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?
“Columbina! Sandrone! Welcome, welcome to our humble abode! I trust the trip from Nod Krai wasn’t too harrowing? I mean, how could it have been when my knight in shining armor was accompanying you?”
Arlecchino couldn’t hide the blood rushing to her cheeks if she tried. “AHEM. Yes, all is well, dearest, thank you. Please allow me to formally introduce my closest colleagues.”
With the grace of a seelie, Columbina floated up to her and took her hand in both of hers. “It’s 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.”
“Columbina!” Sandrone yelped loudly. “Archons, you’re so embarrassing. It’s not necessary to start every conversation we have with someone new like that!”
Cocking her head in confusion, the other woman asked, “What? Are you not my girlfriend?”
“No, that’s not…I mean, of course I am! T-that’s not the problem!” She stuttered. “Ugh, whatever! Furina, Arlecchino wouldn’t shut up about you the entire way here. Alain always spoke highly of you, so I figured you couldn’t be that bad.”
The former archon chuckled nervously. “Haha…thank you? I think?”
Utterly exhausted after the long trek home, the Knave cut in. “Ladies, if you don’t mind, might we continue getting to know each other inside? I don’t think any of us would object to getting a bit more comfortable, hmm?”
“What a splendid idea! The children are so excited to have you home, love. Lynette’s ears were positively twitching with glee as she helped me get the tea ready for you all.”
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 Sandrone’s 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.
“Honestly, 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 he’d introduce me to his creator. Their intellect must rival Alain’s,” Sandrone said as she sipped from her cup daintily.
“I’m 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,” the moon goddess stated dreamily.
The other woman choked on her tea. “C-Columbina! We are guests in someone else’s home! This is not the time to talk about such things.”
“It isn’t?” Her gaze shifted to the Knave. “But Arlecchino told us about how Furina used to…”
The head of the House of the Hearth’s eyes grew wide. “Ah, Furina. Perhaps now might be a good time to show Columbina where she and Sandrone will be residing during their stay here?”
Furina smirked knowingly. It wasn’t 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, “I’d be delighted. Bina…you don’t mind if I call you that, do you? Why don’t you come with me? I’d love the opportunity to learn more about you.”
A small smile graced the moon goddess’s lips. “That sounds like fun. I already know a great deal about you. In fact, it’s hard to get Arlecchino to talk about anything else as of late. It seems only fair for me to return the favor.”
Upon hearing this, Sandrone narrowed her eyes. “Don’t you dare go babbling to her about me, Columbina! And don’t think I won’t know if you do!”
The Knave let out a throaty chuckle. “Now, now, Marionette. You can count on Furina to honor your privacy. Believe me, if anyone understands, it’s her.”
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. “May I ask what the Knave has told you about me?”
“Ah, 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 she’s been since you came into her life, and…oh, your past as the archon here.”
Furina quietly shut the bedroom door behind them. “I see. So, you know the entire story then?”
Tilting her head in contemplation, the moon goddess answered, “Mmm. Perhaps not every last detail, but enough to understand what kind of person you are and how deeply she cares for you.”
The former hydro archon blushed at the mental image of her girlfriend gushing about her to her friends. “Oh. Well. I suppose I’ll have to show her how much I care about her later in return.”
Shaking out a blanket from the closet, Furina continued to pry. “Before Arle left for Nod Krai, she told me a bit about you and Sandrone as well. I wanted to ask how you’ve 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 other…it’s a lot at once.”
The other woman sat on the edge of the surprisingly large bed. “I suppose you’re right. Truth be told, I’m just happy to no longer be alone. I’m certain I’ve liked Sandrone since we first met, I just didn’t 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.”
Letting out a small chuckle, the former archon nodded in agreement. “Oh, trust me. I can relate. Arle and I met under some…dubious circumstances as well. It takes time and communication to really grasp what’s under the surface sometimes. So, let me ask you another question. Stop me if you feel uncomfortable answering, but relationship-wise…have you two done anything a bit more…intimate?”
Furina’s eyebrows shot up her forehead. “Really?!”
The moon goddess started counting on her fingers. “We’ve held hands, kissed…oh, 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 Sandrone’s late at night and sing to her. She’d allow me to sleep in the bed with her if I promised to stop.”
“So…you would literally just ‘sleep’ together?”
“Yes…why? Is that strange?”
Plopping down next to her, the former archon said, “Bina, dear, I think we may need to have a discussion about the birds and the bees.”
“That’s quite all right. Lauma and Nefer already showed me.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t follow. Who?”
“I’m surprised Arlecchino hasn’t 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 wasn’t 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 that’s what two people do when they love each other and want to show it physically,” Columbina explained matter-of-factly.
“Sooooo, what you’re telling me is that you and Sandrone have never…expressed your feelings for each other in that way?”
“Given how Lauma reacted, I figured it wouldn’t be a good idea to attempt it when traveling with the Knave, so, no.”
“That never stopped her and me,” Furina muttered under her breath.
“Not important,” the archon said with a dismissive shake of her head. “What is important is that you know you’re 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? I’d be happy to give you some advice.”
