Ember Legacy, Volume 3

Chapter 24: Bargaining with Relations

Silver Dragon Hold

"The hunger of a dragon is slow to wake, but hard to sate."

~ Ursula K. Le Guin

LEMON WARNING: This chapter contains sexual content, starting right here. It may be skipped over if so desired.

Yang's fingers dug into the sheets on either side of her, a desperate whine issuing from her swollen lips. Her lover was taking her time, drawing out the pleasure as she worked her way across her body, covering every sweaty inch with kisses, licks, and bites.

Her whine turned into a sharp gasp as Weiss drew one large, pointed areola into her mouth and gently bit down. She knew her eyes would be a raging crimson at this point, wide and wild-looking, as she stared down at the petite Elf who was just as naked as she was.

In reply, Weiss gave her a little smirk as she released the nipple with a soft pop. Wordlessly, the platinum-haired woman continued her journey downwards, running her nails down Yang's inner thighs as her breath ghosted over her labia.

Groaning, the blonde's hips bucked, but her lover was prepared for that, moving her head up and out of the way.

"Weiss… you're killing me here…" she moaned. It trailed off into a whimper as a delicate tongue brushed along her outer lips, ever so slowly caressing just outside of where she wanted, no, needed it to be.

"Weissss…" Yang hissed desperately. Her back arched, then, as she felt a pair of cool, delicate fingers pry her outer lips apart and a small mouth wrap around her swollen clit. Her panting increased as Weiss alternated between sucking, licking, and gently biting down on her most sensitive area.

And then those cool finger slipped inside her, slowly moving in and out in tune with her oral ministrations. It didn't take too long for the blonde to let out an ecstatic scream as her world exploded.

Dimly, she heard her Elven girlfriend laughing softly as she crawled up her side, contentedly licking her fingers off before snuggling into the crook of her arm with her platinum tresses spilling out across her chest.

LEMONS are over, carry forth noble readers!

Yang's eyes, now back to a soft lilac in color, lazily drifted around the room that she'd been staying in for the past few days as she regained her senses. It was stone-lined but with enough amenities, such as a pair of small chairs and a little table, a dresser with a mirror, and a washbasin, to make it feel comfortable for the guests of the Silver Dragons, rare though they might be.

It reminded her a bit of the chambers where she was raised as a hatchling in the Bronze Dragon Aerie, which made her sigh softly as her mind took a downward turn once again.

Oums' blood, can I not just enjoy the time I have with this woman? What little time remains?

Her arm wrapped around the slender Elven woman, pulling her into a tight embrace. "It's getting late," she murmured.

"Hrm," was the disconsolate answer as Weiss burrowed her face into the blonde's bosom.

Laughing, Yang reached over to poke her gently in the side, causing the platinum-haired Mage to squirm. "You know you can't be caught here in the morning."

Weiss sighed as she sat upright, pulling aside her curtain of pale hair with an equally pale hand. "I feel like a teenager, sneaking out of your room like this," she grumbled before pulling her knees up to her chest.

"Are you…?" Yang sat up as well, ducking her head to peer at her lover. "Are you pouting?"

"No," the Elf pouted. "And besides which, you say I should know, but I don't, Yang. I don't know because I don't understand this at all." Pale blue eyes misted over as Weiss' lower lip trembled ever so slightly. "Are you ashamed of me, of being with a non-Dragon?"

"No! Oum, no!" Yang swept her girlfriend up into her arms once again, hugging her tightly to her chest. Gods, just hearing the hurt in her voice right then sent a stab of pain through her very soul. "I would never be ashamed of you," she continued in a softer tone. "I love you, Weiss."

"And I love you, Yang," the muffled voice replied as the other woman returned the hug. "But why can't we be together like we have been? Why must I sneak into your chambers at night, and back to my own before sunrise?"

"It's…" Yang huffed out an irritable breath, her eyes screwed shut. "It's complicated," she finished weakly.

