Whispering Death (part 2)

Drina repeated the name in her thoughts. Hestar, it was a beautiful name. Silently they stared at one another, Hestar slowly leaning in closer towards her lips. The view of her beauty was all she could see at that moment. Her lips were full and lush, calling Drina to taste them. All Drina could hear was the pounding of her heartbeat and the soft stir of Ocan beside her. Ocan! Turning her head, pulled away from Hestar to check if her sister was still asleep. Thankfully she had readjusted as Drina let out her held breath. It was not as if she held it secret from her sister for her attraction to other women, it was more that she needed to be wary of her emotions. To kiss Hestar might aid her in unleashing her powers and after having them crammed deep within her could be dangerous. Ocan was a reminder of her need to continue to protect her. 

Hestar dropped her head, with a quiet laugh. Drina tapped her head against the wall behind her with a smile. She seemed to be understanding of her position, adjusting herself to rest her arms on the ledge. Drina was aware that she was still intending to pursue her as Hestar crossed her arms to prop her chest up and out. It took everything in Drina not to eye the cleavage now exposed for her pleasure. With a whisper, she continued to flirt.

“There is a common room on the other side of the hostel. Want to accompany me there instead? It will be mostly empty so no one will likely interrupt us.” 

This offer was too tempting. Knowing the moment they were alone, there would be no word exchange, Drina didn’t have to use her powers to predict that outcome. She debated the choices, knowing that if she did leave to the common room there was no protecting Ocan if anything were to happen. Staying here would wake her and then end the conversation anyways. Biting at her bottom lip, she thought of the bunk below. Maybe they could still spend a little time together and not have to leave. No one was sleeping there anyways and Drina wouldn’t be sleeping any time soon. An image of Cygnus floated in the back of her mind, weighing that choice heavily as well. There was no such thing as coincidence and all the signs were there. Something about this woman played a bigger part. Drina sighed heavily, looking at Hestar’s charming smile while she waited for her reply. Oh Hells, Drina thought. 

“How about the bottom bunk and we see from there?”

Hestar’s eyes brightened, taking the win as she jumped down from the ledge. Carefully moving Ocan’s head from her lap to the pillow beside, she slowly peeled away to climb down to the floor. Without the comfort of the bunks ledges to distance the two of them, Drina was just a few inches shorter than Hesta. Her smile was radiant while she took a few steps to close the distance between them, wrapping her hand in hers. She pulled them both to the bed across, giving Drina a good view of the top, that way if her sister awoke to look for her they would both see. Settled on the bed, Drina began to stress. What do they do now? Should they continue where they left off or should she just talk with her? Unsure, she realized how bad at socializing she had become. No topic seemed safe being that she would have to talk about herself or her past. Fidgeting with her fan, she realized she still had it within her grasp. Maybe she could stick to what she felt comfortable with. 

“Would you.. Care to have your fortune read?”

Hestar paused, her expression with genuine surprise. “You mean like palm readings and tarot cards?”

Ah, Drina thought, she is one of those types you don’t know much about the craft. Maybe this was a good opportunity to show off her skills. It was a little cocky of her to think maybe this would improve her chance to woo a girl, yet it was her fan who decided this. Taking her hand in hers, she lifted her fan to run a finger across the slips. Starting from the top, she helped her run along the accordion of the folds.

“Stop your finger on the slip that feels right. If you don’t feel it the first time, try again until you do. First is your past, Second is your present, and Third is your future.”

Hestar giggled, raising an eyebrow at her. Drina knew what she was thinking, it was the same look she always saw. How could a fan help depict that? Her methods were the same as those as tarot with the number of stars and which constellation coincided with. It was always a light reading however since Drina never saw good come out an entirely accurate reading. At each stop of the fan, Drina gracefully popped it out quickly within her one hand. After years of practice and memorization, she already knew more about Hestar than she may have known about herself. Taking her hand back, Hestar leaned in closer to rest her head on her shoulder. 

“I wish it was your folds I could run my fingers through.”

The comment made Drina blush brightly. It was more abrasive than she was ready for and needed a moment to calm her rising temperatures. Clearing her throat, she continued one.

“This sign here means you were hurt in your past. The stars tell me that it was family and the direction of the milky way here mentions abandonment. When you were younger you were given away or lost someone of great importance to you.”

