Part 3
Kaya woke with a groan, blinking her eyes slowly open. She recognized the ceiling above her. The light blue hue of the aquarium. She was in her room. Her body ached as she tried to move her limbs. Okay, that wasn’t going to work. She rolled her head to the side and was met with the familiar hair of a certain detective. Neve was resting her head on her forearms, sleeping on the edge of the bed. The angle couldn’t be good for her back. Though, Kaya liked the angle. The blue of the room contrasted nicely with the woman’s dark skin. Were those freckles? She hadn’t noticed those before. Kaya moved her hand to poke Neve’s nose and fought back a giggle at the way the woman’s face scrunched. She did it again and Neve swatted her hand away. The detective’s eyes opened, and Kaya gave her a weak smile.
“H-hi,” Kaya stammered. Her throat was dry. Neve sat up and looked down at her in relief.
“You’re up.”
“I am,” Kaya nodded. Neve grabbed a cup and carefully tilted it to help her drink. It was only a few sips, but it felt amazing. When Neve pulled away, Kaya let her head fall back on the pillows. “How long was I asleep?”
“Considering time doesn’t pass here? About a day.”
“How bad is it?”
“Five large punctures from horns and a gash to your head. Emmrich and I healed your internal wounds. You’ll be sore from that and from the stitches you have,” Neve answered. Kaya sighed and stared at the ceiling. This would take a while for her to heal. She could feel how weak her body was. “What were you thinking?”
“When I pushed Bellara out of the way?”
“Yes.”
“I was thinking that I wasn’t going to let her get hurt. Contrary to what others think, I don’t like putting my friends at risk.”
“Even at the risk of dying?”
Kaya paused at that. She really didn’t care if she died. Especially if it meant protecting those closest to her. “I guess not.”
“You are infuriating.”
“So I’ve been told…have you been sitting there this entire time?” Kaya asked. Neve didn’t respond and she lifted her head slightly, seeing the slight blush on her cheeks. Huh. Neve Gallus could be embarrassed. “I guess I’m stuck in bed for a bit?”
“Yes. Once we’re sure you won’t tear your stitches you’ll be free to move.”
“That’ll take forever!” Kaya groaned. Neve chuckled and they sat in silence for a bit. Kaya wondered what she was thinking. Her face was angled away from her, but she could tell that she was contemplating something. There was that crinkle that came when she thought too hard. She was surprised that Neve was the one that was beside her when she woke. Neve was actually the last one she thought would be sitting beside her. Even after snapping at her, she was here. The woman cared even after the way Kaya had been avoiding her. “Neve?”
“Hmm?”
“I…I’m sorry.”
“What?” Neve questioned, turning to look at her.
“For Minrathous and for snapping at you. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. It was all just too much,” Kaya explained. She clenched her hands and kept her gaze steady with Neve’s brown ones. “I’m sorry for Minrathous too. I should’ve chosen to protect the city.”
Neve shook her head and placed her hand on her own. “No. Rook, you do—”
“Rook! You’re awake!” Bellara exclaimed. Neve quickly retracted her hand and Kaya missed the warmth. The taller elf looked down at her in concern. “How’re you feeling?”
“Sore,” Kaya answered. Bellara nodded and Neve stood from her chair.
“I’ll leave her to you, Bel.”
“Alright. Get some rest!” Bellara ordered. Neve waved in answer and Kaya sighed. Guess it was too much thinking Neve would stay longer. Bellara brought a healing potion to her lips and carefully helped her drink the green liquid. It tasted nasty like always. “Emmrich said you should drink a healing potion twice a day. That should speed up your healing.”
“How long did he say I’d be out?”
“Two weeks? He said it depends on a few things.”
“Like?”
“Well, you got hit by a demon that uses poison.”
“Ah…right,” Kaya murmured. Bellara took a seat beside her and fiddled with her notebook.