Weiss sighed before carefully wiggling out of the embrace, sliding off of the bed without looking her way. She slipped her nightgown over her head and stepped over to the oaken door, pausing with her hand on the handle as the candlelight reflecting off of the tears trickling down her cheeks.

"Good night, Yang," she whispered over her shoulder before slipping out of the room and closing the door softly behind her.

Yang let out a groan as her head slammed back onto the bed, limbs splayed out akimbo.

"I am such an ass," she muttered. But if she finds out the truth, she'll hate me for sure. I'm just putting it off now, the day where I will lose her for certain.

The blonde threw an arm over her eyes, not bothering to blow out the candle flickering on the dresser. "No, not just an ass. A coward."

The silence of the room and coolness of the sheets next to her provided little consolation.

o o o

Yang and Weiss shared a rather uncomfortable silence at breakfast the next morning. There was a small dining area set aside in the suite of rooms for humanoid guests. Arslan had stopped by with a large platter bearing fruits and meats as she had every morning since they had arrived, choosing to partake her meal with them.

"Did you all sleep well?" the elder Silver inquired courteously before taking a bite of melon.

"I did, thank you," Weiss replied politely, though her voice was slightly strained. Blake merely nodded her head, engrossed in the seared tilapia on her plate, while Yang just gave a noncommittal grunt. She toyed with the sausage on her plate, taking an occasional bite.

Arslan sighed softly before patting at her mouth with a napkin. "I know waiting can be difficult sometimes," she stated. "But the longer this drags on, believe me, the better it is. The Matriarch has not outright rejected Ruby's request, and is giving it due consideration." The dark-skinned woman frowned briefly. "Speaking of whom…"

"I'm here," a light, weary voice spoke up. Ruby entered the room, her feet dragging behind her as much as her seemingly limp and lifeless cloak was.

Yang glanced at her sister in concern, noting the dark smudges under her eyes. "Did you get any sleep?"

The brunette yawned widely, blindly reaching out for a piece of crispy bacon. She smiled in gratitude when Blake steered her in the right direction, all the while not looking up from her plate.

"No, not for the last couple of nights, I had people to talk to and… Well, I've been working."

"Working on other Silvers who might have the Matriarch's ear?" Arslan inquired with a tilt of her head.

"Yeah… I can't get another audience with the Matriarch herself, so I've, y'know…" Ruby just shrugged her shoulders tiredly. "I'm not used to talking so much, or with so many Dragons," she admitted quietly around a bite of her food. "I always thought Golds were the stubborn ones."

"Hey!" Yang interjected with a wan smile. "I resemble that!"

Ruby smirked before her face fell once more. "Listen, I… Can I ask a favor of you guys, while we're all here together?"

The raven-haired Faunus at her side set her fork down, giving the Silver her full attention. "Of course, Ruby, what is it?"

The brunette cleared her throat, shooting an anxious glance towards Yang. "There's been… something I've been putting off doing…" She stared down at her hands now folded in front of her. "I don't want to do it alone," she finished, her quiet voice sounding a bit lost.

"Yeah," Yang nodded in understanding. "I need to as well. I'll come with you, sis."

"You only need to ask," Blake added softly. "I'll follow wherever you need me to."

Ruby looked up, giving the Faunus woman a wan smile before she glanced inquisitively towards the silent Elven Mage.

"I suppose we don't get to know where beforehand," the platinum-haired woman huffed, though without any real heat. "Of course I shall accompany you, Ruby. You are my friend."

"And my bestest friend at that, right?" Ruby added, a hint of her usual mischievousness poking through.

"Certainly not," Weiss declared loftily, spearing a bite of peeled oranges with her fork. "Close, yes, that I will agree with."

"Yep, you're my bestest bud," the Silver giggled, grabbing a handful of grapes and stuffing them in her mouth.

Weiss sighed, though the corners of her mouth were quirked slightly. "You are such a dolt," she muttered affectionately.

"So I've been told," Ruby smirked tiredly.

"Would you take offense to my accompanying you as well?" Arslan asked deferentially.

