Athessa lays on the bed, draped in the post-coital afterglow of Sidony's latest lesson. That is, if they can still be called lessons; the curriculum is unstructured, based on whims, and at some point they unspool into simple enjoyment, at least for Athessa. She hopes it is the case for Sidony as well, but the body and mind can often be at a disconnect.
Athessa lets her head roll to one side so she can look at Sidony. Her fingertips draw lazy patterns on the nearest slope of naked skin. The dress code here is non-existent.
Sidony is comfortable herself, relaxed as she lets herself settle in the bed. Yes, she's a little warm and she knows that she will be craving a bath sooner rather than later, but she is content with the feeling of bubbling bliss settling into a rather pleasant ache.
The question does make her pause, eyes flickering open before she lifts her head to look at Athessa. It's clearly not a question that might lead to some grand romantic confession - that is not what the two of them are and Sidony is more than happy with that as it stands - but it's something.
"More than happy, if you're concerned," she frowns, lifting herself up a little. "Aren't you?"
She hums, thoughtfully. There are reasons for her concern, many that she hasn't shared with Sidony simply because she doesn't quite have the words to express them.
"As long as you're happy," she says, then lifts one shoulder in a lazy shrug. "But I am concerned, in a general sense."
Sidony frowns for a moment, shifting herself up and gazing down at the other woman. She pauses, lets herself think, and then shakes her head.
"I'm happy," she admits, voice soft. So is Byerly, but that's something entirely different. "What could be concerning you? I haven't done anything, have I?"
"No, nothing like that," she says, and props herself up on her elbows. The back of her hand brushes against Sidony's in an idle thinking motion.
"I just don't want to...I dunno. Influence you to be a certain way, to force you into a mold you otherwise wouldn't fit into." Is that what it is? She's not even sure herself. Athessa sighs and lets herself fall back onto the mattress, running her fingers through her hair. "Never mind. I don't even know what I'm trying to say."
"I don't think you could force me to be any way other than what I choose," Sidony shakes her head, leaning back. "Many people have tried, darling, and none of them have succeeded. I wouldn't do something if I did not have the desire or the inclination."
She lets out one short hah of a laugh. "Well, good. I don't plan on trying to, anyway."
Which is the whole point, but never mind.
"I've just been noticing myself saying some things that sound like someone I used to know, is all. Got me thinking too much about whether or not I was doing anything else like her, too."
That makes Sidony pause and she gives herself a second to consider her words. She's certainly not uncomfortable, certainly not on edge or frustrated in any way, and that is what makes her lean in and press a careful kiss to Athessa's forehead, something intended to be soothing and gentle.
"You have done nothing to upset or manipulate me, if that is what you're afraid of. I offer you my promises - should that happen I will kick you from my bed faster than you can blink."
She closes her eyes for that kiss, gentle and soothing indeed. She's come to appreciate the many facets of Sidony, her softness, her ambition. The sheer strength of her will.
Athessa smiles and leans up to kiss Sidony properly.
"Thank you. My Lady's promises will assuage my fears."
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action, NSFW ish - backdated
Athessa lets her head roll to one side so she can look at Sidony. Her fingertips draw lazy patterns on the nearest slope of naked skin. The dress code here is non-existent.
"How do you feel about what we do together?"
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The question does make her pause, eyes flickering open before she lifts her head to look at Athessa. It's clearly not a question that might lead to some grand romantic confession - that is not what the two of them are and Sidony is more than happy with that as it stands - but it's something.
"More than happy, if you're concerned," she frowns, lifting herself up a little. "Aren't you?"
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"As long as you're happy," she says, then lifts one shoulder in a lazy shrug. "But I am concerned, in a general sense."
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"I'm happy," she admits, voice soft. So is Byerly, but that's something entirely different. "What could be concerning you? I haven't done anything, have I?"
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"I just don't want to...I dunno. Influence you to be a certain way, to force you into a mold you otherwise wouldn't fit into." Is that what it is? She's not even sure herself. Athessa sighs and lets herself fall back onto the mattress, running her fingers through her hair. "Never mind. I don't even know what I'm trying to say."
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Which is the whole point, but never mind.
"I've just been noticing myself saying some things that sound like someone I used to know, is all. Got me thinking too much about whether or not I was doing anything else like her, too."
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"You have done nothing to upset or manipulate me, if that is what you're afraid of. I offer you my promises - should that happen I will kick you from my bed faster than you can blink."
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Athessa smiles and leans up to kiss Sidony properly.
"Thank you. My Lady's promises will assuage my fears."