A Harpy's Embrace

Good Life

As Cyril slowly sat up, he felt compelled to look at the paintings around his living room. His gaze wandered to his favorite one. "Two faces of justice" by V. Greenglade, a great thinker from his family, writer of many philosophical tales which unfortunately never gained fame despite their excellent quality. The painting Cyril was looking at depicted two canines - one big, old, black gruff-looking wolf that had a chipped tooth, had some blood on his fur, multiple cut scars and was missing an eye, and another, an old female dog, seemingly a breed of shepherd, with a single scar on its side that has been properly treated and has healed well; the shepherd dog was otherwise in very good condition. The wolf represented vengeance while the dog represented redemption. The painting meant to depict two ways of delivering justice - revenge, which leads to even more suffering, and redemption, which can be the start of something beautiful.
Cyril looked up to his ancestor's work, hoping to, one day, match or even surpass him. He pondered what to do today: paint or something else? His thoughts constantly wandered to his meeting with Kiriia that would take place this evening; he found it hard not to have her on his mind. Then, he came up with something brilliant. He'd re-read his family cookbook to find a recipe universally loved by harpies because he recalls such a recipe exists. Once will have found it, all that would be left is making it.
"Finally!" He exclaimed. Looking at a description of a particular dish, he found out that the recipe's author, whichever of his ancestors it was, always made it for his harpy-wife for their anniversary and she always loved it. The recipe was passed on from his dad; the author's mother also adored the dish.
It was a boar leg cooked in honey with strong spices, served with red wine. Quickly checking his pantry, Cyril found that, albeit of good quality, he only has wine and a small fragment of the spices. Taking the book and a hefty sack of coins with himself, he headed to Alder's market in search of the ingredients.
-Morning, Jenny.
-Hey, Cyril. What can I get you today?
-Hold up... - he opened the book on the recipe, showing his friend the list of ingredients required.
-I can get... probably most of this for you. And what I can't get, I can probably substitute for something else. It won't come cheap, though.
-Figured as much.
-Well, then. Let me have a very thorough look through my stock.
-How thorough?
-Why?
-How long will it take?
-Fifteen minutes, maybe.
-I kinda have lots of other things to take care of today. How about I leave the book here and return in a few minutes?
-Fine by me.
-Thanks, Jenny.
With those words, Cyril walked off to the beekeeper's house. He was lucky that the town had its own beekeeper, otherwise honey would be pretty expensive. Just like certain spices required in a certain recipe. The man handled the meeting with the beekeeper quite quickly.
Coming back to the market stall, he found the seller already waiting with the spices ready.
-So, I wasn't able to find any desert moonglimmer stems, so I substituted them wi- She got cut off by Cyril.
-It's actually the first time I read half those names, so don't trouble yourself to tell me what you replaced with what. Let's just say I trust you - the hunter smiled, taking the book and placing his sack of coins on the counter.
-Aww, I wanted to share my knowledge. But I won't bore you, then - she opened the sack and took a few coins out, counting them before showing Cyril the sum - I think it's fair, I don't really know, I'm no expert? I mean, there was one I know for sure is pricey, but other than that...
-I'll trust your instinct, I know you drive a fair bargain. Thanks, Jenny!
-Thank you too, Cyril! See ya!

After having acquired nearly everything needed for his most expensive cooking endeavor yet, it was time for the harder part. Hunting. It was his cup of tea, true, but it was easier to just hunt for anything rather than a specific species. He knew where the general area that boars hung around while looking for food recently, so that's where he was headed. After putting down everything he bought, he started preparing for the hunt. Boars were always tough since arrows didn't do, and so he had to use spears. Also, it was wise to put studded leather armor on, since a boar could kill him with a charge if it got aggressive. Of course, he knew how to deal with it, but he still wanted to be safe.