"No… No, that'd be fine," the brunette assured the other Silver with a smile. "Thanks."

After they'd finished their breakfast and freshened up, the group of five made their way deeper into the warren of tunnels that made up the Hold. Many of them were carved out for Dragons in their native form to walk side-by-side, but quite a few were Humanoid-sized. They passed a number of other great, shining, and sleek Silver Dragons who nodded their heads regally in greeting, as well as a few in their alternate guises. Yang was always slightly bemused as to the wide variety of shapes and sizes that a Dragon's soul-form might take, though they all possessed an underlying energy and presence that was undeniably different from Weiss or Blake.

The Gold walked next to her girlfriend, hands flexing nervously at her side. She didn't want to make the first move, knowing how upset Weiss was with her at the moment, but she desperately wanted to hold her hand, especially considering where they were headed. Evidently, the platinum-haired Elf picked up on the blonde's anxiety, and with a roll of her eyes snatched her hand up, giving it a light squeeze with her cool fingers.

Yang grinned widely and suddenly didn't care overmuch who saw them together. I'm done being so hesitant while here. What comes will come, and to the Abyss with everything else.

She darted her head in, giving Weiss a quick kiss on her cheek before pulling her in closer. The Elven Mage let out a startled giggle before releasing Yang's hand and slipping an arm around her waist while they walked.

Before long the wide stone-hewn passage gave way to a looming circular chamber. It was shaped like a donut, stretching off in both directions and looping around. Along the sides were small niches and alcoves that were filled with marble statues of Dragons in various poses.

Ruby paused at the head of the group, hesitating before proceeding.

"Where are we?" Weiss asked quietly, picking up on the solemnity of the ambiance.

"It's the Hall of the Ancestors," Yang replied quietly. Ahead of them, Blake's ears twitched to indicate she was listening to the response as well. "We need to pay our respects."

The Elf released a soft sigh and tightened her hold around Yang's waist, nodding in understanding.

Finally, Ruby seemed to pull her shoulders back as she continued her walk, Arslan trailing respectfully behind them. The brunette's silver eyes roamed the chamber, her mouth moving inaudibly as she picked out the writing above each alcove in the Dragon script. She came to a stop outside a rather large one, lit with candles within. She turned back towards the other Silver as well as her sister with a slight grimace.

"Um, I didn't… I hadn't asked, but, is Tai…?"

"Your father's statue was erected next to your mother's," Arslan replied gently. "They were mates, after all."

"Oh. Wow." Ruby blinked her eyes, a slow smile crossing her features before leading the way inside.

"Is that a big deal?" Weiss whispered.

"Well, this is the alcove that belongs to the Matriarch's line," Yang explained just as quietly. "Even were he her mate, it'd take something special to have his statue placed right next to hers in here."

"Like giving his life fighting Ember," the Elf murmured in understanding.

"Exactly."

Ruby unerringly led them over towards a pair of regal-looking statues. Silvers were of a slightly different body shape from Golds, leaner and more lithe, but the most obvious differentiation between the two types of Dragons, aside from the color, was the size. Here, though, the statues of Summer and Tai were of a similar size, placed directly next to each other on low pedestals so that they only reached up slightly above their heads. The Silver was sitting on her haunches, but seemingly coiled as if prepared to strike at any moment, while the Gold stood on all fours, head inclined in noble greeting.

The brunette stepped forward and reached up to place her hand on the snout of the Silver's statue, her eyes shimmering with tears. "Hi, mom," she whispered brokenly. "I'm… I'm sorry it's taken me so long to visit."

Yang let go of Weiss to step up next to her sister, placing one reassuring hand on her shoulder while the other rested on the neck of the Gold's statue. "Hey there, dad," she murmured. "Found her, just like I promised."

The smaller girl sniffled as she leaned back against the blonde, her head resting on her shoulder. "Yeah, you did. And hi, dad. I really miss you guys, I''ve tried… I'm doing the best I can to finish what you started, okay?"

"And I'm with her every step of the way," the blonde added softly. "So don't either of you worry any."

