Hidden Places

Ryoko and Wren rode into camp, their faces still flushed from their intimate moment. They exchanged a glance, and Wren's eyes sparkled with mischief. Ryoko's expression turned serious, but her eyes betrayed a hint of amusement. As they prepared to depart, Wren slid off the horse, her eyes never leaving Ryoko's face. "I'll ride with you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Ryoko raised an eyebrow but nodded, her face softening. Wren wrapped her arms around Ryoko's waist, her fingers intertwining with hers.

As they set off across the plain, Wren began to sneak little kisses along Ryoko's neck, her lips brushing against her skin with gentle teasing. Ryoko's face remained stoic, but her eyes crinkled at the corners, betraying her attempts to keep a straight face. Wren giggled, her body shaking with silent laughter. The others, oblivious to the playful exchange, rode ahead, their focus on the journey. The sun beat down upon them, its warmth matched only by the warmth spreading through Ryoko's chest. She glanced down at Wren, her eyes locking onto hers, and Wren's grin grew wider. Ryoko's face relaxed, a small smile creeping onto her lips.

As they rode, the plain stretched out before them, a sea of golden grass swaying in the breeze. Wren's kisses became bolder, her lips tracing the curve of Ryoko's neck. Ryoko's eyes never left the horizon, but her heart raced with excitement, her soul soaring with joy. The others rode ahead, their laughter and chatter carrying on the wind. Ryoko and Wren followed, their own silent language weaving a bond between them, a connection that only grew stronger with each passing moment. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow across the plain, Ryoko leaned forward, her voice barely audible. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Wren's grip tightened, her lips brushing against Ryoko's ear. "Immensely." Ryoko's smile grew, her eyes sparkling with delight. And with that, they continued their journey, their love and laughter lost in the vast expanse of the plain.

As they approached the fortress, Wren's excitement grew. The structure loomed before them, its walls weathered and worn, giving the impression of abandonment. However, Wren noticed a few figures milling about, their outfits similar to Ryoko's - thick leather and silver armor, paired with neutral-colored cloth. They seemed to be guards, their eyes watchful and alert.

As they drew closer, Ryoko guided their horse under a massive Torii gate, its wooden pillars adorned with intricate carvings. Wren's eyes widened as she took in the symbol of the gate. "What's this?" she whispered, her curiosity getting the better of her. Ryoko's gaze remained fixed ahead, her expression stern, but Wren sensed a hint of pride in her voice. "A Torii gate marks the entrance to a sacred place. In this case, our camp." They rode in silence, the only sound being the soft thud of the horse's hooves on the ground.

The guards watched them pass, their faces expressionless. Wren felt a shiver run down her spine as they entered the fortress, the air inside thick with an air of quiet intensity. As they dismounted, Ryoko turned to Wren, her eyes softening. "Welcome to the camp, Wren." Wren smiled, feeling a sense of belonging wash over her. She knew that this place, and these people, would become her new home. And with Ryoko by her side, she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As they walked through the village, the setting sun cast a warm orange glow, illuminating the thatched roofs and the bustling streets. Wren's eyes widened as she took in the scene, her senses filled with the smells of cooking food and the sound of gentle chatter. "What is this place?" Wren asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Who are all these people?" Ryoko's gaze swept across the village, her expression softening. "Some are refugees from the war, seeking safety and solace. Others are fleeing the Empress's cruel hand, seeking freedom from her tyranny." Wren's eyes widened in understanding. Ryoko nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "The one who seeks to enslave and oppress. We've taken in many who have escaped her grasp, offering them a chance to start anew."

As they walked, the villagers nodded or bowed in respect as Ryoko passed, their faces filled with gratitude. Wren felt a sense of pride and admiration for Ryoko, who had clearly dedicated her life to helping others. Their destination became clear as they approached the stable at the back of the village. Ryoko dismounted, then helped Wren down, her hands supporting Wren's waist as she slid off the horse.

"Thank you," Wren said, her voice barely above a whisper. Ryoko smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're welcome, Wren. We'll get you settled in soon." As they led the horse into the stable, Wren noticed the various animals, all well-groomed and content. Ryoko began to unsaddle their horse, her movements efficient and practiced. "This is where we'll keep our horses," Ryoko explained. "And where we'll train and prepare for our missions." Wren watched, fascinated, as Ryoko worked. She felt a sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than herself. And with Ryoko by her side, she knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.

As they finished with the horse, Ryoko and Wren walked into the main rest area, the warm glow of the setting sun replaced by the soft flicker of candles and lanterns. The air was filled with the savory aromas of roasting meat and freshly baked bread. They made their way down a long hall, the walls adorned with the banners of the Seven Kingdoms, their colors and emblems a testament to the alliance that had formed in the face of the Empress's tyranny.

