Sunset ^beta

When Primrose danced, none could look away. The group of girls watched, enthralled, as Primrose demonstrated a new move. Ophilia stood in the doorway, just as enthralled as the students. A year had passed since the Kindling, and much to Ophilia's surprise, Primrose had chosen to remain in Flamesgrace instead of returning to Noblecourt, and even converted an abandoned house on the edge of town into a dance studio.

Primrose's smile was radiant as she carefully went through the movements of her dance, making sure that all eyes could follow. She made it appear so effortless, but Ophilia had witnessed firsthand all the hard work that went into each dance during their travels together, and she'd been so patient when teaching Ophilia as well. Primrose soon ended the dance with a flourish, and the students erupted into applause.

"Thank you, thank you," Primrose said with a playful wink. "It's gotten late, so we'll stop here for today."

A chorus of goodbyes surrounded Primrose as the girls left the studio, and soon enough Ophilia was left alone with Primrose. "Those girls seem quite fond of their wonderful instructor," Ophilia teased gently.

Primrose chuckled. "I must be getting soft. But it isn't so bad either."

"I have a letter for you," Ophilia said as she handed an envelope to Primrose.

"Oh, it's from Revello and Anna." Primrose accepted the letter and opened it. "It's nice to hear they're doing well."

"Do you miss it? Noblecourt, I mean."

"It would be nice to visit again." Primrose flashed a smile at Ophilia. "I did promise I would show you Noblecourt at its most beautiful, didn't I?"

Ophilia felt her cheeks flush. "O-Oh, yes, I would like that…"

"Perhaps soon, then." Primrose tucked a strand of hair behind Ophilia's ear; she'd become more affectionate lately. "Now that I'm used to the cold, I might stay here a little longer, though."

"You may stay as long as you like," Ophilia said, her mouth suddenly dry. "Lianna is quite fond of you as well."

Primrose held out her hand. "Then while we're here, would you care for a dance?"

Ophilia could only nod as she accepted Primrose's hand; Primrose's smile truly was a sight to behold. In the year since the Kindling, she carried herself lighter, her father avenged and the Obsidians finished. With Simeon's death, it hadn't taken Eliza and Lianna and the rest of the Knights Ardante long to flush out the rest of them. Simeon's legacy, all but forgotten these days because he crossed the wrong woman - a fitting end to such a cruel soul, Ophilia thought to herself. Time passed and wounds healed, and Lianna herself could sleep through the night now without screaming, much to Ophilia's relief.

Nothing would bring back their father, or Primrose's, but they could all begin to live again.

Primrose led Ophilia through a series of simple steps, her green eyes locked with Ophilia's. "I've always enjoyed dancing, you know," she said, her fingers warm around Ophilia's. "My mother loved to dance too, but she was too frail to do so often. She passed away when I was young, so I don't remember much about her, but I do remember how she smiled whenever I danced for her."

"You are beautiful when you dance," Ophilia replied as Primrose guided her through a turn.

Primrose let out a quiet chuckle. "To dance again like this, simply for the joy of dancing - it's quite freeing." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Especially with you."

Ophilia blushed, but much to her relief, managed not to stumble. She hadn't forgotten what Primrose taught her about dancing during their travels together.

They danced a while longer, and the way Primrose looked at Ophilia now lit a new fire within her. They still grieved for their lost fathers, and little by little Primrose told Ophilia more of Yusufa. Some wounds would never heal - Ophilia knew that all too well - but to be this close to Primrose, to feel her warmth, was a precious gift in it of itself. Every day Primrose chose to remain in Flamesgrace, Ophilia was grateful.

Perhaps someday Primrose would return to Noblecourt to restore her house, and Ophilia would see her off with a smile, but perhaps instead…

Eventually, or far too soon, they came to a stop. "I've taken enough of your time," Primrose said as she released Ophilia, and Ophilia noted the faint hint of pink on her cheeks. "It was good to see you again."

"Oh, um…!" Without thinking Ophilia clasped Primrose's hand between hers. "Um, you could join Lianna and me for supper if you'd like!"

Primrose's eyes widened a moment, and she smiled light. "You know I can never refuse an invitation from you. I'd be delighted."

Ophilia smiled too, and her face had never felt warmer.

They left the dance studio, and snow had begun to fall. Primrose smiled again and looped her arm with Ophilia's, and Ophilia was grateful for that warmth. They exchanged few words as they walked, and Ophilia cast a glance at Primrose out of the corner of her eye. Even against the dusting of snow, the profile of Primrose's face was radiant and elegant. Ophilia had always thought Primrose beautiful, but lately that longing had grown stronger.

"I never realized snow could be so beautiful," Primrose said. "In Stillsnow, it had seemed so… oppressive."

Ophilia frowned a moment. Investigations into the corrupt clergy of Stillsnow were still ongoing, and the women previously enslaved by the Obsidians were particularly helpful in rooting out that corruption. Some of those women had settled in Flamesgrace, helping Primrose with her classes. "I am happy to hear your fondness for our humble town," she said at last.

"Perhaps it's because you're here I can find even the snow beautiful," Primrose whispered, and her arm in Ophilia's trembled for just a moment.

