World Breaking, Pt. 01

Author's Note: This is the first chapter of an epic fantasy story. It's a bit of a slow burn, and if you are here for the smut, then you should skip to the end. While not all chapters will involve sex, I hope you enjoy the story anyways. ~Kitsune-Kune

Chapter 1: Plumbing the Depths

We never saw it coming. Even when we saw the signs, noticed the warnings, we still didn't know. How could we? Every scientist on the globe was warning of it, shouting at anyone who would listen, but no-one knew. Not even those same scientists. Not really.

It started slowly, a gentle building of energy. Global warming we called it, a slow increase of the average temperature. People decried it, fought against it, ignored it, all while the book worms and the science geeks renamed it. "Climate Change" they said. Climate my ass, that was just the beginning.

New plagues, freak storms, sudden communications blackouts, record heat waves immediately followed by hail storms that turned roads into rivers of ice just a few days later. We knew it wasn't natural, everyone agreed, but still we didn't know the truth.

Some say the first Ruptures happened right under our noses. In the frozen wastelands and deep jungles of the world, far from prying eyes, too small to notice by the masses who were too distracted by our petty wars, or worse, our even more petty 'celebrities' and 'politicians'. Me, I don't rightly know nor care if they did. I just know the Roman Rupture is the one that mattered. The one that started to open our eyes to just how royally fucked we all really were.

Nobody knows for sure how it went down, not with any certainty. No, we'd had another one of those sudden communications losses, where all signals stopped working for a bit. Only this time, there weren't any "sun spots" or whatever the science geeks called them. Just everything stopped working within a few hundred kilometers of Rome, and they didn't start working again when the world kept spinning.

No, three days after it started, people were getting edgy. Worse, they started to notice nobody who went to Rome came back, nor did anyone leave. Not until the fourth day, when the signals resumed, and the first people to visit it since it happened came back, I'd say in one piece, since they weren't missing any bits. But nothing that sends a quarter of the world into a religious meltdown is going to leave the first visitors mentally unscathed.

All of Rome, and the Vatican city within, was dead. The outer districts were piles of rubble and destruction, with spikes of never before seen types of stone jutting out every which way. The rest was even worse. "Preserved" was the word the scientists used. "Crystalized'' is a more accurate description in my book. Every person, building, and animal had all been changed into a solid blue crystal. Even the vehicles, street lamps, and everyday dirt was as shiny and reflective as the brand new crystalline Coliseum, and all of it was fused together. Like one giant sculptural piece. Didn't help any when the science geeks discovered it was a crystal made of some material they didn't even have a name for.

This didn't make the rounds in the usual news of course. No, the powers that be, everywhere, knew this would cause a panic and tried to hide it... Only thing is, at the time, it was really hard to hide something like that. Once the first bootlegged pictures started circulating, the world was in an uproar. Once the first video showed what had happened, both at the periphery and farther inside, 'chaos' no longer described it.

Panic and riots filled the streets of the so-called 'western world'. The epicenter of their faith transformed in what they could only imagine as a 'divine act' created as many zealous doom cults as there were knight-zealots trying to convert every person they laid eyes on. Several major population centers and even some national governments collapsed overnight. Then things got worse.

You see, while a chunk of the world was teetering on civil war amongst religious fervor, other parts of the world noticed that wasn't the strangest part. No, some of the scientists who were studying the Roman Rupture noticed that not only was it a giant unknown crystal, it was also, as my mum's old TV show used to say, 'bigger on the inside'. Not that anybody watches TV anymore. Can't, there's nothing to watch. Not that there's anything to power it either.

Then they noticed anything that stayed in, or nearby, the Rupture too long, started to change. Would've been nice if they told the rest of us, you know, when information was still easily transported. But nah, just like its initial discovery, the changes came to common knowledge through another bootleg video. This time showing off the first vampire, as one of the scientists was caught on film sinking his new elongated teeth into the neck of an Ostian hooker.

Took three armed police teams to hunt down the bloodsucker, with most dying along the way. Cornered in an abandoned building and driven mad by his own inability to stop feeding on the living, he jumped out a window in broad daylight. Lucky for those keeping score, his body bursting into flames as he hit the pavement in broad daylight, was caught on live news. Of course, this news was all but drowned out by the Amazonian Rupture. Whatever was left of the Brazilian government was simply not ready for having the entire Amazon river change into a giant mass of writhing, oozing, black tentacles. At least this Rupture took its time, and left people alive, more or less. Might have been better if it hadn't though.

No-one knows exactly where in Brazil it began. It was a huge ass river surrounded by jungle afterall. But when dozens of people started coming into hospitals with a new, never-before-seen rash, all up and down the river, folks quickly took notice. Then as dozens became hundreds, what was left of the country started to panic. Even more so when they started screaming in agony as the blackened veins started wriggling under their skin, and tiny tentacles burst forth. That's when people did what panicked people always do. They killed the afflicted on sight, and then traced it back to its source 'to make sure no-one has to suffer that way again'.

When they reached the river and found that all the fish and wildlife were equally afflicted, it wasn't hard to put two and two together. So out came torches and flames like never before seen. Instead, what really cooked their melons, was when the first feathered serpent appeared and chased away the fiery mobs. A couple folks didn't run fast enough and became dragon food. I did say their melons got cooked afterall. On the flip side, some of the news out of Brazil made it clear the big ass country was now somehow even bigger than it used to be.

Can't say too much what happened after that. Not in any semblance of order anyhow. Because you see, the next Rupture I personally became aware of was the Rocky Mountain Rupture, and I was smack dab in the middle of it.

That's right, two worlds were being frankenstein'ed together, and yours truly was smack dab in the middle of it. Of course, I was convinced that whatever was happening, was happening on the other side of the planet, and all I had to worry about was any of the local Death Cults that decided to lay claim to the area. Sadly, I was sorely mistaken, and about to get a crash course on magical mayhem.

~Memoir of Lindsay O. Moore, First Attendant to the Eldest of the Circle of Life, Dominion of Hesperus Mountain.

Arafeyi gently strokes the aging text longingly, missing her Ore Lindsay. These old hand-written documents are all she has left of the woman who raised her. Her reverie is interrupted by the gentle wooden tones of someone tapping her sokiko, drawing her gaze away. Sighing wistfully, she carefully places the page back with the others before making her way to the only door to her small home. As she nears it, she hears the familiar voice of Ezuko calling to her.

"Daho! Uwati jo Arafeyi da ge?" ("Yo! Arafeyi, are you awake?")

Arafeyi smiles as she opens the wooden door, letting in more of the cool morning light.

"Eya eya. Choyise shh nihate da." ("Yeah yeah. Calm down already.")

Arafeyi makes an exaggerated stretching motion while looking over her closest friend. Ezuko is brimming with excitement, bouncing on her toes ever so slightly, her bright blue hair waving in the breeze. Arafeyi snickers some as she notices the small flickers of white dancing across the smooth turquoise expanse of Ezuko's eyes.

"Izu dash. Fotai che Ezuko jo hubeni da ge?" ("I wasn't sleeping. Why are you so excited, Ezuko?")