“The Archive didn’t help me figure out how Cyrian was alive. It told me more about Anaris, but that’s it. Irelin said the mask he was wearing could be controlling him,” Bellara explained. Kaya hummed, thinking about what this meant. Poor Bellara. Seeing her brother again should’ve been a celebration. But Cyrian was turning elves into demons. Cyrian was dangerous but Kaya wasn’t sure they could stop him. Bellara couldn’t strike him down. Kaya knew she couldn’t if she was in her place. “You know, Neve hasn’t left your side since Taash and I brought you back.”
“I’m surprised she did. We’ve been fighting quite a bit.”
“We all fight with those we care about. It comes from a good spot. She cares about you in her own, weird way,” Bellara spoke. She gestured to Kaya’s torso with a sad smile. “What do you remember?”
“Just getting hit and being thrown out a window.”
“When Taash and I brought you back, Lace and them had to hold you down. Emmrich kept trying to convince you that you needed healing, but you kept fighting him. I hoped Neve could calm you down so I ran to get her…she did calm you down eventually.”
Kaya remembered warmth on her cheeks. Cradling them and forcing her to look into an ocean of brown eyes. An ocean of emotions. One was prominent. Pleading. “She told me she wouldn’t let anything happen to me.”
“She did,” Bellara nodded. She looked to the aquarium with a sigh. “She really likes you, but she doesn’t know how to talk to you about it.”
Kaya wondered if Bellara was just saying that or if she was telling the truth. Did Neve actually like her? That seemed improbable. There was no chance someone as amazing as Neve liked a disaster like herself. She didn’t want to think about it anymore. “Sooo, I’m going to be stuck here for a while. Mind reading me a bit of your story?”
“I-are you sure?”
“Yeah. If I fall asleep, just smack me.”
“I am not going to smack you. If you fall asleep, you likely needed it.”
“Regardless, I’d like to hear it. Even if you have to repeat chapters to me,” Kaya smiled. Bellara returned her smile and opened her journal, starting to recite what she wrote. Kaya relaxed into the pillows and let herself relax. She couldn’t get caught up in her own thoughts. They would drown her. Listening to Bellara was a much better option.
Point of View Change, Neve
Neve looked over her notes for what felt like the hundredth time. She needed to find Aelia. If the woman was left to wreak havoc, Minrathous would crumble. It was hard focusing on her note when her mind kept wandering to Kaya. She hadn’t gone to see the elf in a few days now. It was hard looking at her. Hard thinking of the right things to say. All she seemed to do was hurt her. The wisps around her flew close to her ear, making her swat at them.
“Hey now, I’m busy,” Neve chastised. The wisps circled around her in an erratic manner, making her frown. She stood and placed her quill down. “What is bothering you?”
The wisps flew to the door and Neve quickly followed them. The others were out for the day. Lucanis, Emmrich, and Davrin were in Treviso. Taash, Lace, and Bellara were in Rivain. They had just left, and Neve was in charge of Kaya. She was supposed to be heading there in a bit, but she wanted to finish some of her notes. The wisps seemed agitated. They led her to the Lighthouse and up the stairs to Kaya’s room. Neve pushed the door open and hurried to Kaya’s side as the wisps swirled around her.
“Rook?” Neve questioned. Kaya’s face was scrunched in discomfort and there was a sheen of sweat on her brow. She placed her hand on her forehead, feeling the heat there. “Manfred! I need that antidote!”
The wisps flew to find the skeleton and Neve cupped Kaya’s face. Her eyes blinked open, but they weren’t focused. They were clouded.
“I-I killed you,” Kaya stammered. Neve frowned and tears fell from Kaya’s eyes. “Kai…”
Oh, Kaya. Neve ran her thumbs across her cheeks, hoping to soothe her. “Rook, it’s not your fault.”
“You’re dead. Lorelei is dead,” Kaya spoke. The door opened behind her, and she turned, seeing Manfred running to her side. She took the bottle and uncorked it, bringing it to Kaya’s lips.
“Drink,” Neve instructed. Kaya barely did and only a sip of it went down before she pulled away, coughing as she did. Neve tried to keep her from tearing her stitches, resulting in a whimper to fall from her lips. “I know, I know. It tastes awful. But you have to drink.”