Ruby pulled up the edge of her cloak to wipe at her face, laughing tearfully. "I found a lot of special people to help us as well, you were right, mom, you were always right… They're worth every moment I spend with them, these Humanoids…" She cleared her throat, leaning away from Yang to grasp the nearby Cat Faunus and pull her in with a quiet yowl. "This is Blake, and she's… Well, she's important to me. Been a huge help, and… Yeah."

"Um, hello," Blake stated weakly.

The blonde's hand shot out next to catch Weiss before she could dart out of range. "And this is Weiss," she stated with a smile.

"Er, yes… Greetings." The Elf gave an awkward wave at the pair of statues, sharing an uncomfortable look with Blake.

"Sorry, guys," Ruby laughed, her voice stronger now and more her usual self. "Didn't mean to drag you in like this, it's just…"

"No, it's fine, Ruby," her platinum-haired friend interjected. "We're here to support you in any way possible."

"Absolutely," Blake added firmly. She turned and wrapped the brunette up in a hug. "Thank you for bringing us here to… meet your parents."

Yang glanced over her shoulder to where Arslan was standing with her back to them. The Silver was guarding the entrance to the alcove, allowing them their privacy. "Also," she whispered once she faced the Gold's statue once again. "Um… So, I just gotta let you know this, dad, um… Well, the thing is…" She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly with the hand not currently ensconced within Weiss'. "So, Weiss here is… she's my girlfriend. Like, serious in a way I've never been with anyone before."

At her side, Weiss sucked in a startled breath, while both Ruby and Blake moved off to the side, murmuring quietly to each other. The brunette was sharing stories of her other relatives from what her mother had passed along to her.

"I know this is gonna cause… problems," Yang continued, still almost inaudibly but just loud enough for the Elf to pick up on. "But I don't care anymore. And I figured you'd understand, y'know, with you and Summer running off and everything. I just…" She sighed, yellow-maned head hanging low. "I wish I got to spend more time with you," she admitted softly. "I wish you were still here for me to ask you what to do. Uncle Qrow, he's been a big help, kinda filling that void when he's around, but he doesn't get me all the time, says I'm too much like my dad." She chuckled weakly. "Always took that as a compliment..."

She trailed off, unsure as to where she was going with this or what else there was to say. Weiss turned and wrapped her arms around her, burying her face in her shoulder.

"I wish I could have met him," the Elf whispered softly. "If he was anything like you, I bet he was amazing."

"Yeah," she chuckled in reply. "From what little I remember… Yeah, he was. I only met him once while I was a hatchling, he came by the Aerie to check up on me, which is a rarity for male Dragons, believe me." Her lilac eyes became distant with remembrance. "He stopped by with Qrow, called me his Sunflower…"

Just then, Arslan cleared her throat loudly. Weiss and Yang moved apart, but the blonde kept their hands firmly clasped, shooting her girlfriend a tight grin. Ruby stepped forward, the Cat Faunus standing just behind her supportively, as a newcomer entered the alcove.

"My sincere apologies for disturbing you and your companions, Ruthralynnaerias," the tanned man stated, eyes downcast. The close-cropped hair atop his head was a brilliant shade of pink. "My name is Nadiathleraemosky, and I have been asked to bring you before the Matriarch."

"It's not a problem, Nadiathleraemosky, we were finished paying our respects," the brunette nodded in reply. "And please, call me Ruby."

"Then it would please me greatly if you would call me Nadir," the Silver replied with another bow.

"Oh my gods, Nadir," Arslan chuckled. "Enough with the bowing, there's no need for all the ceremony."

"But she's the heir!" he hissed anxiously.

"No, really, I'm not all that, um…" Ruby tilted her head consideringly. "I'm not a fancy-dancy kinda girl. I'm just me, no need to stand on formality."

"Toldya," a light voice giggled from around the corner. A girl poked her head around, framed by a bright mane of green hair. "Heya, Ruby."

