Explore these feelings, but find them wanting.

There was a big celebration of their return, and while the tides favored the Kingdom of Arlain, the war was far from over. The mood was still grim, the capital was crowded with refugees and wounded soldiers.

The sun was setting and Mira was at the top of the highest tower, with a special someone.

Atma.

Mira wished she felt guilty. Guilty that she wasnt praying, or planning, or practicing. She had been defeated once, why would anyone place their faith on her again? But Atma was playing her flute, and it vanished with all the problems of the World, it lightened her soul.

So Mira just laid back and enjoyed it, until the music was over.

Atma drained the rest of her cup, and raised it "I need a refill"

Mira poured more wine for her. "Your gift is... divine, Atma" she laughed at the comment, after sipping the light golden liquid "Hardly... like all skills, it was trained over years of study. I pay the goddess respect for her many gifts, but I will keep claim over my work"

Mira frowned "must you blasphemy so?" To which the bard sipping another gulp, but rather than swallowing, she passed her hand around the nape of the paladin's neck, and kissed her, letting the liquid pour between their lips. She was not only defenseless, Mira submitted and swallowed the cool liquid.

"it makes me feel alive, Mira. I want to live my life as I please, not as is expected of me." her flame was warmth, and it was Mira's turn to press her lips on the bard's. She laughed "you are clumsier than an Orc, Mira! I know, i tried"

"Dont be so hushed... this is how men kiss, they want to do it quickly so they can move to steamier parts. We... we savor the kiss, we tease and dance." Atma embraced her and laid her down, the cold marble barely shielded with their picnic blanket. Mira's mouth was a flower, and each part a petal to be caressed with the tip of her tongue. Mira's heart ached with desire.

When their tongues touched it sent a shock down her spine, snapping her awake. Sensing her partner's sudden ****, Atma let Mira go.

"This is so wrong. I shouldnt be here. We shouldnt be doing this" Mira said. Atma's friendly expression vanished " then why are you here? I didnt invite you, you invited me"

"I did. And I didnt mean it like that. I am sorry Atma, I am confused" Atma sighed, and nodded. "if you want to talk about it... let's talk about it, Mira. Without romance, if that makes it less confusing for you"

"We... made love." The paladin's cheeks blushed, but Atma was quick to correct her "No, I broke a spell. It required me to enrapture your heart and trick your mind, and so i did it." It was a hard thing to say and harder to hear, the paladin's eyes werent without tears, but eventually they were able to continue.

" You... you dont love me." Mira accused, and Atma didnt deny it. "You are a very attractive woman, Mira. Any men or women would be lucky to be with you. Is that it, do you think you love me?"

"I dont know. I... ache. I feel hot, flustered. I keep living down what we had, and it doesnt feel so terrible. I want it again" Mira whispered her confession.

"That is lust, Mira, not love. It is normal, foremost in a young woman like yourself."