Chapter Text
Not a lot, but that’s a good thing.
Isobel made the effort to sit up. That’s what she told Shadowheart she’d been up to when she’d asked her. She could hear her friend smile over the phone and no doubt they had a lot to talk about over coffee later.
She stumbled out of bed some time after Aylin had left for her milk round. It was endearing how quickly her love had gotten used to the routine. Perhaps the repetitiveness was helping her accustom to the modern world, and just last week she’d asked her to teach her how to work a cellphone - or a “sending stone”, as she called it - to allow Greg to contact her when he needed extra help around the farm. She’d gotten her an old-style flip phone. It looked chunky and ridiculous, but the buttons were easy to use and there was little way to mess it up. It was a good first step into technology, and perhaps one of these days they will work up to a smartphone. Or maybe not.
Last time she’d tried to explain the internet to Aylin she’d found herself at the receiving end of a torrent of questions, most of which she had no answer to. No, she didn’t know who put answers on Google, and no, they couldn’t visit the library of Wikipedia in person. They’d had to take a break when Isobel could not stop laughing at one of Aylin’s comments. She had to apologise for it afterwards, but how could she not lose it when the paladin had asked if “Sandra, 32, 1.5km away” was part of a Sharran plot for “wanting to know her location”. In seeing how serious her paladin was though, Isobel had had to spend 10 whole minutes explaining the concept of pop-up ads.
“Strange.” Aylin had said. “And people fall for Sandra’s ploys?”
“Sandra isn’t real.”
“Ah. A mimic. Now I understand.”
Did she? In either case, she promised she’d stay clear of “mimics” in future, and that was enough internet safety for the day. Maybe one day Isobel would explain social media, but, thinking about Aylin’s tendencies to shout out her every thought, she… wasn’t sure how wise that was for now.
Every step was progress, however, and she was endlessly proud of how far she’d come in a strange new world for her. Aylin was wonderfully resilient, and rose to every challenge like a holy conquest. Even if that challenge was sending an email.
Perhaps that was partly why she’d bonded so quickly with everyone in the village. The elderly just seemed to love her. When Isobel trudged into the kitchen, every cupboard was lined with sweet treats that some grandma or grandpa had baked for her. One of the elderly ladies, Ruth, had even taught Aylin how to dip her cookies in milk, and she’d never looked back since.
Not that Isobel would ever complain. It was lovely to see Aylin fit into the local community so well, and perhaps being pampered is what she deserved after so many years of service to her mother. They weren’t over, of course, and she’d once alluded that she would be called to arms again should the need arise in future, but at least for now, she was at peace. And the rural life suited her. She’d found a purpose, even in a strange new world.
Something Isobel couldn’t quite say about herself.
The book had been a pleasure to write. So much so that she hadn’t even wanted it to end. She and Aylin had conjured up a sweet narrative, albeit clearly fictional. It delved into Aylin’s favourite tales, and most of all provided an insight into what Selunite worship would have looked like. The powers she granted, the domains she stood for, all at the forefront of the cleric and paladin on a quest to save the world. Yes, it was cliche. Yes, she’d self-inserted a little bit, but she was certain Aylin had done the same. In either case, it was theirs and as such was special. It was even mostly well-received, with moderate sales and fairly good reviews. Not bad for their first novel, and it had earned an esteemed place on their bookshelf. A reminder of their achievement, and perhaps more to come.
Yet, that’s all it was. It felt like a hobby, not a career. The income was decent, though she had a healthy amount of funds to support them regardless (courtesy of a rich father, and half an inheritance), and thus she’d hopped from part-time job to part-time job hoping to find something to spark anything in her. A bit of motivation. A calling. Something. She wanted to be certain there was more to her than sending emails in an office.
Aylin had already suggested conjuring up a second novel to cheer her up, and the thought of it did warm her. She sighed as she poured milk into her cereal.
