As I fly in the night's sky and slowly let myself fall towards the Hospitalier headquarters, my heart reaches the last of what it can take despite my heavy reliance on flow and the pain causes me to lose control.

The 'wing' of hardened air on my left flank simply fails along with the flow framework in my left arm and I spin uncontrollably. I swallow the agony and do my best to smooth my descent as well as keep my aim.

I don't manage to stabilize but I do slow myself and correct my trajectory. Crakliink. I go through the wooden flaps and then the glass window which slows me enough I don't break any bones when I loudly impact the floorboards.

Liz rolls and slides until she slams into the wall clenching our heart as she desperately gasps for air. She wallows alone in pain for a few long hours, more likely seconds but neither of us could tell, until I gently push her back to sleep.

It takes an effort of will to relax our muscles from the tension she kept them at. It amazes me that her mind is able to do this but the aches it causes are severely affecting me, it feels like a hundred spikes piercing me.

I do my best not to whine or squeak from the agony, I let out a few howls of hurt but they're womanly enough that it doesn't bother me. A pair of warm arms finally find and pick me up to hold me against an ample chest which could be Yvonne's or my sunshine's.

“Shh, you're safe Liz.” Teva whispers soothingly.

Her kind presence finally allows me to relax, allowing my heartbeat to cool down and recover. Liz' idea of restraint doesn't match anyone's common sense but she didn't kill us so I'll call it a success.

“How was, your evening?” I ask.

“Much quieter than yours.” She replies with a worried frown.

Teva tightens her hug, constraining my rib-cage and also my heart which needs all the space it can get. I wiggle a bit to ease the pressure but she likely takes it as me being shy so she strengthens her hold on me.

“Let her go, you idiot! She needs to breathe.” Leomi barks, causing Teva to further clutch onto me.

“Elizabeth needs you to leave her alone, to stop sending her in these dangerous missions.” Teva returns with a firm determined tone.

“... what?” Lance asks in confusion but it doesn't last long. “Release her!”

Teva hesitantly looks down at the urgent demand and reads that she made a mistake on the thin smile I return. She loosens her grasp but doesn't entirely let go of me, not that I'm complaining as she feels soft so it's quite comfortable, making Leomi jealous is a bonus.

“I heard the story of her kneeling to you.” Teva utters with an accusing tone that holds a trace of doubt. Leomi suppresses a short laugh.

“I thought you knew Liz, clearly I was wrong.” She says without bothering to respond to the accusation.

“Jess here.” I mutter.

“Oh, right. Sorry.” Teva apologizes hurriedly.

My kitten makes the triumphant, gloating, smile of one who knows more but isn't about to share. Then, Lance surprises me by kneeling before me and holding her hand out.

My sunshine sadly loses even more of her brightness but it isn't my role to fix that anymore, it would only hurt her more later if I tried and gave her hope. I take hold of my fiancee by the wrist as she wraps her fingers around mine.

“Liz went back to sleep, what a lazy little berserker.” She remarks as she lifts me out of Teva's arms to place me inside hers, carrying me like a fiancee should.

I glance to my friend, giving her a smiling nod as thanks before turning away so I don't have to bear her lost and disappointed expression. It's evident she has a lot of questions but doesn't feel entitled to even ask, much less get answers.

I hear a long sigh as Leomi carries me out of the room to take me into another with a double bed upon which she lays me down with care and several tender kisses on the lips. She then sits with her back to the wall and pulls me to lie between her legs.

“You scared me tonight, you said you would wait so what happened?” Lance asks.

“Roskal, was somewhere, else.” I shortly respond. “And wait, for what? You weren't, there.”

“I was... nearby.” Leomi awkwardly responds. “There were imperial officers who only I could stall and then it was clear Roskal wasn't there so I sought you out but you were already gone.”

“Liz isn't going, to take these excuses, as well as I do, kitten.” I warn her. “It felt like you, tricked us like you have, taken habit to.”

“I have not made it a habit, and I did not tonight.” Leomi denies firmly with a pained face.

“Where's, the jay?” I ask.

“Caring for Yvonne. It brought her a tiny handkerchief that it dipped in water to fight her fever, I have no idea where it found it.” She replies with an amused smile. “I'm not going to ask if you're okay since you always insist you are but, should we go to the University tomorrow?” Leomi questions intently.

“No.” I reply as I do not feel very trusting at the moment. “Just hold me, to sleep.”

“I have to go back as soon as possible, we made a ripe mess tonight.” She replies apologetically, surprising me by not arguing.

“Then why did you take off that armor?” I ask.

“Because then I wouldn't be able to hold you like I am.” Leomi replies with a girlish blush as she squeezes me. “I was worried after our fight, is Liz truly mad?”

“I don't think so, she...” I pause.

“Tell me. Please, my jay.” She pleads.

“She hates having to doubt you far more than I do.” I admit. “It's a dark reminder of her birth.”

