By Lauren Hemphill

A small piece I wrote after a D&D session, featuring my thief, Korlet. She’s the blonde. Not sold on how I drew her, but I’ll get her design down after I doodle her a few more times.

Backstory: After eloping together and vanishing for nearly two years, Sues’ mother, Yoren, found them with their adopted son, Varlis, in a cabin outside the city. In her fury, she made Korlet pay the price for “stealing” her daughter, and teleported her places to accomplish increasingly deadly tasks with the implication that Yoren wanted her dead without getting her own hands dirty. After a year away, Korlet has finally managed to return, speak with Yoren with the help of her new traveling companions, and see her wife. Sues, meanwhile, has been moved back in with her mother for three days, and stuck in the city ever since Korlet was sent away. Korlet is now currently staying the night in Yoren’s mage tower with her family after some dicey negotiations. 

“He’s asleep,” Sues said, lingering by the window. “It doesn’t have to be for long. I know you can slip through.” 

Korlet sat perched at the end of the bed, watching her wife. The distant lanterns across the city lit Sues’ silhouette, illuminating the dark cloth that wrapped the woman in what was undeniably thief’s clothing. Korlet would know. 

“I promised I wouldn’t,” Korlet said, offering a small smile. “I don’t want to be sent off somewhere.”

“She won’t,” Sues countered. “You can stay with me as long as you want.” 

“I don’t have the power to keep her from doing so, Sues. Please, just… come lie in bed with me, won’t you? It’s been a whole year since we saw each other last.”

“Which is why we should leave!” Sues walked over, gripping Korlet’s hands. Her dark hair looked to be a mane spilling from the neck of a lioness, her stature just as intimidating as when they first met. Korlet couldn’t help but melt a little at their proximity – that aura of strength was just as alluring as four years ago, when a young thief saw the mage’s daughter fetching supplies in the market. 

“… tonight!” Sues was saying, gripping Korlet’s hand tighter. “We’ve done it before. I know you could find us a way out.” 

Korlet blinked. “A way out?” 

Sues sighed. “You weren’t listening.”

“I’m sorry, I got lost in your beauty. It’s been a year, you know.” 

Sues smiled a little. “You’re a tease.”

“A tease?” Korlet laughed and kissed Sues’ knuckles. “My lady, I am a temptress, not a tease.” 

Sues sat down beside her wife, sitting nearly six inches taller than Korlet. The smell of pine fell from her hair, a little too perfumy to be authentic. But it still reminded the thief of the time she stole away with the mage’s daughter in the middle of the night, and found a cottage far outside the city, tucked away against the woods. It smelled of morning, just before dawn, when Korlet would barter and bargain with those on the road, fetch supplies for them and spend the small fortune she had gathered over the years of stealing. She would return to her wife and son, cooking up a meal in the kitchen before Korlet would hurriedly take over to ensure their food wasn’t burnt. If anything, Sues was the tease with how she smirked at Korlet as she leaned against the counter. 

“We can’t stay here,” Sues murmured, returning to the business at hand. “I don’t want Varlis to grow up like this.”

“We won’t forever. She wants us to stay in the city. Maybe I become a fisherman or something.”

Sues laughed. “You?”

“What? Don’t you like the smell of fish?” Korlet kissed Sues’ shoulder. “Doesn’t it just drive you crazy?”

Sues laughed more, playfully pushing Korlet away. “Not at all.”

“Mmm, I’m pretty sure if I came in smelling like fish every day, you’d never be able to keep your hands off me.” Korlet climbed into her wife’s lap and wrapped her legs around the woman’s waist. She reached up and cupped Sues’ face with her hands. “It’s okay. I’d make sure we’d have a durable bed.”

Sues flushed and rolled her eyes, smirking back at her thief. “What did I tell you? A tease.”

“I’ve missed you, Sues.” Korlet ran her thumb along the woman’s cheek, across the beautiful, soft skin, up to the corner of those striking eyes. “So much.”

“I take it you haven’t gotten laid, then.”

“Not unless we were together in my dreams,” Korlet hummed.

“Ah, so you fell victim to a dream siren.” Sues turned and kissed the palm of Korlet’s hand. 

Korlet blinked. “Is… that a thing?”

