-Roxy-

  The pale worm was actually a pair. One had been killed by Sylphie at the cost of her hand. The other was enraged by the death of its kin. It rampaged through the final chamber, desperate to kill our party. I wish I could have left it to Elinalise and Talhand, but it was simply too strong.

  I hated myself for leaving Sylphie on her own. It was my fault she was so grievously injured. Her hair was already going white from mana exhaustion, but she still clung to consciousness, pouring what little remained of her magic into her bleeding arm. I wanted to take that burden from her, but we didn't have the luxury. I had to fight.

  The battle was long and grueling. Elinalise struggled to defend us. With only her on the front line, she had to withstand a near endless assault from the beast. Talhand was finally free to cast earth magic, now that we didn't need to worry about attracting the fiend. Still, the pale worm's hide was thick and sturdy. It brushed off blows and resisted most cuts. It was only through a focused assault on the same area that we were finally able to break through its scales and deliver a killing blow.

  Years of experience was the only thing keeping me from rushing to Sylphie's side. We had to make sure it was dead. Using the wound that pierced its skin, I froze it from the inside out, letting Elinalise split the fiend in two with her blade. Once it's death was certain, I went to check on Sylphie.

  Looking over her, my heart stopped. She had gone pale. From head to toe, there was no sign of life. Her hair had lost all its green luster, now as white as freshly laid snow. The only color was the red blood pooling at her gut, where her injured arm was scabbed over. Holding her remaining hand, I prayed for any sign of life. Shallow as it was, I could feel her heart beat. Putting a hand to her mouth, I could feel her breathing. She was alive, but barely.

  I moved to carry her, before Elinalise stopped me. She made me remove both our bags and Sylphie's armor, to make her as light as possible. I worried that she wouldn't be as safe, but I was reassured we'd escape just fine. As we left Talhand to collect any valuable materials and treasures, Elinalise and I began our climb back to the surface.

  As we progressed through the seventh layer, I was shocked to see the devastation. Monsters were slaughtered like mere cattle. Barriers I needed to eliminate with fiery explosions were carved away by thousands, if not millions, of cuts. Doubtless a result of Sylphie's wind magic. She left a path of destruction in her wake. When I asked Elinalise what had driven her to such desperate methods, she gave me a pitying stare. Or perhaps it was aimed as Sylphie? “It was for you.”

  “Oh...”

  The rest of our ascent was spent in silence. We were able to avoid the few monsters that remained in the dungeon, although I worried the smell of blood would attract them to the final chamber. Elinalise didn't seem to care, so I assumed Talhand would be able to handle them if they came. We reached the surface at shocking speed. I was so thankful to see the sky again.

  I pushed myself to reach town before the end of day. Elinalise offered to take Sylphie for the rest of the trip, but I refused. I knew I was being was immature and stubborn, but I owed her so much. Sylphie had saved my life, not once, but twice. If not for her, I would have been eaten by monsters. I took for granted how much she cared for me. Getting her safely back to town was my burden to bare.

  When we finally arrived at the guild, I went about getting Sylphie a room. Elinalise went to find a doctor, while I watched over her in bed. Once Sylphie was examined, we were told all we could do was wait. Her arm was near fully healed and she hadn't suffered any other injuries. What she needed was rest.

  The next three days, we watched over her. We tended to all her needs, giving her water, disposing of her waste, wiping away her sweat and changing her clothes. I tried to say I'd watch over her at all times, but Elinalise put her foot down. I was still recovering myself and couldn't be neglecting my own health. I wanted to put up a fight, but she was right. So, we took turns. Her during the day and me at night.

  It wasn't until the evening of the third day that we Sylphie left alone. Her breathing was returning to normal and a healthy blush was returning to her skin. Even her hair had regained most of its green color, save a single streak that remained white. Elinalise told me she wanted to talk over dinner. While I was still hesitant to leave Sylphie alone, I granted her wish.

  “So, what do you plan to do?” Elinalise didn't touch her food. It was clear my interrogation was her only concern.

  I didn't hesitate to answer. “I plan to support Sylphie.” For some, adventuring with a missing limb wasn't an issue, but for others, it was the end of their carrier. For a spell caster, losing your hands was as good as losing your life. “With one of her hands missing, she won't be able to use magic and her sword at the same time anymore. That's my fault. She's my responsibility.”

  I expected that was what Elinalise was after. Maybe due to their shared race, she looked over Sylphie like a parent. Even without her interference, that would have been my plan. However, she sighed in exasperation. “Do you still not understand?”

  “Understand what?” I was confused. Surely taking care of my adventuring partner, my former student, my savior, was the expected outcome.

  “Why do you think she fought so hard for you?”

  “Because she's...” I came up short. Why had she gone as far as risking her life for me? Even as adventuring partners, her life should have taken priority. As a teacher, it was expected that I should die instead of my student. She was my savior, but why had she pushed herself so far for me? “Why did she do it?”

