Falling for Forever

by Caitlin Ricci

  Her blue eyes stared expectantly at her from beneath heavy lashes. Mariah let her hands linger, holding her gently in place as she brought her lips to Bryn's. Delicately her mouth grazed hers. It was so light, so soft, that Bryn was unsure whether the kiss had even happened at all, but as she found her lips seeking her in the dwindling torchlight, she was sure that it had. Unsure of herself at first, Bryn pressed her lips to Mariah's. She shouldn't have been nervous, and there was certainly nothing to be scared of, but her stomach still fluttered as Mariah's strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her close.

  Mariah brushed a few hairs from her eyes and smiled warmly at her. Her heart was racing in her chest. They had embraced before, but there was something different in the air today. Bryn looked into her eyes, felt Mariah's breath on her face. Bryn reached up, letting the backs of her fingers gently brush Mariah's face. Her heart beat wildly in her chest; her breath came in short gasps. Mariah blew a gentle stream of warm air onto her temples as her cheeks began to darken. Mariah's gentle smile enticed her, and she leaned toward her for a kiss.

  Her lips traveled to Bryn's cheek and then her chin. "Mariah…" Bryn softly said as her hands held Mariah tightly.

  Bryn pulled Mariah against her as her mouth found Mariah's lips. At first, she was gentle, but soon the yearning inside of her took over. She brought her lips to the delicate skin of her neck and moaned softly as her hands moved to her back. Bryn wrapped her arms around Mariah's neck and pressed herself against Mariah. Mariah's mouth quickly moved down her neck to her collarbone and then to her shoulder. Her skin trembled under Mariah's gentle touch. Bryn's hands went to her neck and then her hair. She leaned back and closed her eyes, Bryn's body warming to the overwhelming pleasure. Bryn was dizzy with euphoria and her mind was racing out of control. Mariah pulled away gently, finding her eyes in the darkness. She touched the side of Bryn's face, her fingers gliding through her curls.

  Mariah embraced her against her body and stroked her hair gently. "I love you so much, Bryn. Ever since you came into my life, my world has shone more brilliantly," she murmured against her neck.

  Bryn closed her eyes and relaxed against him. She breathed her scent in deeply. That warm mix of chamomile and mahogany brought to life something deep within her.

  "I love you more every day, Mariah. I never knew a love like this could exist, and I'm grateful that you showed me a life a beautiful as this," she softly said back as she clung to him.

  Mariah brushed her lips gently against her neck and released her, allowing her to lean back against the couch. Her hand trembling nervously, Mariah cupped her face in her palm. She looked deeply into her soft eyes as her thumb caressed her bottom lip.

  "You are the most beautiful soul I have ever seen, Bryn. Thank you for being here with me."

  "There is nowhere else that I would rather be right now than here with you," she replied. Mariah gave her a smile as her cheeks began to flush slightly. Bryn reached up and brushed a lock of hair off her forehead. She allowed her fingers to linger against the side of her face.

  Mariah brought her mouth to hers, caressing her mouth gently with hers. Bryn guided her lips to her shoulder as her fingers closed around the thin strap of her dress. Mariah inched the dress down her shoulder, her lips quickly following with a fiery trail of kisses. Bryn watched her from beneath heavy lashes, her heart racing in her chest, her body trembling slightly. Her kisses on her bare skin were gentle, loving and tender. Mariah's hands moved around to her back, caressing the base of her wings as her gentle kisses continued down her shoulder.

  Mariah softly said into her ear, "The air is chilled this night. Perhaps you would like to feel the heat of the fire?" Her breath was warm against her skin, causing her heart to race even faster.

  "I would like that very much," Bryn replied, her voice no louder than Mariah's.

  She gave her a tender smile and rose from the couch.

  "But do you know what I'd like more?" Bryn asked Mariah once she was there.

  Mariah halted and turned toward her, a questioning look on her face. "What's that?"

  "Release the monster in the basement. Please. He's been chained for so long, he deserves his freedom. Give it to him just as you gave me mine. Find a way for him to not hurt you anymore and let him go," Bryn asked of her, her voice barely more than a whisper.

  For a long moment Mariah did nothing but simply stare back at her. "You are too kind, too loving, to want such a creature freed."

