The ancient Ravencroft Manor was full of holiday cheer, scents of pine and spiced cider filling the air, with its gothic halls decked with garlands and ivory throughout, and the fairy lights strung up high bringing a warm glow throughout. Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame, in all of her flaming glory and queenly poise, stood before the towering frost-covered windows of Nerissa’s ante-chamber, a slight frown on her face. In her hand she held a parchment, which had just been delivered to her. She was used to receiving missives and the like of course due to work, but it was Christmas Eve and she had specifically requested to not be bothered, yet somehow this had made its way to her.
A challenge.
A low chuckle behind her has her turning, and her eyes land on her girlfriend, sitting in her chair curled up and comfy in front of the roaring fire, who was none other than the Demon of Sound herself, Nerissa Ravencroft.
“Is this your doing, Nerissa?” Elizabeth asks, knowing how cheeky her girlfriend could be, eyeing her with suspicion.
Nerissa, with her flowing midnight black hair cascading over one shoulder and her red-wine eyes twinkling in amusement leans forward, gesturing at the parchment in Liz’s hands. “My sweetest scarlet, what makes you think I had anything to do with that?”
Liz clears her throat and reads aloud: “On this Yuletide night, only one may claim the prize. Follow the clues, and the truth shall arise. But beware: this hunt will test your wit and resolve. Begin beneath the evergreen's watchful gaze.” She looks at Nerissa, an eyebrow quirked, and Nerissa just stares back, a look of feigned innocence on her face. “I find it curious that this arrived a mere few moments after you did,” Liz quips, folding the parchment and sliding it into her breast pocket. "It reeks of your dramatic flair.”
Nerissa shrugs as she rises gracefully, her blanket pooling in the chair. “You wound me, darling. But even I’ll admit, it sounds like fun.”
Liz sighed, relenting into whatever this was, and grabbed her overcoat from its perch on the hook. “Fine, but if this is some elaborate prank, there will be consequences, Nerissa.” Nerissa giggles, the sound making Liz warmer than usual, her flame sparking in excitement. “Oh darling, don’t tease me with a good time.”
Liz rolls her eyes, albeit with a small smile on her face as she turns away, and they head out into the hallway, making their way to the back of the manor and they stride into the snowy backyard, their destination a mere few feet in front of them.
An ancient evergreen stands tall proudly in all its glory in front of them with its thick branches heavy with snow, and Nerissa walks up to its trunk with a fond smile, resting a gloved hand on the rough bark. “Do you remember, Liz?”
Liz smiles, placing her hand on top of Nerissa’s recalling the memory.
“It's so peaceful here, isn't it? I love coming out here and just listening to everything, especially after escaping.” Guilt stabs through Elizabeth, a deep frown forming on her face, apology on the tip of her tongue, and Nerissa, in her ever-caring way, notices before Liz says something and cups her cheek, “Shh, darling. You know I don’t hold that against you. It was merely an observation.” Liz nuzzles her face into Nerissa’s palm, crimson eyes closing before the tears forming can fall. She feels soft lips kiss tenderly under one eye, then the other, and then her forehead. The gesture is gentle, full of care, and Liz feels the tight knot of guilt in her chest begin to loosen slightly.
“I just… I still can’t forgive myself,” Liz murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. “If I hadn’t—”
Nerissa interrupts her, her thumb brushing her cheek softly, the motion soothing. “You’re here now. That’s what matters. Let the past stay where it belongs.” Her voice is warm, full of trust, and Liz opens her eyes, meeting Nerissa’s steady gaze, and she can’t help but marvel at how someone so kind and loving could forgive her after everything. “You’re too good to me,” she says, her voice trembling with emotion.
“And you’re worth every bit of it,” Nerissa replies without hesitation, her smile radiant and unwavering. She leans in, resting her forehead against Liz’s, and whispers. “I love you.”
“Of course I remember, it was the first time we confessed our love,” Liz says, and Nerissa giggles as she leans in and kisses her cheek, her eyes full of mischief.