“I failed the Wardens…Minrathous, my own city,” Kaya cried. Neve nodded and helped her drink a bit more of the antidote. She was still haunted by those deaths. Haunted by failing. Neve didn’t think she failed. She thought she did the best she could. Kaya reached up and Neve stilled as her fingers touched the scar above her eyebrow. The one that she received from helping her at the ritual.
“I-I let you get hurt.”
“It was my choice following you,” Neve argued, helping Kaya drink the rest of the antidote. When it was gone, she handed it back to Manfred. “Get us some water and something plain for her to eat.”
Manfred hissed and hurried from the room. The wisps floated around them and Neve smiled up at them.
“Thank you, for getting me,” Neve thanked. The wisps glittered then floated out of the room. She was glad they were around. She wouldn’t have come to check on Kaya. Neve looked down at Kaya’s bandages, seeing that there was a bit of blood soaking through. She must’ve popped a stitch. “Hold on. I’ll fix that up.”
As she got up to leave, Kaya’s hand shot out, grabbing her wrist. Her gold eyes were full of panic and there was a lack of a fog there. She was regaining some of her senses. “I-don’t leave.”
“I’ll be right back.”
“Neve, please?” Kaya pleaded. Neve sighed and took a seat on the chair. How could she say no to that face. She held Kaya’s hand as she shook. “I-I’m sorry.”
“It’d be great if you could stop apologizing. You don’t need to.”
“But—”
“Rook, you have nothing to apologize for,” Neve firmly stated. Kaya’s eyes widened and Neve cupped her face, running her thumb across her cheek. “You chose Treviso because it was weaker. You knew that it would fall apart if you left it to the dragon. You chose to try and convince Kai to run because you cared for him. You tried to get to Lorelei in time, even when you didn’t know where she was. You did everything you could. You think everyone should be mad at you and hate you for the decisions you made…myself included.”
“You—”
“I am not mad at you,” Neve interjected. She gave Kaya a sad smile. “I forgive you, Kaya Mercar.”
Kaya’s tears fell harder and Neve went against every instinct to stay distant with the elf. She quickly undid her prosthetic and crawled onto the bed to gather the smaller woman in her arms. Kaya’s arms wrapped around her and she ran her fingers through her tangled hair.
“I’m sorry for pushing you away. I won’t do that again,” Neve murmured. She felt Kaya cry harder and her heart ached. She shouldn’t have pushed her away for so long.
Neve held Kaya for what felt like hours. When her crying finally subsided, Kaya just silently clung to her. She kept a steady grip on her, never loosening. She was worried that if she did, Kaya would fall apart again.
“You should drink some water and another antidote.”
“That tastes awful.”
“Yes, but it’ll stop you from hallucinating again.”
“…fine,” Kaya relented. Neve grabbed the bottle that Manfred placed beside them. He was sitting outside the door and would alert them when the others returned. “Thank you. For staying with me.”
“You don’t have to thank me for that,” Neve assured. She handed Kaya the bottle and the elf quickly drank it. “You’d have done the same for me or any of the others.”
Kaya scrunched her nose at the taste of the antidote, finishing it in record time. “Maybe…but I wouldn’t make you drink this concoction.”
Neve chuckled a that. “Perhaps not. But none us of have been stabbed by a demon multiple times then thrown out a window.”
“You make it sound like I wanted that to happen.”
“Hmmm,” Neve smirked, poking Kaya’s forehead with her finger. “I don’t know. With that head of yours, you might just do that for fun. I recall you wanting to test how far the drop was from the top of the Lighthouse by jumping.”
Kaya blushed and looked away from her. She mumbled and Neve contemplated getting up. The others could return at any moment and she didn’t want to be caught in bed with Kaya.
“I need to get up. The others will be back soon.”
“Alright.”
Neve gently lied Kaya back down before swinging her leg over the side. She grabbed her prosthetic and went to work putting it back on
“Neve?”