  With another sigh, Elinalise gave a hint. “What if Sylphiette was a man?”

  “If she was...” Thinking about it from that perspective, it became clear. “Oh.” I would have been smitten if a young man had saved me in such a manner. I had dreamed of such an encounter. I now regretted it, realizing how cruel it was to wish a tragedy on my protector just to bring us closer together, but it was what I had wanted. Still, things started to make sense. Syphie's attachment to me. Her over-protective habits. How she laughed off my flaws. “Because she loves me.”

  “There it is.” Elinalise smiled at me. It seems she must enjoy playing cupid. To go so far for a stranger's romance seemed excessive, but she was an experienced adventurer. Maybe clearing a labyrinth was a simple matter for her. “So, I'll ask again. What do you plan to do?”

  “I...” I paused. I needed to think things through properly. I had never viewed Sylphie romantically. In truth, I never considered other women as potential partners. I expected to find a man to marry. Changing my perspective of her wasn't easy. I'd known her for nearly ten years. She was hard working, persistent and cunning. She would laugh at my mistakes, but never criticize me for them. When I needed help, she was always there. If she were a man, I wouldn't hesitate for a second. I would make him mine. But she wasn't. Yet, she still loved me. Could I really stay by her side now that I knew? The woman she loves, so close, but always out of reach. Would that be an acceptable result or a crueler fate than being abandoned? Faced with this dilemma, I answered honestly. “I don't know.”

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  “That's good. It means you're taking this seriously. I won't tell you what to do. I want Sylphiette to be happy, but not if it means you'll be throwing away your own happiness.” Wrapping up our discussion, she moved to eat her dinner. “Just talk to her with an open mind.”

  I nodded firmly. “I will.”

  I was watching over Sylphie that night. Hours of silence gave me plenty of time to sort through my feelings. What it meant to love a man? How it would be different if I loved a woman? I found two answers.

  The first was parenthood. I would never have a child, but I didn't think that would be too bad. I had plenty of students that I helped raise. Eris, Aisha and Norn were so young when I instructed them, so their education involved plenty of work that could be considered parenting. I found fulfillment in that. Were they any less my children because I didn't birth them? I didn't think so. If I found myself with a maternal urge, I could return to being a teacher.

  Then there was the greater issue: sexual preference. All my life, I had imagined myself with men, and I found that satisfying. When I gave the same thought to sharing a bed with women, I didn't find it unpleasant, but I kept coming back to what a woman lacked. Unlike with men, who's main asset could be reproduced for independent research, it wasn't so easy to simulate what intercourse would be like with a woman. I had researched different forms of sex, so I knew two women could managed just fine, but I couldn't escape the assumption that it wouldn't be as satisfying. So, I couldn't find a definitive answer.

  That night was the first time I imagined Sylphie as my partner. Over the last few days, I had been taking care of her, so I knew how she looked without her clothing. I hadn't felt anything before then, but after realizing how she felt, wiping down her naked body suddenly felt inappropriate. Getting past that, I tried to picture us making love. I didn't mind the idea, but I came to the same conclusion: I preferred the thought of sleeping with a man.

  As I realized what I had to do, Sylphie stirred. “Where am I?”

  “You're back at the guild.” I moved to stand next to her. “You've been asleep for three days.”

  “Roxy. You're okay.” She used my name so casually. She had spent so many years insisting on calling me teacher. Now that I understood her feelings, I was the one embarrassed by her calling my name. As Sylphie lifted her left arm, she stared at the stump. Lowering it over her eyes, her voice went cold. “So it's really gone.”

  “Sylphie...” I tried to find the words, but they wouldn't come. Instead, I heard her crying. She had the right. This was a life changing injury. I stroked her hair as she let it all out.

  Between sobs, she started to talk. “I'm s-sorry. I wanted to keep you safe, but... but now I can't protect you any more.” She swallowed down her sorrow and frustrations. “I just wanted to be there for you. I wanted you to rely on me. Because...” She choked, unable to continue.

  She went silent. I knew what she wanted to say, but it was important she say it herself. I wasn't going to push her. “Take your time.”

  After a few moments, she lifted her arm to her forehead. Her eyes were bloodshot and tears ran down her gaunt face. Still, she carried on. “It's because I love you.”

  “I know.” I kept rubbing her head. I was proud of her for being so brave.

  “But you don't love me.” She put the words in my mouth. I wanted to reject them, to give her what she wanted. Yet, I couldn't reply. “I know I'm not your type. I'm not tall, or handsome, or stylish.” She covered her eyes again, a new rain of tears pouring down. “I'm not Eris.”

