By Lauren Hemphill<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Backstory: After eloping together and vanishing for nearly two years, Sues\u2019 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 \u201cstealing\u201d 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\u2019s mage tower with her family after some dicey negotiations.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe\u2019s asleep,\u201d Sues said, lingering by the window. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t have to be for long. I know you can slip through.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Korlet sat perched at the end of the bed, watching her wife. The distant lanterns across the city lit Sues\u2019 silhouette, illuminating the dark cloth that wrapped the woman in what was undeniably thief\u2019s clothing. Korlet would know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI promised I wouldn\u2019t,\u201d Korlet said, offering a small smile. \u201cI don\u2019t want to be sent off somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe won\u2019t,\u201d Sues countered. \u201cYou can stay with me as long as you want.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have the power to keep her from doing so, Sues. Please, just\u2026 come lie in bed with me, won\u2019t you? It\u2019s been a whole year since we saw each other last.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhich is why we should leave!\u201d Sues walked over, gripping Korlet\u2019s 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\u2019t 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\u2019s daughter fetching supplies in the market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c… tonight!<\/em>\u201d Sues was saying, gripping Korlet\u2019s hand tighter. \u201cWe\u2019ve done it before. I know you could find us a way out.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet blinked. \u201cA way out?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues sighed. \u201cYou weren\u2019t listening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I got lost in your beauty. It\u2019s been a year, you know.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues smiled a little. \u201cYou\u2019re a tease.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA tease?\u201d Korlet laughed and kissed Sues\u2019 knuckles. \u201cMy lady, I am a temptress<\/em>, not a tease.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019t burnt. If anything, Sues was the tease with how she smirked at Korlet as she leaned against the counter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe can\u2019t stay here,\u201d Sues murmured, returning to the business at hand. \u201cI don\u2019t want Varlis to grow up like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe won\u2019t forever. She wants us to stay in the city. Maybe I become a fisherman or something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues laughed. \u201cYou?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat? Don\u2019t you like the smell of fish?\u201d Korlet kissed Sues\u2019 shoulder. \u201cDoesn\u2019t it just drive you crazy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues laughed more, playfully pushing Korlet away. \u201cNot at all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMmm, I\u2019m pretty sure if I came in smelling like fish every day, you\u2019d never be able to keep your hands off me.\u201d Korlet climbed into her wife\u2019s lap and wrapped her legs around the woman\u2019s waist. She reached up and cupped Sues\u2019 face with her hands. \u201cIt\u2019s okay. I\u2019d make sure we\u2019d have a durable bed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues flushed and rolled her eyes, smirking back at her thief. \u201cWhat did I tell you? A tease.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ve missed you, Sues.\u201d Korlet ran her thumb along the woman\u2019s cheek, across the beautiful, soft skin, up to the corner of those striking eyes. \u201cSo much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI take it you haven\u2019t gotten laid, then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot unless we were together in my dreams,\u201d Korlet hummed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAh, so you fell victim to a dream siren.\u201d Sues turned and kissed the palm of Korlet\u2019s hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet blinked. \u201cIs\u2026 that a thing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues snickered. \u201cHaven\u2019t you learned more about magic in your travels?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOnly that I hate it,\u201d she grumbled in response. \u201cI got turned into a fish woman. I couldn\u2019t breathe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh? A water-breathing spell? That\u2019s unfortunate.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s unfortunate, she says, caring nothing for her poor wife\u2019s terrible adventures without her,\u201d Korlet said, her voice dripping with drama. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues chuckled, the sound warm in her chest. She wrapped her arms around the thief and kissed her brow. \u201cI\u2019ve missed you, too, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet smiled softly. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe need to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe can\u2019t the first night.\u201d Korlet sighed. \u201cThat is expected, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe knows you\u2019re scared of her, she won\u2019t think you\u2019re that foolish.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet flushed. \u201cScared? What–no, no, I\u2019m not\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues smirked and arched a brow. \u201cMhmm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet looked away with a huff. \u201cAll I want to do is make out with my wife, and here she is, insisting I\u2019m afraid of her mother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou are <\/em>afraid of my mother. Most people are.