Naomi and Kayli (Naomi)

From Toosigma

Title	Naomi and Kayli
Author	Philip Mann - Naomi
Campaign	Convergent Threads
Session	Intersession
Posted
Game Date

Since the first days of Naomi’s arrival some months ago, Kayli’s room had been invaded. Her trundle bed was separated, with the normally stored section moved over and stacked atop a small dresser recently created for it. Her closet was now cramped by things that did not belong to her, and even her most precious nick-knacks were not spared some reorganization.

This invader was not unwelcome however, and Kayli did not mind giving up so much of her limited space because it meant that her newly discovered sister and best friend would be that much closer. Kayli wanted her time spent with Naomi to go on forever, and together they would share the modest room within a great home, made noticeably warmer by the cheery smile and enormous heart that the little elfin girl brought with her.

But the sharing seemed somewhat hollow to Kayli at times. Certainly not that Naomi ever seemed to take their relationship and Kayli’s sacrifices for granted; in fact, it was not unusual for Naomi to clean the entire room and to keep everything picked up to preserve whatever space was left for the two of them without anyone asking her to do it. Naomi also changed into her night clothes behind a curtain that she hung between the beds to ensure each could retain their own modesty. No, as far as Kayli could tell, Naomi was the perfect roommate. That is, except that her roommate still seemed more a guest in the room than someone who really lived there.

Naomi rarely stayed home after the inn closed for the night. When she did stay and talk until Kayli surrendered to her own exhaustion, the elf was always gone in the morning. Even on the darkest and most forbidding nights, Naomi would throw herself into the storm and to whatever called her out of the room and away from her sister and family. She always returned early, and always full of good cheer and ready to work, but she never mentioned where she went or why.

At first, Kayli filled herself with musings that Naomi might be away with her Aramil as she also wanted to be with Hero. The two made such a smart-looking couple when he had picked her up for the play that she could hardly help but dream of happy things for them. When she learned the truth of their arrangement, however, she began to reexamine her own crush.

Naomi did not seem fond of Hero and, as such a beautiful woman who could have any man she wanted, her sister seemed to be in a perfect position to look beyond the façade that a man would portray to gain the favor of a woman. Her father liked her, which made her a good and caring person by nature, so her dislike could not be a feeling of malice or something equally unsavory. The elf also spent more time with the man she thought she would be in love with, so Kayli grew to respect her unspoken opinion.

When Naomi first began at the Eyrie, having the extra help was more than welcome and seemed to be the key to Kayli’s future singing career. That hope was short lived, however, as Naomi took up the mantle of an adventurer and began a path that Kayli was sure would make her “somebody”. She thought often about what Naomi was doing when she was off adventuring, and the more she thought about it the more she missed her when she was not home. Each time her friend came back home, Kayli felt more elated that she had returned to her safely.

Without her consent, Kayli’s heart began to long for every minute she could spend with Naomi, and that longing began to smolder even when she was near. She found herself frequently watching Naomi as they worked together. She marveled at how the small woman moved with the strength of an acrobat and the grace of a dancer across the crowded main floor of the Eyrie, and how her easy, natural smile never faded even around the most difficult customers. Mostly, Kayli found her exotic beauty wonderfully entrancing, and would slip into in a daydream looking at the elf on many slow afternoons.

One night, an unseasonably cold storm caused the inn to close early as patrons rushed out to try to beat the worst of the storm home. The wind howled through the torrent of rain and sleet that pounded against the windows as the girls took their time getting changed into night clothes on opposite sides of the curtain. Kayli dressed in a flannel nightgown that her mother had made for her last winter while Naomi picked out a velvet chemise that she recently purchased from her favorite gnomish tailor. Naomi was slightly distracted by a recent series of visions and laid the chemise on the bed as she undressed.

The two girls chattered away as normal while tending their preparations for bed, with Kayli doing far more talking than Naomi, but some of her words were lost to the howl of the wind and rain. Naomi paid no mind to the interruptions as she stared into the mirror trying to see what lay behind the sapphire eyes that stared back at her. In a small way, she was looking into the abyss hoping that it would not look back.

In her trance, she did not realize that Kayli had stopped talking until she turned to pick up her chemise and found the curtain on the floor, her sister’s eyes locked to her naked form. Kayli had pulled the curtain down as she did most nights, expecting to find a clothed and waiting Naomi on the other side. This night, however, Kayli found far more elf and far less clothing than she expected.

