Archon's Advice - Chp 1: Baby Steps
Pairing: Sandrone x Columbina
Tags: First Time, Vaginal Fingering, Oral Sex, Awkwardness, Teaching
Arlecchino has made it back to the House of the Hearth with Sandrone and Columbina in tow, finally introducing them to Furina. Naturally, her two fellow Harbingers will be sharing a room. But the moon goddess has plans for the evening that she needs to discuss with her newly former Archon friend. Will she take the advice and run with it? Or will nervousness get the better of them both?
âColumbina! Sandrone! Welcome, welcome to our humble abode! I trust the trip from Nod Krai wasnât too harrowing? I mean, how could it have been when my knight in shining armor was accompanying you?â
Arlecchino couldnât hide the blood rushing to her cheeks if she tried. âAHEM. Yes, all is well, dearest, thank you. Please allow me to formally introduce my closest colleagues.â
With the grace of a seelie, Columbina floated up to her and took her hand in both of hers. âItâs nice to meet you, Lady Furina. The Knave told us all about you during our journey to Fontaine. This is my first time here, so I hope to learn everything there is to know about the nation where my girlfriend was brought to life.â
âColumbina!â Sandrone yelped loudly. âArchons, youâre so embarrassing. Itâs not necessary to start every conversation we have with someone new like that!â
Cocking her head in confusion, the other woman asked, âWhat? Are you not my girlfriend?â
âNo, thatâs notâŠI mean, of course I am! T-thatâs not the problem!â She stuttered. âUgh, whatever! Furina, Arlecchino wouldnât shut up about you the entire way here. Alain always spoke highly of you, so I figured you couldnât be that bad.â
The former archon chuckled nervously. âHahaâŠthank you? I think?âÂ
Utterly exhausted after the long trek home, the Knave cut in. âLadies, if you donât mind, might we continue getting to know each other inside? I donât think any of us would object to getting a bit more comfortable, hmm?â
âWhat a splendid idea! The children are so excited to have you home, love. Lynetteâs ears were positively twitching with glee as she helped me get the tea ready for you all.â
After enduring a few more questions from Lyney and Freminet upon entering the wide halls of the House of the Hearth, the women made their way to the sitting room to rest their weary bones (and gears, in Sandroneâs case). As Arlecchino had promised in her letters to Furina, she recounted the tale of their adventures, from defeating Rerir and Dottore to reviving Marionette thanks to the meticulous notes she had left them.Â
âHonestly, I was impressed you all were able to put two and two together without me. I suppose Hat Guy is useful for something besides serving as a core. I really wish heâd introduce me to his creator. Their intellect must rival Alainâs,â Sandrone said as she sipped from her cup daintily.
âIâm glad we had him on our side. If not, I may have never gotten to see you again, let alone feel you hug me back,â the moon goddess stated dreamily.