Hestar shielded herself, taking a breath before running her fingers down along Drina’s leg. The teasing sent shivers through her body. 

“My dad left us when I was younger. Left a bit of a void in my life.”

Drina already knew, more so it was a devastating impact on her family and her mother later passed away from heartbreak. Hestar was the youngest of 4 siblings and had to fend for herself. With a heavy heart, she spoke softly. 

“I am sorry to hear that. Our parents were… Let’s say my sister is all I have left.”

Wanting to move on to the next one to spare them both the shared pain, Drina scoffed with a smile. This one too was already something she learned even before it was pulled. Cygnus again plaguing her this night with a visit. 

“Well, at least in the present you will find someone you will fall in love with.”

She closed the first pull, and showed with a flourish the swan. Hestar sat up, leaning her face in close to hers once more. 

“Oh? Tell me more. Is she a beautiful woman with dark hazel eyes?”

Teasing her a little, Drina pretended to be shocked.

“Her? Oh no, says here it’s some old man here in the hostel. I think I saw a balding man who fits the description perfectly.” 

Hestar belted out a laugh, as she rested her head deep into her shoulder. Drina shhed her, using the moment to wrap her arm around her to pull her close. Her hand brushed against her skin and the smell of sandalwood once again engulfed her senses. Together they giggled before Hestar sat up, this time pushing the fan aside to straddle her. 

“So what does it say about the one I am to like then?”

“Says they are someone you will care for deeply, and that it will bring change to your life.”

As much as the fortune was right, it also didn’t seem likely. Drina and Ocan would be continuing further south before heading over to the eastern sea. The farther away they could put themselves from here and their homeland, the safer they would be. Hestar seemed to also call out the fortune as well.

“Seems like quite an impact considering you are only staying a few nights.” 

It made Drina’s stomach flutter with butterflies. To think this stranger would still consider her as the person in her fortune. It was almost easily believable considering she thought the same thing since she first walked through the door. Drina swallowed hard, daring to place her hands on the outside of her legs. Her voice cracked a little as she replied, moving her hands slowly towards her bottom. 

“W-what about you? Are you only here for a little while as well considering you are staying in a hostel?”

It was clear that Drina didn’t have much experience with these kinds of things, all the while trying to play it cool. This had been the closest contact she had had with a woman and her heart was out of control. So much for keeping her emotions in check, all she wanted to do was take this woman’s clothes off. Hestar pulled herself closer with a devilish smirk, allowing Drina to grab at her bountiful bottom while wrapping her arms around Drina’s neck. 

“I actually live here. Beats paying rent for a bigger place, and I get to meet all sorts of people. Although, none as stunning as you.”

This may be a line she used for any girl she met, but even so, it still made Drina feel hot. Unable to resist any further, Drina took the first move. Leaning in, she connected their lips. A fire within set blaze, unlocking emotions she had not allowed in years. Drina let out a small moan, a mistake on her part as Hestar took that as a signal to ramp up the heat more. She pressed her body hard into Drinas, grinding her hips against her. Letting go of her bottom, Drina ran her hands up along her back, her hand slipping through the loosely wrapped fabric and connecting to her skin. The whispers suddenly speaking, alerted Drina as they continued to kiss passionately. Opening an eye, she could see the spirits around them in a light fog. She was losing her control and needed to stop, yet as Hestar slipped her tongue into her mouth it fueled her more. 

Hestar this time was the one to moan as Drina matched her pace, running her hands through her hair. It was exquisite, the passion and lust devouring Drina. The voices lifted from their whispers to talking crowds. She knew if she opened her eyes now, that the ghosts would be completely visible, yet instead, she kept them closed. Drina instead turned Hestar, placing her beneath her on the bed. Her full body weight was on her now and her hands were needy, running up her body. Almost able to fill her hand with Hesta’s supple breast, one voice spoke clear through all the clammer around her. It was in her mother tongue, one she knew would be a giveaway of their origins.

Lana… where are you?”

