Aria walked into the house, carrying a stockpile of animals she had killed, hunting in the forest. She walked into the kitchen and dropped her haul on the table, right in front of Pine, who glared up at her.

"Do you mind? I'm trying to eat here..." The elf scooted her plate of breakfast away from the pile of carcasses.

Aria smiled at her as she rubbed a bloody hand across Pine's golden hair, "Not to worry, little one. They're gutted. I just need you to help me skin and butcher them, and we can distribute them to the town's folk. Of course, we'll have a couple of rabbits for ourselves tonight. I'm making my stew."

Pine swatted her hand away before she saw the blood, "Damn it, Aria! I just bathed!!"

Aria sat down, resting her bow against the table as she drew her dagger and started cleaning the animals for butchering.

She looked at the elf as she slid a knife between the skin and the meat of a rabbit, "Relax. It's just blood. I need a bath as well. I'll help wash you when we're done here."

Pine glared at her, "And before I forget, I resent being called 'little'. You know damned well I'm only short because I was malnourished growing up."

Aria glanced at her chest, "And how do you explain those? You're barely bigger than Arland in the chest area."

Pine held her arms over her chest as she blushed, "Again, malnutrition. I didn't eat much during my growth spurts, which means I didn't grow much. But I'm nearly a hundred years old."

Aria laughed as she finished cleaning a rabbit, grabbing the next one, "Oh, my apologies, old lady. As a much younger half-elf of sixty, I can't help but feel like you should be close to retirement by now."

Pine huffed and stood up, "if you're just here to irritate me, I'll just take my leave now."

She started to walk off when Aria grabbed her wrist, "You forgot your plate."

Pine sighed and picked up her plate, walking over to wash it, dry it, and put it away. When she finished, she walked to the door and stopped. She turned her head to her shoulder and spoke to Aria.

"Why do you always try so hard to piss me off...?"

Aria sighed and sat down her blade then turned to the elf, "It's quite simple, Pine. I like you. I mean, I usually go more for guys, but the only guys around this house are Arland, who already has Nury, and their son Drake, who, first off, is too young, and second, he's like a nephew for me."

Pine turned around, "And what about the male elves in town? You're not required to restrict yourself to just this house."

Aria stood and walked over, towering over the shorter elf, "Most of them are nearly as short as you. I intimidate them. I've even tried singing to them, but the moment it tuned more intimate than a free show as a bard, they ran off."

Pine turned back to Aria and crossed her arms, "So I'm your last resort?"

Aria shook her head then knelt down, placing her head on the short girl's chest, "Not at all. You've always been my first choice, Pine. I just wasn't sure if it was mutual. But since you didn't just storm out when you had the chance, I'm taking a risk, hoping it meant more than just curiosity."

Pine closed her eyes and absorbed her words as she considered it. It's true that she did consider Aria as more than a friend. But would she classify it as a sister? Cousin? Lover? She couldn't quite decide. She opened her eyes and looked down, "How about I help you finish cleaning up there, then you can help me clean up the blood you covered me with. And who knows, maybe it'll lead to more, maybe it won't. Truth be told, I'm not quite sure how I feel about you. You've always acted more like a bratty sister to me... But I do know that I want more, Aria. I'm just not sure in what capacity."

Aria smiled up at her as she wrapped her arms around the elf, "Thank you, Pine. That's all I ask."

They stood there like that for a while longer, with Aria kneeling and hugging Pine, while Pine rested her hand on the half-elf's shoulders. After a long moment, they moved over to the table and discussed their relationship as they skinned and butchered the haul.

***

An hour and a half later, Aria was running the bath, heating it up with a song of fire to a perfect temperature. She stripped down and heard the door open. She turned and saw Pine standing there in just a towel, a deep blush on her face.

"Mock me or my flat chest, and I walk out. Don't forget, I know where you sleep and I own many blades. I could make you flatter than me..."

Aria smiled sweetly, "I'm done with that for now, Pine. I might still tease you later, but even I know when it's time to stop and be serious. Or, in this case, romantic."

Pine sniffed the air and smelled something different. "Did you do something to the water?"

Aria smiled, "I'm glad you caught it. It's some herbs I found in the forest. I originally meant to give them to Arland and Nury, but it'll work just as well for us. They aid in relaxation, and when heated with magically enhanced water, they can cause a state of mild euphoria that lowers your inhibitions. It won't change our emotions, but it'll let us be more honest with each other with less concern for the future."

Pine gulped hard and nodded her head slowly, "I, uh, I might need those..."

Aria grinned and led the way into the tub. She helped Pine get in and settled in with her, then poured the warm liquid over both of them.

After a few moments, they were lying together under the water, Aria's arms wrapped around Pine, "This feels nice."

Pine breathed out, "It does. I haven't felt this relaxed in ages."

"Me either," said Aria, "I've been working so hard to make sure the elves have a good stock of meats for the winter. And you've been working hard training Little Drake in combat."

Pine snuggled closer to her, "Yes, I am. I don't ever want him to be in danger. I'll make sure he can whoop anyone's butt, even his father's."

