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Things had calmed down in Nod-Krai.
Somewhat, at least. Foes still lurked in the shadows so until he and his allies could uncover the next stage of their plans though there wasn't much he could do, and patrolling by himself was just asking to be ambushed and taken out first. Thus he had to keep himself to either Nasha Town, Aino's workshop or Lauma's people – rotating between the groups at random on the off-handed chance he was being watched.
Though it seemed doubtful, as he was never attacked when he took a discreet walk away from civilisation, breaking their self-imposed rule of not being alone in order to visit a certain wall. One that, with the help of a little spirit, phased out of existence and allowed him to drop down into the cavern below. His ever-trusty Glider eased his descent, the air fresh as it brushed against his falling form.
By the time his feet touched the cavern floor the entrance had been sealed up once more, blocking out the moonlight but leaving his way still illuminated by the flowers and moss that grew out of the floor and walls. He was careful despite that, one hand folding his glider away whilst his other held his small box of treats to his chest, the thought of them enough to make him smile slightly. Seems like people in Nod-Krai really had a collective sweet tooth, though Aino alone might be influencing that opinion quite a bit.
Water sloshed against his boots as he walked forth, unafraid of the gloomy darkness. More than a few times he had ventured down this path since coming to Nod-Krai and it never failed to build the anticipation in his heart, his eyes tracing the water-worn stone and sprouting little flowers that sprung up from those cracks in the rock, slowly luring his gaze up towards the opening just up ahead.
One that opened in a much vaster, grander cavern. No skylight existed yet the room was lit brightly by the glow of the flowers below; an entire field gently aglow beneath the moon-shaped statue at the far end of the room. The ethereal glow was captivating in ways that was impossible to describe; like the moon itself had briefly landed and revealed itself to be covered by flowers instead of rock, each plant in full bloom and swaying in the faint breeze that circulated through the cavern from places unknown.
Aether walked through the field slowly; mindful to take the already-walked paths so he didn't step on any of the flowers. As if in thanks they leaned towards him, welcoming him to their abode in a way that inexplicably felt warm and approving, though whether he was projecting his own feelings onto mother nature or not he didn't know.
Shaking his head Aether raised his gaze, looking at the statue... but, Columbina wasn't there.
'Huh?' As far as he knew she didn't go out for walks, and when he tilted his head back he couldn't see her sitting on top of the statue like she had previously done. 'Where could she have-'
''Looking for me?''
It was only thanks to his immense self-restraint and experience that he didn't immediately yelp in fright, though he did still spin around to face the source – and found Columbina standing right behind him. Arms by her sides, head tilted slightly, and most damningly of all a tiny wisp of a smile curling at the corners of her pale pink lips. Yet there wasn't a trace of malice to it, just simple amusement, her body relaxed and expression otherwise light.
''...phew, how'd you do that?'' Aether sighed deeply, hand over heart.
''I just walked behind you, that's all.'' Columbina answered easily, her smile growing the teeniest bit. ''Try sensing the power of kuuvahki, and you might spot me coming next time.''
Aether shook his head, ridding himself to bafflement. ''Noted. Anyway, I brought you some snacks if you want 'em?''
Hefting up the wooden box he popped the lid, revealing an array of treats. He still wasn't entirely sure of what Columbina liked so he got a range of stuff both sweet and not; from chocolate to cupcakes to slices of cake to workman's snack bars to healthier fruit-based options; the only reason he didn't throw a proper meal in there was that he didn't want to risk it contaminating the other foods with the smell. Not that he couldn't just cook her something fresh if she wanted, though.
Columbina's eyes didn't quite sparkle, being shut and all, but the slight perk to her brow was impossible to miss. ''Oh... my thanks. What is your wish?''
Wish? He had plenty, but none he wanted Columbina to fulfil. Though they had only met recently what he saw was a deeply lonely and uncertain person, someone who felt like an alien to even people who proclaimed themselves her comrades, even if they rarely deserved that title. Perhaps it was his empathetic nature rearing its head but the more he thought of her the more he wanted to be with her – not for answers, not for intel, but just to learn about her. To find out what he could do to make her happier, outside of finding a way to launch her to the moon.