They soon reached the church, and while Lianna seemed surprised to see Primrose, she heartily welcomed the both of them. She smiled more easily these days, which Ophilia was thankful for. The three of them headed toward the dining area, and Ophilia entrusted Primrose to Lianna's company as she began to cook. During their travels together, Ophilia had always noticed how Primrose's eyes lit up when it was Ophilia's turn to cook for the eight of them.

Lianna chatted animatedly with Primrose while Primrose listened closely, and a smile tugged at Ophilia's lips as she refocused her attention on the boiling pot before her. There was warmth in these walls again, and while it wasn't the same as before their father's passing, it didn't have to be the same either. Most of all, he would be glad to see Lianna smiling again.

Thus a warm atmosphere lay over the three of them as they ate. More than once Ophilia glanced at Primrose beside her, and Primrose caught her store and winked at her. She immediately blushed, but didn't dislike how her heart raced. At her age, especially as a sister of the church, was it right for her to be so infatuated?

"It's been wonderful having you here, Primrose," Lianna said. "I've never seen Phili so happy."

Ophilia's blush deepened, and Primrose chuckled softly. "Your sister is important to me as well," she replied.

"When do you plan to return to Noblecourt?" Ophilia asked carefully.

Primrose was silent a moment before answering. "To visit, perhaps sometime soon. But to live there again, as the Lady of House Azelhart… I'm not sure that's necessary. According to Revello's letters, the town is recovering well now that the Obsidians are gone, so perhaps I can entrust the town's wellbeing to him and Anna."

"Oh, Primrose…" was all Ophilia could bring herself to say.

Primrose smiled faintly. "I'm not the same woman as I was back then, but… that's fine too, I think. My quest is finished, so a new path lies before me."

"Well, you can certainly stay in Flamesgrace as long as you like!" Lianna said as she clapped her hands together, speaking aloud the hopes Ophilia had dared not voice. She flashed a knowing smile at Ophilia, and Ophilia stared pointedly at the bowl of food in front of her.

She thought back to the feel of Primrose's hands as they danced, and the promised warmth of such a touch.

After supper, Ophilia escorted Primrose to the entrance, but upon opening the doors, they saw that more snow had fallen than expected, and was still falling heavily, flurries of white against the dark night. "Oh, dear," Ophilia exclaimed gently.

"While I have grown used to the snow, that may be a bit much for me," Primrose said.

"Well then, I suppose it'll be safer if you stay the night here."

"It would be my pleasure."

Ophilia silently gave a prayer of gratitude to the Sacred Flame.

Thus Primrose spent more time with Ophilia and Lianna in the main area of the church as they finished the rest of their duties for the night, and when it was time to retire to sleep, Ophilia belatedly realized as she and Primrose stepped into her bedchambers that there was only one bed, and this late at night, she would not be able to procure another bedchamber in the church. "You may have the bed," she said quickly to Primrose. "I will—"

"I don't mind sharing," Primrose cut in. "It'll be like when we were traveling."

Ophilia swallowed dryly. While it was true that when the eight of them had divided into two inn rooms, she and Primrose had often shared a bed, and she missed that closeness more than she dared admit. It had been a year since those days, and things had changed between them. Yet she also knew Primrose was as stubborn as ever, and would not want Ophilia to be uncomfortable for her sake. "Very well, then," she said with a weak smile. "It will certainly be warmer this way."

Thus once dressed in their sleepwear - Primrose borrowed one of Ophilia's spare nightgowns - they settled into bed together. The fabric of Ophilia's nightgown on Primrose was thin and hugged her curves closely, and Ophilia hadn't realized how small her bed was. Primrose was so close to her now, and at the slightest movement her limbs brushed against Primrose's. Thus she lay stiffly on her side, and her eyes fell upon Primrose's lips, and there was so little space between the two of them…

Faint moonlight seeped through the window, muffled by the snow clouds, but even in complete darkness Ophilia would be able to imagine Primrose's shape and curves. Her luscious hair, unbound and falling over her shoulders, the outlines of her body's curves, the shape and size of her ample breasts, the length of her strong legs - all of Primrose was so clear to Ophilia, and she couldn't bring herself to turn away. In the year since the end of their journeys, since confronting the thirteenth god, this desire had only grown stronger.

But if she gave voice to that desire, would she only be trying to bind Primrose to these lands? But Primrose had said herself she didn't wish to leave Flamesgrace any time soon. Right now, Primrose was so close to her, closer than they had been in a long time.

Ophilia smiled as she studied Primrose's sleeping face; in this moment, Primrose looked so at peace. Perhaps Ophilia could be content with what they already had together. She tried to reach out, across what little space lay between them, but hesitated.

Primrose's eyes opened, and Ophilia's heart skipped a beat. There was a quiet sparkle in Primrose's gaze these days. "Can't sleep either, hm?" she whispered.

"No… no, I suppose not," Ophilia mumbled, her mouth suddenly dry.

Primrose laid a careful hand on Ophilia's hair, her fingers soft against the golden strands. "There's something I wish to confess to you."

"What is it?"

"I believed your sister has already guessed - it's because of you I wish to remain here in Flamesgrace, even among the cold and snow."

