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Alleria was leaning against the window, looking up at Beledar. The crystal had just turned a deep purple, enveloping the entirety of Hallowfall in void energy. She had already been assured that she would not be disturbed so far out in this secluded cabin, but she was happy with this final certainty – no one went out while Beledar succumbed to the Void. And out here, on the shores of Hallowfall, she finally felt like she could exhale. Between the upcoming attack on Dimensius, Locus-Walker’s lies and Xal’atath’s schemes, she could never truly find a moment to rest and think about everything that had transpired. The champion was gathering an army for their imminent assault on the manaforge and with every passing moment Alleria grew more and more anxious. She could only trust them now.
She grimaced, turning away from the window and walking towards the bed. She would need to live with the alliances she had made to take down the Void Lord.
No. The alliances that had been made for her.
She had never wanted to ally with the woman who had destroyed Dalaran and murdered countless in her pursuit of power. Who had almost killed Khadgar.
Xal’atath.
Any moment Alleria spent thinking of her, was a moment she hated. While Xal’atath hadn’t betrayed them yet, Alleria was certain it was coming. But when?
She sighed deeply, unhooking the straps of her cloak and letting it fall down to the floor. She placed her bow under the bed, as she could never be more than an arm’s length away from it. Ranger habits, she told herself.
“Good evening, Alleria.”
Faster than lightning, she pulled the bow from underneath the bed in one swift motion and pointed it towards the direction of the voice. She held her breath, eyes glued to the silhouette leaning against the wall, unmoving and obscured by darkness.
“Xal’atath,” she spat, the name leaving her lips like it was an insult. “What in the Light’s name are you doing here?”
“Oh, not much,” the figure moved. No, levitated, away from the wall and closer towards her. “I simply wished to see how you were fairing with the battle looming so closely. You know, after your little… outburst.”
Alleria couldn’t see in the darkness, but she didn’t need to. She could hear the smirk in Xal’atath’s voice. It irked her to no end.
“Come to try and finish the job, then? You must know I will not go down without a fight,” she warned the other woman, her grip on the bowstring tightening. She would not die today and she would most certainly not die to Xal’atath of all beings. She was ready.
“Kill you?” laughed Xal'atath in disbelief. “Do you really think I would have announced my presence if that was my end goal, Alleria?” she questioned, but did not wait for an answer. “I have decided to disturb your night’s rest for a much more pleasant reason.”
Xal’atath finally stepped into the light of the candle Alleria had lit earlier. She was still levitating in the air, seemingly undisturbed by the arrow that was now pointing directly at her face. She didn’t pay the weapon any mind and just stared directly into Alleria’s eyes, making her shudder.
“Believe me, there is nothing pleasant that could ever come with your presence,” said Alleria, lowering the bow against her better judgement. “What do you want, Xal’atath?”
“Tsk, tsk. Such hatred. Such disdain. It is riveting,” laughed the Harbinger, now floating closer to Alleria. “But it is not just that, is it? Behind all your hateful remarks, all your threats—“ she hummed, stopping directly in front of the other woman. “There is something else.”
Alleria knew what Xal’atath did to people. Cornered them, made them feel small. Insignificant. For the first time ever, she felt like the prey. But her will was strong and she would not let her caution distract her. She had faced scarier things than the woman in front of her.
“Speechless, are we? A rarity, when it comes to you, I must say,” continued Xal’atath. “I shall be direct, then,” she smiled at Alleria. “You lust for me, do you not? I have seen the way you look at me. Beneath all the disgust, the hatred… there is something else.”
“You have lost your mind,” the void elf sneered at her, which only made Xal’atath laugh again.
“Oh, my dear, we both know that the Void sees all truths. No matter how painful or uncomfortable. But…,” she trailed off for a moment. “Tell me I am wrong. Tell me I am lying. And I will leave you to your business.”
Alleria opened her mouth. To scream at Xal’atath to go. To tell her she must be mad. To send her away and hopefully never see her again. But the words echoed in her mind. She felt like she was frozen still. She felt shame, guilt, even helplessness against the note of truth in the void entity’s words.
But to admit to the accusation? She would rather stand there and stare daggers at Xal’atath before she would confirm those suspicions. No, that would be a weapon she could never fight against. She could withstand Xal’atath’s threats, her verbal attacks, even a direct scuffle. But giving her the satisfaction of knowing she held that kind of power over her? Utter madness.
Besides, what of Turalyon? She loved him, of course. They had grown distant in the past years. The inevitable end to what they used to have was as clear as day to her. But they were still partners. To act upon her desires for Xal’atath would be a terrible deed. And yet, she couldn’t find it in herself to protest. Something dark and twisted in her wanted this. It wanted Xal’atath. And it killed her to admit it to herself.