\u201d She kissed Korlet\u2019s jaw, right below the ear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet relaxed a little at the affection. \u201cDo you remember when we first met?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAre you testing my memory?\u201d Sues cooed, kissing along Korlet\u2019s jawline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Shivers spilled across Korlets back and she closed her eyes. \u201cMmm. You went to get supplies for your mother. It was one of the few times I got to see you outside the tower.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd you thought, my, what a woman,\u201d Sues teased, kissing down Korlet\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou joke, but that\u2019s true.\u201d Korlet let out a shaky breath. Such a tease. <\/em>\u201cAnd 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\u2019s wool wouldn\u2019t do, you specifically needed goat\u2019s <\/em>fur. I was slipping out of a house from some heist I had pulled.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou stole a necklace,\u201d Sues said, kissing the corner of Korlet\u2019s mouth before pulling away with a smile. \u201cIt had a blue gem inside. It was beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet chuckled. \u201cI\u2019m glad you remember what I stole.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou 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,\u201d Sues said, continuing the tale. \u201cNothing ever happened in the Ringed City. So I took a different path home. And you followed me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know you were some mage\u2019s daughter,\u201d Korlet added. \u201cI thought you were some beautiful noblewoman and–\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd you wanted to seduce me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet smiled. \u201cWell. I was successful, at least.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYour greatest heist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was pretty clear you stole it,\u201d Sues said, snickering. \u201cYou were so insistent, but I could see right through you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019ve always been pretty perceptive.\u201d Korlet kissed her cheek. \u201cAnd super <\/em>into me stealing things for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s cute how much you want to impress me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI stole you some pretty great things. I\u2019ve impressed you by now. That dragon\u2019s blood is pretty neat.\u201d Korlet loosely wrapped her arms around Sues\u2019 neck. \u201cYoren said you couldn\u2019t pay your rent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues rolled her eyes. \u201cCouldn\u2019t pay it, or rent suddenly went up.\u201d She sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s been hard without you here, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI know. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault,\u201d Sues breathed. \u201cYou\u2019ve done what you can.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd I\u2019m back with you. Finally.\u201d Korlet smiled. \u201cVarlis has grown so much in the last year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe talks about you a lot. Yoren hates it, but she\u2019s gentle with him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe wants to be a thief like his small mom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet flushed and she shoved Sues back. \u201cHe didn\u2019t say that!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues laughed. \u201cHonest! He calls you small mom now! And tiny mom, and little mom…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re such a little liar, Sues,\u201d Korlet pushed her back onto the bed. Sues laughed as she rested against the sheets, her ebony hair flared out around her head. \u201cAnd what\u2019s he call you, if that\u2019s so true?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe cool mom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet rolled her eyes. \u201cHe calls you a giant tease, is what he does.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI 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 <\/em>surprised someone so small could leap so far.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJust because you\u2019re weirdly tall does not make me short,\u201d Korlet insisted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI think that\u2019s exactly what it makes you,\u201d Sues purred. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet smiled and rested her forehead against her wife\u2019s. \u201cI\u2019ve thought of nothing but you, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou got me a lot of gifts, that\u2019s for sure,\u201d Sues said, reflecting Korlet\u2019s smile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou deserve them all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou know I don\u2019t need them. I just wanted you back with me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd I\u2019m here now, my beautiful wife.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues reached up and brushed Korlet\u2019s cheek. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Sues\u2019 lips. When she pulled away for a breath, Sues\u2019 eyes were gleaming with unshed tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSues?\u201d Korlet breathed. \u201cWhat is it? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m so glad you\u2019re safe,\u201d she whispered. She pulled Korlet against her chest in a tight, warm embrace. \u201cThanks to the god of thieves for keeping you safe. It must have been so terrifying. I\u2019m so sorry I couldn\u2019t stop her.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet nestled her face in the crook of Sues\u2019 shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Sues,\u201d she murmured. \u201cI\u2019m okay.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet rested there as her wife cried, softly as to not wake their son. She kissed Sues\u2019 neck, brushed her tears away, regaled her with the stories of her adventures. Soon, Sues dozed. And with a tired smile, Korlet joined her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019t know about that. Hopefully.