Ezuko giggles and then points out into the forest, past the edge of Hepura Dominion and into the unclaimed lands beyond.

"Ibe be zuyi jo kuhewa da! Rofeti che Akosh jo Echute da. Hubeni da shi?" ("There is a group of strangers approaching! Echute wants us Scouts to speak with them. Exciting, right?")

Arafeyi quickly notes that no-one else is with Ezuko and shakes her head in exasperation, "Mawati jo kuhewa da ge?" ("They're humans, aren't they?")

Ezuko merely smiles and skips closer, grabbing Arafeyi's hand before whispering conspiratorially, "So practice our Ingrish!"

Arafeyi chuckles at her friend's excitement, "You're obsessed! And it's English, not 'Ingrish.'"

Arafeyi turns to grab her gear, examining the edge of her gosh to ensure it is properly sharpened, before strapping the trusty blade to her hip. She then picks up her tiyati and slips her arms through the straps, centering the bag on her back between her wings. Before clipping it into place with a smooth, practiced, motion. She then looks up and notices Ezuko's eyes have tinted to a darker shade of blue in confusion.

"What is 'obsession'? Ore Lindsay no teached that word."

Arafeyi cannot help but laugh at her friend as she slips past, giving Ezuko a teasing grin while refusing to elaborate. "Did Echute say how many humans? Or do we have to find out the hard way?"

Ezuko closes the door to Arafeyi's small home with a huff, before following after her. "Echute no say..."

"Didn't say, or you didn't ask?" Arafeyi gives her a sharp look, knowing the answer.

Ezuko blushes in embarrassment before barking out, "No change subject! What mean 'obsession'? Arafeyi! Tell me!"

Arafeyi sets a practiced pace through the woods. Knowing well the humans would be several kilometers away still, across rough ground. Arafeyi calls over her shoulder.

"Choyise shh nibaje che ash jo 'obsession' da. Kaho dash." ("Obsession' means to focus your path on only one thing, ignoring all else. It's not very good for you.")

Ezuko follows after, her lithe form keeping pace, while saying indignantly, "I no obsession Humans! Just... Really like learn. Remind me of Ore Lindsay!"

Arafeyi stops and turns at the slight wistfulness in Ezuko's voice. "I miss her too, yayo."

Ezuko merely nods and then she picks up the pace, clearly not wanting Arafeyi to dwell on it. Who is only too happy to let the subject drop, preferring to focus on happier thoughts when her best friend is around.

Instead Arafeyi chooses to continue with the teasing. "You are completely obsessed, Ezuko! You always have been. Choyiti che Mawati shh rofetiti jo Ezuko da!" ("I remember your human porn, Ezuko!")

"Arafeyi! No fair! You look too!"

"You made me look!"

"Dash!" ("Did not!")

Arafeyi hops on top of a fallen tree, whirling to look at her friend.

"Da ge?! Kioe be uma da reta yi hubeni jo izu shh oyago dash. Eseati be rofeti ati jo mawati shh hage da kowati. Be fetiti jo Ezuko yi dash!" ("What?! You woke me up at midnight. Shoving a drawing of two humans having sex into my hands. While wearing nothing but your underwear!")

Ezuko's cheeks flush as she retorts back, "Bapeha shh rofeti da! Fotai jo shikiwa shh kohagawa be kowati da ge?!" ("I told you I was confused! Why were they having sex while the woman was pregnant?!")

Arafeyi can't help but laugh, "Ezuko, you already know, unlike Fewati, human breasts don't go away when not nursing a baby."

Arafeyi motions at her own chest, with her small but evident cleavage standing out in comparison to Ezuko's nearly flat chest. She then continues with a smirk.

"Ezuko jo jawa be sebibi shh shikiwa dash. Jawa be yucheti shh chudawa shi!" ("Also, you weren't staring at the woman's boobs. But rather the man's dick!")

Ezuko's cheeks flush even darker, "Ate..."

Unable to come up with an excuse, Ezuko looks away sheepishly before adding in a small voice.

"Ibati shh jawa be oyago dash..." ("I'd never seen one before...")

Arafeyi's heart drops some at the part which goes unspoken, glancing at Ezuko's missing wings, "Yayo..."

Ezuko shakes herself, and forces a smile on her face, "Ingrish! We be practice Ingrish!"

She then mantles up and over the fallen tree before Arafeyi can finish correcting her.

"English, Ezuko! It's called English!" Arafeyi calls, leaping off and chasing after her friend.

Taking the familiar path the two have created over the years, headed towards Hepura's border markers. The heavy canopy of the Dominion's forest beginning to thin as they approach the barrier cliff, Arafeyi allows herself a smile at the cloudless sky beyond. Both pairs of her wings itching to take flight into that endless expanse, while knowing they are not strong enough to carry her there, merely glide. For the millionth time in her life, Arafeyi pushes away uncharitable thoughts for being born only half fae, and chooses to focus on the now.

"Did Echute at least tell you who spotted the humans, Ezuko?"

Ezuko slows to a gentle jog, and the sideways glance she gives Arafeyi answers faster than her mouth does.

"Hubashi. He be watch today."

Arafeyi groans loudly, "Rofeti be ibe da fobi ni yucheti shh napo." ("That means we are going to have to talk to that red dick with legs.")

Ezuko snickers, "He no that bad!"

"His only interest in me. Are these!" Arafeyi grabs her chest for emphasis, "And he doesn't even try to hide it!"

Ezuko breaks down into a full giggling fit. "Dash. Yi tahoki che jawa be!" ("That's not true. He stares at your ass, too!")

"Ugh, a complete pervert."

Ezuko's eyes tint a darker blue again as she slows to a walk, "What mean 'pervert'?"

"Choyise shh nibaje che kowati da." ("It means to always be thinking about sex.")

Ezuko smiles in understanding, "Ush! Arafeyi is pervert!"

"Da ge?! You're more of a pervert!"

"Ho. Oyago da." ("Yes. I. Am.")

The sheer pride with which Ezuko says it, causes Arafeyi to break into uncontrollable laughter, and Ezuko quickly follows suit. They spend the next several minutes trying to reign it back in as they walk, but every time they look at each other the laughter resumes. Finally abating as they approach the barrier cliff and the watchpost. Built as a border marker, it has a commanding view of the only path of ascent for those unable to fly. There, sitting at the watchpost, is Hubashi, carefully cleaning one of his golden wings as they approach. Pointedly pretending to have not noticed either of them.

As Arafeyi tries to delay the conversation, Ezuko steps forwards and calls out.

"Hubashi, daho! Hubeni jo ibati be kioe da ge?" ("Hey Hubashi! It's been a lively day, yeah?")

Hubashi reacts with mock surprise on his face that fails to reach his eyes, releasing his wing and folding it behind him with the others.

"Ezuko da ge? Reta shh jawa be dash." (Ezuko? I didn't see you down there.")

He then stands and with a practiced jump, leaps off the watchpost towards them, snapping his wings out to arrest his fall, hovering just under a meter away from them.

"Ush, yi Arafeti da!" ("Oh, and Arafeti!")

Arafeyi scowls as he starts to fly in a lazy circle around them, blatantly leering at her.