"Oh, hi there, Reese!" The brunette gave her a cheerful wave before turning to the others. "Reese was one of the ones I talked with last night, she's definitely on our side."

"I've always been up for a good adventure," the other girl agreed, sauntering around the corner. She wore an odd combination of a purple tunic, black boots, and abbreviated pants that left much of her legs bare. "Where do you stand, Arslan?"

"I did not realize we were taking sides," the silver-haired Dragon replied humorously.

"Well, not sides per se," Ruby hastily interjected. "Just, seeking support in the intervention out in the world to oppose Ember's mate."

"Well, if it comes to that…" Arslan tilted her head briefly before a smile crossed her face. "Then yes, you have my support, young one."

"And you have mine as well if you so desire," Nadir put in.

"Absolutely," Ruby grinned. "Oh, here, lemme introduce my companions…"

After the salutations were passed around, the group headed out from the Hall of the Ancestors and towards the central audience chamber once more.

"Did she mention what this was about?" Ruby asked nervously from where she strode by Nadir's side.

"Not exactly," he responded with a slight shake of his head. The tan and grey robes he wore flapped about his legs as he walked. "But I anticipate that you might finally get an answer."

"Right." The brunette blew out a nervous breath. "I just hope Bolin hasn't gotten to her…"

"Bolin? Oh, don't worry about him," Arslan chuckled. "I already had a heart-to-heart with him, and he's dropped his opposition to you."

"He did?" Ruby squeaked incredulously, whirling around to face the smirking Silver. "How did you manage that, I thought he was, like, my biggest opposition?"

"Well…" Arslan's smirk widened. "I might've threatened to withhold sex."

Yang snorted out a laugh. "He's your mate?"

"He is," she stated somewhat smugly. "Usually we stay out of each other's wingspan when it comes to politics... "

"Thanks, Arslan," the brunette smiled widely before turning back and resuming their trek once more.

Both Reese and Nadir halted outside of the chamber, standing to one side. "Good luck, Ruby!" the green-haired Silver offered softly, earning a wink in response.

The scene was similar to the last time, with the Matriarch perched regally atop her stone pedestal and three Silvers on each side. Yang quickly picked out the one who'd caused problems the last time, but Bolin was pointedly not looking their way, feigning disinterest.

"Matriarch," the brunette greeted her grandmother, dropping into a low bow with the rest of the group.

"Good day to you... Ruby." The elder Silver inclined her head as they rose. "I have summoned you to receive my decision concerning your future at the Hold."

"Yes, Matriarch," the brunette replied softly, her hands nervously clasped at her waist.

The Dragon's stormy grey eyes regarded her granddaughter levelly for a few moments. "I am, for the time being, deferring the onset of your training as my heir," she rumbled. "I shall allow you to return out into the world of Remnant to complete your tasks concerning the Orb and to oppose the actions of Cindeshthyaleramathe, mate of Embalytherionyz. I have two conditions."

Yang glanced worriedly at her sister, who swallowed before answering. "Yes, Matriarch?"

"Firstly, I request that you hold off on your departure for one more day. I would speak with you privately before you leave."

"O- Of course, Matriarch," Ruby stammered, somewhat intimidated at the prospect of a private audience with the regal Dragon.

"And then, secondly…" The Silver let out a great gust of air as she sighed. "Once your… endeavors with the Humanoids are complete, I would request that you then return to resume your responsibilities. And furthermore, I would ask you to give me your word on this before I allow you to leave the Hold."

The brunette steeled herself and stepped forward, chin held high. Yang was momentarily taken aback, the fun-loving hatchling she'd come to know on this journey suddenly falling away to be replaced by a Silver with the blood of Matriarchs in her veins.

"I, Ruthralynnaerias, do solemnly pledge this to you, my Matriarch," the red-cloaked girl stated in a clear, ringing voice. "Once my duties to the Humanoids are complete, I shall return to assume my rightful position as your heir."

It took considerable effort for Yang to still her face. Nice one, sis… kept it vague enough that the timeline can be fudged if needs be, but still counts as her oath to return… Now, will she go for it?