He went to the boars' supposed feeding place and he found signs of recent activity. He hid in a bush and started making wild boar sounds, which would hopefully lure one of the animals to him. After a while, he saw a big, glorious boar that would do splendidly for the feast. It was a risk to take, but what wouldn't a romantic like him do for love? He approached carefully, holding a spear in hand. When he was close enough, he tossed it at the boar's neck as hard as he could. He heard a blood-curdling sound of pain and fury coming from the animal, and in seconds it was charging at him while losing a lot of blood. Quickly drawing a second spear, Cyril prayed silently that it would hit the boar in the eye, and it did. Perfectly. Too perfectly. The creature just straight up collapsed - the spear must've gone through its eye socket, into the brain. The hunter suspected that it was Calliope's intervention. He just hoped it was a permanent blessing, not just something that would fade away after a month or if he used it too much. Nonetheless, he was very happy about his kill. Looking at the sky, it was noon. Still plenty of time until the evening. After dragging the boar home, it was time for the most time-consuming part of the whole ordeal - preparing the boar leg. First, he skinned and gutted the animal, so that he could have the leg ready for cooking. He even took a moment to admire its size. Now, he needed to follow the cooking instructions very carefully since a little too much of one spice could ruin everything. Luckily, the instructions weren't vague. He did everything as asked, which took him nearly an hour. He wanted to make sure everything was perfect. Now, he only needed to cook it for a long time in the oven. Easy enough. Although all the smell made him realize just how hungry he was - in pursuit of doing everything to make his lover happy, he forgot about eating. Oh, and how could the date be complete without a rose and scented candles? He still had time to buy them, but he had to be quick so the meat wouldn't burn in his absence.
Making the flame a little weaker, he jogged to town, to the florist's shop. Aside from the flowers, she made the most wonderfully smelling products. Cyril decided to go for a single, elegant white rose and lavender candles. Running back to his house, the boar leg thankfully wasn't burnt. But there was still lots of time until the evening, so he realized he had to eat something. Bread with butter, that's it! The bread he had wasn't maybe the freshest, but it did the job. At least his butter was good since he hand-made it.
Oh, and how could Cyril forget about his looks? They would matter a lot on the date! Luckily his through still had enough water in it for the hunter to wash and not have to run to get more. Great. Once he was done, he made sure his hair looked decent, and he used the most expensive perfumes he had. Now, only to set the table and he was done.                                    Just as he was getting finished, he heard a knock on the door. Oh god, it was Kiriia. He was never as nervous to meet her as he was now. After opening, the door, he gasped at her beauty.
-What's the matter, love? So happy to see me?
-You look so gorgeous tonight...
-I mean, I look like this every day.
-I... Well, that's true - he laughed - but you still shock me with your beauty each time we meet. Maybe it's the dress? - Cyril noticed that Kiriia was wearing a long, white dress. It couldn't have been anything simpler, but he still felt it was gorgeous. Maybe it was the dress' white fur collar that played into everything so nicely?
-Thank you, love. It means a lot to me - she said, looking at Cyril.
-Why are you looking at me like that? - He asked - oh wait! I'm kind of standing in your way, am I not? I forgot myself there a little bit - he laughed.
-No, it's okay - she laughed back, stepping in and smelling him. She sensed the perfumes nearly instantly. She also couldn't help but notice that the general atmosphere in the house was very romantic - oh, my. You really did a lot to prepare for this evening. I guess that I should reward you somehow - she grinned, leaning down to kiss Cyril's cheek - you're going to get plenty more today.
-Yes, please. But first, we should eat dinner - he put a hand on her back and started leading her to the dining room. He wished he could hold her hand, but it wasn't possible. He opened the door for her, inviting her in with a grin.
-You really are very romantic, Cyril - she smiled, sitting down in the candlelit room.
-I also have something for you - he said, pulling out a white rose from under the table.
-It's beautiful. I love roses. Thank you! - She said with a wide smile. She had high expectations of Cyril, but he was beginning to exceed them.
-Would you like me to put it in this vase? - Cyril looked at a vase that was standing on the table, half full of water - you can take it when you'll be leaving.
-And hopefully, that won't happen soon - she winked - please put it there - she said, and Cyril did what she wanted.
-Now, I'll leave you for a short moment to bring the dinner - he said, leaving the room, and coming back soon with a very intense-smelling dish. The smile on his face was gone. He served it and sat down with a sigh - I don't think that it turned out well... - he said quietly. He tried a bite of it while he was in the kitchen, and the taste was just way too intense for him.
-Aww, Cyril, my love, don't worry, you tried your best, didn't you? - Kiriia stood up, walking over to Cyril and wrapping her wings around him from behind, kissing his cheek to comfort him.
-I did. I really did. I wanted the best for you, my lovebird. It looks like I bit off way more than I can chew. I didn't even know the names of half the ingredients I was using! - He vented.
-I really appreciate your effort. No need to be upset that you didn't succeed. I'm here to enjoy the time spent with you more way, way more than I'm here to enjoy the food - she said, resting her head on his shoulder - actually, how about you let me try some? Maybe it's not that bad?