Her sweet Aylin, always looking for a way to make her feel better. She could spend hours lamenting about her lack of purpose to her, but, in truth, nothing could feel meaningless while she held her. It was silly, she knew, but knowing her angel supported her in anything she chose to do was like one strong pillar holding her upright. She was undoubtedly lucky to have her.
“There will be something that will bring you fulfilment, my love.” She’d told her. “Whatever it may be, it shall find you.”
She didn’t understand how she could be so certain of it, but she supposed being the daughter of She Who Guides meant having an awful lot of faith in things just... finding their way. It was sweet and supportive nonetheless, and as she sat down on the couch to eat her breakfast she wanted nothing more than for her to be there and say it in person.
Her father’s pestering hadn’t helped either. It had been months after their first altercation, but eventually he invited them both out to dinner. It was… out of the blue, to say the least, but it was surprisingly civil. She’d told him she had recently started working at a consultancy and he seemed thrilled it was nothing to do with mythology. He’d even asked Aylin how milk delivery was going, and luckily the sarcasm in his voice was lost on her. It was… a start. Or at least that’s what she told herself.
Not that it would matter. The joy she’d found with Aylin was unsurmountable, and nothing could come between them, not even a miffed father. She knew it was naive to say, but she really did feel like they understood each other perfectly. Like it was meant to be. And she had never been the one to believe in such things - only dream of them.
Perhaps she had been wrong to hide her silly interest from Aylin too, since they’d hosted DnD sessions a couple of times (much to Karlach’s delight). She’d been nervous to have them right there in front of Aylin who had likely lived through those times, but it had only taken ten minutes of Gale setting the scene for her to want to get involved. She had referred to it as a “historical re-enactment, plus creative liberties”, which amused Isobel to no end. Wyll had even 3D printed her own mini, which she treated as the greatest honour - seeing as she adored the “tiny statues” of them all. The rules did elude her at times, but she would make up for it by standing up in the midst of her turn and dramatically gesturing the exact blow with which she’d felled a monster, accompanied with a retelling of when it had happened for real. She had Karlach completely engrossed in her stories, and even gained the respect of Lae’zel, as well as many eye rolls from Shadowheart, who tried to hide the fact she was intently listening. As for Isobel, she really didn’t need to win her heart anymore, though she had many times over.
She could not ask for more. Even if her thoughts sometimes wandered with discontent at her career path, she was always brought back to the joy of having her angel there.
As if on cue, the front door had opened, letting in a short gust of cold wind, and the subject of her thoughts had shrugged off a few snowflakes from her coat. She took her cap off as always, hanging it on the coat rack in the entryway, and called out a greeting to announce her return. Isobel’s heart could soar.
She stooped down to kiss her as she passed by the couch, and, routinely, placed the milk she’d brought for them in the kitchen. Then, she walked back around to her and settled in beside her, just as Isobel was finishing her breakfast.
“What awaits you this day, my love?” she asked, stretching her arm over Isobel’s shoulders.
She always took an interest in her plans. Even on the rare occasions in which they weren’t together, their thoughts seemed to draw back to each other. It was sweet, and grounding.
“Shart’s free for once, so we’ll get coffee, maybe lunch later. How was your round?”
“Pleasant, as usual. The snow is close to thawing and I am less worried about Billy, the gentleman I have spoken about in past.”
“Yes, he had a bad back?”
“It is improving with the weather. I have also fixed his fence so he shall have no more foxes digging up his turnips this year.”
“I’m glad.”
“As am I. Also, Ruth invites us for dinner again sometime.”
Isobel smiled. She was a lovely old woman, and made a delicious cottage pie. Of course they would have to accept.
“And,” Aylin went on, “The postman has handed me this.”
She reached into her pocket, pulling out a letter intended for Isobel. There was no address, just a name, and she assumed the postman had just known her and Aylin enough to find them.
Isobel frowned. She’d never gotten a handwritten letter before.
“Interesting,” she took it, studying the envelope for a few seconds before tearing it open. Though Aylin was trying to be subtle about it, she could feel her leaning over her shoulder to read it too.
