A few hours later, they are back on track walking up uncounted stairs. Emily’s cheeks are slightly red and not just from effort. "I’m sorry, Ayaka, I didn’t know it would have that… effect on me.," she says.
Ayaka smiles at her. "Neither did I. Never did learn any mortal’s true names before. Actually didn’t think you’d even have one, considering … but, apparently you do, and it has a noticeable effect on you. Hopefully this will not become a big problem for you… Xayta," she says and grins widely at her. Emily almost falls over as her knees buckle and her lungs empty.
"Ayaka!," she yells and turns around. "I asked you not to use that name when we’re not… uh… not… anyway, don’t use it normally!," she says, turns back and continues climbing the stairs.
"You’re using mine, though," Ayaka says.
"You have a point there," Emily says and strokes her chin. "What should I call you when we’re among other people?"
"I have never had any other names. Titles, hierarchy and homes were used. Sir knight. The Minister. The Rivertownian.," Ayaka says and looks into the distance, remembering ages past. "You may call me whatever you wish, wife."
"Aya, then." Emily says, stops and turns around. "I’ll call you wife and love and dearest when it’s appropriate, and Ayaka when we’re alone. But with others, I’ll call you Aya. Is that okay?," she asks.
"Aya…," Ayaka says. A slight blush rises on her cheeks and she smiles without meaning to. "Aya," she repeats. "I guess that’s alright…," she says, lost in her thoughts.
"Aya it is, then!," Emily says and smiles. "You can call my Emily, or Emi, which ever you like."
They continue climbing the stairs, both smiling happily.
A few days later, Emily gets increasingly excited. She seems to have more energy than before, although they are running low on rations. It’s been a day since they last saw fresh water and they are dangerously low on that too, yet Emily seems happier.
"Emily. What is it? Although I don’t need sustenance in the amounts you require, now that I’m unbound I still need to eat now and then. We’re almost out of food, Emily.," Ayaka says while they have stopped for a small break. "We’re also running low of water, but you seem to be doing better than ever?," she says.
"That because I know these stairs, Aya.," Emily says and points upwards. "We’re only hours from reaching the surface and our freedom."
"World above…," Ayaka says and turns her gaze upwards where Emily pointed. "It’s been a while…"
"Come, Aya! Let’s hurry so we can get out of here and get home!," Emily says excitedly.
"Home?," Ayaka asks and raises her eyebrow at Emily.
"Yeah.. We have a home, a small and cozy building in a quiet little town…," Emily says and trails off into distant thoughts.
"We…?," Ayaka asks, surprised.
"Yes. You’re my wife now, Aya. I’ve had our home ready for us for years now. It was all or nothing for me, this trip. Either I was coming home with you, or I would not be coming home at all.," Emily says.
"You really did go all out… and all for me? Really?," Ayaka says.
"All for you, my love…," Emily says, then she perks up and almost runs up the stairs. "Come! Aya! Come, come! I can smell the wind and the sea! We’re close!," she yells.
They hurry up the stairs the last hour or so, and then arrive at the dusty cathedral halls. It’s dark outside when they walk out of the door. The stars are shining and the sky is clear. Ayaka wanders outside, looking upwards with her eyes wide open, her mouth parted. She walks along the narrow path and stares at the stars with wonder in her eyes. Emily follows her closely, smiling and looking at her astonished wife seeing stars for the first time in recorded history. Those eyes that have only seen the darkness of the stone for such a long time, are now free to travel under the sky as they wish.
Far beyond the horizon, the sky is getting lighter and a promise of a new day begins to dawn. Emily walks to Ayaka and takes her hand. She pulls her close and presses a light kiss on her lips. "Aya," she says and looks smiling into her eyes. "Let’s go home."52Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTO17Ggqkbq
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