"Oyago da ArafeYI. Bapeha dash, choyiti shh gozu dash." ("My name is ArafeYI. You would know that, if you didn't have the memory of a fish.")

Instead of looking offended, Hubashi laughs.

"Kiati ash ati! Wabi shh oyago da." ("She's fiery! I like that.")

He then flies closer, hovering just in front of her as his gaze roams slowly down the front of her body, blatantly undressing her in his mind.

"Jo wikobe che fotai be kohage da ge? Jawa be muyue ash awa da. Oyago be tiero che chodi shh chofeti... Yi dash. " ("Why don't we become mated? You'd look even better writhing beneath me. Wearing my mark... And nothing else.")

Ezuko quickly interjects, her hand taking a firm grip on Arafeyi's arm which is reaching for her gosh. While putting extra emphasis on Echute's name as she does so. "Ibati be rofeti shh Echute che mawati ash ati jo Hubashi da shi? Mabewa da ge?" ("Echute said you saw a few humans, Hubashi, right? Where are they?")

Hubashi's eyes flash an angry yellow as he looks at Ezuko, clearly annoyed at being interrupted. But they mute back to his usual amber as he registers what was said. Sighing, he flies back up to rest on the top of the watchpost, motioning south-east dismissively.

"Mabe da." ("Over that way.")

With him clearly showing no interest in talking any further, Arafeyi more than happily takes her leave. Leaping off the cliff face, her wings buzzing to life to allow her to glide as far and as fast as she can away from Hubashi, her skin still crawling. With Ezuko skittering down the sharp and uneven stone path as fast as her legs can safely take her, trying to at least keep Arafeyi in sight.

When the path reaches the first sharp switchback, Arafeyi lets her feet touch the ground again, sliding hard into the rockface ahead of her. Glad for the feeling of her hands slamming into the stone to stop her. Glancing at a particular piece of jutting rock that reminds her of Hubashi's leering face if she squints some.

Arafeyi punches it, scraping her knuckles. Not satisfied, she rears back and prepares to punch it again, harder, when the tumble of fallen stones behind her causes her to look behind her. Where she sees Ezuko rushing to catch up, half running, half sliding, down the steep path. Concerned for her friend's safety, Arafeyi pushes her anger to the side and moves to give a steadying hand to Ezuko, as she comes to a sliding stop.

"Okay..." Ezuko says breathlessly, using Arafeyi's hand to steady herself, "He that bad..."

Arafeyi shakes her head in confusion for a moment, then remembering their conversation just a little earlier, snorts. Her anger melting away. "Choash yayo... Be choyise shh oyago dash? " ("Thanks Ezuko... What would I do without you?")

"Would hurt self," Ezuko responds pointedly, while reaching for Arafeyi's bleeding hand.

Arafeyi gently waves her off, "I'm fine... Let's keep going. I want to get as far away from that yucheti as I can."

Ezuko's eyes lighten some in concern but she doesn't press the matter and Arafeyi starts moving again. Taking a slower and more careful pace as she stays on the ground this time. Letting Ezuko easily keep up without risking falling and breaking something. The pain in her hand and the occasional bloody mark left on the rocks she uses for balance, acting as a constant reminder of how close she had come to leaving Ezuko behind.

After several quiet minutes focused on working their way forwards, Arafeyi steps around a bend that takes the path out of sight of the watchpost. She then stops and stares at her bleeding hand. The same one that had moved to grab her blade before she was stopped by Ezuko, "I would have killed him..." She mutters under her breath.

"Ho..." Ezuko quietly agrees from behind her.

Arafeyi turns to face her friend, tears of guilt starting to form.

"Choyise shh fewati dash... Choyise shh kuhewa da. Choyise shh mawati da! Oyago da..." ("That's not the way of the fae... That's the way of outsiders. The way of humans! Like me...")

Ezuko pulls Arafeyi close, pressing their foreheads together.

"Uemi! Zuhari oyago shh fewati jo Arafeyi da. Ero be umadash shh reta che mawati dash. Zuyi ash ati be zuhari jo oyago che mihawa shh umashawa da." ("No! You're a fae, as much as I am... After-all, no human can fly down the mountain like that. Making me stumble after you like a drunken lynx.")

Arafeyi cannot help but smile and wipe her cheeks with the back of her hands. The action causing her to hiss softly in pain from her hand while smearing her face with blood. Ezuko's eyes once more lighten in concern. "Tahobiti shh Arafeti che achupe shh jawa be shi?" ("Let me take a look at your hand, okay?")

Arafeyi nods and walks further down the path to where it widens some and then slumps down on the ground, holding her hand out towards Ezuko. Who is already pulling her oversized tiyati off and placing it on the ground next to Arafeyi, then sits down as well.

Before doing anything else, Ezuko uses her sleeve to gently wipe the blood off Arafeyi's face. Satisifed that Arafeyi looks at least semi-presentable again. Ezuko then pulls out a roll of cloth and a small gourd, before sliding her own gosh out of its sheath. Cutting a short strip of the cloth, Ezuko then opens the stopper on the gourd and slowly pours a small amount of a thick viscous concoction onto the cut piece. Arafeyi wrinkles her nose in protest, "Never liked the smell."

"Then no hurt self." Ezuko chides, before softly dabbing away the blood on Arafeyi's hand. Leaning close as she carefully cleans the cuts.

Arafeyi grimaces in pain again as Ezuko starts to inspect the wounds, prodding the cuts for anything that may be stuck in them. Satisfied there is nothing, she slowly and methodically wraps the rest of the cloth around Arafeyi's hand, twisting it around each finger to hold it all in place. Before finishing the wrap and tying it off against the back of Araefyi's hand. Ezuko then uses her blade to cut off the excess, and packs her tools back up.

"Try?"

At her insistence, Arafeyi straightens and flexes her fingers, testing the wrapped bandaging. The wrappings hold true and cause hardly any pain. Arafeyi finds herself marveling, as she always does, at the skill shown by her friend.

"Wakati be yayo che wabi ash awa da. Fotai ibati be choyise shh kaho dash." ("Perfect as always, Ezuko. You should have been a healer.")

"Ibati be esea che nibajiti ash awa jo Arafeyi da." ("Well, you've given me a lot of practice.")

"Ho..." Arafeyi sighs, "Ibati be oyago da. Izudaki." ("Yes... I have. I'm sorry.")

Ezuko merely stands and offers a hand up to Arafeyi, "No sorry. I happy to help."

Arafeyi takes her hand and stands up, her gaze never leaving Ezuko, "Wikobe rofeti jo Echute che Kaho shh Tagemarish-" ("I'm sure Echute could put in a word with the Council of Healers-"

"Uemi." Ezuko cuts her off sharply, then continues, "Choyise shh kaho be oyago dash. Akosh be oyago da. Ho be da." (No. I am not a healer. I am a Scout. And I am where I belong.")

As Arafeyi starts to protest, Ezuko squeezes her arm reassuringly and repeats herself, "Ho be da." ("I am where I belong.")

"We want keep going, humans wait!" Ezuko adds brightly, letting go and sliding her arms into the straps of her tiyati.

