CW: talk of transphobia and racism. 

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Eliza finally made it up the last few steps to the second floor of her father's house. She was exhausted from that trek up the stairs and even felt slightly woozy from it. She had managed to make it home without any incident and the alcohol had mostly worn off by now.

She let out a deep sigh as she walked into her room, placing her instrument on its stand and dumped her bag on the floor. Sitting down before her dresser she removed her jewellery and returned it to its usual locations. She was so happy to be home; she was able to wear all her jewellery that she wasn’t able to when she was adventuring. She filled the wash basin and removed her makeup; getting herself ready for the night.

She wiped her face with a towel before she stood up and walked into her ensuite bathroom, feeling she deserved a hot bath after that day. Turning on the taps she watched the steam rise from the stream of water. Her hand went into her pocket as she pulled out a small black stone with one gilded side. On the black side it had a bat engraved on it, and on the side covered in gold leaf it had an embossed symbol of a guitar. She had not spoken with her girlfriend in a number of days, and felt guilty for forgetting her.

Leaving the stone on the side of the tub, she walked around the room and lit some candles to give herself ambiance. Returning to the tub, she dipped her hand in, finding the temperature just right, and taking one of the many glass bottles from the shelf she poured the rose oil into the tub. The room filled with the scent, she turned the tap off and removed her clothing; dumping it on the floor.

Sitting on the side of the tub she rolled herself a cigarette before sliding in. The hot water enveloped her in its warm embrace. She exhaled deeply as she lit her cigarette with a click of her fingers, a flash of magic vibrated across the room before disappearing into the flame on her forefinger, the glow shining on the steam that rose from the tub. Staring at the ceiling she picked up her stone and blew on it, the engravings glowed a bright azure colour before fading to show a small, hovering sigil which flickered as the enchantment on the stone took hold. She placed the stone on the edge of the tub.

“Hi Perdita. How has your evening been?” Eliza spoke, the sigil vibrated to the tone of her voice as she puffed out smoke.

A heavy Valagardian accent came through the stone a few moments later. “It’s good to hear from you Eliza. My evenings are the same. Have you been keeping well?”

“Pretty well, I’ve been busy learning how to cast spells with rituals lately. It’s enjoyable but hard work.” Eliza responded.

“That does sound like an extremely useful skill to learn. I finished reading the book you gifted me, it is fascinating learning about how the tensions built up in the South of The Stormlands to cause a civil war.” Perdita responded, her voice eager. Eliza chuckled as she inhaled her cigarette and responded.

“It is interesting isn’t it? The tensions in the south had been there for some time, even when I had visited the area on holiday I had experienced quite terrible racism because I’m half elvish, though it was not as bad as the transphobia and racism my ex at the time had received. You’d have thought the governing body at the time would’ve tried to resolve the issue instead of stoking the tensions.”

“I’m sorry you had to experience that. This mindset baffles me. How do people think that those of fey descent are some sort of conspiracy? I consider myself a traditional woman but their concept of traditionalism and defined roles in society is illogical and honestly it disgusts me.” Perdita said.

“Likewise, I ended up punching the bigot. It annoyed me at the time and if I’m honest it still vexes me.” Eliza responded. She could feel her anger build and decided to put out her cigarette in the tray next to her and dunk herself into the water; coming back up feeling a bit calmer.

“What happened? I can’t picture you hitting someone with your bare hands.” Perdita asked, her voice sounding curious. Eliza laughed out loud, because she was right. She would not normally punch someone.

“Well, my ex is genderfluid and she can change her presenting gender when she pleases using magic. Whilst we were down there I was trying to get her more comfortable with her fluidity and she enjoyed wearing the same clothing regardless of presenting gender.” Eliza took a breath before she continued.

“Long story short, someone told her to stop dressing like a woman and dress like a man. I asked the man what he said, and he repeated himself. I didn’t even have to look at my partner to know the type of reaction she’d have. She’s very sensitive. I punched the bastard and then hit him with my guitar.” Eliza chuckled.

“I don’t care if I’m arrested for it again, I’d do it all over again.” Eliza finished.

“You were arrested for it?” Perdita asked.

“I did attack a person; even if it was well deserved.” Eliza leaned forward in the tub, the water sloshed as she stood up; the water fell down her slim body. She climbed out the tub and picked up the small stone, to respond.

“It got brushed under the rug pretty quickly, especially when the temple of Ordus agreed that what they had said was horrible.” Eliza blew out the candles in the room before grabbing a towel, and patted herself down.

“I’m glad that justice was still upheld.” Perdita paused for a moment before she continued “It’s a courageous thing you did in protecting your ex.”

“I know I come across as a spoiled noble brat but... but I do care, and will not stand for those that I care for being wronged.” Eliza said. She stared confused at the stone when she heard the other woman’s laughter come through it.

“Forgive me Eliza, I was just thinking you’d have made a great Paladin.” Perdita said.

“I’m sure my godmother would’ve preferred that to a whiny bard.” Eliza laughed with Perdita.

“I like you being a bard, it’s inherently non violent.” Perdita said softly. “And you have great tales.” She quickly added.

“All I want on my adventures is to learn, spread joy and fill my life full of music, love and lore.”

“I do like the sound of that.” Perdita said. Eliza wished she could see her right then, feeling a pang of loneliness at the distance between them.

“I spoke with Ariadne recently. She told me the most interesting thing had occurred in the Stormlands.” Perdita said as Eliza had begun to brush her teeth.

“Give me a moment Perdita.” Eliza responded through a mouthful of foam. She stared at the glowing sigil as rinsed her mouth, she wiped her mouth as she picked up the stone and wandered into her bedroom

“Okay I’m back now, what did she say?” Eliza responded to Perdita.

“She told me that she knows we’re dating.”

***