“Hmm?”
“I know you told me not to thank you, but thank you for forgiving me. I-I don’t think I forgive myself, but knowing that you do helps.”
Neve glanced back at her, giving her a small smile. “We’ll need to work on that, Trouble.”
Kaya beamed at the nickname and Neve stood from the bed. That went straight to the elf’s head. She’d never hear the end of it, but it was worth the smile that Kaya gave her. That smile was closer to her usual self. For that, Neve was happy to give Kaya a nickname.
Point of View Change, Kaya
Kaya ducked under the swipe of the dragon’s tail, cursing as she did. Her wounds still ached as she moved but she couldn’t sit idly by. They had found one of the Blighted Dragons. They couldn’t let this opportunity go to waste. Even as her body screamed in protest and her lungs burned, she had to kill this dragon. Treviso would have its revenge. Taash roared their fire, hitting the ice dragon in the face and making her stumble back.
“Ground her! Aim for her wings!” Taash shouted. Kaya aimed her bow and fired at the dragon’s wings, seeing Bellara and Lace do the same. Neve and Emmrich used their magic to further injure the dragon’s wings, grounding it for Davrin, Lucanis, and Taash. The trio charged at the downed dragon and Kaya felt the hair on the back of her neck stand. She frantically looked around and saw the red of a second dragon.
“Second dragon!” Kaya yelled. Her team slid to a stop as the second dragon spewed her fire, scorching the ground they would’ve ran across.
“That’s the one that attacked Minrathous!” Neve pointed out. Kaya nodded and readied her bow. They’d kill that one too. The dragons roared in challenge and Kaya looked at Neve.
“We need to split up.”
“Alright…but I’m staying with you.”
“That’s fine by me!” Kaya grinned. She shot her arrow at the fire dragon, drawing her attention. “Davrin! I need you! Everyone else, focus on the ice dragon!”
Her team shouted their affirmatives before splitting. Kaya and Neve drew the fire dragon to them and Davrin slashed at her legs. She roared in anger, swiping at the elf as he dodged her hits. Kaya shot another arrow and this one hit the dragon in the eye. She screeched in pain and turned her attention to her. Crap. The dragon charged and Kaya ran. She felt the air heat above her as she slid along the ground, keeping herself out of shot. The issue was, she was now under the dragon. Large claws duh into the ground and Kaya holstered her now to grab her swords. She slashed at the dragon’s legs, hearing her bellow in pain. Good. This was good! One of the claws came straight for her and she cursed. This was going to hurt.
“Rook!” Davrin shouted, throwing his shield to her. She dropped her swords and caught his shield right as the dragon’s claws hit her. The shield absorbed much of the hit but she still flew back. Her back hit the ground, and the wind was knocked out of her. Black spots filled her vision, and she wondered if she’d hit her head. “Get up!”
Kaya pushed herself to her feet alas the dragon gathered fire in her jaws. Before she could even let it loose, a ballista impaled her through the neck. Kaya whipped her head around, seeing Viago. “Viago!”
“The Crows send their regards! Poison ballista bolts! Enough to take down a dragon!” Viago yelled. Neve held out her hand to her and helped her to her feet.
“I’ll get you and Davrin an opening,” Neve spoke. Kaya nodded and Assan dropped her swords in front of her. She tossed the shield up to the griffon and he flew it to Davrin.
“Got it. Don’t get too close.”
“I won’t. I’ll leave that stupidity to you;” Neve teased. Kaya smiled at her before running to grab her swords. Neve created a blizzard that surrounded her, protecting her and blinding the dragon at the same time. Davrin joined her and the two of them ran for the dragon.
“Can Assan lift me?!” Kaya shouted over the wind.
“Hopefully! He can use Neve’s blizzard to help! Why?!”
“I need him to get me above the dragon!”