Though she was very aware of how exotic and nubile her best friend was, she was not prepared to see her completely naked for the first time. Kayli found she was unable to do anything but stare as her heart vigorously leapt in her chest, paralyzing her in awe and longing.

Naomi covered herself quickly and exclaimed, “Kayli!”

The girl instantly whirled around and averted her eyes. “Oh my,” she began to apologize, “I am so sorry. I thought you were dressed, so I pulled the curtain down…”

Trembling noticeably, Kayli began to pick up the crumpled and now useless barrier. Though she focused her attention on the task, trying not to think of the indiscretion, she noticed Naomi’s quick movement through the corner of her eye. The elf finished getting dressed in one fluid movement, pausing only to pull her hair free, and then she knelt next to her friend.

“I'm sorry too, Kayli. I'm not sorry that you saw me, I'm sorry that I screamed at you.”

Without a response Naomi continued, “It’s OK,” she began as she reached around Kayli to help. “It was bound to happen sometime; that the curtain would fall or our timing would be less than ideal.” She let the silence blanket the room for a moment, giving Kayli time to consider how to respond.

The two folded the curtain together as they had so many times before, except there was no conversation. Kayli's eyes never left the task, and Naomi's gaze never diverted from Kayli. The silence was deafening, made more intense because the normally talkative girl was remaining so quiet that the storm seemed to move into the small bedroom. Naomi was willing to keep the silence for as long as her friend desired, but not too long. The storm outside waned slightly as if it knew it did not have to compete with the girls for the time being.

When Kayli darkened the room and crawled under her quilt, the moonless night engulfed both of them in a cool blanket of darkness. Naomi sat on her bed, not far from where she had placed her clothes for the morning, determined to be patient for her sister. She could sense Kayli's eyes upon her from the safety of the darkness and tried to distract herself somewhat by checking her tunic for wear. Naomi knew that it was important for Kayli to break her silence and she would say nothing until she did. She just hoped that it would be over soon.

“Are you going out tonight, Naomi?” came a diminished version of Kayli's voice.

Naomi turned to where her friend lay on her bed as lightning illuminated the room. Their eyes met and Kayli tried very hard not to look away.

“Not this evening I think,” replied the elf, curious about the question, but not wanting to provoke more awkward silence from Kayli.

“Will you be here when I wake up?” Kayli asked, her heart wanting to know so much more.

“I don't understand.” Naomi's comment did not solicit an explanation. Instead, Kayli breathed slowly for a moment as she wrestled with her feelings. Naomi took the opportunity to cross the room to the side of Kayli's bed.

“May I sit with you?”

Kayli responded wordlessly by shifting toward the wall and pulling the blankets back. Naomi sat on the edge of the bed and guided her legs under the covers. She slid down to an extremely reclined position to be more comfortable until her thigh brushed Kayli's flannel covered leg. Kayli jerked her knee away slightly, so Naomi slid onto her side facing her sister at the greatest distance the small bed would allow.

The next bolt of lightning informed her that this position was not right either as Kayli's face turned toward her pillow rather than look down Naomi's chemise.

“I'm sorry, this isn't going to work.” Said Naomi as she rolled over and began to sit up.

Kayli grabbed her wrist and simply said, “Please.” She was afraid, but still she needed her near even as her mind struggled to understand what her heart was saying.

Naomi lay back down and slowly slid backward into Kayli. She took the girl’s arm and wrapping it gently around her own slender waist. She then placed her hand on top of Kayli’s and wove their fingers together.

“Is this better?”

“I think so.”

Naomi could feel the warmth radiating from the girl next to her and wondered how cold she must feel in contrast. As if to answer the unspoken query, Kayli pulled Naomi and the rest of the blankets as tight to her as she could, though the result was to pull her own body into the smaller but much heavier elf. At the same time, with her hand against Naomi’s extraordinarily defined stomach, Kayli marveled at how the elf’s very delicate and womanly form concealed such now obvious muscularity. She knew her own athletic body well and how it responded to exercise. She quietly wondered if even the most intense physical training would give her such incredible lines.

Almost unconsciously she traced the subtle ridges and valleys around Naomi’s abdomen. Naomi still held her hand but did not direct or hinder Kayli’s progress. Kayli stopped only when she found her exploration nearing the rise of the elf’s breasts, and she retraced her route back to where it began. With open fingers still separated by Naomi’s, she let her palm settle in a natural position and let out a soft sigh.

