“My paws huuuurt,” Ann complained. “My everything hurts. Why does it feel like I went five rounds with the centaur Guardian?”

“Different muscles?” Kat suggested. “No clue.”

They were back in their room. After getting Lucia back to her room safely, they’d carried Rosalyn to bed and promptly passed out. By the look of the light streaming through their window, it was late morning, well past when they should be up.

“Krisnaal had it right. Shoulda just gone to bed,” Rosalyn grumbled. For once, the Druid was the one reluctant to wake up, and had balled herself up in blankets. “I wanna sleep for a week.”

A knock echoed through the rooms.

“Of course someone wants to talk to someone,” Rosalyn whined. “Can’t just have a down day. Nope! Busy, busy, busy.”

“I’ll get ye some food an’ ye can eat it in bed,” Kat said, patting the bit of Rosalyn’s head sticking out of the wad of cloth. She stood, stretching her muscled frame, and throwing on a casual set of clothes, brown pants and a loose white shirt. “They can deal wit’ casual me. Ann, ye might wanna put somethin’ on, too. Just in case.

“Fine,” Ann huffed. She was of a mind to join Rosalyn in making a fortress of the bed and never leaving it. She’d have to eventually, but damnit she wanted to. “Don’t hear who it is.”

“An’ Lucia ain’t here tae sniff ‘em out,” Kat said, clipping the earrings she’d received from Ann into place.

Ann shuffled into a kilt and threw a shirt on. Focusing for a second, she lengthened the fur between her legs to the point accidental upskirts wouldn’t be a problem. “Alright, who the hell is it?”

It was Bren. The dirty blond man looked up at Kat with a cool look. “Good morning, Kat. Mind if I come in for a bit? It is late, and you have missed breakfast.”

“Oh, uh, sure, come in,” Kat said, standing aside. “Rosalyn’s not decent, but she’s in a ball o’ covers, so ye’re not seein’ anythin’.”

“You’ll never drag me out!” Rosalyn yelled from the other room. “NEVER!”

“At least she is chipper in her laggard behaviour,” Bren laughed, taking a seat in the front room. “Did you four have a good night after the ball?”

“Yeah. Kat dragged us off to dance some more, and we just got to talking for a while afterwards,” Ann said, running her fingers through her hair. She was starting to believe it was impossible to tangle her mane. Maybe a blessing from Orenous? She wasn’t quite sure.

“Would it be untoward to ask for some of the same?” Bren asked, fidgeting with his thumbs, running over his knuckles. “I felt some… emotions last night, and they have me somewhat concerned and confused.”

“Through the bond?” Ann asked.

“Indeed. Strong feelings, they were. Passion, fear, confusion, panic. Many emotions I have not felt from Lucia in such strength. I want to ask what happened last night.”

“Bren, I love ye like me brothers, ye know tha’, but that was private talk. No boys allowed,” Kat said. “I’m not gonna be spillin’ the grain on me girls or friends if they don’t say I can.”

“I knew that would be the answer, but I had to ask. Twas a difficult night, and sleep was elusive with my heart hammering in my chest for a good portion of it.”

“So, you felt all of what she was feeling?” Ann asked. “Like, full feeling, all like it was happening to you?”

“Emotionally? Correct. It is putting me through a sink or swim lesson in compartmentalisation. Last night was something exceptional. I… I should be speaking with her, should I not?”

“Think that’s a good idea,” Ann nodded, taking a seat on a couch. She crossed her legs and started filing her paws’ claws, keeping them trimmed. “I will say, she’s probably not gonna want to talk about it for a bit. Not ready.”

“That is a frustrating conundrum,” Bren groaned. “I have so many questions, but no avenue through which to seek them. All of my primary sources will not speak of the matter.  This will be bothering me for a while if my thoughts are not satiated.”

“Sounds like a ye problem,” Kat shrugged. “Listen, girl’s got her feelin’s in a feckin’ knot an’ is really tryin’ tae figure ‘em out. She needs the time tae think, an’ I won’t have ye pressurin’ her because ye’re curious.”

“I would never dream,” Bren scoffed. “Though I admit to difficulty when trying to address the topic of Lucia. Especially when she is in the room.”

Ann clocked that hesitation. She’d seen it in the Thrundol last night. Bren was nervous, and not just because he’d been on the end of some potent emotions that weren’t his. No, this embarrassment was his. “So, if we won’t talk about the afterparty, do you want to talk about any of the rest of the night?”

“I may,” Bren said slowly. “I wish, firstly, to offer my thanks once more for fighting on our behalf. Lucia feels the same, rest assured.”

“Already had that talk, yeah. You’re both friends, and I’d do it again,” Ann said.

“More to a point I am avoiding, I know Lucia feels the same for the same reason I know of her emotional time at the afterparty. My heart is divided on several matters regarding the woman, and my mind is loath to agree with anything the heart tells me.”

“Oh, here we go again,” Ann sighed, rolling her neck, feeling her ears flop on top of her head with the motion.

“Bren, ye need tae get the stick outta yer arse,” Kat groaned.

