“’nd thn I shad, ‘Bt Mercusheo, thosh don exisht!”,” Pavel slammed his empty mug between four others. “nd ‘e look at me lik I wash crazhy!”

Serena stared at Pavel, unable to understand a word of his slurred speech. Next to her, Werond had stuffed a fist into her mouth, struggling to keep back her laughter.

Cruck’aa had shoved his chair as far as he could from Pavel’s drunken antics, while Jo had scooted hers closer, nodding along to his stories.

Empty plates were stacked high on the table, their meal finished some time ago; Pavel had devoured most of the pig himself, with everyone else carving off small portions to go along with their main dishes. Cruck’aa refused to touch anything save the vegetables, which Durnan was more than happy to bring out for him.

By the time they’d finished off everything, Pavel had cleaned out five mugs of ale, becoming one of the drunkest people in the tavern. His words became more slurred with each story, one right after the next, and by the end of the current one, Jo remained the only one who could comprehend what he was saying.

Or at least, she claimed to.

Werond had already finished off her mug, face barely flushed, but Serena had only drunken half of hers. Every sip caused Werond to glance over, and occasionally she’d reach out and lay a hand on Serena’s arm, preventing her from taking another sip. By the time the meal had finished, aside from Cruck’aa, she was the only one who still had their original mug half full.

She leaned her head on one hand, only half listening to Pavel’s next story.

It wasn’t that she minded Werond limiting how much she drank. A controlling or patronizing feeling never came out of the actions, and if anything, Serena felt an appreciation for her interference; the ale in this place was damn good. Had Werond not been there, Serena knew she’d be unable to handle herself.

And yet, worry gnawed at her all the same.

Werond was up to something, the teasing all day today had tipped her off well enough. But why she wanted her sober was still beyond Serena. Each idea she rolled about in her head seemed more ridiculous than the last, and Werond gave no indication of anything to guess on either. She sat there, too close to Serena, her smooth face and dark skin aglow in the light. Every time Serena caught the glance that Werond gave her, a bit of heat would blossom in her chest, forcing her to turn away before Werond could see her blush.

Serena stared down at her mug with a frown.

Werond had probably forgotten about whatever it was that she mentioned doing yesterday. Afterall, the hour had grown late, evident by the bells that tolled eleven times just a moment ago, and if she’d plan to do anything…

Serena blinked. When had they arrived? She couldn’t remember.

“Ay, wy m mug ‘mpty?!” Pavel slurred, banging his mug. “’here tat Durdden pershon?”

“I don’t really think you need more Pavel.” Jo said, draining the last of her second mug. “You’re just a tad bit drunk.”

“Shays ou!” Pavel wagged a finger in Jo’s face, his own face red as a beet. “I’m fin!”

“You’re gods damn wasted,” Cruck’aa spat. “and you look like an idiot.”

“Butter han wat ‘ou lok lik!”

Cruck’aa’s feathers ruffled as he straightened up, though his eyes were wide with confusion. Werond pushed her chair out and stood up.

“Gentlemen! I can get more, no worries. It’ll be,” she winked at Jo. “just as strong as the first mugs.”

“Yesh!” Pavel yelled.

“Here, why don’t I get us all some water too, I think we need it.” Werond looked at Serena, torch light reflecting from her amber eyes. “Want to help me? I don’t think I can carry five mugs back.”

Serena shoved her chair out and hopped up.

“Sure! Anything to stop listening to him for a bit.”

“’ey!” Pavel shouted.

“No, no Pavel, she meant that as a good thing.” Jo said with a smirk.

“Ah! shory Sherene!”

Serena shook her head as Werond and Jo laughed, before Werond turned away from the table.

She followed closed behind Werond, as she wove her way through the crowds; despite the late hour, the tavern was still packed to the brim, and Serena swore that it had gotten busier with each passing hour. By the time they arrived back at the bar, they had dodged no fewer than four mugs of ale that had been flung from slippery hands.

“Is it always like this?!” Serena signed, looking back at the crowds.

