenvair looked up at that, emotions running a bit rampantly through almost every one she'd ever felt but only saw Kilniara's open and kind smile before she snorted in laughter herself. The snort of laughter brought Gwenvair up short as shock and embarrassment threatened to overwhelm her again but Kilniara's brilliant bell like explosion of laughter removed all embarrassment as Gwenvair found herself joining in with her laughter. The two laughed for a bit more, Kilniara reaching forward to hug her quickly one last time before offering a quick whisper so as to not embarrass her publicly.

"Don't worry, no one will ever know the First in Line for Matriarch snorts in laughter! Never from me."

Gwenvair squawked in indignation from that, pulling back to stare at Kilniara, but only found laughter and a bright smile and her own laughter returned.

"It better not become known!"

"I promised, didn't I?" Kilniara replied in faux righteous indignation before grinning evilly at Gwenvair.

"See! There! That! That makes it hard to trust you!"

Kilniara looked away in overdone innocence, "How could you insult me. Of course I'm trustworthy!"

Gwenvair shot a dirty look at her, "Only if someone has something on you!"

"Truly! My character is being maligned!"

Gwenvair retorted quickly, "What character! It's your lack of it that causes me concern!"

"My lady! How could you?!"

"Me!? You threatened me! I did nothing wrong."

Kilniara quirked an eyebrow at that, "If so, then why are you so concerned?"

Gwenvair sputtered at that and the two disappeared into the inner city gates continually arguing with one another with Kilniara, surprisingly, maintaining the upper hand in the battle of wits and humor, although Gwenvair's equilibrium quickly returned and the two began to find the tide shifting more towards Gwenvair's favor. Their conversation continued in camaraderie before finally shifting onto lighter and more humorous topics as the two returned to their giggling gossip and laughter. The afternoon proved to be a great joy for both, their conversation much freer as they found themselves able to speak on things that the presence of the men made difficult. It was a conversation Kilniara thoroughly enjoyed and Gwenvair found surprising, exciting, and almost addicting as she found camaraderie not based in reciprocity.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

* * *

Joe found out pretty quickly why he'd gotten to level thirty so quickly with both the Loki jobs as he'd gained several skills, just like the faithful job, that accelerated his experience gain to the point that he was able to hit level thirty five today, although by the time he'd gotten outside the dungeon, he found the sun fully set and the night lit only by the brilliant glow of the gas giant. He spent the trip considering his gains, but also quite curious about why the Loki lines were so rejected. He couldn't understand why these jobs and the boosts to learning they gave would be so rejected by others. Oh, wait… everyone had only one learning so double experience really wouldn't be noticed much at all! But… still… or maybe they did notice? And needed to… But…

The ideas whirled through his mind, but he really couldn't find any real explanation and neither could he ask about it. Heresies were often natural taboo subjects. He sighed deeply, but didn't allow the despondency to affect him and maintained his equilibrium as he headed back home. He was about half way home when he realized he'd exercised quite hard and was dirty. He redirected to the baths despite how late it was and took a very quick bath, not even relaxing or really taking the time to look at his skills until he was back out on the street walking home.