Dear Isobel,
You may not remember me, but my name is Clyde. I was injured on the night I tried to apprehend you at the museum, and had witnessed an angel of Selune first-hand. My account was mostly dismissed, and I had even been recommended therapy, which I of course denied as I know what I saw. However, I have read your book and have tried to get in contact ever since. Apologies it had taken so long, I hadn’t recognised your name at first! Congratulations, by the way!
I chair a small group meeting on Saturdays at 12pm at the townhall here in the city. We were hoping if you would like to come and share your experience with us. We usually provide sandwiches and some drinks, if that’s any motivation.
Thanks! Hope to see you
Clyde
Isobel blinked, re-reading the letter. It was… so awfully vague. Meetings? Meetings on what?
“Ah, yes. I do recall him,” Aylin said. “I am happy to see he has fully recovered from his injuries. We must endeavour to ask him how my mother’s artefacts are faring.”
She pried her attention away from the letter to look at her. “Do you think I should go?”
“If you would like to, I see no reason why not. Despite our altercation, he seemed a good man to me, and if anything is afoot you need only send for me. I shall come get you at once, and I would-”
“Cave his skull in and reduce the room to dust and rubble, I remember.”
Aylin smiled proudly. “Then you need not fear.”
“I wasn’t particularly afraid, more nervous.” She leaned her head back, pressing her cheek to Aylin’s arm. There were a few melting snowflakes in her hair and she ran her hand through it, coming away with cold water droplets on her fingers.
“What reason have you for nerves?”
“I don’t know these people. And he’s not exactly been descriptive in the purpose of their meetings.”
“Perhaps all the more reason to find out? You need not stay if you find them banal.”
“Maybe…” She pushed the strand of hair behind Aylin’s ear, grazing her nails along her scalp as she went. Her angel leaned into her touch, and a content sigh escaped her. She’d noticed her eyelids became heavier whenever she stroked her hair, and Isobel wondered whether she could put her to sleep simply by doing so. She repeated the motion, then rested her palm flat against her temple, fingers toying with her golden locks.
“Do you think I should go?”
“Mhm.”
She thought about it for a moment. “Today is Saturday… I suppose I could. I was going to meet Shart anyway and you were going to go to the gym with Karlach so we were already heading that way…”
“Mm.” The paladin seemed to be melting under her touch, but unfortunately, Isobel had checked the time.
“I should probably get ready.” She ceased scratching her head, prompting Aylin to frown.
“Must we hurry?” she asked.
Isobel stood up, looking down at her angel regarding her like a sad puppy. “Not yet, but if you distract me then we’ll have to.” She bent down for a kiss, and the mischievous grin on Aylin’s lips said she intended to.
Of course Aylin had already inquired when would she be able to learn to drive a car (or “construct”, as she put it). Of course Isobel had to nervously chuckle and say they’ll think about getting her some lessons (she wasn’t sure there was a driving instructor alive who could handle her). In either case, she’d quelled her interest for the time being, and dropped her off at the gym with a quick kiss. Then, it was townhall time.
The building was old, and she’d jokingly said it might be as old as Aylin (which she’d taken dead seriously and insisted it had not been here in her time). Yet it bolstered the intricate architecture of older years, and, even if the floors were creaky, it had kept a certain charm about it, as well as the smell of old wooden planks.
She’d asked the receptionist for the room where Clyde’s group was meeting, and she’d almost rolled her eyes at the request. She pointed her down the hall, and promptly moved on with her day. Fair enough.
Perhaps it was nervousness, but she’d foolishly tried to sneak into the room. The loud, heavy door gave her away immediately, and she was faced with a small circle of chairs and a few unfamiliar faces, all of which looked up at her in surprise. It was Clyde that stood and excitedly crossed the room over to her.
“Isobel!” He exclaimed, and in saying so had made the others perk up further. “I’m… shocked you decided to come. I was a bit hopeful when I wrote to you, we didn’t even know where to address it.”
“Well,” she chuckled awkwardly, “I couldn’t not see what this was about.”