Sues snickered. “Haven’t you learned more about magic in your travels?”

“Only that I hate it,” she grumbled in response. “I got turned into a fish woman. I couldn’t breathe.”

“Oh? A water-breathing spell? That’s unfortunate.” 

“That’s unfortunate, she says, caring nothing for her poor wife’s terrible adventures without her,” Korlet said, her voice dripping with drama. 

Sues chuckled, the sound warm in her chest. She wrapped her arms around the thief and kissed her brow. “I’ve missed you, too, you know.”

Korlet smiled softly. “I know.”

“We need to leave.”

“We can’t the first night.” Korlet sighed. “That is expected, you know.”

“She knows you’re scared of her, she won’t think you’re that foolish.”

Korlet flushed. “Scared? What–no, no, I’m not…”

Sues smirked and arched a brow. “Mhmm.”

Korlet looked away with a huff. “All I want to do is make out with my wife, and here she is, insisting I’m afraid of her mother.”

“You are afraid of my mother. Most people are.” She kissed Korlet’s jaw, right below the ear. 

Korlet relaxed a little at the affection. “Do you remember when we first met?” 

“Are you testing my memory?” Sues cooed, kissing along Korlet’s jawline. 

Shivers spilled across Korlets back and she closed her eyes. “Mmm. You went to get supplies for your mother. It was one of the few times I got to see you outside the tower.”

“And you thought, my, what a woman,” Sues teased, kissing down Korlet’s neck.

“You joke, but that’s true.” Korlet let out a shaky breath. Such a tease. “And you were speaking with someone in the Ringed City, trying to get them to understand the difference between the two different pieces of cloth you needed, and that no, sheep’s wool wouldn’t do, you specifically needed goat’s fur. I was slipping out of a house from some heist I had pulled.”

“You stole a necklace,” Sues said, kissing the corner of Korlet’s mouth before pulling away with a smile. “It had a blue gem inside. It was beautiful.”

Korlet chuckled. “I’m glad you remember what I stole.”

“You were watching me from an alleyway nearby. I thought for sure some ruffian had gotten into the city, and you were going to try and rob me,” Sues said, continuing the tale. “Nothing ever happened in the Ringed City. So I took a different path home. And you followed me.”

“I didn’t know you were some mage’s daughter,” Korlet added. “I thought you were some beautiful noblewoman and–”

“And you wanted to seduce me.”

Korlet smiled. “Well. I was successful, at least.” 

“Your greatest heist.”

“When you slipped into an alleyway I rushed and went around to cut you off. I pulled out this necklace and said you dropped it. You were staring at me like I was mad.”

“It was pretty clear you stole it,” Sues said, snickering. “You were so insistent, but I could see right through you.”

“You’ve always been pretty perceptive.” Korlet kissed her cheek. “And super into me stealing things for you.”

“It’s cute how much you want to impress me.”

“I stole you some pretty great things. I’ve impressed you by now. That dragon’s blood is pretty neat.” Korlet loosely wrapped her arms around Sues’ neck. “Yoren said you couldn’t pay your rent.”

Sues rolled her eyes. “Couldn’t pay it, or rent suddenly went up.” She sighed. “It’s been hard without you here, you know.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” Sues breathed. “You’ve done what you can.” 

“And I’m back with you. Finally.” Korlet smiled. “Varlis has grown so much in the last year.”

“He talks about you a lot. Yoren hates it, but she’s gentle with him.”

“That’s good.”

“He wants to be a thief like his small mom.”

Korlet flushed and she shoved Sues back. “He didn’t say that!”

Sues laughed. “Honest! He calls you small mom now! And tiny mom, and little mom…”

“You’re such a little liar, Sues,” Korlet pushed her back onto the bed. Sues laughed as she rested against the sheets, her ebony hair flared out around her head. “And what’s he call you, if that’s so true?”

“The cool mom.”

Korlet rolled her eyes. “He calls you a giant tease, is what he does.”

“I remember first seeing you climb up the tower to say hi. What was that? The fourth time you came by? I finally spotted you from the window and was just so surprised someone so small could leap so far.”

“Just because you’re weirdly tall does not make me short,” Korlet insisted. 

“I think that’s exactly what it makes you,” Sues purred. 