“What a night that was,” she teases, and Liz’s cheeks turn red at remembering the rest of the night.
“Ah- Ahem, yes, let's just look for the next clue!” she says shrilly, and begins frantically looking around in the snow. Nerissa laughs loudly this time, but does as she says and helps Liz, looking around the branches. After a few minutes of digging around, Liz’s foot hits something solid, and she bends down and uncovers a metal cylinder. “I've got it Nerissa!”
She unscrews the top and pulls out another scroll as Nerissa walks up, and she hands it off to her as she unfurls the parchment and reads out loud the next clue.
"To find the next clue, as memories unfold, look where flames dance and stories are told.”
“Easy,” Nerissa said, her breath visible in the crisp winter air. “The library.”
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The grand Ravencroft library welcomed them with warmth and the faint smell of old books. Nerissa didn't spend much time here (and you could occasionally catch Shiori in here) but this was where the family would gather every year to open presents on Christmas Day, and it was obvious with how heavily decorated it was. The huge tree in the corner, decorated with black and blue trinkets and with a mountain of presents underneath, and the roaring fire was lit with the stockings hung around the hearth. They strode in and Liz stopped in the middle, looking towards the fireplace. She looks it over, before turning to Nerissa and gesturing.
“Your turn, love.” Nerissa arches an eyebrow, walking over slowly. She looks it over, seeing something behind the mantle clock glint, and retrieves the cylinder. She hums to herself, catching Liz’s attention who was distracted examining the tree.
“What's wrong, my love?”
“Why the library?” Nerissa asks, handing the scroll over to Liz, who doesn't make a move to open the cylinder. “Aside from family gatherings we don't hang here very often, just us two.” This time it's Liz’s turn to laugh, and so she puts the cylinder down and wraps her arms loosely around Nerissa’s neck, who in turn grabs Liz’s waist.
“You truly don't remember?” Liz asks.
"I just don’t understand why you didn’t tell me," Liz says, her voice sharp enough to cut through the stillness but low enough to avoid drawing attention from anyone in the library. It was midday and someone from Nerissa’s family could be there or walk in, and she was currently burning a hole in the rug with her pacing back and forth, her clear agitation rolling off of her in waves. Nerissa sighed, her fingers brushing the edge of a book she wasn’t really reading. "It wasn’t a big deal, Liz. I really didn’t think it mattered." Liz’s eyes narrowed. "It mattered to me, Nerissa. We’re supposed to be honest with each other."
Nerissa turned to face Liz; her expression guarded. "I didn’t lie, per se. I just... didn’t mention it. There is a difference."
"Is there?" Liz’s voice rose slightly, and Nerissa tenses in her seat, going still at Liz’s tone. Her frustration simmers just beneath the surface, her flame bright and loud on her chest, so she takes a deep breath and counts to ten. She stops pacing and moves to sit down, her shoulders drooping while resting her hands in her lap. She looks to the side and bites her lip, worry clearly written all over her face. "It just...feels like you don’t trust me."
Nerissa inhales sharply, taken aback at Liz’s statement. "That’s not fair," Nerissa shot back, her own voice tinged with hurt. "I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to make a big deal out of nothing. But now you’re turning it into one." Liz crosses her arms and looks up, her steel crimson gaze unwavering. "Because it is a big deal to me, Nerissa. If we can’t talk about the small things, how are we supposed to handle the big ones?"
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The library’s silence pressed down on them, the weight of unsaid words hanging heavy in the air.
Finally, Nerissa looked away, her shoulders slumping. "I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just... didn’t think. I’m sorry." Liz softened, her arms uncrossing. "I’m not trying to fight with you. I just want to feel like we’re on the same team." Nerissa met her eyes, the tension easing just a little and a soft smile gracing her lips. "We are. I promise."
Liz gave a small nod, her lips also curving into a faint, hesitant smile. "Okay. But next time, just tell me. Even if it feels small."
"I will," Nerissa said, her voice quiet but earnest.
