The Scarlet Paladin

Claire took a brief nap, thankfully it was quite peaceful. The most peaceful sleep she had gotten in four days. She woke up sharper and feeling much more well rested. She stretched her muscles as she got up, her twin lovers stirring as she did. She heard their breath quicken as she did.

Ana watched Claire’s arms as she stretched, eyeing how her arms flexed. She watched as her muscles flexed and then relaxed, unconsciously biting her lip as she ogled her. She couldn’t take her eyes off of Claire, even when she turned to smile at the girl. She didn’t even register what Claire said until Elsie repeated it in her mind.

‘She’s trying to thank you for keeping her warm. Get your head out of the gutter.’ Elsie said, giving her a sly smile. 

“Aah, s-sorry… and anytime.” Ana said meekly, her face reddening.

Claire laughed at her response, she didn’t mind when Ana looked at her like that. Actually, it made her feel amazing when she did. Her pride was restored slightly as Ana ogled her toned body. She gave Ana a subtle flex of her bicep before turning to the other twin.

“You too Elsie. For the past couple of days too… I was only able to sleep peacefully with your help.” Claire said, kissing Elsie’s forehead. Elsie gave her a smile, not the sly or smug one, but her genuine smile. Her face reddened as she idly rubbed where Claire kissed her.

“Claire, you don’t have to thank us. We love you. Of course we’d help you.” Elsie whispered to her. Ana crawled next to her sister, nodding in agreement.

“W-we don’t need thanks… we just want you to feel better.” Ana said, her eyes focused on Claire.

Claire smiled and nodded. “Okay… I’ll show my thanks in other ways.” She watched Ana squirm as her face reddened at the insinuation. 

“Still so innocent despite everything she’s experienced,” her sister said. Elsie gave Claire a sly smile. 

“True, it’s part of her charm.” Lily said from the seat. She had awoken a while ago but decided to let the three talk first. She moved to join them on the bedding, leaning on Claire’s shoulder as she settled. “Glad you feel better. Mental pain isn’t something medicine or magic can fix…”@@novelbin@@

“Yeah, still feeling off. But at least I was able to sleep peacefully.” Claire whispered back.

“We’ll see how you react to combat. It’ll be a test for your fortitude.” Jasmine said, surprising all four. She was leaning against the back door of the carriage. “Shock like that stays with you for your whole life. Let it consume you, and fear will guide you. Conquer it, and you’ll become stronger.”

Claire felt a wave of nostalgia as Jasmine instructed her. She smiled warmly as she thought back on her days training. Another lesson from her past. Claire had always wanted to ask more about the people she met or how she knew any of these things. She had hoped Jasmine would tell more about her experiences for years, but talking about her mothers renewed that hope in her.

Claire took a deep breath, thinking about the combat they’d engage in tonight. However, the troll’s smile popped up in her head. The pit in her stomach formed as her body tensed up. Her fear slowly grew as her breathing became rapid. Lily gripped her arm. “Take your time… Mental shock isn’t something you can just muscle through.”

Claire eased up slightly, her mind still focusing on that damn smile. She let out a sigh before getting up. “Damn. I guess we’ll have to see tonight.” She retrieved her equipment from her storage space, the damage evident.

Claire felt the pressure build up again as she readied her equipment. She’d space out as she put on her leather armor, feeling the scratches or missing pieces from the previous fight. Her metal plates fit awkwardly on her leather armor frame. She’d have to get the leather pieces adjusted at the next smith they come across.

She ran her fingers over her left arm’s brace, feeling the once comfortable piece now prodding her arm. It looked mangled itself, giving her an idea of how her arm looked after blocking that attack. Even her leather chest piece felt crooked. It all added to her fear creeping back up.

Her mouth dried as she gripped the shield Jasmine gave her. A reminder of what her fate could have been. Her forehead was moist with sweat as her thoughts raced alongside her heart rate. Ana pulled her out of her thoughts by grabbing her sword hand.

Her dainty fingers entwined with Claire’s as she focused on her shield. She felt her muscles relax as she turned to the younger twin. Her blue eyes filled with concern for Claire as her shield was grabbed by her sister. Both twins looked to Claire with concern as she took a deep breath.