However if there was one thing he had learned about Columbina during their meetings like this, it was that she always felt obliged to return a kindness. Part of this was doubtlessly due to her upbringing as a goddess; she always had to repay what she was given, and had done so for so long that the idea of receiving without giving in return was an unthinkable concept. Thus, as much as he wanted to just give her something, he knew maintaining the illusion of it being a 'trade' made her more comfortable and at ease.
Thus, he hummed. ''My wish is... to spend some time with you.''
Columbina tilted her head, gazing at him – assuming she could even see him through her lidded eyes and cross-weave mask. After only a few moments thought she dipped her head and hummed, reaching out and plucking a slice of cake from the offered box, her delicate fingers pressing into the yellowish sponge and guiding it between her slender lips; her soft, almost inaudible 'omf' endearingly cute.
''...mm...'' Delicately she chewed, then swallowed. ''It's nice.''
''I'm glad. Aino recommended it to me when I asked for recommendations, heh.''
Columbina hummed. Whether she knew who Aino was or not, she didn't ask. ''Would you like a taste too?''
''Huh?''
''A taste.'' Columbina repeated, smiling as she nudged the cake towards his face. ''After all... you said you wished to spend time with me, no? By sharing a snack, we are also sharing time, are we not?''
Not quite how that worked, but under Columbina's expectant look he had no choice but to comply – sighing exasperatedly before leaning in and taking a bite of the cake slice too. It crumbled partially but Columbina caught it with her free hand, her smile seeming a touch more genuine as she watched him intently, as if studying his every muscle movement. It was embarrassing yet he couldn't bring himself to complain.
Swallowing he leaned back, humming. ''Tasty. Paimon will probably love this kinda stuff.''
''Make sure you buy some for her when next you get some, then.''
''So that little bite was just for me then?'' He quirked a brow.
''Of course.'' Columbina's smile seemed ever-so-slightly playful. ''Your wish is yours alone, after all.''
At that he could only chuckle, conceding. Columbina meanwhile slowly began to walk – her steps as paced and graceful as ever, luring him towards one of the slanted, moon-shaped rock formations that existed within the cavern. She sat down beside it and without needing to be asked Aether joined her, carefully brushing some flowers aside and sitting with his back to the cool, almost cold rock; the chill barely present and oddly soothing in a way.
A sensation he was distracted from as Columbina leaned over, resting her head against his shoulder. She kept nibbling away at her cake though so he didn't pay it much, content to just sit in the pleasant quiet with her by his side, her presence strangely alluring in ways he couldn't fully understand, like a gravitational attraction of their souls.
''You are... oddly warm.''
The comment, said between bites of cake, stirred Aether out of his daydream. ''Huh? Warm?''
''Mm.''
She said nothing further, though he scratched his cheek at her words. ''Like, physically?''
Columbina only hummed. ''Perhaps it is the moon stone in your chest I sense.''
''Maybe?''
His companion though said nothing further, simply polishing off her cake before reaching for the the chocolate. Not wanting to stare he ran his gaze around the cavern, just soaking up the quiet majesty of the place. His eyes felt heavy though; the relaxed atmosphere combined with Columbina's soothing presence enough to lure him into closing his eyes, just resting them with his companion around to keep him conscious.
Fatigue though drew him down, tiredness clawing at his mind piecemeal and pulling him under the veil of slumber. The sounds around him grew faint, his body felt stiff and his mind wandered – thoughts absent beyond vague mullings, his conscious mind more or less silent.
Leaving him to snooze in a deep, soundless dream...
…
Aether was stirred back to consciousness.
It took his mind a moment to jolt out of sleep mode, but the sensation of breath on his face – on his lips was enough to do so. In the quiet he picked up on the sound of gentle breaths, felt the exhales against his bottom lip that brushed along his upper lip like a phantasmal kiss, the sensation ticklish. However he didn't react, careful to keep his expression unmoving even as his mind whirred behind his closed eyes.
Columbina – for who else could it be? – shifted then, her hand leaving his chest. She had been straddling him he realised, her knees audibly brushing against the flowers and thin grass as she climbed off to sit by his side, returning to the same shoulder she had been leaning against before.
When she spoke, ''I know you're awake.''
Aether cracked his eyes open, the brightly-glowing flowers forcing him to squint at first. ''How did you know...?''