Wren's eyes widened as she took in the symbols of the different kingdoms, her mind racing with the stories she had heard of their bravery and honor. The hall led them to a large room, the walls lined with furs and the floor covered in soft, plush carpets. The room was Ryoko's bedroom, the space filled with the quiet intimacy of personal belongings and the soft glow of candlelight. Ryoko led Wren to a comfortable-looking bed, its covers inviting and warm. "We'll rest here tonight," Ryoko said, her voice low and soothing.

"Tomorrow, we'll begin your training and prepare you for the journey ahead." Wren's eyes met Ryoko's, and she felt a sense of gratitude and trust wash over her. She knew that she was in good hands, and that Ryoko would protect and guide her every step of the way. As they sat on the bed, Ryoko's hand brushed against Wren's, a gentle touch that sent a spark of electricity through her body. Wren's heart raced, her pulse pounding in her chest. 

Ryoko's eyes met Wren's, and she hesitated, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Wren, there's something we need to discuss... our sleeping arrangements." Wren raised an eyebrow, her mind racing with possibilities. "What do you mean?" Ryoko's voice was barely above a whisper. "We have to sleep together. For safety reasons, it's best if we share a room... and a bed." Wren's face grew hot, her heart racing with excitement. "Oh, I see." Ryoko quickly added, "But don't worry, I'll sleep on the floor. I wouldn't want to compromise your... personal space."

Wren's eyes widened in protest. "No, Ryoko, you can't sleep on the floor! That's not fair to you." Ryoko's expression was resolute. "I insist, Wren. I'm used to it." Wren's voice was firm. "No, Ryoko. We'll share the bed. There's plenty of room for both of us." Ryoko's eyes searched Wren's face, and for a moment, Wren thought she saw a glimmer of hope. Then, Ryoko nodded, her face softening. "Very well, Wren. Thank you." As they prepared for bed, Wren's heart raced with anticipation. She had been with someone before, but never with someone she truly loved.

The thought of sharing a bed with Ryoko, feeling her warmth and gentle presence, made her feel vulnerable and excited. But as they lay down, Wren found herself wide awake, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. She had never felt this way before, and it both thrilled and terrified her. She glanced over at Ryoko, who was sleeping peacefully, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. Wren sighed softly, her eyes fixed on Ryoko's face. She knew she had to relax, but her body and mind refused to calm down. She was too aware of Ryoko's presence, too aware of the love she felt for her.

Ryoko, too, was wide awake, her mind racing with thoughts of Wren and their journey together. She turned over, her hand reaching out to caress Wren's cheek, her touch gentle and soft. Wren's eyes snapped open, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and fear. She was used to the Empress's cruelty, forcing her to do things she didn't want to do. The memories of those dark moments still lingered, making her tense up, expecting Ryoko to want the same. But Ryoko's gaze was different, her eyes filled with kindness and concern.

She sat up, her stare intense, and Wren felt a shiver run down her spine. Ryoko's face was inches from hers, her breath warm and gentle. Wren's heart raced faster, her mind struggling to reconcile the gentle touch with the fear that still lingered. "Wren, what's wrong?" Ryoko asked, her voice low and urgent, her words barely above a whisper. "You're shaking. Did I scare you?" Wren tried to calm her racing heart, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I thought you wanted... things from me. Like the Empress." The words spilled out, and Wren's eyes welled up with tears. Ryoko's expression darkened, her eyes flashing with anger. "Wren, no! I would never force you to do something you don't want to do. The Empress's cruelty ends here. You're safe with me." Ryoko's voice was firm, her words a promise. Wren's tears spilled over, her body shaking with sobs. She remembered the Empress's cold touch, her cruel words, and her heart ached. Ryoko's anger was a balm to her soul, her protectiveness a shield against the darkness of her past.

Ryoko's face twisted in rage, her fists clenched. "I'll make her pay for what she's done to you, Wren. I promise you, she'll never hurt you again." Ryoko's words were a vow, a promise to keep Wren safe. Wren's sobs subsided, her tears drying on her cheeks. She looked up at Ryoko, her eyes searching. Ryoko's face was still fierce, her eyes still flashing with anger, but her touch was gentle, her voice soft. Wren knew, in that moment, that Ryoko would never hurt her, that she would always be safe with her. With a gentle nod, Wren leaned into Ryoko's touch, her heart slowly calming. Ryoko's arms wrapped around her, holding her close, and Wren felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew she was safe, that Ryoko would always protect her. And with that thought, Wren's eyes closed, her body relaxing into Ryoko's embrace, her heart finally at peace.