Lily offered her water for her dried mouth. Jasmine watched on, not knowing how best to help her. She could help her train her body and mind for combat, but not how best to deal with these emotions. It was something Jasmine struggled with to this day. Seeing anything that reminded her of her mother’s death would sometimes cause her to freeze up like Claire was. The pain and fear only lessened with time.

She was caught in her own thoughts as Elsie signaled her over. A bit of anger on her face as Jasmine wasn’t paying attention. She broke away from Claire, letting Ana and Lily dote on her. She whispered harshly to Jasmine, “Can’t even offer a hug?” Her voice broke Jasmine out. 

“I’m thinking… ‘What helped me when I was like this? What got me through the shock?’” Jasmine said. Her breathing techniques were suggested by a senior assassin she met. She also had entire skills to regulate her emotions to better complete her job.

“No offense, but if she uses your advice then she’d grow just as closed off.” Elsie said, her tone softening slightly. As much as she’d like to be angry with Jasmine, she knew that’d get her nowhere. She saw the realization hit Jasmine. Her harsh truth getting to the assassin.

Jasmine stared blankly at Elsie, her words settling in her mind as she thought about it. Elsie was right. Thinking about it from her own perspective would cause her to just muscle through it or suppress it until it bursts out. Ignoring it only lets it fester. She gripped her neck, thinking of her own trauma. Then looking at Claire, who was glancing back at the two.

“I hate to admit it, but you’re right.” Jasmine said with a sigh. Elsie gave her a smug smile, biting back any teasing. “Elsie… remind me to tell you and Ana of my mothers after tonight… I think it’s time I told you gals.” 

Elsie nodded, biting back her shock at Jasmine’s willingness to open up. She didn’t want to scare off Jasmine as she grabbed her hand gently, interlacing her fingers with Jasmine’s. She led Jasmine over to their paladin as they surrounded her. Claire was in the middle of all four of her lovers as they group hugged her.

Jasmine left thinking about her own trauma for another time, focusing on her lover’s. She hugged Claire from the back, tightening her grip on her waist. “I’m so proud of you… not many would jump back into combat so quickly.” She whispered to Claire.

Claire nodded, her chest warmed up as she listened. It felt nice to hear Jasmine’s praises as her tension eased. She took in the warmth of her lovers as her breathing regulated. Her thoughts were still racing, but were slowly replaced with thoughts of her lovers.

“Thank you… that means a lot.” Claire replied. Taking one, long deep breath she patted Lily’s back. Signaling her to let go, slowly all four of her lovers let go of Claire. She felt her fear fade into the back of her mind as her mind calmed. “I think I can do this…”

“You can always blame freezing tonight on the cockatrices.” Elsie whispered to Claire. Getting Claire to giggle. Laughing felt good as her fear left her.

“True, thanks Elsie.” Claire said before leaning down to kiss her cheek. She whispered softly to her. “Laughing helps a lot…”

“Anytime… I’ll be there to make you laugh…” Elsie whispered back.

Jasmine sighed before wrapping Elsie in a tight hug. True, she thought that unserious part of her was annoying, but it did help in situations like these. Also for kicking her in the butt. “Elsie… I owe you. Whatever you want of me, just let me know.”

She could feel the smug smile bearing into her chest, Elsie giggles were muffled. She felt her arousal press into her thigh as she decided to ignore it. “Anything?” Elsie asked, her voice muffled.

“Yes. Just wait until we’re traveling…” Jasmine said. 

“Mmm, I’ll think about it…” Elsie said, grinding against Jasmine. “What if I want it now?”

Jasmine sighed, regretting even thanking her. “No. Now we need to get ready.” She let go and tried to separate from Elsie, but she held on tight. She felt Elsie laugh as she pressed her face into Jasmine’s breasts.

“Fiiine… guess I’ll wait for later.” She said playfully. She was rubbing her face in Jasmine’s chest. Her body grinding against Jasmine’s as she smiled smugly at the assassin. “Just kidding…”

‘Elsie… we have to get ready.’ Her sister’s voice filled her mind. She pouted before letting go of Jasmine. 

‘Fine. But you’ll be joining her in thanking me.’ Elsie said with a huff. She grabbed her sister’s hand and pulled her into a hug. “We’ll make sure to take advantage of your favor.” She said, eyeing Jasmine.