''Your breath became out of sync with your previous rhythm.'' Columbina informed, the barest traces of mirth to her tone. ''I am impressed you didn't react beyond that. Though... I wished you had opened your eyes. I was looking forward to your reaction of seeing me so close.''
Aether flushed at that, a faint scowl coming to his face that lacked any real heat, ''Don't tease me...''
Columbina merely smiled, humming. ''Do you dislike my 'teasing'?''
''Not really.'' He shrugged, losing his scowl in the process. ''If anything... I'd say it's a positive thing?''
Columbina looked aside, hiding her expression, but in the muddled reflection of a nearby puddle he could see her smile.
''Is that so...''
X-x-X
Several days after his visit, Aether returned.
Though he would've liked to come daily, he still had his own businesses to attend to – meeting up with friends to hang out, networking with Nefer and Jahoda to track down their foe, keeping an eye out for Varka, doing commissions; more often than not he was too tired by nightfall to even think of trekking all the way over to Columbina's abode. And, as tempting as it would be to go there just to sleep, he didn't want to impose on her like that.
To make up for his absence though he managed to snag some more cakes and treats for her, along with some dry, moderately healthier snacks to keep her going – how she ate when stuck in a cave he didn't know, but he imagined the spirits probably brought her stuff to keep her healthy. The thought of a Kuuhenki entourage attending to her every need was almost enough to make him chuckle.
He quelled the noise as he made it into the main chamber, his eyes sweeping the vast flower field as he made his way towards the large moon statue. He couldn't see Columbina, his eyes scanning the flowers for an ambush but finding none, and it was only when he neared the statue that he spotted her – up on the statue itself, head lolled against her shoulder as if asleep where she sat.
'She must be tired.' He noted, brow dipping in sympathy.
Carefully Aether set the box of treats down by the base of the statue, making a point to move it far enough away that she wouldn't accidentally step on it. That done he rose up-
''Ah... you came back...''
Aether winced, ''Sorry, I didn't wake you did I?''
''Not at all. I was already awake, mostly...'' Lethargically Columbina straightened her head, gazing in his direction. It was still hard to tell whether she could actually see him or was detecting him via kuuvahki, but she knew where he was at least.
Thus he wasn't surprised when she shifted off of her seat, moving to climb down-
Only to slip.
Columbina didn't squeak, didn't gasp, she fell as silently as a rock did in the night. Yet when Aether lunged forth and caught her she felt as light as a pillow, barely a grunt knocked from his chest as he cradled the petite goddess to his torso and stumbling only a step before he found his footing – his surprise contrasted by her utter lack of it. It was only when she wrapped her arms around him that he realised she hadn't so much as slipped as willingly fallen.
''Heh... I knew you would catch me.'' Columbina breathed the words into his neck, seemingly oblivious to how he shivered at the sensation. ''I missed your presence.''
''That was risky.'' He scolded half-heartedly, setting her down.
Columbina though didn't let go; her arms remaining snugly around him. He didn't mind, though his face did heat up when she more unabashedly pressed her body against his, her sigh long and fond. ''Your warmth, mm...''
''Uh...'' Was it really right for them to be hugging like this?
After a moment, he realised it wasn't like her followers were watching, and so wrapped his arms around her in turn. Columbina made a breathy noise of approval but otherwise fell silent; quiet and content to just hug him, her arms loosely around him yet unwilling to let go. The prolonged nature of the hug though felt embarrassing in its intimacy, and absentmindedly Aether began to ran his fingers through her hair.
It stirred Columbina out of his sleepy state, her noise of confusion soft and cute. Silence returned but after a few moments he felt her own hands shift, one remaining on his lower back whilst her right ran up his braid, touching it delicately. It wasn't until the third stroke that he realised she was mimicking his own motions near-perfectly, down to the same slow tempo.
''Do you like it when I do this?'' Aether murmured, curious.
''Mm. It's very soothing.'' The goddess whispered, ''Do you?''
He shrugged slightly. ''I don't mind. It's a pain to do my braid though, so be gentle, haha...''
Columbina hummed softly, her breath brushing over his shoulder as she adjusted her head, resting her chin against it more. ''It's very you.''
''What do you mean by that?''
Columbina, however, gave no answer.
