#izogie woman king
Text
ex-factor // modern au!officer!izogie
summary: exes who can’t let each other go, based on ‘ex-factor’ by lauryn hill. izogie gets hurt and calls the one person she needs to feel better, but also the same person she should stay away from.
warnings: mentions of injuries (blood, cuts, changing bandages), past relationship, suggestive language.
a/n: i have been neglecting my girl, so i present a treat for u. this is my first angst so lower them expectations pls… those who were asking for izogie content here u go, show her love <3
✧
it could all be so simple, but you’d rather make it hard. loving you is like a battle, and we both end up with scars. tell me who i have to be to get some reciprocity. cause no one loves you more than me, and no one ever will.
she shouldn’t have called you, she knew that. she should’ve left you alone, let you move on. though, a part of her hoped you’d answer. that you’d sigh, complain about the hour or nature of the call before inevitably caving, but you didn’t. you didn’t do your usual game of answering on the last ring just to keep her on her toes. you didn’t let it go to voicemail before sending a text saying you were too busy or too tired, but not enough to ignore her. you didn’t do anything, and that surprised izogie, maybe even hurt her, but it didn’t stop her.
it didn’t stop her from ignoring the alarms in her head telling her to turn around. it didn’t stop her from pushing the lift button and knocking weakly on door. and it certainly didn’t stop the small smile that crept up her lips as the barrier opened to reveal you.
your tired expression dropped slightly, being replaced by one caused annoyance rather than interrupted slumber. your cardigan fell off one shoulder as you rubbed your eyes while sighing. “what are you doing here, izogie?”
she looked down at you, forearm pressed against the doorframe while the other clutched her abdomen. “when you say my name like that, it almost makes me think you don’t wanna see me,” she laughs gently, immediately groaning lowly after.
this draws you to look down to her midriff, seeing her applying pressure to the area that was an increasingly growing deep red stain on her gray Police Academy shirt. your eyes widen quickly as you open the door entirely to guide her her in, locking it behind you as she leans against the island. “what happened?” you ask hurriedly, walking briskly to grab your emergency kit.
she smacks her teeth, shaking her head. “you worry too much.”
“yeah? you show up battered and broken in the middle of the night too much, so i think i’m well within reason.”
you crouch down, avoiding her eyes watching you as you took out supplies. she stays silent for a moment, unsure if she should attempt to make conversation. it’s been longer than usual since the two of you have spoken, much less been in such close proximity.
“it’s just a graze.” she says finally.
you look up, soaking a wash cloth with water as she continues. “the bullet. it only grazed my skin, didn’t puncture enough to go through.”
“but enough to cause so much bleeding,” you say, reaching to clean the blood from her stomach as she instinctively held up a side of her shirt.
this wasn’t her first time coming here, maybe not her last. the two of you did the whole will they, won’t they dance for nearly two years during your friendship. the tension between you was palpable, and it didn’t help that you got along so well too.
she got all parts of you—the late nights, early mornings, and countless hangouts in between. stolen kisses on hands and foreheads, hugs that lasted a bit too long to be platonic, and roaming hands when one thinks no one else is looking. she would tease and flirt shamelessly, often leaving you with a racing heart and an ache between your thighs.
until one day she didn’t. one day she went all the way. it was heavenly, her giving you so many parts of her. only it was never all of her, and you were okay with that—with waiting. relationships take time, which you understood, but after a year of being together, she still wasn’t ready. she wasn’t ready to introduce you to family, tell you more about her life before moving from her home country, talk about moving in together. she also wasn’t ready to tell you why she was so hesitant, so stubborn with you, hellbent on locking you out.
so, you had to let her go.
“why didn’t you go to the hospital?” you ask, breaking the deafening silence that filled the room. “they could help you a lot more than i can,” you say, gaze glued to your hands applying disinfectant to your wound.
“i’m sure they could, but you’ve always had better bedside service,” she replies, wincing shortly when you press into her stomach. you raise a brow in warning, continuing to clean her injuries.
there was a reason you hadn’t answered her calls, hadn’t replied to her texts. you broke up over four months ago, yet every time she called, you came, and if you didn’t, she’d come to you. the cycle was unhealthy, you knew that, but so is the insatiable drug they call love.
izogie knew that you’d come too, because that’s what you do for those you love. a part of her felt bad for preying upon a vulnerable piece of your heart, the piece that’d she carved herself into, but the other craved being around you, because only you could make her feel better. though lately, you’d been pulling away. the leftover love you held for her was fading, because in your heart you both knew that she wouldn’t change, and that this cycle would repeat until one of you let go.
you finished disinfecting the wound, applying anti-inflammatory healing ointment before wrapping gauze around her torso. once you finished, you looked up at her, finding her eyes already on you. her mouth parted to allow her tongue to wipe over he bottom lip.
“this position is awfully familiar, no?”
you blinked up at her before rubbing your hands over your thighs as you stood. looking around you wrapped your cardigan around yourself. “well, you’re all patched up, so…i don’t see any reason for you to stay.”
“not one?” she asks, head turning as you washed your hands beside her.
you kept your eyes on the suds forming on your hands. “not a good one.” you clarify.
she hums quietly as you dry your hands, turning to face the island as you put away the kit. “you don’t worry about me anymore.” she states instead the usual question. “what if i need assistance changing my bandages?”
“then you go to the hospital, izogie. not show up at my place well after midnight expecting me to fix you.” your reply comes out tired, and you are, so you’re finally letting her know.
“yet you always do, don’t you?” her words come out more bitter than she intends. you shut the closet door, turning to her.
“maybe that’s the problem.”
her face softens, brows that were previously knit relaxing in your presence. you exhale, trying to find the words that have been struggling to come to light for weeks.
“i can’t do this anymore,” you say, motioning between the two of you. “this back and forth, running ‘round in circles thing with you. i did when we were friends, i did it when we were together, but i can’t do it now.”
izogie’s head drops, palms tightening into fists atop the counter as she listens. “i’ve given you so much, and i’ve been fine with hardly anything in return, but i deserve better than that.”
your voice is soft and timid as you speak, fingers fiddling absentmindedly with the hem of your sleeve as your eyes begin to shine. you look down to prevent izogie from seeing her effect on you, but she already has. her heart falters seeing you cry, especially knowing she’s the cause. “so, i need you to go,” you say, sniffing as you look up, as a tear falls down your cheek, “i need you to let me go.”
the taller woman bites the inside of her cheek, an attempt to get that pain to mask the one she felt in her chest. she hated seeing you cry, and would often tell off anybody who did so much as look at you wrong, but this time, she needed to take a long look in the mirror. look at the woman who made the love of her life struggle to hold on to the pieces of herself in her own home.
so she walks around the counter, going to stand directly in front of you as she takes you in, trying to cement the moment to memory. you don’t want to look at her, because you risk breaking the fragile boundary you’ve been trying to create. it isn’t until she shakily whispers, “please, look at me,” that you slowly lift your eyes to hers. her irises are swimming with emotions you know all to well; regret, uncertainty, acceptance.
her lower lip trembles. you frown, wanting to ease her pain, but you know that’s impossible without hurting yourself in the long run. she wraps strong arms around your waist as she pulls you into her. hesitantly, you curl your arms up her shoulder blades, both of you relaxing into the other’s touch. izogie tucks her chin into your neck, closing her eyes as your hands press into her. you feel damp droplets prick onto your skin through the wool of your top as her arms get impossibly tighter around you, wanting you closer.
you stay there. every word left unsaid or actions left undone being released in the moment, being freed.
you’re the first to pull away, hands sliding down her back, trailing down her forearms and to her hands. you breathe deeply as you look up at her, tear-stained cheeks glistening under the warm light.
she keeps her eyes on you as she walks backwards, holding onto your hand until her arms can no longer reach. you fold your arms around your middle, watching her as she grabs the knob, giving you one last look. you close your eyes, looking down to your sock-clad feet, only looking up once you hear the door shut.
gone, you think, which is good. it should stay that way.
right?
i keep lettin’ you back in. how can i explain myself? as painful as this thing has been, i just can’t be with no one else. see i know what we’ve got to do. you let go, and i’ll let go too. cause no one’s hurt me more than you, and no one ever will.
✧
taglist: @princessmel-1995 @gonesgone
#naomis-daydreams#izogie#izogie x reader#the woman king#agojie#lashana lynch#izogie x black!reader#izogie x fem!reader#izogie woman king#izogie fanfiction#izogie fanfic
191 notes
·
View notes
Text
An Acacia Blossom on a Branch of Thorns
Izogie x Doctor!Black!Fem!Reader
I cooked something up for ya @theeblackmedusa and the peeps to eat. You had me dusting cobwebs off my reader x character writing skills. 🤣 Whenever I get back on AO3, I'll toss it up so the peeps can eat over there, too.
AO3 Link
(E/c) eyes inspected the blood that caked the warrior's skin as they sat on a mat hidden behind a tall straw-woven screen.
Izogie watched the doctor's brows furrow as she examined the wound with a frown.
"If you frown any harder, your forehead will form a new wrinkle."
(Y/n) kissed her teeth before letting go of the warrior's thigh. "If I get a new wrinkle, it will be your fault."
"My fault?"
"How did you get such a nasty cut on your thigh?"
"It isn't nasty."
"If you tell me it has character, I will press my thumb against it until you cry."
"I will not cry."
(Y/n) arched a brow. "Oh?"
"Yes, but you'd be a terrible healer if you worsened my injury." She offered a grin. "You remember the one I got on my chest while challenging-"
"-Yes. I recall watching you bleed everywhere afterwards too." She sighed before turning to dunk a cloth into a bowl of warm water. "And patching you up after everyone cheered."
Izogie frowned at the doctor. "It is something to be celebrated."
"To the people of Dahomey, yes."
"You are one of the people too, (Y/n)."
"There isn't a healer in the world that enjoys seeing people get hurt."
"I'm sure there is one."
"Well, I am not one of them." She gently pressed the cloth against the wound.
"Do not let Nanisca hear you saying that."
"I am one of the best healers you women have." (Y/n) huffed before slowly pulling back the cloth and dipping it into the water. "If she kicked me out, you all would send for me within a week."
"You are very confident."
"When you are important, people have to deal with you."
Izogie laughed softly. "That is why I like you."
"You like me?" (Y/n) squeezed the blood out of the cloth, reddening the water before dampening it with a bottle of something.
"I do."
"Is that why you're always demanding I treat you?"
"You are the best healer we have."
(Y/n) laid the damp cloth on her wound and smiled as the warrior cursed at the sudden sting. "I'm glad you think so, Izogie."
"You are a cruel woman." She hissed.
"I try to be." The doctor teased as she focused on cleaning the wound properly. "Although, I'm sorry to say that I only like women who aren't always getting injured to see me."
"I am not always getting injured to see you."
"Sure."
"You have not had to patch me up in two months."
"Is that a new record?"
"Hush."
"Look. I know you're working hard to become miganon, so that if... or when... Nanisca retires or becomes kpojito you'll fall right into where you are aiming to be." (Y/n) sighed. "But I hate seeing you hurt and bloodied, Izogie."
Izogie frowned before lowering her voice into a low whisper. "(Y/n) I have only ever earned a few cuts here and there. I am always careful, so that I can come back to you."
"I know. I just want you to be more mindful when you're out there." She whispered before handing her the bottle of liquor to ease her pain while she worked. "Despite my compitence, I cannot heal everything. I can only do so much and.... I don't know what I would do if...."
"Don't."
She took a grateful gulp of the liquor before setting down the bottle with a sigh.
"Just be more careful."
"I will."
(Y/n) exhaled as she looked over the clean wound. "Well, it's not as bad as I thought."
"See."
"You have escaped stitches this time, but you must keep it clean." She grumbled as she turned to work on making a poultice with a few herbs in a mortar with a pestle.
"I'll do my best."
Izogie fell silent as she watched the woman work on making a paste, filling the air with the strong scent of turmeric and unfamiliar green plants.
(Y/n) was a brilliant woman.
Smart.
Beautiful.
Strong.
And caring, despite the glares that came with it.
Izogie remembered when they first met.
She was a prisoner who had attempted to sacrifice herself to one of her Agojie sisters to save the children of her village.
Baring her teeth with furious eyes.
Holding a dagger covered in something that required an antidote as she kept the children behind her.
She was like a pantheress with cubs.
Promising death to anyone who dared to approach.
Nanisca admired her selflessness and felt she would be a great addition to their forces. So, she took her and the children in and found all of the children safe homes in exchange for her undying loyalty.
Izogie personally enjoyed watching her try to act tough as she trained to become a part of the Agojie.
No matter how hard or painful training was, she always carried herself with mature indifference and a silent lethalness that spared her an unnecessary hazing from her comrades.
Well- everyone but Izogie was deterred.
The woman was always after her.
Yet, no matter how much Izogie talked with or teased her, she always seemed unbothered.
Her clever use of fighting with acacia thorns laced with paralyzing neurotoxins and sedatives during a small mission landed her a meeting with Nanisca and her seemingly endless knowledge of medicine landed her a job with the other healers who tended to the Agojie.
Ever since then, Izogie always seeked her out whenever she was injured.
Whether it was a pricked finger or a 'nasty' gash or bad fever- (Y/n) was always hunted down to help, no matter the hour.
She was skeptical at first but quickly learned that Izogie's presence and persistence was her way of showing she was extremely interested in her.
And that interest led them here.
Izogie tilted her head as her eyes moved up the woman's body.
"Is that a new dress?"
"It is."
"Red looks good on you."
"Thank you. It's great when you're working with someone who's always bleeding."
"Is that someone supposed to me?"
"You are my most frequent patient."
"Then you're wearing that sexy dress for me?" Izogie eyed the cuts in the side that revealed her bare hips if she wasn't careful.
Like she wasn't being right now.
(Y/n) felt her face heat up at the question as she stopped grinding up the paste. "Do not flirt with me while you're all busted up."
"You're not wearing anything under it, are you?" Izogie breathed out as she eyed her hips.
"I was rushed out of bed to come see you." (Y/n) huffed. "It is very late at night, you know."
"So it is for me."
"It is not for you."
"You smell good too." Izogie noted, enjoying the saccharine and floral sent that radiated off her oiled skin. "Did you get all pretty for me, (Y/n)?"
"Am I not always pretty?"
"You're always beautiful."
(Y/n) pointed at the warrior with her pestle and wrinkled her nose. "That liquor must be getting to your head."
"I cannot get drunk on a gulp."
"Sure." She rolled her eyes before scooping up some of the poultice mixture and pressed it carefully into her wound.
Izogie laughed softly and watched her work before whispering. "I am not lying to you."
"I know."
(Y/n)'s gaze slowly moved up from the wound she had covered with the herbal paste and locked with a pair of sincere dark brown.
"You are like an acacia blossom on a branch of thorns." Izogie whispered as her eyes ventured down to her lips. "Very few things have the honor of reaching you and experiencing your sweetness."
Gentle fingers grabbed the warrior's jaw and pressed their lips together.
They both did their best to stay quiet as they pulled each other closer and deepened the kiss.
Izogie tasting strongly of liquor and (Y/n) tasting strongly of whatever herbal drink she had been sipping on before getting summoned to tend to her.
She was sweeter than honeybush, but there was an earthiness to her that made it hard for the warrior to withdraw their tongue from her soft and wet mouth.
Warm hands moved under the red dress to grab her thighs and press her sharp nails against the curve of her hips.
Sharp nails that left angry little welts across her skin until she was squeezing her ass.
The faint sting almost broke her silence as she let out the softest of gasps against her lips and Izogie devoured the sound with a swirl of her tongue.
It was taking everything in the warrior to not push her down into the floor and have her way with her now.
"Izogie, are you done getting treated? Nanisca wanted to hear your perspective on that attack."
The couple pulled apart, careful not to make any sound when (Y/n) accidentally added pressure into her wound with her hand when she tried to support herself as she moved back without falling.
"OW- fuck- what the hell, (Y/n)."
"Well if you were more careful, you wouldn't be in pain." (Y/n) scolded her before mouthing an apology.