“She likes you!” Rosalyn yelled from the other room.

“But, the Debt,” Bren started.

“Yeah, that’s gonna be tricky, she’s been really clear that her feelings aren’t because of, or impacted by, that bond. You two are just beating yourselves up, denying what you both want because you’re too in your own heads,” Ann said. “You’re smooth, Bren. How the hell are you not figuring this out?”

“I’m goin’ wit’ wilful ignorance,” Kat said.

“Nah, he’s just being dumb because of self-imposed standards!” Rosalyn chimed in.

“Do you want me to bring you in here?” Ann asked her girlfriend.

“No! I will never leave the bed!”

“One sec,” Kat said under her breath, then stood.

There was a squeal and many protests before the princess returned, carrying Rosalyn still wrapped in a ball of blankets.

“Ye can have yer blankets all ye want, but if ye’re gonna be part o’ the conversation, at least be in the room.”

“Fine,” Rosalyn pouted as she was set down on the couch, the ball making her roll awkwardly to the side before Ann caught her.

“So I am being foolish?” Bren prompted.

“Dude, is that the right way to use that?” Rosalyn asked, turning to Ann. After getting an affirmative nod, she continued. “Dude, you can literally feel what she’s feeling. How have you not figured out that she wants you? It’s stupidly obvious to anyone who even talks about you two. Ann is going easy with the teasing, and you both fall apart instantly. It’s ridiculous! Have half a mind to force you two into a room and not let you out until you’ve figured yourselves out.”

“That’s a little far,” Ann giggled.

“Is it, though? What else is going to get it through their thick skulls? Swear, it’s like talking to Bristlebarks. A whole lot of noise, but not much to show for it. Oh sure, they can look smart, but then you see nothing you’ve said actually registers in their brains because they’re animals and I’m not trying to call you animals, just that you really do not get hints when you don’t want to and I’m pretty sure this time you really are intentionally ignoring it because it’s a difficult topic that’ll have ramifications but you both seem pretty interested in each other so why the heck have you not already asked besides the bond thing which you’ve taken a LITERAL God sponsored oath over holy shit.”

“She’s right,” Ann nodded. “You’re overthinking this way too hard. Talk. Just talk to her. Ignore the Life Debt. Seriously, you’re so good about not using it, you’ll probably never have issues with it. Then there’s my horny brain and all the sexy stuff I would do with it, with consent of course. Seriously, though, Bren.”

“I don’t have much tae add, but they’re right. Ye’re a smooth talker, but ye need tae take a page outta my book and charge intae this one,” Kat said. “Lucia’s not the type o’ girl tae do the playin’ around game. I mean, ye’ve heard ‘er talk, right? Somethin’ like that comes from someone who likes directness. Meet her there. Ye better do it soon, too, or I’m gonna make Rosalyn’s threat a reality. Neither o’ ye can stop me, an’ ye know it.”

“That will not happen,” Bren said firmly. “If that is how you all see it, I will take that under advisement. I… apologise. That was said harshly and was not my intent. I am stressed. I will consider your words and advice.”

“And I thought I was grumpy this morning,” Rosalyn mumbled.

“So, we’re just gonna mosey on with the day, then,” Ann said. “What do we have planned? I’ve got a few meetings over the next week with Rowena to set up announcement stuff, training with Remmi, probably hanging out with Wendyl or Ilana.”

“I have studies of my own to attend. Historical and medical research that should aid us on our field excursions. The plan is to further examine Jeremiah Clain’s works and words to see if we can glean further meaning. It is unlikely, but with Ann’s role in that prophecy being highly likely, I will not pass up the chance for information.”

“Really wish Orenous could give us a hint or something on that,” Ann sighed, laying back so her head lolled over the back of the couch. “Hear that? It’s been a while.” She didn’t get an audible response, but a slight feeling of annoyance fluttered through her, then resignation. “Well, that’s something. Think she’s busy with something and can’t at the moment. Goddess stuff, I guess.”

“Wonder if there’s just a massive orgy she’s havin’ too much fun with,” Kat chuckled.

Ann got the distinct feeling that was not the case, but kept that one to herself.

“Is that how it works? Just make a big old ball of sex to get the attention of Orenous?” Rosalyn asked.

“I mean, let’s think back. Every time we’ve met ‘er, it’s been after a good romp,” Kat said. “Would think Ann havin’ higher libido would let ‘er talk easier, but it seems like the opposite?”

A firmer feeling that this was not the case.

“Guys, she’s not saying anything, but she is definitely telling me you’re wrong,” Ann said. “Might even be a little offended that you think she’s that easy, but that’s my interpretation.”

“Sorry, yer holiness,” Kat said to the ceiling, clasping her hands together. “Just a few jokes. Still love yer divine arse.”

“And boobs!” Rosalyn added.

“This is my life,” Bren lamented, hiding a chuckle. “Ridiculousness from all angles, including myself.”

“At least we’ve got all the ridiculous in one place?” Ann offered.

“It would be easier to quarantine that way. Moving on, Katlyn, do you have duties to attend?”

