Of Ashes and Wind

Eiriell Elatoris & Phoenix Stroud - Again

*Smut Warning, this chapter can be skipped*

It was quiet, save for the rustle of belts and metal being shucked off. Phoenix stood facing the corner of the tent while Eiriell was nearby her bedding of pillows and soft blankets in the corner, she too was removing her armor and placing it on the stand. There was a desk with letters and parchment, a stack of messages neatly compiled. Opposite from where the bedding was stood a basin filled with clean water and near it a rag and soap and bucket. Phoenix stood up her light chest piece and took a look over her shoulder.

Eiriell was in the process of cleaning her armor and weapons to ensure they wouldn't rust from the day's grime and blood. She sat with her legs tucked under her and went about doing her task quickly. A small basin filled with a cleaning agent and another for a quick polish was at her side.

Phoenix silently crossed over, she could feel the lush grass beneath her boots, with her own armor pieces in hand and her swords at her side.

The two smiled when Phoenix sat cross-legged, the two enjoying each other's company while they went about the menial task.

The last twin blade remained for Phoenix to clean off, she spied Eiriell reach over and grab the other twin blade and inspected the sword.

How her eyes traced the gryphon engraving there, a small smile on her face while her fingers touched the worn-out hilt.

Carefully, Eiriell took Phoenix's armor and placed it on the ground next where hers was on the stand. The human warrior followed her with both swords in hand and rested the weapons there.

The two caught each other's gaze, but still refused to say anything to break the spell that seemed to bind the two together. As if there was nothing else that existed outside of this tent.

Eiriell took Phoenix's hand and led her to where the basin was. She let go of the human's hand so that she could dip her into the water, with a concentrated glow, the water warmed to a suitable temperature. With an eager breath, Eiriell grabbed at the hem of Phoenix's short tunic.

Phoenix didn't hesitate and pulled her shirt off, her own hands coming to the frayed end of Eiriell's soft tunic. With a tug at the leather string, the Elven Princess stood half naked before Phoenix.

With a graceful effort, Eiriell grabbed the cloth and wetted it before dipping it into the soap. Phoenix simply stood there while the elven woman wiped at her skin, carefully dipping the cloth in the grooves of her muscles, using a silken touch when it ran across her chest. Eiriell ran the cloth up to Phoenix's face, her hands hesitant to wipe at the grime there – as if Phoenix was made from the most delicate of glass and would shatter.

Phoenix helped Eiriell, taking the cloth and making quick work of wiping the grime off there. She dipped the clothe back in the warm water and repeated the process Eiriell went through.

This time it was Phoenix's turn to wash the grime off of the Elven Princess. She wasn't as delicate with her touch and her finger and hands dripped in the warm soapy water. But Eiriell reveled in the sensation, enjoying the sure grip Phoenix had on her body. Both the cloth and bare touch of Phoenix's hands glided across Eiriell's smooth skin.

Phoenix paused when she saw Eiriell's own burns from the cursed fire.

"It's ugly, I –" Eiriell began.

Phoenix reached down to her with her lips, swallowing whatever else Eiriell wanted to say. Instead, she smiled down at the elven woman, carefully tucking a strand of silver hair behind Eiriell's pointed ear.

"You're beautiful, more so now than ever before."

Eiriell blushed slightly and Phoenix continued her ministrations, thoroughly wiping off the grim and soot from the day's fight.