“Now you have grown too quiet and I feel like I am conversing with myself, Alleria,” complained Xal’atath. “But it would seem I was not wrong at all. I can practically feel the shame eating at you,” she smirked. “I know you are going to keep standing there and glaring at me, so I will make my proposition. You can either accept or you can tell me to leave.”
“As if you’d respect that,” grimaced Alleria, finding the strength to speak up.
“I will,” said Xal’atath firmly. “We will lie together and indulge in each other’s company and bodies. Or I will leave. Choose, Alleria.”
The void elf attempted to open her mouth and tell Xal’atath to get out or receive a swift arrow to the eye. But, embarrassingly, nothing came out. It felt like there was some great evil stuck in her throat, stopping her from rejecting her. But out here, far from everyone and everything, it was so tempting to accept. No one would know.
Alleria shook her head a little. She was seriously considering this? Sleeping with Xal’atath? Had the Void taken her common sense too? She wasn’t sure.
“I almost feel bad, seeing how you war with yourself in your own mind,” Xal’atath spoke up again.
“Get out of my head,” Alleria grit her teeth, finding her voice again.
“Your mind is telling me the words your mouth is refusing to form,” said Xal’atath. “However, this is something you must say, Alleria. I will not act until you have confirmed what I have already assumed. And what I saw in your mind.”
“Oh, the great Xal’atath is the pinnacle of chivalry and consent. Who would’ve thought?” the blonde woman said mockingly, rubbing her hands together in an attempt to calm herself.
“There is much you do not know about me, Windrunner. And much you could learn,” spoke Xal’atath, ignoring the jab. “I shall have your consent or I shall leave. Time is running out,” she levitated closer to Alleria, their faces now but a breath away.
Alleria couldn’t believe herself. It should've been so easy to say no. To feign disgust and send her away. But she had buried her desires for too long. It hit her like a raging storm. Was it because she had never allowed herself to indulge in the company of other women? She had wanted to before, but she had always thought of herself in a certain way – successor to the Windrunner family. Marry a man, make sure someone is there to continue the legacy after. She didn’t regret being with Turalyon. But she did regret never allowing herself to fully be. The worst part of it all was that he would understand. If it was with anyone other than Xal’atath, that is.
Trying to make sense of her irrational urges was pointless. Right now, Alleria found she didn’t want anyone else, as hard as it was to admit. The very idea of wanting to share something so personal with Xal'atath was both mortifying and thrilling.
“You poor thing, you really are conflicted,” cooed Xal’atath, tracing her finger along Alleria’s arm, the touch as fleeting as a whisper.
“Don’t mock me, you bitch,” spat Alleria, holding the other woman’s gaze.
Alleria saw Xal’atath’s breath hitch and a laugh bubbled out of the Harbinger. She reveled in the chaos of their dynamic. The hateful words, the threats. The void elf would have bet it might have even turned her on.
“Now that is my Alleria.”
“I’m not yours.”
“Not yet, that is,” drawled Xal’atath. “And not tonight, it would seem. Well, despite what you might believe, I do know when I am not wanted, so I shall take my leave now,” she turned around, sounding disappointed. Whether it was genuine or not, Alleria couldn’t tell.
“Wait!” she blurted out, reaching for Xal’atath’s arm and stopping her in place. The touch had just sealed her fate. There was no turning back anymore. There was no denying what she wanted. She was an expert at dealing with guilt, so she would deal with it later.
“Oh?”
Alleria almost immediately regretted her actions. She had never heard Xal’atath sound so damn pleased with herself. So… happy, she wanted to say. But she wasn’t quite sure if Xal’atath was capable of feeling happiness. She doubted it.
“Only for tonight. No one is to know of this, do you hear me? No one,” spoke Alleria, her voice steady and her arm still holding onto Xal’atath’s. The entity had slowly turned to her to face her again and didn’t make any move to free herself from Alleria’s iron grip.
“You have my word.”
What fucking worth did Xal’atath’s word have, Alleria thought bitterly. She didn’t care. Not in that moment, not with Xal’atath practically breathing down her neck, their lips so close she could almost taste oblivion.
The elf let go of the other woman and reached for her own clothes with trembling hands. Why was she shaking? She wasn’t afraid of Xal’atath. So, why was she so damn nervous?
“Stop,” Xal’atath’s commanding but soft voice stopped her in her tracks.
“What now?” Alleria asked impatiently.
