<div class="floatright">(https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/006/763/746/large/lee-do-kyung-cdd.jpg?1501077532)</div>Elaine swooned in Larissa's arms, kissing back with equal vigour and enthusiasm. She let her pelt drop about her ankles, leaving her utterly naked. This had long been their dynamic, Larissa sweeping Elaine off her feet, ever since they had first taken an interest in each other beyond childhood friends.<br/><br/>As Larissa's composure broke, however, Elaine straightened. She saw that it was her turn to stand tall for the woman she loved. "It's okay Risa," she said, running her hand through Ruxvan's hair. "I'm safe... I'm safe." There was a hint of cracking in her voice though, her own tears running down into Larissa's hair. "I'm terrified, and confused, but I'm safe..." She tightened her grip on her beloved. "I'm the Baroness, Risa... It wasn't supposed to turn out this way... It wasn't supposed to be<em>me</em>..."<br/><br/>She shuddered, pressing closer against Larissa, the cold armour chilling her bare skin. "We were supposed to go out into the world, adventure together, far from the politics and backstabbing... But now I'm caught in the middle of all that backstabbing, and I'm going to have to drag you along with me because by all the gods, I know I can't do it alone..."