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lips pressed against her jugular and Korlet looked down to see her wife\u2019s tired eyes peering up at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood morning,\u201d Korlet whispered, kissing Sues\u2019 brow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI still feel like it\u2019s a dream,\u201d Sues murmured. She reached up and held Korlet\u2019s face in her hands. \u201cLike you might disappear at any moment.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet put a hand atop Sues\u2019. \u201cI\u2019m here, Sues. For real. Shall I make us breakfast?\u201d Korlet paused. \u201cDoes Yoren\u2026 have <\/em>a kitchen?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues snickered. \u201cYes, she has one. Whether she\u2019ll let you near a knife is another thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI didn\u2019t try to kill her yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019ve thought about it, though. That much is clear.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet sighed. \u201cYeah. I\u2019m sorry, Sues. I know\u2026 I know as much as you hate her, you don\u2019t want her dead. But sometimes when it\u2019s dark and I miss you, I\u2026 I wished for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues offered a weak smile. \u201cYour secret is safe with me,\u201d she murmured, scooting up to place a kiss on Korlet\u2019s lips. Korlet fell into it, returning the affection. She wished they were in their cabin. She wished they were home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMom?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s mischievous hazel eyes, Sues\u2019 ebony mane, the look of a thief turned noble. Varlis scampered onto the bed as Korlet sat up and hugged her tightly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI missed you,\u201d he whined. \u201cI missed you so much! Momma said grandma made you leave. I told grandma that was very mean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet chuckled and held her son close. \u201cDid you, now? And how\u2019s grandma\u2019s cooking?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGrandma doesn\u2019t cook. She makes other people cook.\u201d He gasped and looked up at her. \u201cWill you cook today?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ll cook today.\u201d She smiled and kissed his forehead. She glanced over at Sues to see her wife smiling at the two of them. \u201cWill you join us in the kitchen, momma?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou mean lead you so you don\u2019t get lost?\u201d Sues reached over and brushed Korlet\u2019s cheek with her thumb. \u201cWhat would you do without me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGet attacked by gnolls, I think,\u201d Korlet hummed. \u201cBut that\u2019s just a random example.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues chuckled and stood, stretching. Korlet couldn\u2019t 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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMom is strict, but she keeps a kitchen in here so we can eat, Kor. It\u2019s this way, you dork.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n With red cheeks, Korlet followed Sues into the kitchen space before setting Varlis on the counter. \u201cAll right,\u201d she hummed, rolling up her sleeves. \u201cLet\u2019s get something made. How about–\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAh. You are here. Still.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet paused and glanced at Sues. \u201cYes. I told you I wouldn\u2019t leave through the window.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMm.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They stood in awkward silence a moment, Sues watching Yoren with tight lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI was, ah, just about to make breakfast–\u201d Korlet began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo need. I have had my staff begin a meal for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSmall mommy makes the best breakfast,\u201d Varlis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet stifled a groan as she shot a look at Sues. Sues smirked but didn\u2019t meet her eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s very sweet,\u201d Yoren said. \u201cBut your small <\/em>mom is probably tired from her trip.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not, actually,\u201d Korlet said. \u201cTired. Or small. I always made the meals back home. I\u2019m a decent chef, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yoren looked her over. \u201cYou?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet sighed. \u201cYes, me. I\u2019ll 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.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues and Yoren both stared at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s really nice feeling my chances of getting laid later slip through my fingers, <\/em>Korlet thought bitterly. She forced a smile on her lips anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYep, 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.\u201d Korlet turned to find ingredients for a hearty breakfast. She could feel eyes on her back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh those chances are just slipping through like a handful of sand, aren\u2019t they? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat are you making, love?\u201d Sues asked, coming up behind Korlet and resting, in clear view of Yoren, a hand on Korlet\u2019s rear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI call it, \u2018Please don\u2019t teleport me away,\u2019\u201d Korlet whispered back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues kissed beneath her ear. \u201cMmm. Sounds exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet chuckled. \u201cYou\u2019re a tease, yet again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues smiled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAh, Yoren,\u201d Korlet said, turning towards the mage who stood, flipping through a book. \u201cPlease, sit anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is my tower,\u201d Yoren said. \u201cI don\u2019t need your permission.