“I will undress you and you will undress me. Why deprive each other of that pleasure?” she said, her hand reaching for Alleria’s and shoving it away from the straps of her top. “I know you simply long to take my clothes off.”
“You don’t have to sound so smug about it.”
“If it makes you feel any better, the feeling is mutual,” admitted Xal’atath with a throaty chuckle.
“No, it doesn’t make me feel any better. It makes me feel worse,” Alleria said, balking at her own sincerity.
“Good. I like the sound of that,” responded Xal’atath, her hands already making quick work of Alleria’s clothing.
At this point Alleria needed no invitation, stuffing down her reservations and undoing the clasps on Xal’atath’s robe and cloak. She realised in that moment – the woman wasn’t wearing too much. There were the wraps around her thighs and arms, which Alleria would take great pleasure in unwrapping, she thought a little shamefully.
“I must say,” began Xal’atath, her deft fingers undoing whatever offensive garment they could get to and removing it from Alleria’s body promptly. “I will need a moment to get used to this. I have not lied with anyone since acquiring this lovely body.”
“I haven’t either. I mean—I haven’t with other women,” stammered Alleria, one of the clasps of Xal’atath’s robe slipping out of her grasp.
“Is that why I felt such reluctance from you earlier?” asked the Harbinger, trying to catch Alleria’s gaze. The void elf was surprised the question had been asked with genuine curiosity, rather than malice.
And she hated it. She always felt like the other woman could stare right into her soul and know every little secret she kept. Every emotion, every failing, every ambition. She tried to avoid Xal’atath’s mesmerizing eyes for the moment.
“Partly,” came Alleria’s curt response.
“You should not fret. I have seen you in battle. I am confident you will be more than able to please me,” Xal'atath waved her hand, her words bringing a tinge of pink to Alleria’s cheeks.
“The bedroom isn’t a battlefield, Xal’atath. Not for most, at least,” Alleria fired back, letting the last of the other woman’s conventional clothing slide down to the floorboards.
“No, it is not. But a good warrior is an attentive warrior. And paying attention is what you need to do to be a good mate, I would wager,” said Xal’atath, running a hand along Alleria’s exposed stomach.
It took all of the elf’s self-control to not make a pathetic sound or lean into it. If Xal’atath was going to have her, she was going to have to work for it. She couldn’t believe how soft the other woman’s hands were, compared to her calloused ones. The roughness came with her line of work, she supposed.
With their clothes now discarded, the two stood face to face, Xal’atath’s breath mixing with Alleria’s. The ranger took her time looking - no, staring – at Xal'atath's body. Unlike Alleria, she didn’t seem self-conscious at all. A smirk was dancing on her lips as she took in all of Alleria, too. Like an adventurer taking in a beautiful view for the first time. Or, like a predator stalking its prey. Alleria’s mind was too clouded to figure out which one.
Xal’atath’s chest was still covered by wraps, so Alleria hands reached behind her, dexterously peeling off the offending rags. As the wraps fell away, Alleria’s eyes were glued to the Xal'atath’s chest. Self-control had left the cabin some time ago, so she didn’t care if she looked ridiculous. Her hand brushed past Xal’atath’s breast and she felt the slight shiver that went through her.
“Can you stop floating?” said Alleria dryly. “It’s a little unsettling, given our current predicament.”
“Hmm. As you wish.”
Xal'atath's feet landed on the floor gracefully, Alleria now looking slightly down at her. It was fascinating how short and small she seemed when she wasn’t looming above friend or foe, Alleria thought. She didn’t appear any less cocky, though.
“Are you going to keep us waiting or are you finally going to give in and have a taste?” asked Xal’atath, pressing her body against Alleria’s. Her hands ran along Alleria’s muscular back and her eyes darted to the elf’s lips and back up to hold her gaze.
Alleria could no longer look away. She opted for the next best thing and closed her eyes, pressing her lips to her adversary’s. Kissing her felt like taking a breath of air after almost drowning under water. Like the first bite of food after almost starving to death. Like the first rays of the sun after a thunderstorm. She was intoxicating and Alleria couldn’t pull away. Didn’t want to pull away.
She felt Xal’atath’s hand on her waist, the coldness of it causing a trail of goosebumps on her skin. Her own arms had wrapped themselves around the Harbinger, pulling her closer.
She wanted to scream when Xal'atath broke the kiss, looking up at her with half-lidded eyes.
“Come. Let us lie down,” she said, pulling away from Alleria’s hold. She seemed to pause for a moment. “You know, I assume you like what you are seeing, judging by your hungry stare. But… I am quite versatile. I could be whatever you need. Whatever you like. Whatever you want.”
“Meaning?”