The other woman choked on her tea. âC-Columbina! We are guests in someone elseâs home! This is not the time to talk about such things.â
âIt isnât?â Her gaze shifted to the Knave. âBut Arlecchino told us about how Furina used toâŠâ
The head of the House of the Hearthâs eyes grew wide. âAh, Furina. Perhaps now might be a good time to show Columbina where she and Sandrone will be residing during their stay here?â
Furina smirked knowingly. It wasnât often she got to see her normally calm and collected girlfriend at a loss for how to handle a sticky situation like this. Setting her cup down on the table, she replied, âIâd be delighted. BinaâŠyou donât mind if I call you that, do you? Why donât you come with me? Iâd love the opportunity to learn more about you.â
A small smile graced the moon goddessâs lips. âThat sounds like fun. I already know a great deal about you. In fact, itâs hard to get Arlecchino to talk about anything else as of late. It seems only fair for me to return the favor.â
Upon hearing this, Sandrone narrowed her eyes. âDonât you dare go babbling to her about me, Columbina! And donât think I wonât know if you do!â
The Knave let out a throaty chuckle. âNow, now, Marionette. You can count on Furina to honor your privacy. Believe me, if anyone understands, itâs her.â
As the two walked down the hall, the former archon knew she would be heard until they reached the guest room. She decided to discuss a safe topic until they were out of earshot of the other two women. âMay I ask what the Knave has told you about me?â
âAh, yes, let me think. You were certainly a frequent topic of conversation. She mentioned you were cute, that it took a while for you to trust her, how happy sheâs been since you came into her life, andâŠoh, your past as the archon here.â
Furina quietly shut the bedroom door behind them. âI see. So, you know the entire story then?â
Tilting her head in contemplation, the moon goddess answered, âMmm. Perhaps not every last detail, but enough to understand what kind of person you are and how deeply she cares for you.â
The former hydro archon blushed at the mental image of her girlfriend gushing about her to her friends. âOh. Well. I suppose Iâll have to show her how much I care about her later in return.â
Shaking out a blanket from the closet, Furina continued to pry. âBefore Arle left for Nod Krai, she told me a bit about you and Sandrone as well. I wanted to ask how youâve been faring with all this change. Coming to terms with your divinity only to be trapped by that evil Dottore, then saving Sandrone after she sacrificed herself, only to turn around and confess your feelings for each otherâŠitâs a lot at once.â
The other woman sat on the edge of the surprisingly large bed. âI suppose youâre right. Truth be told, Iâm just happy to no longer be alone. Iâm certain Iâve liked Sandrone since we first met, I just didnât quite understand what I was feeling until I saw her lifeless body on the ground when I arrived to fight the doctor. I know I took a while to grow on her, but she finally came around.â
Letting out a small chuckle, the former archon nodded in agreement. âOh, trust me. I can relate. Arle and I met under someâŠdubious circumstances as well. It takes time and communication to really grasp whatâs under the surface sometimes. So, let me ask you another question. Stop me if you feel uncomfortable answering, but relationship-wiseâŠhave you two done anything a bit moreâŠintimate?â
Furinaâs eyebrows shot up her forehead. âReally?!â
The moon goddess started counting on her fingers. âWeâve held hands, kissedâŠoh, and she finally hugged me back. When we were staying with the Tsaritsa, we all used to have our own rooms. However, I would make my way to Sandroneâs late at night and sing to her. Sheâd allow me to sleep in the bed with her if I promised to stop.â
âSoâŠyou would literally just âsleepâ together?â
âYesâŠwhy? Is that strange?â
Plopping down next to her, the former archon said, âBina, dear, I think we may need to have a discussion about the birds and the bees.â
âThatâs quite all right. Lauma and Nefer already showed me.â
âIâm sorry, I donât follow. Who?â
âIâm surprised Arlecchino hasnât told you about them. They are a local couple in Nod Krai that helped us defeat Dottore. I would often visit this quiet spot on Hisi island late at night, and apparently, I wasnât alone. I heard strange noises, and when I went to investigate, I saw their bodies intertwined. Lauma was so frightened, she thought I was a ghost of her ancestors coming to chastise her for doing that out in the open. When I asked her what was going on, she proceeded to explain thatâs what two people do when they love each other and want to show it physically,â Columbina explained matter-of-factly.
âSooooo, what youâre telling me is that you and Sandrone have neverâŠexpressed your feelings for each other in that way?â
âGiven how Lauma reacted, I figured it wouldnât be a good idea to attempt it when traveling with the Knave, so, no.â
âThat never stopped her and me,â Furina muttered under her breath.
