RFC-Mini Arc: The Temple-Part 16 (Patreon)

You sure you should do this? You’re not fully healed yet.”

She laughs. “I don’t expect us to fight but if we do, I promise I won’t be a burden.”

“Don’t jinx us.” I don’t need a fight right now. My mana core is taxed, which means brute strengthening away any threat. Which inevitably means many injuries.

“To be honest,” Cloud says once we reach the road, “I wanted to take this opportunity to speak with you.” She gives me a quick look before facing forward. “I…would hope that you haven’t been frightened by tonight.”

“If I were anyone else,” I say wistfully, lamenting my lost innocence. Lost at birth, probably. Any traces of it that managed to stick with me have been thoroughly stomped out by the lovely ladies I’ve surrounded myself with by now.

“We have our way. Many don’t understand it. They call us bloodletting savages. Little more than animals that lose their reason for the excitement of the hunt. They mock our faith because we don’t choose to worship their shiny saints.”

Her eyes hold grievances as they look to me and I hold up my hands, thoroughly unwilling to hold the weight of old grudges. Her frown eases at the gesture.

“I won’t ask you to understand it but I’d hope it wouldn’t prohibit our friendship.” She moves closer, our arms brushing together. “Not many would put their lives on the line for the Temple. Or for justice.”

“No need to be too grateful. I happen to hate people that involve others in their schemes.”

“No need to be too modest.”

“Call it friends and leave it at that?”

“Nothing would make me happier.” We share a smile and continue our walk in companionable silence. Normally, I’d describe the moonless night with its stars hidden behind clouds as eerie but with Cloud beside me, it seems appropriate. She’s in her element right now and I’m content watching her.

Kierra is all restrained power and grace born from having complete freedom of movement. Cloud is similar but different. She doesn’t have the same tension of restraint, more of control, carefully deciding where to place each foot before she takes a step.

She lacks grace but makes up for it with an economy of movement that has its own appeal. Alana moves similarly. That speaks of training, and lots of it, but something tells me its closer to my wife’s love than any knightly practice.

Because I’m watching her so intently, I notice her occasional wince and that she’s stepping gingerly. “Alright.” A hand on her shoulder draws her to a stop once the gate comes into view, torches burning atop the wall easily visible. “This is far enough for good manners.”

“At least to the gate.”

“You want a contest on who can be more stubborn?”

“…no. The wise learn to move with the seasons and the phases of the moon.” She grins. “If you don’t mind, I will make sure you are assigned to the Temple again. You have a rare enthusiasm for work.”

“Haha, enthusiasm.” I shake my head ruefully. Maybe she’s right. I’ve certainly gone above and beyond for a volunteer. “Sure. Happy to help.”

“Good. Then, we part to meet again.”

“Goodbyeee!?”

My voice goes funny at the end of the farewell as she pulls me into a hug. The hug itself isn’t a problem. It’s, well. Does she have any idea of personal space? There is no room between us, at all. And her hands are bold, one going around me at a respectable level while the other snakes around my lower back. Even more outrageous is the way she tucks her head into the crook of my neck.

Isn’t this a little intimate, even for friends? From the way she’s grabbing onto me, I’d think she wants to wear my skin. Or something else…

“I didn’t take you to be shy, Lou,” Cloud says while chuckling. Her warm breath hits my neck, making me shiver. “Is it not common for friend to embrace?”

There is nothing friendly about this!

Ah, since you initiated something like this, don’t expect me to be polite!

I go a step further, wrapping both arms on her waist, the tips of my fingers dangerously close to fondling her and put my chin on her shoulder. In response, she squeezes me tightly. Tight enough to make the old me puke from the strength. Just comfortable now.

Cloud chuckles as she steps back. “I knew it. You have the blessing of the earth as well.”

“I’m guessing you mean melding? Yeah, my wifey is talented.”

Her brows shoot up. “Wife?”

“Uh-huh. Something tells me you two would get on like two wolves at a water hole.” Saints, that might be a terrible idea.

“I would love to meet her.”

“Maybe. If this mess can be cleaned up quickly.”

“Don’t worry, Lou. No prey escapes the faithful.”

“Good, good. Be careful.” There is a bit of an awkward pause as I realize I’ve already said my goodbyes once. Shrugging, I give her a quick wave and dash off, eager to get back home and put this strange night behind me.

All the while, I can feel her gaze watching me.