Clipping the bag into place on her back, she continues with a wink "Like you say. I 'obsessed!"

Arafeyi fights the smile pulling at the edges of her mouth, "Because you are."

Ezuko laughs and starts walking down the path again, calling over her shoulder, "Thought am 'pervert'?"

Arafeyi shakes her head as she follows after, "You're both!"

Even as both women laugh under a clear sky, enjoying their shared camaraderie, Arafeyi's stomach remains knotted. She knows this will not be the last time she deals with Hubashi, and his advances are becoming ever more insistent. "What'll happen if Ezuko isn't there to stop me next time?"

Ezuko looks over her shoulder quizzically, "What you say?"

Realizing she had spoken the question out loud, Arafeyi forces a smile, "Nothing, don't worry about it... And it's 'what DID you say.'"

Ezuko pouts, "English hard, too much words."

"At least you got 'English' right this time!"

Ezuko brightens, "Hache! I good at learn!"

"It's 'learn-ING', Ezuko. 'I'm good at learn-ING.'"

Ezuko pouts again, but her eyes still twinkle with joy, "See? Too much words!"

She leads them around the next bend in the rough path, before coming to a sudden stop, shoulders tense. Curious Arafeyi carefully leans around her friend to get a better look, and the problem is immediately clear.

The usual route forward has fully collapsed under a recent landslide. Wiping out the hard ledge they usually travel, and taking a section of the cliff-face with it. The missing stone reveals a gaping cavern into the rockface. Arafeyi swallows, "... Ibati be kioe shh choyise ash ati che eroshi awa da." ("... Must have happened during that heavy storm a few days ago.")

They both step up towards the shattered edge of the path, looking out over the gap to the open ground below. While Arafeyi could probably glide down safely enough, unlike most fae she would not be able to return that way. Nor would Ezuko be able to jump down without serious injury. Looking at each other, they turn as one to look into the cavern with trepidation. The darkness beyond causing their hair to raise.

Shivering and rubbing her arms, Arafeyi finally breaks the silence. "Ibati be yi jo Akosh da. Ho be dibaho shh umadash che zuyi ash awa da shi?..." ("We're Scouts. So, we should explore this cave, right?...")

"Ate..." Ezuko looks at Arafeyi, her eyes tinted with fear, "We practice English still... Make no scary?"

Arafeyi swallows, and then puts on an air of confidence she does not feel, "Yeah, we'll practice our English. Afterall, nothing is as scary as you getting your words wrong in front of humans!"

Ezuko suddenly looks mortified, "Think I that bad?"

Arafeyi gives her friend a playful shove, "I don't 'think' you are. I know you are... Why else would Echute send me along, yes? You could do this on your own if you knew more words."

"English be too much words!" Ezuko responds with mock indignation.

"Too 'many' words Ezuko. 'English has too many words.'"

"Yep. Too many words. Arafeyi stuck and me!"

Already feeling better for the distraction, Arafeyi looks from the cave entrance to the torch tied to Ezuko's tiyati, their only light source. "We should wait to use that... Maybe it's short enough we won't need it?"

"Bapeha da." ("Maybe.") Ezuko agrees, the doubt clouding her eyes just as strong as the one settling in Arafeyi's gut.

Arafeyi takes another long look at the empty space where the path used to be, hoping to see some other way forwards that she had missed. Finding the open air and shattered rockface is as unforgiving as it was a few seconds ago. Sighing, she takes a steadying breath, and then walks into the cave entrance as confidently as she can.

As she steps out of the sunlight, Arafeyi takes it slow, giving her eyes time to adjust while she examines the tunnel for any signs of trouble such as cracks in the rock or jagged outcroppings.

Ezuko moves in behind her. Wrapping her arms around herself Ezuko lets out a shuddering breath while shivering. As much from the cooler, moist air of the cave, as she does from her nerves.

Arafeyi touches Ezuko's arm reassuringly, "Zuyi be ash wikobe da shi?" ("We'll go one step at a time, okay?")

Ezuko smiles weakly as she squeaks, "Wikobe be kaho da." ("I'll be okay.")

"Okay, this way." Arafeyi nods, leading the only way deeper into the tunnel.

While the cave entrance was only large enough to step through single-file, it quickly widens enough that the two of them are walking down it abreast. The passage smoothed by the occasional flow of water over many years. The floor tilts downwards, taking them slowly deeper into the mountain. As they move further in, the sounds of the outside world fade away. Leaving just the occasional scuffle of their shoes on the smooth rock floor to distract from the pounding of her heart. Arafeyi's breathing grows faster as the darkness draws in and the walls feel like they are closing in slowly around her.

"Arafeyi..."

Arafeyi stops short as she hears her name called from behind her. Turning, she realizes that Ezuko had stopped a meter back. Arafeyi simply had not noticed due to her own rising anxiety. Forcing a voice far calmer than she feels, Arafeyi calls back, "Ezuko, choyise dash?" ("What's wrong, Ezuko?")

Ezuko shakes her head, "Dark... No see."

Looking around the dimly lit cave, understanding dawns on her and she walks back to her friend, "I'm sorry... I guess human eyes see in the dark better... Let's light the torch."

Ezuko nods and twists to untie the torch from her tiyati while Arafeyi digs out a cloth-wrapped bundle from her own. Pulling the flint and steel from the wrap, she sets about igniting the torch, Ezuko standing nearby hugging her arms and glancing back towards the entrance several times.

When the torch wick ignites, Arafeyi hands it to Ezuko while she packs her fire-starter back into her bag. By the time stands back up, Ezuko looks better, "Choash, yawati." ("Thank you, Arafeyi.")

Finding her own comfort in the bright flickering light of the burning beeswax, Arafeyi once again leads the way underground, hoping the burning stalk of the torch will last long enough. Trying to lighten the mood some, Arafeyi smiles at Ezuko. "Careful with that. The melting wax is hot. It would sting horribly if it lands on your skin."

Arafeyi sees an emotion flicker across Ezuko's eyes, but can not make it out in the firelight, as Ezuko gives a weak chuckle, "No worry. I be fine."

Feeling the increased tension in her friend, but considering her own, Arafeyi isn not really sure how to help. So she simply leads the way around the first bend in the path, caused by a large stalactite hanging in the way. As she turns to help Ezuko maneuver around it while not burning herself. Arafeyi notices the rock fully blocks sight of the cave entrance. A fresh spike of fear jabs at the thought of being lost in the dark if the torch goes out. "We should move quicker... Just careful not to slip on the wet ground."

As Ezuko steps around the rest of the way she nods in agreement, then motions at Arafeyi's tiyati, "Use rope?"

Mentally chiding herself for not thinking of that sooner, Arafeyi quickly pulls the coiled rope out of her bag. She ties one end into a harness around her own waist, before doing the same to Ezuko. Giving both ends a good tug to ensure they hold tightly.

Through it all, Ezuko sways from foot to foot like her legs need to keep moving. Showing an uncharacteristic impatience. Before making a soft groan when the harness is tested. Not sure what to make of it all, and knowing their time with light is limited. Arafeyi bites her tongue and simply resumes their downward descent.