Izogie offered a small nod before exhaling shakily as (Y/n) straightened herself up to hide any evidence of their kiss and began to inspect her wound.
Amenza rounded the corner of the straw screen and arched her brow at the two women. "How's it going?"
"She's a mean woman." Izogie grumbled. "She is rough and she scolds me all the time."
"You are like a baby." (Y/n) mocked. "And I scold all of my patients for being reckless. You aren't special just because you are Izogie."
"You say that when you're no longer getting trained to be a member of the Agojie." Izogie arched a defined brow. "You were very quiet when you were at my mercy. When I was the teacher and you were the student."
"You are now at my mercy. You are the patient and I am the healer." She offered a small smile. "So you should be extra nice to me now."
"Oh?"
Amenza couldn't help but laugh. "You cannot bully her now. She isn't an acacia blossom, but a thorn that can mend you or hurt you." Izogie made a face at Amenza as she laughed. "I see now, that being the great Izogie gets you nowhere here, mm?"
"It's like running through acacia thorns, talking to you two." She kissed her teeth in feigned irritation.
Amenza rolled her eyes. "I think talking to us is easier." She watched (Y/n) wrap Izogie's thigh before she began to wash her hands in a bowl of water.
"She's all patched up." Amenza offered a small nod as she listened to the doctor speak. "She just needs to keep the area clean and let it heal. She shouldn't do anything too strenuous for at least a day or two. Give the wound a chance to scab over. Mm?"
"Yes."
Her eyes moved to Izogie. "Take care of yourself." She slapped her shoulder. "And if you tear open your wound again, I will give you stitches and keep you in my home until it is healed completely."
"Do you hear her?" Izogie grinned at Amenza.
"It is a threat you don't want fulfilled." Amenza gave her a warning look before holding out a hand to help her up. "You don't want to fall behind in training."
"Yes. I know. But who'd have thought (Y/n) could be so scary."
She grunted as she allowed her comrade to pull her up.
"She was scary before. You just lack the ability to see it."
"Do I?"
"Yes. I thought she'd slit your throat in your sleep with how much you teased her in training."
Izogie laughed as she practiced walking. "(Y/n) would never."
(Y/n) watched them leave quietly before getting up with a small smile on her lips. She looked around and began to make a mental list of how she planned on cleaning the area and her tools.
But then her mind slowly drifted to thinking about Izogie.
She touched her lips and smiled at the memory of being so close to the warrior.
Even though she hated seeing her wounded, she loved spending time with her and tending to her.
As if she were summoned by the thought, Izogie came walking back around the screen with a slight limp.
"I almost forgot."
"Forgot what-"
Her lips were on hers and she kissed her with as much passion as she could muster for a few long seconds before pulling away.
"Thank you for patching me up, beautiful." She whispered before squeezing her ass and making a fast retreat.
(Y/n) was speechless as she stared after her.
Did Izogie really come back to kiss her again?
All she could do was bite one of her knuckles and curse internally before getting to work.
Part 2 Link
#izogie#izogie x reader#black reader#f x f#gxg fanfic#woman king fanfics#izogie x reader fanfic#mickimomo#izogie fanfiction#izogie fanfic#izogie woman king#izogie's acacia series
203 notes
·
View notes
Photo
Lashana Lynch photographed by Zoe McConnell for Empire Magazine
4K notes
·
View notes
Photo
The Woman King (2022) dir. Gina Prince-Bythewood
#filmedit#wocedit#doyouevenfilm#filmgifs#femaledaily#femalecharacters#dailywoc#tvfilmgifs#ccnet#pocpopculture#filmtv#tvandfilm#izogie#the woman king#gif#film#*#by jaelyn
1K notes
·
View notes
Photo
The Woman King (2022), directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood
#Izogie#lashana lynch#the woman king#thewomankingedit#perioddramaedit#poctvfilm#filmedit#filmgifs#cinematv#pocedit#userbbelcher#userstream
2K notes
·
View notes
Text
stuck with you
For the izogie girlies 🤍
summary: short lil one shot abt pregnant!reader x izogie moving into a new place.
“Izogie!” You call from upstairs, you hear quick and heavy footsteps up the stairs after a second, you finally see your wife in all her glory. She readjusts the strap of overalls as she approaches you.
“Yes, my love.” She murmurs, wiping some paint off of her hands on her thighs. You’ve been spending the last two days and nights painting the walls of your brand new home. You can admit that izogie has been doing the bulk of the work and instead of helping you’ve caught yourself staring at the way her back flexes in her white tee.
But you have a good excuse. She stares at the cold paint on your belly and chuckles. Instead of doing your section of the wall, you figured it be more fun to paint the white paint on your swollen belly.
“And how will you get this off your skin?” She ponders as she takes two steps to be next to you. She looks down at you from where you’re seated on the floor and shoves her hands into pockets.
“That’s not what I called for, I’m really craving something sweet.” You smile up at her. Lately your brand new cabinets have been filled with slurpies, ice cream, Twix, anything you can get your hands on.
She chuckles as you ignore her question, the biggest smile stretching on her face. You wonder how she doesn’t ever get irritated with you.
At night, you shove her so far away from you that she’s on the edge of the bed but yet, she wakes you up with breakfast in bed. Sometimes you break into tears, sometimes multiple times throughout the day and she comforts you every time. Whatever you ask for, she brings with quickness. Even after her long days at work, she listens to your nagging and complaining about her not being home with you.
“I saw these caramel apples at the candy store,” she suggests and you feel your mouth salivate at the thought.
“Sounds good, like real good.”
“I bet.”
She lowers herself so she’s squatting behind you, a soft hand trails up your neck. Her grip is nowhere near tight as you lean back for a kiss.
You expect one or two quick pecks, but instead she kisses you once, twice, the third one lingers and before you can slot your tongue into her mouth, she pulls away, standing up and adjusting her overalls again. You lie all the way down so your back meets the hardwood floor.
“What the fuck? Where are you going?”
“To get the caramel apples.” She shrugs, you can’t even protest because she’s already out the door by the time you’re able to turn around. The stupid apples weren’t even on your mind anymore.
“I’ll be back, my loves!” She hollers and the quick slam of the door follows.
You try to get up but your swollen belly is in the way.
“Fuck.”
You’re stuck till she comes back.
208 notes
·
View notes
Text
[🧷] / so close, yet so far, part one.
[🫀] \ bridging the gap, part two.
— synopsis: as you distance yourself from Izogie, she decides to take a different approach.
— pairing: Izogie x black!fem!reader.
— author’s note: decided to make this a three part series. this part is quite lengthy but it’s my way of saying thank you for all the support on the first one. happy reading, everyone.
almost two weeks.
that’s how long you had been avoiding Izogie.
ever since you overheard her expressing a lack of interest for love, you wanted to lose any romantic feelings you held towards her.
“she will be miganon one day,” you thought. “pining after her was a big mistake in the first place.”
that same night, you decided to take matters into your own hands and do what was best for you.
so, at the start of the week, you kept yourself out of Izogie’s line of sight. you also made sure not to draw the attention of others as well.
luckily for you, your initial plan started off smoothly.
a new group of trainees had arrived at the palace and most of the focus was on getting them settled in and trained. per usual, Izogie was the one chosen to show them the ropes and because of this, she was quite occupied. you didn’t mind though. it made sneaking around a lot easier.
on top of that, relief washed over you when you found out that you were now training with Amenza, Nanisca’s right hand woman. it would’ve been embarrassing to train with the newcomers, especially under Izogie’s guidance.
what you needed was for enough time to pass so that your love for her could fade. but as the days went by and you saw less and less of her, you wondered if that was what you really wanted.
at times, when you heard her voice in the distance, butterflies erupted in your stomach and you wished it was you she spoke to. when you walked into a room and got a whiff of her scent, you found your eyes searching, needing to catch a glimpse of her.
but what you wanted didn’t matter.
Izogie wasn’t looking for love and even if she was, you wouldn’t be her first choice.
the thought of that felt painful but you needed to come to terms with it. you had to lose feelings and for once, you planned on succeeding at something you put your mind to.
so, you focused on your trainings instead. when you had time, you engaged in fun activities with the few friends you had and carried out your daily duties. going forward, you swore to never feel this strongly for another person ever again.
love seemed to be a luxury you could not afford.
as the week drew to a close, all was still going well. until the arrival of the second week.
everything started one nightfall. the agojie, as well as the trainees, were fast asleep. the only people awake at the time being the guards who kept watch.
in your quarters, you found yourself restless and after a while, you decided to take a trip to the bathhouse. it was the perfect place for you to clear your head.
upon arriving though, you thought you heard a sound come from the inside but nevertheless, you proceeded to walk down the stone steps.
soon enough, you were greeted by the serene, deep blue color of the water. candles on the walls were lit, giving the space a dim, orange glow.
off to the side, you noticed some clothes were neatly folded. as you wondered whose they were, the owner came up from the water, wiping her face with both hands.
it was Izogie.
you stood frozen in place as her brown eyes locked on yours. in the water’s embrace, the complexion of her skin glistened even more and her gaze was low, almost as if to invite you in.
all you could do was stare, way too absorbed with how good she looked from afar. for what seemed like an eternity, neither of you said a word to each other. soon, her eyes left yours as they traveled down the rest of your body.
Izogie licked her lips slowly as she watched you. instantly, your heart pounded furiously. when her eyes returned to yours, a glint resided in them and you held your breath, nervousness coursing through your veins.
then, she swam towards you.
immediately, all types of warning bells went off in your head. this wasn’t good at all, especially for your blood pressure. you needed to leave, you thought. but as she got progressively closer, you couldn’t find the strength to move.
before you knew it, Izogie was in front of you.
well, at your feet to be precise.
she still hadn’t gotten out of the water but something about looking down on her made your legs weak. she looked softer, tiredness having settled deep on her facial features.
in that moment, you wanted her head buried between your neck and shoulder as you caressed her back. you wanted to enclose your thighs around her waist as you whispered sweet nothings in her ears. you wanted to feel the weight of her body on yours as she slept.
but what you wanted didn’t matter.
before Izogie could step out of the water, you quickly turned on your heel and ran up the steps, exiting the bathhouse. you didn’t stop running until you reached your quarters, unable to sleep for the remainder of the night.
the next day during training, you were working on rope tying with Amenza when you felt an extra set of eyes on you from across the courtyard.
they were from none other than Izogie.
under the hot sun, her skin was oiled well, further highlighting her muscles. she had one hand rested at the hilt of her weapon as she walked around, monitoring her trainees’ progress.
but every so often, her gaze wandered over to you. soon, it began to stir up mixed emotions inside you.
for one, a part of you felt elated. in the past, Izogie rarely looked at you. and whenever she did make eye contact, it was usually when she was scolding you. but for today, even when you caught her staring, she never looked away.
it made you want to smile as your hands fiddled with your rope.
it felt nice.
it felt hopeful.
but then again, being seen by her was not a part of your plan. at the bathhouse, the feelings you had been working so hard to get rid of only amplified when you were in front of her. in the end, it was you who suffered the sleepless night.
you couldn’t keep putting yourself through that.
as you worked on your knots, Amenza noticed how tangled your rope (and mind) was. she smiled softly as she placed her hand on top of yours. you quickly snapped back to reality and apologized.
not long after, you, as well as Izogie’s group, were called to gather around.
the new trainees would be going on a tour today to learn about the different routes the agojie used. you already knew all about them but seeing as you didn’t graduate, you were still required to tag along.
Amenza and Izogie each formed a group and divided the trainees until you were the last one left. then, they allowed you to choose who you wanted to join.
you quickly ran to Amenza’s side. for your sanity, you needed to stick to your plan.
she gave you a small chuckle as she began to explain further rules. but while she spoke, you made the mistake of allowing your eyes to meet Izogie’s.
she was already looking at you but for the first time today, it was her who quickly averted her gaze upon meeting your eyes. as Amenza continued to address the group, you couldn’t help but feel that Izogie was refraining from looking in your direction.
this is for the better, you thought.
but as both groups began departing in different directions, you wondered if that was a lie you could really keep telling yourself.
as for the tour, the first half went quite well. Amenza explained the various routes in an understanding way and answered questions thoughtfully. once in a while, she even allowed you all to take a quick break.
this time, the group had stopped by a small stream to rest. some birds were chirping high in the trees as the sound of water flowing filled the air.
off to the side, you noticed some of the girls were stone skipping while others dipped their toes in playfully. you decided to take a seat at the bank of the stream in order to enjoy the scenery.
soon, your relaxation time was cut short when you spotted three trainees not too far from you.
they were huddled up, laughing obnoxiously as they pointed in your direction. you sighed as you did your best to ignore them. nowadays, they didn’t even hide the fact that they were talking about you.
as you tried to focus your attention on other things, you couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.
“i’m surprised they still let her stay here. i thought Dahomey needed warriors, not an extra mouth to feed.”
the other two girls snickered and you felt anger bubble inside you upon hearing her comment.
Nanare.
she was one of the trainees who arrived a week ago but for some reason you weren’t aware of, she had a strong dislike for you.
the funny thing was that you didn’t even know her prior to joining the king’s guard and till this day, you never once had a conversation with the girl.
from what you heard about her from Fumbe, she had willingly signed up to join the agojie and was beyond competitive. as of late, she was the only trainee at the top of all her classes.
you also found out that you were older than Nanare. but seeing how everyone knew of you failing to pass the final test, you figured that was why she felt emboldened to speak about you anyhow.
at times, you thought of reporting her to Amenza then later brushed it off. her behavior was childish and you only hoped she would grow out of it soon.
you still didn’t want to draw any attention to yourself and besides, the agojie did not tolerate any form of bullying against one another. if any of it was found out, it was Izogie who handed out punishments.
if anything, you were saving Nanare by keeping quiet.
but then, the younger had the audacity to utter a specific sentence and for the first time in your life, you felt provoked to hit a woman.
“maybe she’s sleeping with King Ghezo.”
you instantly got up and started walking in their direction, both of your fists balled at your side. you may not be the best fighter here but in that moment, something in you felt compelled to swing first, deal with the consequences later.
before you could act though, Amenza called out for all the trainees to gather around.
the other two girls smirked at you as Nanare eyed you up and down. she then bumped into your shoulders as she went to join the rest of the group. you simply stood there, watching in disbelief.
soon, Amenza waved you over and you had no choice but to join the rest.
for the duration of the tour, the younger’s insults lingered in your mind. although it’d been frustrating to hear, Nanare’s words couldn’t compare to the headache the next day would bring you.
per usual, the afternoon started off particularly hot. Izogie, along with the trainees, were heading out for training. before they left, she asked you to sharpen the agojie spears that had grown dull.
on your way to gather up the weapons, you noticed one of the palace workers, an elderly woman, struggling. she was trying to transport pots of indigo dye and you remembered that festival day was in a few days.
it was a celebration of Dahomey’s prosperity in the trades and towards the end, various goods were given up as offerings in hopes of the success continuing.
since last week, all the workers had been busy with making clothes, jewelry, palm oil and more. the busiest being the indigo dye makers.
upon spotting her, you offered to help move the dye to storage for safekeeping. she thanked you graciously and you got to work.
you didn’t mind the heavy lifting but soon, one trip turned into two, which turned into four and before you knew it, the sun was starting to fall. the trainees would be back any time soon and you still hadn’t sharpened a single spear.
you quickly parted ways with the elderly woman as she thanked you even more.
then, you scrambled to collect the spears and made your way to the sharpening station. when you arrived, you set everything on the floor and wiped the beads of sweat that trickled down your forehead.
not long after you sat down to work, Izogie entered the space. instantly, you felt your heart drop. her face and shoulders were covered in sweat. as she walked further into the room, you noticed some of her hair sticking out of place.
“why did she have to come straight here?” you thought.
as you set your tools down, she watched you with a blank expression. then, you slowly got up from your seat to address her. in that moment, everything in you wanted to run but you knew you couldn’t.
so, you stood straight, mentally preparing yourself.