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe was being polite, mother,\u201d Sues bit back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIs that what it was? Maybe you\u2019ve learned more on your travels than I realized.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cool, this is great, breakfast will be so wonderful and peaceful and I won\u2019t want to throw myself out a window. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet took a breath. \u201cRight, well. I\u2019ll get to work. Varlis, can I trust you to be my taste tester?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varlis beamed and nodded eagerly. \u201cYes, yes! I will taste everything, mom.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet smiled at him. \u201cGood.\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo you cook often? I don\u2019t believe I\u2019ve seen you recently do so,\u201d Yoren said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, I–\u201d 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. \u201cI haven\u2019t had as much time lately.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yoren smiled. Korlet hated when she did that. \u201cI see. Well. I hope you didn\u2019t lose your skills.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t spook her while she\u2019s cooking,\u201d Sues said, stepping up and taking Yoren\u2019s hand, pulling the woman away. \u201cShe\u2019s been on the road. She\u2019s going to be jumpy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd what? Hit me with a pan? I highly doubt she\u2019d manage that.\u201d Yoren went with Sues, however, and gave Korlet more room. With a thick swallow, Korlet turned herself back to her work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t succeed in every aspect, Yoren would teleport her away for disgracing her taste buds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll be fine and everything will be fine. At least Aldryn and her get along. That fucking sell-out. I use doors. Next time it\u2019s between saving people and using a door, see what I choose. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n She leaned back and wiped her forehead on her sleeve with a breath. \u201cAh. All right. Breakfast is ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s about time,\u201d Yoren mused from her place at the dining table. She set her book aside and lifted her gaze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. \u201cIt smells wonderful, Kor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMhmm! And it tastes so yummy!\u201d Varlis jumped off the counter and ran over to Sues, where she lifted him up into her lap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n No pressure, no pressure, no pressure. <\/em>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEnjoy,\u201d 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. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yoren cut into her food and inspected it in the morning light. \u201cAre you certain you cooked this properly?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not trying to kill you, Yoren,\u201d Korlet said, the joke landing flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yoren eyed her, then the food. \u201cMm. I\u2019m fairly certain you\u2019ve considered it.\u201d She took a bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMomma, does tiny mom want to kill grandma?\u201d Varlis whispered loudly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOnly a little bit, sweetheart,\u201d Sues replied, kissing the top of Varlis\u2019 head. \u201cLet\u2019s go ahead and start eating, okay? It\u2019s been a long time since little mom made us breakfast, hm?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet huffed. \u201cLittle mom,\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is acceptable,\u201d Yoren said. \u201cI\u2019ve had better, certainly, but it will do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am in need of a few supplies today while we are out,\u201d Yoren continued. \u201cSo let\u2019s make sure we get an early start after breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet paused. She glanced at Sues, who didn\u2019t look at her, and kept cutting the food up for Varlis to eat. Fuck. I forgot about the family shopping trip. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, ah. Well. Maybe you can get a head start? We can\u2026 catch up?\u201d Korlet offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI doubt that,\u201d Yoren replied. \u201cI think it would be better if we all stayed together.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, well, I mean. We can stay within the upper city, if that\u2019s what you want.\u201d Korlet sliced into her chicken. \u201cI would just like to spend some time with everyone alone. If possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMm. Alone time. With my daughter.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet glanced at Sues, then to Yoren. She rubbed the back of her neck and cleared her throat. \u201cWe, ah. We are <\/em>married.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yoren locked eyes with her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, well, you know, it\u2019s not like it needs to happen like, right now, or anything, but just, ah, sometime, maybe,\u201d Korlet stammered, glancing away. \u201cIt\u2019s cool, we\u2019re good, don\u2019t send me anywhere, everything is fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cStop threatening her,\u201d Sues hissed, looking over at her mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh this won\u2019t go well. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSues, sweetheart, it\u2019s–\u201d Korlet started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI didn\u2019t threaten her. She was speaking. I looked at her,\u201d Yoren replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou know what you were doing. Why do you think everyone in this city is so terrified of you?