  I was surprised to hear her mention Eris, but it didn't take me long to realize the connection. At least in this way, I could honestly comfort her. “Eris was my first student. She'll always be important to me. However, she can be crass, inconsiderate and mean. I don't want a partner like that.” I thought back to when Sylphie saved me, and how I felt. “You know my fantasy. You reenacted it perfectly, even though I wish you hadn't. I always imagined feeling an overwhelming sense of love at that moment. Instead it felt...” I paused, looking for the right word.

  Sylphie, all out of tears to cry, turned to sit up. I helped her, as she wasn't used to moving with only one hand. Looking me in the eyes, fear clear on her face, she asked. “How did it feel?”

  “It felt... right. Like it was always supposed to be you.”

  Sylphie smiled. Expectations lit up in her eyes. “Then, do you love me?”

  The look of excitement, of hope in her eyes, made me want to lie. I wanted to give her everything she desired. Yet, I couldn't. “I don't know.” I saw despair starting to creep back in, but I put a stop to that, lifting her chin and making her look my way again. “I've thought it through. I know you can make me happy. I know you'll always be there. I know you'll always love me.” Having enraptured her, I drew my hand back and began removing my dress.

  “Roxy, what are you doing?”

  Ignoring Sylphie's panicked question, I continued. “The only thing I can't be certain of is if I'll be sexually satisfied. I always thought a man would take me, so accepting a woman won't be easy.” Being so direct was embarrassing, but necessary for finding my answer. With only my underwear remaining, I sat next the her. “Now, you have to prove your love. Sylphie... No, Sylphiette. Show me that I won't regret giving myself to you.”

  Syphie reached out with her hand, caressing my cheek. Inches from my face, she whispered. “I'll satisfy you.” Then she kissed me.

  The next morning, I came down alone. Sylphiette still needed to rest. Especially after last night. As soon as I sat down to eat, Elinalise took a seat across from me. With a smirk, she began her interrogation. “So, how did it go?”

  I remained composed, although there was nothing I could do about my blushing face. I kept the details sparse. “Sylphiette woke up last night. We had a good talk.”

  “And how was the sex?”

  Mid sip of coffee, I spat it back into the cup. Coughing, I tried to recover my composure. “I didn't lay a finger on her!”

  “Oh, the poor dear.” Elinalise gave a heavy sigh. “Her first night and you made her do all the work. All while she's still recovering.”

  “Now, hold on. She may have started by servicing me, but after a while...” My already blushing face must have sunken an even deeper shade of red, as I realized I had all but confessed.

  Elinalise stopped teasing, giving me a gentle smile. “Go on. How was it?”

  With no reason to deny, I explained the encounter. “Sylphiette was making me feel good. Really good. But, I didn't want to be the only one receiving.”

  Elinalise interject, with an informative tone. “Some people get off on their partner's pleasure.”

  “She said as much, but I wanted to make her feel good too. She didn't know how women received at the same time. So, I had to...” I was too embarrassed to say, so I imitated the act with my hands. The fingers overlapped, the same as our legs. After a few seconds of that, I threw my hands down. “I took the lead for the rest of the night. It was... nice.”

  “So, will you two work out?”

  “Yeah.” I was a bit amused by my concern from the night before. I knew how passionate Sylphiette could be. I shouldn't have been surprised she would so thoroughly assuage my fears. “I think I can love her.”

  “That's wonderful.” Having finished her interrogation, Elinalise stood. “Then, I'll go check on her.”

  “W-wait!” I reached out, grabbing her hand. “She's still... indecent.”

  With a devious grin, Elinalise looked down at me. “Then, I guess I'll leave her to you.”

  I nodded quickly, feeling my face burn from the embarrassment. “Right.”

  As if a blessing from heaven, the guild doors burst open, revealing a filthy Talhand. After returning from the labyrinth, he had dropped in briefly to check in on us and delivery our cut of the money. We hadn't seen him since, so coming in at the break of dawn looking like the bottom of a fire pit wasn't what we expected. “Good. I don't have to hunt you two down.” With a mighty thud that nearly shattered his chair, he collapsed down next to me. “How's the little lady doing?”

  “From what Roxy says, she's as energetic as a rabbit.” Elinalise giggled, throwing me a sidelong glance.

  The teasing either went over Talhand's head or went ignored, as he continued unabated. “Well, get her down here. I have a present for her.” With a careless toss, he threw a bundle onto the table. It unraveled as it rolled, revealing a small gauntlet. It was so slim, I didn't understand how a hand could fit inside. Looking back to the soot smothered dwarf, he grinned. “That's a prototype. It won't be articulate, but it should allow for channeling magic. I used her cut of the loot for supplies. If she wants anything better, the little missus will need to supply the material.”

  I looked at Elinalise, who was already staring back at me. Despite his business-like facade, we both knew Talhand was starting to care for Sylphiette. Holding my partner's second lease on life, I rose from my seat. “I'll get Sylphiette.”