“I am well aware you have spent your many years bedding a man. This body is missing certain parts that you may be used to. I could change that,” she shrugged, her eyes finding Alleria’s again. “And you seemed a little frustrated by your lack of experience pleasing a body like mine. I am just trying to make it convenient for you.”
The suggestion sounded more like a challenge to Alleria than a real suggestion. It pushed her buttons just the way she knew Xal’atath enjoyed. Riling her up and trying to make her feel powerless or inadequate was something Alleria knew the void entity reveled in.
“No. I want you. As you are,” breathed Alleria, not taking the bait.
“You flatter me, Alleria,” drawled Xal’atath, sitting on the bed. “Now, come to me,” she beckoned the void elf, looking up at her expectantly.
Alleria didn’t need to be told twice, as she pushed the woman down, crawling on top of her. She pressed her lips against Xal’atath’s neck, kissing down towards her collarbone. The hum of approval that left the void entity’s throat gave her much needed confidence. She felt Xal’atath’s slender fingers combing through her hair as her mouth travelled lower, reaching her first prize for the night. Alleria’s hand slid up to cup Xal’atath’s breast as her lips wrapped around a nipple. The pleased sigh that escaped the woman’s mouth was enough to make Alleria consider truly surrendering to the Void.
“Stop.”
Alleria froze, abandoning her ministrations and looking up to meet Xal’atath’s glowing amethyst eyes. She didn’t look uncomfortable or unhappy. So why did she ask her to stop?
“What’s the matter?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.
“Nothing. I just wanted to be the one to get the first taste, but you have managed to distract me,” spoke the Harbinger, still running her fingers through Alleria’s messy hair.
In a flash, Alleria found herself flipped onto her back, now looking up at Xal’atath’s grin. It was so fast and so seamless, that even a seasoned hunter like her couldn't help but feel a little disorientated. She wasn’t going to complain about it yet, though.
“I have craved your taste for so agonizingly long, Alleria,” said Xal’atath, running her hand down Alleria’s stomach. “I will have it. But I can still feel your hesitation. Your reluctance. Let go, if only for this one moment,” she continued. “Surrender yourself to me. There is no shame in it.”
Alleria fought the urge to laugh in her face. No shame? The shame was suffocating her. She thought Xal’atath would like that. That she would never shut up about it and make the night as miserable as she could with her mocking tone and snarky remarks.
“Surrender to you? Surrender is earned, Xal’atath. And you’ve earned nothing yet,” she fired back instead.
“No, I have not. But I intend to. I want to devour you, Alleria. And I want you to enjoy it,” drawled the other woman.
Alleria had been too preoccupied with fighting her inner demons to realise that Xal’atath now had her hand on the inside of her thigh, pushing her legs apart. Her hands were cool against the void elf’s skin, causing another shudder. Despite everything inside her screaming not to let Xal’atath have her way, she let her legs be spread. She could feel her heart slamming against her chest as Xal’atath held her gaze. The otherworldly gleam they gave off mesmerized Alleria. She could see Xal’atath’s lips curve into a smirk. No, a smile.
“That was not so hard now, was it?” she said. The triumph in her voice almost made Alleria close her legs again, out of sheer spite. “Good girl.”
By the fucking Light.
The void elf could practically feel herself getting wetter with the praise and judging by the pleased show of fangs on Xal’atath’s face, she feared the other woman could somehow tell, too.
She was expecting Xal’atath to shove her hand between her legs and make her scream. To fuck her hard. To fuck her mercilessly. What she never expected was the sheer gentleness of Xal’atath’s touch. Her fingers had finally found the place where Alleria had most longed to feel them. There was almost a cautious approach to it. The sensation of Xal’atath slender finger sliding between her lips was like a revelation. She couldn’t have stopped the desperate sound that left her even with the willpower of an army.
“Why are you so gentle?” she breathed, feeling like she should do something to make Xal’atath stop for a second and let her compose herself. If one touch is all it took to turn her into the mess that she was, she could only imagine what would come after.
“What did you expect, Windrunner?” chuckled Xal’atath. “Did you expect me to bend you over and take you roughly? I could do it,” she hummed a little, leaning her head down and kissing the top of Alleria’s breast. “But I know exactly what you need. Like it or not, we are connected on a very deep level. I can practically smell your desire on you, even from afar,” she continued, her finger not stopping its work between Alleria’s legs. “And this is far more enjoyable for me, too. Seeing you slowly fall apart and lose yourself. The promise of you begging,” she trailed off, taking a deeper breath as if the very idea of it brought her to ecstasy. “There is nothing I want more in this moment.”