Lilac eyes narrowed as the great Silver tilted her head consideringly. The Matriarch then swiveled her head to face either side of her in turn. "Are there any objections to the oath so proclaimed by Ruthralynnaerias?"

This time, Yang allowed the grin to slip by as everything became startlingly clear to her, and by the momentary sag of Ruby's shoulders in relief, she'd picked up on it as well.

The Matriarch was on our side the whole time, she just needed to go through the motions to keep the Silver Dragon race in line, projecting her strength… Damn, that is one crafty Dragon…

To the one side, Bolin stirred slightly, but resolutely stared out across the chamber without opening his maw to comment. As there were no other motions, the Matriarch nodded her head once. "Then it is settled. I shall see you upon the new day, Ruby."

"Thank you, Matriarch," the brunette grinned, bowing deeply once more before they group turned to leave.

"One moment, Yanzhiellewenayuros."

Ohhh, shitbiscuits. Yang turned, giving the elder Silver a bow. "Martirach?"

The Dragon regarded her solemnly, perhaps even with a trace of sadness. "Need I remind you of the bargain? Your sister has been found and your quest completed."

Her fists clenched at her sides, and the blonde knew her eyes had involuntarily flashed to crimson. No, not yet, please… Not yet.

"Do not direct your ire towards me," the Matriarch rumbled mildly. "It is your own Matriarch who holds the strings, not I."

"Yes, Matriarch…" Yang sighed, closing her eyes as she willingly released her anger. Getting emotional will not help me here… "If I may, however, part of my quest involved protecting my sister once she was found. As she intends to go out once more into danger, should I not also accompany her?"

The Matriarch chuckled, the deep booming sound echoing off of the chamber's stone walls. "Bargaining once more?" she inquired with a raised silver eyebrow.

She shrugged and offered a cheeky grin. "Well, I figured it was worth a shot."

"So much like your father," she chuckled once more. "Very well, then. I shall relay the adjustment of the bargain. Until tomorrow."

On their way back to their chambers, Yang steadfastly refused to look any of her companions in the eye. She knew there would be questions, but she'd be damned if she'd be able to answer them anytime soon.

"Yang," the platinum-haired Elf by her side finally murmured. "What was the original bargain? What did you agree to in order to find Ruby?"

They'd reached their suite of rooms by that point, Arslan giving them a wordless nod as she left them to their own devices. Both Ruby and Blake, however, were standing by, waiting for Yang to give an answer.

Only she couldn't, not now, not when she'd just gotten another deferment of her fate. "I… I can't talk about it," she whispered with a shake of her head.

Her downcast eyes caught movement in her peripheral, small white boots as they moved away. She dimly registered the closing of the door to the room Weiss was staying in. Sighing, she headed into her own before the others might start in on their own questioning.

o o o

Ruby sat tiredly on the edge of her bed, staring down at her bare feet. She'd slipped a nightshirt over her head but couldn't summon the energy or willpower to lay down just yet.

It'd been a long day after she'd returned to the suite of rooms with the others. The brunette had only stayed for a few moments, quietly talking with Blake but pointedly not discussing Yang or Weiss' behavior, before she headed out once more. She met with Reese again who, along with Nadir, helped her speak with other Silver Dragons who might be of a like mind. It was slow, grueling work to convince a Dragon who had been perfectly happy remaining cloistered within the Hold for the last few hundreds of years that they should care about the world outside. She'd met up with Qrow a few times, who looked to be just as haggard as he tirelessly worked to turn more towards her favor.

Even though she had permission to depart once again, she knew with increasing dread that this was just the beginning, that by the time they reached Vale, Ruby would need all the help she could get.

The conversations she'd had were enough to push aside the worry that kept eating away at her, that Pyrrha, Jeanne, Ren, Nora, and Coco had been on their own for too long.