Her initial shock at seeing Naomi disrobed was over and she now understood why it had affected her so. Women that she knew, including her, picked clothes to enhance strong attributes and reduce those which were not so strong. Naomi, she understood now, had no flaws to downplay. Her form seemed ideal and the generally modest attire that she wore only served to conceal magnificent features. When Naomi was without clothing, she was as she must have been created to be. Kayli tried to cling to this reasoning though she could not deny that there was more behind it.

There was a long moment of silence as both girls began to get comfortable on the small bed. Kayli brushed Naomi's luxuriously soft hair out of the way and Naomi could feel the warm breath escaping her bedmate’s lips on her exposed neck. She wondered if Kayli would fall asleep before anything else was said when a lightning strike just outside startled them both. Each realizing that the other had flinched brought about a brief fit of giggling that did much to lighten the mood.

After a few moments they were quiet again, both smiling, when Kayli was the first to speak. “I guess I'll have to let you take the curtain down from now on.”

“Why? So you are the naked one next time?”

“That's not fair.”

“I'm sorry Kayli; I didn't mean it like that.” Naomi explained. “I just meant that, well, do we even want to put it back up again?” Kayli considered the question, but Naomi spoke again, “I mean…it is something that is bound to happen again so why worry about it?”

“I think that would be embarrassing for me.” Kayli stated.

“As it will be for me at first, but I think we could get comfortable with the idea.”

“How can you be embarrassed?” Kayli inquired. “You are so beautiful and so perfect. I, on the other hand, am just me.”

Naomi breathed a sigh and responded, “There is no 'just' to you. You are very attractive and charming...”

“But...”

“No 'but'.” Naomi paused to consider her words before beginning again. “Kayli, I am reminded every day of how different I am. Men and women alike stare at me and whisper. Even little Mathis hid behind his sister when I first tried to greet him, but he came right forward for you. Sometimes I feel like some sort of freak, a curiosity that everyone wants to see but nobody wants to talk to or get to know.”

She slowly turned so that she could face Kayli, just barely increasing the distance between them. “Here, in this house and with all of you, I feel normal. I feel welcome and loved.”

Naomi stopped talking to see if Kayli would respond, but the proximity seemed to make her bedmate uneasy. Kayli's eyes were tightly closed and her hands were drawn up to form a barrier between the two young women. “Look at me,” Naomi insisted. “Look into my eyes, sister. Look into my soul if you want to know me.”

Kayli hesitated as if trying to not touch or see anything about Naomi but her face. She slowly opened her eyes to find Naomi's nose almost touching her own.

She swallowed hard, fighting her heart as it tried to push her lips across the tiny distance to Naomi’s, “Even as dark as it is, you know, I can still see how blue they are.”

Naomi suppressed a small giggle at the comment and reached in between them and took both of Kayli's hands in her own. She slid her legs against her friend's, feeling her tense for a moment but she did not move.

“Good.” Naomi said with a smile that Kayli could see even in the dark. "You are starting to relax a bit.”

“I don't know why I feel so intimidated by you like this.” Kayli said, masking her own inner conflict.

“Kayli, you have no need to be,” Naomi countered as if knowing there was something trying to break free within her bedmate. “In fact, I would prefer that you were not.”

“I can't help it...but I'll try.”

“That's all I can ask.”

The girls returned to their previous position, spooning together for the next few hours. Kayli pulled close and matched the contours of her body with Naomi as best she could. She was surprised when she noted that the length of her legs and extra height allowed the two of them to fit together like two pieces of a puzzle.

“We fit together perfectly.” Kayli said.

“I believe we do at that.” Naomi replied, her tone belying layers of possible connotations. Kayli snuggled close enough to rest her cheek on her sister’s neck. The elf could feel her every breath on her and could feel her heart beating. She wondered if Kayli noticed the absence of such things from her.

They spoke softly, much as they had in nights before, when they would sit on the floor between the beds making sure not to wake Kayli’s parents. They talked about light subjects, not willing to delve into what either of them might be feeling, but they could both sense that this night would have a profound impact on their future.

