PB // Morning Comfort

My first completed commission of 2025 goes to dear Sylvar~! Featuring his girls: Ashura and Khaija in the aftermath of the fight with Iskra I drew not too long ago!

Here's a story to go along with the artwork, or rather describing events that took place before the morning comfort. Written by Sylvar. And with thanks to Aksan for their insight <3

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Companionship

The shrine doors were thrown open, a bright orange, golden blade of energy shined in contrast to the dark temple interior as a tigress rushed in. The long shaft of a glaive within her hand revealed itself once she dashed further into the sunlight, the blade producing an idle hum with every motion. Clad in an elegant yet practical black dress with light, golden armor. The waving skirt revealed dark brown fur with even darker stripes underneath. Her hair was kept as a long ponytail at the back and two long braids swaying in the front with her energetic movements, adorned with golden accessories matching her armor. Her eyes shining just as brightly as her blade, glanced up to Ashura with a flicker of distress, “I heard the thunderclap. Your doing?” Her sweet voice spoke in an unusually worried tone.

Ashura stood tall at the edge of the shrine by the balustrade, gazing at the blood red horizon. The clouds painted the sky in colors of pink and purple. Slowly turning her head with a nod, she revealed her bloody face, pressing her hand onto the bleeding wound. “Yes… but it's over now. Did you rush to my side thinking I was in danger, Khaija?” Her lips curled into a smirk.

The glaive blade dissipated, leaving her with just a staff. With a hint of haste behind Khaija’s graceful steps the tigress strutted over to Ashura. “I did. Now let me take a look at you, love,” her gentle hand delicately moved Ashura's to the side, taking a moment to inspect the cut. “Deep and clean, but luckily missed your eye. It will leave a scar, other than that, it's nothing major. How is your opponent looking?” she inquired.

 Ashura's smirk intensified. “Not too bad. Wide hips, voluptuous, long and wavy hair, lovely sp-”

“Did you fight or did you lay her?”

“We fought but… she got away."

Khaija’s free fingers ran over the edge of the severed fabric of her top. “Rarely do I see such perfect cuts.”

“From the few glances I got at her swords they are a masterclass of craftsmanship and enchanting, without a doubt.” She rubbed the back of her head. “Quite a tease that one too. You might have some competition now.” Ashura couldn't help but chuckle.

“I can see it by the way she tried to undress you,” Khaija gently pulled on the strap. “She has a weird way of flirting with you. Come, sit down, let me take care of you.”

Ashura followed her instruction, planting herself down onto the warm stone, keeping her blade close within an arm's reach. Khaija made herself comfortable within her lap, her hand gently cupping Ashura's face with a pure and radiant golden glow. The simple touch made Ashura gasp out loud in relief. Warm and tingly sensations rushed through her skin, soothing and replacing the sharp pain with a pleasant warmth. Newly formed tissue quenched the bleeding, filling the space of the cut, leaving only a scar behind as a permanent reminder. Her head tilted into Khaija’s hand, enjoying the feeling of being held. A low purr rumbling in her throat.

“Did she challenge you because of your reputation?” The tigress asked as she sat down in her partner's lap, facing her.

“Seems so, but I feel like she just wanted to show off and play with me. Our duel was a beautiful yet deadly dance.” Ashura smiled brightly, “I loved it, she was fun. A breath of fresh air from the otherwise tiring challengers.”

“Anything interesting about her?”

“She is a cocky, little brat but confident in her skills. Adapted quickly to my own style like she knew every step and strike herself. Even her arcane skills are commendable. Invisibility, teleportation. Quite dangerous and able. Could have killed me with such an unsettling ease.“

“Did she introduce herself at least?”

“Iskra.” Ashura gently took Khaija’s hand into her own, planting a kiss on it. “I never had an opponent like her and I wish to know more about her. I wish to pursue her with your permission.”

“Seems you have taken a liking to her and she to you. If you wish to go on a journey to find her I will go with you and watch your back.”

“You always do.”

Khaija’s hand pulled Ashura’s face closer towards her with an unexpected strength. Pressing her forehead against hers. Ashura's eyes widened for a moment in surprise before she gave in, letting her low purrs be heard to her partner while closing her eyes.

Khaija joined the pleasant melody, gently running her thumb over the newly formed scar. “Just be careful flirting with danger,” her sweet voice whispered a stern warning, “I do not wish to lose you chasing the thrill of combat.”

“I have nothing to fear with you by my side,” Ashura replied in an attempt at reassurance. Slowly pulling away she gazed into Khaija’s bright, golden eyes, “who else is going to patch me up afterwards?” She could not help her awkward smile which was met with a firm punch to her shoulder.

“I love that little, awkward smile of yours, it suits you. You smile too rarely,” Khaija whispered.

Ashura turned her eyes to the horizon, flustered. “Can we stay like this, just for a little while?” Ashura whispered softly, yearning for the soothing comfort of her attention. A small tickle as the paint brush-like tail of Khaija made its way around her, coiling around her waist while their fingers intertwined.

“For as long as you need, my dear,“ the tigress purred.

Sitting together on the warm stone they watched the last light of the sun vanish behind the mountain peaks, giving way for the night with its starry tapestry. Khaija slowly got out of her lap to crawl around her partner, closing her arms around the taller feline's waist. Her chin found ample room on Ashura’s wide shoulder as she nestled in behind her. Soft hands found Ashura’s, gently holding them. The forest around them chirped with crickets as Ashura took her time to gaze at the stars. The twinkling little lights forming their constellations against the encroaching pitch black darkness of the night. The occasional shooting star left its streak of light across the sky. Time seemed to pass so incredibly slow in her lover's embrace and she took every second to enjoy the moments with her. A cooler mountain breeze blew through her fur. Shuddering lightly she leaned in closer into the comfort and warmth of Khaija’s body.

Khaija lifted a hand to play with strands of Ashura's hair between her fingers. Soft lips planted a gentle kiss on the back of Ashura’s neck as the angelic voice whispered into her ear, “how about we retreat into my chambers? I would welcome your company.”

An irresistible invitation to Ashura’s ears. “Hard to refuse you.” She turned her head to gaze into her radiant eyes. “Now?”

Khaija did not waste a second as she gently took her lover's hand, leading her off into a night of companionship. ”First, you will take a good bath, you reek of blood.”