Instead after minutes more she slowed, then ultimately released him from their prolonged hug. By the time she slipped out of his embrace his arms almost felt stiff from being in the same position for so long but he didn't complain, admittedly enchanted as he watched Columbina walk the short few paces over to the snack box he'd brought, taking a seat beside it. Her masked visage lifted itself then, staring at him, and it was only when she patted the spot on her right that he realised she wanted him to sit with her.
Aether obliged, and no sooner had he made comfortable did Columbina speak. ''Feed me, and I will answer any single question you have.''
'Any question, huh...' There was a small mountain he could ask, from personal ones to mystical ones to insider information about the Fatui-
But after only a few seconds of thinking, he thought of one that made him smile.
''Do you enjoy my visits?''
''Yes. Very much so.'' The immediate answer, coupled with her delicate tone, was no better proof of her honesty. ''They are one of the few things I have to look forward to these days.''
Aether hummed his thanks, thought he couldn't – nor did he try to – hide his delight at those words. If Columbina noticed she didn't comment about it, simply parting her lips as he foisted a slice of cake towards her before taking a small, delicate bite. When she was done she lifted her chin as if a signal for more, and so he guided the slice back towards her; feeding the moon goddess one tiny mouthful at a time. Quite the contrast to how Paimon inhaled anything vaguely tasty, he could only muse with mirth.
Only when swallowed her umpteenth bite did Columbina speak. ''...you wasted a good question on an obvious answer, you know.''
To that, Aether simply shrugged. ''I don't mind. Plus... I think the answer was worth it.''
She looked aside, a smile playing at her lips.
At least, until she lifted her chin in askance for more cake.
He delivered, unquestioningly.
X-x-X
Several more days passed until he was next able to visit.
With the moon at his back and the quiet winds to accompany him Aether descended into the cave, his treat box restocked and ready to serve. As always the entrance was sealed up by the Kuuhenki that let him in but he navigated the cavern with ease and made his way into the main chamber.
The glow of flowers illuminated it easily, and as he hopped down the small drop he looked over at the statue, but found Columbina absent. Mercifully he didn't need to worry about a sudden jumpscare as he spotted her head of dark hair a moment later – slowly meandering her way through the field of flowers, head slightly bowed and hands by her sides. The slow pace coupled with her angelic wear made her almost seem like a ghost, though if she was then... well, she was an awfully cute ghost.
With a casual pace Aether made his way towards her, only the faint rustle of the flowers to make his presence known. It was enough though as Columbina slowed to a stop and looked his way, her expression perking up a bit at the sight of him and preluding the small smile that lit it up better than the flowers ever could.
''Welcome back.'' She greeted softly.
Aether hummed his thanks, ''I'm guessing you feel better today?''
''Indeed. That, and I felt the sudden urge to stretch my legs, at least for a bit.''
With an ease that came with familiarity he opened up his box of treats, and after glancing inside Columbina took out a strip of sugary candle to nibble on. Her slow walk resumed but this time towards the moon statue, the faint rustle of the flowers blooming in her presence, their petals unfurling for her viewing, the only noise to populate the quiet.
Until they reached the statue that is; her voice coming out then, ''I wonder... why do you come to visit, Traveler?''
''Huh? What do you mean?''
Columbina turned to face him, a slight furrow to her brow. ''Surely someone of your prestige has... better things to do. Especially considering the Fatui presence in the area, which you have surely experienced difficulty with.''
That was probably putting it lightly, given Sandrone's open contempt of him – which honestly wasn't undeserved with how often he'd gotten into conflicts with their organisation in pretty much every nation so far – but he shook his head all the same.
''If there's any place I'd rather be right now, it'd be here with you.'' Aether professed honestly.
An honesty that made Columbina smile.
And fall backwards.
He moved without thinking, darting in and catching her by the small of her back. Columbina caught him by his top though, her smile a touch mirthful as she tugged; pulling him down and sending them on a gentle, guided ascent to the ground, his knees hitting it first before he laid her down. With his free hand he laid the box of treats down and aside, though Columbina didn't even look their way.
''Columbina-''
''Trust.'' The single word, spoken with such regretful weight, quietened him. ''It is something often alien to me, I feel. Yet when I feel the warmth of your presence I cannot help but yearn to trust you, Traveler...''
Her fingertip ran down his collarbone, doing a small teardrop loop before coming up to rest under his throat. ''So I ask... what do I mean to you?''