To Alleria’s dismay and pleasure, it appeared that Xal’atath was done talking. The elf was never one to openly voice her real preferences because she had enjoyed her intimate moments with Turalyon well enough. But she hated that Xal’atath knew. She knew Alleria wanted it slow and sensual. That knowledge felt like another deadly weapon in Xal’atath’s arsenal. Alleria didn’t even want to entertain the thoughts that were threatening to enter her mind. That while she had appreciated her intimacy with Turalyon, he had never made her feel like this.
Before her mind could head into even darker waters, the feeling of Xal’atath circling her clit pulled her out of her thoughts. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back, her mouth open in a quiet moan. The Harbinger had wrapped her lips around Alleria’s nipple, her tongue flicking at it slowly. Every touch was deliberate. Designed to alter the chemistry of Alleria’s brain and eventually ruin her.
“Look at me.”
Xal’atath had lifted her head, her face hovering right above Alleria’s. It wasn’t an invitation, it was a command. And Alleria obeyed, locking eyes with the woman. She should’ve known it was a mistake. Xal’atath held her gaze and slowly slid a finger inside of Alleria. The void elf could hear how wet she was. It was embarrassing how little it took. She had to tear her gaze away. With her eyes now closed and her head tilted back anew, a breathy moan escaped her lips.
“Fuck,” she breathed out as Xal’atath curled her finger inside her at just the right angle. She felt like her entire body was on fire and the coolness of Xal'atath’s own body was only heightening the sensation.
She felt Xal’atath lower herself, her breasts brushing against Alleria’s own and soon she felt the woman’s hair tickling the inside of her thighs. A cold tongue tentatively lapped at her. She could tell Xal’atath’s eyes were fixated on her face, but she refused to look down at her. Seeing the woman between her legs like that would surely end her.
Alleria nearly choked on her moan in a desperate attempt to stifle it, as Xal’atath’s tongue flicked at her clit. It wasn’t even about not giving her enemy the satisfaction at that point. Alleria had just always thought she shouldn’t make too much noise. That she shouldn’t fully give into the pleasure. In a sick way, she thought she didn’t deserve it. Didn’t deserve to enjoy it as much as she wanted to.
Xal’atath’s tongue and hand stilled, and Alleria wanted to scream at her in frustration. Why did she stop now, when she was just beginning to reach a high? She lifted her head to look down at Xal’atath with a glare that would make anyone else shrink.
“This will not do,” huffed the woman, lifting herself up from between Alleria’s legs and lying on top of her. She didn’t remove her finger from its rightful place inside the void elf, which gave Alleria some hope that this wasn’t just an end to one of the entity’s games. It was a promise that they weren’t done.
“What now?” demanded Alleria, breathless. Then she froze. “Are you in my head right now?” she asked, incredulous.
“First of all, I could not enter your mind so freely all on my own, Windrunner. That is not how it works. You have to invite me in. If it was without you allowing for it, you would know. You have felt that pain and discomfort before,” told her Xal’atath, seeming a little out of breath herself. “Which means you are offering me a glance at your mind willingly, whether you are brave enough to admit to it or not. I have been hearing your thoughts ever since I set foot in this room, but now that we are connecting on this… deep level, our mind link is stronger,” she explained, unfazed by the look Alleria shot her. She sighed a little, reaching with her hand and pushing Alleria’s hair out of her face, her entire body now only supported by Alleria’s. “I know under normal circumstances you would refuse to listen to anything I have to say, but do hear me now,” she continued. “You are not allowing yourself to feel. I understand, to an extent,” she said in a low voice, before continuing. “But these shackles you have placed on yourself are of your own making. What are you so afraid of, hmm? Have I mocked your desires? Have I laughed at your needs? Have I disrespected you?”
Alleria could only shake her head, not trusting herself to speak.
“I have not. I will not. If I wanted to hurt you, I would not be between your legs, Alleria,” she stated plainly, still looking at the elf’s face. “Right now, we are equals. There is no one here to judge you, much less myself,” she told her. “Break off your imaginary chains and let yourself feel.”
“Why do you care so much?” spat Alleria, closing her eyes with a sigh. Xal’atath was right and it didn’t sit well with her. Worst of all, even she didn’t know why she was holding back. This wasn’t unique to her encounter with Xal’atath. It was just how she was.
“I am here to please you and I want to know that you are enjoying it, of course. It is obviously for the purely selfish reason of seeing you come undone under me. Once you get your chance to lay your claim to me, you will understand. I am sure of it.”
“And will you?” asked Alleria, her voice shaky. “Will you let me lay claim to you?”
“Oh, yes,” whispered Xal’atath.