Korlet smiled and rested her forehead against her wife’s. “I’ve thought of nothing but you, you know.”

“You got me a lot of gifts, that’s for sure,” Sues said, reflecting Korlet’s smile. 

“You deserve them all.”

“You know I don’t need them. I just wanted you back with me.”

“And I’m here now, my beautiful wife.”

Sues reached up and brushed Korlet’s cheek. “I know.”

Korlet leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Sues’ lips. When she pulled away for a breath, Sues’ eyes were gleaming with unshed tears.

“Sues?” Korlet breathed. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I’m so glad you’re safe,” she whispered. She pulled Korlet against her chest in a tight, warm embrace. “Thanks to the god of thieves for keeping you safe. It must have been so terrifying. I’m so sorry I couldn’t stop her.” 

Korlet nestled her face in the crook of Sues’ shoulder. “It’s okay, Sues,” she murmured. “I’m okay.” 

Korlet rested there as her wife cried, softly as to not wake their son. She kissed Sues’ neck, brushed her tears away, regaled her with the stories of her adventures. Soon, Sues dozed. And with a tired smile, Korlet joined her.

Korlet found herself waking as dawn spilled in through the cracked window. Sues was pressed against her chest, sleeping in her arms. With a smile, Korlet trailed her fingers through her wife’s hair and sleepily listened to the sounds of the city waking around them. The last time she had spent a night in the tower was the first time she and Sues were intimate. Korlet was fairly certain Yoren didn’t know about that. Hopefully. 

    Lips pressed against her jugular and Korlet looked down to see her wife’s tired eyes peering up at her.

    “Good morning,” Korlet whispered, kissing Sues’ brow.

    “I still feel like it’s a dream,” Sues murmured. She reached up and held Korlet’s face in her hands. “Like you might disappear at any moment.” 

    Korlet put a hand atop Sues’. “I’m here, Sues. For real. Shall I make us breakfast?” Korlet paused. “Does Yoren… have a kitchen?” 

    Sues snickered. “Yes, she has one. Whether she’ll let you near a knife is another thing.”

    “I didn’t try to kill her yesterday.”

    “You’ve thought about it, though. That much is clear.” 

    Korlet sighed. “Yeah. I’m sorry, Sues. I know… I know as much as you hate her, you don’t want her dead. But sometimes when it’s dark and I miss you, I… I wished for it.”

    Sues offered a weak smile. “Your secret is safe with me,” she murmured, scooting up to place a kiss on Korlet’s lips. Korlet fell into it, returning the affection. She wished they were in their cabin. She wished they were home.

    “Mom?” 

    Reluctantly, Sues pulled away before sitting up to smile at Varlis. With shaggy black hair and wide eyes, the five year old boy looked oddly enough like a mixture of the two of them. With Korlet’s mischievous hazel eyes, Sues’ ebony mane, the look of a thief turned noble. Varlis scampered onto the bed as Korlet sat up and hugged her tightly. 

    “I missed you,” he whined. “I missed you so much! Momma said grandma made you leave. I told grandma that was very mean.”

    Korlet chuckled and held her son close. “Did you, now? And how’s grandma’s cooking?” 

    “Grandma doesn’t cook. She makes other people cook.” He gasped and looked up at her. “Will you cook today?” 

    “I’ll cook today.” She smiled and kissed his forehead. She glanced over at Sues to see her wife smiling at the two of them. “Will you join us in the kitchen, momma?”

    “You mean lead you so you don’t get lost?” Sues reached over and brushed Korlet’s cheek with her thumb. “What would you do without me?”

    “Get attacked by gnolls, I think,” Korlet hummed. “But that’s just a random example.”

    Sues chuckled and stood, stretching. Korlet couldn’t help it – she stared a little bit. A lot. She stared at her gorgeous wife and felt, once more, that longing for the dark haired woman’s attention. Korlet bundled up her son in her arms and slipped off the bed, carrying Varlis with her. They headed out of the room. Korlet went to head to the door out, but Sues touched her arm. 

    “Mom is strict, but she keeps a kitchen in here so we can eat, Kor. It’s this way, you dork.”