“Junia’s handlin’ most o’ the official guff. Still gotta make a few appearances while mum an’ da hold court. Gettin’ me leg greaves an’ sendin’ them straight tae Wendyl. After tha’, more trainin’. Ann’s gettin’ better, an’ I can’t let her pass me up. Other than that, meetin’ wit’ the Mercenary Association tae talk about Seeds we might be able tae go after. That is our standin’ mission.”

“Good. I was going to do the same, and may join you in that endeavour,” Bren nodded. “Rosalyn? Surely you have some things to keep you busy besides a bundle of blankets.”

“Yeaaaaaaah,” said bundle of blankets sighed. “Gotta meet up with Zidane and talk about Warped. We’ve gone over the Guardian from the last Seed so many times it’s making my head spin, but she’s sure we can figure out why they evolved like that. My running theory is Ann’s doing something to the Seeds by entering them, but environmental factors can’t be ruled out, like the mass of dead we lost, and the magic absorbed by the realm. There are so many variables we could go with, and narrowing them down is all of our work at the moment. Besides that, I’m still working on my whittling, want to go see the peaks of Korvas when it’s not a snowstorm, and see if I can get more ecology and biology books to get through before we have to leave again.”

“That reminds me,” Ann said. “Well, not reminds, but does? My brain just remembered that I need to go get pants, so I’ll be doing that, too.”

“Noted,” Bren nodded.

“Ye know what Lucia’s gonna be up tae?” Kat asked.

“Judging by her behaviour lately, more hunting when she gets a chance. I would not be surprised at several visits to the Bryltia temple, and further practice with Fillianore. I will have to check with her. For now, Ann, when…”

There was a knock at the door.

Kat grumbled and, went to see who it was.

“Sorry,” Lucia grumbled. “Felt Bren. Thought might be here. What’s happening?”

“Aw, ye worried about ‘im?” Kat teased, waving the Thrundol in. “We’re just goin’ o’er plans fer the next couple weeks.”

“Good plan. Am not busy. Training and temple are plans. Also Wendyl. Have ideas for traps. Maybe teeth can make work.”

“She’s teeth now?” Ann asked.

“Sharp teeth. Natural to Inlon. Is name, until earned better. Also calls me tusks. Turnabout.”

“Is fair play,” Rosalyn said. “Kinda surprised you didn’t learn her name after letting her work with Fillianor, the rifle being so important to you. Just kinda silly, I think. Wait, but you completely forgot the name of the weapon maker who worked on it last time. So I guess that’s not too bad. What was his name again?”

“Called him Arms,” Lucia shrugged. “Big arms. Even for Bultrong. Or was hands?”

“Can’t even keep yer nicknames straight,” Kat sighed. “Ye sure those tusks aren’t pokin’ back intae yer brain?”

Lucia rolled her eyes. “Sure. Just like ears connected to pussy.”

“Wouldn’t be surprised,” Kat shrugged. “Feels damn good havin’ em be rubbed.”

“You are all hopeless,” Bren sighed. “Every single one of you.”

“What was humans? Belly button?” Lucia said with a wicked grin.

“It feels odd, but not an erogenous zone.”

“Maybe for you. Maybe others? Odd can be good.”

“Just like Kat likes being bitten, yeah,” Bren shrugged. “I would not be sure. It is not something I have explored in a sexual setting. It is usually just idle hands poking at myself.”

“Do a lot of poking yourself?” the ball of blankets asked. “Betcha you’re doing it all the time when people aren’t looking. You have to be in this party for some reason and I’m still trying to figure out why. Orenous has got to have you pegged as some sort of pervert.”

“I refuse to comment,” Bren said flatly. “We were discussing plans?”

“Make some time in your busy schedules to talk to each other,” Ann said. “We’re not letting either of you wiggle out of this.”

“We heard you,” Bren and Lucia said at the same time. “Stop that. You! What? What is happening?”

“Oh, goddamnit, they’re twinning!” Ann cackled as Bren and Lucia glared at each other.

“Twinning?” Covers asked.

“When twins get their brains too lined up, and they start saying the same thing at the same time. My time could never figure out why it happened, but it was a thing,” Ann explained. “Some thought it was a form of psychic connection, and with this, I’m starting to believe that.”

“That will be frustrating,” only Bren said. “You already feel my emotions, now my thoughts?”

“Did not hear thoughts,” Lucia shot back. “Just… coincidence? Yes. Coincidence. Nothing else.”

“I am going to have all the fun with this,” Ann wheezed, still giggling. “Alright, it’s lunchtime. Come on Rosalyn, you’re getting evicted.”

“Nooooo!” the ball of blankets protested, pulling tighter into itself.

“Give us a few, we’ll be out,” Kat laughed, picking up Rosalyn like a beach ball and tucking her under one arm.

Extracting Rosalyn was more difficult than they thought. She’d somehow gotten the blankets securely wrapped up around her horns, and that was the linchpin to the whole mess. One carefully extracted Druid later, they got her bathed and ready for the day.

“So much to do,” Ann sighed, opening the door to Bren and Lucia waiting for them.