-Thank you, lovebird, you really do make me feel better - he said, cutting off a bit of boar meat and holding it in his palm so Kiriia could eat out of it.
-Cyril, this is amazing! - She exclaimed upon eating the small bit of meat - did you take the recipe out of a cookbook for harpies? This is the best thing I ate in a long time!
-Wait, you really like it? I suppose that... - he chuckled - I suppose I should have accounted for the fact it was a recipe for food most enjoyed by harpies.
-You're so cute, Cyril - she chuckled softly.
-Well, I suppose, next time I'll make a recipe and taste it, I'll make sure it's for the correct species.
-Good call - she said, coming back to her seat, taking another bite - Cyril, it really is wonderful! Don't you worry about your portion being wasted, I'll also eat it, it's so good!
-You're saying it to make me feel better about myself. Thank you, Kiriia.
-No, Cyril, really, this is grand. I love it.
-Well, my cookbook did say that, despite being hard to make, harpies adore it.
-See? I'm being honest here. Now, love, since I assume you won't be eating, could you please tell me a story? - She asked politely.
-I can do that, but I could also read you some love poems - he smiled charmingly.
-Yes! I'd love that! - She exclaimed excitedly.
-I'll be right back, then - he said, coming out of the room for a moment to return with an old, fat book - I bookmarked the poems that I think you'd like the most to hear. There are 83 of them, and they aren't short at all.
-I can't wait to hear them all.
-It's a shame that I'm not much of a poet myself. You only deserve the very best, and my rhymes are far from that.
-Aww, it always warms my heart when I see how you treat me.
The two spent a while at the dinner table; long enough for Cyril's kind voice to beguile Kiriia for the beautiful poetry. However, she still looked out for his well-being, despite being seemingly lost in thoughts of doing only romantic things.
-Cyril, love, aren't you hungry? - she asked.
-Actually, I haven't eaten much today... Didn't feel too hungry, I guess - he replied - but I should definitely eat something.
-How about this: we both change into something comfy, lay down together. You'll grab some food you can eat while in bed, and then read me some more poetry. Please?
-Of course, love, that's a splendid idea.
-Can I wait in your bedroom, then?
-Of course.
With that, Kiriia went to Cyril's bedroom, changing into her comfortable pajama. It was very warm, comfy, and certainly not revealing. Cyril, in the meanwhile, went into his pantry and got himself a small jar of olives. Returning to his bedroom, he only grabbed his pajama without paying much mind to Kiriia for the moment. After walking out of the room and changing into it, he went back in. It was just a comfortable, loose sleeping shirt and some comfortable, loose pants. Nothing remarkable. Getting in bed with Kiriia, he also brought his poetry book. He wrapped an arm around the harpy, putting down the book and starting to eat the olives before they were snatched from his hand. Kiriia, who was now holding the jar, put it down on the bed.
-How about we do things more romantically? - She said, picking a single olive, holding it in her beak, suggesting for Cyril to just take it. He picked up the clue and his mouth touched her beak briefly before eating it. And then the same happened with the next one, and the one after that, and so on. They both found it to be very romantic and cute. Like as if he was sick, and she was caring for him. Or like a harpy mother feeds her child. Hard to deny the element of adorableness. Once there were no more olives left, she still moved her beak close to his mouth, looking him in the eyes. He moved his head closer too, and before they both knew it, Kiriia's beak involuntarily opened, and so did Cyril's mouth as they kissed each other. After the kiss was over, she kept being very close to him, this time just straight up laying on him, supporting most of her weight on his chest. She laid her head in a way so the side of her beak was touching Cyril's face, and she could kiss his cheek at any moment with minimal effort. The hunter picked up his book and started to read poems in a seductive whisper. As he read on and on, she started kissing him with increasing intensity. He eventually had to put the book down and just give in to her sweet kisses.  And it felt like she was doing it for an eternity, with nearly no desire to stop. It felt like the best of feelings for both of them. Eventually, they both got tired, at which point they were nearly asleep.
-Goodnight, Cyril, my love.
-Goodnight, my lovebird.
They both uttered quietly. Cyril fell asleep sooner than Kiriia.
-Oh, Cyril, I can't wait until you'll finally be my husband. I love you. - she muttered to herself, kissing his forehead while under the assumption he was asleep. He wasn't yet, but hearing her tell him she loves him while she was just talking to herself made him feel amazing.