A ship at sea is constantly in motion. With every wave crested, every pull of a current, and every push of the wind, the ship can rise, fall, tilt, and list without warning. If you're an experienced sailor, you've developed strong sea legs that automatically compensate for all but the most extreme of these movements. The ship goes up? Your legs bend to absorb it.

Flying is another matter entirely.

Six days before reaching Rouge, Nystri's wing had fully regrown. Within another two days it had unfurled and become usable. Only half a day passed with a plethora of bumps, bashes, and bangs agsint walls, floors, and ceilings before she gave up on flying while on the ship. 

Nystri stood on her knees on the windowsill. The last light of sunset was quickly fading, leaving their room in near complete darkness. This escaped her notice. Her face was pressed into Amorastra's cheek and she nuzzled against the soft warmth. Her arms were stretched out, one holding Amorastra's chin, and the other massaging behind her ear. She pulled herself closer, deepening the impression her face made into the cheek.

Nystri thanked the moon to finally have solid ground under once more. She thanked the moon for the quiet--not a single creaking of wood could be heard. 

She thanked the moon for love, as Amorastra turned her head and kissed Nystri's face once more. Amorastra's hands held Nystri firmly from her upper back all the way down to her ass, which Amorastra playfully squeezed as she kissed the side of Nystri's face, and darted her tongue out just enough to swipe over Nystri's ear, causing Nystri to inhale sharply. 

Nystri opened her eyes and stood. She turned slightly, taking Amorastra by the index finger, she unfurled her wings and fluttered into the air. She tugged gently until Amorastra stood. She kissed Amorastra's finger, hugged it, then let go. She hovered just a foot away from Amorastra, meeting her at eye level.

"Finally," Nystri said, her voice barely audible, but for the utter stillness of their room, "How many months did it take, Am'ai? I'm finally able to meet you eye to eye under my own power."

Amorastra smiled as she leaned forward slightly. She tilted her head down and Nystri hovered slowly forward until her forehead pressed firmly against the bridge of Amorastra's nose.

"Too many, my Queen. Too many. Yet, seeing you whole again has eased my heart."

A smile blossomed across Nystri's face. "It stirs mine." She pulled back and darted around Amorastra, circling her twice before landing gently on her head, feet planted wide, touching the base of each of Amorastra's horns. She placed her hands on her hips triumphantly. "You shan't catch me as easily as you had upon our first meeting, demon!" 

Her declaration still in the air, she jumped backwards, flying down along Amorastra's back, then slipping between her legs as Amorastra began to turn. She rolled and pivoted, flying back up and circling around Amorastra's waist, then down just enough to slap Amorastra's ass, once and once more as she completed the circle. 

Amorastra yelped in surprise, her face alight with joy and astonishment in equal measure. "How very bold of you Majesty! Though, I have no intention of capturing you again. For it is you, Nys, who has captured my heart." 

Nystri's quick flight around the room came to a halt at those words. She hovered near the ceiling and bit her lip. She dropped a few feet, then flew back next to Amorastra. "No fair, Am'ai. To say something so sweet, you've captured me again, regardless of your intentions." Nystri dashed forward, kissed Amorastra's nose, then flew to her hand, lifting it by the pinky this time. She pulled lightly, guiding Amorastra to the bed. 

Amorastra swayed slightly as her shin hit the side of the mattress.

Nystri turned around. She was only just able to make out the silhouette against the darkness of the room. "Am'ai? Are you well?" 

Amorastra's swaying stopped, "Ah, no. I believe the day has caught up with me."

Nystri gasped softly and said, "Am'ai! I'm so sorry. The storm feels so far away now. You must be absolutely exhausted." She looked around, then flew to the head of the bed. She took the covers in her hands and pulled them back. "Into bed with you. You need some sleep." 

"No, I'm well enough, Nys. We can continue."

"Absolutely not! You've worked so hard today! And I'm going to take care of you. Bed. Now."

Amorastra chuckled. "As you command, my Queen," she said, her words had begun to run together, as though she had given herself over to sleep already. She crawled into bed and laid on her side. She took a deep breath as Nystri pulled the covers back up, then exhaled slowly as Nystri tucked them over her shoulder. 

Nystri landed on the bed, soft as a feather. She tip toed over and sat cross-legged next to Amorastra's face. "Rest easy, Am'ai," she said as she ran a hand over Amorastra's eyebrow.

Amorastra seemed to already be asleep. "Love you, Nys," she murmured. 

"I love you, Am'ai." Nystri leaned forward and kissed Amorastra's nose. Amorastra's breathing settled into the easy rhythm of sleep.