In that moment, Alleria could clearly see that the woman was just as desperate, just as wanting as she was. The light the candle was giving off was enough for Alleria to see that Xal’atath’s chin was glistening with her wetness. The sight of it spun her head.
“I—I will try. That is all I can promise,” she relented, relaxing into the mattress. “And it is not you, if it wasn’t clear. It’s as you said. Me.”
“You are a powerful woman, Alleria. Seeing you hold yourself back from the pleasure you deserve almost pains me,” said Xal’atath, her body slowly returning to its previous position. “I want to give you everything.”
With that, Xal’atath’s mouth was on her wetness and the finger inside Alleria began moving again. Despite their little pause, she was still soaking and knew it wouldn’t take long to take her to the edge.
“Yes, just like that—“ she moaned, burying her hand in Xal’atath’s hair, her other hand gripping the sheets. She felt another finger slip into her, eliciting a louder, more desperate sound.
“Good girl.”
Xal’atath’s voice, dark and sultry, rang through her mind. Alleria wasn’t sure if the woman didn’t speak it out loud because her mouth was rather preoccupied or because she wanted her praise to go right into her thoughts. At this point, Alleria was certain Xal’atath knew exactly it did to her.
It wasn’t long now, as Xal’atath’s fingers began hitting that sweet spot inside Alleria with every movement. She was barely breathing, her chest heaving.
“Xal’atath—give me your hand,” she whispered, unsure of what had possessed her to make such a request. The Harbinger didn’t seem to question it, however, and placed her unoccupied hand on top of Alleria’s stomach.
The void elf laced her fingers through the other woman’s, wondering how such a delicate and soft hand could take so many lives with so little effort. She wasn’t allowed to trail that train of thought for long.
“Please, just don’t stop,” she begged.
Waves and waves of pleasure washed over her, as Xal’atath’s tongue and fingers brought her over the edge, making her cry out. She tightened around Xal’atath, her breathing ragged and her mouth opened wide.
Mercifully, she was allowed to collect herself, before Xal'atath lounged on top of Alleria’s again. The ranger could barely feel her weight.
“You did so well for me, Alleria,” she cooed, running a finger along the elf’s side. “You were positively delicious.”
Alleria cursed at herself for the blush that began to cover her cheeks and the tips of her ears. Not but a moment ago, Xal’atath was two fingers deep inside of her and now she was blushing? Preposterous. But it seemed the woman wasn’t finished tormenting her, shamelessly placing her soaked fingers inside of her own mouth, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment.
The void elf groaned, covering her face with her hands.
“This is what is making you shy away? After what we just did?” laughed Xal’atath, shaking her head.
Her laugh sounded so genuine, so human, that it made Alleria wonder if there was perhaps something in Xal’atath worth saving. Something worth fighting for. She doubted it and she would not hope.
She sat up, pulling Xal’atath into her lap.
“Your turn, Xal’atath,” she stated, wrapping her arms around the Harbinger’s smaller frame.
“It would seem so, Alleria,” agreed Xal’atath, her arms snaking around Alleria’s neck slowly. “I have seen your mind and I have seen your doubts. There is nothing to fear or dread. I will guide you if need be,” she hummed, leaning down to place a ghost of a kiss on Alleria’s neck, before turning her head to look into her eyes. “Though, I have a feeling it will not come to that. But we shall see how much of a natural you are.”
With a steadying breath, Alleria slid her hand between their bodies. In stark contrast to the rest of her body, she could feel the heat between Xal’atath’s legs. She hesitantly slipped a finger between Xal’atath’s lips and her breath hitched. The feeling of how wet the other woman was made her feel lightheaded. She could smell her. It was beyond intoxicating.
“You can touch me, my dear. I will not break,” said Xal’atath, sounding amused more than anything else. “And do not dare stop unless I ask,” she added, the command in her voice making Alleria snap out of her reverie.
“As you wish,” she said simply.
Emboldened by Xal’atath’s words, she became more confident with her touch. She circled Xal’atath’s clit with her finger gently, looking up at her to gauge her reaction. With a tilt of her head, Xal'atath bit her lip. So, Alleria thought, she must be doing something right. She took the beautiful pair of breasts in front of her face as an invitation, wrapping her lips around a perk nipple and sucking on it.
“Yes, Alleria.”
The deep, quiet moan that left Xal’atath’s lips did things to Alleria that made her fear what it would feel like to hear the much louder, more desperate sounds the woman would inevitably make. That she hoped she would make. Frustratingly, Xal’atath had been right. Alleria wanted – no, needed – to hear Xal’atath, the same way the she had wanted to hear her.