“This is much nicer than trying to whisper across the room,” Naomi observed. Kayli sighed but said nothing. Naomi wanted to tell her how warm she felt inside, and how she wanted to do this again, maybe every night, but she did not want to spoil the moment by thinking of the future. If Naomi went on an adventure the next morning and did not come back, however, she knew that she would cherish this moment of warmth forever. She was not sure if she was truly falling in love with Kayli because of how she felt about the girl from the museum, but she was certainly willing to explore the feelings if Kayli would let her.

Kayli gradually slipped off to sleep as the wind from the storm subsided, leaving only the sound of her breathing and the soft rain outside to brush against the quiet. After some time listening to her bedmate sleep, Naomi carefully got out of bed, dressed, and left the room to go watch the sunrise in an hour as she always did. She had much to think about with regard to what to tell Kayli and the family. Mostly, however, she needed time to consider if she should pursue her intensified feelings for the girl she already loved as a sister, feelings that may take them beyond adopted kinship and into each other’s arms forever.

Amid the distractions of her heart, Naomi did not realize that Kayli was no longer sleeping. She did not give any sign of stirring until Naomi disappeared through the door, but Kayli found the opportunity to see where Naomi really went at night. She had planned this outing several times but, until now, Naomi always managed to slip out of the room without waking her. This time, because she had fallen asleep holding her sister comfortably next to her, she could not help but notice Naomi getting out of bed. She rushed to quickly dress in some clothes she had left in a handy place and quietly hurried after her sister. She wanted to see where Naomi was going and what would take her out at this hour, and if she left to be in the arms of another.

The icy rain stung Kayli's face as she stepped outside. She saw that Naomi was just a couple of blocks away and didn't seem to be in any hurry. Kayli reasoned that her sister could not be going too far away in the weather or else Naomi would have dressed a little warmer than her normal tunic and sandals. Kayli followed her sister for ten minutes before she realized that she was becoming really cold. Still, she believed that her sister could only be going just a little farther. Her own body began to shiver, which kept her focused on how important this outing must be for her sister.

It was nearly a full half-hour along her meandering route before Naomi reached her favorite bench with her unknown shadow in tow. Kayli hid among the trees surrounding a nearby house where she watched as Naomi and tried to keep her teeth from chattering and giving her away. She saw her sister dance in a playful little way around the bench before sitting down. Kayli mused that it didn't seem to matter to Naomi whether or not she was alone to express her joy, as she did similar little dances around the inn when they were working. Truly, this strange little elfin girl was unlike anyone she had ever met.

The first slivers of dawn began to show through the clouds as Naomi oriented her attention toward the eastern horizon. Kayli crouched down and hugged her knees trying to warm up a little as a soft breeze began to chill her to the bone. She had stopped shivering but continued to feel colder by the minute. She didn't know how much longer she would be able to stay here, but she wanted to see what her sister was doing. Naomi, she knew, must be as cold as she in her light attire. Whatever she is doing must be very important to get her to endure such conditions.

The sky began to lighten and the rain stopped. Not a single being stirred while she was there. Kayli thought that Naomi must spend this time alone every morning, and scoffed at her notion that her sister could be meeting someone every night. Maybe she stays here all night when she leaves after the inn closes? She wondered why she desired so much time alone and in such harsh weather; what would make her leave the warmth and comfort of the home?

While Naomi sat on the bench, unknowing of the observer who meant so much to her was just yards away, she considered the possibilities of her relationship with Kayli. The unexpected encounter and subsequent sharing had made her aware that she trusted this girl greatly, but was it enough for real love?

Her mind became blurred with fears and objections, but it was her heart that saw her clear of the fog. Her heart knew that she had been in the arms of one who knew her best for who she was, and still stayed close. She had been held in a way that only someone who wanted to hold her forever could do, and she loved that feeling of security very much. Naomi came into the world with a broken heart of the most powerful kind, and she knew that Kayli would never make her feel like that.

Her heart also came with very strong objections: what if she only wanted to believe that Kayli could really love her so deeply? What if her sister found the idea of advancing their relationship into something more romantic and intimate completely repugnant? These things only Kayli could answer. Naomi decided to speak to Kayli, to try to figure out what the girl wanted before she gambled with her precious heart. If Kayli desired her, then Naomi would embrace her openly and completely. If she did not, then Naomi would promise to forever love her as a sister and best friend.