Ocan was having her nightmare again, no doubt because of the onslaught of Drina’s power. The voice had even startled Hestar as they broke apart. Her eyes were wide, not knowing what the girl was saying. With a heavy sigh, Drina rolled over and climbed up the bunk to reach over the ledge. Speaking back in their mother tongue, Drina tried to calm her sister. She grasped hard on her power and suppressed it as much as she could.

Jeta, I am here. It is alright.” Switching back to the common tongue, she hoped it would be enough to remind Ocan to be aware. “It’s alright. We are in the hostel. It’s just a dream.”
    Ocan turned, opening her eyes groggily. “I thought you were gone.”

Drina smiled with a sigh. “I was not gone far. I am always close by.”

She nodded sleepily, closing her eyes as Drina brushed at her hair. The voices were mere wisps through the wind as Ocan slipped back into slumber. The light breathing of her sister was all that could be heard. With guilt, Drina should have known better. Both being spiritually connected and her sister still not awakened to her own powers, she knew it was not safe to play it wild. Climbing down, she smacked her head on the wood, holding it there as she chitted herself. Half expecting Hestar to have left, it surprised her to see her standing beside her. Her arms were crossed, eyes softened at the sweet display of a sister caring for her family. Drina stood up, fidgeting with her fingers. What do I say now? There was no way she didn’t hear the dialect, and with how they are dressed it would all make sense. Still, Hestar stepped forward towards her and grabbed at her hands, interlocking her fingers with hers. 

“I guess we’ll end it here tonight?”

It was upsetting to hear it, yet Drina thought it was best. “Yes, I am sorry about that.”

Hestar shook her head. “Not at all, I understand. Coming from a war-torn place would leave scars.” 

Before Drina gave up hope, she leaned in and kissed her tenderly. 

“I take it you are here for the festival then? Are you going to be participating?”

Drina was taken aback. 

“Festival?”

She nodded as if it was common knowledge. “Yeah, every year far and wide we have gypsies of all sorts come and share their knowledge and talents. It’s quite the event. I just assumed you were here because of that. Given that you read my fortune and that you speak their language.”

With a tilt of her head, Drina replied optimistically. “And you don’t mind?”

Not being able to hide her smile, Hestar pulled Drina closer to her, wrapping her arms around her waist.

“Truth be told, I could never get close to a Gypsy before. You keep to yourselves and move in herds. To find a stray one in a hostel is pretty rare and I wasn’t lying when I said before, none of them are as stunning as you.”

The fire within Drina began to rage once more, making it difficult for her to control her emotions once more. How was this girl able to affect her so dramatically? She turned her head, hiding her blush and in hopes to take a few breaths to calm down. 

“Say I was at the festival. Would you… Come and see me then?”

Hestar giggled, pulling away to head back to her bed. 

“I might.” walking backwards she stopped just at the corner to peek. “You may also see me again even outside of the festival.”

With that, she disappeared behind the bunk. The soft voice sang through the room, just audible enough to hear it.

“Goodnight Drina.”

It made her feel giddy, knowing this girl wanted to see her again even after knowing her background. Unable to contain her overflowing joy, she called back in her melodic voice seductively as possible.

“Goodnight Hestar.” 

Silence was met within the room while she stood there. Finally leaning against the wall behind her, she covered her face with her hands, replaying the intense exchange they had moments before. It was Drina’s first kiss, and all she wanted to do was continue kissing her. She licked at her lips, the flavor of Hestar still lingering.  Gods, what a good kisser she was. Pushing away from the wall, Drina remembered her fan on the bed. Still reeling from the kiss, she almost had forgotten that there was still one fortune left she did not share with Hestar. Taking a look, her gut had suddenly dropped. How did she miss this the first time? Well, maybe it was obvious to the complete distraction she had been, yet this was no longer a laughing matter. Scutum was the sign for battle, yet the combination of the stars and planets was not a good sign. Typically this meant death, meaning Hestar was in danger.

Whispering Death (part 1)

It was a chilly night as the door of the hostel swung open. The owner glanced over, smiling brightly as two girls walked in. A tall-looking woman beside a younger child stepped through the doorway, removing their hoods from their colorful assorted clothing. The child looked worn from her travels, sleep claiming her as she rubbed at her eyes. The taller one wrapped her arms around her protectively, leading them closer to the owner. Both of the girls shared the same color of eyes, dark hazel with gold flakes. The owner was sure they were sisters just based on their similar looks and how close they were. 

