You tilted your head back and laughed. She moved her head so her forehead was on your throat, feeling the vibrations. Being deaf, this was her closest experience to hearing your laughter. Normally, her hearing impairment didn't bother her, but meeting you changed that. You spoke to her while signing, but she could never hear your voice, your laughter, or your words of affection. She couldn't tell if she was pleasing you or if she had made you laugh.

As your laughter subsided, she smiled slightly, your hands rub her back soothingly. Your fingers combed through her hair, and she could feel your throat vibrating as you talked. You knew she couldn't hear you, but you talked to her anyway. You were firm in the belief that people should be treating her the same as everyone else.

She moved to cuddle close to your side, seeking both your warmth and wanting to protect you. Because she was deaf, she couldn’t hear if a threat entered the castle or your bedroom, so she positioned herself as a shield.

It was near Yuletide, a holiday you, as a half-elf mage from Xadia living in Katolis, had never experienced. You watched the snowfall from the comfort of a plush bed, covered with thick blankets that retained your combined warmth. Amaya's love for Yuletide was evident, as it was with all the humans.

You appreciated her castle room, furnished with comfortable chairs, a fireplace, and a balcony. The room smelled of her scent—spice, honey, and leather. You also enjoyed the castle's library, spending time there, in the armory, or debating with Corvus in the war room while his boyfriend, Soren, added jokes or poetry.

As the King's High Mage, you could have had your own room, but you chose to share Amaya's bed. You’re familiar, a gryphon named Aeris, jumped onto the bed. He wasn’t the size of most Gryphons, more so the size of a wolf or large dog than a lion. You laughed lightly and scratched Aeris under the chin. Amaya shifted, signing to you that she didn't want Aeris on the bed.

She was still drowsy, slivers of her tan skin visible underneath her loose shirt. You glanced at her, noticing the scars on her chest. She drew your attention by pouting and signing obscenities at your pet. You laughed and snorted, your wings extending and accidentally hitting her in the face. Usually, you could control your wings, but sometimes they extended when you were vulnerable or excited, a frequent occurrence.