Chapter Twenty

Wynne POV
Wynne gave a small shake of her head, leaning into the touch of Arandir's fingers and basking in it. Much as she wanted some sort of plan, if they stayed up discussing such things, they'd be exhausted by the time daylight came. It seemed the easier of choices to talk with him about wherever their relationship may lead. Having come to her own personal decision, Wynne let one hand drop to his, her fingers twining with his own.
Her free hand stretched out, grasping her teacup so she could take a sip. Afterwards, she dabbed at her lips with a napkin and turned slightly. The turn found her pressing closer to Arandir and gazing up at him. These moments with him were quickly becoming precious to her. Even before she had brought to the Fae, it had been a while since Wynne had enjoyed the company of another person.
Of course, there was the visits with family, and the casual chatter shared between associates. But those were a dull shine compared to the time spent with a potential love interest. Wynne found herself taking simple joy from these moments. A joy that would easily engulf the senses if it was allowed to roam free.
The small touches they shared here and there had already sparked the flame. It was easy to get lost in emotion, and though Wynne struggled near constantly to keep her mind in a state of composure, she was slipping. The parts of her brain that were still functioning on at least a small level cautioned her.
A nervous cough tickled at the back of her throat. Wynne fidgeted and pulled herself just a slight distance away from Arandir. Her striking green eyes blinked up at him, her cheeks rosy. "Were you serious about taking me out to the shops? I truly would love it. " She said, giving him a coy smile. He had been patient with her thus far, and he had been nothing but kind.
Even if he'd overstepped bounds. To be fair, he'd no idea that those bounds existed. She'd have to set out some rules with him, but that was for the future. For now, she wanted to enjoy the calm before the storm. After all, she was attracted to him, and it was obvious he was attracted to her as well.
The smile that widened on his features made the glow to his skin more prominent, the purple rings in his eyes sparkling. Wynne wouldn't normally say a male was gorgeous, but the one sitting with her certainly was. He resumed rubbing circles into her knee, his touch traveling slowly toward her thigh, but not too far.
"Of course, mo ghràidh! It would be my pleasure." His answer came, a pleasant rumble from his throat as he chuckled softly. He continued massaging her lower thigh, his other hand reaching out to gently caress her cheek.
Wynne raised a curious brow, smiling softly. "What does that mean? Mo ghràidh? Da used some Gaelic with me, but I don't recognize that one. It's pretty. "
"Mo ghràidh means my darling. If you're uncomfortable with the term of endearment, please tell me. "
"No, no! It's beautiful, thank you. " Wynne answered, her face flushing red as she smiled at him. Wynne found herself placing a hand on Arandir's cheek. The woman leaned in carefully, raising herself up as she pressed her soft lips to his own. Giving the man a tender kiss.
Arandir seemed to freeze for a moment, before his arms wrapped tightly around her waist, and he returned her sweet kiss with fervor. A hand snaked into her hair, tangling into the long locks. Soft noises came from the two as they shared their first kiss.
Reluctantly, Wynne broke away from Arandir's lips, licking her own as she took small, gasping breaths. Arandir's face was a light with glee. It made the soft blush on her cheeks darken, as she fidgeted in place.
"You've obviously been here before, what kind of shops have you visited? " She asked, steering the conversation towards Winterbridge, uncomfortable with the topic of them despite the kiss they just shared.
"Well, there are quite a few smithys, the dwarves being a crafty bunch. At least two taverns in the city center. Last I counted, there's a few jewelers, a tailor, a furniture shoppe. I believe there's an apothecary, or maybe two. There was one last time I visited, but the city has grown since then. There might not be a true art shop for you to visit, I'm unsure, but I'm positive we could make you paints from items in the apothecary, and the dwarves would be more than willing to fashion whatever other items you may need. "
While they had spoken, Wynne and Arandir had retreated to the bedroom. The pair curled up in the bed that took up the center of the room. It was a magnificent thing, larger than any king sized bed Wynne had ever seen, and covered in the softest furs Wynne had ever touched. Arandir wrapped them in the furs, gently arranging Wynne so that he had an arm loosely around her, and her head on his chest. The two cuddled in the giant bed, talking about the wonders Winterbridge held, until they drifted off into a comfortable sleep.