As the silent conflict in Naomi’s heart and mind played out, one hour stretched into two and the sun was clear of the horizon before Kayli saw her sister stand from the lonely bench. Planning to sneak back to the inn, she tried to stand from her concealment, realizing in horror that she could not move. She could not feel her arms or legs, and her whole body ached. Her face was numb and her tongue felt swollen in her mouth. She could not yell for help she instantly knew she needed. Please, she silently pleaded, please sister help me! I don't want to be left here!

Naomi began her trek back out of the park the way she had come and Kayli realized that she had hidden herself far better than she thought because Naomi seemed oblivious to her presence. Watching her sister approaching without a glance in her direction, Kayli decided to commit everything she had remaining, every ounce of strength and will to get into the open. She struggled just to shift her weight, but her limbs failed to respond. Her body was now propped against the tree she had been leaning on, and her only hope was to force herself to tumble into Naomi's path.

Kayli knew it would hurt later, but she shoved against the tree with her forehead. It wasn't much, but it was enough as she twisted around on her ankle with a horrible snap and fell over. Even before her fall took her beyond the bushes, Naomi had her.

“Kayli!” she began with obvious shock. “What are you...oh my, you are freezing!” With a strength that Kayli didn't imagine the small elf to have, Naomi lifted her sister into her arms. “I'm getting you home, right now.”

Naomi began a brisk walk toward the street while mumbling a continuous stream of incantations. From the very first one, Kayli could feel warmth radiating from her rescuer making her huddle as close as she could. As her arms began to warm and she regained some mobility, Kayli wrapped them around Naomi's neck and hugged onto her as tight as she could. Her consciousness was slipping, but she willed herself to hang on even as the world went dark.

Once on the street Naomi began to run. She had given herself every boon that she knew to help her get Kayli to safety. Bull's Strength to carry her; Cat's Grace to avoid missteps; Longstrider to gain speed. Though the pain was excruciating, she imbued herself with Heat Metal to provide a few precious moments of warmth to the desperate girl in her arms.

Like a tiny overburdened rocket chased by a silver-gold flame, the lithe elf bolted through the early morning traffic. Her precious cargo was still breathing though her arms were now hanging at her sides. Please Kayli, be strong for me, Naomi prayed to her sister. She didn’t let thoughts of how the family would react enter her mind because the only important thing was getting Kayli back home and warming her up. All other considerations would get their turn after that.

The journey that took her thirty minutes when she left now took just five, even with her passenger, thanks to her special skills. She opened the door to the Eyrie and found only the gargoyles moving about. They were always the first to begin the day, excepting only Naomi whose day never really ended. Cald stepped to intercept and take Kayli, but Naomi would not give her up.

“I should not have let her out after you,” the younger gargoyle began. “I had a feeling that something would happen if she was not with you…”

“We shall not worry about such things now, big brother,” Naomi interrupted, “I’ve got to get her out of these soaked clothes and warm her up.” Pausing to look them both in the eyes, “I’ll take care of her.”

She continued past them and into the girls’ room, with the gargoyle brothers close behind. She laid Kayli on her own bed to keep Kayli’s from getting soaked as she started to undress her. Realizing that the brothers were watching her through the door she said, “Uh, guys…could you close the door until we get under the covers? Give me two minutes.” The brothers responded to the request without protest and the door closed on their sisters.

Naomi worked quickly to get Kayli out of her soaked clothes and placed her into her bed. She did not stop to admire the girl whose body, though not as idealized as her own physique, was very desirable; she thought only of the urgent task before her and not at all of her own well being or gratification. As she pulled the covers over Kayli, she noticed the mottled color and swelling around her ankle. The elf realized that this must have been the snapping sound that had captured her attention in time to catch her sister. She quickly used the only real spell she knew to begin healing the break.

She stripped off her own clothing quickly, tearing her tunic into shreds overcoming the dampness adhered it to her body.

Now completely naked, Naomi crawled under the covers to warm her hypothermic sister. She pulled Kayli on top of her with an awkward series of maneuvers and began Heat Metal on herself again to generate more heat. When she finished the incantation, she wrapped her arms and legs firmly around Kayli, desperate to endure the pain of the effect until Kayli was warm again. She allowed herself to consider briefly that this would indeed be a test of how comfortable they could be together.

Two minutes exactly is how long the gargoyle brothers waited before opening the door again, but this time, the rest of the household came into the cramped room.

“What happened here?” Harel demanded.