The Harbinger leaned forward, capturing Alleria’s lips with her own in a deep kiss. The ranger could taste herself on Xal’atath’s lips, but she didn’t mind. Their tongues met, making both of them sigh into the kiss. Her lips were so soft, Alleria could drown in them. It felt so right when it should’ve felt so, so wrong.
“I want to feel you inside me,” whispered Xal’atath as she pulled back, much to Alleria’s displeasure. “And… if you so wish,” she trailed off, seemingly trying to choose the right words. “I am not the only one whose physical traits I can alter. I could…” she paused again, her breathing heavier than usual. Whatever image she was conjuring up in her mind must’ve been quite pleasing. Alleria didn’t have to wonder for long.
The very same image now flashed in Alleria’s mind and she almost sputtered at it internally. She saw herself and Xal’atath, in the very same position they were now, but instead of Alleria’s hand, something else was between Xal’atath’s legs as she rode--
Alleria shook her head. She was a realist, before anything else. Giving that kind of power to Xal’atath would be catastrophic and wasn’t something she was willing to do just yet.
“Maybe next time,” she blurted out instead.
Mercifully, Xal’atath ignored the implication that there would be a next time and leaned in to kiss Alleria again.
“Whichever the case, I need to feel you inside of me,” Xal'atath admitted, a rough edge to her voice. “So put those beautiful fingers to good use, my dear Alleria,” she demanded.
Alleria had to admit it was a lowly thing to do, but she simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
“Beg,” she smiled a little.
“Oh, that is so cruel of you. Especially after I never asked you to beg,” pouted Xal’atath, feigning disappointment. “But if I must…”
In what should’ve been a moment of great triumph for Alleria, the smug smile on her face was immediately wiped. She felt Xal’atath pull her closer, leaning right next to her ear and giving it a playful lick.
“Please, Alleria.”
The way Xal’atath said it almost made Alleria come undone on the spot. She wasn’t sure if Xal'atath was playing it up, just to make her blood run hot, but she sounded desperate for Alleria’s touch. And the ranger wouldn’t deny her any longer.
She slipped her finger inside the entity. Xal’atath rested her forehead on Alleria’s shoulder letting out a shuddering breath. Alleria tried to keep her thumb on her clit, suddenly grateful for her many years of wielding a bow. It would be hard for most to keep up with such an unnatural position, but it wasn’t an issue for her. She could feel Xal’atath almost riding her hand.
“More,” the Harbinger rasped.
For all the gentleness and patience Xal’atath had shown while taking care of Alleria, she didn’t appear to be expecting the same treatment. Maybe she liked it rough, thought the void elf. Or, despite the cockiness of the thought, perhaps she wanted to feel more of Alleria's touch. She liked the thought of that.
Without further deliberation, Alleria slid another finger into Xal’atath’s hungry heat. Her unlikely lover lifted her head from the elf’s shoulder with a gasp. She was definitely riding Alleria’s fingers now and it drove the Windrunner mad with want.
Xal’atath was so, so beautiful like this. Back arched, mouth opened in a silent moan, her whole body glistening with sweat. Every time she took in Alleria’s fingers she made a sound. A moan, a gasp, a ragged breath. It was everything Alleria had imagined and more. She met Xal’atath’s thrusts with confidence. The brush of her thumb against Xal’atath’s clit elicited an unrestrained cry of pleasure. Alleria could tell she was close. But she would not let Xal’atath come without having a true taste.
She stopped, holding Xal’atath firmly so she couldn’t keep fucking her fingers, pulling them out of her.
“Alleria, I will kill you with my bare hands if you do not—“
Xal’atath let out an undignified yelp as Alleria flipped them onto the bed, now hovering above her. The woman looked offended by the sudden halt of their intimacy, giving Alleria a questioning look.
“I apologise,” said Alleria, a little out of breath. “But I simply must…” she trailed off.
No, she wouldn’t admit to it out loud. Xal’atath could read her mind for all she cared. But she couldn’t say it.
Alleria held Xal’atath’s gaze, much the same way that she had when she was in the same position. She spread her legs, throwing them over her strong shoulders. The ranger didn’t waste a single second and descended upon Xal’atath’s heat like a woman starving.
The Harbinger’s back arched off the surface of the bed, her mouth opened in silent ecstasy. She ran her fingers through Alleria’s hair, caressing it. The ranger hummed against Xal’atath, high on her scent. Unsure if it was a trick or benefit of the Void, but Xal’atath tasted sweet on her lips. Almost sickeningly so.
“Yes, Alleria,” hissed Xal’atath, her eyes shut tightly. “Just a little more.”