  "Then will you not do it?" Bryn asked her, worry filling her heart.

  Mariah shook her head, looking sad as she did so. "I will. For you, I would do that and so much more. I cannot risk him coming back to hurt either of us and so I shall unmake him. He will be reborn as something new, something far less evil, but he will still be alive. Will that suit you?"

  "It will. Thank you."

  Mariah nodded. "Then it will be done."

  Bryn watched Mariah from beneath heavy lashes as her arms went underneath her thighs and shoulders, lifting her gently into the air. Bryn breathed in her scent deeply and kissed her neck as she carried her in much the same way as she had the night of the storm. Mariah placed her gently in front of the fire, finally letting go reluctantly as she kneeled next to her on the soft rug. Bryn lay trembling lightly under Mariah's gaze. She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. They watched each other in the near darkness for a few moments, neither of them willing to move.

  Bryn took another deep breath to calm her nervousness and brought her hand to the warmth of her calve. She watched Mariah through heavy lashes as her hand held her. Her fingers never left hers as they caressed her skin.

  "Darling, are you alright with this? With… everything?"

  Bryn gave Mariah a warm smile and nodded. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life. I want this more tonight than I've ever wanted anything. I trust you with all my heart. You won't hurt me."

  She put her hand over Mariah's. Her voice was steady as she continued to hold Mariah's gaze. Fear was not among the mix of emotions she had. Although she had expected to be afraid, even if it was just a little, she couldn't bring herself to it. She felt safer now with Mariah than she ever had before. If Mariah had wanted to harm her, she easily could have. But she didn't now and she never had.

  "I perhaps rescued you at one time, but I think it is you who has rescued me," Mariah said gently.

  Mariah lay down next to her and propped her head up on her elbow. They exchanged warm smiles as her fingers caressed Bryn's warm calve. Mariah brought her lips to her neck, giving her tender kisses.

  Bryn brought Mariah's fingers to the delicate white straps of her dress, helping her ease them down her arms. With her hand still over Mariah's, Bryn brought her fingers to the hem of her dress. She slowly pulled it up her legs, exposing her pale skin. Mariah's mouth, warm and moist, returned to the nape of Bryn's neck as they continued to slide the fabric along her skin.

  Just as her fingers brushed the silky skin of her lower thigh, Mariah's hand shuddered and pulled away. Bryn propped herself up on her elbows, her brow knitting in confusion. "What's wrong?" she asked softly.

  Mariah's cheeks flushed and he looked away nervously. "I am sorry, a bit nervous, I… um…"

  Bryn gave her a warm smile. "It's alright. I'll help you." She brought her hand back to her thigh, guiding Mariah to the smooth skin of her inner thigh. Bryn released her hand and slid the dress up, allowing it to collect around her waist.

  She watched Mariah's eyes in the dancing firelight as she brought her hand closer to the warmth of her body. Bryn pulled Mariah ever closer, allowing her fingers to graze the soft curls between her legs.

  Mariah's arm slid under her back, supporting her as they pulled the dress completely off her body. Bryn lay trembling, her mind at once both clear and suddenly cluttered with emotion, as Mariah gazed at her nude form. Mariah's lips again returned to meet hers. Her kisses were gentle, sweet and full of love. Bryn had never known a kiss like this. Mariah's kisses
sent fire dancing along her nerves, overwhelming her body and mind all at once. Her fingers traveled delicately over her skin, caressing her as no one ever had before. Mariah's lips moved to her neck, leaving a fiery trail of gentle kisses in her wake. Mariah's arms were strong as she held her, embracing her tightly as the world began melting away.

  Bryn brought her fingers to her lips, granting each tip with a delicate kiss as she stared longingly into her pale blue eyes. Bryn touched the side of her face, her voice gentle. "Do you like what you see?" she asked as she smiled uncertainly up at her. Mariah only smiled at her, and Bryn let her worries fade away.

  Bryn brought Mariah's fingers to her heart. Mariah smiled warmly at her and placed her hand over her own racing heart. Mariah was still, keeping her gaze locked with hers, as Bryn's touch traveled over Mariah's skin, flowing softly from her chest down to her stomach. She paused for a moment as she watched her eyes in the near darkness before sliding her fingers farther down. Bryn touched her skin gently, savoring the feeling of her warmth beneath her palms.

