Taking advantage of Kora’s distraction, Jolfri began creating some distance from Nori, Jolfir stammered, “I- I was only doing as she asked. Besides, you told me to keep her safe. What better way to do that than to teach her to protect herself?”

With a sigh, Nori said, “You’re right. I was just hoping we could avoid what the Chief was predicting for the two of us. Unfortunately that doesn’t seem like it’s going to be the case. Everyone else will be getting the update this evening, but it’s probably best I tell you two separately.” 

Sweeping Kora off of her feet, Nori looks over his shoulder at Jolfri before saying, “You can come with me to the house.”

Noticing that he hadn’t said his house was a detail that didn’t escape Kora’s notice. She had been the primary occupant for the last two years so in some ways it felt more like her place than his at this point. Snuggling further into his embrace, she decided to simply relish the comfort she’d once again found in his arms. 

Upon entering the house, he lowered her to the cushions surrounding the table before lowering himself down next to her. Reaching for her hand under the table, he began to speak, “We were able to confirm that the creatures are being directed. Many of them that we’d wounded would return to us after clearly being patched up before they were sent back out. Tracing them back to the neighboring territory was difficult as we had to be sure we wouldn’t get caught, but now that we’ve got proof, Elder Maize wants us to go on the offensive as soon as we are prepared.” Pausing after that bombshell of news he’d delivered, he looked at Jolfri and then over to Kora. 

Kora took a deep breath before saying, “I know you aren’t going to want me to go, but I really feel as though I should join you this time. I mean-”

Interrupting her, Nori simply says, “I know. You’re coming with us.” There was a bitter note in his voice that betrayed his true feelings on the matter. 

With an incredulous look on her face, Kora looked over at him before asking, “What?”

“There are direct orders from the Chief. You are to join us. Apparently you have been incredibly successful in training your essence and you were able to develop basic fighting skills as well. There is no convincing her otherwise. Believe me, I tried.”

“Am I supposed to be joining for this mission as well?” Jolfri interjected. Truthfully the other two were so engrossed in their conversation they had almost forgotten about his presence in the room. 

“Yes, that’s why I called you here. Just be sure that you don’t tell anyone else yet. The information spread to the rest of the village will be controlled to minimize panic. I suppose I should probably thank you for training her. I’ll admit I feel a bit better knowing that she knows some basic skills.”

With a grin, Nori stands up before saying, “I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay mad at me for too long. I’m off so you lovebirds can have some alone time, after all things will get crazy once preparations for the mission begin.” 

As soon as the door shut behind him, Nori gently grabbed the back of Kora’s neck to pull her face closer to his. “May I kiss you?” he murmured millimeters from her lips. 

Kora had already closed her eyes expecting the kiss. Not wanting to waste another moment, she simply leaned forward until their lips met. Nori took control of the kiss immediately as he kissed her breathless. 

“What do you say? We get changed into something a little more comfortable and we take a nap? I’m not going to lie, I feel like I could sleep for a week.” Nori said as he covered a yawn.

Looking down, Kora realized she was still in her clothes from training. “You’re right. I need to get out of these clothes and wash up a bit. I probably smell like sweat.”

“You smell just fine, I just want you to be comfortable and I can see a few buttons and the dagger on your leg might hurt if you’re laying on it.” Nori says as he stands up. 

“I’m just going to wash up really quick and then I’ll be in the bedroom.” Kora said as she made her way to the small bathroom. 

As she closed the door behind herself, she couldn’t help but feel relieved that his feelings have remained the same despite not being to see each other for the last two years. Washing up quickly, she changed into a comfy nightgown before heading to her bedroom. Technically, it was his room, but after he’d left she slept in his room to comfort herself and before long, she had essentially moved into his room instead. Hoping he wasn’t too mad at her intrusion of his space, she entered the bedroom to find him laying down on the bed. 

“How long have you been staying in here? I can smell you on the bed and your clothes are next to mine in the closet. You’ve also added a few things to the dresser.” Nori pointed out everything with a smile on his face. 

Grinning back at him in return, Kora replied, “I started sleeping in here after you left and figured I might as well bring my stuff in here. I haven’t used the other bedroom for over a year now.”

“Good, I’d rather us stay in the same room anyway. Now come over here.” Jolfri said as his grin only seemed to grow. As soon as Kora was close enough, he reached out and pulled her down directly on top of him. Getting comfortable, he pulled her close before murmuring in her hair, “I really missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Kora replied just as Nori began to drift off to sleep.