The moon goddess instantly took the other woman’s hands in hers. “You’d do that for me?”
“Haha…yes, of course. It’s 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 doesn’t 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 is…let’s call it ‘divine instinct.’”
Unsure if the former archon was finished with her explanation, Columbina inquired, “That’s all?”
Shrugging her shoulders, Furina stated, “Every couple is different. You’ve 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 didn’t just jump into things, you know. We had to learn more about who each of us was and what our preferences were. Now, I’ll just start toying with her at the dinner table or under her work desk. Sometimes I’ll even hide suggestive photos of me in her briefcase for when she gets lonely when she goes away on fatui business,” she said with a devious giggle. “She is so easy to rile up.” Her eyes went wide when she realized what she’d just inadvertently shared. “Don’t tell her I said that!”
The other woman’s lips tilted upwards in a gentle smile. “It’ll be our secret. Thank you for your kindness, Furina.”
“My pleasure. However, we should probably meet up with our other halves before either of them gets too suspicious.”
Quietly exiting the guest room, they headed back toward the dining area. Soon enough, they heard hushed voices in deep conversation.
“Sandrone, please. They are just getting to know one another. You’re completely overreacting.”
“She’s talking about me! I just know it. That’s it, I’m going to…”
They were interrupted by Furina throwing the doors open. “Room’s all ready! Bina’s 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.”
Sandrone crossed her arms against her chest. “Furina, I swear, whatever she told you it- it isn’t true!”
Dropping her best look of confusion, the former archon replied, “What isn’t true? I was the one doing most of the talking. She only wanted all the juicy details of my relationship.” She flashed a quick wink the Knave’s way. “I’m positively famished. Let’s eat, shall we?”
After dinner, Furina quickly feigned exhaustion and dragged Arlecchino to “sleep.” 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.
“Okay, Bina. Spill it. What did you and Furina talk about while you were alone?”
Before the other woman answered her, she moved closer and gently took her hand. “I have a more important question, Sandrone. Why are you always so worried about what others may think about us being together?”
“Really? Because if you weren’t, I don’t think you’d be so quick to…”
The Marionette interrupted her. “I…I just…”
Tilting her chin up toward her, the moon goddess coaxed her to continue. “Just?”
“I’m just not good at understanding or communicating feelings, okay? You’re impossible to read. How do I know if what we have is even real? That you aren’t complaining about me behind my back?”
“Why would I complain about you? I’ll admit you can be a bit confusing at times, but I really do love you, you know.”
Sandrone froze, her eyes widening in shock. “…What did you just say?”
“I mean, I’m no scientist, but sometimes when you’re going on and on about Pulonia’s maintenance, I…”
“Not that part, you moron!”
“Oh…you mean that I love you?”
“Who taught you that word? You’re clearly not using it correctly.”
Her brow furrowed. “Is love not the feeling you have when you can’t 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-”
She was cut off sharply as the Marionette pulled her into an embrace.
“You idiot…” They stood in silence for a moment. “When Dottore took you away from us…from me…I was terrified that I’d never get to hug you back.” Stepping back, she brought her hand to the other woman’s cheek. “Now that you’re here…with me…and we’re together…I’m terrified for a different reason. I’m terrified that I’ll wake up and this will all have been a hallucination. That the technology keeping me alive is messing with my brain, and you’re only going along with it because you feel sorry for me.”
“Sandrone…I know what it’s like to be alone. Until I met you, I didn’t really even know what to call that feeling of emptiness. I’ve never been knowingly deceitful,” she said with a calm smile. “I don’t plan to start now.”
There was another moment of silence as the Marionette processed her girlfriend’s 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 Columbina’s tongue gliding into her mouth. “W-what are you doing?”
“Do what wrong? What are you talking about?”
“I wanted to show you how much you truly mean to me. I wanted us to try being like birds and bees...”
“Archons, Columbina!” Sandrone groaned. “Do you even know what you’re talking about? And for the love of all things holy, don’t call it that!”
“But I figured that’s what Laufer and Nefer were doing-”
Holding out a hand to stop her from continuing, Sandrone interrupted, “Okay, okay! Don’t remind me. That was embarrassing enough the first time you told me. Just…don’t say it like that. If we’re going to do this…” Her cheeks were so red she thought her skin was going to melt. “T-then let’s not use others as an example. Let’s learn about each other and what we like.”
“That does make sense,” Columbina murmured sadly.
Noticing the subtle change in her girlfriend’s demeanor, the Marionette quickly explained. “Hang on! I don’t mean we have to stop! I mean…let’s at least make this more comfortable for both of us.”
The moon goddess perked up and glided toward the bed. Sandrone followed with apprehension. “So…like…maybe we should get undressed first?” She suggested. “B-but only if you really, really want-”
Immediately, Columbina started to shrug out of her dress.
“Wait, wait! You’re too eager!” She shouted as she averted her eyes.
“Do you need my help?” The moon goddess inquired.
“NO!” Seeing her girlfriend drop her head in defeat, Sandrone took a deep breath to calm herself. Clearing her throat, she corrected herself. “Sorry, what I mean is I can do it. Let’s just…start with this. Maybe I’ll feel more comfortable having you do it once we’ve gotten the hang of this first.”
