Chapter Text
You had heard of the Deathbed Companion that resided in the Roundtable Hold. You had heard of how she took weary tarnished into her arms time and time again, whispering to them unknowns in her honeyed voice. You heard of how she both equally comforted and intimidated, heard of her past that was shrouded in mystery — of her gentle touch. As you entered her bedchamber for the very first time you felt a lick of heat creep up your neck, a burning anxiety overcoming you that only lessened when you saw her lips form into a tender smile.
“Brave champion,” she started, “surely you did not wander in here purely by chance?”
You hadn’t, of course, rather you found yourself before her spurred on by the desire to please this woman. To help her and to warm her for reasons you didn’t entirely understand.
Before she even had the chance to ask that ardent question you were kneeling before her, head lowered out of embarrassment and body begging for her caress. There was a moment of stasis where she sat, mind clouded with thought, and you felt her eyes upon you. It was startling in the very least to be studied by a woman so fair, but as soon as you were in her arms you no longer cared.
“You are so very warm.”
You tried to focus on her words as you suddenly felt a biting coolness rise from your chest and seep into your skin, leaving you dizzy and frigid. Fia took notice of your discomfort and opened a gap between the two of you.
“I apologize, this is your first time relinquishing your vigor to me,” you heard a trembling sigh escape from her lips, “I should have warned you.”
You felt yourself quiver and balk by her bedside, but she held you steadily with her warm hands. She chuckled at your shock, and purred into your ear as she drew herself closer.
“My dear,” she soothed, “lie down, will you? Be at ease.”
She guided you onto her bed, hushing you and gently patting your back all the while.
“There we are. Softer than the floor, yes? Let’s get you taken care of.”
She brought her hand up to the side of your face and held it gently, your heart beginning to ache as you feel her careful gaze fall upon you. Embarrassed, you tore your eyes away from hers, earning a soft tsk.
“My dear, you have a chill. Allow me to care for you.”
You nod, facing Fia once again. She hums, and in an instant has you in her arms. You expect that odd feeling to rise in your chest again, but it never comes. She simply holds you, your forehead resting against the nape of her neck. She stirs, moves part of her robe to cover your lower back, and resumes her position. The gentle rise and fall of her chest urges you to rest, but your eyes can only shut for a moment before she speaks again.
“I’ve grown rather fond of thee as of late,” she sighs and you feel her weight shift, “do you find that unfavorable?”
You held your breath, suddenly much more aware of your closeness to Fia than you were prior. You shake your head no, and feel her exhale.
“Very well. If it does not vex you, I will allow these feelings of mine to grow.”
She rubs tentative circles on your back and drops her head to rest atop yours, an air of relief washing over her. How she’d longed to have you visit her quarters to hold you just as she is now. With each new tarnished that she held in her embrace, she felt her regard for you grow. She questioned them in hushed tones, eager to learn more about this reserved demigod-slaying tarnished. She would catch glimpses of you in the hallway as you traveled between the blacksmith and spirit-tuner, admiring you from afar.
Her yearning made her feel a little embarrassed, in all honesty. How long had it been since last she felt this infatuation with another?
“Dearest,” she cooed, “would you lie with me for a while longer?”
You obliged, and she swiftly guided you down onto the pillows beside her. She lowered herself and captured you in her snug hold, one of her hands reaching up to play with your hair. Her jasmine scent and silken touches lulled you into a peaceful sleep, your hearts and limbs entwined.
From then on you visit your fair confidant as often as time allows, and she accepts your visits with open arms. Your relationship grows until you become nigh inseparable. Some even refer to you as kindred spirits — the Deathbed Companion and her beloved champion. Fia’s influence spreads all across the Lands Between through the tarnished she holds, and each one is requested to ensure your safety. Word of your relationship spreads like wildfire through the hold; talk of the tarnished that captured Fia’s heart. There is jealously of course, but neither of you pay any mind. When you kneel by her bedside, her hand tracing the curvature of your face, you know you will be together always — until death do you part.