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBecause I am powerful, Sues. Just like you could be if you would\u2019ve trained properly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI want to be out in the world, mother, with my wife <\/em>and child. <\/em>I don\u2019t want to be stuck in another city, under more rules and regulations! I want to be out there, in the country, with her!\u201d She gestured to Korlet. Yoren glanced at the thief, who flashed an uneasy smile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh this is going so well. So good. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou wanted to be out in the wild without any skills <\/em>to survive in that world!\u201d Yoren snapped back. \u201cYou wanted to be out there with some thief who doesn\u2019t even have enough awareness to notice when someone is approaching them!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet busied herself with her food a moment, listening in case she needed to jump in to defend Sues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe 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 <\/em>thing, mother.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo. It was a her <\/em>thing. She made you think the country was some great, beautiful place–\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow? She grew up in the city!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll the more reason you shouldn\u2019t <\/em>have gone with her!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet took a breath. \u201cBoth of you,\u201d she said, cutting in. \u201cYou\u2019re going to scare Varlis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Varlis, situated on Sues\u2019 lap, chewed on a piece of chicken while he watched with wide, worried eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, sweetie, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Sues murmured, kissing the top of his head. \u201cIt\u2019s okay. I was just talking with grandma.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOkay,\u201d Varlis whimpered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYoren, I know you want the best for Sues. And Sues, I know you want freedom. But if either of you want to actually <\/em>better your relationship, then you shouldn\u2019t\u2026 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.\u201d She smiled a little. \u201cRemember when I made you late?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe was furious,\u201d Sues said, mimicking the smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cExactly. 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\u2019t 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\u2019t feel as trapped.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMm.\u201d Sues took a bite of her food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI know you want me to prove myself to you, Yoren. But know that I have <\/em>done that with Sues. She\u2019s the one who wanted to leave with me. She\u2019s 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?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yoren regarded her, the anger receding as she considered her next words. \u201cIndeed,\u201d she began, drawing the sound out. \u201cBut 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\u2026\u201d Her face twisted, as if she had tasted something rancid, \u201cErm, home.<\/em>\u201d She rose and left the room then, heading back into her own study. Korlet glanced at Sues, an eyebrow raised. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c<\/em>Did that go\u2026 well?\u201d Korlet whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2026 think so?\u201d Sues muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yoren returned, an item in her hand. She settled back into her seat and offered it to Korlet. \u201cTake this scroll–\u201d She stopped, brows knitting together. \u201cWait, you\u2019re literate, correct?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet sighed and reached for the item. Yes, I can read. I wouldn\u2019t have been able to steal–ah, anyway, yes, I understand. I wouldn\u2019t expect you to extend yourself too far to save me. I have honestly never expected that. Thank you, Yoren.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho taught you to read? You know what, nevermind. Take this scroll, then. Anything you write on it I shall see–but don\u2019t expect me to fetch it with frequency–\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMother, you can\u2019t 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–?\u201d Sues cut in with a scowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh my word<\/em>, fine, Sues,\u201d Yoren hissed. \u201cI shall attempt to check it once a day, then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet offered a small smile and took hold of the scroll. \u201cThank you. Ah.\u201d She glanced at Sues, then to Yoren. \u201cBy chance, can Sues check it in the evenings, as well? I wouldn\u2019t mind sharing messages with her. Nothing bad, I assure you, just\u2026 we, ah. Are married.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues arched a brow, a light blush dancing across her cheeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not in the business of giving ruffians and layabouts access to extra dimensional means of communicating just to send love letters,\u201d Yoren said, her words clipped. Sues shot her mother a glare and opened her mouth to say something, but Yoren continued: \u201cI will allow Sues to see what you write. Just be aware that I <\/em>will see what you write as well, if that spares the both of us some degree of humiliation on your part.\u201d Her eyes settled on Korlet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAh, right, of course,\u201d Korlet replied, crimson coloring her cheeks. \u201cThank you, Yoren. I am\u2026 glad we\u2019ve 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\u2026 send appropriate hellos to my wife.