"Ah. Our first fight,” Nerissa says as they sway, slowly dancing to the music only they ever heard. “I know it was so long ago but I am sorry.” Liz chuckles, giving Nerissa a quick peck on the lips. “It's alright, it's not like it’ll be our last one.”
Nerissa laughs, mentally agreeing as she unwinds her arms from Liz, and bends down to pick up the cylinder with their next clue. “What was that fight about anyways? I don't really remember.”
Liz crosses her arms, staring at her girlfriend with the most deadpan look she could muster.
“Fuwawa and Mococo had stolen Thorn as a prank.”
Nerissa stands up quickly, and looks at Liz guiltily.
“Oh, um. Whoops?”
Liz says nothing and merely sticks her hand out, silently asking for the scroll. Nerissa hands it over with an awkward chuckle, then clears her throat. “Ahem, yes well, what does this one say?” eager to change the subject. Liz rolls her eyes in fond amusement, and unscrews the cylinder, a thrill shooting through her at what this scroll could say. She wasn't about to let Nerissa know that though.
She unfurls the parchment and reads aloud, “Where frost kisses glass and the night reflects, the next clue awaits, but it won’t be anything you expect.”
“Huh.”
Nerissa laughs softly, seeing Liz stumped by this one. “Oh darling, this one is so easy!” Liz looks up at Nerissa, questions on the tip of her tongue, but her hand is suddenly grabbed and next thing she knows she’s being dragged through the halls of the manor, and out the back door, and then she notices where it is she’s being taken to.
“Oh,” she whispers, and Nerissa, hearing her, stops and turns, staring at her softly. Behind her stands the Ravencroft conservatory. For normal people, it was merely an indoor garden, or a sun-room. But for them, it was the end.
The moonlight poured in through the windows, strong enough to illuminate the night at the scene unfolding within. Nerissa Ravencroft, Demon of Sound, had run to her family home thinking it was safe, but no one was home. In all fairness, it had been almost nine thousand years since she’d seen them last, so she really couldn't be mad at them. But tonight was different, because tonight, Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame, The Scarlet Queen, Harbinger of Order and Leader of Justice herself, had finally caught her.
Nerissa ran down a row of foliage, hoping to find an escape, but Elizabeth was on her heels. She darted behind a fern, desperation and fear wracking through her body. She was exhausted, and was tired of running.
“Stop running, Nerissa!” The Scarlet Queen’s voice cuts through the air, sharp but tinged with something deeper- desperation. Nerissa turned; her body hidden by the fern, but she held her staff out in front of her, making it glow in warning. “Why should I? You’ll just drag me back to that cell.” Liz stepped closer, her heels tapping the stone path. “You aren't leaving me much of a choice! You broke out, and now it’s my job to—”
“To what?” Nerissa snapped, stepping out from the shadows. “To lock me away again? To pretend we’re not—”
“Don’t,” Liz interrupted, her voice cracking. “Don’t make this harder than it already is. Please.” Nerissa’s lips curled into a bitter smile, stepping forward, her stance aggressive. “Harder? For who exactly? You’re the one with the badge, the one who gets to play the hero! What about me, Liz? What do I get!?”
Liz hesitates; the flame on her chest raging from what she was feeling. “You get to live, Nerissa. The Gods have deemed you a danger, you killed people! It's my duty to stop that from happening again. Do you think they won’t kill you if you stay out here?” Liz pleads, hoping to get through to the demon. “I’d rather they kill me instead of losing myself in that cage again,” Nerissa says, her voice softening. For a moment, her words hang in the air between them, heavy and charged. They stand there and stare at each other, Liz’s desperation to save Nerissa bursting through her flame, Nerissa’s mission to stay free shining in her eyes. Liz takes a step forward, wanting to get through to her, but Nerissa lunges at her, her movements swift and precise. Liz barely dodges, and summons Thorn to block the strike. Their weapons clash, fire racing up Liz’s blade and Nerissa’s tuning fork singing in the air. They fight amidst the plants, but Liz knows Nerissa is losing the battle, fatigue from running finally catching up to her.