âNot important,â the archon said with a dismissive shake of her head. âWhat is important is that you know youâre safe here at the House of the Hearth. We have a strict knocking rule here for both children and adults. That being said, perhaps now would be a good chance to try? Iâd be happy to give you some advice.â
The moon goddess instantly took the other womanâs hands in hers. âYouâd do that for me?â
âHahaâŠyes, of course. Itâs not all that difficult. I remember I was extremely nervous the first time Arle and I ever did anything, but the hardest part is simply getting started. Begin with a kiss. Take it slow. If Sandrone shows no signs of reluctance or doesnât voice discomfort, deepen it. Try a light caress of her cheek or arm. As you both get the hang of it, let passion be your guide. Much of this isâŠletâs call it âdivine instinct.ââ
Unsure if the former archon was finished with her explanation, Columbina inquired, âThatâs all?â
Shrugging her shoulders, Furina stated, âEvery couple is different. Youâve got to start somewhere, but the rest will be up to the two of you to figure out how you want to proceed. Arlecchino and I didnât just jump into things, you know. We had to learn more about who each of us was and what our preferences were. Now, Iâll just start toying with her at the dinner table or under her work desk. Sometimes Iâll even hide suggestive photos of me in her briefcase for when she gets lonely when she goes away on fatui business,â she said with a devious giggle. âShe is so easy to rile up.â Her eyes went wide when she realized what sheâd just inadvertently shared. âDonât tell her I said that!â
The other womanâs lips tilted upwards in a gentle smile. âItâll be our secret. Thank you for your kindness, Furina.â
âMy pleasure. However, we should probably meet up with our other halves before either of them gets too suspicious.â
Quietly exiting the guest room, they headed back toward the dining area. Soon enough, they heard hushed voices in deep conversation.Â
âSandrone, please. They are just getting to know one another. Youâre completely overreacting.â
âSheâs talking about me! I just know it. Thatâs it, Iâm going toâŠâ
They were interrupted by Furina throwing the doors open. âRoomâs all ready! Binaâs uncanny ability to float certainly made my lack of height easier to work with. Arle, I told you we really need to lower some of those shelves in the closet.â
Sandrone crossed her arms against her chest. âFurina, I swear, whatever she told you it- it isnât true!â
Dropping her best look of confusion, the former archon replied, âWhat isnât true? I was the one doing most of the talking. She only wanted all the juicy details of my relationship.â She flashed a quick wink the Knaveâs way. âIâm positively famished. Letâs eat, shall we?â
âââââââââââ
After dinner, Furina quickly feigned exhaustion and dragged Arlecchino to âsleep.â Taking this as her cue, Columbina led her girlfriend to where they would be staying. Ensuring the door to their room was closed tightly behind her, Sandrone immediately turned on her.
âOkay, Bina. Spill it. What did you and Furina talk about while you were alone?â
Before the other woman answered her, she moved closer and gently took her hand. âI have a more important question, Sandrone. Why are you always so worried about what others may think about us being together?â
âReally? Because if you werenât, I donât think youâd be so quick toâŠâ
The Marionette interrupted her. âIâŠI justâŠâ
Tilting her chin up toward her, the moon goddess coaxed her to continue. âJust?â
âIâm just not good at understanding or communicating feelings, okay? Youâre impossible to read. How do I know if what we have is even real? That you arenât complaining about me behind my back?â
âWhy would I complain about you? Iâll admit you can be a bit confusing at times, but I really do love you, you know.â
Sandrone froze, her eyes widening in shock. ââŠWhat did you just say?â
âI mean, Iâm no scientist, but sometimes when youâre going on and on about Puloniaâs maintenance, IâŠâ
âNot that part, you moron!â
âOhâŠyou mean that I love you?â
âWho taught you that word? Youâre clearly not using it correctly.â
Her brow furrowed. âIs love not the feeling you have when you canât help but smile when a particular person walks into the room? The way your chest tightens when you hear them speak about something they're passionate about? The way your face appears in my mind when I smell someone brewing coffee? Perhaps I should have asked Furina about it before using-â
She was cut off sharply as the Marionette pulled her into an embrace.
