A Harpy's Embrace

The End

 The next morning, Kiriia woke up to laying alone in Cyril's comfy bed, smelling something delicious coming from the kitchen. After standing up and stretching, she made her way there to find the man preparing grilled fish in cheese and bechamel sauce. The harpy decided to be a little bit mischievous and sneak-up on him, trapping him in her wings as she approached closer and closer just to close the wings in on him without warning, pulling him into a tight embrace. Cyril got startled a little bit before surrendering to the feeling of her pleasant feathers.

-Good morning, my love - she said with a smug grin.-I'm impressed by how easily you snuck up on me, you mischievous little lovebird - he said, turning around and gently tickling the underside of her chin and kissing just a little bit higher. The harpy giggled, both at the tickling and being called a "mischievous little lovebird".-Whatever you're cooking there smells delicious - she said, running her beak through his hair before kissing his forehead.-This time, I made sure to make something that will be tasty for both me and you - he laughed, breaking out of her embrace and putting the meal out of his oven onto two separate deep plates, putting them down at the table. Both of them sat down to eat, telling each other to enjoy their meal.-So, any plans for today? - She asked.-I want to take you on a walk and show you the most beautiful place I know - he replied.In an hour, the couple found themselves standing near an old well. It was surrounded by a thicket from all sides, leaving only a small opening for the path. There were no trees immediately around the well; instead, there was a gorgeous palette of flowers, some growing near the well, and some on it. Kiriia sat down on the soft grass.-Don't mind me - Cyril said, making Kiriia give him a curious look, but she complied. The man closed his eyes and extended his arms forward such that his palms pointed at the sky - oh, Calliope, mother nature, who sent life and love upon this world, may you bless me and my heart's chosen so she and I can experience the happiness we yearn for - he whispered, and the wind immediately picked up after that.-Hmm? - Kiriia wondered what's happening, feeling odd. She stood up, looking down at Cyril.-I love you beyond words, Kiriia. I can try describing it, but I can't - Cyril said, opening his eyes. The harpy looked down at him with a wide smile painted across her face. For a moment, it felt like nothing existed but him. He then spoke again - I can only hope you deeply understand my feelings and that both of us will be happy together until the end of our days - he kneeled, pulling out a small box and opening it, revealing the ring he received from the priestess - Kiriia, will you marry me?-Yes - she said involuntarily as if Calliope herself pushed her to do it. But she would've said this anyway.The two were happy with each other beyond words. After the initial excitement settled down, they needed a moment for their mouths to rest, for they kissed each other in so much passion, they thought such levels could only be achieved in fiction. Laying down on the ground, Cyril wrapped his arms around her, letting her rest her head on his chest. They noticed that the flowers around the well were even more abundant and beautiful than before.-The first of my ancestors who proposed to a harpy did it here, next to this well. It is said that he was blessed by Calliope, just like I am. It's been a long-standing tradition since then, along with saying the short prayer to the goddess nature.-That's beautiful, love.-According to my family's legend, for two days in a lifetime, the time flows differently in this place. We can stay here until we are both too exhausted to do anything but sleep in each other's embrace and then, we will wake up in our own bed. The other day that time flows differently here is the day of the wedding.-I can't wait until that day comes, my future husband.And so, the couple gave in to their feelings. It was the purest, most platonic form of love, probably because it was the goddess's will. They weren't just holding up the tradition, they were fulfilling her divine plan, for mother nature wanted her children to be happy. The couple kissed, danced, talked, cuddled and wondered about their future until they had no energy to continue. The next morning, they woke up in Cyril's bed. Well, now the bed belonged to both of them.Two weeks later, Cyril was chasing her lover through the woods, doing his best not to ruin his wedding suit. It took him long to catch up, and when he finally did, he noticed that he was, again, near the well surrounded by the thicket. He gasped when he saw Kiriia's curvy backside revealed before him.-Like what you see? - She said teasingly, and with a wide grin.-"Like" would be a gross underestimation.-That's the answer I counted for - she said, slowly turning around, covering her body with her wings at first before showing it to her lover.-Don't just stare. It isn't the first day we've known each other - she laughed, referencing the tradition.-Pff. The first day we've known each other, I rescued you from the wolves, remember?-You got me. Then I was all secretive around you, playing around with masks, scolding you for complimenting my eyes.-And then Nariia.-And then Nariia, yeah. Let's forget about her. But then, would the goddess bless you if not for her?-It was all part of the goddess's plan, it looks like. And then, the beautiful scene of me laying in your wings at the temple.-You made a gorgeous painting out of it. One day, you'll have to paint me naked.-Will do.-After the miracle, soon came the first day of spring. That's where something beautiful sprouted.-Heh, the first few shy days, painting you, then trying to talk to you... Cuddling with you is unforgettable. And then the proposal.-And after that, preparations for the wedding and more of the cuddly goodness.-True. And that's where we are now.-Now, Cyril, how about you shut that sweet mouth and warm my body up? I got cold from the lack of clothes.-Will do, sweetheart.