“Everyone, this is Isobel Silverblood.” Even if she wanted to correct him, there was no pause in his talking. “We met very briefly. You know, on the night I went to hospital. She was with the angel.”
Everyone’s eyes collectively widened. Isobel finally got a good look at them. There were only two other people there besides Clyde, and one of them had stood now.
“I’m Fio, I was the nurse tending to Clyde on the night he was healed. I’d only just gotten a glimpse of her, but I was the only one in the ward that believed him. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you!”
She was a short woman, with curly dark hair and a smile that brightened her entire face, enough to crinkle the bags under her eyes. Isobel shook her outstretched hand and muttered a soft “Hi.”
Then, a wave from a young man sat opposite her. “I’m Seamus, Clyde’s brother.” He looked almost identical to Clyde. Perhaps twins?
She smiled and waved back.
“We’ve started a bit of a group,” Clyde tried to sheepishly explain. “You might think it’s silly but… it started from us just talking about what happened and… I don’t know. We tried to understand more. Now it’s part book club, part research club, part talking club, on the subject of Selune.”
Isobel almost couldn’t believe it. Could it be?
“Then we found your book and it was fascinating,” he continued. “The paladin you write about… it’s exactly like her. She’s of Selune, right? Selune’s powers must have healed me.”
“And it was nothing like I’d seen before,” Fio added.
“We thought you might believe us, Isobel. You were there, afterall. You flew with her. You must have known her, even if briefly.”
“I…” She gulped. “Briefly, yes.”
Clyde’s expression lit up. “So you know about all this? Is it true? Are the gods real?”
She looked from Clyde to the rest of them in turn, all expectantly awaiting her response. “Yes.”
The room stilled for a second, then someone whispered “wow.”
“Have you… met one?” Fio asked, cautiously, as though afraid to unearth something terrifying.
“No. Not directly. Though I’ve come to learn that communion with Selune is welcomed by all, and… I do somewhat feel her presence. Faintly. For now.”
“Is that possible?” Clyde stammered. “I mean, I really just wanted to say thank you, but I wouldn’t even know where to start or what to do or if she would welcome me?”
“Yes. She would welcome you.”
Fio piped up next. “So you can teach us things? How do we do this?”
“I can certainly try… the angel… she taught me a few things. I could pass it on I suppose.”
Seamus piped up next, “If she saved my brother then that’s all I need to have faith in her.”
Clyde chuckled nervously, perhaps having conveniently left out that she was also the one who bodied him in the first place. Isobel was quick to move on before that came to light.
“In that case… well… where to start?” She had so much she could share with them, while still keeping Aylin her own secret, for now at least.
“Would you like to take a seat?” Clyde pulled up a chair into their circle.
She sat down, and all of their eyes were on her. It wasn’t as nerve-wracking as she’d anticipated though - it felt amicable, like a catchup with friends.
“Maybe could we start at the beginning? Who is Selune?” Fio asked.
Isobel cleared her throat. They had a lot to get through.
Her first group meeting had gone well, and better than she’d expected. There were tons of questions, half of which she didn’t know the answer to, but it felt like they had been genuinely curious and willing to learn. What more could she ask for? Plus, the sandwiches weren’t bad either.
She parked on the side of the road, waiting to spot Aylin coming out of the gym. It was Karlach who had initially asked her if she wanted to become “gym buddies” and Aylin, bless her, had no idea what that meant but accepted regardless. When Isobel asked her why she would say yes if she didn’t understand, she simply replied “The tiefling had said buddies and I thought that was enough to describe us.” She didn’t understand why Isobel had laughed either. She couldn’t help it sometimes though, her angel had the most adorable tendencies.
It wasn’t long before the two of them had walked out. Isobel didn’t need to look, she could simply hear them through her rolled-up window. They talked heartily as always, both gesturing widely as they told their respective stories. When they broke out into a laugh Isobel could only imagine how loud the gym had been with the two of them in there.
