Chapter Text
Night rarely truly fell on Leyndell. The Erdtree’s light forever shined down upon them all, illuminating every corner of the city. The moon could rise and the sun could set, but there was no true night upon the golden city.
Near the edge of the city, an old manor sat with all of its windows sealed shut and covered in thick black curtains. A stable of fresh hay and grasses awaited the massive steeds it often housed. One lone soul rested within the house, still at rest from a long sleep.
As the moon began to crest high in the sky, she awoke with a low groan. Her soft blankets slid off her shoulders as she pushed herself to sit up, revealing unmarred ebony skin. Her fingers reached up, pulling gently at the silk scarf holding her hair in place as she swung her feet over the side of the too-large bed.
Caela moved about the empty manor as she awoke, setting water over a fire as she combed through her hair. Chairs from the last days dinner still sat askew at the dinner table, but the plates were stacked neatly. Her jar of tea leaves had been refilled, though she suspected the older ones were on the bottom.
She lit the wide hearth, tossing in some lighter logs. The chandelier was lowered and she lit it, pushing open just a few curtains to allow the Erdtree’s light to filter in. Warmth and light filled the manor, her skirts swirling around her feet as she fully awoke, the short heels on her boots thumping softly against the old wood.
Once the tea had come to a boil, she poured it into a proper little teacup and carried it to the lumpy and uneven couch. She settled down in the corner of the couch, snuggling back into the cushions with a book balanced between her knees. Her eyes dragged across the words slowly as she guided her coily hair into thin braids, letting her tea cool a touch.
The manor awoke with a gentle hum around her, her eyes flicking out the window to track the motion of the moon. Her hair fell into neat braids down her back, her tea finished as she neared the end of her chapter. She’d read this one once already, but it was a favorite nonetheless.
She wrapped up her chapter, sliding the neat bookmark into place and standing up, dusting herself off. Her empty teacup was cleaned in the sink and she began pulling out food, lighting the oven. Seasonings and herbs alike were tossed into the meat and stew, far more food than just one human would need.
The scent of food wafted around the manor, filling every nook with life itself. She dipped her feather in ink, writing a list of what all she was beginning to run low on. They were well out of rabbit meat after tonight and she even needed some fresh herbs. The others could do the collecting in her stead if they still expected her to clean after them.
The moon began to set as she set the table, platters of food steaming warmly and fresh loaves of bread wrapped in soft cloths. Well-aged bottles of wine were set out with thick goblets properly, if only for politeness’ sake. They would all end up emptied by the end of the day.
The sound of horses began to echo as she sipped her wine, sitting at her chair with a small smile. She rested her cheek on her fist, golden eyes watching the wide front doors. Within mere moments, she could hear armor rattling, noisy as they clanged against each other.
The doors swung open wide and the Night’s Cavalry walked in, helmets tucked under arms and weapons still in their hands, halberds resting on shoulders and flails noisily knocking against each other.
Hakkon breathed in deeply, giving Tavos a smile when the younger man clasped his shoulder. “Another successful night.”
Caela lightly clapped her hands together, stairs creaking as several of the larger humans climbed up them to deposit their weapons and armor. “Then we can celebrate with a fine feast.”
Hakkon bowed his head once, stepping aside when Alkeda pushed her way through her lingering Cavalry. Her golden eyes glimmered as she strode towards the wide table, halberd leaning against her shoulder. “You treat me so well.”
Caela laughed, leaning back when Alkeda caught her shoulder and tipped her back to press their lips together. One of the others - Veroll, she suspected - gave a whistle, stopping short when an armored hand clipped the back of his head. Heat rushed to her face and she rolled her eyes, even if Alkeda laughed.
Caela pressed her hand to Alkeda’s chestplate. “Go wash up. I won’t eat with you if you’re bloodied.”
Alkeda grinned toothily, kissing her forehead. “I’ll return shortly, beloved.”
Caela smiled, demurely cleaning her hand with a handkerchief as they all made their way upstairs. The quicker ones returned downstairs, thanking her with either words or a bowed head as they fixed their plates. Several took their plates to their rooms, drinking mouthfuls of wine as they went.
Alkeda returned swiftly, even brushing past Hakkon, her boots heavy on the stairs. Hakkon huffed fondly, a small smile pulling at his lips despite it. She took her seat beside Caela, tipping her face down to kiss her again. “Mmm, I missed you.”
Caela smiled softly up at her, reaching up to cup her cheek, running her thumb over the skin. “I missed you, too. Now, eat, before the others take it all.”