    With red cheeks, Korlet followed Sues into the kitchen space before setting Varlis on the counter. “All right,” she hummed, rolling up her sleeves. “Let’s get something made. How about–”

    The door into the small en-suite opened. Creaking hinges filled the air as Yoren entered, wrapped in her morning dress of blue and gold. She eyed Korlet when she stepped into the kitchen.

    “Ah. You are here. Still.”

    Korlet paused and glanced at Sues. “Yes. I told you I wouldn’t leave through the window.”

    “Mm.”

    They stood in awkward silence a moment, Sues watching Yoren with tight lips.

    “I was, ah, just about to make breakfast–” Korlet began.

    “No need. I have had my staff begin a meal for us.”

    “Small mommy makes the best breakfast,” Varlis said.

    Korlet stifled a groan as she shot a look at Sues. Sues smirked but didn’t meet her eye.

    “That’s very sweet,” Yoren said. “But your small mom is probably tired from her trip.”

    “I’m not, actually,” Korlet said. “Tired. Or small. I always made the meals back home. I’m a decent chef, you know.”

    Yoren looked her over. “You?”

    Korlet sighed. “Yes, me. I’ll make something for all of us, how about? Tell your chefs not to worry about it, and I can make us something here. As a family. Together.”

    Sues and Yoren both stared at her.

    It’s really nice feeling my chances of getting laid later slip through my fingers, Korlet thought bitterly. She forced a smile on her lips anyway.

    “Yep, I can make us food, and we can have a great time talking and not climbing out any windows even if I des–okay, yes.” Korlet turned to find ingredients for a hearty breakfast. She could feel eyes on her back. 

    Oh those chances are just slipping through like a handful of sand, aren’t they? 

    She discovered cheese, a butchered chicken, some fresh berries, and – surprisingly – some honey. She collected what spices were available, salt and pepper being the first and foremost, along with a few sprigs of dried basil and a bottle of red wine. 

    “What are you making, love?” Sues asked, coming up behind Korlet and resting, in clear view of Yoren, a hand on Korlet’s rear. 

    “I call it, ‘Please don’t teleport me away,’” Korlet whispered back.

    Sues kissed beneath her ear. “Mmm. Sounds exciting.”

    Korlet chuckled. “You’re a tease, yet again.”

    Sues smiled. 

    “Ah, Yoren,” Korlet said, turning towards the mage who stood, flipping through a book. “Please, sit anywhere.”

    “It is my tower,” Yoren said. “I don’t need your permission.”

    “She was being polite, mother,” Sues bit back.

    “Is that what it was? Maybe you’ve learned more on your travels than I realized.”

    Cool, this is great, breakfast will be so wonderful and peaceful and I won’t want to throw myself out a window. 

    Korlet took a breath. “Right, well. I’ll get to work. Varlis, can I trust you to be my taste tester?”

    Varlis beamed and nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes! I will taste everything, mom.” 

    Korlet smiled at him. “Good.” She kissed his forehead and got to work. She set about boiling the honey, berries, and wine together in a small pan, stirring it as it thickened. In another pan, she got the chicken dusted with salt, pepper, and basil, sauteeing it all together. As she worked, the smell of raspberries and sauteed meat filled the room, the sounds of oil sizzling and the sauce bubbling rising up to join it. 

    “Do you cook often? I don’t believe I’ve seen you recently do so,” Yoren said. 

    “Oh, I–” Korlet turned to reply, starting when she realized Yoren was standing next to her, watching her work. Korlet gripped the counter, forced a smile on her face, and started again as her heart pounded in her ears. “I haven’t had as much time lately.”

    Yoren smiled. Korlet hated when she did that. “I see. Well. I hope you didn’t lose your skills.”

    “Don’t spook her while she’s cooking,” Sues said, stepping up and taking Yoren’s hand, pulling the woman away. “She’s been on the road. She’s going to be jumpy.”

    “And what? Hit me with a pan? I highly doubt she’d manage that.” Yoren went with Sues, however, and gave Korlet more room. With a thick swallow, Korlet turned herself back to her work.

    Cool. Cool. I need to learn to pay more attention to my surroundings. Fucking scary woman, showing up next to me. Just like at the house. Gods–or Saints–or whoever, help me.