The question, whispered though it was, held na unfathomable weight that gave him pause – as if the wrong answer would sour what they had developed. He swallowed and pursed his lips, gazing into her mask-covered eyes, her silent question remaining between them with no rush yet an ultimate expectation of an answer. For better or worse, he didn't have to look too deeply inward to find the answer.
''Someone important.'' Aether whispered softly yet sincerely, like it was a secret not even the flowers around them were to know. ''You're someone I treasure Columbina. Not because of your supposed godhood, not because of your past links to the Fatui, but because of your kindness, your gentleness, your vulnerability. You're someone I want to protect, someone I want to hold and comfort, someone-''
He paused, warmth colouring his cheeks, but at her expectant look he continued.
''...someone I want to make happy, no matter what.''
Columbina hummed softly, her fingers leaving his throat to graze up his cheek, her nails brushing across his skin passively. Her lips twitched up into a faint smile and she ran her thumb over his lips, her touch dainty and enchanting as she brought her palm around to cup the back of his neck, tugging him down down until their lips so very nearly touched.
''Then I ordain you as my sole knight under the moon. Guardian of myself and my wishes.'' Columbina whispered against his lips. ''Will you accept such a burden in my name?''
Aether smiled, lips brushing hers. ''I do.''
A faint, gentle laugh – barely a breath's length and exceedingly tender. She tugged on his nape and he didn't resist, the distance between them reduced to zero and his lips finally pressing against Columbina's own. They felt soft, smooth and enchanting all at once, his eyes fluttering shut as he melted into the kiss; drawing it out and savouring every miniscule bit of contact between them – the silent yet sincere profession of love felt in his core, such was the unreserved feelings Columbina poured into the kiss.
Slowly then he drew back, lips disconnecting from her own and leaving their breathing acutely audible in the quiet. Columbina though wanted more, her lips nudging his in askance and enticing him to comply; their second kiss just as deep as the first but slower, more tender and full of feeling. She clutched at the back of his tunic as she did so, fingers tugging on the material and her low hum filling his mouth as the kiss lasted, her quiet delight evident.
And her exhale felt as they broke off the kiss, her words following it; ''Allow me to feel your warmth more, Traveler...''
Before Aether could even consider a reply Columbina pulled him into another intimate kiss, her affection so airy yet addictive he reciprocated on instinct alone, his right hand slipping under the small of her back. The former Harbinger replied by pressing herself up against him and he pinned her beneath him; the contact, even when clothed, simultaneously erotic yet intimate, made doubly so by the breath-stealing kiss that Columbina drew out for seconds on end. The contours of her lips were beyond captivating and he could lose himself in the gentle smooches that connected them, such was their charm.
A charm abated as Columbina leaned back, her smile only briefly glimpsed before she clutched at his back – and then rolled them over. Surprised Aether didn't resist, utterly passive as he let the goddess push him onto his back with her straddling his lap, the position one that warmed his cheeks and left his heart pounding in his chest. She ran a hand over his chest as if to feel said heartbeat, her hum delicate and intrigued.
Before Columbina drew her hands to her dress, and unclipped it. The outer layer fell with the soft thump of cloth and her fingers curled beneath the hem of the dress, tugging it up to reveal her flat stomach and slim waist, luring his gaze further up as her dress rose – until it came up and over her head, landing on the flowers behind her.
And leaving Columbina nude aside from her panties. No bra laid beneath to hide her small breasts though Columbina didn't seem all that self-conscious; barely even a blush to paint her cheeks as she smiled down at him, baring herself for him in the truest sense of the word. Her hands slid to his shoulders as she eased herself down to his level easily, lips finding his before he could utter a syllable and leaving him groaning into it, arousal steadily overshadowing his embarrassment and coaxing his hands onto her hips, caressing them.
''Hehe... your expression is quite cute.'' Columbina noted then, lips leaving his.
Aether half-heartedly scowled but a quick kiss banished it. No sooner had it done so did Columbina catch his left hand in her right; guiding it up from her hip and towards her breast. His fingers brushed over her creamy, unblemished skin until his fingers splayed over that of her tit; his palm filled with her malleable flesh before he groped her, squeezing a little breath out of the goddess that sounded almost cute in the current situation.