When Aylin spotted her, her expression softened, and she turned to say her goodbyes to Karlach. The tiefling hugged her, said something about when next time was, and waved at Isobel as she was about to walk off.
Isobel rolled her window down, calling out after her. “Are you sure you don’t want a lift, Karlach?”
“Me? In the back of that tiny car? Hells no!” She chuckled. “See ya, soldier!”
Isobel rolled her eyes. Surely her car wasn’t that small.
Aylin had come round the other side, sliding into the passenger seat. She shut the door behind her, shuffling with her knees pressed against the glovebox. Hm. Maybe her car was a little small. She might have to look into that. Yet her eyes instead wandered up - the long-sleeved t-shirt she wore hugged her torso just right, and her workout had emphasised her muscles enough that Isobel could follow each of their outlines. Her lats jutted against the fabric as she reached across for her seatbelt, and her bicep flexed as she brought it to her hip and fixed it in place. Isobel watched it all transfixed, not realizing she was biting her lip.
“Love?”
“Hm?” Isobel forced her eyes back to her face.
“The meeting. How did it fare?”
She did her best to chase away her thoughts. “Oh! I think you’ll be happy to hear this.” She shifted in gear and set off back towards home. “I think we have our first few followers!”
“Is that so?”
“Yes,” Isobel shook her head, barely believing it herself. “It was Clyde, the security guard, Fio, the nurse who was on duty that night, and Seamus, Clyde’s brother. They’re all really nice. They talked about their experiences and I shared a few things too. I kept your identity a secret, of course, at least for now. But they’re really keen to learn more. Oh, also, Clyde says your mother’s artefacts are perfectly fine and dust-free.”
“That is wonderful to hear.”
“Right? And the full moon is next week, so they suggested we get together and I show them how to pray. Gods, there’s so much to share with them. I was meaning to ask you what you think is appropriate for complete beginners. I mean, I know I was a beginner too, but I had you to guide me.”
Isobel stole a quick glance away from the road, looking to judge Aylin’s expression. She was smiling widely, yet not saying anything.
“Do you not think this is exciting?”
“I do.”
“And?”
Her smile only widened. “I love to hear how happy you sound, my love.”
She felt her cheeks blushing. “Am I getting ahead of myself?”
“Not at all.”
“Do you think I’d be alright at teaching this? I don’t want to do Selune a disservice.”
“Nonsense. You would be perfect.”
Of course, Aylin would be nothing but supportive. She reassured her with nothing but honesty, and it filled her with a warmth no one else could manage. She reached across for her hand, and Aylin gave her a comforting squeeze.
There was a momentary silence, before her angel spoke again. She was calmer now, more careful with her words. “Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I think you found what you enjoy.”
It surprised Isobel. “I… did?”
“Only if you think so also.”
She was excited sure, but this couldn’t be a serious thing, could it? It was just a group of 3 people, nothing more. She definitely couldn’t have a big impact on the world as a whole but… maybe that was ok. Maybe a small step was better than no step, especially when it filled her with joy. And who knew? Maybe they would gain another member or two as they went. As long as they were friendly and welcoming, who’s to say they wouldn’t find someone else interested?
Gods, was she starting a cult?
She chuckled at the thought. Not quite. Maybe a study group. A support group.
“Maybe…” she answered finally. “Maybe I did find something to do.”
Excitement came back to Aylin’s voice. “This calls for celebration.”
“Oh?”
“When we are home, I will run a bath for us. You deserve the relaxation.”
“That’s so sweet, my love, but please, less bubbles than last time.” The memory of an overflowing bath of bubbles was… funny in retrospect, but a nightmare in the moment.
Aylin seemed to at least consider her request. “I will endeavour to reduce the quantity of bubbles.”
Isobel could already tell that would not happen, but she happily agreed anyway. The novelty of certain things never really seemed to wear off on Aylin, and she only grew more fond of her each time. Even if said thing was blowing bubbles at eachother.