Ezuko remains quiet as they travel, keeping pace around twists and bends in the tunnel. The unusual quiet from her causes a feeling of unease to slowly build in the pit of Arafeyi's stomach. Which is joined by the fear of the dark around them. All of which is only heightened by the cave slowly narrowing until they can barely walk single file again. Fighting back her own claustrophobia, Arafeyi can make out Ezuko breathing heavily behind her.

Looking back, she sees how much of the torch has already burned down. Time slipping away from them. "Maybe... Maybe we should go back, Ezuko. See if there's another way."

Ezuko shakes her head firmly, pushing past Arafeyi aggressively, "Uemi! No stop."

Arafeyi quickly follows after, "Zuyi be nihate ash awa jo Ezuko da. Bapeha be chofe shh uma dash." ("Be careful Ezuko. The ground might not be safe.")

Ezuko whirls around with the torch in hand, a retort on her lips, when the ground suddenly gives way beneath her.

Arafeyi barely has time to register what is happening before Ezuko disappears into the hole in the earth. The whispering sound of rope scraping along stone drowned out by Ezuko's scream of fright.

Arafeyi drops prone, trying to get as much contact with the cave floor that she can, as the rope pulls taught and drags her forwards. Then the world is lost in complete blackness as the torch goes out.

Scrabbling to find purchase in the darkness and halt the fall, Arafeyi hears Ezuko's frightened scream cut short by a strange groan. Fear gripping her chest as Arafeyi continues to slide forward on the slick floor, her flailing hands find the rounded bulge of a small stalagmite, and she latches onto it with all her might.

As Arafeyi comes to a sharp stop, she hears another groan from somewhere below her. Taking solace that Ezuko is at least still alive, she slides her right foot around until it comes up against something solid.

Fingers aching from her death-grip on the small rock in her hands. Heart pounding in her ears.

Arafeyi forces herself to take things slow. Carefully testing whatever her foot is against to make sure it is strong enough to support her.

After confirming it feels like a portion of the wall, and that it is not going anywhere. Arafeyi finds a cropping in the stone and jams her foot into place against it. She then does the same with her other one a short ways away from the first.

Satisfied she is firmly anchored, she takes a shuddering breath and then calls out, "Ezuko! Yi be rofeti jo oyago da! Kaho be choyise da ge?!" ("Ezuko! Talk to me! Are you okay?!")

In the darkness that surrounds her, every moment feels like a lifetime. Her chest tightening. Until she hears Ezuko's muffled voice, "Izudaki... Kiashi ash ati che tahobiti dash." ("Sorry... I dropped the torch.")

Tears of relief burn her eyes as Arafeyi laughs. The tension in her chest lessening at Ezuko's humor even in the dark void that surrounds her. She takes another steadying breath, braces herself with her feet, and cautiously shifts her weight from the stalagmite in her hands to the wall at her feet.

She gives a sigh of relief as the rockface holds firm. Contorting her body, she lets go with her left hand and follows the rope to the edge of the hole. Only a few centimeters to the left of her hip. Taking a sharp breath as she feels how close she was to falling through as well, she then grabs the stalagmite with both hands again.

Breathing deeply to try and slow her heart, she hears Ezuko call from below. "Zuyi be oyago da ge? Bapeha be imadawa shh tahobiti da. " ("Can I move? I think I can reach a ledge.")

Arafeyi tightens her grip and confirms her anchoring is in place before it hits her, "Jawa be da ge?!" ("You can see?!")

"Ush! Ho! Kioe ati che ibe shh reta da!" ("Oh! Yes! There's a little light down here!")

With renewed determination, Arafeyi grabs her stalagmite anchor, "Hache! Zuyi be da!" ("Great! Get moving!")

Arafeyi feels the rope harness begin to pull as Ezuko starts to move, gasping and breathing heavily from the exertion. Trusting her friend, Arafeyi closes her eyes against the blackness around her. Focusing on keeping her grip tight and body steady against the tugs of the rope. Glad for the lightness of body inherent to fae making it easier to hold her position against Ezuko's weight.

After several moments, the rope goes slack, and Arafeyi hears the scrape of clothing against stone. A few more seconds pass as she hears Ezuko moving below. Her voice then calls back up, out of breath, "Jeruse be oyago da. Wikobe zuyi da." ("Finished. You can move now.")

No longer trying to not fall to her death, Arafeyi realizes how much focusing on just holding still has kept her own anxiety at bay. The darkness presses at her as she opens her eyes again.

Shuddering, she forces herself to let go of the stalagmite and carefully explore the edge of the hole with her hands. While the stone is rough along the crack that formed. It is not so jagged as to risk cutting herself on it.

Realizing she cannot explore it entirely without turning, Arafeyi straightens her legs to push out from the wall. Laying flat on her back she slips her feet free of their makeshift perches, before slowly rotating in place.

Her hands methodically search the floor until she finds the edge of the hole again. Focusing on the knowledge that there is light below her, Arafeyi calls out, "Zuyi be dibaho ati da. Achupe da ge?" ("I'm moving to the hole. Ready?")

After a bit of shuffling, Ezuko answers from below, "Achupe da." ("I'm ready.")

Taking a steadying breath, Arafeyi carefully inches towards the openig. Testing that the ground can take her weight before each movement. As she nears it, a few more pieces of earth crack and break and fall away. However it holds enough that she is able to carefully look over the edge.

About one and a half meters below her is Ezuko. Braced against the far wall, standing on a ledge, visible in a faint light from somewhere out of view.

Feeling around the edge of the opening, Arafeyi realizes it is a thin spot in the stone. The gap is not much larger than a single person. As she finishes her circuit, Arafeyi knocks another piece loose and it falls past Ezuko. Landing with a splash just out of sight directly below.

Leaning back away from the opening, Arafeyi takes another deep breath as she realizes the only option. "Reta be zuyi da." ("I'm coming down.")

Ezuko makes a sound like she is about to protest, but then simply confirms she is ready again.

Taking another deep breath as she wonders if she is being stupid, Arafeyi swings her legs over the edge and slowly slides into the gap. Once most of her weight is centered over the rough edge, her fears are confirmed and the stone gives way beneath her.

Ready for it. Once her shoulders are through the opening, Arafeyi's wings snap open and she glides as best she can to land on the ledge near Ezuko. Grunting as she slams into a rockface for the second time today.

Closing her wings and rubbing her shoulder, Arafeyi turns to see Ezuko still braced hard against the wall. Silhouetted by light coming from far behind her. Realizing her friend probably cannot see well enough to tell in the dim light. Arafeyi moves up and places a reassuring hand on Ezuko's shoulder, "Let's not do that again."

Ezuko gasps and jumps at the unexpected touch from out of the darkness, but lets go of the wall. Voice thick with emotion. "Choyise ash awa. Yojoe be oyago da... Izudaki." ("Thank you Arafeyi. For saving me... I'm sorry-") She chokes back a sob as she motions towards darkness above.

"Yayo..." Arafeyi presses her forehead against Ezuko's, feeling her still, "Ho da. Yi be ho da." ("Ezuko... It's okay. We're both okay.")

Pulling back and wiping away tears, Ezuko takes a steadying breath and nods. "You lead... Past time, I find hole."