“Assan! Grab her!” Davrin shouted. Assan dropped from the sky and Kaya sheathed one of her swords to free up her hand and allow the griffon to grab her. The wind from the blizzard helped him propel them high above the dragon and she released her grip, angling her sword for the dragon. Davrin threw his shield, and it knocked the dragon’s head into the right position. Right in Kaya’s trajectory. She kept her sword steady as she fell, and the dragon didn’t have time to react before her sword sunk into her eye. The dragon collapsed and Kaya jumped from the head as it hit the ground. As she rolled along the ground, the Crows and Wardens cheered. Davrin hoisted her to her feet with a laugh. “That was stupid!”
“It worked, didn’t it?!” Kaya argued. More cheers erupted and they turned, seeing the ice dragon fall. They killed both dragons. Before they could celebrate, tentacles exploded from the ground. They wrapped around the dragons, pulling them away.
“You dare defy me again!” Ghilan’nain shouted. No. They weren’t planning on the Gods being here. Just the dragons. Darkspawn sprouted like daisies and Kaya saw the way the tentacles pulsed.
“She’s trying to heal the dragons!” Kaya warned. She shoved by Davrin and ran for the Goddess. As she went, she saw a fallen ballista and changed her path. That would be faster. The ballista was heavy as she turned it around and aimed, but she ignored the strain on her muscles. Ghilan’nain wasn’t going to heal those dragons. She fired the bolt, and it careened across the sky, impaling the Goddess through her torso. Yes! Kaya dropped the ballista and ran for the Goddess. This was their chance. They had to take her down here. She was mortal! Neve fell into step beside her, and they charged at the Goddess. Around her, the air grew purple, and a force exploded outwards. Neve jumped in front of her, using her magic to shield them. As time slowed, Elgar’nan appeared. He made the ballista bolt disappear and helped his sister. No! They wouldn’t get away! Kaya forced her body to move, using her electricity to aid her. Her body blurred as she moved and she shot to the Gods, swinging her sword when she got close enough. Infuriatingly, the Gods disappeared and the hold they had fell from everyone around them. Kaya cursed as her sword hit the ground.
“Damn it!” Kaya shouted. They had almost had Ghilan’nain. They were so close! She turned to regroup with her team and her body convulsed in pain. She fell to her knees and started coughing. Blood came up with her heaving breaths and she covered her mouth with her hand. She’d pushed too hard. Neve dropped to her knees beside her and she steadied her.
“Catch your breath. As best as you can, catch your breath,” Neve whispered. Kaya focused on steadying her breathing and felt her lungs burn. Felt her body weaken with each cough. “Let Emmrich help. Just to soothe it a bit.”
Kaya reluctantly nodded and Emmrich knelt before her, placing his hand on her back. She felt his magic seep into her and the burning in her chest subsided. When she was sure she could breathe better, she held up her hand and Emmrich’s magic stopped. It still hurt but she could at least breathe without coughing up blood. “Thanks.”
“Of course,” Emmrich nodded. Neve helped her to her feet and the mage flicked her forehead.
“Ow!”
“Why did you rush in like that?! None of us could help you. What if Elgar’nan decided to fight back?”
“I would’ve fought him.”
“And lost,” Neve argued. She pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath. “Let’s talk about it later.”
“Okay,” Kaya grumbled. She turned to see Evka and Viago. “We didn’t kill Ghilan’nain.”
“But we killed two Blighted dragons. I count that as a win,” Antoine gleefully spoke as he headed their way.
“True. We didn’t kill a God, but we did some damage,” Evka nodded.
“And for revenge for Treviso and Minrathous,” Viago added. Kaya nodded and her team gathered around them.
“The Gods are planning something in Aarlathan. I heard them when I tried to attack them.”
“I’ll get in contact with Strife. See what is going on,” Bellara stated. Taash draped their arm over her shoulder, ruffling her hair as they did.
“Good job with that dragon! We’ll make you a dragon hunter before you know it!” Taash beamed. Kaya blushed and tried to push the qunari away, only succeeding in making them mess with her hair more.
“Taash!”
“Come on, you should be happy! We killed two dragons! We should celebrate!”
“I could use a drink,” Davrin groaned.
