By the time Louis returned to the Red Tide Fief, the sun was already sinking low, spilling a warm, familiar wash of crimson over the tiers of stone bricks.
And as he stepped through the gates of the Lord's Castle, the last trace of weariness in his heart quietly melted away.
Before he could say anything, Emily rushed over and wrapped him in a tight embrace.
"...Welcome home."
Her voice was soft, but it carried unmistakable joy and a hint of hurt she had held back for far too long.
Louis froze for a moment, then chuckled and hugged her back, lowering his head to whisper in her ear, "I'm home."
Before the words had even faded, he swept her neatly into his arms.
"Ah-" Emily gave a soft cry of surprise and instinctively looped her arms around his neck.
A faint blush rose to her cheeks, but she did not struggle. Instead, she buried her head against his shoulder, her breathing light.
They returned to their familiar bedroom, and the next few hours naturally became a session of heated production.
The evening breeze brushed the curtains as that familiar blue-haired figure rose and fell in the amber light, her breathing a melody, her rhythm a tide.
There were no contrived pleasantries between them, nor any need for forced reminiscence.
There was only their unspoken trust and understanding, like a perfectly tended charcoal fire in the depths of night, catching at a touch without burning too fiercely.
Only late into the night were the bed curtains drawn and the firelight dimmed.
Emily rested her upper body across Louis's thighs, lazily nibbling a piece of preserved fruit to replenish her energy. Her hair hung loose, and she looked as languid as a well-fed cat.
"Did you finish dealing with things over