Eliza stood at the entryway of the balcony, she had smoked a fair few cigarettes and the gorgeous woman before her was quite sensitive to the smell and hated the habit. Her mouth watered as she watched the wizard take over the balcony as she finished setting up dinner. She never understood it but Julia seemed to be a perfectionist when it came to cooking. It was almost like a ritual she would become absorbed in and almost become a different type of person. If she had never become a wizard Eliza was certain she would have been either a chef or a fashion icon.

She was looking forward to dinner. She had skipped lunch to make sure she would have room for what Julia was to serve; the wizard had a habit of giving her larger portions than what she would normally eat. Eliza knew she was in for a treat this evening. The bard cleared her throat to announce her presence.

Julia looked up at her from the table with an alluring smile. Nesus, she was beautiful.

“Dinner is ready.” Julia said.

“You’ve outdone yourself Julia.” Eliza said. She moved to where the wizard was standing and held out the chair for her, not needing to tell her what to do she pushed the chair under her as she sat down. The bard sat down opposite her, eyeing a round glass jug filled with a dark brown liquid. It smelled like one of Julia’s favourite cocktails, kobold punch, a sweet, slightly spicy mixture of pineapple juice, a sweet cordial and spiced rum from the Free Islands. Eliza poured out a glass each. Placing the jug down, she looked at the appetising starter Julia had prepared, a watermelon and feta cheese salad. She let out a small moan at her first bite, as she was hit by a range of delicate flavours.

“This is beautifully done, there is just the right amount of mint.” Eliza said, taking another bite. Julia’s ears twitched as she smiled at her, her index finger tapped on her fork.

“I am glad.” The wizard said.

“You know... for some reason I started thinking about the party we were at before I left for High Haven. Maybe I was feeling a little nostalgic.” Eliza said.

“I see, that was the one where you had a horrible break up?” Julia asked as she took another mouthful of their starter.

Eliza hummed in acknowledgment, before giggling her response. “You called me jailbait if I remember correctly.”

“No, I called you a schoolgirl. I remember everything.” Julia said with a small smile.

“Wait, then why did you think I was thirteen?” Eliza asked, suddenly being reminded of the wizards picture perfect memory.

“To tease you.” They both share a small laugh, Julia’s fingers drummed on the table.

“I’ve always enjoyed leaving the parties with you.” Eliza continued.

“I remember clearly. You always asked me to carry you home.” Julia stated. The smaller woman looked at her finished salad before she glanced up at the tall wizard, her cheek felt feverish.

“Was it not obvious I was infatuated with you?” Eliza asked meekly.

“I... it wasn’t to me. It was only when you invited me out many years later that I was made aware of your puppy love.” Julia said.

“Didn’t you ever wonder if the rumours at the time held some truth?” Eliza said, leaning forward.

“The ones where everyone claimed I had stolen a schoolgirl’s heart? I assumed they were making fun of me as usual, if I am honest.” Julia took a sip of her drink, she looked rather bemused.

“I… I actually relished those rumours but I’m sorry that you were treated poorly because of it. I never… really denied them.”

“You have nothing to apologise for, you were never the instigator.” Julia responded candidly.

“Those rumours died out quickly.” Eliza said. Setting her hand over the wizards, she looked at her softly; attempting to convey the remorse she felt. She sat back as the dishes were removed from the table by a phantom servant and their mains were put before them.

“It’s a shame we never saw much of each other whilst I was dating Linna.” The smaller woman said. She caught Julia tensing at the mention of her ex. She glanced down at the meal laid before her, slow cooked lamb cutlets with a gravy, it smelt divine.

“I... I’m glad you asked me out.” Julia blurted out. There was a ghost of a blush on her face as a repetitive thudding could be heard from where the tall woman’s fingers hit the table; her nerves on show. Eliza reached out and took her hand in our own, squeezing it reassuringly.

“So am I.” Eliza expressed tenderly, her thumb rubbed the back of her palm, remembering how she had stumbled upon a hiding wizard.

****

The bard quietly closed the door to her Papa’s study, surprised to find she was not alone. She had wanted some peace and quiet from the overbearing family members, and her friends were becoming too irritable. If she had to answer another question about her and Linna, she swore she would have some sort of meltdown. She did not want to think about her infuriating ex, nor how she kept trying to get Eliza to come back to her.

What Eliza needed was space to breathe, or something even better; a distraction.

She silently observed how those familiar golden curls, though much longer than when she last saw her, obscured the wizards brown face. Eliza should’ve known that she would be here, especially since her mothers and sister were downstairs at the ongoing party. She was surprised the wizard had not noticed her; she seemed utterly engaged in whatever book she had taken from her father’s shelves. It felt a shame to disturb her, but Eliza had hoped she might run into her.

"I see you’ve taken my hiding spot, Julia." Eliza said softly, feeling guilty as the wizard looked up like a startled deer. Her golden hair whipped in-front of her face and her body language on high alert. Julia’s elegant hands corrected her hair, moving her curls behind her ear as she looked at the mirthful half elf, unsure what her motivation or intentions were.

"Sorry, I’ll leave." Julia said, she stood up, fixing her shimmering lehenga. Eliza chuckled as she walked towards the tall wizard.

“Stay. I’m teasing you.” The bard placed a comforting hand on Julia’s arm, surprised at how much more muscular she was than the last time she had seen her. Eliza guided her back down to sit. She looked extremely good, the smaller woman thought; almost like the golden-haired, bronze-skinned war goddess Torwen, just missing the wings and sword.

Eliza rested her head on her own arm as she leaned against the sofa, tucking her leg under herself as she gazed at the gorgeous wizard.

“I feel like it’s been too long since I last spoke to you, Julia. When was that, four years ago?” Eliza asked. Julia’s fingers tapped the spine of the book she had been reading, she had closed it when she had joined her.

“No, it’s been almost seven.” The wizard said.