The sun was slowly dipping below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and red as Colin and Elara left the cozy village behind.
The road meandered through verdant valleys, punctuated by golden fields dotted with wildflowers that danced in the gentle breeze.
They passed a few carriages along the road, carrying goods and people. Some travelers waved at them, their faces a mix of curiosity and friendliness.
Wildlife thrived around them—rabbits darted through the underbrush, squirrels scurried up trees, and birds filled the air with their songs. Predators like wolves, bears, and wild boars remained hidden, their presence felt but unseen.
After hours of walking, they reached a river winding through the valley.
Deciding to set up camp by the water's edge, they pitched a tent, built a fire, and prepared a simple but satisfying meal.
"My father used to take Bastiat and me camping on nights like this," Elara said, her gaze fixed on the star-strewn sky. "He was the best hunter I've ever known. He could hit a rabbit hiding in the bushes from fifty meters away."
"And yet you chose to become a cleric rather than a hunter?" Colin asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
Elara nodded with a soft smile.
"My mother was a cleric. She didn't know much about magic either, but she taught me the basics—about my tree and the prayers." Her eyes sparkled with a quiet hope. "At the university, you'll learn about your tree too. With how strong you are, you could even earn a prestigious position at court!"
Colin shrugged, his expression unreadable.
"Maybe…"
"You need to be more optimistic…" Elara finished her meal, tossing the rabbit bones into the fire. A shadow crossed her face. "Colin… I'm afraid of losing you, like I lost my brother and the others. You're the only friend I have left."
"You won't lose me," he assured her. "You need to stop dwelling on those thoughts. Clear your mind, Elara."
"Yeah… you're right…"
Colin continued to eat in silence, his eyes fixed on the charred meat in his hands. Elara's gaze lingered on him, a mix of caution and curiosity in her expression. She traced the outline of his broad shoulders, the way his muscles moved beneath his skin, his features bathed in the warm glow of the fire.
He seemed different now—taller, stronger—as if the very essence of nature had molded him into something beyond the ordinary.
She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. This doesn't feel right, she thought.
But as if to soothe her doubt, a gentle memory surfaced: Colin taking care of her since that fateful day. He had protected her when she was hurt, made sure she never went hungry, even when supplies ran low. He listened when she needed to talk about her brother and the others, about the ache of loss.
Furthermore, he never pressured her, never asked for anything in return. He was simply… there. Always.
She compared it to the days she had spent with her brother and the group.
They were her family, yes, but life had never been easy. Hunger was a constant companion, and fear always lurked in the shadows.
With Colin, everything felt different.
He made her feel safe, protected, as if the outside world couldn't touch her. And for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to feel something beyond pain and grief.
Maybe… maybe it's okay to be with him, she thought, her mind hesitant yet curious.
She had never been close to a man before, never allowed anyone to breach the walls she had built around her heart. The thought was both terrifying and strangely inviting.
A part of her longed to understand what it would be like to share a genuine connection with someone—especially with Colin. He was kind, patient, and deep down, she knew he would never harm her.
Her eyes drifted toward him, catching his gaze for a fleeting moment before she looked away, warmth flooding her cheeks.
He treats me in a way that no one ever has… she thought, a soft glow blooming within her chest. He makes me feel… special.
It was a new sensation, but not an unpleasant one. Quite the opposite—it felt as though a part of her, long dormant and veiled by sorrow, was finally stirring awake.
Elara took a deep breath, steadying the storm of emotions swirling inside her.
I trust him, she repeated inwardly, as if to anchor herself. He's never given me a reason to doubt him. And if I keep letting fear hold me back… I might regret it. After all, who knows what tomorrow might bring?
The idea of regret gnawed at her more than uncertainty ever could. She didn't want to live a life haunted by what ifs. Not after all she had endured.
She closed her eyes for a moment, envisioning a future where warmth, safety, and perhaps even love could exist. The thought sent a shiver down her spine—not out of fear, but from a quiet, hopeful anticipation.
I want this, she acknowledged, her inner voice steady and clear.
She gradually freed herself from the chains of doubt. I… want him…
A rustle was heard in the undergrowth.
"What was that?" Colin asked, getting up.
"I don't know, it must be an animal," Elara said, getting up too.