“Or two,” Lucanis added. Taash smiled and clapped Kaya on the shoulder.
“Rook is paying!”
“Why am I paying?! It was your idea!”
“Team leader always buys!”
The next day was surprisingly calm. They were waiting for news from Strife. Since they were waiting, Kaya took the chance to spend time with the others. She spent the first part of the morning helping Lucanis make breakfast, burning the coffee and getting her kicked out of the kitchen. The smile on his face was worth the horrible smell and there was a lax to him that she hadn’t seen in a while. After that, Kaya spoke with Emmrich about what she would do when she died. It wasn’t a fun conversation, but Emmrich was happy to hear what she wanted. A simple funeral. One where she was buried in the forest. When they finished, Kaya went to Davrin and the two of them worked on witling. He was teaching her how to make a nug and it was starting to come along. When Assan grew antsy, Kaya snuck him some treats and ran before Davrin could voice his protests. Taash and Lace were merely relaxing in the dwarf’s room and Kaya found herself taking a nap with them. It was a nice nap…even with Taash’s snoring. They swore it only happened when they were napping, and Kaya smiled at the kiss Lace pressed to their cheek. They were cute together.
“Rook?” Bellara asked. Kaya glanced up from her spot on the ground, seeing the elf standing at Lace’s door. “Do you mind going for a walk with me?”
“I’d be happy to,” Kaya smiled. Taash helped her up and she waved goodbye to her friends before following Bellara. They went to the crossroads and sat near one of the docks. “I thought you wanted to walk?”
“I did, but it’s nice here. I like the view.”
“Is something bothering you?”
“No. I just…I wanted somewhere quiet.”
“Ah, so I need to be quiet? I can be quiet,” Kaya promised. She kicked her feet and tried to stay quiet as Bellara stared out into the Fade. A small hum left her lips and Bellara chuckled sadly.
“You’re bad at being quiet.”
“I am. I can’t help it,” Kaya smiled. Bellara’s face was dark. Masked in sorrow. She didn’t normally have that look. “What’re you thinking about?”
“Cyrian. He’s a monster Rook. He’s turning our people into demons. I keep thinking I can change him, but I don’t know if I can. He’s always been so driven. That’s what helped both of us get as far as we did. If it came to…to killing him, I don’t think I’d be able to,” Bellara rambled. Kaya tilted her head at her fellow elf.
“You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help. I’m here to help you.”
“I know. I’m grateful for that. I know you’ll help me when I need you,” Bellara smiled. They stared at the horizon and Kaya pondered how she could help Bellara further. Beat her to Cyrian? Try and reason with him herself? She wanted to keep the taller elf from harm, both physically and mentally. This wasn’t fair to her. She didn’t deserve to deal with all of this. “So…you and Neve seem closer.”
“That took a turn. We were just talking about your brother and now you’re asking me about Neve?”
“I mean, it’s cute. The two of you went from strangers to acquaintances, to somewhat enemies, and now you are back to being friends. Maybe more? It’s so adorable!”
“If you write this into your story, I might smack you.”
“…I would never do such a thing,” Bellara hesitated. Kaya looked fully at the elf, seeing the blush on her face.
“Bellara!”
“I can’t help it!” Bellara exclaimed. Kaya groaned and dropped her head to her hands. This was embarrassing.
“Are you embarrassing Rook?” Neve asked. Speak of the devil.
“Maybe just a little. She’s easy to tease.”
“See if I ever find another serial for you,” Kaya mumbled. Bellara giggled and Kaya moved her hands to look up at Neve. “What’re you doing out here?”
“I wanted to see if you’d accompany me to Dock Town. I have a few errands to run.”
“She’d be happy to!” Bellara chimed. Neve raised an eyebrow at her and Kaya blushed. Damn it Bellara. “I was just going to head back to the Lighthouse. You two have fun!”
Bellara stood and ran back to the Eluvian, leaving the two of them at the dock. Neve turned her attention to her and held out her hand.
“Shall we?”