Arafeyi snorts, "Yes, you did. And it's 'the last time' not 'past time.'"

"See? Too much words!" Ezuko laughs, adding emphasis to the word 'much'.

Chuckling, Arafeyi steps past Ezuko and carefully leads the way forwards. Keeping a hand on the wall in caution.

The ledge slants slowly downwards for several meters before leveling out as it reaches the wet floor. The light from ahead of them begins to illuminate the shallow water basin that Ezuko almost fell into.

Trying to further lighten the mood, Arafeyi smiles back at Ezuko, "Chezumi be aroshi ash awa shh Ezuko da" ("You almost wound up soaked.")

Ezuko's eyes widen for a moment in surprise, before simply saying "Ho... Chezumi da..." ("Yeah... Almost...")

Frowning as Ezuko still is not acting like her usual self, Arafeyi then gets a whiff of something spicy in the air for a split-second. Different from the damp earthy smells of the cave that has surrounded them.

Looking around, all she can see is the brightly lit opening before them. "Chezumi be zuyi che dibaho shh umadash da!" ("We must be close to that exit!")

Picking up the pace, Arafeyi practically drags Ezuko towards the light, her feet splashing in the water before the floor starts sloping upwards. The tunnel soon comes to a low-ceilinged opening in the rock face. Sunlight and green grass can be seen waiting for them on the other side.

Feeling a wave of happiness at being free from the darkness again, Arafeyi quickly unties her rope harness. Ezuko does the same, practically ripping it off, and hands Arafeyi the far end to coil it up. Once done, Arafeyi takes a deep breath, preparing for the possibility that this may just exit out onto a mountain ledge. She then strides forwards again, crouching some to step past the low ceiling and out into the bright daylight.

She is greeted by warm air against her cool skin. Forcing herself to stay cautious, Arafeyi scans the small forest clearing that has formed around the cave opening. After a few silent moments with no sign of immediate animal life, she walks fully into the clearing with Ezuko following close behind her.

Stretching in the open air, Arafeyi feels the tightness that has been stuck in her chest finally fade away completely. Ezuko then points while shouting, "Jawa be!" ("Look!")

Following the direction of Ezuko's finger, Arafeyi recognizes the bright orange branches of the old Umati tree reaching above the nearby canopy. The telltale burnt streak from a lightning strike long ago clearly visible through its needles, and the missing top still has the old animal nest resting in the hollow.

The two women share a happy glance, having rested at that tree many times in the past to enjoy its fruit. They now recognize where they are, and should be able to find their way back when it is time to return.

Unclipping her tiyati, Arafeyi swings the bag off her shoulders, unceremoniously dropping it to the forest floor. She then pulls her wet shoes off and leaves them in the sun to dry, loving the feel of grass against her bare feet. "Wikobe izu ash ati jo yi da shi? " ("Why don't we rest here for a bit?")

Ezuko only nods, and then takes her own bag off and sets it on the ground. Before working her own wet shoes free and setting them up to dry.

Certain that the open air will help bring back Ezuko's usually joyful spirit. Arafeyi lays down, using her bag as a makeshift pillow, looking up at the clear sky above. Satisfied she settles in and closes her eyes as she listens to the sounds of birds and insects. Happy to be outside once again.

As Arafeyi relaxes, enjoying a gentle breeze, she gets a whiff of something sweet and spicy again. Like black currants and honey. Opening her eyes and looking around for the source, all she sees in the small clearing is a bit of sage on the eastern side. Shrugging, she starts to close her eyes once more when she notices Ezuko is now anxiously pacing along the clearing edge. About to ask what's got her so wound up, Ezuko stumbles and grabs a tree for support. Jumping to her feet, Arafeyi rushes over to check on Ezuko.

As Arafeyi closes the distance, she notices the thin sheen of sweat on her friend's skin, and Ezuko's heavy breathing. Arafeyi lightly touches her friend's shoulder in concern. "Kaho be choyise da ge?" ("Are you okay?")

Ezuko leans into her touch for a moment, then suddenly jerks away like she's been shocked. Unwilling to meet Arafeyi's gaze, she waves her away while answering with a squeak, "Ash awa dash. Kaho da." ("It's nothing. I'm fine.")

Unconvinced, Arafeyi steps closer in concern then stops again as the scent of sweet currant hits her, stronger this time, and she realizes it is coming from Ezuko. Remembering the mood swings and strange behavior in the cave moments ago, Arafeyi suddenly understands what is happening. She whispers gently, "Yayo... Be uache shh ash da ge?" ("Ezuko... Is this your first heat?")

Ezuko slowly turns to look at Arafeyi, her eyes tinted with concern even as they shimmer with desire. She opens her mouth like she is about to say something, but then closes it again and merely gives a short nod instead.

Arafeyi gently reaches out to caress Ezuko's cheek. "Wikati be ho da. Oyago be ibati jo Ezuko shh ash ati dash." ("It'll be okay. You're not alone Ezuko, I'm here.")

Even as Ezuko gasps as the gentle touch, she grabs Arafeyi's wrist with a shaking hand. Visibly torn between pushing Arafeyi away in fear, and her body's ache to pull Arafei closer, Ezuko whispers, "Arafeyi, narosa da... Gobeti ash awa. " ("I'm scared, Arafeyi... It's so intense.")

Arafeyi gives her a reassuring smile, "Rofeti awa shh oyago da. Ho da. Nihate be dash... Oyago be esea che dibatiti ash ati." ("I know. It's okay. Just let yourself go... I'll give you some privacy.")

As she goes to pull away, Ezuko's grip on Arafeyi's wrist tightens. "Yi oyago be ibe da. Uhasa da ge?" ("Stay with me. Please?")

Even as she asks, it is clear Ezuko expects Arafeyi to say no and pull away. Instead, Arafeyi leans forward and presses her forehead against Ezuko's. "Ho be ibe da." ("Of course I'll stay.")

She then wraps an arm around Ezuko, drawing her close as Arafeyi leans in and brushes her lips against Ezuko's in a gentle kiss. Ezuko gasps and instantly melts against her, pressing her body against Arafeyi's. As the kiss ends, Ezuko blushes hard, "Can... Can speak English?"

Arafeyi raises an eyebrow before smiling and kissing her forehead, "You really are a pervert, Ezuko."

Ezuko shudders, pressing against Arafeyi harder, "Yes, I pervert!"

Arafeyi tips Ezuko's chin up and kisses her deeply, pulling a soft moan from her, before lightly probing Ezuko's lips with her tongue. Ezuko immediately responds, driving her own tongue to meet Arafeyi's wantonly. Letting go of Arafeyi's wrist to throw her arms around Arafeyi's neck.

Her hand now free, Arafeyi slides it down Ezuko's side, drawing another needy shudder from Ezuko, before moving her hand lower. Along Ezuko's muscled thigh, giving it a squeeze that causes Ezuko to break the kiss with a breathy gasp and spread her legs some.