“i gave you all afternoon to sharpen these. why have you not finished?”
in your chest, your heart was pounding as you looked up at her. Izogie was only a couple inches taller but it always felt like she towered over you. not just height wise, but in other aspects as well. one example being her voice.
it was always deep and firm, easily sending goosebumps through you. for a split second, you even found yourself wishing her lips were speaking directly into the shell of your ear.
she raised an eyebrow at you and you realized that you had just been staring. you quickly cleared your throat.
“i’m sorry. i was helping one of the older women move indigo dye and it took some time. i’ll stay up until i’ve finished these.”
Izogie looked at you for a while, not saying a word. soon, it was becoming hard for you to maintain eye contact and the air in the room felt very thick. then, she broke the silence.
“is the job i asked you to do that hard?”
you were taken aback by the question. the last thing you needed was for her to think you were dodging the tasks she gave. you tried to explain again.
“no, no. it’s just that the woman was elderly and—.”
you couldn’t even finish your sentence because she started walking towards you, a stern look appearing on her face.
“so now you can disobey my orders and do as you please?”
you furrowed your eyebrows at her. was she trying to pick a fight with you? because it felt like she was deliberately ignoring your explanation.
“none of that was my intention. i just couldn’t let that woman do all the work herself. she had no help.”
Izogie stopped in front of you.
“do you want me to applaud you for being a good samaritan?”
now, you were getting irritated.
“excuse me?” you asked, way too exhausted to be doing this. “what was i supposed to do? just walk by as she struggled?”
in the past, you had never spoken back to Izogie whenever she scolded you. that was because at the time, you believed the things she was saying made sense. and it did.
but at the moment, this specific conversation seemed quite nonsensical to you. it’s not like you completely abandoned your work. you came back and told her you would stay up until it was done.
why was she so upset?
you snapped out of your thoughts when she brought her face closer to yours, mere inches separating the both of you.
“it seems you have forgotten the first rule of training because i don’t talk to you as much.”
you could feel your entire body getting hotter by the second. if she wanted to take it there, two could play that game. you spoke up in a strict tone.
“Izogie, you’re not who I answer to anymore. when you asked me to sharpen the spears, I agreed to do so because it is part of my duty as a trainee. it was not because I needed to obey you.”
she smirked, the whites of her teeth showing.
“so now you can talk. you must be happy not having me as a teacher.”
the look on her face was genuinely pissing you off.
“i am happy. at least Amenza teaches me instead of criticizing everything i do and then avoiding me.”
her eyebrows raised slightly, smirk fading.
“do you want me to hold your hands like a child for every single thing you have to do?”
you instantly scoffed at her, tears beginning to pool in your eyes. deep down, you knew you always tried your best but for her to not see that, it stung.
“you would be a terrible miganon. you know that, right?”
instantly, she looked shocked by what you said. you tried to keep your composure but soon, a tear ran down your cheek.
“all you see me as is some sort of burden you don’t want to deal with. Izogie, if I was bleeding out on the battlefield, you would leave me there to die wouldn’t you?”
Izogie stood frozen in place, pain engulfing her eyes.
was that what you thought of her?
your words kept replaying in her head, cementing themselves in her mind. as your tears continued to flow, a pang of guilt spread throughout her body.
she instinctively brought a hand up to your cheek but you quickly swatted it away as you spoke.
“please. just go back to ignoring me.”
then, you stepped out of the room.
Izogie stood there alone, a dazed look on her face. she inhaled and exhaled shakily as her gaze landed on the spears. she stared at them for a while before her jaw clenched, tear drops falling from her eyes.
you on the other hand, felt like you couldn’t breathe.
it was as if Izogie knew how to stitch and unravel the fabric that was you and there was nothing you could do. it was your own heart and yet, she controlled its beating. none of it was fair.
you were still crying but you needed to collect your bearings. so, you tucked yourself away in a far corner of the palace and waited an hour or so. then, you headed back to the sharpening station. thankfully, she wasn’t there anymore and you got back to work.
as you sharpened the spears, you found yourself at an internal crossroad. a part of you felt that you had gone too far with what you said to her. but at the same time, another part felt proud of you for voicing your thoughts.
as night fell, you decided to stop thinking so much and focus on the task at hand. once you were finished, you leaned back in your chair, too tired to move. as you reminisced about the encounter, sleep soon took over your mind.
the next day, you woke up groggily and rubbed the pain from your shoulders. you could hear indistinct chatter in the background as events from the night before came flooding in. you tried to adjust to the bright light, only to realize you were in your quarters.
girls were busy getting ready for the day and some were even eating breakfast already. you turned to the side and saw Nawi who was rubbing oil on her skin. she smiled brightly as she looked at you.
“finally, you’re awake. Fumbe wanted to get breakfast with you but you just kept sleeping. she eventually left like half an hour ago.”
instantly, you were confused. did you end up coming back here? but you were sure you had slept on the hard, wooden chair. you decided to ask.
“Nawi, did you see me come in last night?”
she looked at you for a couple of seconds, a smile threatening to fall from her lips.
“Izogie brought you in.”
you looked at her like she had nine heads.
“what?”
Nawi laughed.
“I stayed up quite late talking to my mother and on my way back, I saw Izogie carrying you.”
now, you were even more confused. there was no way what Nawi was saying could be true. not after last night. but then again, Nawi had no reason to lie.
as you kept thinking, you heard a last call for breakfast and quickly bolted up. at the serving station, there was one bowl left, wrapped up with leaves on top.
it was a bit odd but you didn’t think much of it. as you reached down to grab it, a server stopped you.
“i’m sorry but this dish is reserved.”
this morning just keeps getting odder and odder, you thought. since when did anyone reserve breakfast? you were about to explain to the server that you hadn’t eaten yet when someone interrupted.
it was the elderly lady you had helped move indigo dye for. she had a smile on her face as she grabbed the bowl and handed it to you. she then turned to the server.
“don’t worry. Izogie was saving the food for this girl, not herself.”
you blinked twice, wondering if you had heard wrong.
“Izogie?”
she nods.
“she told me this morning to make sure that the girl who helped me yesterday ate. isn’t she kind?”
you stood there, unable to comprehend what was happening. quickly, you thanked the server and the elderly woman as you returned to your quarters.
little did you know, Nanare was off to the side and she overheard the entire conversation.
throughout the day, you tried many times to speak with Izogie but there was never an opportunity. this time though, it wasn’t because she was avoiding you. it just happened to be one of those hectic days.
you figured your best opportunity to see her would be at night so you waited. when the time came, you snuck out and headed to her quarters. it was located on the other side of the palace but you didn’t mind.
upon arriving, you saw her on the front steps. she was sneaking a flask under her shirt and you took in a deep breath before walking up.
“Izogie,” you called out.
she turned to look at you, her face tired from the day.
you fiddled with your hands, unsure of how to even begin the conversation.
“i just wanted to say thank you for bringing me back to my quarters and for the food.”
she stared at you with a low gaze, saying nothing. you mentally told yourself to keep going.
“i also wanted to say that i’m sorry for what i said to you last night. it was not right of me and i will accept any punishment you give.”
Izogie still said nothing as she watched you. soon, your mouth was moving faster than your mind.
“can you please say something? if you hate me and never want to speak to me again, just let me know.”
she kissed her teeth slightly as she averted her eyes briefly. soon, she motioned you over with her hand.
“walk with me.”
the night’s air felt cool against your skin as you walked alongside her. both of you were silent, watching few palace workers go by. occasionally, she drank from her flask, staring straight ahead.
then out of nowhere, she spoke.
“i want to apologize to you as well.”
“what?” you asked, staring at her side profile.
“i want to apologize to you. i should’ve done it first.”
you turned your head back to the front.
“tell me what you are apologizing for specifically.”
she scoffed and began counting on her fingers.
“for speaking harshly to you. for avoiding you. for not spending more time helping you as you struggled. for last night.”
she paused before continuing.
“i’ve never once saw you as a burden.”
you heart skipped a beat as she drank some more of what was in the flask.
“there are lots of things inside me that i struggle with. old wounds. i don’t know how to handle a lot of them but i promise, i won’t let it affect how i treat you anymore. i’ll be better to you.”
you quickly took a couple of steps forward, now standing in front of her. she looked down on you as you admired her face in the pale moonlight.
all you ever wanted was to be close to Izogie. everything about her made you curious and for the first time since you liked her, you felt that she would finally allow you to learn.
“thank you,” you said. “for saying those words.”
a small smile formed on her lips and you felt like you were floating. it was the first one she’d ever given you and it was beautiful.
as you both stood there, you eventually cleared your throat. you didn’t want to say goodnight just yet.
“what is it you’re drinking?” you asked.
she looked at the flask before handing it to you.
“like i told Nawi, it’s the only thing the white men bring worth having. they call it whiskey.”
you eyed the drink skeptically before tasting it.
as soon as the liquid hit your tongue, you spat it out immediately, face scrunching in disgust.
Izogie smirked as you quickly handed the flask back.
“how do you drink that nonsense?”
she shrugged.
“it’s an acquired taste.”
you were about to voice your displeasure for the drink even more when you felt her thumb come in contact with the side of your mouth.
you instantly went still, heart pounding.
apparently, a trace of whiskey was left on your lips and she was taking the liberty of wiping it off for you.
her finger maneuvered around the area, not wanting to scratch you with her nail. then, she retracted her thumb, only to put it back in her own mouth.
your lips parted slightly.
“why did you just do that?” you asked, butterflies erupting in your stomach.
Izogie smiled.
“i cannot let good whiskey go to waste.”
she patted your shoulder and continued walking straight ahead. you slapped your cheeks softly as a way to collect yourself before jogging to catch up with her.
at a distance, Nanare stood, watching you both.
eventually, you went back to your quarters but you couldn’t fall asleep. every time you thought about her, a smile found its way onto your face. now that she apologized, it felt like a huge fog had been lifted.
as you replayed all of her words, you prayed to the ancestors that all of it wasn’t a dream or worse, a lie.
the next day, you found out that your hand to hand combat lessons would be with Izogie, not Amenza.
it had been a while since you both trained together so it made you nervous. at the same time, there was also a newfound excitement for the future.
in the middle of the training ground, you both stood across from each other. the sun was beating down on your oiled bodies and soon, class began.
Izogie had her hands behind her back, a focused expression on her face.
“throw a punch,” she said. “i need to see what you’re doing wrong.”
you got into your stance, punching the air once.
“again.”
you steadied yourself and punched again.
she walked over and bent down to your knees, tapping them.
“first of all, your knees. they’re too stiff. loosen them.”
you quickly shook your legs out before getting back into your position.
she then stood in front of you and held both of your hands up to your face.
“always keep your elbows tucked in and your guard up. you need to protect your chin.”
you nodded as you made a mental note.
she grabbed your right arm.
“you swing your arm when you punch. don’t do that. keep it straight as you follow through with the jab.”
she quickly demonstrated and you copied, determined to execute it properly.
after a few practices, you were getting the hang of it. Izogie’s nods of approval also made you feel better.
the first hour went by and you felt accomplished. at this rate, you would get better in no time.
then, she wanted you to try hitting her once.
you thought she was joking at first until she said in a no nonsense manner,
“we will not leave here until you have succeeded.”
in your head, you had already deemed the task impossible but since you were in training, you couldn’t disobey.
for the rest of the afternoon, you threw punch after punch at her but none of them landed. to make matters worse, you had to bare witness to that smirk she always had on her face, as well as her taunting.
“you move just like Nawi. very sloth like.”
you rolled your eyes as you kept your guard up, ignoring the sweat that covered your face.
“you still talk too much, Izogie.”
you gave her a two piece combination but she dodged with ease. you screamed out in frustration and as she laughed, an idea entered your mind.
you quickly gave a convincing wince, holding your right shoulder. her face instantly turned serious as she eyed your arm and then you.
“what happened?”
you faked a look of pain.
“i think i pulled something in my arm.”
“let me see.”
she came over and held your right arm, examining it. you mentally smirked as you thought,
this was going to be too easy.
when she saw nothing wrong, she began to set your hand down and that was when your left hand went directly for her face.
Izogie instantly weaved back, causing you to miss. you quickly swung your right hand but she grabbed it. before you could fully grasp the situation, she drew you close to her and turned you around. your back was now against her chest.
adrenaline ran through you as you felt her hands travel down your waist, holding you in place. you felt her breath down your neck as you heard her smirk. the heat radiating from both of your bodies, as well as the sun, was driving you crazy.
then, she brought her lips to the shell of your ear.
“did you think i was born yesterday?”
your legs instantly felt weak at the sound of her voice. you shook your head no because your mouth couldn’t seem to form words.
she gave you a small laugh as she spun you around.
you were now facing her and you saw beads of sweat cascading down her forehead. her chest heaved up and down as she looked at you.
“why did you just do that?” you asked, voice low.
Izogie brought her face down to yours.
“you were having trouble hitting me so I came closer.”
your eyes flickered down to her lips and you felt the grip she had on your waist get tighter. you stuck your tongue out to wet your lips and as if on instinct, her head inched closer to yours.
in that moment, you uttered two words.
“thank you.”
then, your fist collided with her jaw. you quickly detached yourself from her grasp as she held her face. you kept your distance, face lighting up with joy.
finally, you thought.
you were done for today. as you headed out, her voice stopped you in your tracks.
“come here.”
you turned around.
“what?”
Izogie beckoned you over as she tried to hide a smile.
“i said come here. do not make me ask you again.”
you shook your head in a no way.
“you said if i hit you, training would be over. i just did that so i don’t have to obey you anymore.”
before you knew it, Izogie was chasing you around the training grounds. as you sprinted away, laughter bubbled from your chest.
unbeknownst to the both of you, Nanare had seen the whole ordeal.
the next day, you were on cleaning duty.
to be honest, you didn’t really mind. it gave you ample time to think about her, focus on something other than training.
per usual, all the trainees were assigned to a specific section of the palace and it usually took quite some time to clean. for today, you were working on one of the agojie quarters.
the space wasn’t too disorganized and that meant you would be done a lot faster. you set your supplies down and got to work.
not too long into cleaning, you spotted a bracelet sitting inside a small clay bowl.
it was gold and had colorful stones running through it. you gently picked it up and admired it. you never had jewelry this beautiful and you wondered who it belonged to.
as you held it, Izogie and Esi, another agojie soldier, walked into the room. the moment Esi saw you with the bracelet, she rushed over and took it from you.
“do not touch another warrior’s belongings.”
Izogie laughed as she looked at the bracelet.
“especially that one. Esi is sensitive about it.”
she pretended to hit Izogie who ducked away quickly.
you apologized.
“i’m sorry, Esi. i shouldn’t have touched it in the first place. i just thought it was beautiful.”
Esi sighed as she set her bracelet down.
“no. i’m sorry for snatching it from you and yelling. my mother made it for me and it’s the only thing from her i have here.”
you fidgeted a bit.
“did your mother pass?”
Esi laughed.
“no, no. she’s alive and well. she actually sells these in the marketplace but the townspeople can’t look upon the agojie so i haven’t seen her face in a while.”
you nodded in an understanding way as Izogie spoke.
“do you like it?”
you looked at the bracelet and nodded yes.
Esi smiled and patted your shoulder.
“don’t worry. when i go to the marketplace again, i’ll get one for you from my mother.”
you gave her a surprised look.
“really?”
she nodded. you thanked her well and went back to cleaning. soon, you could hear her and Izogie in the back arguing about who the better fighter was.
you smiled, a feeling of warmth spreading through you. these days, it really felt like things were starting to fall in place for the first time in a long time.
but little did you know, tragedy would soon be knocking at your door.
the next day, you started on your duties as you typically did. but, you felt that something in particular was off. all morning as you worked, you noticed the eyes of others constantly on you.
it was becoming quite burdensome because it wasn’t just from the trainees. most of the palace workers, as well as two of King Ghezo’s wives, were watching you as well.
whenever you entered a room, it immediately went silent, only for the whispers to pick back up the moment you left.
for the life of you, you couldn’t figure out what was going on. had you done something wrong? but if you had, wouldn’t someone have called you by now? you were mentally racking your brain when Fumbe came up to you.
she pulled you to the side and you both sat, her soft facial features displaying worry.