Naomi pulled back the covers so that they could see Kayli. Her color had substantially returned except for a slight blue cast around her lips and the tips of her fingers. The effect that Naomi used to warm her had made the girl’s auburn hair give off steam as it absorbed warmth where it touched the elf’s body.

Naomi opened her mouth to speak, but Cald cut her off, “She went out into the rain this morning, sir. I failed to stop her.”

“We failed to stop her,” Jelicar interjected.

While the gargoyles stumbled over each other trying to explain something that didn’t really need explaining, Elina brushed Kayli’s hair from her face and then moved to do the same to Naomi.

“Good heavens,” she said with a start, “you are burning up!”

“Harel,” to her husband, “I think our Naomi has caught a fever!”

“No Mama, I’m fine.”

She looked at the little elf and felt her again, “But your skin is on fire, child!”

“I know.” She looked down at Kayli who appeared to be peacefully sleeping. “It is an effect, a spell if you prefer, that I used to warm myself so that I could pass that heat to Kayli.”

Elina looked puzzled. “Why didn’t you just warm her up with it? Why cast it on yourself first?”

“Because…”

“Because,” Harel interjected, “the spell wouldn’t do anything for Kayli. It would only work the way Naomi did it.”

Naomi looked at him trying unsuccessfully to repress her shock. A small smile of satisfaction spread across his face as if another piece of a puzzle titled Naomi just clicked into place.

“During the war,” he explained, “the casters used to use the same thing against our boys, to cook them in their armor.” His face became suddenly sad. “I suppose ours did the same to the other armies.” Turning back toward Naomi, “Until now, I never imagined such a thing could be used for any sort of good purpose.”

He paused for a moment, metering Naomi’s reaction. “But what I haven’t figured out is how did you manage to do it without hurting yourself?”

“Uhm…I didn’t.”

There was a long silence in the room as Naomi’s response settled into everyone. She had concentrated a wounding spell within herself and endured the pain and injury so that the effect could help Kayli. There was a gradual shift in the mood as everyone gained a new reverence for the little elf-girl. She had saved Kayli at high risk to herself, and this family would never forget that. Harel had renewed faith that the goodness and strength of character he saw in her when she first arrived was only the beginning.

“Papa?” Kayli weakly queried as she regained consciousness.

Both parents kneeled beside the bed and began reassuring their daughter. They asked how she felt and generally made sure that she was going to be okay. She said that she was just tired and a little sore, and that she would love some tea. Elina took that as a cue to drag everyone except her husband out of the room as she went to get Kayli’s favorite oolong tea.

Once the room was clear, Harel leaned in close to both of his girls. “I’m not sure what happened, or what is happening here, but I think you two have some talking to do.” He then stood up and kissed each girl on the forehead telling them that he was glad they were home and safe. Elina brought two cups and a small pot of tea in, as well as a couple of scones for them to nibble; and she and Harel left together, closing the door behind them.

Naomi sat up slightly to pour some of the fragrant tea for Kayli. She handed the small cup to her sister and then pulled her own hair out from under her body. She draped it across her right shoulder so she was no longer laying on it and slowly reclined back onto Kayli’s pillow. She was not entirely sure she wanted to know why her sister had followed her into such foul weather, but she certainly wanted to be sure that last night had not injured their relationship.

Kayli sipped her tea and felt Naomi’s completely dry hair with her other hand. She then reached for her own which, while no longer dripping, was still noticeably wet and flat. If she had not followed Naomi and watched her out in the rain, she would never believe that she had been outside at all.

Kayli set her cup down and began to concentrate on the strangely dry hair in earnest. She had known a few elves in her life and, though Naomi still seemed somewhat eccentric in many respects, she knew that this was truly unusual. Coupled with the extreme temperature that Naomi seemed indifferent to though it had nearly killed her, she had many more questions than she had answers or even guesses.

Taking a lock of the fine shiny hair, she looked from it into Naomi’s deep blue eyes questioningly. Seeing the elf patiently waiting for any question that might come, everything Kayli wanted to ask collided into a single word.

“How?...”

Answers to questions seemed to flood out of the complex issues that Naomi gleaned from the simple composite question. “It's just part of me...it never gets wet even when it should, but close your eyes and feel it…”

Kayli’s mind was working over the mass of unanswered ideas. “…and you didn’t get cold outside?” Her brow wrinkled as she tried to answer her own question.