I shouldn't have been so selfish as to bring the others with me, the mission would have had a far greater chance of success with their presence… Who knows what dangers the others have faced, even with a Bronze Dragon at their side. Coco would be hard-pressed against numerous foes if she were hindered by the presence of the Orb…

Her musings were cut off by a soft knock at her door. Blake peeked inside, giving her a wan smile.

"You look worn out," the Cat Faunus stated softly as she padded over, barefoot and clad in a nightgown as well. She perched on the edge of the bed next to the brunette before reaching over with a hesitant hand to rest on Ruby's back.

The Silver could only nod wearily in reply. Her emotions were a jumble from the long days, the fears she'd worked so hard to suppress, the arguments and often futile attempts at persuasion…

"I'm scared," she finally whispered, staring down at her toes once more. "I'm just… I'm so scared, and tired, and… I'm afraid for the others, we've been away for so long, and even if we can find them again… Will it be too late? After everything we've been through already, I'm scared that the worst is yet to come, and that, in the end, we won't succeed…"

The bed shifted as Blake scooted over, wrapping an arm around her waist and leaning her head against the crown of her head. "Have faith in your friends," the Faunus woman finally murmured. "We're all with you, you don't have to face anything alone."

Sniffing, Ruby nodded before reaching over to clasp the hand that Blake had in her lap.

"Stay with me tonight, Blakey?" the brunette pleaded softly. "Just… Can you just hold me for this one last night here, please?"

"Of course," Blake murmured in reply. She gently lifted her up and into the bed, the raven-haired woman pausing to blow out the candles before sliding in next to her. Pulling the sheets over them both, Blake snuggled in behind the brunette with her soft arm around her waist.

"Rest now," the Faunus woman breathed against the back of her neck. "I've got you."

It didn't take long at all for Ruby to finally fall into a deep, peaceful slumber.

o o o

Yang sat atop her bed, her knees pulled up against her chest. She'd blown her candles out some time ago, but couldn't seem to fall asleep.

She rubbed her cheeks against the hem of her nightshirt to wipe away the wetness there, but she couldn't seem to stop crying softly.

She's not coming, and I can't blame her, not after… after I can't even tell her…

Sniffling, the blonde eased herself under the covers, lying back to stare blankly at the ceiling.

This sucks.

Of course, she had nobody to blame but herself, really. She'd been the one to make the bargain in the first place, more concerned with finding her sister than anything. And, Oum, she could never resent Ruby for anything about this. No, the entire situation was squarely on her own shoulders, from the bargain she made to her naive assumption that she could flit into a dalliance with the captivating Elf and right back out again as she always did, not anticipating how deeply she'd be drawn in.

And then her current dilemma, how and when to tell the woman she loved what their future truly held.

Her musings were cut short when the door to her room quickly yet quietly opened and closed again. Her head whipped around, blonde tresses flying about until she could behold the slim ethereal figure of her lover.

"Weiss?" she whispered incredulously. "I… I didn't think you'd come…"

The platinum-haired Elf sighed as she slowly approached the bed. "I can't seem to stay away from you," she admitted. "But… I refuse to leave you tonight. There's nobody but Arslan who would see in any case, and-"

"Yes," Yang broke in hurriedly. "Gods, yes, please stay, gorgeous…"

As the slender woman slipped under the covers and into her embrace, she once again mentally berated herself for being so weak, so cowardly, that she couldn't bring herself to let go. To tell the Elven Mage the truth.

I can't take the heartache now, she moaned to herself disconsolately. What will it be like when I'm left with no choice but to tell her?

A/N: So, a little change of pace from last chapter as we catch up with RWBY. Cuddly Ladybug is the best. And Yang, c'mon girl, just spill it already…

Hugs for my wonderful Beta, KellyConnely, and much appreciation to all of my fabulous readers! RatedRSuperStar87, Sharkdude5, Boombox94, OverDude12, carpenter656, Bman000444, bankerrtx01, Heil96, FoxyFoxation, Ninjapandas0010, kaiju62, Crescent Sunrise, djjohns94, much love for the reviews! I'm glad the last action-filled chapter was enjoyed so much!

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