    “Evening ladies, what brings you here tonight?” 

The taller sister stepped out in front, reaching into a small bag hanging from her hip. The sound of coins clinking together could be heard as she pulled a smaller coin pouch out. Placing it on the table, the girl spoke. 

    “Just a bed for me and my sister to share. Anything will do.”

    Her voice was melodic yet cold. The distrust was palpable to the owner, a tone she was well acquainted with. Anyone walking into a hostel late at night regardless of their appearance always had a story to share, if not a past they were running from. It wasn’t always that way since most people spent their time travelling and seeking adventure. Something about the way the older sister held herself said otherwise, yet who was the owner to judge? 

    “How many nights will you be staying?”

    The lady glanced back at her sister, hesitating a moment. “For the time being, a few nights. We’ve travelled a long way and may need a night or two to recover.” 

    The owner nodded, taking up her pen to write in her ledger. “Alright. What name shall I put you down as?” 

    Absently she replied to the owner, hinting she had used this alias several times before.

    “Drina Forest.”

With a welcoming smile, she led them into the back. The small hall turned into a larger room with several bunks lining the room. Each bunk had a storage chest attached to the top and bottom, along with a lock. The owner showed them the farthest back bunk, grabbing at the large ring of keys in her pocket. Pulling off the number to the bunk, she handed it to the eldest sister. 

    “Take the top, I hope it will give you comfort and safety.”

    Drina’s serious face relaxed, giving the owner a relieved smile. Mouthing the words “Thank you” she helped lift her sister up to climb into the bed to sleep. The owner stepped away, heading towards the front once one before Drina stopped her. 

    “Um.. sorry what was your name ma’am?”

    The owner turned back, the same friendly smile on her face. “Luludja, but please, just call me Lulu.”

    Drina nodded, brushing her raven hair out of her face and behind her ear. It was a nervous habit, Lulu could tell. Turning she gave her space, leaving Drina with her sister. The room was quiet since most of the renters were already asleep or still out enjoying the night. Drina twirled the key in her hand a bit looking at the chest. She knew in places like this that the chances of a thief were limited, yet her trust issues didn’t allow for her to place anything within it. She pocketed the key, climbing up beside her already dozing-off sister. Maybe the several days of travel were too much for her. Leaning against the wall, her sister shuffled to cuddle in close to her side allowing them both to get comfortable. Drina brushed her sister’s hair off her face and shoulders, scanning around the room as she did. 

    “Lana,” her sister’s groggy voice in a barely audible voice pulled her attention back to her. “Are we going to actually stay here a few nights?” 

    Drina shushed her, “Remember Jeta, call me Drina. We mustn’t let anyone know our true names. I taught you this a while ago.”

    “Do I really need to go by Ocan?”

    Ocan rubbed at her eyes, fighting to stay awake by her sister. Petting at her head, she offered a warm smile. After all her teachings, she still had so much to learn. A name was a deadly thing to give away, especially with all the power she might have once she unlocked it. It was their bloodline, and Drina was well aware of what consequences awaited them. It took constant concentration to conceal her abilities and locking her gift away drained her. Yet in all it’s tiresome effort, it was worth it. She couldn’t risk the dangers for her or her sister.  All Drina could do was hope to teach Ocan how to control her emotions and pick up some of the teachings. 

    “Yeah, I promise there is a reason. Now go to sleep.” 

    It didn’t take her much convincing before Ocan’s fully drifted off. Drina sighed heavily. Now if only she could follow suit. A few of the beds around them were still empty, giving Drina hope that maybe she could give in a little and feel safe enough to drop her guard just a little. Being constantly alert, it made her always feel uneasy. The hostel did give off a sense of peace though, as Drina continued to watch several others in the room. It was then that several footsteps could be heard from the small hall. Drina tensed a moment, seeing people entering into the building. Several looked like they had been partying in the nearby pubs, while others were dressed up in fancy duds. It was odd how respectfully quiet they had been entering and finding their way to the beds. Quite often in the past hostels, they could get loud and rowdy. 