Aria wrapped her arms a little tighter around the elf, "I think the water is working, Pine. Is it working for you?"

Pine craned her neck back and looked at the half-elf. She stared for a moment before she pushed up and planted a kiss on her lips. After a long moment, she pulled back.

"Oh, hell yeah," Pine whispered, seeing stars and sparks from the kiss.

Aria blushed and stood, lifting the smaller elf in her arms. She walked off, leaving the tub full and her clothes on the floor.

***

Aria softly kicked open her door and carried Pine in, lying her down on her bed. She leaned in and kissed her again, before trailing down the elf's slender body, kissing and licking up the glistening bathwater.

Pine gasped, "Yes. The answer is yes, Aria. I want you. But what about-"

Aria interrupted her, "They're gone. They'll be in the castle for a couple of days. They took Drake. Focus on me tonight."

Pine swallowed hard and nodded, "Good. Then let's do it."

Aria smiled and moved down to her thighs, bringing her hands up and sliding them nimbly over her body, in a way only a master of the Graceful Sword could. Aria quickly found every one of Pine's weak points, from her breasts to her hips, to her ears, down to her inner thighs and her ankles.

Pine moaned and gasped as Aria hit each one. After a few moments, Pine sat up, pushing Aria to the bed, "I'm turned on enough. My turn."

Aria smiled and leaned back, spreading her legs. Pine looked down and saw that her new lover was already glistening from more than just the bathwater.

"I've been turned on since I saw you in the doorway in nothing but a towel, Pine. Make me see stars, and I'll return the favor."

Pine smiled and leaned down, kissing Aria's muscular thigh, then she moved up, kissing the folds between her hip and labia, before moving over and licking her full slit, her tongue sliding right in between the folds.

Aria reached down and grabbed the elf's hair, lifting her head to lock eyes. Aria stared down at Pine with a lustful, hungry gaze that reminded Pine of a starving wolf.

Pine smirked and twisted her head, buying a little freedom in the woman's grip, before she leaned in and dug in, hungrily lapping up all over her overflowing juices. She reached up and started playing with the larger woman's breasts, pinching her nipples between her fingers as she pressed and squeezed the flesh and dug her tongue into the swordsinger's entrance. She let go of one breast to bring her hand down and she inserted a finger into the hole while she moved her mouth up to her lover's clit. Within a moment, Aria was singing a different tune - the moans and screams of pure ecstasy, as the smaller woman brought her to the brink, held her there, and then finally pushed her over as she inserted a second finger into her tight hole.

Pine held still for a moment, letting Aria get into the full swing of her orgasm, before Pine redoubled her efforts, extending the orgasm to much longer than her normal duration.

Eventually, Aria reached down and pushed Pine away, "Enough! Enough, I can't handle much more..." She panted.

Pine smiled up at her, "Do you regret challenging me?"

Aria took a few deep breaths before she looked over with the smirk of a fox watching a dumb rabbit, "Oh, not even close, my sweet Pine. It's my turn now. Lie back and spread your legs."

Pine did as she had been instructed as Aria reached into her bedside table and pulled out a long glass rod covered in small bumps and tinged black at the tip, fading down to a completely clear handle. Aria held it up for Pine to see.

"It took me a year of constant communications with the village glass blower, but we finally managed to get this. It's supposed to replicate a penis, but better. And trust me, it does its job quite well, Pine."

The small elf looked in awe until she realized where it was going when her expression quickly switched to one of mild concern and almost fear.

"Are you quite certain it's safe...? I mean, that hole is meant for a flesh appendage, not... that..."

Aria smiled, "I've been using it for the last six months, and it's always been safe. Just... Make sure to remind me to wash it when we're done. I didn't the first time. Oh boy, that wasn't fun."

Pine nodded, "Alright. It is clean now, right?"

Aria smirked, "No," She said sarcastically, "I want to inflict the same pain on my new lover that I suffered. Yes, of course, it's clean! I'm a tease and a jerk. I'm not a bitch!"

Pine gave a small, weak laugh, "Yeah, Alright. I trust you, Aria."

Aria nodded and moved between Pine's legs. She lifted her head and stuck the glass rod down her throat, lubing it up with her spit, before she pulled it out and smiled at Pine.

Pine's mouth dropped open, "That was actually really fucking hot!"

Aria's eyes lit up, "I'm glad you think so. I can swallow my swords. This is similar, just a bit thicker."

Pine shook her head, a slight smile playing at her lips, "You really are a bard."

Aria grimaced, and leaned in, planting a kiss on Pine's lips, "I'm a swordswinger, and you know it. I was going to ease you into this, or rather, vice versa, but if you wanna be a brat, then..."

As she finished, she gave a short, sharp thrust, impaling Pine's tight hole on the tip of the glass rod. Pine gasped in shock, clenching her eyes shut.

She looked at Pine, "You ARE a jerk!" She gave a short laugh until Aria pushed the rod in a little further. Pine gasped again, then she sank down further onto the bed, "Oh, goddess Aria! It feels so amazing!"

Aria smiled, "I'm far from a goddess, and you're about to see why."

