Stranded on The Southern Continent

The trail was easy–no need for Windthrow to guide us around vicious beasts and poisonous plants this time. In my old life…hadn’t I hiked more difficult trails? Those days seemed like a dream now. Somehow, I could only remember the not-so-great parts.

Along the day’s journey, we’d be crossing the river to the north. This time there’d be no leaping or grappling–except for fun I guess. Our fellow Emel Weald comrades had finished a bridge! So it was less of a journey, more of a stroll. For both us, and the many others, going to the (hopefully) historic Federation meeting.

A quick look around confirmed the obvious–these were momentous times! Great banners were hung from every tree and from every fencepost. Green and black, bisected diagonally through the center. The banner of our soon-to-be nation. Green for the Emel Weald, our home and community. Black for inalienable freedom.

These principles were the animating force that united the former slaves of the Weald–attracting us with an optimistic magnetic pull. An energy distinct from any I’d experienced in Strive, Sapwood or Six Dice. The crowds around us were borderline delirious!

Without stopping our walk, we sang, played music, and danced. Atop the back of spider-drawn wagons, couples writhed in passionate embraces. Kissing…and doing other things! Booze was freely available and uniformly terrible. But it was strong! The kind that burned your nostrils and made the world spin with just a shot. I’d been offered a small bottle, but Windthrow confiscated it. Apparently, it could wait until “after the meeting”. Boo!

No one glanced twice at us, as we walked hand in hand. We were an odd couple, short busty lizard girl and a tall dark elf. But we weren’t the only strange pairing! And if anyone cared, they were too drunk to say anything. Sure, Lancet cared. But her and Delemin were a couple miles ahead. What she can’t see won’t hurt her!

Windthrow gently squeezed my hand. “After we cross the bridge we’ll be close, don’t worry.”

I stifled a yawn and nodded. Maybe it was from the lazy swaying of my tail, or my uncharacteristic lack of yapping, but Windthrow clearly saw that I was tired. Gods, I am not a morning person.

A drunken half-orc stumbled in front of us. Windthrow blocked me with his arm, staring down the reveler with a blazing stare. The man mumbled an apology and moved on. Windthrow exhaled, pulling a hand from the hilt of his sheathed dagger. My mate was always willing to protect me–maybe that’s why my instincts were so attracted to him.

Before we left Strive, he’d had his clothes washed, and he was looking hella hot! His light leather armor looked like new. Beneath them, he wore freshly laundered dark blue cotton clothes. The soft smell of lavender tickled my nose, along with the usual scent of my mate. His platinum blond hair swayed from each breeze, glittering like diamonds.

It was built by the Imperials. Ruined after (or during) the fall of their empire. And now, through the efforts of the new residents of the Weald, the bridge stood restored.

Moss covered stone rose up from the path, covered in grooves from generations of use. Halfway across, the meticulous Imperial stonework was interrupted by our newer and cruder repairs.

We sat on the edge of the bridge, looking down at the rushing water. Windthrow stretched, and let out a deeply satisfied exhale. His arm draped across my shoulders–a classic move from my old world. I never imagined I’d be on the receiving end!

Behind us the roving party continued, and below us the water rushed past in a dazzling white foam. I pushed my cheek against his hand. So large and powerful. Rough fingers, calloused in places–evidence of a lifetime of archery. To think… these hands had expertly teased so much bliss from my body, just a casual touch still made my heart race.

My versatile mate. My beautiful mate.

“I think– I love you.”

A wagon passed, clattering over the cobblestone.

“Hmm, what was that Vylet?”

Windthrow looked down at me, with a soft look. So warm. Dark and radiant. Features both sharp and kind.

“Vylet?”

A chromatic fish jumped from the water, deflecting rays of light, before rejoining the river with a great splash.

Wait. I said that out loud?! Oh no no no. I’ve never confessed to anyone in my live(s). Can’t even blame my instincts. But, I’m not backing out!

“What I meant to say–” I met Wind’s gaze. “I didn’t know what to do before I met you. Getting caught in your trap was the best thing to ever happen to me.”

My tail curled around his waist, and I scooted myself closer. Could he hear my heartbeat? Tears were welling in my eyes.

I wrapped my arms around Windthrow–careful of my claws as usual. We held each other, and I was free from having to look him in the eye.

“Hey Vy, you didn’t finish.”

“You brought me into such a wonderful community. I’ve…never had that before.” I brought both my legs atop the ledge, enclosing my scaled thighs around Windthrow. Clinging against him.

From here, he’d be able to feel my heart, my breath. Nothing to hide.

“And– and– I’m in love with you.”

My breaths were ragged against Wind’s neck. The air tasted like my mate’s scent and rushing water.

I felt his hand against me, rubbing tears away.

“Vylet….” His face was flushed. “I’m in love with you too.”

My heart leapt. And my tail alternated between wagging wildly and trembling.

“But, I’m so weird. I don’t know what I am. I’m not sure I even know how to be a woman!”

“You’re perfect. More of a woman than any I’ve met.”

My grip loosened, I pulled myself back to see Windthrow’s face.

“I have claws and talons! I can barely hold things!”

“I’ll be here to help you.” He grabbed my wrist, guiding it in front of us. “And I love every part of you.”

I rested my palms on his chest and pushed myself away.

“You hardly know me! And if you did you’d hate me!”

“The Vylet I know is fierce and never backs down. She’s quick to make people smile, even when she’s struggling! And above all, she’s kind.”

Windthrow moved closer as I shuffled away.

“But I’m half-wild! I can barely control myself! I hardly know what’s me and what’s my instincts!"

"Doesn't matter. I still love you, Vylet.”

“But–”

I’m pushed onto my back, my head cushioned by Windthrow’s hand. He pushed his lips against mine–finally silencing me. Our bodies pressed together.

Between each kiss, I kept affirming it.

“I love you– I love you– I love you–”

“I love you.”