“Fumbe, are you alright?” you asked.
she looked at you for a while before speaking.
“is it true?”
you furrowed your eyebrows at her.
“is what true?”
she sighs.
“don’t tell me you don’t know what i’m talking about.”
you looked at her with an even more confused look and she realized that you really didn’t know.
“you haven’t heard what’s being said about you?”
your heart started racing and all of a sudden, you were hanging onto her every word.
“Nanare told most of the palace that you were sleeping with Izogie.”
in that moment, your ears couldn’t even comprehend what you were hearing.
“excuse me?”
Fumbe continued. “if you are, i’m not judging you. i’m just worried about what King Ghezo might do.”
instantly, you laughed hard.
it might’ve been the hardest you laughed in a while.
Nanare spreading a rumor like this was actually funny. you would give her that.
Fumbe looked at you sternly.
“this is not a laughing matter. are you really sleeping with her?”
you quickly shook your head no.
she let out a sigh of relief.
“thank the ancestors. i didn’t want to see you exiled. you need to clear your name though.”
oh you were going to clear your name alright.
you? sleeping with the soon to be miganon?
so this is what happens when you give people an inch, you thought. they decide to take a mile.
you weren’t worried though.
you would gladly drag Nanare down the mile she so desperately wanted to go.
right then and there, you wanted to confront the younger but you still had work to do.
so, lunchtime it was.
as noon drew closer, you prayed that Izogie hadn’t gotten wind of the nonsense circulating.
luckily for you, because festival day was in two days, some of the agojie soldiers were sent to retrieve large quantities of meat from the nearby butchers in the village. she was a part of that group.
it put your mind at ease to know she wouldn’t be here for the confrontation.
then, lunchtime arrived.
when you got to the serving station, some of the girls were already eating while others waited in line.
your eyes searched for Nanare and soon, you spotted her and the two girls she was always with. they were sitting in a circle on the floor, food in hand.
you walked over to them and kicked the younger’s bowl hard. the contents spilled everywhere and some trainees took notice.
the other girls scooted back in shock as Nanare looked up at your looming figure.
“stand up,” you said to her, tone commanding.
she scoffed as she rose to her feet. after dusting her uniform off, she locked eyes with you.
“well, well, well. if it isn’t Izogie’s whore.”
the palm of your right hand immediately met her cheek with a resounding slap.
now, the entire courtyard was watching. Nanare held her face as you spoke.
“you must think i won’t put hands on you because i allow your insults to pass, right?”
she smiled slyly.
“it seems being with Izogie has you feeling bold.”
you stepped closer to her.
“i’m going to make myself clear. i’m not with anyone at all, so keep my name far away from your mouth.”
she eyed you up and down.
“if you’re not with anyone, then why are you allowed to stay here? it’s not like you contribute anything.”
you felt your blood boiling.
“does my presence annoy you that much?”
she nodded her head yes.
“i really hate people like you.”
you furrowed your eyebrows.
“i don’t even know you. why do you feel you have the right to keep speaking to me like this?”
Nanare rolled her eyes.
“i don’t need to know you to know you’re weak. latching onto the strong to survive. do you think Izogie will always be there?”
now, you were just confused.
“where is all this coming from?”
she clenched her jaw.
“stay away from Izogie. stand on your own for once.”
a thought quickly ran through your mind.
“Nanare, do you have feelings for Izogie?”
the younger immediately laughed hard in your face. this went on for a couple of seconds and you found your patience wearing thin. soon, she spoke.
“love makes you weak. i don’t have a care in the world for it.”
she then leaned in and delivered what you deemed to be the final straw.
“just know that on the battlefield, Izogie won’t be running to save you; the girl who opened her legs to get there.”
you instantly punched her in the jaw.
Nanare stumbled back but you kept raining blows at her head.
all the trainees watched in awe but no one dared to step in.
soon, she fell to the ground and you got on top, pinning her underneath.
you sent punch after punch at her face but she managed to keep her guard up.
then, somebody grabbed you by your waist, lifting you off of her.
they threw you down.
it was one of her friends.
you quickly got up.
as the girl’s hand swung for your face, you ducked your head and wrapped around her torso, knocking the both of you over.
you got on top and began punching her as well.
the girl’s nose started leaking heavily so you stopped.
then, someone put you in a headlock from behind.
it was the second girl.
she raised you up but you could feel she was struggling to hold you.
you began elbowing her in the ribs in order to break free but immediately, Nanare ran up and punched you in your stomach repeatedly.
the girl released her grip on your neck and you doubled over in pain.
as you tried to crawl, someone kicked you hard in the face.
you fell on your side, tasting something metallic on your lips.
due to the sun, you squinted as you looked up to see Nanare. you spoke, voice hoarse.
“if you want to prove your strength, fight me alone. don’t involve your friends.”
anger flashed across her face as she kicked you in your stomach.
you winced in pain.
over the sound of your heartbeat pounding in your ears, you could hear some girls begging for the fight to stop.
you quickly tried to stand but someone kicked you in the back.
you fell down and another stomped on your rib.
you could feel your breath growing weak as the sun’s sweltering heat was becoming too much to bear.
then, the blows came frequently.
your head, your back, your ribs, your thighs and essentially your entire body was met with fists and feet.
instantly, your vision began to blur.
you entered a fetal position, weakly putting your guard up.
soon, all the noise started to fade.
your eyes rolled to the back of your head.
then, you blacked out.
the end.
[🫀] \ bridging the gap — extended scene.
in a grassy field just outside the palace, Nanisca and Amenza set up their lunch picnic style. as both women ate, they occasionally took in the view.
soon, the older of the two spoke.
“has Izogie confessed to that girl yet?”
Amenza immediately started choking on her food. she coughed a couple of times to clear her throat.
“you know about that?”
Nanisca gave a small laugh.
“even a blind man can see how she looks at her.”
they sat in silence for a while.
“you’re not upset with Izogie?” Amenza asked. “you remember what happened last tim—.”
Nanisca quickly interrupted her, voice firm.
“we promised not to speak of that situation again.”
the younger sighed. Nanisca continued, a look of sincerity on her face.
“besides, i cannot be angry with Izogie. that child carries so much pain but for the first time in a long time, my successor seems happy again.”
worry found its way onto Amenza’s features.
“but do you not fear the past repeating itself?”
Nanisca sighed.
“in this line of work, of course I do. but for Izogie’s sake, i pray the ancestors are not that cruel.”
Amenza nodded in agreement as she ate a fruit.
“so, do you want me to tell Izogie she has your blessing?”
Nanisca scoffed playfully.
“do not push it. i’m already having trouble getting her to focus in my class nowadays.”
Amenza chuckled lightly.
“she really does like that girl.”
as their conversation continued, they spotted Nawi from afar. she was with some agojie soldiers at the gate and they were carrying heavy boxes made out of straw.
Migan’s men greeted them and quickly took the containers inside. while looking around, Nawi then saw Nanisca and Amenza and went to join them.
“good afternoon, mother. good afternoon, Amenza,” she said as she sat down on the grass.
“how was your trip to get meat for festival day?” Nanisca asked.
Nawi rubbed both of her shoulders in pain.
“remind me to hide the next time they ask for volunteers.”
Amenza laughed as she spoke.
“where is Izogie by the way? we did not see her at the gate with the rest of you.”
Nawi grabbed a fruit from Nanisca’s plate.
“she said she was going to stop by the marketpla—.”
before the youngest could even finish her sentence, an ear piercing scream rang out in the distance.
all three women immediately bolted up and looked in the direction it came from.
on the pathway up, a trainee was running towards them at full speed. her hands waved frantically as she yelled, trying to get their attention.
the women looked at each other, concern spreading across their faces.
when she finally arrived, they noticed she was crying furiously and hyperventilating.
Amenza quickly rested her hands on the girl’s shoulders in order to calm her down.
“breathe, my child. what has happened?”
the trainee spoke between sobs, her body shaking.
“they were just fighting at first. a normal fight. that’s all. none of us thought it would go that far. we should’ve stopped it sooner.”
Nawi’s brow furrowed.
“a fight? between who? where?”
the trainee sniffled as she spoke rapidly.
“at the courtyard. it was between y/n, Nanare and her friends. y/n was confronting Nanare about something and then they started fighting. we all thought it would be over after a while but then, all three of them starting beating her even though she was on the ground and—.”
the girl stopped talking and started crying into her hands even more. Amenza squeezed her shoulders as Nanisca stepped in front of her, slowly loosing her patience.
“pull yourself together this instant. what happened?”
the girl removed her hands from her face as she looked up at Nanisca.
“miganon, y/n isn’t breathing.”
Nanisca immediately ran in the direction of the palace as Amenza’s eyes widened. Nawi covered her mouth in shock as she stumbled back.
Amenza quickly turned the trainee to face her and spoke urgently.
“go into town and find the palace physician. he should be buying herbs for festival day today. bring him back to the palace as fast as you can.”
the girl nodded and took off running.
Amenza turned to Nawi who had tears building up in her eyes. she held the younger’s shoulder tightly.
“Nawi, I need you to find Izogie and keep her far away from here for as long as you can. no matter what, do not tell her what is happening here.”
Nawi stood frozen and before Amenza could speak again, rustling was heard in the grass.
it was from Izogie.
she was standing not too far away and she eyed the both of them suspiciously.
as she walked closer, Amenza sighed, lowering her head in defeat. Nawi fell to the ground, a tear running down her cheek as her hand still covered her mouth.
Izogie raised an eyebrow as her gaze shifted between the two of them. on one of her fingers, a golden bracelet with colorful stones dangled. she slid it into her pocket as her facial expression turned serious.
“do not tell Izogie what?”
495 notes
·
View notes
Text
Sooo...I wrote a thing....
Izogie got me down bad and i'm just tryin to clear my head lol
The only thing you need to know is Izogie broke a couple nails in battle...
1.8k words
Insatiable Desire
You can feel her presence enter the bath house before you can hear her. You have been waiting to have her to yourself all day. You don’t turn around, eyes closed, silently listening to her disrobe, avidly picturing each expanse of chocolate skin being exposed in your mind. The slight ripples of the water gently lap at your frame as she draws near, and you shiver in anticipation. Her hands reach you first, slowly sliding around your waist, gently pulling your body back flush against her. Her voice, silky and smooth, caressing against your ear as she greets you.
“Hello, my love” she says, nibbling at your ear lobe before pressing warm moist kisses down the length of your neck. You tilt your head to the side to give her better access as your body melts fully back into hers, a contented sigh leaving your lips.
“I missed you today” you say, hands gliding up and down the arms holding firmly around your middle. Her low hum sends goosebumps in its wake, and you find yourself twisting in her arms, lips eagerly seeking out hers.
The kiss starts off slow, a gentle meeting of the lips. At the first contact of her lips on yours you both sigh and she pulls you impossibly closer. Your hands snake their way up her arms and over her shoulders, your arms coming to rest around her neck as her hands begin to roam. Her hands make a leisurely journey across your back and over your hips, touching whatever skin she can reach. All the while never breaking the kiss; slowly, steadily deepening it. Her tongue reaches out to glide across your bottom lip, and you gasp as the contact, granting her the entry she seeks. Tongues meet in a languid dual, both seemingly fighting for dominance. What started as a warm and fuzzy heat radiating through your body at the first touch of her hands, is gradually turning into a boil, simmering just below the surface of your skin. You break apart only for the need of air and she peppers your jawline down to your neck with kisses.
Izogie overwhelms your senses in the best possible way. The faint taste of whiskey on her lips. The scent of palm oil mingled with an aroma all Izogie’s own. Solid muscles encased in the satin silkiness of her ebony skin, always a treat for the eyes to behold. Feeling that toned firmness yielding beneath the stroke of your fingertips. Every gasp, moan, whispered words of love that falls from her lips stored away among your most precious possessions.
Her hands traveled over the swell of your ass once, twice, before gripping a handful in each hand and lifting, your wet body easily gliding up hers. Your legs instinctively wrap around her waist as your lips crash together again, the kiss deep, sensual, and all-consuming. The sensations of the cool water in stark contrast to your heated core rubbing against the abs of her stomach drawing a low moan from your throat. You feel her smirk against your lips, and you pull away trailing kisses along her jaw towards her ear. She is trailing nibbling kisses along your collar bone sending shivers down your spine as you reach your destination.
“More.”
One word. A moan really, and it has her springing into action. You are on the edge of the bath, and she has pulled herself up beside you before your body can even begin to register the loss of her warmth. She spreads a towel out before laying you down, her body fused to yours, smoothly following you as you lay. Her lips attached to yours, hers hand everywhere all at once. Your body arches up into hers, pressing closer still but never quite close enough.
The feeling of her hands skating over your body towards your aching breasts has you sizzling with excitement. She cups one in her left hand, pinching the nipple between her forefingers as the fingertips of her right trail tantalizing circles around the other. Both nipples get rock hard almost instantly and your body’s reaction to her touch has her moaning into your mouth. Her lips soon follow the path of her hands, placing succulent kisses along their route down your neck and across your chest, your luscious breast their next destination.
Slowly her tongue circled your areola drawing closer and closer towards your pert nipple. When her tongue finally reaches your nipple, the warm, moist heat of her mouth follows immediately thereafter. The feeling is electric, and your hands fly to the back of her head to hold her in place. As if she needed any encouragement. She suckles at your breast like she is starved and only you can provide her with the nourishment she so desperately needs. Alternating from one jiggling globe to the other, trailing hot wet kisses in between, dragging languorous moans from you.
The trail begins to lead down, leisurely across your toned stomach, tongue pausing to tease the rim of your belly button. Down further still, the fragrance of your arousal greeting her before her lips skim across your lower lips. The soft kisses she places on your inner thighs drawing whimpers from you. Up one thigh and down the other, never venturing far from where you needed her most. Your need pulsing, throbbing its own rhythm deep in your core. You draw up on your elbows, mesmerized by the sight before you. Izogie, your very own ebony goddess, stretched out before you, hands under your thighs, head buried in between. Teasing you beyond reasonable thought and she had not even reached the knob of your burning desire yet.
“Please” you moan, nearly delirious with want of her.
Izogie arches her eyebrow, locking eyes with you, a growl emanating deep in her throat. She loves to hear you beg, but thankfully tonight you don’t have to ask again. She dives in, the tip of her tongue circling your clit before she slurps it greedily into her waiting mouth. Your eyes slide closed as your head tips back, your moans echoing around the chamber. She releases you with an audible pop, tongue dipping lower to fully taste your honied nectar.
“Mmmmm” she hums, the sound sending vibrations deep inside you.
Her tongue is swirling around your slit, dipping inside every so often. Her grip on your thighs tightens as you begin to grind your hips, desperate to increase the pressure. Izogie nuzzles her nose against your clit as her tongue delves in as far as she can reach before pulling out over and over and over again. Her arms come fully around your thighs to steady you, your hips bucking up eagerly against her mouth. Moans are steadily tumbling from your mouth; she’s driving you to the edge already. She drags her tongue slowly out of you and up, taking your clit in her mouth once again. The subtle pressure of her lightly sucking your nub into her mouth while simultaneously swirling her tongue around it has you grasping at her arms, her grip on your thighs not stopping you from riding out your pleasure on her face.
“Yeeesssss…”
“Right…there…baaabby…”
“Fuuucckkk ‘Zo…”
“Just…like…that…”
You are babbling, almost incoherent, your moans nonstop. Izogie can feel you throbbing against her tongue, feel the tremor in your legs on the side of her head, she knows you are close. She pops your clit out of her mouth before quickly slurping it up harder, applying more pressure with the tip of her tongue. The trembles intensify, vibrating throughout your entire body, you’re teetering on the edge. Her long finger invading your tight heat, filling you up, caressing against your sweet spot is your undoing. The coil wound tight in the pit of your stomach snaps, your orgasm violently ripping through you, shudders overtaking your body. Your back arcs up off the towel, your legs threatening to close but Izogie is unfazed, never stopping even as she draws up on her knees. Her hums mingling with your moans as she continues to draw out your pleasure.
