The Land Below our Feet III (Legacy)

STEAM

The dense mist that clouded the damp space had condensed on their glistening skin as they remained embraced in numb exhaustion, taking ragged breaths of hot, thick steam into their overworked lungs.

-This can't be healthy – Sehira wheezed. Her strained voice echoing around the walls of the suffocating vault – We shouldn't do this anymore.

-What? Having a quickie after a long, boring day of work? – Iktan chuckled, placing a peck on the back of her palm – Why not?

-We could pass out from dehydration if we're not more careful – She sternly commented, suddenly standing up – And no, I am not talking about “this”, Iktan. I mean I don't want to argue with you anymore.

-Oh, I was not arguing, my lady, I am just worried that this pot is about to boil, that's all – The soldier calmly responded. Rising, and grabbing her hand into his, then promptly leading her out of the asphyxiating chamber – And I think we've both faced way more challenging circumstances than spending a few minutes in a steamy room doing some workout.

-Don't be so humble, my darling! You know perfectly well that was a lot longer than just a few minutes – Sehira-Xe scoffed. Turning around to face him and patting his arm repeatedly with a suggestive grin – As for that pot, there is no need to worry. So, please, don't.

-It is a shame that we can't stay in there any longer – He purposefully changed the subject as he escorted her into the adjacent boudoir, glancing admiringly at the foggy chamber they had emerged from – I would have never expected the boondocks to have such an awesome amenity.

-Well, I doubt the Sigerdeen consider this a luxury, like you, but more of a necessity – Sehira tiredly observed. Grabbing a glass of water from a tray displayed on a nearby counter, and taking a thirsty chug from it.

-Is it that bad? That you can't tell me? – Iktan distractedly mumbled after a silent moment as he helped the woman climb into a large marble tub filled with a contrastingly cold liquid.

His sight shamelessly wandering towards her retracting n*****s out of habit, then traveling upwards and stumbling with her severe frown staring at him.

-Yeah, yeah, I get it – He tediously grunted, defensively raising his hands up – This is above my rank, and yadda, yadda, yadda, whatever other technicality you want to quote now… Yet, you seem to forget that I know you very, very well, my love.

-Honey – Sehira-Xe began saying. But she immediately paused when she noticed his deadpan glare, and the arms he had crossed expectantly over his chest.

Instead, she closed her eyes, violently shivering as she reluctantly submerged her body in the piercingly chilly waters while she clearly tried to look for a response that would not hurt him some more, but that only made him scowl.

-You and I… We've been battling together for over a decade. And you've never even once been so formal about the hierarchy that binds us – He puffed out with resentment – And now, somehow, this time it is different because your precious Axe is involved?

-Yahurians don't take sides, not even their own… But you should already know that – Sehira solemnly groaned with a hint of annoyance and equal worry in her tone – Don't you see! This is not only about Axe. This is larger than him, or than any of us!

-Finally! – Iktan victoriously exclaimed, carefully stepping into the bathtub behind her and pulling her towards his pectorals – At least you are being honest now!

He sighed, his warm breath brushing lightly against her temple as he wrapped her tightly in his bulky arms.

-Look – He murmured in her ear, making her shiver even more – I honestly couldn't care less about what you choose to tell me, or what you don't… I trust you blindly. I always have! I just need you to know that I am here for you… And that I am not dumb.

-Oh, trust me, that is quite obvious – She quietly replied in defeat, leaning against him while audibly sniffling and gritting her teeth.

-Good! – He announced with palpable contentedness, propping his chin on her head – Then can we please focus on enjoying what little is left of our leisure time together before you inevitably leave?

-Leave? What the f**k does that mean? – Najanka growled, slamming her fist on the table and waving her index finger at the Xoltunian archer standing defiantly before her, then pointing it authoritatively at the Yahurian Guider – You! Tell her! Tell her that nobody leaves!

-Calm down – Sehira-Xe composedly suggested in a purposefully gentle voice. Raising an eyebrow at both women, then nodding at the other present men, and the surrounding chairs – Why don't we all take a seat?

-That is a great idea! – The Mavaerian King, who was standing beside her supportively said. Taking the lead and promptly plopping on one of the empty spots, then wordlessly gesturing for the enraged woman's twin to do the same as him.

- Naja, please! – Vihant´s King cautiously called out, obediently sitting by Ishtun while tentatively offering his fuming sister a tense smirk – I think they might be right. I'm sure we can all talk this out if we try.

-No! I am not begging them to do their stupid job, Pithan! – The woman angrily vociferated – They are supposed to protect us, are they not?

-Only Yahur is, Princess – Sehira sharply reminded her– The other armies are lending you a hand simply out of sympathy.

-And not for you in the very least. I hope that part is clear – The Xoltunian archer snidely remarked, giving her an eye-roll – We only came because our Queen originally thought that her daughter might be up here. But there is no reason to stay if that is no longer the case. So, we need to go back to our realm before the winter fully sets in!

-Why? Are you scared of a little snow? – The northern princess mockingly spat at her – How disappointing… I always thought that you Xoltunians were tough as hell.

-Oh, the snow is just fine, Your Grace – The warrior contemptuously said – It is the food that has been getting progressively scarce lately, that's why our people are scared... Because, as lovely as your cute little villages are, we would really hate to starve.

-Bah, you're such huge cry-babies – Najanka puffed out, dismissively waving her hand – You spoiled brats clearly don't even know what starving looks like! I assure you there is plenty of food this year in both Muhonos and Vihant.

-And you clearly don't have a proper army of your own – The archer retorted with disdain – Because you haven't got the slightest idea of what it takes to feed one. I've seen your cellars, and trust me, that won't be enough to get us by!

-Neither will it be enough with only Mavaer´s and Yahur's combined forces to defend these shores when the menace finally comes if you don't help – Sehira-Xe abruptly intervened – There is a reason why we marched here together… We need you all.

-Besides, may I remind you of Histya's order to wait for her until she's finished with her business up at Cahen? – King Ishtun casually stated, staring firmly at the disgruntled archer – I bet she wouldn't be very pleased to find you gone.

-That is true! – Pithan seconded in a hopeful voice – You should stay put until your ruler's return! And I am sure that they must already be on their way... The Commander himself promised that they wouldn't take too long.

-The Commander would also agree that a famished soldier is as useful as a blunt sword – The Xoltunian warrior coldly responded – After all, he is always saying so.

-But I won't let that happen – The Mavaerian King reassured her, placing a comforting hand on the woman's thick forearm – I will personally see that our rations are strategically redistributed from now on to share with your troops, and I am sure that the Guider here will be happy to do the same with theirs, don't you, friend?

The olive-attired monarch emphatically asked, staring at the masked woman's dark eyes pleadingly with a frozen smile on his face.

-Of course – Sehira-Xe limited herself to answering, before standing up and walking away from them – Besides, hunger will soon be the least of our problems. So, prepare.

An almost relieved gasp escaped from the Yahurian leader's throat when she tiredly crawled into bed that early morning, and she was swiftly pulled into a tight embrace.

-I told you, my dear – Iktan´s groggy voice whispered in her ear as she held longingly to him – We may have stopped the pot from boiling, but there is still a lot of steam forming.

-It is not the steam that should be concerning us, darling – She sadly replied, mindlessly kissing the tip of his nose, then nodding at the large window across the room and the growing pile of snow gathering on its sill– It's the frost.