Nerissa screams, her voice cutting through the air; and Liz moves, faster than a human should, and the sound wave travels past, smashing the windows behind her. They continued their dance, but there was no hatred in their movements, only heartbreak. Nerissa makes a mistake, exhaustion finally catching up with her and Liz seizes the moment, grabbing her wrist and twisting it behind her back.
“Damn it!” Liz shouts, desperation in her voice. Nerissa twists free and spins, but she loses her balance and falls backwards, her staff falling away from her. She sits up quickly, hoping to grab it but freezes when she feels Thorn’s razor-sharp blade upon her neck. Liz stands above her, breathing hard and flame blazing, looking like the beautiful vengeful angel she is in Nerissa’s eyes. “Why do you always make me fight you, Nerissa?”
She swallows hard and breathes deep, her eyes getting blurry, so she closes her eyes and whispers to her angel. "Because if I don’t, I’ll lose you. And I can’t do that again.” The words hit Liz like a blow to the chest, her heart squeezing at the pain in Nerissa’s voice. She takes a step back, Thorn slipping from her grip and clattering to the floor. Nerissa’s eyes snap open, and she sees Liz fall to her knees in front of her, grief written all over on her face.
“...Liz?”
“I can’t do it.” She sits there, still, not daring to move a muscle or even breathe, and then Liz lifts her arm and reaches out slowly, her hand trembling as she cups Nerissa’s face tenderly. “You don’t have to run anymore. Not from me. Never from me.”
Hot tears slide down Nerissa’s face as she leans into Liz’s touch, reaching out and clinging onto Liz’s arms. "I don’t know how to stop,” she sobs, finally letting go. Liz pulls her into a tight embrace, holding her as if trying to shield her from the world, and makes a vow to the woman in her arms, the gods be damned. “Then let me help you.”
A soft touch to her cheek brings Liz back to the present, and she focuses on the beautiful woman in front of her. They've somehow made their way inside, to the very spot where it all changed, where they changed. Nerissa stares at her intently, and her heart squeezes, but before she can say or do anything Nerissa lays a finger on her lips and shakes her head, a mischievous smile forming on her lips. She giggles and takes a step back, looking down at the floor with only her eyes. There lying on the ground is a cylinder. Liz looks back at Nerissa, who hasn't moved and is simply staring, her wings fluttering nervously about her.
The air is thick with an unknown tension, and Liz swallows hard, breaking eye contact and slowly bending down and grabs the cylinder. She stands as she unscrews the top and pulls out a scroll, unfurls it, and begins to read aloud.
"Every journey starts with a step, just like ours did here. You followed the clues, my love, and the answer has appeared. Where we laughed and dreamed of all we’d do, the next step was waiting just for you. Through every clue, we’ve walked down memory lane, building a life together, joy mixed with rain. Now here’s the final question, simple and true:
Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame, will you marry me? My heart belongs only to you."
Liz lowers the scroll, and there in front of her in all her beauty, she sees her love, Nerissa Ravencroft on one knee, a smile full of absolute love radiating on her face, holding a beautiful diamond and ruby ring out to her. She stares dumbly at the demon, in complete shock, and when she finally realizes what is happening, her flameroars. She drops the scroll and surges forward, grabbing Nerissa’s face with both hands and kisses her, pouring all of her love into it.
They finally pull away from each needing to breathe, and Nerissa laughs breathlessly, bringing the ring back up. “I take it that’s a yes, then?” Liz laughs out loud, tears of joy falling, holding her left hand out so Nerissa can slip the ring on.
“Oh, my sweet blackbird, of course it's yes.”
Nerissa slides the ring on, and they cling to each other tightly, simply existing in the moment. Nerissa feels Liz shaking, as if she’s crying, and she pulls away to kiss her, but instead sees that Liz is laughing. “I’m sorry darling, but what exactly is so funny about this moment?”
Liz’s laughter dies down, and wiping away her tears she looks at Nerissa, her smile refusing to go away.
“I knew this reeked of your dramatic flair!” Liz starts to laugh again, and Nerissa looks at her completely offended.
“EXCUSE ME?!”