Page 25 of The Nixie and the Frost Elf

"Would you like to come in?" He gestures for me to enter, stepping back so that I have space.

Without being able to help it, I burst into giggles.

"You okay?" he asks, looking at me with genuine concern.

"I'm sorry," I say through my laughter. "I'm just not used to this kind of situation."

"Me neither," he responds. "Do you want anything?"

I shake my head.

"All right, well, you know where my room is." He pushes open the door, and I step inside.

Tears prick the corners of my eyes as I take in the room. He's set up candles, giving the room a warm glow without it being too bright, and there's faint music playing.

"I know it isn't much..."

"It's wonderful." I turn around just as he shuts the door, bringing us a lot closer together than I expect.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Edur asks.

I nod, feeling a little nervous, but also intrigued and a little excited. "I've been thinking about this all day."

He raises an eyebrow. "You have?"

"Yes."

"I'm surprised. I didn't think you would."

"I can't really explain it," I admit. "I wouldn't say that I'm turned on, but I'm ready, if that makes sense."

"None at all."

I let out a small laugh, realising as I do that it takes some of the nervousness with it. "I think it's like mentally preparing." I make my way over to him and wrap my arms around his neck, feeling the tingle of the cold emanating from him immediately. "So yes, I want to do this."

His fingers brush against my waist, and I can feel a sense of anticipation growing within me. I want to feel good, and I want to give him what he needs, even if it can't be everything.

"You need to tell me if anything is too much for you."

I nod. "I will." I lean in, brushing my lips against his. I kiss him deeper than I have before, and can feel the knowledge of what we're about to do building within me. I'm not really sure what to do with the response. I know I'm not scared or uncomfortable, but it's not like anything I've felt before.

My lips tingle from the cold where his meet mine, and where his hand brushes against my arm. It isn't unpleasant. Far from it. The cold makes me all the more aware of every touch and every moment that the two of us are together.

"How do you want to do this?" he murmurs against my lips.

"Just...keep talking, I guess," I respond, my fingers brushing against the buttons of his shirt. "Can I?"

"Be my guest," he responds.

I swallow hard as I fumble with his buttons, managing to get them all undone so I can push the shirt over his shoulders and let it fall to the floor.

His chest is the same icy blue as the rest of his skin, with patterns that look like snowflakes travelling down his neck and over his collarbones. I trace one of them with my fingers, enjoying the feel of his smooth skin under my touch.

Edur doesn't say anything and lets me continue my exploration, patient and willing. He strokes his thumb over the skin of my arm, only adding to the intimacy of the moment.

At this point, with anyone else, I'd feel scared, but that's not what's happening here. With Edur, I'm safe.

"Can I go further?" I look up at him, noticing him watching me with his almost-silver eyes.