"I'll go and see what it is. You stay here."
He picked up his sword and went to the source of the noise. It was just a squirrel.
He sighed, relieved, and went back to the fire.
"It was just a squirrel, no big deal," he said, sitting down again facing the fire.
"Ah, good," Elara said, getting up.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to take a bath, do you want to come with me? There's a lake on the other side of this thicket."
"Now? But it's dark."
"No problem, I'll bring a torch. Come on, today's sun has made the water in the lake hot, I felt it when I filled my canteen, and there's no hot water in the inn."
He threw the rabbit bones into the fire and stood up, letting out a sigh.
"All right, I'll go with you," he said, surrendering.
They took a torch and went down to the lake.
It was a small lake, surrounded by rocks and plants. The water was crystal clear and had a pleasant temperature.
They placed the torch on a rock, faintly illuminating the dark woods.
Elara stared at Colin with an intense gaze and slowly began to loosen the ties of her cleric's dress.
Elara's soft, smooth skin was revealed as the white fabric slid down her body, forming a pile around her bare feet.
She stood there in just her underwear.
Colin stood paralyzed, unable to look away.
His heart was pounding in his chest and he felt warmth rise to his face. The starlight flickered over Elara's figure, highlighting the soft, harmonious curves of her body.
She brought her hands to her shoulders, caressing the smooth, silky skin, and tossed her hair back, letting out a sigh.
With a sidelong glance, she made sure that Colin was watching.
She stepped into the water, feeling a comforting warmth, and then looked at Colin, who was still standing on the shore, hesitating.
"Come on, Colin, the water's fine!"
Colin stopped at the edge of the lake, crossing his arms as he watched the calm water reflecting the moonlight. Elara was already in, the water up to her waist, her eyes shining with a mixture of nervousness and something else… something he couldn't immediately define.
He frowned, hesitating.
Going into a lake in the middle of the night? He thought, skeptically. That doesn't sound like the best idea. The water must be freezing, and it's not as if I need a bath right now.
He looked at Elara again, his fingers playing with the surface of the water, his gaze fixed on her.
Why did she call me here, anyway?
The question echoed in his mind, followed by a series of possibilities. He knew Elara wasn't the type to act on impulse. Everything she did was calculated, thought out—especially after everything she had been through. So why now? Why this lake, tonight?
She wants… something, he concluded, his eyes narrowing as he watched her move through the water, the moonlight highlighting the curves of her body. Of course, she does. Why else would she invite me into a lake in the middle of the night?
The idea made him hesitate even more. He didn't want to assume anything, but he couldn't ignore the signs either.
It's been a while since I've been with a woman… He admitted to himself, his voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and caution. But what if… what is, she really wants this? What if it's more than just a swim in the lake?
The possibility stirred a strange warmth in his chest, an anticipation he tried to stifle. He didn't want to misread the situation, to assume something that wasn't there. But at the same time, he couldn't ignore the way she looked at him, the way her body seemed to lean toward him, even when she tried to disguise it.
Maybe… maybe she's ready. Maybe I'm the only one still hesitating.
He took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill his lungs.
If she wants this… if she really wants this… then why not?
He pulled off his shirt, revealing his muscular chest and a few faint scars.
Elara stared at him for a moment, her eyes tracing the lines of his physique. She felt her face flush and her heart race, then quickly looked away, embarrassed.
Colin stepped into the water, joining her. He noticed Elara had her back to him, her shoulders tense. He could see the faint blush on her neck and sensed her nervousness.
I shouldn't be so nervous… She thought, though her body betrayed her.
He moved closer, his hand gently touching her shoulder.
"Elara, are you all right?" he asked, his voice soft and filled with concern.
She turned to face him, her eyes meeting his. Colin was smiling, his expression gentle and reassuring. For a moment, she felt a surge of emotion—a mixture of fear and desire—that left her breathless.
Elara crossed her arms, looking away towards the calm waters of the lake. The gentle breeze ruffled her hair slightly, and the surrounding silence seemed to magnify the intensity of her thoughts.
Colin watched her for a moment, sensing the internal struggle she was going through. He approached, his presence firm but gentle, as always.