“Only when it’s late. So, uh…yes, all the time.” Werond said.

“Ladies!” Durnan said, as they approached. “Sorry I haven’t been checking on you, the patrons over here have been quite the handful.” He leaned towards a City Watch guard, still in uniform, passed out on the bar. “Ain’t that right Steven?!” Durnan straightened up. “Fifth shift that he’s gotten drunk on. But I’m not a snitch, his coin is still good. So, what can I do for you two?”

Serena raised her hands to sign, but Werond stepped in front of her, blocking her view of Durnan.

“Actually, not really food related.” She said. “I hate to ask this Durnan, but I need to speak to my friend here about something, and all the private booths are full. Sorry, but is there…some place we could chat? It would only take…” her words trailed off as Durnan waved a hand.

“No worries Werond, and yes, you can hang out back there.” he leaned forward and pointed to the side; an archway, blocked off by a curtain, was cut into the wall beside the bar. “That’s where my office is. No one else goes back there, they know better. You can hang out in the hallway, but don’t go into my office please.”

“Of course, thank you so much Durnan.”

“Anything for my best patron!”

Werond turned around and grinned, ignoring Serena’s puzzled look. She gestured towards the curtain. “After you.”

“Uhm, what do we need to talk about? Did something –”

Werond rolled her eyes; she stepped forward and slipped her arm through Serena’s.

“We can talk back there, come on.”

Before Serena could object, Werond tugged on her arm and lead her towards the curtain.

Her confusion grew as they wove their way around the bar; Serena couldn’t understand why Werond needed to talk with her alone. What could she have to say that couldn’t be said in front of everyone else?

Serena’s eyes went wide.

Werond pulled back the curtain and pulled Serena through.

The sound from the packed tavern quieted the moment the curtain fell back into place, enough that Serena knew there had to be an enchantment on it. The hallway, made of the same stone brick as the building, went straight for some steps before turning left. A solitary candle burned on the corner of the wall, the only source of light. Werond pulled Serena around the corner and halted just beyond it in, light from the candle barely reaching around the corner; the hallway continued until it halted at a wooden door, two lamps shining bright on either side of it.

Despite the dimness, Serena could still make out the blush that now crept into Werond’s face.

“You really can’t take a hint, huh?” Werond said, her voice low.

“You said that earlier.” Serena signed.

Werond grinned; it was warm, but there was something else behind it.

“I did. And it’s true.”

“R-right…so uh, did you need to talk about something?”

“I do need to talk about something.”

They stared at one another.

“What is it?” Serena asked.

“I wanted to talk about us.” Werond said.

“W-what about us?”

Werond frowned and cocked her head.

“I thought that would be obvious.”

“Why would…” Serena paused, her fingers twitching. “Did…you mean…us and, uhm, everything?”

“Yup. Everything on the caravan, and in Daggerford.”

“Ah.” Serena blinked; when had the hallway become unbearably warm? “Uhm…what about all…that?”

“I want to keep going.”

Serena’s heart leapt into her throat.

“Oh…n-now when you s-say –”

“You know,” Werond said. “I love it when you get flustered.”

She took a step forward; instinctively, Serena stepped back, right into the wall. Despite the warmth of the hallway, her body began to shake as that nervous energy flooded through her. Painfully aware of how hot her ears had become, Serena pulled her hands to her chest, nervous smile upon her lips.

“W-wait, is this what you meant –”

Werond stepped closer.

“W-Werond, tell me! O-on the wagon –”

Werond placed a hand against the wall.

“H-hold on!” Serena squeaked, her arms tucked against her chest. “Y-you’re too close –”

Werond leaned in, face just inches away, eyes gleaming, breath tickling.

“Werond!” Serena’s voice was barely a whisper.

It was a soft kiss, sudden, sprung on her before she could think. Serena closed her eyes, her heart smashing against her chest; Werond pushed in, feeding off her nervousness, staying long enough for the hallway to start spinning. When she pulled back, Serena had to steady herself against the wall.

Werond smiled.

