Gentle morning and Hopefully future

Later after leaving Nyxara's room still sort of dazed from the events.. Solene decided to climb in bed and as soon as she did a pair of slender arms wrapped around her waist and Seraphyne pressed her head against the middle of Solene's back and mumbled, "I.. love you... Sol.."

Turing around facing the sleepy beauty, "I love you too.. Sera.."

"Mmm.." as Seraphyne nestled her head into Solene's chest.

...

Morning sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains of the chamber, painting golden streaks across the bed. The soft hum of Skyreach's ambient energy pulsed in the walls, a gentle rhythm that never quite ceased, even at dawn.

Solene stirred first.

Her eyes fluttered open to the warmth of the woman nestled against her, breathing slow and even. Her arms were wrapped protectively around Seraphyne, their legs tangled beneath the sheets, their bodies fitting together with an ease that came only from trust and time.

Seraphyne's head rested in the crook of Solene's neck, her lips just brushing the curve of her collarbone. She murmured something faint in her sleep, a sound that made Solene smile.

She tightened her hold slightly, brushing her fingers through the silken strands of Seraphyne's raven-black hair. The strands caught the morning light, shimmering deep blue in places, smooth as flowing water.

Seraphyne let out a soft, sleepy sound—a blend of a sigh and a purr—pressing a little closer, nuzzling into Solene's skin.

Solene leaned down, kissed the top of her head, and whispered into the quiet.

"Ah... how I love waking up next to such a beautiful woman every day."

The words weren't meant to be heard.

But Seraphyne's lips curled faintly against her skin.

Encouraged by the subtle smile she felt rather than saw, Solene's eyes glinted with mischief.

"Mhmm... I wonder," she murmured teasingly, her voice low and silk-soft against Seraphyne's ear, "if I asked you to marry me... what would you say?"

The question hung in the air, playfully spoken but carrying just enough weight to stir the stillness between them. Not entirely a joke. Not entirely serious.

Seraphyne's breath hitched, the smile on her face widening ever so slightly.

Then, still not opening her eyes, she whispered back in a drowsy but clear voice, "Depends... would the ceremony involve dueling your other lovers for my hand?"

Solene laughed, the sound low and affectionate.

"Only if you want a bloodbath before breakfast."

They lay there for a few more moments, content.

Then, Solene gently pulled Seraphyne closer until her ear rested directly over Solene's heart.

The steady rhythm beat against her cheek.

"Listen," Solene said softly. "Can you hear it? That's how real it is."

Seraphyne smiled again, smaller, quieter.

Solene continued, her fingers gently running along Seraphyne's back. "When I ask for your hand, and if you say yes... then it will only be us. No other lovers. Unless..."

She paused, voice still low, almost a whisper.

"Unless you wouldn't mind me marrying all of you."

Seraphyne lifted her head just enough to look at her. Crimson eyes shimmering with both affection and challenge.

"Bold of you to assume we'd all say yes."

Solene grinned. "Then I guess I better earn it."

Seraphyne rolled her eyes with a little smirk, shifting to stretch her limbs a bit under the sheets.

Solene tilted her head, raising a brow playfully.

"Oh, I see then..." she said with faux solemnity, turning slightly to reach over to her nightstand. "I suppose I'll have to get rid of the ring I made you then..."

Seraphyne blinked, suddenly wide-eyed and propped herself up on an elbow.

"You what?"

Solene just smirked, holding her teasing tone.

"Made. You. A. Ring," she said slowly, savoring every word.

Seraphyne groaned, flopping back into the pillows with a hand over her face, clearly flustered but smiling like an idiot.

"Gods, you're impossible."

Solene leaned down and kissed her cheek. "That's why you love me."

---

Solene sat up on the edge of the bed, the sheet slipping slightly down her back as she reached into a drawer beside her. In her hand was a small wooden box, its surface carved with subtle swirling patterns of frost.

She turned and faced Seraphyne, who was now watching her with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

"I actually made two," Solene said with a sheepish grin. "I borrowed the smithy... and some gems I found lying around."

She opened the box with careful fingers.

Inside rested two rings. One was silver, set with a cool, ice-blue gem that shimmered like frozen starlight. The other had a band of sleek black metal, inlaid with a crimson-red gem that glowed faintly in the morning light.

Solene lifted the silver ring and gently offered it forward.

"I figured I'd give you this one. The silver and ice blue—so when you look at it, it reminds you of me."

She held up the second. "And I'll wear this one. Black and red. To remind me of you, and those absolutely stunning eyes of yours."

Seraphyne stared, clearly overwhelmed.

Solene reached out and took her hand, sliding the silver ring gently onto her finger.

"Just think of this as a gift," Solene whispered. "A promise of our relationship. And when the time comes... I'll ask you to marry me properly."

She paused, her voice soft and strong all at once.

"Because I love you. And that will never change. No matter what we might face."

Seraphyne didn't answer with words.

She leaned forward, cupped Solene's face, and kissed her like the world had paused just for them.

---

The kiss broke, but Seraphyne didn't pull away. Her eyes lingered on Solene's, wide and trembling. She looked down at her hand—at the ring—then back up.

Her lips parted, but no words came.

Instead, tears slipped down her cheeks, silent and warm.

Solene immediately leaned in, gently brushing her thumbs under Seraphyne's eyes, her expression softening with concern. "Hey... you okay?"

Seraphyne let out a shaky laugh. "I'm sorry... I just... I never thought anyone would do something like this for me. Not just say the words, but show it."

She pressed her forehead to Solene's. "I don't know how I got so lucky. I love you so much, it hurts."

Solene smiled and held her tighter. "Then let me keep showing you. For as long as I live."

And as Seraphyne clung to her, ring gleaming on her finger, heart thundering in her chest, she knew without a doubt—this was real.

This was forever.

---

The day drifted on slowly, bathed in a warmth neither of them wanted to escape. The sun rose higher, but they stayed entangled in each other, the blankets twisted around their limbs, the world outside their room forgotten.

They talked. Not about training or duty or the looming shadows of war.

But about the future.

The kind of future built with bare hands and hope.

Solene lay on her side, watching the way the light caught the crimson of Seraphyne's eyes.

"Hey, Sera..."

Seraphyne hummed in acknowledgment, fingers absently tracing patterns across Solene's forearm.

"If we could find a way... to eventually have children," Solene said, voice softer than usual, "would you ever want any?"

Seraphyne blinked slowly, then tilted her head with a thoughtful smile.

"With you?"

Solene nodded, suddenly more nervous than she expected.

Seraphyne laughed gently. "Yes. Of course. If it were possible... I'd want to see what a little version of you would be like. Gods, they'd be so stubborn."

Solene grinned. "Only if they inherited my side. If it was you? Sweet and sarcastic all at once."

They both chuckled, curling closer.

"One day," Seraphyne said, kissing her temple. "Let's make that dream real."

"One day," Solene echoed, holding her close.

And for the rest of the afternoon, they imagined that life together—a life filled with peace, laughter, and maybe, just maybe, a child with silver hair and crimson eyes.