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.
Reaching for her hands, the moon goddess’s soothing voice reassured her. “You’re beautiful, Sandrone. Please look at me. I don’t want either of us to be afraid to take this step together.”
The harbinger opened her eyes and met her gaze. Like pink jewels, Columbina’s irises glittered without malice. She’d always been honest, sometimes too much so. The Marionette cleared her throat. “Um…thanks. You, too. But I guess that's to be expected when you’re a literal goddess. Why don’t we get comfortable on the bed?”
“I’d like that,” Columbina responded as they both took a seat. “So…what should I do now?”
Sandrone narrowed her eyes. “You mean you don’t know? You were raring to take the lead a second ago!”
“I was just doing as Lady Furina instructed.”
Prodding her chest with a finger, the Marionette exclaimed, “I knew it! You were talking about me!”
“Not 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 too…cryptic at times.”
With a sigh of resignation, Sandrone said, “Okay, then. How about we just start from the top, and then go from there?”
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 girlfriend’s hand and placed it on her chest. “Squeeze them, hold them, do something…I need…more.”
Happily receiving her consent, Columbia felt the soft texture of the other woman’s 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.
“You feel like a human,” the moon goddess whispered with wonder.
“What were you expecting?” She whimpered in annoyance. “I’m not like those clunky gardemeks in Fontaine, you know. Do you really think Alain was that incompetent?”
Columbia offered a calm smile. “I didn’t mean to offend. I meant it as a compliment.”
“Oh…well then. Thank you.”
“You’re perfect, Sandrone.” 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, “Are you okay? Do you want me to stop?”
“No, no, keep going,” she sniffed. “I’m fine. I’m enjoying it. Really.”
Columbina tilted her head in confusion. “Then why are you crying?”
“Because…it’s a lot for me, emotionally. But please, let’s continue.” Sandrone caressed her girlfriend’s cheek and kissed her. “See? Told you I’m fine.”
Hesitantly, the moon goddess stroked her hands up and down her girlfriend’s 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.
“I think…I’m ready,” the Marionette whimpered. She was once again met with that bright pink stare of curiosity. “Oh, Archons…Furina didn’t explain the next step to you, did she?”
“No, it was actually Nefer and Lauma who gave me the more detailed description,” she stated sheepishly. “You’re sure you really want this?”
Taking her wrist, the other woman guided her hand between her legs. “Yes. I’m sure. Just…be gentle, okay? It’s my first time, too, you know.”
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.
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.
“Y-you can move faster…or add another...” 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.
“Do that again, but faster,” She commanded in a half-groan.
Fulfilling her girlfriend’s 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.
“Archons…Columbina…don’t you dare stop…”
“As you wish…” 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 woman’s shoulder.
Columbina felt the vibration of the Marionette’s chuckle. “Ugh, don’t say it all weird like that.” Looking up at her, her eyes sparkled with an unfamiliar mischievousness. “You did fine. But I think I can do even better.”
“I didn’t realize we’d turned this into a competition.”
Her voice took on a smug air. “I’ll have you know I’m exceptionally well-read in all things, not just matters of science. I figured we’d eventually be doing…” Her already flushed cheeks turned an even deeper shade of crimson. “This, so I thought I might as well prepare myself to leave you amazed.”
The moon goddess’s eyes widened with understanding. “Ah, so you and Arlecchino must have had a discussion similar to mine and Furina’s?”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Sandrone muttered. “Columbina, would you want to talk to the Knave about things like this? No, I bought some light novels at one of the traveling merchants’ stalls while I was stationed in Nod Krai.”
“I see. Perhaps we could read them together, then?”
Deciding against a sarcastic reply, the Marionette pushed her gently onto her back. “I’ll do you one better. How about I show you the results of my research?”
Giggling in surprise, the moon goddess smiled up at her. “I’m not used to this side of you. It’s nice to see you loosen up after an orgasm.”
“Columbina! I’ll never understand how you can say things like that without batting an eye.” She straddled her hips and leaned down. “But I think I know what’ll really make you squirm.”
Her lips were now mere inches from hers. “Do your worst, my dear Sandrone.”
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 Sandrone’s mind. Her lips traveled across every inch of the moon goddess’s brilliant porcelain skin. If she weren’t 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. Columbina’s sleek fingers wove through her tresses. A gentle pressure indicated she was eager to push her further.
“Be patient, Bina,” 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.
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 goddess’s 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 woman’s sensitive bud. If she moved it in circles, what would the reaction be? What pressures made her girlfriend’s hips jolt the most? She could spend the rest of her life running tests like these and never grow tired of it.
“S-Sandrone…I think…I’m getting close…”
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 girlfriend’s ear. When she’d finally come back down to earth, her girlfriend's head twitched toward the door.
“Hear what? Archons, Columbina, you sure know how to give a girl the creeps. It’s the House of the Hearth. I’m sure there’s always something making noises in a place filled with kids.”
“Hmm…I suppose you’re right.”
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