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues chuckled and reached over, gripping Korlet\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m still here,\u201d she said, smiling to Sues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues chuckled. \u201cYou are. I take it you\u2019re not staying, then?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to be teleported forever, Sues. I think if I can do this last thing for her, then\u2026 then I can come home. And be with you and Varlis for the rest of my days.\u201d Korlet kissed Sues\u2019 knuckles. \u201cI won\u2019t 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\u2019s just you, me, and Varlis.\u201d She cupped Varlis\u2019 cheek, swollen with the food he was eating. He beamed up at her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe could just leave,\u201d Sues whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet took a long, slow breath, her heart breaking at the sound of Sues\u2019 plea. \u201cSoon, my beautiful wife,\u201d she murmured, reaching over and standing to kiss Sues\u2019 forehead. \u201cSoon. Neither of us can fight your mother. And\u2026 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\u2019re close enough to protect. I\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhere my mother wants us to go, you mean.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet ached. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Sues. I\u2019m trying. You know I am.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues\u2019 expression softened. She smiled at Korlet and kissed her hand. \u201cI know, my little thief. I know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLittle mom?\u201d Varlis peered up. \u201cAre we moving again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet chuckled. \u201cI hate that you\u2019ve gotten him to call me that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI had nothing to do with it,\u201d Sues purred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLiar. We aren\u2019t moving quite yet, Varlis. But soon, I think. When I come home again, we\u2019ll find somewhere nice to stay. Okay?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Varlis nodded. \u201cThe city is cool, though! And momma is teaching me all sorts of things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIs she, now?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMhmm! I\u2019m learning how to read!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019s pretty good at it,\u201d Sues said. \u201cBetter than you, I think, little thief.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet smiled at her. \u201cThank you for taking care of our boy, Sues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOf course.\u201d She leaned forward and placed a kiss on Korlet\u2019s lips. \u201cWe\u2019d best get ready for the day with mother. I suspect it might be a long one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019ll be with me, though. And Varlis can ride on my back. That\u2019s all I\u2019ll need to get through the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd the promise of tonight has nothing to do with it.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe uh, the promise of\u2026? What\u2019s happening tonight?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA magical secret, I\u2019d like to think,\u201d 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\u2019s body. \u201cYou smell quite nice, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet\u2019s face turned red. \u201cI\u2019m\u2026 glad,\u201d she replied. Fuck. That was so lame. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues laughed. \u201cGo get ready, little thief. I\u2019m sure there are some clothes tucked away for you in my room that\u2019ll look quite nice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet smiled. \u201cYou made clothes for me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ve made a lot for you. I have your measurements, you know. All <\/em>of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re being a tease.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues adjusted her hold on Varlis and smirked. \u201cI am being nothing of the sort. Get dressed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Korlet straightened and dusted herself off. \u201cI will. I love you, Sues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sues\u2019 smirk turned tender. \u201cI love you too, Korlet.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Korlet has returned after a year away to find time with her wife and son.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1824,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":[]},"categories":[5],"tags":[617,618,616,636,635,637,613,614,12,638,639,615],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/SuesXKorlet-1.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p27tjX-to","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/welcome-to-winter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1822"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/welcome-to-winter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/welcome-to-winter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/welcome-to-winter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/welcome-to-winter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1822"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/welcome-to-winter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1822\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1826,"href":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/welcome-to-winter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1822\/revisions\/1826"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/welcome-to-winter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1824"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/welcome-to-winter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/welcome-to-winter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/winter-publishing.com\/welcome-to-winter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}