    Without waking Ocan, Drina readjusted herself to reach into her bag. Pulling out her folding fan, she began to fiddle with it. It brought her comfort holding it, the black wooden guard carved with intricate roses and the inside decorated with constellations, their signs each with brightly burning stars within them. A small beaded  It was her mothers, passed down to her when she passed. Drina still didn’t know the truth behind her death, but it led to their now constant running. She couldn’t trust the household she lived with, the constant feeling of fear and deceit around each and every person. Closing her eyes for a moment, she poured her thoughts into the fan. Hoping for the outcome to be a good one, she rolled her fingers over the flowers before flicking it open. Several whispers called out at her in a slurry, filling Drina with concern. Opening her eyes, she was drawn to the door instead of the result showing in her fan. 

    There at the entrance to the room of bunk beds was a woman. Blond hair that shimmered with the light, violet eyes as deep as the night sky, and a smile that made anyone’s temperature rise. She was wearing loose clothing, wrapped with dark colors around her hip and torso. It was tight enough to show off her curves in all the right places. Time paused in Drina’s world as she stopped for a moment to connect with her eyes. The pit of her stomach flipped. Emotions began to stir within Drina, her control slipping as the whispers grew. Dropping her eyes in a hurry from the woman, she looked to her fan. In the dead middle of the slips open was Cygnus the swan. Snapping her fan closed, Drina felt her heart pounding. Maybe telling the future when everyone was still up and about was a mistake. Opening the fan fully, she glanced at all the rest of the constellations. Why out of all of them did it have to be Cygnus? Glancing back up, she caught the woman’s eyes once more. She had moved to the right side of the room, opening her chest to take out clothes to change into. 

    Drina absently fanned herself, biting at her lip. The whispers are ever still present, reminding her to gain control over them once more. Breaking eye contact once again, Drina looked down at Ocan. She was the reason why she needed to guard herself. Indulging in a fling no matter how tempting it was didn’t matter as much as her sister did. It was an internal battle she fought with her powers that was almost disorienting when the pressure of the whispering stopped suddenly. 

    “Hey, sorry to bother you. I just couldn’t help noticing you when I got in.”

    Drina’s heart jumped, turning to face the woman now up close. She stood by the foot of the bunk, her beauty even more magnificent up close. The woman’s eyes caught the head of Ocan, causing her to break her smile with a shock.

    “Oh.. sorry I thought you were alone.”

    With a quick reply, Drina spoke with a quiet voice. “No, it’s alright. It’s my sister. We had a long journey today and passed out right away.”

    The smile returned hopeful to the woman while she took a step closer. 

    “I see, where from?” 

    It was hard to resist how stunning this woman was. Drina watched her playful smile stare up at her, stirring a fire within her. How was she going to answer her? Castromnia was a large country with five regions: Ellstria, Scion, Bablalion, Vercian and Gasfriac. Both the Scion and Gasfriac regions were at war while the other three stayed neutral, however, refugees were not so easily welcomed from either region. Drina was cautious, knowing that giving away her travels may cause concern if not distrust, especially since her kin were travellers to begin with. With a quick lie, she offered a grin. 

    “We came from West Vercian, near the lakes of Laruia.”

    The woman brightened, taking another step closer towards the head of the bunk. Her hand crept ever closer towards her knee, sending shivers throughout Drina the moment her hand connected with her. 

    “Vercian! That’s quite far from home. What brought you here to Ellstria?”

    Drina’s control was slipping, her emotions out of control as her breathing picked up. She needed to calm down, yet this seductive dish in front of her made her mouth water. Not to mention her travelling hand had made its way from her knee up her thigh. Clearing her throat, Drina’s eyes wandered from her face down her neckline and continued on past her chest and hips. Flicking her eyes back to the woman’s eyes, she licked her top lip.

    “I hear the sights here are spectacular. Although, we are just passing through for now.”

With a chuckle, the woman withdrew her hand and finished walking to the head of the bunk. Stepping up on the bottom bunk, she lifted herself up over the edge, bringing her face close to Drina’s. The smell of sandalwood engulfed her senses as she stared into the eyes of the woman. Biting her bottom lip, she tilted her head at Drina.

“What’s your name?”

“D-Drina.”

“Hestar.”

Swallowing hard, Drina knew that this was the start of a problem, one she wasn’t sure she was going to regret just yet.