“I'm so jealous of both of you,” Faye complained and started to unlace the intricate corset laces on her own thick winter wear.
“You travelled here with Raxx, didn't you? Do you not find him handsome?” Indi asked, getting to her feet.
Lori watched enviously as the faerie pulled her simple blue dress up over her head, revealing a body she could only dream of. Though Indi was only wearing simple white cotton underwear, she made it look better than any of the world's fanciest lace and silk. Her large, pert breasts were barely contained by her brassier. The globes threatened to spill out as she leant forward.
Lori glanced down at her own meagre breasts, barely visible through the thick woollen tunic she was wearing.
“That's not the problem,” Faye continued as she undressed. “I find him very attractive but he's avoiding me, I think.”
“Just since you met up with us? Or before that?” Lori asked curiously, turning her back to pull her tunic and silk undershirt off over her head shyly.
“Since I met him. He's been sending me such mixed messages,” her sister grumbled. “I did think he was interested in me for a while, but now I don't know. Maybe he's changed his mind.”
“Men are so complicated.” Indi agreed.
“If you don't mind my asking, what exactly is going on between you and Oriel?” Lori asked, lowering hervoice. She slipped the nightdress over her head and bent forward to slide her leather trousers off, bringing her underwear down with them. Though the nightdress was short, it wasn't obscene. She didn't have the energy to go searching for a clean pair.
“That's complicated as well.” Indi smiled, buttoning the front of her simple cotton pyjamas closed. The faerie reached beneath and, after a little shuffling around, pulled her brassier free. Lori was disappointed to note that Indi’s large breasts seemed to stay just as perky without the item's assistance.
“Are you an item? What's so complicated?” Faye probed, finally ridding herself of her laced shirt. Her sister had chosen to don a simple silk undershirt, not unlike her own. Faye seemed happy to sleep in hers. The faerie got to her feet and began shuffling out of her thick riding breeches.
“Yes and no. We are, um, intimate,” Indi hedged. “But I live here with Magna, so I don't get to see him all that often.”
“How exactly have you come to be here, anyway?” Lori asked curiously and clambered into the bed. The old frame creaked and groaned loudly.
“It's a long story. Magna found me as a babe and took me in. We have no idea where I came from. Oriel didn'treally spend a lot of time here when I was growing up - he had already moved away to Banesteppe – but I did spend a few of my early years with Zelrus.” Indi settled herself warily on the old camp bed.
“Zelrus? What is he like?” Lori swallowed.
“I love him like a brother. He was always more than kind to me. He even indulged my silly games when I was a tot.” She smiled softly. “Are you worried about meeting him?”
“Very.” Lori nodded, feeling her gut twist nervously.
“I haven't seen him for a few years. He's been very busy, and travelling all the way out here to visit us could be dangerous for us all, but he writes us letters from time to time,” Indi continued. “I know Magna misses him terribly, but she understands how important his work is. I don't know what Lephas has told you about him, but he's a kind man. I don't think you'll have anything to worry about.”
“Really?” Faye sighed with relief, climbing into the bed beside Lori.
“Really. He's got big boots to fill, from what I've heard of his father. I'm sure he has to stamp his authority with his men, but I know him as my big brother. He never passed judgement on me for being faerie. I can't imagine him being able to hold a grudge with either ofyou for too long, especially once he gets to know how wonderful you both are.”
“Thank you for those kind words. I do hope you're right.” Lori felt a small bubble of emotion rising in her chest.
Lori and Faye readied themselves for sleep, shuffling down underneath the thick, heavy blankets. Lori sighed deeply as her head hit the soft downy pillow.
“Will you both be alright here for a spell?” Indi asked, getting to her feet once more. “I'm going to get myself a quick glass of water.”
“Sure, though I can't promise we'll still be awake when you get back.” Faye yawned widely.
“I'll be back in a moment.” The faerie slipped silently out into the dark corridor, leaving the door slightly ajar.
The sisters lay in comfortable silence for long moments.
Lori sighed. “What a day… I'm so glad you're here,” she whispered. “Did you and Sivelle get my letter?”
Faye nodded. “Yes, though it was the very worst letter I've ever had to read. Sivelle and I were heartbroken that you'd left.”
“I know, I'm so sorry. I–” Lori's voice cracked as she turned over on her hip to face her sister.
“Hush, there's no need to be.” Faye smiled kindly. “Weunderstood completely. We were just so sad that it had come to that. We missed you terribly.”