Alleria could feel the woman’s thighs start to tremble a little. She placed her arm on Xal’atath’s stomach to hold her still. She wanted her to know that she was in control now. Besides, she wanted to hear her beg one last time. Something she could capture and lock inside the deepest reaches of her mind. Something she could go back to if need be.
Xal’atath was beginning to squirm against her hold now. A displeased whine escaped her and she looked down at Alleria. But not in anger or annoyance. Her hair stuck to her face and her eyes were glowing softly, her mouth still hanging open. She looked vulnerable. Stripped of her poise. Completely lost in Alleria's touch.
That is the look Alleria would keep close to her heart.
“Alleria, by the Void, claim me,” she whispered desperately, her thighs trembling again. “Please.”
The plea came both from Xal’atath’s mouth and inside Alleria’s head. She wasn’t sure if the entity had lost herself so much she couldn’t differentiate between the two, but she had heard her loud and clear.
Satisfied with the state she had brought her lover – no, her enemy – to, she slipped two fingers inside the woman again, flattening her tongue against Xal’atath’s folds. She rediscovered that one spot that seemed to drive Xal’atath mad and kept pressing, feeling the body above her shake.
“Oh. Oh.”
Even at the peak of her orgasm, Xal’atath seemed regal, powerful. Her cry was like a melody to Alleria’s ears, as she felt the woman clench around her fingers, her legs squeezing around the ranger’s head. Alleria’s face and fingers were positively drenched in Xal’atath’s come and she dreaded the moment she’d have to remove herself from between her legs.
She let Xal’atath ride out her orgasm, gently and carefully. Whether it was because she secretly wanted to prolong it or for the woman’s comfort, Alleria wasn’t quite sure. Almost dejectedly, she pulled herself up, her face directly above Xal’atath. There was a barely-there smile on the relaxed face looking up at her.
“That was exquisite, my dear,” she said, her voice rough. “Now, one last taste before I take my leave.”
Xal’atath placed her hand on Alleria’s cheek and pulled her down for a kiss. It was slow, sensual. She caressed the ranger’s cheek, causing her to melt into the kiss. One final surrender, Alleria thought. But this wasn’t like the sex, no. This was much deeper for her. The type of intimacy she kept close to her chest. It meant something. Alleria wasn’t sure if it was like that for Xal’atath or if she was just fulfilling a whim.
The sudden thought that it might mean nothing to Xal'atath crossed her mind. She was too afraid to ponder it, lest Xal’atath had another weakness to exploit when the time inevitably came.
“You’re leaving?” rasped Alleria, breaking the kiss.
“You sound surprised,” responded Xal’atath, tilting her head to the side a little. “Is there some sort of post-mating ritual I am missing, hmm?” she asked playfully, raising an eyebrow.
“It’s not a ritual. It’s—“ Alleria stopped, struggling to find the words. What was it, really? She wanted to lie down next to Xal’atath and hold her, nothing more. She wasn’t very good with words, as Xal’atath had undoubtedly noticed.
“I see. Very well, I will stay. Until you fall asleep,” she said, not appearing particularly bothered by the notion.
Alleria lied down next to Xal’atath, pulling the woman closer so they were face to face.
“And after?”
“We return to what we used to be, I suppose. Uncanny allies, until it does not suit us anymore,” said Xal’atath simply.
It was that easy for her, wasn’t it? Morning would come and she’d be gone, only but a memory in Alleria’s mind. This side of her, at least. The ranger took her time to look at Xal’atath again, beautiful and glowing under the candle light.
Surprisingly, Xal’atath pulled her into another chaste kiss. “Do not overthink it, Alleria. Rest now.”
Alleria took Xal’atath’s hand in hers and laced their fingers, pulling the woman as close to her as possible. The Harbinger hummed in content, sighing into Alleria’s chest.
Alleria had never been one indulge too much in romantic gestures. Or intimacy. But now, with Xal’atath of all people, it seemed to come to her naturally. Like a dam had broken inside her. She didn’t feel any differently about those things, but doing them for Xal’atath? It felt as right as breathing. She would revel in it a little longer.
She knew it wouldn’t last. It couldn’t last. Not with what they were outside of the confines of that little cabin on the shore of Hallowfall. In the morning, when Xal’atath would be no more than a whisper in her mind, she would put on her armor again.
Despite her otherwise sound mind, she hoped that this wouldn’t be the only time she would get to hold Xal’atath like this.
With the last of her internal ramblings silenced, she felt her eyes close. The gentle press of Xal’atath’s soft lips on her forehead was the last thing she felt before drifting off into a deep slumber.