"M-Me?"

"Why do you sound so surprised?" Primrose drew closer, her breath warm on Ophilia's lips. "How was it that bishop in Saintsbridge described your ember - 'a warm and gentle flame'? I understand now that those words meant."

"Your flame would be strong and passionate," Ophilia said, the words spilling out of her before she could think about them. "I've never met anyone with a stronger sense of faith."

"Is that how you see me?" Primrose chuckled, a low, dangerous sound. "My faith is not the same as yours, but… because you believed in me, I could not falter."

"I could say the same to you. If not for your strength, I would not have been able to save Lianna."

Primrose chuckled again, and Ophilia loved that sultry sound. She could close the gap between them so easily. Primrose's thigh brushed against hers, and those green eyes seemed to beckon her, as if daring her. Heat coiled around Ophilia, and her heart raced. Primrose wished to stay with her. Beautiful, strong Primrose, whose elegant fingers danced across Ophilia's cheek. But she hesitated too, Ophilia could not help but notice.

She inhaled deeply. Suddenly this bed felt far too small for the both of them. She took Primrose's hand into hers, and pressed their lips together for a kiss.

Immediately Primrose kissed her back, lips soft and adoring. Primrose's arms came around Ophilia's back to draw her closer, and how many times they kissed, she could not say. It was enough to simply feel Primrose so much closer to her, and how Primrose's heart raced in tandem with her own. Their lips soon parted, and Ophilia stared at Primrose for a breathless moment. Primrose, fierce and elegant, like the thorns of a rose.

"You're braver than you think," Primrose said, drawing her fingers down the side of Ophilia's face. "I've always loved that about you."

Ophilia's cheeks grew warm, but she didn't avert her gaze. To lay her own feelings bare - Primrose deserved that honesty. "I want to be even closer to you," she said in soft voice.

"Sex, you mean." Primrose chuckled again, faintly yet warmly. Her eyes were still sharp, but carried a new glow as well. "Of course, if it's with you."

A smile tugged at Ophilia's lips, and she kissed Primrose again. She wasn't as experienced as Primrose - or at all, really - but she was familiar enough with her own body, at least. Primrose beckoned her with an alluring smile as they broke the kiss, and their hands pulled at each other's nightgowns. The brush of Primrose's fingers against Ophilia's skin was like igniting a fire, and she could not help but let out a low moan, and Primrose's smile widened.

"I'm certainly familiar enough with sex," she whispered into Ophilia's ear, "but this kind of intimacy is a first for me as well."

"I love you, Primrose," Ophilia said, and saw the brief surprise that flashed across Primrose's face, and again she smiled.

Soon their nude bodies were lit only by the faint moonlight, and Ophilia let her eyes take in the sight of Primrose's body beneath hers. Primrose nodded, and Ophilia cupped Primrose's face and let her hands glide downward, over Primrose's throat and shoulders, and Primrose shivered beneath that touch. Her hands came over Primrose's breasts and felt those nipples perk, and Primrose let out a low chuckle. Encouraged, Ophilia pressed her lips to Primrose's for another kiss and gently squeezed Primrose's breasts.

"You're beautiful, Ophilia," Primrose muttered against Ophilia's lips, and her breath was warm. She pressed her thigh between Ophilia's legs, and Ophilia gasped sharply. "I want to feel all of you."

Ophilia's head swam with the heat of lust and she couldn't bring herself to speak, so instead she bent her head to kiss Primrose's neck. She traced circles around Primrose's nipples as Primrose threaded her fingers through Ophilia's hair and her body squirmed against Ophilia's. Ophilia drew lower, kissing the line of Primrose's collarbone and then toward her cleavage, and her breasts were so very soft in Ophilia's hands. Ophilia gave Primrose's nipples an experimental pinch, and the joyful gasp that fell from Primrose's lips was like music.

Primrose was beautiful too, Ophilia thought to herself, and Primrose's own hands were eager as well as they touched Ophilia all over. Ophilia slid one of her hands down Primrose's side, feeling the outline of her curves, and then brushed against the remnants of a dagger's scar, and Primrose took that hand into hers and let their fingers intertwine. Pain and grief could not be forgotten, Ophilia knew, but the love they shared was stronger still.

Through the night, as snow fell outside, the warmth Primrose gave Ophilia was nothing sort of exhilarating. Her fingers granted Ophilia pleasure that Ophilia had scarcely dreamed of, and her own clumsy fingers granted Primrose that pleasure in kind. She could feel Primrose's heartbeat as if it were her own, and she let that intimate pleasure embrace her.

Ophilia held Primrose gently, and Primrose's unbound fell over her hands. Primrose stirred, and lifted her gaze to meet Ophilia's. "I love you too, Ophilia," she whispered.

Even such simple words could make Ophilia's heart race. But that Primrose could now open her heart and speak such vulnerable words - she could imagine no greater trust. "I want to be with you," she said, her voice equally quiet.

When Primrose laughed, it was a low, pleasant sound. "And stay with you I shall. Now, will you grant me the honor of another dance tomorrow?"

Ophilia nodded. "It would be my pleasure."