My kitten's expression falls and she leans down to lay her chin atop my head, seeking comfort from me over her mistakes. Perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing she pushed me away if this is the result of the time she spent alone, reflecting on us instead of grieving her mother. I now have to help her make peace.

“Do you want me in you?” She asks for the second time tonight but this time in a pleading tone.

“Of course, Leomi, always.” I gently reply but feel odd, as I'm the one doing her a favor when I get all the perks.

She unfastens the leather strips holding my hard leather armor's pants on but doesn't bother, or want, to take them off. Leomi directly slips her right hand inside them and lays it on my labia.

I'm moist and the sensation of her slender fingers gets me wet despite the fact I'm too worn out to be in the mood for sex. Leomi gently massages my clitoris while her left hand opens up my armor's jacket so that she can seize my breast with a gentle but firm grip.

My breath grows shorter and she immediately slows down to have me recover, proving her self-control to be leagues above mine once again. She touches and gives me some rises of pleasure but never penetrates me in the end.

It becomes evident that she didn't ask the question she wanted to, that sex wasn't in her mind either but perhaps it was the easiest of the requests she felt comfortable making.

I hang my head back and gently reach up to her cheek as I give her a bright smile. Leomi's eyes turn away from mine in embarrassment and her hands release me. I sigh at her awkwardness and once more note how screwed up she can be.

I take the hard leather armor and sleeve-glove off, throwing those aside. I then remove the uniform Leomi hastily threw on while brushing aside the weak resistance she puts up.

I gently push her down to her side and nestle myself against her chiseled body. I then pull her face against my chest in a tender comforting hug. She gives up her resistance to tightly hold onto me as she cutely kisses my chest.

I entertain her as long as I can in spite of my exhaustion but feel myself fall asleep so I close my eyes and decide it best not to tell Leomi so she can stay as long as she wants without feeling pressured to leave because I fell asleep.

--- --- ---

I wake alone under the covers but open my eyes to a red tulip lying on my pillow that utterly prevents me from feeling any sourness or disappointment. I grin happily at the thoughtful present from my kitten and slip the stem in my hair.

I sit up, awakening cramps in a dozen different places. Damn you, Liz. Hrm. I stretch and put on a long green dress I find in a closet which definitely belongs to Leomi considering it feels tight around the thighs and chest, not to mention that the hem touches the floor.

I turn on myself, preening in delight over wearing her clothes for reasons I fail to distinguish. I step out of the room barefoot to seek Yvonne out who I find pale and grimacing as she rests on a chair.

“Chirp!” The jay on the top of her head greets.

“Yvonne, how are your injuries?” I quickly ask as I almost leap up to her. She levels out her eyes to look into mine and makes a slight smile.

“Fine, I'm in much better shape than Roskal from what rumors I caught up on.” She replies. “Was it Elizabeth?” She asks with a curious look.

“Yes.” I confirm, a bit puzzled.

“Thank her for me, I'm touched she took revenge for me.” My bestie says, bringing a grin to my lips.

“It's not done, far from it.” I note.

“How far does she plan to go? Or is it the two of you?” She questions. “Nobles are already fleeing the capital in droves.” Does she not remember her request?

“All the way.” I tell her honestly. “Anyone we find out was involved will pay.”

“It's sweet but don't get in trouble over this.” Yvonne tells me. “You humiliated Roskal by destroying her manor and heavily injuring her, everyone knows it so it's enough.”

“Roskal and Wraith have to die.” I reply with a scowl.

“They do, but you don't have to do it alone.” She gently reminds me. “I don't want you to get hurt.”

“I'll be fine.” I grunt.

“Not if you hit the wall instead of the window next time, Jess.” My friend responds with a stony voice.

“I have a plan, have Nobles really began fleeing?” I question to change the subject. Yvonne frowns, clearly aware of what I'm doing, but lets it go.

“In droves and I'm barely exaggerating, they take Elizabeth Vil to be an existential threat.” She tells me with a smile.

“She is.” I note, feeling a bit off-put.

“Oh, sweetie, so are you.” My friend exclaims with a bright smile.

“Damn right.” I confirm with a short laugh. “Kidding aside, did you talk to Teva?”

“I have, she seems sweet but I think her crush on you only got worse after the news this morning.” Yvonne says with a concerned tone.

“Doubt it, she isn't one for bloodshed.” I reply.

“Maybe not, but she isn't one to shed tears for Nobility either.” She comments. “So, how are you going to handle my demise?” Yvonne asks humorously.

“Not sure, I'm likely going to gather information for Liz.” I say.

“I thought we were best-friends.” She exclaims, faking shock rather well thanks to her white cheeks. “Does my 'death' mean so little to you? I'm crushed, shattered, flummoxed, and a bit thirsty over this!” I fail to smother a loud barking chuckle and grab the pitcher of water on the table to slide it over to her.

“Don't expect me to act aggrieved as you try to make me laugh!” I return with a glare.

“Try? Succeed you mean.” Yvonne returns with a smug face. “But seriously.”