“Kayli, I am...different. I am...not what I would seem to be at first glance… I… I want you to know… but… I'm not sure how to show you…” Her stammering explanation trailed off for a moment.

Kayli appeared in thought for a moment, as if contemplating her next question. As Naomi opened her mouth to continue the somewhat babbling explanation, the girl gently touched her lips to stop the flow of words.

“Naomi… I…”

She leaned down and gently brushed her cheek against Naomi’s, feeling the smooth and firm flesh on the elf’s face on her own. Pulling away, her eyes questioned the girl beneath her. Not a question of how or what, but a question of will she? She searched Naomi’s eyes for an answer, finding them receptive but unsure; she seemed to be waiting for something more.

Kayli tested further, not wanting to press but needing to know. She wove her fingers through Naomi’s hair, admiring how soft it felt to her touch. She glided her fingers through its length, parting at her shoulder. Her fingers and her gaze traced the gentle curve of her slender neck, pleading to know more of the magnificent creature that owned her attention. Her mind begged to know if she should stop, if her advance was unwelcome, but her heart clung to the moment.

As if to answer, Naomi’s fingers began to trace a path along Kayli’s body; her touch a reassurance to Kayli that she had not gone too far. Naomi’s exotic almond eyes never left Kayli, and the two seemed trapped in their private fears. They could stop and preserve their friendship, or continue and risk driving each other away. Their eyes met, searching for answers to cease this quandary.

Kayli’s heart took control of her body and she fell willingly upon the smaller girl. She closed her eyes and her kiss, needy and passionate, found Naomi’s lips waiting. They enveloped each other as if trying to become one soul, their bodies entwined, throwing all of their bottled-up passions into this moment. For now, there was only the tension of anticipation that wound through them in a very primal way, fueling the fire that sustained this telling embrace.

After an eternity, Kayli broke the kiss. She gasped for breath as she slowly opened her eyes. Instantly, tears began to well as fear and longing collided in her heart. She pulled away, but Naomi kept her arms wrapped lightly around her without pulling back or stopping her.

Only when Kayli began to cry did Naomi gently pull her into her chest. She held Kayli warmly, still tasting the sweet desperation of her first kiss, confused about what she has done to bring Kayli to cry.

“What did I do wrong?” Naomi calmly asked. “Have I hurt you?”

Kayli, refusing to look into the blue abyss of Naomi’s eyes, “Nothing… I… I don’t know…”

Sensing Kayli’s difficulty, and feeling no shortage of it herself, Naomi told her, “I’ve never done that before.”

Kayli sniffled, “Neither have I… I… I’m sorry…”

“Sorry? You have no need to be sorry…”

Kayli blinked away her tears, and Naomi reached to her to wipe the rest away. “You have nothing to fear from me, my dear, nothing at all.”

Kayli’s gaze slowly inclined toward Naomi’s entrancing blue eyes, still full of confused feelings and fear of rejection. When their eyes met, however, all of her misgivings washed through her in another fit of tears. Her arms clutched tightly to Naomi, convulsing with her sobs even as the elf pulled the quilt over her shoulders to warm and reassure her. The want of sincere, romantic love and the safety of her heart hung in the balance of a confession yet to be made. Once she admitted her feelings for the gorgeous woman who held her, there could be no turning back, but she had to free her heart no matter the cost.

“Naomi… I… I think I love you…” Kayli uttered through her tears, her heart felt as though it would explode. “I’m so confused…”

“Because of today?” Naomi asked. Kayli nodded an affirmation and sniffled through the wake of her tears.

She heard what she at once wanted and feared: her best friend and sister wanted to bring their relationship even closer. Kayli had taken the first step and threw her heart before Naomi, now it was up to the elf to catch it gently and held it to her own. Naomi knew that it is her secrets that are breaking Kayli’s heart, so she tried to reassure the woman who had just confessed her love.

“I am here with you… Tell me your thoughts, dreams, fears… Ask anything you will of me and I promise to tell you all I know… Help me to help you be less confused.”

Kayli looked up at Naomi and gently caressed her flawless cheek, her face betraying the conflict within her.

“Take your time,” Naomi reassured her, “I’m not leaving you.”

Kayli laced her fingers through the elf’s golden hair, relishing the silken texture as she allowed it to slip freely through her grasp. Like everything about Naomi, her hair was perfect in every way. Even now each strand lay in perfect order, as if it had never been disturbed.