“Are you nervous?” She asked.

“Y-es!” Serena yelled. “You can’t just spring that o-on me, you didn’t ask!”

“You’re right, sorry darling. This is what I talked about on the wagon the other day though. I thought it’d be fun to get you all nervous like this but…” Werond grinned apologetically. “Maybe I went a little overboard. Here,” She grabbed Serena’s wrist before she could react. “if it helps, I’m nervous too.”

Werond placed Serena’s hand on her chest, letting her feel the thud-thud-thudding of her heart.

Serena sucked in a breath and yanked her hand away, her own heart pumping faster.

“Why are you nervous?!” She asked. “You’re not backed against a wall!”

“Well, yes. But I did a little too much, and I feel bad about it. And I’m nervous for your response, because you’re right, I should have asked first. So…”

Werond leaned back, just slightly, gazing at Serena through thick eyelashes, eyes like the sunrise, heat flooding through her.

“May I kiss you, Serena Lash?”

The dizziness returned.

Serena stared into Werond’s eyes – her mind blanking, her body shaking, hallway spinning – unsure of what to do.

Werond leaned back and frowned.

“It’s okay to say no. I promise. Won’t do anything. I probably deserve a no anyways, from all that.”

Serena shook her head and steadied herself.

“N-no, I mean…”

She could barely sign, so numb were her fingers. She sucked in another breath, forcing her body still as she leaned off the wall.

“Werond, would…you please…keep going.”

She cringed at her words, her body wanting to curl in on itself; Werond simply grinned, and leaned back in.

She kissed her harder, deeper, savoring every taste, savoring the moment. Her tongue swirled around hers as Werond grabbed Serena’s hips, pressing her back against the wall, sending her heart smashing against her chest. Serena closed her eyes and let Werond lead, unsure of what to do, unsure of the heat that poured from her body.

Werond placed a hand against Serena’s thudding heart as she released her; as she did, she pinched Serena’s lower lip in her teeth, pulling back just slightly.

She released her, laugh on her lips. Serena tried to follow, but Werond’s hand held her in place.

“You taste bitter.” Werond said. “Or maybe that’s the booze.”

“Y-you didn’t have to stop.” Serena signed just under her chin, voice a whisper.

Werond smirked.

“Oh, but I did.” She pulled away slightly. “I…well, I’ve never put it into words. But I feel like I should tell you. First time for you and…everything.”

“I already know you like women.”

Werond burst into a fit of giggles, waving away Serena’s joke.

“No, gods that was stupid.” Her grin remained as the laughter subsided, her voice falling into that familiar husky tone. “You’ve never been with anyone, and I don’t know what idea you have of what this should look like. I’m a little bit…unconventional, I guess. I know what I want,” She tightened her grip on Serena’s hips. “I want you. I want to taste you again. I want to feel you squirm under me. I want to hold you tight and feel every part of you. I’ll lead…and you’ll follow. If you do that, we’ll both be the happiest women in Waterdeep. But you need to be okay with that. I’ll be gentle and slow, but I’ll make you feel loved. But only if you let me.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “Is that something you want to do?”

“I-I…” Serena stammered.

Everything Werond said sent goosebumps rippling across her, sent her heart beating faster in her chest. The heat within Serena became unbearable and staring into Werond’s eyes only made it worse.

Serena raised her hands.

As she did, Werond reached forward, and brushed a strand of hair from Serena’s face, her warm fingers caressing her hot cheek.

It was too much.

Serena nodded, leaning her head against Werond’s hand.

Werond grinned and bit her lip.

“Turn around.” She whispered.

Serena obeyed.

Werond wrapped her arms around her and pulled Serena in, her body a perfect fit against Werond’s. She was warm, her hands even warmer; they caressed every inch of her, tracing her curves, squeezing tight in places that made her gasp.

Werond pressed her lips to Serena’s neck, kissing above and below her choker, her voice tickling.

“Gods,” she murmured, sending a shiver rippling through Serena. “I’ve been wanting to do this for so long. Since the day we met. I don’t know why I waited.”