“I could drink from you all day” she says when she finally releases you.
Before you even have a chance to respond, your body still racked with quivers, she fills you with two fingers. You can’t tell if the moan that fills the air around you is yours or hers, or both. Your brain is in overdrive, the sensations of her finger fucking you and whispering heated words of passion engulfing your senses. This is such a rare treat. Your hips are already rolling, matching her rhythm, her thrusts deep inside you, slow and sensual. She dips her head briefly, lapping at your clit, your essence already beginning to pool in her hand.
“Oouuuuu….”
Out. In. Deep. Curl. Out. In. Deep. Curl.
“Fuuuuccckkkk….”
Her mouth is ceaseless on your clit, lightly sucking, tongue swirling.
“Izogie…Izogie…Izo-uunnhhh….”
Your walls are clenching, squeezing at her fingers. You can feel your essence dripping, rolling over your ass pooling beneath you. She has you racing towards your peak, her movements still slow and sensual. The sound of her name falling from your lips has her moaning into you, the vibrations starting a tremble in your legs, you’re close again already. Izogie releases your clit, increasing the pace of her strokes. She’s biting her bottom lip, watching you and you want nothing more than to take that lip in your mouth, but it seems coherent thought is escaping you. You reach out to her, and she inches up you, straddling your thigh, melting into your embrace. Her lips are hot on yours, passionate, while she picks up the pace yet again. Her lips are blazing a trail to your ear, her hips are slowly grinding down on your thigh, your entire body is pulsating with electric pleasure.
“You’re so fucking sexy.”
“Give it to me baby.”
“That’s it…just like that.”
“Cum for me.”
The sound of her voice, low and sultry in your ear, commanding you, thrusts you over the edge. Your body writhing against hers, your hands digging into her hips, her mouth pressed to your ear murmuring praises, orgasm number three is on top of you before you know it. Stars explode behind your eyes, your shaking uncontrollable, your moans nonstop, your essence gushing out of you, coating her hand, the puddle beneath you ever growing. She finally begins to slow, drawing out your orgasm still, gazing down at you with that damn smirk on her face. Your body still quaking with aftershocks, your hands begin to glide up her hips around her front. You cup her breasts and lift your thigh at the same time, planting your foot. You lock eyes with her, wearing your own smirk now as her eyelids slide low and a gasp slips from her lips.
“More.”
One word. A moan really, and it has you springing into action.
Chapter 2
A/N: Soooo??? Be honest. What you think???Let me know!!! crazy thing is I didn't even get to the scene that got me in a chokehold lol pray for my screnff!! And sorry to comma(,) who i abused profusely while writing this lol
207 notes
·
View notes
Text
So I just finished The Woman King (ik im late 😭😭😭 dont judge me) and yeah....yeah I get it.
This scene broke me 😭😭😭 BROKE 👏🏽 ME 👏🏽 TO 👏🏽 TINY 👏🏽 PIECES 👏🏽
Why are Black women soo 😮💨😮💨🥵
#the woman king#i am a convert#izogie#lashana lynch#stan till the end of time#i love you my beautiful queen#fuck what could have been#movies like this make me sad spiritually
159 notes
·
View notes
Text
Rest, My Love || Izogie x Fem!reader
Summary: Izogie needs to be pampered after a long day
Warnings: requested, fluff, suggestive content, black!reader
Word Count: 1.3k
A/n: This was requested by @szalipcombo
|*|
You could feel her muscles move under you as you rubbed and pulled at her skin, kneading the knots away from her muscles. Her groans and soft whimpers filled your room and your ears, making your heart soar at the thought of pleasing your lover. You could make out every tick, flinch, and quiver her torso made under your thighs. You felt her muscles ripple as you massaged her shoulders. Their tenseness always amazed you, you could rub them for hours today and your love would still come back in knots tomorrow.
Her head rested in her arms as she lay on her stomach with you straddling her back. Her intricate braids hypnotized you as her skin slipped and rubbed against your hands with the help of the yangu oil.
“There is one trainee that stands out. All of the new ones are good, strong. But, her? She is different,” she explained, hints of a groan making its way into her tone.
“Hmm,” you acknowledged, not paying attention to what she was saying, too lost in your own world.
Your mind was far off in the distance, thinking of how Izogie puts her muscles to work. Small moments playing in your mental theatre. Like when she lifted you on her shoulders to reach the mangos on the top shelf, or when you asked her to fill up a water jug by the river and she came back with two in each arm. You stopped yourself from clenching your thighs, the sight of your lover smirking up at you was not one you wanted to see tonight. The gloating she would do for the rest of the week would drive you insane.
“I call her Tse-tse,” she informed you proudly, head shifting to look to the right.
“Tse-tse,” you repeated, the name making you laugh. “What did she do to earn that title?”
Her deep voice made your soul happy. Little did you know that your little giggle made her soul happy. It was a sound she didn’t get to hear often, especially with the recent spike in Oyo attacks on villages.
“She constantly undermines us,” Igozie continued to complain. “Today she placed gunpowder in the solider’s heads. They exploded the moment we sliced through them.”
You chuckled as your thumbs circled under her shoulder blades, her back rippling, reacting to your touch. You gazed upon her armbands, the material straining to hold her muscled arms. The oil continuing to leave a honey-like glaze on her skin.
“She sounds a lot like you,” you giggled in endearment, leaning down to kiss her right shoulder.
“Like me,” she screeched.
“Yes,” you giggled more. “Look at it this way, my love.”
She went silent and you could visualize her eyebrow rising as her gaze became judgmental. You could picture her crossing her arms and staring down at you, effectively intimidating you.
“Well, I’m listening,” she mocked, eyes straining to see a glimpse of you.
“Remember when you were a trainee? How many times did the Meganon take your sword? How many times did you question her?”
Izogie was silent, knowing the answer.
“You’re supposed to be on my side,” she huffed. “Why are you against me in this.”
You rolled your eyes and continued to dig the heel of your palm into the nape of her neck. Her skin was silky from the constant oils and moisture placed on her skin but littered with bumps and ridges from the scars she wore with pride. A symbol of her dedication and love for her people.
“Be on my side,” she whined, the whiskey she drank earlier showing its effects.
“Remember the saying what goes around comes around, I believe that’s how the Europeans say it,” you started. “Well, I suppose this is payback for giving Meganon such a hard ti-”
Your sentence ended with a high-pitched squeal as Izogie flipped over, you now straddled her waist, facing her. Her hands naturally found your waist and you shivered as she ran the sharp of her nails up and down the sides of your torso.
“Do you remember what I say,” she questioned as she sat up, crossing her legs under you
Her chest rose and fell against yours while her eyes were dead set on you. A look of strictness and love mixed in her irises as her hands moved to squeeze your waist. You held your breath as she leaned into your left ear.
“Always obey Izogie,” she whispered, hands coming up to caress your upper back before kissing your neck. “Hmm. And I believe I said take my side.”
“I always obey,” you whispered, barely audible, your thighs now clenching around her waist.
Your heads now rested on each other's shoulders. Your breath was calming and tranquil, something unusual for Izogie, it felt foreign to her. To feel such peace. She had become so used to the heavy breathing of running and fighting that now, just sitting and breathing slowly, was something that felt strange.
“I love you,” you whispered. “I always fear for you when you leave the palace walls. When you leave Dahomey for Ouidah. It is hard to sleep, knowing that your love might not return to you.”
Izogie didn’t respond, choosing to nuzzle deeper into your neck, placing wet kisses everywhere she could.
“I know what you do is good,” you continued, rubbing her back. “But, I hear stories about the infantrymen’s wives. I see how they grieve when their husbands die.”
She continued to stay silent, basking in the feel of your skin on hers. However, you could sense her breathing get shaky as her grip on you tightened.
“Listen to me,” she began, lifting her head from your neck and bringing her hands to cage your face sweetly. “Look at me. I can’t promise that I’ll come back.”
Your heart began beating faster, her eyes still had a strictness in them now mixed with compassion and love. Your hands found her wrists and wrapped around them softly.
“What I can promise is that when I’m fighting, I fight for you. For your safety, to come back to you.”
Her hands stayed where they were, thumbs now rubbing your cheeks. Her eyes searched for understanding in yours, eyebrows furrowing in a desire to see her lover be on the same page as her.
“I love you,” she stated strongly, ”And I love the Agojie. I love being able to protect you from everything that wishes to harm you. I love being able to come home, knowing that I did everything in my power to keep you safe. I just want to keep you safe.”
You glanced up at her through your eyelashes. You gazed at her eyes as you saw the emotion that swirled in them. Bringing your hand to grab her left wrist, you put her palm to your lips, planting a small kiss on her hand.
“I know, my love,” you agreed. “I just want you to be happy, and cared for. I know the trainees are a lot but please come to me before it gets to be too much instead of at your breaking point.”
“It’s not the trainees, my treasure. It's the Oyo, it's the Europeans, it's everyone. Everyone wishes for Dohomey’s end,” Izogie let out, forehead falling back on your shoulder.
You brought your hand to her hair, scratching and massaging her scalp. She groaned into your shoulder at the satisfaction she felt at your nails. Her thumbs on your upper back rubbed against your shoulder blades.
“I just wish everything would stop for us,” she continued, her eyes drooping down.
“Come with me, precious,” you smiled softly. “Lay here with me.”
You laid down first and opened your arms for her. As Izogie lowered herself down, you got a peak at her muscles once more, working to support her. They rippled, tensed, and relaxed when she placed her head on your shoulder, snuggling into you.
“Everything is stopping for us now,” you whispered. “Just sleep and rest, my love.”
|*|
A/n: Please leave me some feedback <3 constructive criticism is welcomed
#izogie#lashana lynch#izogie x reader#izogie x black!reader#lashana lynch x reader#the woman king#lashana lynch x black!reader
840 notes
·
View notes
Text
naomi’s masterlist - izogie
“you are powerful, more than you know. do not give away your power.”
➯ ex-factor
➯ can’t take my eyes off of you
➯ dating izogie headcanons
#naomis-daydreams#izogie woman king#izogie fanfiction#izogie fanfic#izogie x black!reader#izogie x reader#izogie
32 notes
·
View notes
Text
Yearning
Izogie x black!fem!reader
A/N: Just some kissing and mild language warning. I am a Lashana Lynch fiend so enjoy
Izogie had mastered the art of yearning. Long before she became Agojie and even longer before you became the King’s top advisor.
Her yearning started as childhood best friends who lived down the road from each other.
Although your position kept you two close, it was rare that Izogie felt satisfied with your shy waves across the fields and gleaming smiles when she returned from battle stained with blood.
She had to have permission to speak to you now. When just a few years ago, all it took was a call of your name to have a conversation.
“How are you!?” You exclaimed, jumping up from your desk to wrap your arms to her bruised torso.
Izogie suppressed her wince to hug you back just as tight. “I am well. You?”
“Bored.” You rolled your eyes as you pulled away from her form. “All I see is numbers all day. My vision is starting to blur.” You rubbed a hand over your forehead as you took a seat at your wilted chair again.
Izogie followed you in agony at loss of your touch, opting to lean against your mahogany desk instead of embracing you again.
“You need a break.”
“Right. And when the king comes to nag me again, who will be to blame when I am absent?” You suck your teeth and your lips form into a pout.
Izogie can’t fight the smirk that tortures her lips and all she wants to do is kiss the puckered bottom lip until you are blushing and pleading her to stop.
“When is the last time you saw the village?”
“Since I took this job. Izogie, I don’t get to come and go. The King must have me in arms reach all the time.”
The warrior tried not to nurture the red hot jealousy that sparked at the thought of the King wanting to be so close to you all the time. Though she knew his intentions weren’t what she thought, the idea still burned her.
“Come.” Izogie rose and the wood creaked. She held out a hand for you to take and you looked curiously.
“What?”
“Come with me. You may not be able to see the village but you deserve to see the outside of these walls just the same.”
Yearning. She yearned to take you outside of the palace, to give you everything you could imagine, to not have to answer to anyone if you two decided to disappear for a night together.
She wanted all the things she couldn’t have without getting shunned, exiled, and possibly killed.
“Come on!” Izogie urged you on with a shaking hand and a bright smile.
“Alright. Alright.” You giggled, grabbing her waiting hand and bracing your body against her bicep as she stepped out of the office.
“Do you want to see the Agojie?” Izogie peered down at you as your head tilted back and the sun beamed down on you.
Tenderly, you sighed. It had probably been days since you had a chance to purely enjoy the sunshine. A smile crept up the corners of your lips as you leaned into Izogie further, squeezing at her hand with your own.
The warrior ignored the backflipped her heart did at the sight of you. Beautiful brown skin, glowing under the rays of sun as it should be.
“Yes…I want to see everything.” You giggled, already tugging on Izogie’s arm to guide you further.
“Yes?” She chuckled, tempted to press a kiss to your cheek.
“Yes. Let’s go!”
You kept close to your warrior as she took you around the Agojie grounds and let you watch the trainees.
Her eyes never left your sparkling gaze as you watched like a kid in a candy store. Not even when Amenza gave her a raised brow and a smirk when passing.
“You all are so strong.” You marveled, pricking your finger on one of the spears in the weaponry.
Warrior’s muffled chants and swishing of weapons resounded through the compound.
“Mmm. We have to be. Because we are women, people don’t take us seriously until we gut them and gouge their eyes.”
She made a clawing motion of her hands towards your own brown irises. “We must show them that they should be very afraid.”
“Show me.” You picked up a spear, skillfully twirling it around your arm and pointing it at your comrade.
“Eh? No. You have no business with this weapon. Put it down.” Izogie shook her head at you but you refused to budge.
“Izogie, I want you to show me how to use one of these. I am not asking to become Agojie.”
“That is hardly the point. Come. The King will notice your absence by now.” She moved to grab the spear’s handle and pulled it forward.
You, refusing to let go of the weapon, were hurled forward with a yelp at the sudden motion and thrown right into her chest.
Izogie’s arm bracketed your waist, keeping you flush against her as she place the spear back to its place.
“Stubborn woman.” She chuckled down at you, rubbing a hand over your arm. “Must you disobey me?”
“Isn’t that what makes this so fun?” Your voice came out as a whisper as you tried to catch your breath from the impact of falling into her.
Yearning. She’s never wanted to kiss you as badly as she does now. As breathless as you are and right in her arms.
She could. She could just dip her head a little and graze her lips across your forehead, sending a shiver up your spine as you looked up at her.
She could lift your chin with her dagger-like nails just the slightest bit and lock your lips against hers with a satisfied groan.
“Izogie!” Amenza appeared in the doorway and just as fast, you shove Izogie back, breaking the kiss and wiping your lips.
“Amenza?!” Izogie looked about ready to strike the warrior for ruining something she’s needed for years.
“The King is looking for his advisor, hm?” Amenza gestured to you as your eyes blew wide. “Seems she’s wandered away from her duties.”
You swiftly pushed past the slender woman without so much as a goodbye to Izogie, leaving the two warriors in a charged silence as you raced back to your office.
“Don’t say it.” Izogie pointed a finger at Amenza.
“How could you?!”
“Fuck, Amenza! How could I not?! You have no idea the things I feel for her so please!”
Yearning. The one thing she couldn’t afford to do.
#black writers#x black reader#black reader#fluff#the woman king#lashana lynch#izogie#izogie x reader#izogie x black!reader#lesbian couple#lgbtqia#queer#fem x fem
177 notes
·
View notes
Text
Spiced Wine
For @mybonafidefeelings and @imjusthere2readbruv
I didn't proofread good luck
TW: Alcohol, SMUT.
~***~
Izogie determinedly wound her way through the palace. Her day had been a grueling one. So many things, so many people, had made it their mission to try her patience. Now all the soldier wanted was to sit with some whiskey and have a moment to herself.
Izogie hurried her pace, making a beeline for her quarters before swiftly shutting the door behind her. Once inside, a deep sigh freed itself from her chest. She turned to a trunk tucked neatly at the end of her bed and rummaged through it until her hands brushed against cool metal.