  Mariah's strong arms wrapped under her hips. She pulled Bryn on top of her and offered her a warm smile. Bryn returned her smile as she watched the firelight dance across her smooth muscles and small breasts. Mariah cupped her face in her palms, easing her mouth against hers. Her kisses were eager, hungry. Mariah said, "I love you so much, Bryn. I want this day to last forever."

  "As do I," Bryn breathed against her neck.

  Bryn pulled away reluctantly and smiled at him. She brushed her fingers along her cheek, caressing her gently. Bryn brought her fingers to her ribs, gently guiding her up to cup her breasts. The blood was racing in her veins and she could hear her heart beat wildly. Mariah's fingers trembled as they roamed the valleys and curves of her breasts.

  She smiled at her and ran her fingers over her chest and stomach, allowing her fingers to taste the warmth of her skin. Her fingers ran along the waist of her pants as they exchanged smiles. Mariah's fingers loosened the belt slightly, but her fingers were a bit clumsy. Bryn smiled at her and pushed her fingers away insistently. Her fingers gently undid her belt and slid her pants a little down her hips. She kneeled next to her and helped pull them off the rest of the way.

  Mariah ran her fingers through the soft feathers of her wings and gazed deep into her eyes. Bryn bent down to kiss her chin as she took a deep breath to steady her nerves. Trembling slightly, she straddled her stomach before moving further down until she had one leg over Mariah's, and Mariah had one leg over hers, and their bodies were pressed together. Mariah lifted her head and kissed her lips softly. Bryn gave her a steady smile and rocked back so that she could touch Mariah as well. Her hand hovered between Mariah's thighs, her heat warming Bryn's palm as she waited for approval.

  Mariah's hands came to her as well, providing her with small trails of pleasure. Bryn stroked her softly as her breath came in warm gasps. Mariah let out a soft moan of pleasure while kissing her neck and shoulders. Mariah cradled her head in her hands and kissed her deeply.

  Bryn wrapped her wings tightly against Mariah's body and buried her face in her neck, stifling her soft moans as their hands brought each other pleasure. Mariah's free hands slid along her body, exploring every inch. Bryn caught her mouth in hers, moaning between kisses. Mariah was like wildfire, consuming, infecting, overwhelming her.

  Bryn felt her body stir as the sweet friction between them grew. Her mind was slowly dulling to a white, fiery, roar. Her nerves felt like they were ready to explode with joy. A thin sheen of sweat covered their bodies. Bryn tunneled her fingers in Mariah's hair as her body began to shake. Mariah caught her mouth with her own, holding her gently in place as their bodies gave in to sweet release.

  Mariah held Bryn against her as they shuddered, their bodies trembling from the small aftershocks. Her wings, still clasped tightly around Mariah, relaxed, drooping to either side of them. Bryn's breathing slowed and her heart beat softer. Mariah looked at her, ran a hand through her sweat-dampened curls and smiled. Mariah hooked a finger under her chin and lifted her head so that she could see her face. Bryn's cheeks, wet with tears of joy, shone brightly in the light of the full moon. Mariah wiped away a few of her tears and gave her a tired smile. Bryn returned her smile. She looked as exhausted as Mariah did.

  Somewhere in Mariah's sweet embrace, she had found herself. And in Mariah, she had gained back her innocence. Words could not express the joy, the gratitude, or the love Bryn felt for Mariah as she lay beside her, basking in the soft glow. She brought Mariah's fingers to her lips, granting each tip with a delicate kiss as she stared lovingly into her pale blue eyes. The softly blazing fire felt warm against her back as she stretched out her wings to fully embrace Mariah once again. Mariah brushed her lips over hers. The kiss was sweet and gentle.

  Nothing could have prepared Bryn for the embrace of someone she loved and that loved her back. Mariah was like nothing she had ever experienced before. Having her be with her in that way was sweet, innocent and blissful. Their union had been gentle and loving, nothing like the pain and agony of what she had previously experienced. Painful memories became as distant as the howl of a wolf, far off to the west. All that remained of her life before Mariah were a few fleeting emotions which were quickly swept away by her gentle hands as she held her.