Pine's eyes shot open and stared at her lover, "What-"

Before she had a chance to say another word, Aria pulled the rod back and thrust it all in in one go.

Pine gripped the sheets, "Oh, gods damn, that's fucking huge!"

Aria smiled at her, "If you were so wet, that wouldn't have worked. But I also wouldn't have done it. I don't genuinely want to hurt you. I just want to get my point across."

Pine looked up at her as Aria started moving the toy in and out, "Wha-AH-t poi-NT! - Is th-AAH -T?"

Aria smiled, leaned in, and whispered, "I may be a half-elf, but I'm closer to a demon than a goddess..."

Pine smiled up at her, choosing to focus more on the pleasure. She reached up and pulled Aria down to her, propping herself up to give the girl a deep, passionate kiss.

As their lips touched, Pine felt her muscles starting to clench as her pleasure reached a peak then a plateau, then a shortfall, before climbing back up another peak.

After a long kiss, Pine threw her head back on the bed and lifted her hips to meet Aria's thrusts with the toy, her orgasm reaching a final crescendo, brought on by the swordsinger.

Aria started a soft, gentle song about the land's rolling hills, and green fields - about its dense, lush forests, and its beautiful sunrises and sunsets that made everything seem to glow.

In her state of mind, the purpose of the song was lost on Pine, but she felt the tingle of magic as Aria imbued her song to bring images to Pine's mind of the scenery mentioned in it. Pine clenched her eyes shut and reveled in the dual sensations. Her orgasms rose and fell seemingly endlessly.

After what Pine felt were hours, but had really been mere minutes, Aria's song ended, and she withdrew the toy.

She looked down at Pine, "How was that?"

Pine smiled up at her breathlessly. "That... was..." She sighed as she reached up to caress her lover's cheek.

Pine caught her breath enough to ask, "What was that song? I've never heard you sing that before."

Aria blushed and looked away, "It was an original. It's about my travels across the continent before I met you, Arland, and Nury. The spell I imbued into it causes mental images. By combining them, it's like we share the experience. My memories become yours. If I write songs about other subjects, I could share those memories with you as well. If you want. I've actually got one more, but it's not really appropriate for a session of lovemaking."

Pine sat up, propping herself up against the wall, "I want to hear it. If you don't mind."

Aria nodded, "of course. close your eyes and relax. Just listen."

Aria started off humming, finding the right note to start on. When she was satisfied, she started into another song - another original. This time, Pine saw images of a small elf - herself. She felt herself wanting to gasp, but not daring to interrupt the beautiful voice. Pine watched as the viewer watched her from a distance. She watched her door open and the viewer peering in at her sleeping. She watched herself training Drake, and bathing in the nearby river. She watched every moment she and Aria had spent together, all from Aria's perspective.

As the song ended, Pine felt a tear rolling down her cheek. She opened her eyes and wiped it away, looking at it curiously. She looked up and saw Aria crying with a happy smile.

Pine started, "What...?"

Aria sighed and spoke, "Pine, you've never been anything but my first choice. But I watched you from afar, never really looking my way except when we were teasing each other. I was afraid that you saw me as more of a sister. I saw how you looked at Arland. I was worried you wouldn't be able to love anyone except him."

Pine smiled at her, "Aria, I've never loved him like that. I honor and respect him. He's done more for my kind than any other human has ever cared to. He rescued us. He's my hero and my best friend. But I've never thought of him like that. Honestly, until today, I had never really given love much thought. My life has always just been 'survive until tomorrow.' That bath thought... Those herbs... They really worked."

Aria blushed and scratched her head, a shy smile on her face, "Actually... It was just lavender. Have you heard of placebos?"

Pine tilted her head, "You mean when a doctor gives a fake medicine...?"

After a moment realization dawned on her face, "You tricked me!"

Aria smiled, "It's better than drugging you. I offered you a way out if you decided you didn't want to do this."

Pine scowled at her, "You really, REALLY, are a jerk..."

Aria leaned in, "Yes, but you love me. And I love you, Pine." She planted a kiss on her lover's lips

***

The next few days passed the same way until Arland, Nury, and Drake returned from their trip. Drake ran into the house, straight up to Pine and Aria.

"Aunties! I missed you!"

Pine and Aria leaned down and wrapped him in a hug between them, "And we missed you!" Aria said.

Arland walked up to Aria, "So...?"

Aria smiled and nodded.

Arland smiled back, "Congrats. I'm happy for you two."

Drake tugged on Pine's sleeve, "Auntie Pine! I have a question! Can you explain why you're so old but look so young?!"

Pine rolled her eyes and leaned down, "Now, now, Drake. It's not nice to call a lady old."

Drake stuck his tongue out, "That'd be true if you were a lady, Auntie Pine!"

Pine huffed and held her arms out, fingers spread into claws, "Don't make me get the claws out, little dragon!"

Drake squealed and ran away, hiding behind Nury, "Save me, momma!"

Nury laughed, "No way. You brought this on yourself. You deal with it!"

She stepped aside, and Pine took off after Drake, who ran outside.

The rest of the adults laughed as they watched Pine and Drake chase each other around the yard.