“Your death was meant to affect Leomi and Elizabeth's relationship rather than ours so it should be fine as long as I affect a somber expression.” I tell her. “Only Cenwalh may have made the connection and he isn't within reach to advise Roskal, who he concealed it from.”

“I don't get that, why wouldn't he tell her?” She questions.

“Habit?” I venture with a shrug. “Lack of trust? Information he keeps in reserve to use at an opportune time and doesn't want leaked? There are many possible justifications including the fact that he may not know we're one and the same, either because he didn't put it together or simply because Suxen never told him all she knew.”

Yvonne nods and slowly takes out a parchment roll that she lays on the table. I throw her a curious glance but she takes her time unwrapping it, explicitly to teasingly keep me in suspense.

“Get on with it, girl.” I groan.

“It's just the essay I wrote for you, I didn't know you kept it.” She says with a shrug.

“Don't riffle through my stuff, and what does it matter?” I ask.

“It doesn't, at all, it's just a prop to attract your attention while I admire your figure in this dress you're wearing of your own volition.” Yvonne explains, striking at the heart of me.

“You don't understand, it has Leomi's smell and it feels nice.” I hurriedly justify.

“No, no, no!” Yvonne rapidly protests with an utterly fake compassionate smile. “I'm the one who was mistaken when I said Leomi would have to work hard to get you in a dress back then, the brutish farm-girl I became friends with clearly had a hidden soft interior.” I wince at her mockery but her choice of words gives me an opening I can exploit.

“Brutish, eh?” I question. “Is that what you thought of me? How it hurts to have my character so tarnished... Nay! Slandered! By a wench known to all of Meria to frequent sordid taverns by the docks in the midst of night!”

“Where did you hear that?” Yvonne questions, glaring through squinted eyelids.

“I made it up, I swear!” I quickly explain, blinking in panic at the thought I hurt her feelings but stop when I catch an elusive dimple on her otherwise serious traits. “Damn you!” I bark at her.

“Hah, ahaha!” Yvonne erupts in laughter, she soon stops and winces as she holds onto her flank. “You're just too easy.”

“Chirp.” The jay gravely agrees.

“Stuff it, wenches.” I pout. “Where are my clothes?”

“Don't change, it suits you and Leomi will kill me if she learns of it.” She pleads.

“Rmh.” I grunt. “Fine, I won't.” I acknowledge. “Do me a favor and be nice to Teva when she's here, and keep the two of them from fighting.” I request.

“Already have, although it's going to get old rather quickly.” She warns.

“It shouldn't take us too long to end Roskal now that she's injured and afraid but Wraith may turn out to be an issue if he doesn't act as predicted.” I tell Yvonne.

“Make sure you never turn your back on him first.” Yvonne tells me with a shiver. “He is more vicious than a spiteful rat.”

“He isn't walking or even crawling away from our next meeting, I assure you.” I tell my friend who smiles in return.

“Lance said you can go find her anytime if you want to go to the University with her.” She tells me.

“Implying she doesn't have time if not for that.” I note.

“Yes, but she doesn't mean it that way.” My friend says reassuringly.

“What way?” I ask.

“You know.” She notes.

“I don't.” I deny.

“Come on, Jess.” She insists.

“Tell me.” I push back.

“Jay.” She pleads.

“Chiiiirp.” The golden pest weighs in.

“... Fine.” I say with a smile. “But really, what way did you mean?” I question.

“She didn't mean it as a rejection but that she's incredibly busy.” Yvonne explains.

“Nobility?” I ask.

“The imperial guard, I believe, as well as the Order which is looking for information on Elizabeth Vil.” She tells me.

“Naught from the Emperor?” I question.

“No, was there meant to be something?” Yvonne returns with wide eyes.

“I'm not sure.” I mumble. “One of his Shades died while another went on the hunt for the culprits, it seems like an event he would involve himself in.”

“He likely will but perhaps not as soon as one as young and impulsive as you would like.” My friend remarks with a smile.

“Good point, I suppose.” I acknowledge. That old thing may take a decade to respond if his supposed age affects his relations to the world, after all he takes naps that last months. “I'm going out, do you want me to bring you something back?”

“Maybe a pastry or two, and a few books, and...” She pauses. “Just send me Rowland.” She concludes.

“Alright.” I reply with a huge grin as I turn and depart without delaying.

“Gently!” Yvonne adds hurriedly.

I don't respond, to have her sweat a little, but I make a note to be extra nice when I send him to her. I snatch one of my broadswords from under the bed using flow and make my way out of the room while rubbing my right eye to check if the new scar is healing well, it is but still hurts bad.

I journey out of the building and to a training field where I find Rowland swinging his bastard sword. I shape an air-javelin that I anchor to the back of his shirt and then create a kinetic force cushion around him.

He seems to notice something because he looks up. I raise my hand and begin waving goodbye while he searches. His eyes finally find me and I activate the javelin, sending the man screaming straight up to Yvonne's room. It'll be cheaper to have two windows repaired at once than one after the other.