#poor art

LEFT ➡️ RIGHT

"I'm still recovering," the raen woman said mulishly. She pushed closer to his chest and pulled the linen sheet over her head. "Healers' orders Ilberd."

"Recovering from Vishap or last night?" Ilberd's rumbling chuckle became a basso laugh. He pulled the sheet away from her and smirked at his bedmate's surprised yelp. He caught one of her flailing hands so he could examine the skin of her wrist. "I don't recall you caring much about healer's orders while I was in you balls deep and had you trussed up so pretty."

Art'imis laughed and turned her head to kiss his cheek. "just another half bell love and then we can go back to responsibilities."

"How about I get that tea of your brewed and I can hold you while you suffer through it." Ilberd turned his head to catch her mouth for a proper kiss. 

"That's the best I'll get isn't it?" Art'imis pouted when she leaned back from the kiss. The big Ala Mhigan man chuckled again and tugged on a lock of her hair before he slid out of the bed. Art'imis pulled up the sheet and blanket when her source of heat left the bed. Her eyes fell half closed in a light doze as she watched her lover. 

"Friends tell me that the new viceroy in Ala Mhigo is a demon that makes van Baelsar look like a god of compassion." 

Art'imis bit back a groan. She couldn't really blame him for that thread of bitterness in his voice. After all the scions had interceded in Ishgard's favor, why not Ala Mhigo? But they'd talked about this so many times, the Eorzean alliance simply couldn't face down a legion with the full support of the Garlean empire. She took a deep breath and released it slowly. "Love, I swear Ala Mhigo's time will come, but right now all that would happen is the Empire would gain three new provinces to bleed dry."

 Ilberd walked back to the bed and handed her the mug of tea, "we'll discuss it tomorrow if you've survived all the politics of a state banquet."

Art'imis glared down into the contraceptive tea, her brows furrowing into the patch of scales at the center of her forehead. She let Ilberd pull her back against his chest and relaxed into the heat he radiated. She took a large swallow and gagged. For a crowded second she wasn't sure if she was going to choke or spit up the foul liquid. When she was finally able to swallow she started coughing. "Why do I let you make this? You always over steep it."

Ilberd kissed her horn and chuckled at the shiver that ran down her back and arms, "finish your tea.  We have a few extra minutes to enjoy ourselves since Yda is taking Bel to breakfast and then shopping."

"I can't believe I let you talk me into that either," Art'imis grumbled and then forced down the rest of the tea. Ilberd laughed again and put the mug on the night stand. The small woman joined his laugh when he rolled them so his weight pressed her down into the mattress and they enjoyed each other's company. 

…. ….

Minfillia caught Art'imis's elbow when the smaller woman swayed as they were walking out of the Rising Stones. They both frowned deeply, "You haven't been following the healer's orders have you?"

The paladin grimaced, "I think the battles with Nabrieales and Vishap took more out of me than I thought."

"And you do not do what the healers tell you to. Bel is better than you for Light's sake."

Art'imis waved a hand dismissively, "it will pass."

The junior sicons shook their heads listening to Minfillia's concerned nagging. It wouldn't be the last time the Warrior of Light pushed her limits to far. 

…. ….

"How long will the drug work for?"

"She is no longer protected by the mother crystal's blessing, if she drank all of it she will be weakened enough for your purposes for the next sennight."

"And in return for keeping her out of your plans you'll give me what I need to make the Garleans pay."

"I have always kept my word Captain."

"You'd better Ascian, I know how to end you now."