A hand traveled up and over the curves of Serena’s chest; a hand traveled down, dragging slowly across her stomach.

“Skinny from all that walking.” Werond said. “There’s so much I want to see, to feel…all of it perfect, every inch of you.”

Hands shaky, Serena began to sign. “N-no, I –”

Werond’s hand shot up, grabbed Serena’s chin, and tilted her head to the side; Werond pressed her mouth against Serena’s ear, sending a jolt through her.

“No talking unless I say, darling.” She breathed. “Understood?”

Serena’s legs almost gave out; she shoved herself against Werond to keep her balance and nodded.

“Good. Now, unbutton your shirt.”

Serena’s hands jumped to her tunic, and she began fumbling with the buttons, struggling to unclasp them as Werond remained against her ear. Her hand dropped from Serena’s chin just as she moved to the last button, and brushed Serena away as she fumbled with it. With ease, Werond unbuttoned and pulled Serena’s tunic open; despite the heat on her back, she shivered as the air washed over her skin.

Werond reached with both hands and pulled down the cloth that was stretched around Serena’s chest. She sucked in a deep breath, unable to tell if she shook from nervousness or anticipation.

With burning hands, Werond stroked Serena’s chest, her caresses and squeezes leaving Serena unable to stand still.

“You’ve been hiding these from me.” Werond said, mouth back against Serena’s neck, under the choker. “Such a tease. And they fit so perfectly.” She nipped her neck, sending Serena’s heart back into her throat. “Like they were made for me. Like you were made for me.”

She pinched.

Serena jerked, a new sensation ripping through her, one she’d never felt before; she leaned her head back, mouth open in a gasp and Werond descended, thrusting her tongue in, kissing her deep.

Waves of dizziness swept through her as Werond refused to let go, a month of longing pouring from her hands and mouth; Serena pressed a hand against the wall and grabbed Werond’s waist with the other as she struggled to stand.

Werond pulled her head back, leaving Serena gasping for air.

A hungry look filled her eyes.

“I didn’t say you could touch me.” She said with a grin. “But that’s okay. You’ll learn.”

Serena’s heart fluttered.

Werond’s lips returned to her neck; her hand dropped from Serena’s chest, and slide down. Serena sucked in another breath as Werond traced circles around her now exposed stomach. Slowly, agonizingly, she dipped her fingers under the tight waistband of Serena’s skirt, and pushed her hand up, loosening it slightly.

Serena’s trembling grew as Werond’s hand pushed under it.

“Nervous?” Werond whispered. Serena nodded. “Everyone is the first time. Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle…promise.”

Her hand descended, lower. Her fingers shifted the fabric underneath, Serena’s breath came out shallow. Werond curled her fingers and –

Serena jerked from the touch and pressed herself harder against Werond.

“Wow,” she whispered. “you’re ready to go. That good, huh?”

Serena couldn’t respond even if she was allowed to; a wave of pleasure washed over her as Werond slowly began to move her fingers. Her breathing quickened and she grabbed Werond with her other hand.

Her body began to curl forward but Werond held her up, standing straight. She pressed her lips against Serena’s ear again, the tickle of her voice causing Serena’s mind to scramble.

“Put your hand back on the wall.” She whispered; Serena obeyed. “Good. Now, talk to me. Keep going?”

Serena’s hand curled on the stone, barely able to form her sign.

“Y-yes.”

Werond nipped her neck and sped up; Serena gasped and jerked.

“I’ve been waiting for this, for so long darling,” she breathed. “For you to squirm against me. Gods,” Werond sucked in a breath. “so long.”

Heat poured off Werond’s body, Serena’s back slick. Her hair clung to her face, and she squeezed her eyes shut.

“More?” Werond asked.

“Y-yes.”

Werond obliged.

Serena’s fingers gripped the stone as a moan filled Werond’s mind.

It was too much, the waves ripping through her tense body, her heart pounding, the heat on her back, the sweat dripping down, Werond’s lips against her skin, her fingers against her –

Nothing else mattered.