    The meal was completed within half an hour, with Varlis giving it two thumbs-up after tasting everything. Soon Korlet was plating, slicing up a wedge of cheese, setting it on each of the plates, then placing a piece of chicken and drizzling the sauce over top. Sweat beaded at the back of her neck. It was a simple breakfast, but she was fairly certain if she didn’t succeed in every aspect, Yoren would teleport her away for disgracing her taste buds.

    Or maybe Yoren would teleport her away just because she could. Korlet glanced over at Sues, then to her son. Just do good and it’ll be fine and everything will be fine. At least Aldryn and her get along. That fucking sell-out. I use doors. Next time it’s between saving people and using a door, see what I choose. 

    She leaned back and wiped her forehead on her sleeve with a breath. “Ah. All right. Breakfast is ready.”

    “It’s about time,” Yoren mused from her place at the dining table. She set her book aside and lifted her gaze.

    Sues shot her a look, then smiled at Korlet, taking her seat at the furthest possible spot away from Yoren. With the table seating four people, this meant she was at the opposite head. “It smells wonderful, Kor.”

    “Mhmm! And it tastes so yummy!” Varlis jumped off the counter and ran over to Sues, where she lifted him up into her lap. 

    No pressure, no pressure, no pressure. Korlet picked up two plates and gingerly walked across the floor towards them all. She set a plate down in front of Yoren, along with a knife and a fork, then one in front of Sues and Varlis.

    “Enjoy,” she said. She grabbed her plate and a small one for Varlis, then sat down next to her wife. And Yoren. Oh golly do I hate this. 

    Yoren cut into her food and inspected it in the morning light. “Are you certain you cooked this properly?”

    “I’m not trying to kill you, Yoren,” Korlet said, the joke landing flat.

    Yoren eyed her, then the food. “Mm. I’m fairly certain you’ve considered it.” She took a bite.

    “Momma, does tiny mom want to kill grandma?” Varlis whispered loudly. 

    “Only a little bit, sweetheart,” Sues replied, kissing the top of Varlis’ head. “Let’s go ahead and start eating, okay? It’s been a long time since little mom made us breakfast, hm?”

    Korlet huffed. “Little mom,” she mumbled, poking at her cheese. She glanced at Yoren to see the woman taking her first bite. The mage considered it, before swallowing and cutting another. 

    “This is acceptable,” Yoren said. “I’ve had better, certainly, but it will do.”

    Korlet breathed a sigh of relief. Underhanded as it was, it was a compliment, and that meant she could spend the day in peace with her family. Probably. 

    “I am in need of a few supplies today while we are out,” Yoren continued. “So let’s make sure we get an early start after breakfast.”

    Korlet paused. She glanced at Sues, who didn’t look at her, and kept cutting the food up for Varlis to eat. Fuck. I forgot about the family shopping trip. 

    “Yes, ah. Well. Maybe you can get a head start? We can… catch up?” Korlet offered.

    “I doubt that,” Yoren replied. “I think it would be better if we all stayed together.” 

    “Yes, well, I mean. We can stay within the upper city, if that’s what you want.” Korlet sliced into her chicken. “I would just like to spend some time with everyone alone. If possible.”

    “Mm. Alone time. With my daughter.” 

    Korlet glanced at Sues, then to Yoren. She rubbed the back of her neck and cleared her throat. “We, ah. We are married.” 

    Yoren locked eyes with her. 

    “Oh, well, you know, it’s not like it needs to happen like, right now, or anything, but just, ah, sometime, maybe,” Korlet stammered, glancing away. “It’s cool, we’re good, don’t send me anywhere, everything is fine.”

    “Stop threatening her,” Sues hissed, looking over at her mother.

    Oh this won’t go well. 

    “Sues, sweetheart, it’s–” Korlet started.

    “I didn’t threaten her. She was speaking. I looked at her,” Yoren replied.

    “You know what you were doing. Why do you think everyone in this city is so terrified of you?” 

    “Because I am powerful, Sues. Just like you could be if you would’ve trained properly.”

    “I want to be out in the world, mother, with my wife and child. I don’t want to be stuck in another city, under more rules and regulations! I want to be out there, in the country, with her!” She gestured to Korlet. Yoren glanced at the thief, who flashed an uneasy smile. 

    Oh this is going so well. So good. 