Izogie wasted no time in opening the small flask and putting it to her lips. A small trickle of burning liquid graced her tongue and nothing more. It was empty. Izogie’s heart sank.
“Of course it would be empty. Why wouldn’t it be?” She thought bitterly. If whiskey wasn’t an option, then a bath (while not the same) might help soothe her. Though Izogie loathed the possibility of someone intruding on her personal time. But with little choice to do much else, she set off.
With a towel in hand she slipped back into the halls of the palace and to her relief they were empty. The warrior had almost reached her destination when a loud thud rang out. She froze mid step, her head whipping in the direction of the sound. It seemed to have come from the kitchens. Her pulse spiked briefly after a clang rattled the stillness.
“The hell was that?” Curiosity and duty urged the soldier to investigate. Taking a deep breath, she stalked over to the kitchen’s entrance and peered inside. What greeted Izogie nearly made her choke.
She was met with a voluptuous ass bent over and shifting from side to side. The owner of said ass was on her hands and knees on the floor. She was shuffling around crates of vegetables, clearly looking for something. Heat rose to Izogie’s cheeks and she let out an involuntary cough.
The mystery woman gasped, whipping around to face Izogie. A flush settled on her own cheeks when their gazes met. Silence stretched between them. Their eyes locked on one another with neither woman sure on how to proceed.
Izogie’s heart thumped against her ribs. This woman was a stunning vision of rolling curves Orbs of sparkling honey peered up from under thick lashes. Rounded lips were parted in surprise, hints of dimples kissed at their corners. Sharp cheeks held a dusting of freckles akin to the night sky and her scattering stars.
“I-I can explain!” The woman stammered, effectively bringing Izogie back down to earth.
She didn’t trust her voice to come out steadily so she wordlessly raised an eyebrow instead.
“I-I… you see… what had happened was… that I-... uhm…” She stammered before hanging her head in defeat, “Shit… yeah, I got nothing. I’m up to no good.” the woman laughed nervously.
The soldier let a beat of silence pass before daring to speak.
“Well, that much I can tell.” She snarked, “Who are you? And… what are you doing on the floor like that?”
The beauty shifted so that she sat facing Izogie. “I am Ako, I’m a servant of the palace. I overheard some kitchen staff talking about a fresh store of wine that was delivered this morning. I was… looking for it…” She admitted.
She stared blankly at the servant and the words left her lips before she could stop them. ”Have you any idea what they would do to you if they caught you stealing from the king?”
Ako laughed, “I do. But you won’t tell anyone.” she grinned impishly. Her eyes held a peculiar gleam in them as she spoke. It laced her features with a cheeky confidence that held both playfulness and danger.
Izogie scoffed and crossed her arms. “Oh? What makes you so sure?”
“Because you can have some if you help me get it.” Ako replied as if it were obvious.
That made the warrior pause. Now there was an idea… It sure as hell beat taking a bath. So much for her alone time. Then again, having company didn’t seem so bad anymore... Izogie let out a low chuckle.
“You must be new, even my trainees know that the wine is kept in the cellars.”
~***~
They were sprinting down the halls with bottles of wine tucked under their arms. Barely contained giggles bounced through desolate halls as the pair stole away to the barracks. Izogie’s cheeks hurt from smiling so much. But she found it hard to care.
Her chambers loomed into sight and both women skidded to a halt before slipping inside. Racing hearts and labored breaths shifted into another fit of laughter when their eyes met.
“That was fantastic! I feel drunk and we haven't even started drinking yet!” Ako grinned.
Izogie chuckled, setting her bottles down at the foot of the bed. “I think you might like breaking the law too much.”
The servant flopped next to Izogie on her bed. “How can I not? Breaking rules is just as important as following them!”
Izogie hummed in acknowledgement while she set to work on uncorking two bottles. Though it was a task made difficult by Ako’s proximity. Izogie found herself wanting to press closer, to see how Ako felt in her arms. And her wish was granted. Well… Sort of. Slender fingers brushed over the warrior’s hands and opened the wine for her with ease.
Ako smirked teasingly. “You seemed to be struggling.”
Izogie flushed and cleared her throat. Luckily her flustered state went unnoticed by her companion, with drinks in hand they quickly fell into lively chatter. Ako still thrummed with smug excitement at their little raid.
Her face lit up with joy whenever it was mentioned, delighting in their mischief. The warrior found it endearing. Time flew by, spurred on by the pair talking about anything and everything.
They traded palace gossip, joked, and merilly reminisced on times long passed.
Wine continuously burned down Izogie’s throat, sticky, sweet, and comforting. It built a languid warmth in the pit of her stomach to accompany her fluttering heart. With each new tale Ako recounted, Izogie found herself less and less able to pull her focus away from her face.
Her eyes drank in every detail. From amber depths under thick and animated eyebrows, to a crooked grin nestled between plush lips. They took notice of how Ako’s hands fidgeted and moved whenever she was excited or happy, of how her mouth would quirk into a smile when lightly teased.
“Oh! Oh! I bet you haven’t heard this one yet!” Ako giggled excitedly.
The warrior snapped from her daze. “Oh? Hm. Try me.”
The other woman leaned forward with mischief dancing in her eyes. “I heard… that Shante and Effe got caught sleeping together by a handmaid~”
Izogie gasped. Her eyes widened and red tinged her cheeks. “No!”
“Yes! AND they swore them to secrecy!”
That made her pause. Something felt off about Ako’s story.
“Then why do you know about it?” She questioned. Ako went pale. Her posture crumpled in on itself as she spluttered and choked on her wine.
“I-I… That doesn't matter. Drink more wine damnit!” She huffed.
Izogie rolled her eyes. “It's not like you were the one to walk in on them.”
The other woman’s face went red. She tried to hide in her hands with a drawn out groan.
“It was so awkward! I had to attend them for the rest of the day! That's why I went looking for the wine! I needed a drink after the day I’ve had!”
Izogie shook her head in disbelief “I don’t blame you! No one, except apparently Effe, likes Shante. Even at her best she is cruel. I can only imagine how she treated you after such an incident.”
Ako reappeared from behind her hands to fix the warrior with a pointed look. “Bad enough to make me crawl on my hands and knees looking for liquor.”
Alcohol had made Izogie careless, “Yes, I remember. I had quite the lovely view when I caught you in the kitchen.” she answered without thinking.
Only when the words spilled did she realize her mistake. Harsh and sobering silence gutted the jovial mood. The only thing Izogie could hear was the pounding of her own heart. Ako looked stunned. Her eyes were wide and glimmered with something unreadable.
Tension forced time to stretch forever into eerie quiet. However, something unexpected happened. Wordlessly Ako pressed herself closer. A smile graced gentle features as she leaned even further to press a kiss to the warrior’s lips, once, twice. On the third they lingered.
The taste of wine tinged with a flavor that was uniquely ‘Ako’ lingered on Izogie’s tongue. It was intoxicating, hazing her mind and leaving her craving more. Tongues swiped tentatively against each other until the kiss deepened.
Izogie let out a groan when soft hands ran along the expanse of her shoulders. Clothes peeled away from their bodies to haphazardly scatter themselves in every direction. Her mind was on fire. Ako’s body felt like heaven against her own, only second to the feeling of velvety lips moving hungrily against her own.
“Kissing a woman who belongs to the King… You have a knack for getting into trouble, don’t you?” Izogie husked when they finally parted for air. This earned her a giggle and a nip at her neck.
Ako’s signature look of mischief returned. “Agojie cannot take a husband or bear children. We,” she gestured, “are doing neither. Nothing is said against being with another woman~”
“You make a good point. Either way… I’m too addicted to you to give a damn.” Izogie accentuated her point by burying her face in her lover’s neck. Ako bit her lower lip to stifle her moans, her grip on Izogie tightening as she pulled them both down onto the bed.
Under pale moonlight they entangled themselves in one another. The soldier gave a low moan when she felt her lover’s hands tease at her breasts. Deft fingers rolled and pinched at sensitive peaks causing a bolt of searing hot pleasure strike down to her core.
The warrior’s body shuddered under Ako’s touch as she found her soldier’s most sensitive spots and toyed with them. A hot and desperate mouth attached itself to her nipple while a wet tongue teased at her sensitive breast. Dextrous swirls worked languidly to pool arousal in Izogie’s gut.
Clawed hands gripped at her sheets as she bit back a whine, desire already beginning to dew her folds. It dripped and smeared between her shifting thighs. Upon sensing her warrior’s impatience, Ako’s skillful tongue finally picked up its pace.
“A-ko! Your mouth feels a-amazing!” Izogie breathed between groans.
This time she received a harsh bite in response. Spurred on by her soldier’s words, Ako launched into a wanton frenzy, biting at Izogie’s nipples and lapping at both breasts as if she were starved.
Arousal dripped from Izogie. Her womanhood throbbed and clenched under the onslaught of stimulation, fervently demanding attention. And as if reading her mind, lithe fingers found their way to the crux of her legs. They grazed her weeping center and the warrior burned under Ako’s touch. Molten desire slicked her aching core in earnest.
Then everything stopped.
Izogie choked back a confused whimper at the sudden loss of sensation. Lustrous eyes suddenly filled her vision. Something cunning and devilish flashed in them.
Ako slowly dragged two fingers up her warrior’s slit, “Mmh~ Such a moaning mess.” she held the glistening digits up for Izogie to see. “All this from just toying with your breasts?”
Her lover’s hissed words made the soldier whine and squirm, heat rising to her face. Ako locked gazes with her as she dipped a single finger into her sopping heat.
“I wonder how wet she'll be after I’m done.”
With that the finger withdrew. Then it returned with another. They slid deep into the warrior’s cunt, filling her up only to stay agonizingly still. Izogie huffed and panted with anticipation. Her lips parted to protest but all words promptly died in her throat. Ako pushed even deeper then curled her fingers upwards.
Izogie saw white. A prolonged groan tore itself from her throat as she clawed at her lover’s back. Ako grunted deeply before leisurely retracting her digits. Another hand snuck up to resume toying at her sensitive breast. Expert fingers never missed their marks, they reached places that had Izogie keening and gasping for more.
“M-more! I need more of you! Please!~” She begged.
Sinfully wet noises paired with the intoxicating musk of sex filled the room. Labored breaths and muffled cries completed their amorous harmony. Lips found lips once again. A battle of tongues clashed. However; Ako had an unfair advantage. She thrust swiftly into Izogie’s depths while using a thumb to swipe at her swollen bud.
The warrior jerked back. A hand flew to her mouth to muffle a scream. Ecstasy flooded every inch of Izogie’s body. Ako set a brutal pace, pounding hard and fast into her squelching cunt. This was definitely better than a bath. Her cunt felt so full, so hot, so needy.
It squeezed and fluttered greedily around Ako’s thrusting digit. The intense sensations kissed a blush to her cheeks and stole the breath from her lungs. Wet heat coiled and twisted in her gut. It twisted tighter and tighter.
Until it snapped.
A shuddering cry echoed into the night. Searing hot pleasure overtook Izogie’s senses in toe curling waves. Sapid juices gushed freely from her throbbing sex. Muscles flexed and rippled with the strain of release. All the while, she clung to Ako’s sweaty and heaving body.
Then all was still. Tender kisses were exchanged as the pair quietly pressed closer to one another. They basked in the glow of post sex bliss, sweaty, tousled, and out of breath, but happy. With a satisfied hum Izogie met amber eyes with her own.
Lips quirked into a cheeky grin.
“Your turn.”
~***~
#izogie#izogie smut#izogie fanfiction#lashana lynch#the woman king#saphic#smut#izogie x reader#l wrote this at 3am#I'll never go to bed
144 notes
·
View notes
Text
2022, the year in which Lashana Lynch was a teacher to girls from an abusive family & became their guardian
#matilda the musical#lashana lynch#the woman king#izogie#miss honey#matilda 2022#matilda 2022 spoilers
468 notes
·
View notes
Text
jealous
[izogie x reader]
summary : you’re the king’s first wife, the one he trusts the most. You’ve loved him for so long but after years of him being with other women and his other wives, you became lonely. The only person that was there for you was Izogie, one of the most skilled warriors in Dahomey. She’s been there for you in more ways than one.
It’s early morning. Too early. But as usual, you’re the first up. You’ve always loved early mornings and you always will.
“There’s so much going on, y/n, I can’t let the Europeans stay.” Ghezo speaks to you as he massages your waist with one hand. You stroke his arm and kiss his temple.
“I trust you’ll make the right decision, my king.” You whisper. It’s what you say every time he’s having trouble making a decision. You run your short nails across his coarse and thick Afro to soothe him. He leans into your touch, his stubble tickling your collarbone.
The two of you always have mornings like these. It feels like the start of your relationship, when you were the only one he had eyes for. When he didn’t seek anyone else. Your king and his queen.
You remember when you were both younger, less aged and more excited. You’d wake up together, rinse your faces and he’d finally get to wear the Royal garb he’s wanted to wear. You have mornings of bliss, with you sitting on his lap on the throne and talking about nonsense.
You were his first wife. The first woman to ever win his heart. You were going to become a part of the agojie but your beauty caught his eye.
“How do you always know what to say?” He asks and all you do is give him a smile before kissing his cheek. All that you know to say, you’ve borrowed from your one true love. Izogie.
You place a hand on his chest, right above his beating heart before kissing his forehead.
….
you walk through a sea of trainees, watching them train with each other, laughing and grinning as they do. They pause to bow for you and you can’t help but smile. Oh, how you wish you had continued being a soldier. The hot sun beats down on your body as you continue to walk.
You run a hand across your forehead, taking in a deep breath as the sun does it’s work on you. A familiar hand squeezes your waist.
“You must not be in the sun like this, my queen.” Izogie’s voice lightly teases behind you. She’s too close for comfort but you can’t blame her. You take a step forward so her hand is no longer on you and stand next to her.
She looks just as beautiful as she did last week when you saw her. Her chest and biceps are glistening with a mix of shea butter and sweat. Her nails still sharp as ever. As she moves you hear the leather and shells clacking against her pretty skin.
“I’m used to the heat.” You say, smiling as a fellow trainee walks past you. No one suspects anything between the two of you. Your friendly nature is reknown throughout the kingdom and no one dares accusing the first wife of the king of doing anything like adultery.
You crave izogie; you need her more than the throne, the king or anything he has to offer. Her eyes trail down to your reddened-lips. You feel stained with the king’s touch and you need her to wash it all off.
“I will see you around, love.” She whispers only so you can hear before turning around and going to correct some trainees.
“You’re moving like a SLOTH!” She yells, looking back at you, smiling before correcting a the frightened trainee.
…
It’s late at night, the only reason why you’ve been able to sneak out is because the king is currently in bed with his third wife. You can’t be noticed because of the simple white robe you have on, your curls are out, untouched and a mess but you don’t care. Completely opposite of your normally kept look. The only way one would be able to tell is if they saw your face up close.
You end up in front of izogie’s hut, the one she’s built herself. You see the light from her lantern illuminating the inside before her hand grabs you to pull you in.
Her lips crash against yours as her nails graze your scalp.
“I missed you.” You admit, kissing her lip and then her neck and her shoulder, feeling the muscle bulge beneath her pretty brown skin.
“You as well, darling. I love your hair.” She whispers lowly, exhausted from all her fighting and hiking for the day. She gently kisses your forehead, like your made of glass.
“Long day?” You ask, laying against her broad chest.
“The longest.” She replies as her nails slowly rake down your back, leaving goosebumps in their wake. She smells like wood and shea butter that she mixes with something you can’t put your nose on.
You notice the little set up she has, a single mat laid out to sleep and a small bowl of stew she had been eating, made by the chef here. You both end up sitting down in front of each other, her face beautifully lit by the lantern as you speak.
“Had I known you were coming, I would prepare another mat and get you more food.” She sighs, feigning irritation as you hold the bowl of half eaten stew. You bring it to your lips and savour the taste.
Yes, the palace offers the tastiest food but nothing beats a well-cooked meal, one that’s made straight from the village. Oh, how you’ve missed it.