"Elara," he whispered, his voice carrying a mix of understanding and urgency. "You're still alive. I'm sorry for your brother, for the others… but they're not here anymore. If you hold on to this grief forever, you'll never truly live. And you deserve more than that."
She looked at him, her eyes shining with restrained tears.
Colin lifted his hand, gently pushing a lock of hair away from her face. His fingers brushed her cheek, and Elara felt a shiver run down her spine. He pulled her closer, his hand resting on her waist, firm but without pressure.
"I… I've never done this before," she confessed, her voice almost inaudible, laden with hesitation and vulnerability. "And I don't know if it's right…"
Colin looked at her with an intense but tender gaze.
"There's nothing wrong with feeling, Elara," he said, his voice soft but convincing. "You don't have to hide from what you want. We're here, now. Just the two of us. And I promise to take care of you."
She swallowed dryly, her fingers trembling slightly as she unhooked the cloth bra that covered her.
The fabric slipped down her body, and Elara felt the heat rise to her face, but Colin didn't allow shame to overwhelm her. He pulled her into a kiss, slow and deep, as if to convey all the security and confidence she needed at that moment.
The waters of the lake enveloped their bodies, cool and soothing, but the heat between them was undeniable.
Colin lifted her gently, his hands firm under her thighs, while she wrapped her legs around his waist. Elara leaned her arms on his shoulders, their eyes meeting in a silence that spoke more than words.
"Colin…" she whispered, his name escaping her lips like a prayer.
"I'm here," he replied, his voice a comforting murmur. "I won't hurt you."
He carried her to the center of the lake, where the water was colder, but the heat of their bodies seemed to create a world of its own. When he entered her, Elara closed her eyes, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She felt her body adjust to his presence, a new and intense sensation that made her hold her breath for a brief moment. Her fingers dug lightly into Colin's back, seeking support, as he began to move with a slow, careful rhythm.
The lake water rippled around them, creating small waves that spread out in concentric circles. The gentle sound of the water mixed with Elara's low, husky moans, which escaped her lips in sync with the rhythm Colin established.
Colin held her thighs firmly but without pressure, his fingers sinking lightly into her soft skin. He watched her with eyes full of devotion, every expression on her face, every sigh, every tremor, carefully registered in his mind.
She was fragile but strong; vulnerable but brave. And he moved with patience that bordered on reverence, allowing her to get used to the sensation, to explore each new wave of pleasure that arose.
Elara, for her part, hugged him tightly, her arms wrapping around his shoulders, her legs firmly entwined around his waist. She felt the warmth of his body against hers, the rough texture of his hands contrasting with the softness of her own skin.
Each of his movements took her deeper, not just physically, but emotionally, as if he were unraveling layers of pain and grief that she had carried for so long.
The lake seemed to silently witness the moment, its calm waters reflecting the moonlight. The surrounding air was charged with a palpable energy, as if the world itself had paused to observe the connection forming between them.
Elara felt a wave of warmth grow inside her, starting deep in her belly and spreading throughout her body, right down to her fingertips. Her muscles tensed, and she held her breath, her eyes closing tightly as the sensation overwhelmed her.
"Colin…" she whispered, his name coming out as a hoarse moan, almost a plea.
He responded with a deeper movement, his hands lightly squeezing her thighs, as if to anchor her at that moment. She felt the apex approaching, an intense, sweet pressure that made her tremble in his arms.
When it finally hit her, her body arched slightly, a long, soft moan escaping her lips. She buried her face in his shoulder, gasping as the waves of pleasure washed over her, leaving her weak and trembling.
Colin held her tightly, allowing her to recover, his lips meeting hers in a sweet, comforting kiss.
He continued to move, but now even more slowly, as if he wanted to prolong the moment, to keep her suspended in that state of ecstasy and connection. Their bodies moved in harmony, the surrounding water rippling gently, as if dancing with them.
When he, too, finally reached his climax, a hoarse sigh escaped his lips, and he held her even tighter, as if fearing she might disappear.
They remained like that for a moment, enveloped in silence and warmth, while the world around them slowly returned to their awareness.
Elara rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes closed, as her breathing gradually returned to normal. Colin embraced her, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on her back, as if memorizing every inch of her.
"All right?" he asked softly.
She didn't answer with words, but her tight embrace and the slight tremor in her body told him everything he needed to know.