âYou idiotâŠâ They stood in silence for a moment. âWhen Dottore took you away from usâŠfrom meâŠI was terrified that Iâd never get to hug you back.â Stepping back, she brought her hand to the other womanâs cheek. âNow that youâre hereâŠwith meâŠand weâre togetherâŠIâm terrified for a different reason. Iâm terrified that Iâll wake up and this will all have been a hallucination. That the technology keeping me alive is messing with my brain, and youâre only going along with it because you feel sorry for me.â
âSandroneâŠI know what itâs like to be alone. Until I met you, I didnât really even know what to call that feeling of emptiness. Iâve never been knowingly deceitful,â she said with a calm smile. âI donât plan to start now.â
There was another moment of silence as the Marionette processed her girlfriendâs words. Columbia stepped closer, giving her the opportunity to move away if she needed time to herself. As she leaned in, Sandrone felt an unexplainable magnetism that drew her to her. Finally, their lips met in a gentle kiss.
This was new to both of them. They understood the mechanics behind it, yes, but the way their hearts beat in time with one another was something neither of them was prepared for. The moon goddess waited for the inevitable moment when the other woman would pull away out of fear or nervousness, but that moment never came. So, she did what Furina had told her to do.
The Marionette widened her eyes in shock at the feeling of Columbinaâs tongue gliding into her mouth. âW-what are you doing?â
âOh? Did I do it wrong?â
âDo what wrong? What are you talking about?â
âI wanted to show you how much you truly mean to me. I wanted us to try being like birds and bees...â
âArchons, Columbina!â Sandrone groaned. âDo you even know what youâre talking about? And for the love of all things holy, donât call it that!â
âBut I figured thatâs what Laufer and Nefer were doing-â
Holding out a hand to stop her from continuing, Sandrone interrupted, âOkay, okay! Donât remind me. That was embarrassing enough the first time you told me. JustâŠdonât say it like that. If weâre going to do thisâŠâ Her cheeks were so red she thought her skin was going to melt. âT-then letâs not use others as an example. Letâs learn about each other and what we like.â
âThat does make sense,â Columbina murmured sadly.
Noticing the subtle change in her girlfriendâs demeanor, the Marionette quickly explained. âHang on! I donât mean we have to stop! I meanâŠletâs at least make this more comfortable for both of us.â
The moon goddess perked up and glided toward the bed. Sandrone followed with apprehension. âSoâŠlikeâŠmaybe we should get undressed first?â She suggested. âB-but only if you really, really want-â
Immediately, Columbina started to shrug out of her dress.
âWait, wait! Youâre too eager!â She shouted as she averted her eyes.
âDo you need my help?â The moon goddess inquired.
âNO!â Seeing her girlfriend drop her head in defeat, Sandrone took a deep breath to calm herself. Clearing her throat, she corrected herself. âSorry, what I mean is I can do it. Letâs justâŠstart with this. Maybe Iâll feel more comfortable having you do it once weâve gotten the hang of this first.â
She removed her clothing slowly. The only time she was bared before another was strictly for maintenance purposes. This was another situation entirely. Standing before Columbia, she clenched her eyes shut as her dress fell to the floor in a silent flutter of fabric.Â
Reaching for her hands, the moon goddessâs soothing voice reassured her. âYouâre beautiful, Sandrone. Please look at me. I donât want either of us to be afraid to take this step together.â
The harbinger opened her eyes and met her gaze. Like pink jewels, Columbinaâs irises glittered without malice. Sheâd always been honest, sometimes too much so. The Marionette cleared her throat. âUmâŠthanks. You, too. But I guess that's to be expected when youâre a literal goddess. Why donât we get comfortable on the bed?â
âIâd like that,â Columbina responded as they both took a seat. âSoâŠwhat should I do now?â
Sandrone narrowed her eyes. âYou mean you donât know? You were raring to take the lead a second ago!â
âI was just doing as Lady Furina instructed.â
Prodding her chest with a finger, the Marionette exclaimed, âI knew it! You were talking about me!â
âNot you. Us. I wanted to learn the proper steps to take to further our relationship. It seemed to me that Furina would be open to guiding me. Arlecchino can be a bit tooâŠcryptic at times.â
With a sigh of resignation, Sandrone said, âOkay, then. How about we just start from the top, and then go from there?â
Cupping her cheek gently, the moon goddess kissed her again. Only this time, there was more confidence behind the action. Her girlfriend relaxed into her, fully aware of where they were headed. She cleared her mind, focusing on feeling rather than fretting. As their lips danced against each other, their breathing became more erratic, and tongues found their way into mouths.