“It’s okay, my love, I’m comfortable here,” you grin as she sits up and grabs the bowl from you.
“Let me go get you some more.” She insists and you know better than to try to deny her so she leaves you with a peck on the lips before exiting the hut.
You get comfortable, laying down on the mat and taking in her scent. You don’t even hear her walk back in so her voice startles you.
“Getting comfortable already?” She asks. You turn around only to find that amused grin on her face as she settles a steaming hot bowl of stew in your palms.
“I don’t mean to bother-“ you begin.
“Eat.” She interrupts as she rolls her eyes. She moves toward you and settles right behind you so your back is flush against her front. Despite how many times she fights a day and how aggressive she can be with her trainees, she’s so soft with you. Impossibly soft with you.
Her eyes are practically glued to you and you’ve gotten so used and comfortable with it. But you don’t understand how one can stare at you so lovingly with a mess of curls and stew staining the corner of your mouth.
You finish the stew in no time and she kisses your temple before speaking.
“Maybe he should start taking your favorite meals into account.” She jokes and although you know it’s a joke. You so desperately want to laugh but you can’t. Ghezo doesn’t know anything about you, anymore, not a single thing, not your favorite activities, or your favorite meal.
But izogie does, she knows you like neutral colors, that you love taking naps even though it’s impossible for you to, she knows you love playing music and that you can’t swim for the life of you.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you by saying that,” she apologizes as she strokes the soft skin of your thigh.
“I know…I just—you’re right.” You agree as you lean back. She crosses her arms around you and kisses your shoulder. She grabs the wooden bowl and sets it aside from your grasp while lowering her hands to your hips.
“I will always be here, however you need me to be, darling.” She promises and with all that sincerity in her voice, you can’t help but feel how deep her words go. She would go to war for you and you know it.
You both breathe in and out, together.
…
You and Izogie spent the night together, she spent more time reassuring you that she would be there for you, in more ways than one and leaving reminders for you to look at throughout the next week.
Her grip on you was desperate, she eventually let go of your throughout the night, allowing you to turn around and face her.
You turn over on the small mat that can barely fit the two of you. The sun isn’t up yet and neither is your lover. You look at Izogie’s face, her face free of wrinkles and body relaxed against your own. Her uniform is on the floor far from you and you admire her while you can.
The relationship isn’t purely physical no but Izogie is attractive and you can’t deny it. She has so many scars from training and fighting but she’s so beautiful. You cup her face in your palms and gently kiss her plump lips.
She scoots closer, still half asleep and mumbling while she wraps an arm around your waist. She rests her face in the crook of your neck as she continues to sleep. She’s full of warmth, so much of it that you want it to envelope you for years to come. Her lashes flutter against your collarbone as she continues to move around.
“Izogie,” you speak her name like a prayer. She hums from deep in her throat and if you weren’t exhausted from last night you swear you’d have another round with her.
“I must go get cleaned up, accompany me, please?” She’s never denied you and she doesn’t see why she’d deny you now. You chuckle as she blinks her eyes open. You use your thumbs to wipe the crust from her eyes as she stretches awakes.
You both get up and she stuffs spare towels in her arms as you wear the white robe you were in previously.
“Why must you move so slow?” She grins already dressed by the time you finish up getting dressed.
…
You’ve never really like the water. And you’re sure you never will but when Izogie is on you the way she is. And her hands are doing their job, the water feels like it barely exists.
“Izogie, what if we get caught?” You ask as her body breaks through the surface of the steaming water. She hums and shrugs without care like she wants to get caught, almost like she wants everyone to know that she’s yours.
“Then so be it.” She murmurs while fiddling with your waist beads that sit beautifully on your waist.
Ghezo crosses your mind. He would be furious if you left him for Izogie. She’s a strong warrior, stronger than he’ll ever be. It would upset your people, everyone around you. It would break your heart to watch all the other wives and your own people turn on you.
But you want her more. You want her more than you know. You want her more than Ghezo, more than your people and more than those wives.
“You think too much.” She points out, gripping your bare hips and pressing gentle kisses to your neck. She tilts your head back while running her hands down your curls. Her nails dig into your scalp, massaging the worries away.
You feel so soothed that your vision begins to blur. She scoops up water in those hands of hers and runs them down your hair.
“I know you‘ll have a choice to make, I know what you’ll pick,”’ She whispers, wet lips trailing down your jaw.
“How are you so sure that you aren’t a choice?” You question, picking up your head to look at her troubled face. She chuckles but not her regular one, there’s so much sadness masked behind it.
“Y/n….He was there before me, you love him, he’s a king while I am just a warrior.” She says blankly. You’ve never seen izogie so unsure before. Insecure, almost.
You cup her face so she’s focused. Her torso melts into your own.
“I love you.” She erupts, her heart beating so fast that her chest moves against your own. Your lips press against each other, forcing a shocked groan out of her.
Her lips linger for a moment, letting your lips graze before you begin to speak.
“I love you too.” Neither of you know how long this is gonna last. It could end tomorrow. In a year. In a month. Either way, you’d pick each other each and every time, now, then, and anyday in between.
[please let me know what you think via comments :)]
playlist: who hurt you by Daniel Ceasar, yebba’s heartbreak by Yebba + drake, say yes by floetry, shame by summer walker, none of your concern by jhene Aiko, promises by jhene Aiko, 20 something by SZA.
@sweetalittleselfish-honey @xenaizogie couldn’t tag anyone else :(
251 notes
·
View notes
Text
[🧷] / so close, yet so far, part one.
[🧷] \ bridging the gap, part two.
[🫀] / heart to heart, part three.
— synopsis: Izogie comes face to face with her emotions, as well as her past in regards to love.
— pairing: Izogie x black!fem!reader.
— warnings: angst, discussions of loss and grief.
— author’s note: firstly, thank you all so much for journeying with this story. seeing your love and support was really reassuring to me. this last part is long (at least 10k words) but I believe it’s worth it. take care, everyone! — side note: I highly recommend listening to the music attached as you read. it helps to set the mood.
— taglist: @shinsousliya @manibaby13-blog @thewifeoflevi @briacreations96
it’s happening again.
that was the thought that crossed Izogie’s mind when she saw you laying in the middle of the courtyard, lifeless.
after hearing Amenza’s words, her feet had ran directly towards the palace to confirm that they were not true.
“y/n isn’t breathing.”
the weight of those words bore down on her body like a heavy boulder. the sun’s sweltering heat only adding to her already brewing headache.
this has to be some sort of a sick joke, Izogie thought, her heart racing a mile a minute.
when i enter this gate, she’ll be there waiting.
for me.
but upon arrival, the entire place was filled to the brim with people. the agojie, Migan’s men, palace workers, trainees, King Ghezo’s wives and other tribal leaders who came ahead of time for festival day.
as everyone talked amongst themselves, Izogie pushed past their bodies to get to the front. she was covered in sweat, a serious expression on her face. despite the crowd, she managed to make it up close and that was when she saw you.
a look of disbelief instantly found its way onto her face as she slowly approached your frame.
on the ground, your body was limp with bruises all over. you had a black eye that was turning a dark shade of purple. fresh blood stained your lips from a cut you sustained and there was sand on your uniform and in your hair.
before she could get any closer, Nanisca stepped in front, blocking her way.
“Izogie,” the older woman called out.
she didn’t even look at her, gaze still focused on you.
“you shouldn’t be here,” Nanisca continued, her tone filled with worry.
“miganon,” Izogie spoke, her firm voice wavering. “that’s not her, right?”
Nanisca sighed as she held Izogie’s arms.
“please, go back to your quarters. i will brief you on what happened in the evening but for now, just go.”
Izogie swallowed hard.
“tell me that’s not her.”
a pitiful look spread across Nanisca’s face as Izogie’s voice cracked.
“tell me that’s not her and i’ll leave.”
the miganon’s head hung low.
“i cannot do such a thing.”
Izogie’s lips trembled as she stepped to the side, attempting to reach you. Nanisca held her back tightly.
“no one is allowed close to her body until the physician gets here.”
the younger’s jaw clenched, tears welling in her eyes. she stepped forward again, trying to break free from Nanisca’s grasp.
“miganon, please.”
the older woman locked her hands around her body.
“i’m sorry, my child.”
Izogie began thrashing around in Nanisca’s hands. she could feel her throat tightening as her teardrops fell. looking down on you, she felt like she couldn’t breathe.
why?
why was this happening again?
now, the entire courtyard was watching. Nanisca quickly motioned over two agojie soldiers. they held Izogie back as her cries filled their ears.
“bring her back to her quarters,” Nanisca said firmly. “make sure she stays there.”
immediately, Izogie’s legs gave out. as all four of them knelt on the ground, a trance-like expression appeared on her face. it was as if her body had decided to shut down right then and there.
in that moment, the palace physician arrived and ordered for your body to be moved to the infirmary.
the miganon sighed as she gently cupped her successor’s face. the younger’s eyes already seemed so far away.
“be strong, Izogie. for her.”
she then got up and turned on her heel to follow those carrying you. Izogie watched, unable to move.
for the remainder of the afternoon, the physician worked on you. he had Nanisca doing chest compressions as he mixed all sorts of herbs and applied them to your wounds.
outside, Migan was doing his best to keep the order and Amenza went to her quarters to pray with her sacred stones.
by nightfall, news spread that you had regained your breathing. the palace rejoiced upon hearing that you were alive, but there was still an issue.
you were not conscious.
Amenza was tasked with relaying your condition to Izogie but when she arrived, she was heartbroken to see the state her friend was in.
few candles lit up the space and Izogie was sitting with her back against the wall, a blank stare on her face. her brown eyes were devoid of all emotion and Amenza noticed the untouched plate of food the others had brought.
she sat down next to her and gently held one of her hands. it was silent for a while until she spoke softly.
“she’s breathing. we thank the ancestors.”
instantly, Izogie’s hand squeezed hers tightly without saying anything. they watched the candle flames together.
“i want to see her,” the younger said, voice hoarse.
Amenza sighed.
“i’m afraid that is not possible.”
Izogie inhaled and exhaled deeply as she kept her gaze straight ahead.
“why not?”
a heavy pause.
“they say she is in a coma.”
Izogie slowly retracted her hand and turned her body away. Amenza held onto her shoulder.
“i know it’s not what you want to hear but at least it’s not worse. we just have to wait and pray tha—.”
her sentence was cut short.
“Amenza,” Izogie said, voice low and filled with exhaustion. “please leave. i want to be by myself.”
this was a request that a huge part of Amenza wanted to deny. she knew Izogie. if left alone, her friend would think herself into a mental hole she could not come out of.
she’d seen it happen before.
but at the same time, the only thing she herself had to offer Izogie in this moment was space. so, Amenza forced herself to stand up.
“i’m always here for you,” she said. “we all are.”
she squeezed her shoulder and then headed out.
after that night, more than a week had gone by and you were still unconscious. as for Izogie, she had stopped speaking entirely. she only ate and bathed with the help of Nanisca, Amenza and some others, but she never left her quarters. not even to see you.
it was as though time came to a halt for her.
on the other hand, King Ghezo canceled festival day. he believed there was nothing to celebrate, seeing as such an incident took place just a couple feet away from the throne room.
instead, he was going to hold a council meeting to discuss what transpired. afterwards, the punishment for Nanare and the other girls would be announced.
Izogie was one of the people Ghezo wanted in attendance and Nanisca was sent to deliver the message in the evening.
upon entering, Nanisca saw her sitting in the same spot she’d always seen her sitting in, staring at the same wall she’d always seen her staring at.
Izogie made no movements as the miganon sat down next to her. they both looked across the room and soon, the elder spoke.
“there’s a meeting about the matter tomorrow. the King wants you there.”
Izogie said nothing, eyes still. Nanisca continued.
“i need to know that you’ll be there. you cannot continue on like this. it’s not good physically or mentally.”
they both sat in silence, the sounds of crickets and indistinct chatter from the outside filling the air.
then, for the first time in a while, she spoke.
“miganon, i was late again.”
Nanisca turned to her with a confused look.
“what do you mean?”
Izogie stared for a couple more seconds before reaching into her pocket. she pulled out the bracelet she had bought you at the marketplace and handed it over. Nanisca eyed the piece of jewelry as she waited for the younger to talk.
“that day, after we got meat for festival day, i went to buy her that. i was late because of it.”
a sigh left Nanisca’s lips.
“do you blame yourself? for not being back in time?”
“how can i not?” Izogie asked, voice low and raspy. “while i wasted time picking that out for her, she was over here getting—.”
the sentence couldn’t even roll off her tongue.
“Izogie,” Nanisca began. “it is not your fault. none of us could’ve known that something like this would happen.”
a grimace appeared on her face.
“something like this has already happened before. you and i both know how that story ended.”
she paused for a second before scoffing bitterly.
“the ancestors must be punishing me for not learning my lesson the first time.”
“and what lesson would that be?” Nanisca asked.
“love makes you weak,” Izogie said through gritted teeth. “if i had not been occupied with thoughts of making her happy, i would’ve never gone to the marketplace. i would’ve been here in time.”
“you’re a human being,” Nanisca said. “wanting to love and be loved does not make you weak.”
tears pooled around Izogie’s eyes.
“what has love itself ever brought me? nothing but pain and heartache.”
“is that why you have not gone to see her?”
she lowered her head, voice coming out strained.
“i cannot bring myself to go. it’ll hurt too much.”
Nanisca swung her hand over to hold her shoulders tightly.
“we’re the agojie,” she said. “we do not shy away from pain. instead, we have to learn and heal from it.”
“i’m tired of learning and healing.”
“then i’m afraid you cannot become the next miganon.”
Izogie looked up at her in shock.
“what?”
Nanisca began. “if you cannot learn and heal from your pain, especially ones that concern matters of the heart, you cannot lead the others.”
Izogie fell silent as she continued.
“every time we step onto the battlefield and we lose a warrior, it feels as though i have lost my own child. each time, the pain is more unbearable than the last. but i need to keep pushing. if i let it consume me, we will all fall apart.”
“how do you do it?” the younger asked.
“one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. our fallen would want me to carry their memories into battle. they would not want me to sit by, dwelling on their deaths. it is so hard on certain days but i keep going. for you all, and for them.”
Nanisca gently held Izogie’s face as she spoke.
“there is something you once said to my daughter and i would like to say it back to you. you are powerful. more than you even know. do not give your power away to pain and what if’s. go and see her. cry all night if you need to. then, come to council tomorrow and keep pushing. it’s what she would want."
she placed the bracelet back in her palm and pulled her in for a tight hug. they stayed that way a while.
as night fell, the miganon took her leave and Izogie went to the infirmary. the physician greeted her before proceeding to step out, giving the two of you space.
off to the side, you were laying still in a bed with your eyes closed. your chest rose and dropped softly as she approached. some of your wounds seemed to be healing already and overall, you looked peaceful.
Izogie sat at your side, gently taking one of your hands into hers. she then brought her lips to your knuckles, softly kissing them. her eyes watched you for a while before she pulled out the bracelet.
as she clasped it shut around you, she placed a tender kiss on your inner wrist. one that lingered for a moment. for the remainder of the night, Izogie slept at your side with her hand wrapped around yours.
the next day, the council meeting was held in the throne room. it was mid-afternoon and some were arriving from lunch while others came from their previous duties.
in attendance was King Ghezo, Queen Shante, Nanisca, Amenza, Izogie and the palace physician.
guards stood in far corners of the walls, surveying the space. everyone took their seats and when they all settled in, Ghezo spoke.
“you all know why we are gathered here today so let us not beat around the bush.”
he motioned over with his hand.
“bring them in.”
the large doors swung open and Nanare, along with the other two girls, walked in. their hands were tied in ropes and two other agojie soldiers followed behind them. when they reached the front, all three of them kneeled as the soldiers stood at their backs.
Izogie watched Nanare with a blank expression on her face, gaze unwavering.
“Nanare, Nanare, Nanare,” Ghezo began, a look of disdain on his face. “you were one of the trainees Nanisca told me to look forward to. what a shame.”
Nanare’s head hung low as she spoke.