Gliding her hand between Ezuko's open legs, Arafeyi presses her fingers along Ezuko's groin. Forcing a sharper gasp into a needy moan as Ezuko immediately start to hump her fingers. Arafeyi then kisses along Ezuko's jaw, and nips her neck softly. Before kissing her way to nibble on Ezuko's ear lobe. Whispering huskily, "I think you're wearing a bit too much.."

Moving like she was struck by lightning. Ezuko yanks the ties loose on her shirt and rips it off herself. Not even bothering to look where she throws it, she is already trying to tear her pants and underwear off before Arafeyi can even offer to help. Yanking them to her feet, Ezuko roughly kicks the offending garments free. Her shaky legs slipping in the grass and she falls to her knees.

As Ezuko stands back up in a rush, Arafeyi reaches out to help steady her friend, fingers brushing along Ezuko's naked hip.

Ezuko cries out and falls forwards, grabbing the same tree for stability. As her back arches to raise her hips, and her legs snap open.

Arafeyi stares at Ezuko standing there, bent over, shaking in need. As a string of Ezuko's liquid desire slowly drips from her glistening folds to the grass beneath them. Looking over her shoulder with eyes filled with lust, Ezuko whines, "Please! No stop."

As the air fills with that particular spicy scent of currant and honey, looking at such wanton desire. Arafeyi feels a growing warmth in her core and a dampness forming between her legs.

Stepping close, she leans down and kisses Ezuko passionately, as her arms wrap around Ezuko's naked body. One hand moving to cup Ezuko's face as the younger woman kisses her back fiercely. The other hand trailing along Ezuko's back, lightly caressing her wing scars lovingly.

Noticing Ezuko hasn't moved from her position, Arafeyi breaks the kiss and smiles devilishly, "Do you want me to touch you like this? Bent over? Bared to the world?"

Ezuko shudders, her feet shimmying to spread herself wider as her hands grip the tree's bark harder. Nodding vigorously, Ezuko whimpers, "Ho! Please, Arafeyi. Please! I need!"

Arafeyi trails a finger slowly down Ezuko's spine, causing her to arch into the touch, before moving to palm Ezuko's firm ass. Giving it a squeeze that causes Ezuko to moan. "Mmm, that's it Ezuko... Moan for me."

Before she even finishes saying it, Ezuko moans even louder, her body flushed as she presses herself against Arafeyi's hand. Feeling her own nipples harden against the rough cloth of her shirt, Arafeyi gives Ezuko's ass a playful slap. Ezuko gasps and arches further, stretching onto her tiptoes to raise her ass into the air even higher.

Taking the hint, Arafeyi smacks her ass again harder, turning Ezuko's pale skin red as she cries out in lust. With the ache between her legs growing by the second, Arafeyi smacks the other side, leaving a matching hand imprint on Ezuko's pale cheek. "Ush! Arafeyi! Please... Please touch... Please!" Ezuko whines.

Caressing the burning hand mark left on her friend's bared flesh. Arafeyi obliges and slips her bandaged hand over the curve of Ezuko's ass to cup her cunt from behind. Ezuko presses her soaked lips against Arafeyi's fingers, grinding against her. "Plea- ush!"

Ezuko's pleading is cut short as Arafeyi presses a finger between Ezuko's burning folds, into her tight entrance. Even as her muscles suck greedily at Arafeyi's intrusion, squeezing down on her, her wetness flows around Arafeyi's finger, soaking the cloth. Gasping at the feeling of her friend wrapped around her, drenching her hand, Arafeyi slides a second finger into Ezuko's tight tunnel. Groaning in desire, Ezuko grinds against Arafeyi's palm, begging for more.

Arafeyi uses her free hand to undo the laces on her own shirt, she starts to finger Ezuko. Moving them slowly at first, drawing whimpers of need from Ezuko. Whose eyes are fixed on her own, the desire written across her face mirroring Arafeyi's. Arafeyi starts to pump her fingers faster in her friend, drawing a deep groan from Ezuko. Arafeyi then curls her fingers inside Ezuko to rub that special place, causing Ezuko's eyes to snap closed and her pussy to clamp down on her fingers.

Lifting her own shirt and gasping at the feel of the cool air against her sensitive nipples, Arafeyi then leans close and whispers in Ezuko's ear. "Now, Ezuko. Let yourself go. I want to feel your release. Do it for me."

As Ezuko lets out a strangled cry, her channel pulsing around Arafeyi's fingers as she cums. Arafeyi uses her free hand to pinch her own nipples and moans in pleasure. Hearing Arafeyi's moan with fingers still buried deep inside her, Ezuko immediately cums again. Arafeyi groans at the sensation, diving in to kiss Ezuko's lips hungrily. Arafeyi's unbandaged hand leaving her own breast to glide across Ezuko's flat chest. Ezuko matches the kiss with equal heat, her hips continuing to thrust against Arafeyi's fingers.

Arafeyi's hand finds one of Ezuko's nipples and gives the nub a gentle flick. Ezuko sucks in a surprised gasp and her eyes shoot open at the sensation. Pulling back some with uncertainty, Arafeyi asks "Did that feel good for you? I know I'm not fully fewati, but I enjoy it..?" Ezuko nods vigorously as she tries to both arch into the touch while pressing back against Arafeyi's fingers even harder.

Arafeyi smiles and kisses Ezuko again, playing with the hardened nipple and feeling Ezuko's pussy squeeze down on her fingers. She nibbles on Ezuko's bottom lip as she moves to give Ezuko's other nipple a gentle pinch and a light twist.

Ezuko cries out against her lips and shudders as her body is wracked by a third orgasm.

Arafeyi kisses her greedily as she lets her hand travel further beneath Ezuko's bent form. Down her taught stomach, over Ezuko's smooth mound to where her clit stands proudly out in the open air, coated heavily in her freely flowing desire.

Almost as soon as Arafeyi touches it, Ezuko screams and is wracked by the strongest orgasm yet. Her muscles clamping down so hard on Arafeyi's fingers it hurts, but Arafeyi does not stop. Making swirls against the bundle of nerves, letting Ezuko ride it fully until suddenly her legs give out.

Catching Ezuko easily, Arafeyi carefully slips her fingers free and then gently lowers them both to ground, Ezuko curled against her chest. The warmth of her bare flesh against Arafeyi's exposed stomach and breasts causing the ache between her legs to grow. Ignoring her own desire, Arafeyi kisses the top of Ezuko's head.

"Wikati be ho da ge?" ("Feeling better?")

Ezuko nods, gently nuzzling Arafeyi's neck, causing her to gasp softly as it sends a jolt to her core. Turning to look at Arafeyi with a mischievous grin, Ezuko gently takes Arafeyi's hand that had been deep inside her only moments ago. Still slick with Ezuko's juices.

Arafeyi moans as Ezuko pulls Arafeyi's drenched fingers to her lips and softly sucks her on one finger then another. Pausing between each one to ask coyly, "And you? Arafeyi is pervert too... shi?"

Not waiting for a response, Ezuko then turns and sucks one of Arafeyi's nipples into her warm mouth, swirling her tongue around the turgid nipple. Arafeyi's free hand shoots to grab the back of Ezuko's head, fingers lightly pulling on Ezuko's hair even as she presses herself more firmly into Ezuko's mouth. Ezuko moans around her nipple, sending sparks down Arafeyi's spine that settle in the damp ache between her legs. Having gotten the desired reaction, Ezuko pulls on Arafeyi's nipple until it pops free from her smiling lips.