Hakkon nodded firmly, taking his seat at the head of the table. Tavos joined him to his right, youth still clinging to him in his soft jaw and curly hair. Cyni took their leaders left side, her nose hooked and her cheekbones high.
Alkeda filled her plate with one hand, drinking a mouthful of wine. She inhaled heavily and nodded firmly. “That tastes expensive.”
Caela nodded, sipping some herself. “The cellar is almost empty.”
Alkeda’s lips pursed, stained red with wine. Tavos piped up, juices from meat dripping off his fingers. “Why don’t we try to make some more ourselves?”
Hakkon raised a brow at the younger man. “With what? Rowa is for the horses. Do you even know how to brew?”
Tavos quieted and Caela nodded, nibbling on a piece of buttery bread. “I can search the other abandoned homes again for more. I’ll just need some company.”
Alkeda hummed, musing as she bobbed her head side to side. “Could find you a pretty new dress. Maybe something a little silky.”
Caela rolled her eyes, barely biting back a smile and thankful her dark skin hid her blush. “Not at the table, Alkeda.”
Alkeda smirked at her. “Maybe you could busy my mouth at the table in other ways.”
Caela choked on her wine and Hakkon barked, “Alkeda! We’re still decent people!”
Alkeda could only laugh, wrapping her arm around Caela’s shoulder and rubbing her side. She pressed her nose into her braided hair, kissing her temple. “Sorry, beloved. I’ll lay off in public. Was boring as death out there tonight. Couldn’t help but think of you.”
Cyni nodded, sitting as properly as Caela did. “We had a quiet night as well. Very few Tarnished make it so far to the Mountains.”
Caela leaned into Alkeda’s warm side, the scent of Liurnia’s grand lake still clinging to her skin. Her tunic was warm and rough yet she didn’t dare pull away. “I’d rather you have quiet nights than busy ones.”
Alkeda ate with her left hand, still holding Caela close to her side. “I know, beloved, still doesn’t make them not boring.”
Caela couldn’t disagree, though she had no intent of ever joining them whilst they worked. Not that any would allow her. Hakkon’s word was law within the manor and she was not meant to be anything more than a caretaker and cook, providing some comforts of home to them. Home, this manor might not be, but it was a place to rest all the same.
They ate in peace, a few of the Cavalry returning with empty plates and goblets. Exhaustion quelled their learned manners as the sun rose, only shining brighter alongside the Erdtree. Their rooms awaited them, dark and welcoming.
As night was day, day was night for them. Day was time to heal and rest while night was time to patrol and fight. Caela’s schedule had once been normal, but had long since changed when she’d joined as their caretaker.
Even Alkeda was not immune to the call of sleep, pulling Caela back upstairs once they’d eaten their fill. The tall woman pulled her into her own room, wrapping her arms around her and lifting her. Caela smiled up at her, holding her shoulders as she kicked the door shut behind herself.
Alkeda fell back onto her stiff bed with a soft grunt, wriggling her shoulders as she toed off her boots. “Fuck, I’m exhausted.”
Caela leaned up, kissing her lips and tasting the wine on them. Alkeda had nearly had the bottle herself. “Then, why don’t you sleep? I’ll still be here when you awake.”
Alkeda rested her head back on her pillow, running her hands over Caela’s sides, squeezing her hips. “You know I want to spend more time with you than sleeping.”
Caela smiled softly, squeezing her shoulders as she settled her head on her shoulder. “I promise to not rise until you do. I doubt you’ll sleep the entire day, then we can spend our time together.”
Alkeda squeezed her hips, her eyelids already falling, her voice thick with sleep. “Yeah… Yeah, we’ll have more time later. Later…”
Caela barely bit back a giggle as her voice trailed off, her breathing growing heavier with a soft snore. She pressed a soft kiss to her jaw as she settled atop her, resting her hands on her strong biceps. To her dismay, she still smelled of horse and the smell would surely cling to her dress, but it could be washed away. The manor always had a lingering scent of horse, anyway.
The manor grew quiet once again as the Night’s Cavalry settled in, resting in their beds or enjoying their meal. Darkness fell as curtains were pulled closed, blocking out the light once again. Warmth radiated from the lit hearths, warming tired and weary bones.
She smiled softly, feeling the tempting pull of sleep. With her belly full and her body held, she could not help but answer its call. Perhaps, later, she would indeed have some private time with her Cavalry.