no event/semi-au

[vaticinates]

It's the middle of the night when the door to the room in a small inn is silently, slightly opened, casting a weak light into the bedroom. Though it's hard to imagine that anyone's asleep, especially on a night like this, this is still a time for resting. It's a time to regain strength before tomorrow, when the fighting starts. Before lives are in

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[pink_is_back]

Black Lady wasn't usually in the business of protecting other people, but she was trying to turn over a new leaf. She'd gained quite a reputation as an evil person long ago, and since then she'd been making amends in her own way. She was still rough around the edges, but she usually meant well. Being a bodyguard to someone so important actually surprised her, but Stella had chosen her above all the others, who was she to argue?

Unfortunately she was a heavy sleeper, sprawled out in a very unladylike fashion in her bed. There was just enough room for someone to slip in a round her extended limbs. The words weren't enough to wake her, but feeling someone warm beside her got her to mumble something about cake. It took a couple seconds more for her to start coming around. "What's going on? Is it morning already?"

[vaticinates]

"No, not yet." She was smiling softly, lying on her side and propped up on one elbow. At least Black Lady was awake now, though it had taken some time at first. Though she could hardly be considered an impatient person, she wasn't quite in the mood to wait tonight. "You don't mind that I'm here, do you?"

[pink_is_back]

Since it wasn't morning, she began to think there was something wrong. That helped get Black Lady to wake up faster, but since Stella looked so comfortable she didn't try to get up yet. It wasn't what she expected; usually people wanted to keep far away from her. Stella had been nothing but nice to her, and she felt almost happy sometimes around her.

"No," she said, a little confused. "Is something wrong?"

[vaticinates]

She shook her head, thin strands of hair falling over her shoulder. "I'm afraid." It was rare for her to speak her mind that easily, but considering what had to be done the next day, perhaps she was thinking that it was the last day to do so. "Is it fine if I stay here with you?" For now, she had only to hope that she wouldn't be turned away.

[pink_is_back]

Deep down beneath all the corruption and jumbled memories, Black Lady wanted to have friends. Stella was the closest thing she had to one right now. She'd tried to keep some kind of professional distance but it just wasn't working, especially now. Black Lady slid her arm out, offering the other girl room to slide in closer.

"If you want," she said, not quite as dismissive as she usually sounded. Her tone shifted when she spoke again, genuinely concerned. "Why are you afraid?"

[vaticinates]

She took the invitation, shifting as close as she could, extra room on the bed be damned. It wasn't only that she wanted some sort of comfort-- she was here for something different. However, she wasn't sure if Black Lady only saw her as an oracle, someone to be guarded...or if her thoughts were different.

"I don't want to die tomorrow." She'd already seen blood being spilled; she knew she could be in danger, but even though she would be protected here... "I'm worried about dying alone...unloved." She had no family, no friends back home, no one else but her bodyguard.

[pink_is_back]

Black Lady didn't mind being so close, she just wasn't used to it. People didn't get close to her, sometimes by her own choice, but usually because of the reputation she had. Having Stella, a revered oracle, right there next to her felt special. She felt special. It was a nice feeling.

"You aren't going to die," she said sternly, reaching fingers out to touch Stella's cheek. Listening to the words hit too close to home. Black Lady lowered her gaze, curling an arm around Stella to hold her close. "I've worried about that before too. I'm not going to leave you alone out there. I made a promise." And that actually meant something to her now.

[vaticinates]

Through the worry still hovering around her, almost like a physical presence of its own, Stella couldn't help but to smile. She was so loyal, so very loyal. And that was something that Stella so liked about Black Lady.

"Thank you," she replied, still quietly. "It means a great deal to me. I'm so fortunate to have you here, with me." She turned her head to the side, resting it against Black Lady's shoulder. "You're the only person I have in my life, you know."

[pink_is_back]

Black Lady on the other hand wasn't worried, but she was feeling unusually vulnerable. She didn't let her walls down around anyone, but she felt a connection to Stella, and she couldn't explain it. very few things, let alone people, could touch her like those few words had. She found herself holding Stella closer, so close her legs brushed the girl's knee.

"I don't hear that much," she said, grinning. "Most people think I'm a horrible bad person." And for a while she had been, but the spell was broken now. It left her confused, frustrated and filled with dark energy that couldn't be fully purged. "I guess that makes two of us. You're the only friend I have. That's why I won't let you die."

[vaticinates]

She sighed softly at that, pleased. "I don't think you're a bad person at all. If you were, I wouldn't have picked you to stay with me." It was simple, but it was true all the same. She couldn't fully understand that worry of being hated by everyone, but she did understand what it was like to be alone. The two of them could share that, as unfortunate as it was.

"You won't let me be alone either, right?" Of course, they were here together, now, but she wanted to be sure of the other woman's intentions, of her feelings. "Not only because it's what you have to do, but because you want to?"

[pink_is_back]

Something about being used as a catalyst f or letting evil powers into world didn't sit well with many people. Even if it hadn't been her choice, she'd been forced into doing it, they only remembered her face and the damage it had caused. Many had been against it when Stella chose her to accompany her, but Black Lady saw it as a good way to redeem herself more visibly. Somewhere along the line, she started to remember what it was like to care about other people.

"No. No one should be alone," she said softly. She was feeling even more, a warmth growing in her chest. Her heart had never trembled like that, not for as long as she could remember. Black Lady eased back, to get a good look at Stella's eyes. "It may have started off that way, but I want to be here with you. You make me feel wanted. I forgot what that was like."

[vaticinates]

"I'm so glad to hear that." She ducked her head somewhat, hiding the smile on her face, as if embarrassed at her own admission. "I had worried, at first, but it's nice to hear that you feel that way."

She still seemed to be somewhat worried, however-- not for that same reason, but something else. She didn't pause too long from voicing this second worry, though. "You don't think it's a bother, that I'm here at this time?"

[pink_is_back]

It still puzzled her why the oracle had picked her, and why she was now in the bed with her. Maybe there had been an attraction, or at least a soft spot, because that kindness was so foreign to her it was almost addicting. Black Lady went out of her way for attention sometimes, and not always in good ways, but when it came to Stella she didn't have to do anything to get a smile or a glimpse in her direction.

"I don't think it's a bother. You surprised me, that's all," she assured her, stroking her hair slowly. She was kind of cute, though she hadn't really thought that until now. Black Lady wasn't sure how to describe what she felt at the moment, but it was a good feeling. "You look like something else is on your mind."

[vaticinates]

The gentle touch, even being close to Black Lady felt nice-- without family to care for her, without friends, it was exceedingly rare for her to be close to anyone, to be touched by anyone. Though her feelings were different than that of family, or even friends.

"Yes, you're right..." Not that she hadn't expected to be difficult to figure out. "The truth is, I want to be with you tonight...as a lover."

[pink_is_back]

They shared that in common as well, for Black Lady had not let anyone near her in so long she couldn't even remember the last time. It was easier to tease, push people away and pretend everything was all right. Her heart was beating so fast, and she could feel something that hadn't been there before. Friendship, was this what it felt like?

"A lover?" That caught her completely by surprise. Black Lady actually blushed, something she'd never done as far as she remembered. "With me?" She wasn't harsh or teasing, merely confused. No one had ever showed an interest in her like that before. "I think... I'd like that."

[vaticinates]

She nodded when her offer was repeated, almost surprised with her ability to speak so openly on what she wanted. "Yes. With you. I know it may be strange to request, at this time, but it is what I want." She sounded more sure of it that time, almost determined, even though her thoughts had already been expressed.

"You're sure it's fine..."