“We shall,” Kaya smiled, taking her had. She followed Neve to the Eluvian and they stepped through it, ending up in Minrathous. Neve kept close to her as they exited the Eluvian and led them through the shopping district. Kaya didn’t know what the woman was looking for, but she was just happy to be with her. Neve looked at scarves and hummed in thought, running her fingers along the fine silk. The color wasn’t hers. It was red instead of her normal teal. “That’s a new color.”
“It is,” Neve nodded. She thought to herself for a moment before grabbing the scarf and handing the stand owner coin. She headed next for one of the tailors that she frequented, heading straight to the counter. The owner smiled to her in greeting and handed her a grey jacket with maroon trees embroidered on it. It looked like it had a lot of pockets and soft. “I need to stop by the armorer next.”
“Okay? This is a weird shopping trip.”
“How so?”
“Those aren’t your colors.”
“And? Maybe I’m trying to expand my horizons.”
“Are you?”
“Are you going to keep questioning me, or are you going to keep walking with me?” Neve smirked. Kaya grinned and moved closer to the mage. She wanted to keep walking with her. It was nice. They headed for the armorer and Neve inclined her head to the man who greeted them. He gestured to the back of the shop and Neve looked back at her. “Come on.”
“Why?”
“Just, follow,” Neve huffed. Kaya did so and they followed the man into what appeared to be a side room. There was a mirror in the corner and armor siting on a rack. The man left them and Neve closed the door, leaning against it as she did. Kaya stared at the armor from where had entered, seeing the black and red coloring. Again the the different colors? “Well?”
“Well what?”
“Are you just going to stand there or are you going to go try on that armor?” Neve asked. Kaya’s eyes widened and she looked at the mage in shock.
“That’s for me?” Kaya asked. Neve nodded and Kaya went to the armor. She ran her fingers along the chest piece, noting the leathery feel to it. She glanced back at Neve and the woman nodded to her. With careful hands, Kaya removed the armor from the stand. She didn’t have her normal undershirt, but her simple tunic wouldn’t interfere too much. The chest piece covered down to her waist and the shin guards were easy to slide on. There were even boots to go along with it. The arm bracers were perfect as well. The entire outfit was black with red stitching. She heard Neve walk closer to her and the woman fastened a belt around her waist before holding out the jacket to her. She slid it on, noting how it was snug enough to not get in the way of anything. It could tuck under the arm bracers if she wanted. “Neve, what…”
Neve adjusted the collar and inspected the outfit. “Not bad. I wasn’t positive if the measurements were accurate. Why don’t you look in the mirror?”
Kaya turned and saw her reflection. She looked like a true rogue. One that could easily slip through the shadows and disappear. Nothing seemed out of place, even the pouches on the belt she wore matched. “Neve, this is beautiful!”
“I’m glad you like it,” Neve smiled. Kaya turned and hugged the detective. The woman chuckled and patted her back.
“Thank you.”
“Of course. Can’t have you running around without armor. Your spare wasn’t cutting it.”
“I don’t even think I want to wear this out. It’s too nice!”
“You better. If you get hurt because you’re worried about dirtying it, I’ll sell it…besides, I can always buy you another.”
“As much as I’d love more armor, please don’t spend all of your coin on me,” Kaya mumbled. Neve pulled back, cupping her cheek and running her thumb there.
“You’re worth every bit,” Neve smiled. Kaya blushed and tried to distract herself from the fluttering feeling in her chest. She looked at the scarf that Neve had in her other hand. “That’s for when you’re at the Lighthouse.”
“You’re too nice to me.”
Neve shrugged and pulled away. “After everything you’ve gone through, you deserve some nice things.”
Neve headed out the door and Kaya watched her go with wide eyes. She was being so nice to her. Why? Did she-no she couldn’t. Bellara was ridiculous. She had to be wrong. “You coming, Trouble?”
“Y-yeah!” Kaya shouted. She ran to catch up with the mage and fell into step beside her. Her heart was hammering in her chest and she felt all warm and tingly. This woman was something else.