Feeling emboldened by their current actions, the Marionette grabbed her girlfriendâs hand and placed it on her chest. âSqueeze them, hold them, do somethingâŠI needâŠmore.â
Happily receiving her consent, Columbia felt the soft texture of the other womanâs skin warm her palm. She quietly wondered how, even as an inorganic being, she could still feel her pulse (or at least what acted as one for her). Gliding her thumb across her nipple, Sandrone let out a quiet moan.Â
âYou feel like a human,â the moon goddess whispered with wonder.
âWhat were you expecting?â She whimpered in annoyance. âIâm not like those clunky gardemeks in Fontaine, you know. Do you really think Alain was that incompetent?â
Columbia offered a calm smile. âI didnât mean to offend. I meant it as a compliment.â
âOhâŠwell then. Thank you.â
âYouâre perfect, Sandrone.â Her girlfriend murmured before starting to kiss down her neck. The other woman gasped, not just from her touches, but at her use of a word she had never considered would be used to describe her. A tear slid down her cheek, and she immediately moved to hide the evidence.
Halting her ministrations, she asked, âAre you okay? Do you want me to stop?â
âNo, no, keep going,â she sniffed. âIâm fine. Iâm enjoying it. Really.â
Columbina tilted her head in confusion. âThen why are you crying?â
âBecauseâŠitâs a lot for me, emotionally. But please, letâs continue.â Sandrone caressed her girlfriendâs cheek and kissed her. âSee? Told you Iâm fine.â
Hesitantly, the moon goddess stroked her hands up and down her girlfriendâs sides. Memorizing every curve, she explored her body with the steady interest of someone who desired not just to understand, but truly know what pleased her.
âI thinkâŠIâm ready,â the Marionette whimpered. She was once again met with that bright pink stare of curiosity. âOh, ArchonsâŠFurina didnât explain the next step to you, did she?â
âNo, it was actually Nefer and Lauma who gave me the more detailed description,â she stated sheepishly. âYouâre sure you really want this?â
Taking her wrist, the other woman guided her hand between her legs. âYes. Iâm sure. JustâŠbe gentle, okay? Itâs my first time, too, you know.â
The moon goddess carefully prodded her entrance, gathering her arousal and coating her digits to ensure smooth entry. Watching her facial features for any discomfort, she slid inside.Â
Sandrone let out a soft moan at the sensation, and Columbina continued. Maintaining a slow but steady pace, she flexed her fingers instinctively. Judging by the sounds her girlfriend was making, she must have been doing something correctly.
âY-you can move fasterâŠor add another...â She suggested breathlessly. Acting accordingly, the moon goddess inserted another digit. As she stroked a spot inside her that she appeared to enjoy, she was amused to see the other woman back to her old bossy self.
âDo that again, but faster,â She commanded in a half-groan.
Fulfilling her girlfriendâs request, Columbina repeated her action. Holding her close with her free arm, she could feel her quivering and clenching. Assuming this was a good sign, she increased her speed.
âArchonsâŠColumbinaâŠdonât you dare stopâŠâ
âAs you wishâŠâ she whispered reassuringly into her hair.
Her moans hit a fever pitch, and the moon goddess wondered why she had never heard her sing like this before. It sounded like music to her, and knowing that she was the cause made it even more special. Sandrone slumped forward, her forehead resting on the other womanâs shoulder.
