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Miriel arrived at the exact time, right upon schedule. She was to observe Minerva's actions today in scientific study. Though she would also enjoy some time with Cherche as she always did.
Cherche's quarters were the largest of all, to no surprise. She'd sacrifice comfort for space, in order to keep from being parted from Minerva. Which meant she often carried cots off into unused storage arenas deep within forts, or stayed at the edge of camp with a tent large enough for Minerva to stick her head in.
Now was no different. The room was large, a little musty for Miriel's taste, and largely undecorated. But, it was large enough to house Minerva, and to Cherche that was the most important factor.
Cherche's back was turned to her. Miriel paused. Her back was quite lovely. She'd wondered at why it was bare--was it a fashion of Roseanne? It seemed a glaring chink within her armor. Though the enemy would have to work hard to hit her within the air, even with arrows.
"Oh, not again..."
"Is something the matter?" Miriel said.
"Ah, you're here. Good. Help me, would you?"
Now that she came closer, Miriel realized that there were deep rips went down Cherche's dress.
Miriel undid the last lacing which had caught. Bits of fabric fell away from her grip as she did.
"Goodbye to another dress. I'm going to have to hem it up again. This war is hell upon my wardrobe."
"So this is why you wear backless, when it would provide an obvious opening for attack? I thought it simply the fashion ordained by Lord Virion," Miriel said.
"If I don't give it some room, I'd have to deal with my dress ripping right there. It'd be so embarrassing to have to retreat from battle or go in my shortclothes."
Miriel held her friend untangle from the now ruined dress. Her brow furrowed.
Cherche's back muscles were quite compelling and strong. She was quite feminine, and also quite muscular. It was a surprisingly alluring combination.
The muscles of her back moved and she lifted her arms...Miriel was suddenly taken with the mental image of what it would be like to have Cherche's strong arms upon her.
Lifting her up, carrying her, undressing her....
Miriel paused. She was not prone to suddenly fall into lewd daydreams. She was a woman of science and magic, who only lost herself in the pursuit of facts and knowledge. Never had love made her silly and lost in thought.
And never before had her attentions been upon a woman.
Yes, she'd had some interest in men before. This was a first.
Cherche sighed. Whatever attempt she had at putting together buttons had not worked, apparently.
"Well, there's no salvaging this one. At least it broke here in private and not on the battlefield," Cherche said.
She stepped out of the rags and stood before Miriel with nothing but shortclothes. A loin cloth about her waist, and a backless shirt beneath her clothes. Presumably some form of 'brasserie' as they were called.
Her body was both deeply toned and muscled and curvy. She pushed her reddish hair over her broad shoulder. A different red than Miriel's own auburn.
"I hope you don't mind. I'll get changed in a moment. Then you can play with Minerva all you want."
Miriel was about to protest that this was actually scientific study, thank you very much. But she found she couldn't form words. She could barely breathe at the sight of Cherche in such a state.
Cherche's stomach was quite toned, with strong and rippling abdominal muscles. Her arms were strong enough to easily lift even the heaviest of axes.
She'd easily be able to carry off Miriel and easily rip her robes off.
Miriel tilted her head. How...strange. Increased pulse and heart rate. Her face was flushing. She could hardly bare to look at Cherche, yet she also could not bear to look away.
(And what was this thought? She did not fall into deep passion, nor did she condone the wasting of resources like her robes! Though the carrying part should be fine, she supposed.)
She was captivated, breathless, and more than a little in love with her friend. No, maybe 'in lust' would be more appropriate. Love required time. Love was something she wasn't entirely existed, though there was much scientific study upon.
Though, technically they had been friends for some time. It wasn't as if Cherche were a stranger. Would this make it love, lust or both? Fascinating, she must study this further...
"I did bother you, didn't I? Sorry. I didn't foresee this dress going ripping into pieces."
Miriel cleared her throat. "It's...not an issue."
"Oh, I've embarrassed you, have I? Sorry about that. I figured since we are both girls, it wouldn't matter too much."
"No, there is no problem," Miriel said.
Miriel pushed her glasses up. It wasn't in her nature to hide things. She was entirely too blunt, according to many.
Cherche never minded. She'd once, at the Harvest Festival, even said that she liked hearing Miriel speak. Most found her boring, but Cherche did not.
Come to think of it, it was then that a little warmth settled in her chest whenever she saw Cherche.She thought this love was 'friendship,' but perhaps it was the first stirrings of love.
"In truth, it is a discovery I had not foreseen. I do believe I am attracted to you. How strange. I did not realize I had the potential to be attracted to women as well."
"Oh?" Cherche said sweetly.
"You are, perhaps, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life. Just looking at you is like staring at the most breathtaking goddess, the radiance of the sun."
Minerva let out a cry.
"Yes, that was very smooth," Cherche said.
"If I knew my dress ripping to pieces is what it would take to get you to confess, I would've brought you here long ago, as I go through about dress a week at this rate. Come to think of it, Minerva, it was you that chewed up my dress. Were you playing matchmaker all along?"
Minerva let out a shriek.
"You did, didn't you! Aww, did you want two mommies?"
It took Miriel a few moments to take this all in. Cherche was not surprised in the least. In fact, she seemed happy?
"Hmm? You share...romantic feelings for me?"
"Wasn't it obvious? I invited you over at every opportunity."
"For scientific study," Miriel said.
"I always stayed near you on the battlefield," Cherche said.
"We are comrades. Is that not what comrades in arms do? Or was I showing affection when I helped my fellow soldiers in battle? How strange, I had never expected such a thing."
Cherche laughed. "I didn't expect you to argue with me while I'm trying to confess to you, but that's very like you."
"My apologies. I see everything should be rigorously inspected and dissected, feelings included."
"I don't fully trust or understand feelings. Though I am undoubtedly attracted to you. Quite potently so, in fact."
Cherche came closer.
"You like things scientific, yes? There's an easy way to test that. And I know how much you love rigorous scientific testing."
"That would be quite agreeable," she said. "What are you suggesting?"
"This," Cherche said.
She leaned down and cupped Miriel's face. Miriel was suddenly flooded with sensations. The sweet scent of Cherche's body as she came close. She had to bend down, as she was tall as well. The pressure of curves against her, as well as the firmness of taut, strong muscles.
"Are you comfortable with this? Because in a few moments, I'll kiss you. You'll definitely know for sure then, yes?"
And the soft warmth of her lips, so captivating.
"T-That would be quite a drastic experiment."
Cherche laughed. "It would. But, sometimes drastic measures are needed."
"Ahem, yes. That would be...agreeable," Miriel said.
"I'm going to have to move your hat now, or it'll bump right into me," Cherche said cheerfully.
"Go on," Miriel said.
Oh, the way her pulse pounded. Cherche stepped back. The kiss was quick, too quick. Cherche was simply being kind, not pushing her too much in this scientific investigation.
Her face was flushed. Her heartbeat erratic. And she felt quite...alive.
Increased heart rate? Check. Flush in cheeks? Check. Near dizziness and almost ecstatic feelings? Check. She undoubtedly, felt lust right now. Love, too, perhaps.
"I am entirely certain now that I am both attracted to women as a whole, and you."
Cherche smiled so deeply that her eyes closed in joy.
"See? Experiments can be fun," Cherche said.
"I daresay Minerva thinks so as well," Miriel said.
Cherche laughed softly. "That she does. You're starting to pick up on talking to her, aren't you?"
"I have begun the scientific study of classifying her various shrieks, growls and other noises. It is still rudimentary, however," Miriel said.
"I hope you come for many more 'scientific studies with me," Cherche teased.
"I shall, and most of all for you," Miriel said.