Enticing Aether to sit up; pushing himself upright with his right hand and quickly pressing his lips against her own. Columbina hummed into it, hands clasping to his cheeks and drawing the smooch out, unbothered by his slow gropes nor how pronounced his bulge became, the latter accentuated when Columbina shifted and unintentionally grinded herself onto his clothed cock. The friction was only slight but in her current undressed state it felt all the more erotic.
Columbina was the first to break off the kiss, panting lightly, and the moment she did so Aether grabbed her plush, perfectly-shaped behind and rolled them over once more. Columbina offered no resistance, limp like a doll as he laid her down and got on top of her once more, the knight topping his 'queen'. As if sharing the thought Columbina smiled; a small wistful thing that emphasised the paleness of her lips, doubly so as she drew him down and pressed them against his own.
Aether let the kiss last for only a few moments before breaking it off; instead kissing his way down her exposed shoulder. Columbina made a noise of surprise but didn't protest, a shiver dancing across her skin as he dared to kiss her more – worshipping her nearly-naked self with all the care and attention he wish he could make her feel, his lips gliding down over her small breasts and kissing both before trailing down her belly.
''Mn...'' Columbina writhed slowly, a heavy exhale escaping her lips, ''Traveler...''
The note of fondness, the tinge of exhilaration; it was all easily heard and dared him to continue – to worship her in a way her own people never would. It felt almost sinful to entertain that thought but he did so anyway; pressing his lips to her belly and feeling it tremble beneath him, anticipation welling within his partner as he dug his fingers into her laced white panties and pried them down her thighs. His lips made contact with her groin and he kissed it gently, focusing only on it as he disrobed her, her underwear coming down to her knees before she gently flicked it off of her foot.
Only when it was out of the way did Aether withdraw, laying eyes on her smooth slit. Columbina made no move to cover up – she barely even seemed embarrassed about her nude state, simply laying with legs slightly apart. Only when he brushed his hands up her inner-thighs did she spread them fully, a weak moan fleeing her tongue as he pressed his lips upon her soft, untouched thigh; her skin so delicate and leg so slim he couldn't help but spend a moment to marvel at her beauty.
And kiss it too – his lips gracing her flesh in a slow chain up her inner-thigh, not nipping and never biting, no matter how much his instincts encouraged him to. He banished such thoughts and swapped to her other thigh to assist with that, lovingly kissing his way up her lukewarm skin until he neared her groin, and only then did Columbina react further; namely by slipping her fingers down into his hair.
''Traveler...'' She breathed, the quiet yearning in her voice enough to give him shivers.
And to oblige her unspoken desire, drawing closer to her lower lips – and Columbina moaned softly as he took a lick. The dainty sound only enticed Aether to do it again, his tongue lubed with spit as it gently flicked up her slit, teasing her quivering pinkness and making her thighs tense up. The subtle detail didn't go unnoticed and without a word he gently held her thighs to keep them spread; gliding his right hand along until he could spread her nether lips apart with his fingers.
His tongue met her core a moment later, his lick sudden but sincere – tongue-fucking a soft moan out of Columbina that rang out in the quiet, the flowers around them seeming to rustle from her voice alone. The thought was one easily forgotten though as his tongue delved between her lips once more, his licks experimental and slow; testing the waters more than anything and finding out what made her feel good. Her lack of embarrassment if anything gave him the confidence to take his time, to not rush right into making her cum as quickly as possible.
Columbina seemed to appreciate that – or at least, her petting touch seemed to suggest that. With a hum Aether pulled back long enough to lube his tongue with spit before putting it right back to work, dragging it up her slit and revelling n her elated moan, the rising pitch joined by her chin tipping back as she quaked before him.
''Mn... ah~'' Her dainty thighs lifted as she bent her legs at the knee, reclining back against the grass. ''Such sensations are- mn, novel...''
Aether pulled his tongue back but replaced it with his fingers; teasing between her wet, glistening lips before inserting two fingers – pumping them into her quivering pink core and sending fresh shudders spasming through her. ''Do you like it?''
''Yes- hng~'' The way her whisper melted into a little groan was cute.
Cute, and enthralling. With unabashed desire Aether drove his fingers into her wet, gripping tunnel and scissored his fingers apart, scraping his fingers along her slippery inner walls and pleasuring her in a relentless, gasp-inducing assault. His mouth wasn't idle either as he kissed at her groin and made his way down to her clit, breathing against the little bud for only a moment before he lashed at it with his tongue, teasing a louder moan out of Columbina, her heels digging into the grass.
