Finding stones

I woke to the gentle embrace of Zephara, her arms securely wrapped around me. The soft glow of morning light filtered through the heavy curtains of her chamber, casting a warm hue across the room. I could feel her steady breath against my neck, a comforting rhythm that matched the beat of my heart. Slowly, I turned to face her, careful not to disturb the serene expression on her face.

"Good morning," I whispered, my voice barely audible in the quiet of the room.

Zephara's eyes fluttered open, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Good morning, Leora," she replied, her voice husky with sleep. She tightened her hold on me for a moment, as if reluctant to let go of the peace of the early morning.

I nuzzled closer to her, savoring the warmth of her body against mine. "Are you ready for the second day of the tournament?" I asked softly, my fingers tracing idle patterns on her arm.