“Are you close?” Werond breathed.

Serena nodded.

“Good.”

Werond sped up.

Serena jerked again. A silent moan escaped her lips, one hand spread against the stone, the other gripping Werond tight.

Werond held her pace and nuzzled against Serena’s neck.

Her body wouldn’t stop shaking, jerking.

A different heat grew within her, boiling her body, sweat dripping from her head and chest.

Serena tried to lean forward, but Werond held her in place.

The heat grew, encompassing her. It grew, brighter, hotter – hotter – hotter –

Werond held tight as Serena’s legs gave out, head leaned back, heart smashing through her chest, voice yelling in Werond’s head, waves of heat washing over her, frying her mind blank. Each wave, each pulse, each shudder, became Serena’s entire existence.

She tried to sign for more, for Werond to go further, but all her signs had left her mind, leaving only a longing as Werond pulled her hand out.

Werond’s whispered to Serena, her smile pressed into her burning ear.

Gradually, as her panting calmed, the flames within her began to cool, flickering out as the cool air washed over her slick skin.

And yet, though they died down, Serena could still feel her skin smolder, as the flames threatened to ignite anew, from even the smallest brush from Werond’s lips.

Slowly, Serena’s mind began to cool as she regained her senses. She leaned her head forward and felt the hallway spin, as she planted her feet back into the ground.

“Whoa, not so fast.” Werond whispered, still clinging to her. “That was…pretty strong. You okay? You good? Make sure to breath.”

Serena nodded, and sucked in a gulp of air, steadying herself against Werond. After a moment, she released her, Werond’s hands hovering around Serena’s waist as she regained her balance.

Werond turned Serena around to face her, hands still hovering; as she did, Serena could make out the sweat stains from where she’d been pressed against Werond, her tunic now sticking to her, pressed tight against her body.

The blush in Werond’s face had deepened, and that hungry look in her eyes had yet to disappear.

“Well, seems like you enjoyed that.” Werond said, wrapping her hands around Serena’s waist and pulling her in. “Do me a favor? Can you snap away all this?” She gestured to her chest and tunic; Serena snapped twice, once for her, and once for herself. “Thank you darling.”

Werond reached up and brushed her fingers against Serena’s face, sending a shiver through her.

“I don’t think I’m done though. That was a bit…too fun. Shall we –”

Heart back in her throat, Serena leaned in towards Werond’s lips; Werond’s hand slid down and planted itself against Serena’s bare chest, holding her back.

Frustration washed over her as Werond grinned.

“Whoa, easy now.” She said. “No more here. We’ll never leave. Let’s…pick up at my place. I think you need to lay down a bit anyways. Sound fun?”

Without a sign, Serena turned to and tried to walk around the corner; Werond grabbed her back and laughed.

“Wow, you’re eager. Can’t leave like that though.” Werond began buttoning Serena’s tunic back up. “As much as I love the sight of you, we should…keep that just for me.” She tucked the tunic back into Serena’s long skirt and cinched it tight. “People will start staring, I’ll get jealous, and we can’t have that, can we?”

Serena stared into Werond’s eyes and wobbled forward.

Werond frowned.

“Hey, talk to me, you alright?” She asked, as she began to fix Serena’s hair.

“I-I, yeah.” Serena finally signed. “Can’t…really think…of signs.” She bit her lip. “I uhm…t-thank you.”

Werond let out a pfft.

“Thank you?” She giggled. “Oh darling, this really is new to you, huh?”

She nodded. Werond’s eyes softened.

“Well, it makes me happy that I made you happy. But the night’s still young, and…I think I can do a bit better than that.”

Werond placed her hand on the small of Serena’s back, and gently pushed her around the corner; as she did, she slipped her armor through Serena’s. “Now, shall we head back?”

Serena nodded.

Werond pulled her close, and as she did, Serena clung to her with her other hand. Werond smiled, brushed a strand of hair from out Serena’s face, and began pulling her towards the curtain.