She didn't cry out, she didn't warn of her coming orgasm – but he could sense it coming. The way her insides trembled around his thrusting fingers, how her thighs tensed, how her breathing grew ragged and quick; the signs all building in clarity until it was clear she was on the cusp of climax, tempting his lips to her groin, kissing it attentively as he jammed his fingers between her syrupy folds-!
''A-Ah!''
-and pushing Columbina to climax.
Her short, gasping cry rang throughout the cavern and she soaked his fingers, her legs spasming shut then jerking back open – laying flat against the grass as he kept finger-fucking her, shlicking her soaking sex until he made her squirt. Still he curled and scissored his fingers apart, overstimulating the goddess into whimpering and only then deigning to slow his fingers; easing her down from her orgasmic high stroke by stroke until they came to a stop roughly at the same time.
Columbina mewled softly as he pulled his fingers out. Panting, flushed red in the face and with sweat gleaming across her naked body the moon goddess laid before him defencelessly, her eyes shut yet her undivided focus remaining on him.
''I had no idea it would... feel so intense...'' Columbina panted out, her lips twitching up into a faint smile. ''Come...''
Her breathy beckon lured Aether in, the grass quietly hissing beneath his knees as it was compressed. A few paces was all it took to get him on top of her, their next act all too clear to both of them, and made all the clearer when Columbina reached down and unbuckled his belt. The rattle it made sent a shiver of excitement coursing through him and without delay Aether helped; pushing his pants down with his underwear quick to follow, leaving both around his knees.
And exposing his cock to the cool air. Columbina made a curious noise and caressed it, her grip loose and her hand almost cold as she stroked him slowly – touching him more like she was exploring than trying to get him off. It felt erotic all the same and without needing to be asked Aether leaned down and pressed his lips unto hers; stealing a kiss that left the goddess humming in content, her dainty touch enticing him to prolong the kiss.
The need to breathe though drew their lips apart. Aether gazed down into her shut eyes, almost tempted to ask her to open them just so he could see her eye colour – but he withheld such an audacious request. Instead he eased himself between her legs; her hand gently guiding his manhood to her sex. The tip pressed against her entrance and he eased himself forth, the tip slipping in-
''Mn...!'' And then he was inside.
Slick. Wet. Hot. So many ways to describe it but all of them fell short; unable to fully verbalise the sheer euphoria being inside of Columbina brought – a groan of primal satisfaction escaping his throat as he felt her syrupy walls clamp around his cock. Columbina mewled with him, her expression pinching briefly with discomfort but relaxing with a breath, any strain apparently overcome without much fuss.
Making him realise something. ''Am I your first?''
''Hm? You are, yes.'' Columbina breathed, that faint smile of hers coming back. ''Does the prospect please you?''
It did, as embarrassing as it was to admit. He banished the thought though with a kiss; devouring Columbina's little moan as he throbbed inside of her, their loins connected and bodies joined in union, the quiet making their breaths and little noises easily audible. Only when his lungs burned for air did Aether withdraw from the kiss, his cock sliding out of her tight, slick pussy.
Right before he pumped back in. Columbina flinched, delicate as she moaned and squirming endearingly from the pleasure – her previous orgasm no doubt having left her sensitive. That if anything just encouraged Aether to move; careful to not be too rough yet unwilling to be glacial in his pace as he pumped into thee deflowered goddess, making love to her on the cavern floor with only the flowers and grass to serve as their bed.
Without any clothes to get in the way he could admire Columbina all the more. How her shoulders drew inwards as he thrust in and how they flexed outwards as he pulled back, how her small breasts heaved with her deep inhale and how erect her nipples seemed to get; the latter detail coaxing his right hand up to her breast in a grope. Columbina laid her hand over his in a heartbeat, keeping his hand on her tit and mewling in delight as he squeezed, her thighs lifting to rub up against his hips in reply.
''You may move as you please.'' Columbina murmured, weaving her fingers between his. ''I wish to feel you fully...''
Aether responded with a kiss, brief yet impassioned. He broke it off and no sooner had he done so did he immediately pick up the pace – his slow, steady pumps becoming faster and more impassioned bucks that sheathed his manhood between her cloying walls, her molten grip around his dick only made that much more intense when he hilted himself inside of her; nearly grinding into Columbina for a brief second before he pulled back again.