"What Arafeyi want?" She whispers huskily.

Diving to catch those sinful lips in another hungry kiss. Arafeyi's hands move to her own pants.

As she works at the laces, she feels Ezuko's fingers curling under the waist band and helping her peel them down her legs. Arafeyi's own musky fragrance from her soaked underwear, mingling with Ezuko's spicy aroma.

Panting, Ezuko breaks from the kiss and bites her bottom lip nervously. "Can take taste?"

The juxtaposition of Ezuko's sudden nervousness with just how confident she was a moment prior, is incredibly endearing to Arafeyi. She caresses Ezuko's cheek, "You like being controlled, don't you?"

Completely caught off guard by the question, Ezuko blushes deeply as she looks away sheepishly.

"Ho..." She admits with a gentle nod.

Arafeyi cups Ezuko's chin, bringing their gaze back to her own, "Thank you for being honest with me..." She then moves to grip the back of Ezuko's head firmly, drawing a strangled moan from her, "Now, you should have said 'Can I taste you?'"

Ezuko whimpers softly, then repeats it, "C-can I taste you? Please?"

Arafeyi nods, and pushes Ezuko's head lower, who is all too happy to oblige. Kissing her way down Arafeyi's body, pausing to suck on Arafeyi's nipples as she shuffles backwards. Until she is laying on top of Arafeyi. Arafeyi's legs spread some as she growls, "I didn't say you could stop there..."

Ezuko lets Arafeyi's nipple pop from her lips again, clearly enjoying being able to do so, "Sorry."

She resumes kissing her way down Arafeyi's athletic form, over her firm abs, to the top of her mound. Pausing to gently run a hand through the short pink hairs there, drawing another moan from Arafeyi's lips.

Ezuko looks up at Arafeyi curiously, making it Arafeyi's turn to blush in embarrassment, "Humans have pubic hair... I know, it's-"

Arafeyi's words are lost amongst a groan and shudder of pleasure as Ezuko draws a slow lick up her slit, ending with a flick of her tongue across Arafeyi's clit.

Blowing softly on Arafeyi's pubic hair, Ezuko whispers, "I like..." She smiles warmly, "Muyuati da." ("It's cute.")

Arafeyi grabs Ezuko's head and presses her face firmly into Arafeyi's soaked cunt, "Less talking. More tasting."

Ezuko moans against Arafeyi's folds, ravenously driving her tongue along Arafeyi's cleft and pushing it as deep as she can into Arafeyi's aching core. Arafeyi moans and grinds her pussy against Ezuko's mouth, egging her friend on. Arafeyi gasps as Ezuko grabs her ass and pulls Arafeyi harder against her mouth.

Lifting her head, Arafeyi looks down at Ezuko's face buried between her legs. Eyes closed in bliss as she eats Arafeyi out with abandon. The image burns itself deep in Arafeyi's brain as her body responds in a way it never has with a previous lover.

Her grip tightens on the back of Ezuko's head as she feels it building. A wave of pleasure rising all the way from the top of her head down to the tip of her toes, coiling deep inside her. Gasping, Arafeyi grinds against Ezuko's greedy mouth.

"Ush! Zuyi be dash! Chezumi be da!" ("Ah! Don't stop Ezuko! I'm close!")

Ezuko responds by sliping two fingers inside her pussy while wrapping her lips around Arafeyi's clit. Sucking on it and swirling her tongue against it. Arafeyi throws her head back and cries out as her orgasm slams through her. Her legs clamping closed around Ezuko's head as she bucks wildly against her mouth and fingers. Ezuko moans happily around Arafeyi's clit, curling her fingers inside Arafeyi as she cums.

As soon as the first wave finishes, another surges through Arafeyi, and stars explode behind her closed eyelids. Her fingers digging hard into Ezuko's hair as the orgasm stretches out longer than any she has ever had before.

Once it finally passes, Arafeyi falls limp, gasping. Her body still shuddering as pulses of pleasure course through her. She cries out, her body jerking, as Ezuko takes a long slow lick along Arafeyi's slit. Before sliding up to lay down on her chest, the pride in her voice palpable.

"We need practice as this, more."

Arafeyi snorts and looks down at her friend, who is smiling happily up at her. Face and chin absolutely drenched, but making no effort to clean it off yet.

"It's... 'We should... practice... like this... more...'" Arafeyi manages between shaky breaths.

Ezuko kisses Arafeyi's left breast softly, causing a fresh gasp and shudder, "Yes. We should practice as this, more."

Instead of correcting her again, Arafeyi drags Ezuko up her body completely and kisses her passionately. Tasting herself on her friends lips.

"Choash, yayo." ("Thank you for that, Ezuko.")

Ezuko presses her forehead against Arafeyi's, "Uemi, ho be oyago shh rofeti da. Choyise ash awa yawati da." ("No, that's my line. Thank you, Arafeyi, truly."

Ezuko then sits up enough to reach for her pants. Expecting her to be getting dressed, Arafeyi is surprised when Ezuko merely grabs her underwear. Using the only dry parts of them left to wipe her face off, before tossing them at her bag.

Turning back, Ezuko notices Arafeyi's confused look and shrugs, "As said, am pervert!"

She then winks before settling back down on Arafeyi's chest, pressing her naked body against Arefyi with a content sigh.

"That's 'I am a pervert.'" Arafeti adds, wrapping her arms around Ezuko, and intertwining their legs together.

Arafeyi feels the smile on Ezuko's lips, as her friend kisses her neck before whispering, "See? Need practice."

Arafeyi laughs again, cuddling against Ezuko, "Wikobe ash ati! Jawa be reta shh kioe jo mawati che mabewa da... Zuyi be wikobe ash ati da." ("Later! We need to look for the humans before nightfall... We'll go in a little bit.")

"Ho..." Ezuko agrees, snuggling closer, "Wikobe ash ati da." ("Yeah... In a little bit.")

As they lay together in the dappled sunlight, Arafeyi looks down at her bandaged hand, the wrappings soaked, yet holding strong, "Yayo che wabi ash awa da." ("You really are amazing Ezuko.")

Ezuko snickers, then slowly grinds her wet pussy against Arafeyi's thigh, while kissing her softly. Nibbling on Arafeyi's lip, she whispers breathily, "Ho be oyago shh rofeti da." ("That's my line.")

Groaning as she feels her body responding, fresh heat flooding her groin. Arafeyi tenses her thigh to give Ezuko a better ride.

Eyes heavy with desire, Arafeyi slowly repeats herself, "Zuyi be wikobe ash ati da..." ("We'll leave in a little bit...")

Ezuko sits up fully as she grinds even harder against Arafeyi's thigh, moaning her agreement. Arafeyi smiles and pinches Ezuko's nipples, drawing another cry of pleasure from her. Arafeyi then slips a hand between her own legs. Playing with herself slowly as she watches her friend rushing towards release once more.

Contentment mixes with lust as the sounds of wet flesh and moans of pleasure fill the glade.