Reunited

"Peruere..."

"Eluriss's tone is soft and almost wistful, as if she's uncertain if she still can call Arlecchino with the name. But somehow, she doesn't want to address her as the Knave, because it reminds her of the previous House of the Hearth director's title..."

"Thank you for allowing me to visit... even if it is long overdue."

"The doctor says as her azure blue eyes meets Arlecchino's striking ones, both women silently scrutinizing the details that time has changed in each other's appearances."

"Eluriss lets out a soft sigh, her eyes suddenly averting from the Harbinger's, guilt resurfacing in her heart as she looks down at her lap instead..."

"I... I did promise you that I will return someday. But I was scared... Scared that my freedom will be transitory. I didn't want to risk it."

"She bites down her lower lip, an expression of shame flashes on her kind face as she continues to speak softly..."

"I had no idea that you were able to overthrow... Crucabena. Escaping the orphanage also meant losing all the connections I once had, so it took me years to find out that you have become the new Knave. All these years, I hid in Sumeru thinking that I would never see you again..."

"She musters up the courage to look at Arlecchino's face again, even if she fears that she will see anger or contempt in there—but no... the Knave hides her emotions behind a mask of stoicism, but something lurks in her dark eyes..."

"R-Really?"

"Her eyes widen at Arlecchino's words, because deep inside, she's still guilty. Deep inside, Eluriss blames herself for the death of Clervie up until now. She has not forgiven herself, and a part of her is still trapped in the past."

"The day Peruere and Clervie helped her with the first attempt to escape the House of the Hearth was also the day that her two childhood friends were forced to fight each other to death as a punishment..."

"Originally, it was supposed to be a battle royale between her and Peruere. Clervie and Peruere helped her escape, but their plan failed... In the end, Crucabena locked her up in a cell to be later on sent to Il Dottore, while she made Peruere and Clervie fight each other instead... The day after, that was when Peruere succeeded in letting her flee."

"But I... I don't feel deserving of it. I just feel like... like it would have been better if Clervie survived and not me. Maybe it would make you happier and—"

"Arlecchino quickly interrupts her statement, her words unexpectedly sharp and direct, almost like she's reprimanding Eluriss."

"Eluriss leans against Arlecchino's hand, closing her eyes as a lone tear trickles down her cheeks. The Harbinger immediately wipes it with her thumb, caressing Eluriss's supple skin with a hint of tenderness that most people would never expect from the Knave."

"Peruere... Thank you."

"Eluriss smiles as she peers into Arlecchino's unique eyes, which never fail to entrance her. So many things are still left unspoken, and yet their long-awaited reunion has been a liberating experience for Eluriss so far."

"Eluriss is actually thankful for the change of topic, because she no longer wants to dwell in the past. She clears her throat and tries to make herself more comfortable in her chair."

"Well... I did end up becoming a doctor, as you already know. I got my license almost two years ago. I decided to offer public service, and also taught a few units at the Akademiya. And yet, my heart still longs for the land of my birth... so here I am, back in Fontaine. I'm still trying to secure a new job here, though."

"She sheepishly admits the last line."

"Need I say?"

"Eluriss gives Arlecchino a meaningful smile, already getting more comfortable in Arlecchino's presence, as if they are two pieces of puzzle that naturally fall into the right places..."

"—it is the very person I am speaking with."

"She laughs softly, her azure blue eyes now sparkling with mirth even if she still carries herself modestly."

"Eluriss feels a shiver run down her spine as Arlecchino trails her fingers along her arm. The mere touch sends her heart racing, and her cheeks start to feel warm too."

"Peruere..."

"The Harbinger leans even closer, and Eluriss couldn't explain why, but she instinctively withdraws in return... only for her back to hit the wall already. She was starting to feel more confident earlier, even teasing Arlecchino slightly, but now she just wants to melt."

"N-No..."

"Her voice trembles, and yet she wills herself to remain proper. Although the attraction between the two of them is now palpable, Eluriss is not one to make haste when it comes to the matters of the heart... She has never been a relationship before—even if she had her share of admirers, and now she's starting to realize why... Has she always felt this way about her childhood friend?"

"I... I don't want you to stop, Peruere."

"As Arlecchino's lips brushes sensually against the shell of her ears, Eluriss cannot help but tremble, feeling her body react to the Harbinger's seduction."

"Peruere..."

"She searches her eyes, looking straight into those hypnotic red pupils, and she wonders what Arlecchino is really thinking at the moment..."

"Do you... like me too?"

"Arlecchino pulls her into a kiss that begins with a soft caress of her lips against hers but quickly becomes fervent. The Harbinger claims her mouth like she has always belonged to her; her mouth like a warlord conquering the battlefield. Her teeth tug at Eluriss's lower lip and the doctor is helpless to do anything but open her mouth, letting Arlecchino's tongue sweep over hers. She lets out a soft moan, feeling a little lightheaded and weak at the knees, and Arlecchino's arm around her waist tightens ever so slightly."

"Nghh... Mmhh..."

"After some time, Arlecchino slowly pulls away with a satisfied sigh. Still panting, Eluriss rests her head against the taller woman's shoulder as Arlecchino gently wipes a smudge of her lipstick from the corner of the doctor's mouth."

"Come with me... I'm afraid this isn't the right place I need you to be." "The Knave says next, her voice a little softer than usual, but the way she looks at Eluriss hints that she intends to take things further... behind closed doors."