Just to rut right back into her. The goddess cried out, her voice echoing out before her pursed lips quietened the noise into a whimper – one that prolonged itself as he kept up the rapid rough pace, the sticky squelch of their union intimately audible in the otherwise quiet cavern. It cemented the slightest sound into his mind, from the fleshy impact of their lower halves to Columbina's shallow breaths to her tight, barely-contained whimpers and whines, the noises so utterly cute he almost wanted to ask her to let them out more.
Yet he didn't, if only to not embarrass her. Instead Aether dove down and stole a kiss, her moan muffled by the lip-lock and becoming audible in the brief moment their lips disconnected. He leaned in for another smooch but didn't connect their lips; grazing hers with his and teasing the goddess with the prospect. A tease Columbina ultimately fell for, lifting her head up just to bring their lips closer, but he leaned back in turn. Denying her a kiss.
''Traveler...?'' The slightest hint of dismay was adorable.
Adorable, and arousing. Darting down Aether stole a deeper, fuller kiss, devouring her voice with it and breaking the kiss off only when his lungs finally burned for air. His free hand shifted up her naked waist and grazed over her breast before catching her right wrist; pinning it to the grass as he made love to her, his rutting thrusts hilting him inside of Columbina. Her body reacted to his thrusts with jerks and spasms, her thighs riding up his hips and twitching each time he buried himself deep between her folds, crashing himself up against her innermost parts.
Before she wrapped her legs around his waist, leg-locking him. Aether grunted in surprise but when he pulled back he could only get half as far as expected before her legs prevented him from going any further; inevitably coaxing him into rutting right back into her. Stopping was a big ask and with a heavy groan he kept thrusting into her, his gaze flitting to her face as he filled her up.
''Columbina, I'm gonna finish soon.'' Tightly he murmured, wondering briefly if she didn't realise-
But no, she very much did. ''I know~''
No elaboration, no fanciful claims of wanting to feel his warmth or to bear his child – she just locked her legs and smiled up at him, her desire clear regardless of reason. He groaned at the thought, his cock throbbing against the fleshy walls that constricted it, the prospect of nutting inside of the former Harbinger so temptuous pulling out almost felt wrong. Not that he could; any attempts at pulling out only causing Columbina's legs to lock tighter.
Pulling him deep into her. The slick friction accelerated his end and try as he might Aether couldn't fight it, his lower half on autopilot as it jerked and slammed forwards, pumping his cock into her snug sopping tunnel like his life depended on it. The world around them seemed to blur out of focus and all he could do was buck his hips forth and bury his manhood in her smothering, slick pussy, plapping the goddess and listening to her dainty sing-song moans that built and built in pitch, her voice starting to crack and tremble as he pounded her raw, kissing her cervix with his throbbing tip-!
And ultimately collapse her voice into a cry of delight as she came. He felt her walls clamp around him and peaked, a strangled gasp forcing itself out of Aether as he slammed himself into Columbina one final time and flooded her depths with his seed – spurts and splatters painting her inner walls white and his seed kneaded out by her strangling pussy. He pressed himself into her, cock kissing her cervix as he delivered the promised load, cumming inside of her like he was trying to knock her up.
Gasping and grunting Aether bucked his hips as orgasmic aftershocks shook through his hips – riding out his orgasm from dizzying highs to superconscious lows. Only in its waning moments did clarity return, and with a laboured groan he let the tension seep from his muscles and pulled out; a good few blinks refocusing his attention on Columbina.
The goddess was crimson in the face, her breathing was ragged and quick, and her naked self quivered beneath him in the afterglow. She lifted her chin when he laid eyes on her and smiled, her hand leaving the one over her breast and caressing his cheek instead, her dainty touch sending a little shiver down his back and luring him down more to her level.
Allowing him to steal a kiss.
And for her to flip them over.
Giggling Columbina straddled him intently, pressing her womanhood down against his cock and grinding herself up him in a manner that spoke to her desire for more.
''While I still have the energy, might I steal some more of your warmth, my beloved knight~?''
Aether could only breathe out an agreement before round two commenced.
The first of many in the coming weeks.
[END]