Chapter 191 - Three mountains and the splendid sight

The rest of the forest was just easy to traverse without the miasma affecting them. Aile and Xue were in the meantime, getting to know each other. The start of the conversation was Aile monologuing, seeing it fail to bring her into different conversation topics. He started to twist the logics, and Aile made outlandish claims. This forced Xue to chime in.

Soon enough, many conversations were brewing from their outrageous claims and jokes that made them smile and laugh. Bringing up sensitive topics that made them flirt and blush and reminiscing about the past in the form of complaints. All the while, Aile was holding her waist, kissing her cheeks or neck if they agreed with a point. While the first kiss seemed unnatural, the following ones were accepted openly, as their previous episode had increased their tolerance for each other. Shortly, Aile shifted the topic to their similarities so that on every agreement, Aile could act boldly. Unfortunately, they did not know each other very well to take full advantage of the situation. But they tried very hard, such as using moderately liking the food of a stall as a point of agreement. Although the lightly intimate expressions of them seemed unnatural in the beginning, it was in the end, a good middle point to their relationship. After all, not long ago Xue's hand were roaming his body undressing him, he had seen her mostly naked, and they remembered the awkward kiss. The little kisses and caresses now only acted as a bridge to stop the perception of his previous behaviour and situation as unusual or considering it negatively as a mistake. It only allows them to flatten the awkwardness curve.

While their previous situation was forced by circumstances, neither one of them wanted to let it rest, in hopes of gaining something positive out of it. The shy glances of Xue and the intimate waist-holding of Aile was the compass leading them in such a direction. Xue was feeling better about Aile's attention on her and his continuous effort to make her happy.

Aile did not really bring up the embarrassing situation and tried to change the topic and try to get her involved. She could feel his effort, and as a competent negotiator, she made sure that Aile too got something from the conversation and was aware of her emotions and feelings.

Xue could feel that Aile was testing the waters with her, glancing at her reaction at every interval. She was making her effort and wants clear to him as to not make his endeavours pointless. Yet she did not fully accept the quick build-up either. Promptly an equilibrium and understanding between the two were established. Aile understood the parameters of their intimate behaviour and Xue could melt into his embrace, trusting him and his action while feeling content.

With such an atmosphere, the rest of the journey, getting out the forest or the path to the Fort Bot could only remain as a background activity not eliciting much emotions and care.

What finally brought them out of their little retreat and short utopia was a single mountain resembling three pens stuck together.

One pen being the tallest making the peak of the mountain. The second one cut halfway and on the flat surface was a Fort. It was looking extravagant enough that could pass as a castle. The third one cut close to ground level with a larger surface area having many buildings. The very base of the mountain was hidden by a large defensive wall acting as a belt. Behind it would be a residential area and the town's population. They had reached Fort Bot, and the sight was indeed something breathtaking and beautiful. Although the place did not give off a feeling of luxury, it did give off a certain majesty that could not be ignored.

While Aile and Xue's eyes were attracted by the grand-sight initially, their eyes found each other soon after. They knew that their little intimate time would come to a stop. Once entering the town, they could no longer be carefree, and each of them will have something to do. Aile would have to worry about what happened in port Kiar and Hazel, checking on Fiona, Emily, Sara, Sophie, the business and other things. Not to mention they both will have time to think about their previous situation, actions and their relationship. All of this evaluation without the presence of each other next to them that triumphed most logical arguments.

Xue was aware that she might not be able to see him or act intimately soon. Before she could finish that thought, her face was slightly pulled to the side, and Aile's lips met hers. What seemed long and short at the same time marked the end of their first proper kiss as they rode their mount towards the gate.

Unfortunately, Xue and Aile separated, and each rode there separate mount. But the end of their little intimate-bubble was satisfactory to both of them as they could not stop grinning. Xue, making sure to be slightly ahead of his mount or behind to hide the whirlpool of emotions. Aile not bothering to hide the wide grin etched on his face and happy to show it to Xue. As they got closer, Aile and Xue noticed a sight that made them proud.

It was the insignia of the Star Merchant Union and the symbol of their home, and they were on armours of the guards at the top of the walls safeguarding the gate. This showed how much influence Emily had gained. The top of the walls being a key-location that no magistrate would want to leave in the control of another force. Yet their forces marched there without the presence of town guards, clearly hinting to some sort of dual power balance in the town. Aile realized that perhaps the reports he had got so far were all downplayed. He was going to be given a surprise on their progress in Fort Bot. Aile was looking forward to the many more surprises. Yet at the same time, he remembered that old ladies warning to make sure to reach Fort Bot today and was wondering what might be the reason. So Aile also wanted to meet them quickly, so that the worry and apprehension in his heart are lessened.

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