Her palm caressed the skin of Isobel’s back. She was warm, and soft, like the clouds in which she took her first breath. That is what she felt like - a first breath. Over and over again. A life she had woken up into, never having known how desperately she’d wanted it. Isobel’s head was pressed to her chest, right atop her heart, her wet hair slicked back and clinging to her nape. Her eyes lay closed, peacefully, and she wondered whether she felt the same serenity as Aylin did. It could not be. The fervour with which she longed for her was unique in its intensity, and she was convinced only she could feel it so strongly.
And stronger with each passing moment.
She leaned her head down, pressing a kiss to the top of her forehead. Isobel acknowledged it with a quiet hum and a tightening of her arms around her. The water swayed gently as Aylin leaned back, the majority of the bubbles having either popped or been blown away over the past half hour.
Her body was, uncharacteristically, slightly sore from the intense training with Karlach, and she allowed herself to relax in the soothing bath. There were few moments when her muscles were devoid of tension, and when her mind was still - this was one of them. Vulnerability, to the highest degree, made healing by her love’s slow breaths against her. Each beat of her heart beneath her cheek made purposeful anew, and she fought hard to keep her own eyes open, if only to look at Isobel for a few moments longer.
“Aylin?” her voice. Her beautiful voice. Though heavy and tired, it sang to her, and her heart picked up at the first note.
“Yes, my love?”
“Are you asleep?”
Aylin ran her hand up her back, tenderly, tracing a pattern only her mind knew. “Nay.” Then, with a smile, “Are you?”
“No.” She’d almost trailed off, even within that single short word.
She adjusted her head, somehow curling further into her. If there was a way for Aylin to hold her so naught of the outside world remained, she would have done so. A million questions rose at the tip of her tongue - was she comfortable? Was the water still warm enough? Was the light bothering her? But she quelled them all, bit them back to let her love rest, trusting that if she needed something she would tell her. Anything she desired, Aylin would not stop until it was complete.
What a joyous turn of events, and perhaps she had her mother to thank for it. Her devious plan of putting her to slumber, and of guiding Isobel just at the right moment to awaken her was… slightly genius. Slightly. Her divine parent had also failed in past of setting her up, so she should not get too much credit. Still, she thanked her.
To think she had lived millennia without Isobel was hard to imagine, even for her. What long, winding roads she’d faced without her seemed distant, long gone, a struggle she would face no more. Like coming home after a trudging through a blizzard.
Still, she remembered the day she’d sworn her oath. She’d knelt before her mother, the walls and shimmering tapestries of Argentil all around them. A fanfare sounded, celestials and devas alike gathered, and even the most esteemed mortal souls that sought to witness the ceremony were present. A moment of prestige, in which, with hand on heart she looked her duty in the eye and said “For Our Lady Silver.” The highest of paladin honours transpired that day.
Aylin brought her hand up to Isobel’s temple, gently tracing along her hairline. She let out a soft noise when her palm brushed against her ear, no doubt tickling her. Aylin’s fondness threatened to rip her heart apart, but instead, she pressed her hand flat, cupping her soft face with a long, content sigh. Then, her voice came out as a whisper, quiet, as to not disturb her, but just enough so she may be heard by the heavens.
“For you, Isobel. My love.”
It tingled to say, and it coursed through her veins as true as her home’s silver. Unending. Unbreaking.
She had nearly closed her eyes like her love, when she’d noticed something - goosebumps, forming on the back of Isobel’s arm. She’d realized then that the water had started to go cold.
Half a year ago, on the night they’d first met, Isobel joined her outside during her attempted communion with her mother. She posed questions to her, and they spoke fondly, until her eyes grew heavy and she’d leaned against her, falling asleep with her feathers as a blanket. Aylin knew not what came over her, but, as tenderly as she could muster in her millenia without gentle touches, she’d picked her up and carried her to her chamber, unable to bear the thought of her sleeping in the cold.
Now, she sought to do the same, with more practiced grace and care, laying her to bed undisturbed and soundly asleep. How wonderful that this time, incrediously, she could slide in with her, and not once cease holding her.