    “You wanted to be out in the wild without any skills to survive in that world!” Yoren snapped back. “You wanted to be out there with some thief who doesn’t even have enough awareness to notice when someone is approaching them!”

    Korlet busied herself with her food a moment, listening in case she needed to jump in to defend Sues.

    “We were both learning! We were doing fine! She was able to get people to barter with us, and she helped take care of us. It was a joint thing, mother.”

    “No. It was a her thing. She made you think the country was some great, beautiful place–”

    “How? She grew up in the city!” 

    “All the more reason you shouldn’t have gone with her!” 

    Korlet took a breath. “Both of you,” she said, cutting in. “You’re going to scare Varlis.”

    Varlis, situated on Sues’ lap, chewed on a piece of chicken while he watched with wide, worried eyes. 

    “Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry,” Sues murmured, kissing the top of his head. “It’s okay. I was just talking with grandma.”

    “Okay,” Varlis whimpered.

    “Yoren, I know you want the best for Sues. And Sues, I know you want freedom. But if either of you want to actually better your relationship, then you shouldn’t… you should sit down and talk. And explain how things made you feel. Sues, you were kept in the tower for most of your life. You only got to go out now and then for supplies, and even then, you were on a strict schedule.” She smiled a little. “Remember when I made you late?”

    “She was furious,” Sues said, mimicking the smile.

    “Exactly. You were so restricted, you practically leapt into my arms when I started flirting. Yoren, I never did anything dangerous with Sues. Yes, we jumped off a cliff into the lake, and maybe that was less than ideal. But I checked it first. I wasn’t about to get the love of my life killed in some stupid accident. If you want us to live in the city, then Sues and I can discuss it. Maybe we can get something closer to the water, so Sues doesn’t feel as trapped.”

    “Mm.” Sues took a bite of her food.

    “I know you want me to prove myself to you, Yoren. But know that I have done that with Sues. She’s the one who wanted to leave with me. She’s the one that said yes. For the sake of my comrades, for the sake of proving myself worthy, I think I will go with them on this last heist. And help when another may call upon me. But if I am to do this, I would want to be able to speak with my wife. If there is some way you can allow that to happen, allow for her and I to be able to communicate so I might speak to her at night, speak to my son at night. And if something were dangerous, we could come to you for help. As you would prefer, right? For us to reach out when we are in danger, or wish to come home?” 

    Yoren regarded her, the anger receding as she considered her next words. “Indeed,” she began, drawing the sound out. “But be warned that I am not here to save you when you get in over your head – there is no guarantee that other issues will not have my attention, nor that it will be possible to recall you in time even when that is what I wish. Translocating you across such a vast distance takes a good deal of time and preparation – no less than that of ten minutes, in fact. But should you wish to return to Orlane, if I happen to not be exhausted from my duties as Citymage, then I shall attempt to bring you…” Her face twisted, as if she had tasted something rancid, “Erm, home.” She rose and left the room then, heading back into her own study. Korlet glanced at Sues, an eyebrow raised. 

“Did that go… well?” Korlet whispered.

“I… think so?” Sues muttered.

Yoren returned, an item in her hand. She settled back into her seat and offered it to Korlet. “Take this scroll–” She stopped, brows knitting together. “Wait, you’re literate, correct?” 

    Korlet sighed and reached for the item. Yes, I can read. I wouldn’t have been able to steal–ah, anyway, yes, I understand. I wouldn’t expect you to extend yourself too far to save me. I have honestly never expected that. Thank you, Yoren.”

    “Who taught you to read? You know what, nevermind. Take this scroll, then. Anything you write on it I shall see–but don’t expect me to fetch it with frequency–”

    “Mother, you can’t just give her a scroll and never check it! There is no reason for her to even have it–what if she found something you might need, or–?” Sues cut in with a scowl.

    “Oh my word, fine, Sues,” Yoren hissed. “I shall attempt to check it once a day, then.”

    Korlet offered a small smile and took hold of the scroll. “Thank you. Ah.” She glanced at Sues, then to Yoren. “By chance, can Sues check it in the evenings, as well? I wouldn’t mind sharing messages with her. Nothing bad, I assure you, just… we, ah. Are married.” 

    Sues arched a brow, a light blush dancing across her cheeks. 

