Enigma of Sin

As Kayn and Kinzie began to window shop several of the buildings in this part of the shopping district, Kinzie asked what she couldn't in front of Tina. "So, did they actually assault each other, or were you just making a joke? I don't want you getting in trouble or anything."

"Haha, don't worry Kinz, I wasn't lying. Though, I may have influenced their actions a bit. None of them will know which element I was using though, not to mention I was wearing a mask and covering my hair. Even if they want to do something, they won't know who I am." Kayn smirked as he once again thought of the look of shock on the thugs' faces when they started hitting each other.

"Alright, if you say so. Well, it's just about dinner time, how about we find somewhere to eat before looking around for an inn to stay at for the evening." Kinzie replied while shrugging her shoulders.

Kayn easily agreed to her request. Although they could always just stay in the Wanderer's Villa, he wanted to experience what traveling would be like for them if he didn't have such an overpowered item on him. Not to mention, Kinzie probably didn't mention it for obvious reasons even though he had given her a full tour and even registered her in its system in the last few months.

The days flew by with Kayn and Kinzie just exploring around Palatine's middle ring bit by bit. Kayn was just enjoying the time he spent with Kinzie and the random things they would talk about, but as the days went on, Kinzie seemed to become more and more flustered.

Why? Because every time they stopped at an inn for the night, Kayn would always request two bedrooms and was adamant about it, even if Kinzie said it was fine for them to stay in the same room. Clearly, she was trying to advance their relationship more and Kayn knew it, but he wanted to take things slow and just enjoy the process.

He even called Rowen two or more times a day to check up on Lara, and from the few sentences that she could speak, she was having a blast with the old elf. Apparently, he was spoiling her quite a bit with shoulder rides, snacks, and new toys. Kayn could only shake his head at the old man's antics, but he was happy Lara was doing well.

It was this night though that his plans derailed. The inn they had arrived at stated they only had a single room available, but it had two beds. Kinzie's eyes were glimmering like stars shining in the night as she immediately said they would take the room before Kayn could speak.

It wasn't like they hadn't slept in the same tent or anything before, but back then their relationship wasn't what it is now. On their way to the room, they were both silent. Kayn was lost in thought and even began to daydream about what they might do, his mind stuck in the gutter.

Kinzie on the other hand, had much more innocent thoughts. This entire time, she only wanted one thing, to fall asleep cuddling with Kayn in the same bed, nothing more.

When they arrived inside their room, Kinzie said she was going to bathe before bed and immediately went into the attached bath and toilet room. Almost all inns in the middle ring had some version of individual bath for each room. In the outer ring however, an inn would have a communal bath area at most, if even that.

Kayn too wanted to freshen up just in case something happened, but he wasn't going to use the actual bath because he really only used one if he wanted to relax. He just removed his clothing, mixed some soap into the water he manifested and cleaned off that way before drying himself off.

He then put on a pair of sleeping pants and shirt. He usually only slept with the pants on, but he didn't want to give Kinzie a heart attack or something by starting out with his shirt off. Eventually she would learn of his habits, but he didn't necessarily need to toss her into the fire right off the bat.

Kayn sat on one of the beds and pulled out a book to read on advanced array symbols as he had still been studying arrays and formations. There was just too much information for him to be able to cover it all in a few months or even a few years. Not to mention all of the symbols that he had to memorize.

When Kinzie exited the washroom, Kayn looked up to find her wearing a knee length one piece night gown. She looked stunning, and Kayn couldn't stop himself from eyeing her up and down like a predator hunting its prey.

Kinzie noticed his entranced stare, but she didn't seem to mind. She only placed her belongings onto the other bed before walking over to the control switch for the light orb and turned the lights off.

She knew that Kayn could still see her perfectly as he had told her about his ability to see in the dark without issues, but she didn't care and boldly walked over to Kayn's bed before slipping herself underneath the covers.

Kayn could only shrug at this and put his book over to the side of the bed before getting under the covers himself. Kinzie quickly snuggled up to him, wrapping her arms around his body and placing her head on his chest.

Kayn just laid on his back feeling Kinzie's warmth, waiting for what he was expecting, but not even a few moments later he couldn't help but blink a few times. Steady breathing sounds were coming from Kinzie, and Kayn couldn't help but facepalm inwardly as he had majorly misunderstood the situation.

Chuckling a little bit, he began to run his fingers through Kinzie's hair as he too made himself comfortable and drifted off to sleep.

…

There were only five days left before Kayn told Kinzie he had to return to getting some work done, so they spent three of the five continuing to explore before returning back to Rowen's shop and home.

Kayn progressed their relationship a little during a couple of these nights by initiating more intense kissing sessions as well as moving through a couple bases. Kinzie was too nervous to go any further, and Kayn didn't want to somehow ruin things by going straight for home base, even if he was horny.

On their way back, they stopped by Tina's shop and picked up Kinzie's bow which had been repaired as well as grabbing a new set of experimental arrows that Tina had made. They were supposed to be stronger, heavier, and sharper than regular arrows, especially when empowered with a spell.

Kinzie was excited to try them out when she got back to the academy as Tina had boasted that they would feel exactly like a normal arrow weight and draw wise, but would pack a much larger punch.

When the duo entered into Rowen's shop, Lara was busy playing behind the counter with Rowen nearby. She noticed Kayn and immediately ran towards him, wrapping around his leg like a koala. Kayn laughed and picked her up, "Did you have fun with Rowen?"

"Yes! Grandpa was fun and gave me lots of treats and toys!" Lara stated with excitement. Kayn couldn't help but find it astonishing that Rowen had actually gotten her to call him grandpa, just like he said he would.

"I'll give you the win this time Gramps. Thanks for watching over her for me while Kinzie and I relaxed a bit, I appreciate it." Kayn spoke as he turned his attention to the old elf that was smirking with a smug expression behind the counter.

"Anytime brat, she's adorable, much better than you." Rowen replied in a sarcastic tone as he usually did when he was just playing around with Kayn.

Kayn then passed Lara off to Kinzie as he wanted to pull Rowen aside and talk to him about something privately. Rowen found it a little weird that he had to be pulled aside to discuss something, especially when Kinzie already knew so much about the kid.

Once they were in a separate room and the door was closed, Kayn finally broached the subject. "Do you remember what I asked of you back before we separated in Myrem? Well, I wasn't able to make any progress due to the circumstances at home. I need someone to help me out with it, and I wasn't sure Kinzie would be willing to."

"Hmmm," Rowen hummed a little as he knew exactly what Kayn was talking about. "I could help you out, but I also would like Kinzie to try and achieve the same results you're hoping for. Times are becoming more dangerous and I've heard about a lot of different groups that are currently operating.

"How about this, you each become the other's controller? That way you two can build even more trust between yourselves and obtain what you want. Sound good?"

Kayn hadn't thought about this, but it was indeed a good idea. Nodding in agreement to Rowen, the old elf left and returned not long after with a small box.