âWas that satisfactory?â
Columbina felt the vibration of the Marionetteâs chuckle. âUgh, donât say it all weird like that.â Looking up at her, her eyes sparkled with an unfamiliar mischievousness. âYou did fine. But I think I can do even better.â
âI didnât realize weâd turned this into a competition.â
Her voice took on a smug air. âIâll have you know Iâm exceptionally well-read in all things, not just matters of science. I figured weâd eventually be doingâŠâ Her already flushed cheeks turned an even deeper shade of crimson. âThis, so I thought I might as well prepare myself to leave you amazed.â
The moon goddessâs eyes widened with understanding. âAh, so you and Arlecchino must have had a discussion similar to mine and Furinaâs?â
âYouâve got to be kidding me,â Sandrone muttered. âColumbina, would you want to talk to the Knave about things like this? No, I bought some light novels at one of the traveling merchantsâ stalls while I was stationed in Nod Krai.â
âI see. Perhaps we could read them together, then?â
Deciding against a sarcastic reply, the Marionette pushed her gently onto her back. âIâll do you one better. How about I show you the results of my research?â
Giggling in surprise, the moon goddess smiled up at her. âIâm not used to this side of you. Itâs nice to see you loosen up after an orgasm.â
âColumbina! Iâll never understand how you can say things like that without batting an eye.â She straddled her hips and leaned down. âBut I think I know whatâll really make you squirm.â
Her lips were now mere inches from hers. âDo your worst, my dear Sandrone.â
The Marionette silenced her with a searing kiss that felt like it took the breath out of both of their lungs. Adrenaline served as the antidote to any and all worries that previously floated through Sandroneâs mind. Her lips traveled across every inch of the moon goddessâs brilliant porcelain skin. If she werenât so focused on making her feel good, she could have admired the way it sparkled like the night sky of Nod Krai.
Her mouth met her nipple, already swollen with arousal. She tested licks, sucks, and light bites, gauging her reaction for future experiments. The voice she had once dreaded hearing in the dead of night now sounded like the only thing she ever wanted to fall asleep to. Columbinaâs sleek fingers wove through her tresses. A gentle pressure indicated she was eager to push her further.
âBe patient, Bina,â she murmured against her flesh. The other woman let out a sigh that was both of anticipation and resignation as her girlfriend kissed her way between her breasts and down to her taught stomach. She gave the same treatment to each side of her hips, her lips lingering over her skin as she moved from one side to the other.Â
Silently thanking the Archons that she had read an entire stack of those trashy novels in her downtime, she readied herself for the main event. The moon goddessâs digits were still tangled in her hair, light squeezes on her scalp silently begging her to continue. Sandrone took her first taste of her and imagined this must be what it was like to be drunk on some exceptionally expensive liquor.
Columbina let out a squeak of a moan, her grip tightening against her head. With each movement of her tongue, the Marionette made sure to drag the flat of it against the other womanâs sensitive bud. If she moved it in circles, what would the reaction be? What pressures made her girlfriendâs hips jolt the most? She could spend the rest of her life running tests like these and never grow tired of it.
âS-SandroneâŠI thinkâŠIâm getting closeâŠâ
Humming in affirmation, she nudged her legs open wider with her shoulders. She had finally deduced the series of combinations that would bring her to climax. A few firm sucks were all it took to make the moon goddess see stars.
Peering up at her from between her thighs, the Marionette was rewarded with a rare sight: Columbina Hyposelenia at a loss for words.
Sandrone took the spot next to her on the bed and carefully tucked a sweat-drenched lock of hair behind her girlfriendâs ear. When sheâd finally come back down to earth, her girlfriend's head twitched toward the door.
âHear what? Archons, Columbina, you sure know how to give a girl the creeps. Itâs the House of the Hearth. Iâm sure thereâs always something making noises in a place filled with kids.â
âHmmâŠI suppose youâre right.â