She leaned into Naomi, their soft lips meeting in a sweet kiss. Their dance of gently caressing each other moved them slowly about the bed. Both girls allowed their hands to explore as they held one another with unhurried passion. Without allowing their lips to part, Kayli stretched her body on top of the smaller girl in a position that seemed just perfect.

Their kiss broke as Kayli sat up, straddling Naomi and stretching her torso long above her partner. She cast the blankets off behind her, exposing her whole form to the admiring eyes before her. Her dreamy expression telling Naomi that she admired her as well. Each drank in the other in a way neither would have imagined just a day before.

“This should feel wrong,” Kayli expressed with a smile, “but it feels so right…”

Naomi became flooded with explanations, “This feels wonderful, Kayli…I’m feeling things I didn’t know…things I’ve never felt before.”

Kayli’s fingers traced complicated patterns and symbols on Naomi’s chest, as if invisibly writing a claim. There were so many unanswered questions about her, but Kayli knew those would come in time. For now she snuggled in beside Naomi, basking in the moment.

“So…” Kayli began with a slight giggle, “how does this work?”

Lost in her own thoughts, Naomi replied with a big smile, “…very nice…”

“I mean…um…how do, we, work?”

“I want you to know,” Naomi began, turning her gaze into Kayli’s emerald eyes, “I want you to know…I want us to know everything before we figure out how we work. I don’t want to feel as though I have secrets from you.”

“Naomi…it doesn’t matter…I love you just as you are…” Kayli replied.

She put her forehead against her love and gently nuzzled her with her nose.

“I want you to know, and then figure out if it matters,” Naomi said.

She rolled onto her back, gently pulling Kayli to her chest.

A little confused, Kayli giggled, “Okay…I admit to being curious.”

“Listen to my heart…”

Kayli complied with what she believed to be a simple romantic gesture. She smiled and shifted a little to try to hear, but nothing. After more than a minute of listening she still heard nothing. She sat up with a start, eyes searching Naomi for an explanation.

“That is just one of many things, love, that I don’t want to surprise you with later.” Naomi explained.

“So…um…how…uh…” Kayli’s face wrinkled as she wrestled to form a question.

“Because, love, I only look like an elf.”

“You’re not one of those undead elves?” Kayli inquired.

“No, love, I am…” Naomi began to explain and then tapped her own chest. “This body has more in common with a warforged than any elf, living or not.”

Kayli exploded with a small laugh at the notion Naomi had proposed.

“You are not like any warforged…”

“No, I suppose not,” Naomi said as she passed Kayli some more tea.

“But, I am much like them though how or where I was made, I do not know.” The last revelation brought a sad look into the elf’s eyes. “I know almost nothing of own existence before I walked into your life, and” gently caressing Kayli’s cheek, “if I knew nothing but my life with you I would be okay with that.”

“So,” Kayli began trying to make sense of the revelation, “what do you remember? Maybe we can figure out where you come from?”

“Only that I awoke in the university library…” Naomi trailed off, unable to look into Kayli’s eyes as her first hour replayed before her. She thought of the girl who she never really knew, of how what she now knows as love burned deep within her. What she felt now, with Kayli, was not that inferno, but it was more familiar and directed. Somehow, her love of Kayli felt uncorrupted and not as complicated as what she felt before. “I don’t know why I was there or for now long…”

Seeing Naomi’s difficulty, Kayli inquired, “Have you ever been back?”

“NO!” Naomi burst out. Her face immediately retreated into a shattered expression that betrayed how she had not intended to reply. “No,” she said again, more controlled, “I have not been back.”

“Why not?” asked Kayli with a very concerned look.

“I was on display there, standing as a naked statue that everyone could see as they came in.” Naomi fought hard to keep her confused memories from resounding in her reply. She didn’t want to keep anything from Kayli, but she wanted to understand some things before she shared them.

A wicked smile played across Kayli’s lips. “You were naked? For who knows how long? With who knows how many people walking by? And you were shocked when I saw you for a few seconds?” She couldn’t help but chuckle. She could not imagine how the situation made Naomi feel, but she found the prospect of her on display strangely delicious.

“Hey,” Naomi chided with a wink, “I don’t remember any of them gawking at me either.”

“Well…if that’s all…I think we can safely say it doesn’t matter.”

Before Naomi could reply, Kayli purred, “Now, I have this little chill, and I think I could use a little warming up…”

“Mmmm…”