  "Mariah?" she asked softly.

  "Hmm?"

  "Can we lie here tonight, just like this? Please?"

  Mariah smiled at her and planted a warm kiss on her forehead. "Of course, darling. We can stay out here as long as you wish."

  "Thank you," she replied sleepily.

  Mariah nodded and ran her hand down her back. Bryn watched her eyes in the near darkness.

  The fire reflected in them like liquid magic. Bryn turned her head, her eyes focusing on the dwindling firelight. One of Mariah's hands came up to the side of her face, cradling her against him. Her body felt warm, whole, and comfortable. Mariah held her gently, caressing her as they both looked into the flames.

  "Is this a dream?" she said uncertainly.

  Mariah chuckled softly and she turned her attention back to her, her gaze questioning. "You don't have to worry about this fading away. Not tomorrow or ever."

  "So when tomorrow comes… ?"

  "I will be right here with you," Mariah promised. Bryn smiled at her and gave a short, satisfied nod. She was looking forward to her being there tomorrow, and the next day, and the one after that as well. Mariah held her gently, stroking her hair.

  Their bodies were both covered in a light sheen of perspiration. Bryn was quickly reminded of how sweaty she really was.

  "I need a bath," she whined softly even though they both knew that she didn't have enough strength to get one.

  "Tomorrow," Mariah said as they exchanged sleepy smiles.

  Bryn nodded and rested her head against her chest. Sleep's embrace was near, and she welcomed it. Mariah's fingers ran idly through her hair as they both watched the fire. As sleep came, her last thoughts were of Mariah.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The crisp sheet was soft against her skin. She rolled onto her side and moaned. As the sun forced her awake, she began groaning and pulled the blankets over her head. She didn't remember going into the bedroom. Her memory was slightly hazy, but she was sure that she would have remembered doing that.

  She sat up and started to pull the sheet around her bare body but stopped midway up her stomach. She was wearing a short white night dress. Mariah had dressed her. She could just barely recall her doing it and the feel of her lips on her cheek as he had left her to sleep. She had thought that had been a dream.

  The other half of the bed was still made. It looked unslept in. "Mariah?" she called hopefully. There was no answer. "Mariah?" she called again, only to again be answered by the calm silence of the cabin.

  Bryn slipped out from beneath the sheets and began walking into the common room when she stopped. The bathroom door was slightly ajar. She crept silently toward it, hearing the softest hint
of water lapping against the tub. The door opened before she reached it, revealing a broadly grinning Mariah.

  "I thought you promised to be there when I woke up," she teased, a mock scowl playing at her lips.

  "Well, I had to do something first," Mariah said as she gently pulled her into her arms for a warm embrace. Bryn nodded against her neck as the smell of lavender and chamomile swirled around her.

  Mariah released her and led her to the tub, which was filled just inches below the wide rim. Delicate white rose petals floated over the warm water. "You said you wanted a bath," she murmured against her neck as she stood staring at the tub. Mariah trailed a few light kisses over her neck and shoulders before stepping away from her. Mariah backed quietly toward the door, not wanting to intrude. Bryn looked over her shoulder as her fingers grazed the door.

  "There is enough room for two in your bathtub," she said shyly. Bryn could feel the tips of her ears burning as Mariah crept up behind her, her strong hands encircling Bryn's waist from behind, holding her against Mariah as Bryn's lips found hers.

  "If you're sure" Mariah said as she released her. Mariah's kisses had left her breathless and wanting more.

  Bryn nodded and turned toward her. She ran her hand over her bare chest. She gently undid her belt, allowing it and her white pants to fall to the floor. Mariah cupped her cheek in her hand and kissed her gently as she helped her pulled the short nightgown over her head.

  Bryn turned away from her and stepped gingerly into the warm water. Mariah quickly followed, sliding in behind her. Mariah lifted her gently onto her lap, her legs entwining with hers as the water washed over them.

  Bryn leaned back, her cheek resting against the side of her warm neck as Mariah's hands began shyly exploring her body. Mariah's fingers moved delicately down her arms, to her thighs, then back up her stomach. Her touch was light, gentle, just barely tasting her skin.