    “I’m not in the business of giving ruffians and layabouts access to extra dimensional means of communicating just to send love letters,” Yoren said, her words clipped. Sues shot her mother a glare and opened her mouth to say something, but Yoren continued: “I will allow Sues to see what you write. Just be aware that I will see what you write as well, if that spares the both of us some degree of humiliation on your part.” Her eyes settled on Korlet.

    “Ah, right, of course,” Korlet replied, crimson coloring her cheeks. “Thank you, Yoren. I am… glad we’ve gotten the chance to speak. Thank you for letting me stay in the tower for a time with Sues and Varlis. And for this. I shall keep it safe and reach out if I discover items you may be interested in. And to… send appropriate hellos to my wife.” 

    Sues chuckled and reached over, gripping Korlet’s hand to give it a squeeze. Yoren watched for a moment, then with a sigh, finished her breakfast. After which, she picked up her book, and excused herself. Korlet watched her go and breathed a sigh of relief once she was gone.

    “I’m still here,” she said, smiling to Sues.

    Sues chuckled. “You are. I take it you’re not staying, then?”

    “I don’t want to be teleported forever, Sues. I think if I can do this last thing for her, then… then I can come home. And be with you and Varlis for the rest of my days.” Korlet kissed Sues’ knuckles. “I won’t be leaving you forever, love of my life. Just for a little longer. But not yet. We still have a few days before we leave. And until then, it’s just you, me, and Varlis.” She cupped Varlis’ cheek, swollen with the food he was eating. He beamed up at her. 

    “We could just leave,” Sues whispered.

    Korlet took a long, slow breath, her heart breaking at the sound of Sues’ plea. “Soon, my beautiful wife,” she murmured, reaching over and standing to kiss Sues’ forehead. “Soon. Neither of us can fight your mother. And… and maybe if we can get her to understand, get her to relax, then we can find a place just outside the walls, where you can have more of your freedom, and she can feel like you’re close enough to protect. I’ve collected a lot over my travels recently. When I come back, we will have enough money to buy a safe place wherever you want to go.”

    “Where my mother wants us to go, you mean.” 

    Korlet ached. “I’m sorry, Sues. I’m trying. You know I am.” 

    Sues’ expression softened. She smiled at Korlet and kissed her hand. “I know, my little thief. I know.”

    “Little mom?” Varlis peered up. “Are we moving again?”

    Korlet chuckled. “I hate that you’ve gotten him to call me that.”

    “I had nothing to do with it,” Sues purred.

    “Liar. We aren’t moving quite yet, Varlis. But soon, I think. When I come home again, we’ll find somewhere nice to stay. Okay?” 

    Varlis nodded. “The city is cool, though! And momma is teaching me all sorts of things.”

    “Is she, now?” 

    “Mhmm! I’m learning how to read!” 

    “He’s pretty good at it,” Sues said. “Better than you, I think, little thief.” 

    Korlet smiled at her. “Thank you for taking care of our boy, Sues.”

    “Of course.” She leaned forward and placed a kiss on Korlet’s lips. “We’d best get ready for the day with mother. I suspect it might be a long one.”

    “You’ll be with me, though. And Varlis can ride on my back. That’s all I’ll need to get through the day.”

    “And the promise of tonight has nothing to do with it.” Sues held Varlis close as she stood, picking up their empty plates with her free hand and heading into the kitchen. Korlet blinked as she watched the two go.

    “The uh, the promise of…? What’s happening tonight?” 

    “A magical secret, I’d like to think,” Sues chimed, smiling as she looked over her shoulder. She lifted a suggestive brow and took her time letting her eyes scan across the thief’s body. “You smell quite nice, you know.”

    Korlet’s face turned red. “I’m… glad,” she replied. Fuck. That was so lame. 

    Sues laughed. “Go get ready, little thief. I’m sure there are some clothes tucked away for you in my room that’ll look quite nice.”

    Korlet smiled. “You made clothes for me?”

    “I’ve made a lot for you. I have your measurements, you know. All of them.”

    “You’re being a tease.” 

    Sues adjusted her hold on Varlis and smirked. “I am being nothing of the sort. Get dressed.”

    Korlet straightened and dusted herself off. “I will. I love you, Sues.”

    Sues’ smirk turned tender. “I love you too, Korlet.”