Cassia is gazing at you

In the dim, blue, light of the room, you can see Cassia standing on the far side of the chamber, her legs and hips are covered in the thick quilted leggings, but her torso is beautifully bare. She is holding the top part of the undergarment loosely in her arms, and instead of pulling the garment over her head she is standing gazing at your naked body. Her eyes widen in surprise as she realizes that you have caught her staring at you.

"I'm sorry, Adonis!" Cassia is blushing furiously and turns away from you pulling her tunic over her head hiding her dark curly locks and flushed face from you. Still standing naked you watch the curve of her back and thin waist disappear under the thick shapeless folds of the top. Stepping hurriedly into the leggings you try to make light of the situation.

"Don't be sorry Cassia, I examined every inch of you when I had the chance." Pulling the tunic over your head you step forward reaching out to her.

"Stop!" She cries, "I said I was sorry. Look, I know you are in love with Eudora. Only a man in love would sneak into this city as it is being torn apart or climb down into the blackness of the catacombs." Tears are running down her face, and her voice is near breaking. "I have no-one who loves me like that! I can't imagine that I ever will." You are stunned by her words, but before you can answer her she continues.

"I am glad I'm helping you. I'm glad we ... you know ... I'm glad we were each other's firsts. I don't regret any of it!" Her voice regains its control as she speaks, "But I'm afraid that I will not be able to let you go when we rescue Eudora. You are so beautiful; both on the inside and the outside, I just want to be able to look at you while I still can.”

"Cassia" You interrupt awkwardly “Don’t cry.” You don’t know what to say, but her crying is tearing your heart open. Stepping forward even closer, you take her shoulders gently in your hands. “I don’t know how this will work, but I know I don’t want to ever let go.” She looks up at you and her big eyes look even bigger in the blue-light. “You’re right Cassia, I did love Eudora - I still do love her, but I think I love you too.” She gasps as your words sink in, “You are the most perfect woman I have ever meant, you are brave and beautiful and I’m glad you were my first too. I know you sacrificed more than I could have ever asked for, but I want you to know - I don’t ever want to lose you.”