“i’m sorry, my King.”
“i’m sorry, too,” he said. “i should’ve never allowed a person like you to enter the palace in the first place.”
he pointed his fingers at them as he continued.
“can you even explain to me why you, dumb and dumber, did what you did to that girl?”
silence filled the room.
none of the girls said anything and soon, Ghezo started clapping.
“so now none of you can talk? Shante told me she heard the rumors you three were spreading about her. your mouths were running like parrots before but now you can’t talk?”
Nanisca got up and stood in front of the three.
“the King has asked you a question. respond.”
again, silence.
Izogie’s jaw clenched as one of her legs started to bounce. Amenza quickly placed a hand on her knee to calm her down. Ghezo continued.
“since none of you want to speak, let us speed this up. you three will not waste my time today.”
he turned his head to the physician and asked.
“how long has the girl been unconscious for?”
the man spoke. “in three more days, it’ll be two weeks, my King.”
Ghezo nodded and addressed the room.
“then here’s how we will proceed. in three days time, if the girl these three put in a coma is not awake, they shall all be put to death.”
the eyes of the other two girls instantly widened as Nanare showed no reaction. Amenza shot up from her seat, utter disbelief on her face. Izogie’s features had a stone cold look to them and Nanisca turned to speak, concern in her tone.
“my King, we’re not here to kill our own.”
Ghezo scoffed.
“they stopped being ‘our own’ when they decided to beat their fellow comrade within an inch of her life.”
Amenza stepped forward, worry filling her voice.
“they are still Dahomey, no matter what they’ve done. i’m begging you to consider exiling them.”
the two girls who had begun crying furiously nodded their heads in agreement.
“please, just send us away.”
“we beg of you. don’t do this to us.”
“silence,” boomed Queen Shante’s voice. the girls quickly tucked in their quivering lips as she looked down on them. “how dare you speak when you were not spoken to?”
Shante turned her head to look at the others.
“i agree with my husband.”
Nanisca sighed.
“this is too harsh a sentence. i know we’re all frustrated but we cannot resort to this. i vote for exile.”
the Queen rolled her eyes.
“how do we look to the other tribes if we let those who caused harm to us, as well as broke our trust, walk free? they will think we’ve grown weak.”
she turned to the King.
“imagine them thinking of us as weak. we cannot have that.”
Amenza spoke, a confused look on her face.
“since when did we concern ourselves with the thoughts of others? exile is the best punishment to pass down. we can move on from it quickly and work on rebuilding our unity. we already see enough death as it is.”
the entire room waited for Ghezo to speak and in that moment, his eyes fell on Izogie.
she had not said a single word about the sentence and her searing gaze was still on Nanare.
“Izogie,” he called out. “what are your thoughts?”
“it does not matter what i think,” she said, still not looking at the King.
Ghezo sighed.
“i know this must be hard for you. Nanisca told me that you and the girl were very good friends.”
Izogie said nothing as he continued.
“the members of this council are on two different sides. since you will be miganon soon, i would like you to voice your opinion. whatever you choose will be the final decision.”
everyone fell silent.
they awaited Izogie’s next words.
tension hung heavy in the air.
one could’ve heard a pin drop.
then,
“i vote for their deaths.”
ear piercing screams rang out from the two girls as they began weeping loudly. Nanisca let out a deep exhale, a distressed look appearing on her face.
“Izogie,” Amenza exclaimed, pure shock on her face. “what do you think you’re doing?”
she quickly stood in front of the younger, speaking with urgency.
“take back what you just said. you cannot be in support of this. it is not who you are.”
Izogie got up to meet her at eye level, face stoic.
“Amenza,” she said, tone deadly serious. “if these three are exiled and she does not wake up, you know who i am. i will find every single one of them and handle it myself. exile was never an option.”
Amenza furrowed her eyebrows.
“are you that blinded by rage that you cannot reason? an eye for an eye makes nothing right.”
“i’m not trying to make anything right,” Izogie spat, voice rising. “if someone harmed any of the agojie, i would not allow that person to see the next light of day. do you want to know why? because you are all my family.”
she paused, pain engulfing her eyes as the next words came out strained.
“i’m in love with that woman. why would i not do for her what i would do for you? and even more?”
Amenza’s lips parted slightly, unable to form words.
for what seemed like an eternity, no one spoke.
then,
small laughter could be heard.
it came from Nanare.
all eyes instantly shifted to her.
she started off with a low chuckle but soon, the sound erupted from her chest, filling the room.
confusion fell upon the faces of all as this continued.
well, almost all.
before anyone could speak, Izogie was already walking towards Nanare. she clutched the collar of her shirt, yanking her up to her feet.
“laugh again,” Izogie said through gritted teeth. “i dare you.”
the two agojie soldiers from behind stepped forward to separate the two but Ghezo stopped them.
a smirk appeared on Nanare’s face.
“you’re already sentencing me to death,” she said. “the least you can do is let me laugh at this little show you’re putting on.”
Izogie threw her down to the ground hard.
Nanare’s body made a loud thud as she winced in pain, struggling to stand. Nanisca took a step forward but Ghezo also motioned for her to stop.
Izogie squatted down next to Nanare, sitting the girl upright. she then wrapped her hands tightly around the younger’s hair, tugging it harshly. they both locked eyes with each other.
“you don’t feel remorse for what you did, do you?”
the other shrugged, trying to keep her composure.
“your girlfriend was weak. i can’t feel sorry for those who can’t hold their own.”
Izogie punched her right in the face.
the force sent Nanare’s body colliding with the floor. her nose started bleeding heavily but Izogie could care less. she grabbed the younger and sat her up again.
Amenza quickly spoke.
“my King, this is going too far. allow us to stop it.”
Ghezo said nothing as he watched the scene unfold.
Nanare’s head was hanging low, blood dripping onto her uniform. Izogie lifted her chin up, digging her nails into the sides of her jaw. a small whimper escaped Nanare’s lips as Izogie looked down on her.
“it was the three of you against her but you say she couldn’t hold her own?”
Izogie delivered a hot slap to Nanare’s cheek.
“you call her weak?”
she slapped her again.
“in front of me?”
another slap.
tears fell from Nanare’s eyes as her cries were muffled. Izogie smirked, the whites of her teeth showing.
“would you like to fight me instead? here and now?”
Nanisca instantly stepped forward, separating them.
“Izogie, you’re not fighting this girl,” she said firmly.
Izogie stood up to face her, fire behind her eyes.
“miganon, allow me to do this. for her.”
Nanisca shook her head no.
“if you call for a challenge, it would be an unfair fight towards Nanare. i will not allow my successor to stoop to that level.”
Izogie’s tongue poked the inside of her cheek, just as Nanare was shuffling to her feet. when the younger eventually got up, she staggered towards Izogie. Nanisca held Izogie’s shoulder back as Nanare spoke, blood staining her teeth.
“you seem so intent on fighting for that girl. if only you had this much zeal to fight for my sister.”
the brows of both women furrowed as a puzzled look found its way onto the faces of those in the room.
“what?” Izogie asked, tone low.
Nanare spat blood onto the ground.
“you really don’t know who I am, do you?”
Izogie’s face displayed an even more perplexed look as Nanisca spoke, her own patience wearing thin.
“enough with this nonsense. if you claim to know Izogie, enlighten the room on how.”
she sniffled as she stepped forward to Izogie, mere inches separating their faces.
“I am Nanare, the younger sister of Nossa.”
Queen Shante’s eyes immediately widened as she covered her mouth in shock. Amenza’s mouth hung open, a stunned look on her face. Nanisca blinked rapidly, absolutely awestruck.
as for Izogie, her entire body had gone rigid. it was as though a cold chill had run down her spine, leaving her completely paralyzed.
Nossa.
a name she hadn’t heard out loud in so long.
“what is happening?” Ghezo asked. he seemed quite surprised and confused by the reactions.
“who is Nossa?”
upon hearing her name again, Izogie felt like all the wind inside her had been knocked out. she fell to her knees, a dazed look on her face.
Nanare looked down at her kneeling figure, tears falling from her own eyes.
“now you remember,” she said. “when my sister needed you, you were not there. you told her you loved her but you were not there.”
Izogie inhaled shakily as her lips trembled.
why?
why was she being reminded of that memory again?
had she not suffered enough?
Nanare swallowed hard, spitting her next words out with spite and conviction.
“do your best not to forget that Nossa died because of you.”
utter anguish spread throughout Izogie’s face as teardrops fell from her eyes.
before anyone could speak, the doors to the throne room swung wide open.
standing in front was a boy. he was the helper of the palace physician. beads of sweat trickled down his forehead as he spoke rapidly, not even trying to catch his breath.
“my King, i’m sorry for entering like this but i need the doctor.”
the palace physician spoke.
“what is it, my child?”
“the girl who is in a coma,” he said. “she’s having a seizure as we speak.”
immediately, the physician, Nanisca and Amenza ran out with the boy. Ghezo ordered for the soldiers to take Nanare and the other girls back to their holding cells as he left with Queen Shante.
in the middle of the throne room, Izogie knelt with a tear stricken face, unable to move.
at the infirmary, the wooden doors burst open and Nanisca saw you convulsing in bed. she quickly rushed to hold you down in place as the others ran in. the physician noticed what she was doing and ordered her to stop.
“no, no, no. you must not do that,” he said, tone frantic. “we need to lay her down on the floor.”
he quickly cleared the ground of chairs and small objects. Amenza held your feet tightly while Nanisca gripped underneath your armpits. you were still writhing as they set you down.
the physician turned to the boy.
“grab the covers and roll them up. place them under her head for protection.”
he quickly did as he was told.
“is there not some medicine we can give her?” Amenza asked, visibly scared.
the physician knelt beside you.
“a person suffering a seizure must not have anything put in their mouth.”
“so what are you saying?” Nanisca questioned. “are we just supposed to sit here and watch this happen?”
a solemn look appeared on the man’s face.
“i’m afraid so. if the seizure is not severe, it should stop soon. all we can do it wait.”
instantly, Amenza began praying over your body. after a couple minutes passed by, you stopped shaking. the physician tilted your head back gently and checked your airways.
“she is breathing. we thank our ancestors.”
Nanisca and the boy let out a sigh of relief as Amenza held your hand. for the remainder of the night, they all worked on taking care of you. each of them even took turns watching you as you slept.
the next day, your condition was stable enough.
but there was another issue.
no one had seen Izogie since yesterday afternoon. she was nowhere to be found in the palace or around the village.
Amenza had suggested forming a search party to look for her but Nanisca decided against it.
“Izogie needs time alone,” she said. “it’s been a while since we’ve talked about Nossa. seeing her sister must’ve come as a huge shock.”
due to yesterday’s events, training was suspended for today. Amenza decided to use the opportunity to pay Nanare a visit. as she arrived at the holding cell, the guards opened the door and she stepped inside.
the space was relatively dark, the only light sources coming from small holes atop the walls. the floor was bare and sitting on the ground was Nanare.
when she noticed Amenza, she stood up and bowed her head slightly. her nose was wrapped in a white bandage and the side of her face was swollen.
“please, sit,” Amenza said.
they both took a seat and looked up at the holes, watching dust particles dance in the air. for a while, neither spoke.
then, Nanare turned to her and asked.
“is she alive?”
Amenza shook her head yes.
Nanare nodded as well and went back to looking up. they sat in silence again for a couple of seconds.
“why did you do it?”
“do what?”
“the beating.”
the younger sighed, a somber look on her face.
“what ended up happening that day. it was never my intention.”
Amenza gave her a confused look.
“if you didn’t mean for it to happen, why were you so angry at her in the first place?”
Nanare fiddled with her fingers as she took in a deep breath, exhaling shakily.
“ever since I came here,” she began. “every time I saw y/n and Izogie, I would think to myself, it’s going to happen again.”
“what’s going to happen again?”
“what happened to Nossa.”
Amenza looked taken aback by her words.
“is that why you spread rumors about y/n?”
Nanare nodded.
“I saw how close her and Izogie were getting and I wanted to do anything that could separate them. Izogie isn’t a good person. I didn’t want what happened to my sister to happen to y/n.”
Amenza paused, a sigh leaving her lips.
“why do you blame Izogie?”
Nanare swallowed hard, finding it difficult to speak.
“take your time.”
the younger nodded and soon, she began the tale.
“you know how Nossa was studying to become a seamstress in our village, right?”
Amenza gave her a warm smile.
“I remember. every time the agojie passed through, we always noticed her beautiful clothing. sometimes, we even caught her sneaking a peek at us.”
Nanare smiled softly.
“it was always Nossa’s dream to design and make clothes for the agojie. she admired you all, even though she was the weakest in our family.”
she paused before continuing.
“around that time was when she first laid eyes on Izogie. I believe it was the first time my sister ever fell in love.”
“you know,” Amenza said. “Nossa was Izogie’s first love too.”
Nanare scoffed playfully.
“I figured. there was always a youthfulness to them. they constantly snuck around to meet each other and some days, Nossa would come home with gifts that were only made in the palace.”
“did you ever have any issue with their relationship?” Amenza asked.
“no,” the younger said. “I was the only person in our family who knew. I was just happy that my older sister was happy. then, that day came.”
Amenza held one of Nanare’s hands and squeezed it as she continued.
“Nossa told me that she would be meeting Izogie somewhere and I begged her to let me go with her. I was quite young at the time and I wanted to see an agojie soldier up close. she was a bit hesitant at first but she finally gave in. when we got there, we waited for a while but Izogie never showed up.”
tears started welling in her eyes.
“as we kept waiting, we heard the sound of warning drums in the distance. apparently, an enemy tribe was attacking our village. Nossa quickly took my hand and we ran deep into the forest; but one of the attackers had spotted us.”
a teardrop fell from Nanare’s cheeks as Amenza swung her hand over to hold her shoulders.
“by the time we realized we were being pursued, Nossa only had time to hide me in some dense bushes. then—.”
Nanare stopped talking as her head hung low, tears falling in her lap. Amenza held her tightly as she spoke between sobs.
“the man kept asking Nossa where I was but she wouldn’t say anything.”
at this point, her body was shaking.
“in that moment, I remembered shutting my eyes and praying so desperately for Izogie to show up. when I eventually opened them, my sister was laying in a pool of her own blood. the man long gone.”
Nanare’s cries filled the space.
“I wished Nossa was strong enough to defend herself without needing someone. did you know that Izogie didn’t even come to see Nossa’s body until a week later? I wish my sister never met her. maybe, she would still be here.”
a look of realization appeared on Amenza’s face.
“so that’s why you were angry at y/n for being weak. she reminds you of Nossa, doesn’t she?”
Nanare shook her head slowly as she sniffled.
“y/n is a good person with a kind heart. I acknowledge that. I’m just worried that one day, on the battlefield, she’ll be in need of help and not I or Izogie can do anything for her. I don’t want to relive that again.”
Amenza held Nanare’s head gently and placed it on her shoulder. she wrapped her arms around her body and they both sat in silence for a while.
soon, she spoke.
“would you like me to tell you why Izogie couldn’t be there that day?”
Nanare quickly looked up at her.
“it all started with a gift.”
“a gift?”
Amenza nodded.
“that day Izogie was supposed to meet your sister, she told me she was going to give her something special. the plan was that when evening came, Izogie would pick up the gift from Queen Shante and then head out.”
the younger’s eyes immediately widened.
“Queen Shante? she knew they were together?”
Amenza smiled.
“Queen Shante visited your family’s shop frequently because she loved Nossa’s clothing. she wanted your sister to be her personal seamstress one day. on one of her usual visits, she happened to stumble upon the two. she wasn’t upset though. Izogie said she even swore on the spot to keep them a secret.”
“so what was the gift then?” Nanare asked.
“well, the Queen knew how much Izogie wanted to impress Nossa. so, she had one of our traders go to Ouidah to buy mulberry silk. it is the most expensive silk fabric on the market but Queen Shante didn’t care. she really adored the two.”
“then what happened?”
“everything went wrong.”
Nanare listened intently.
“Queen Shante was in a council meeting that ran late so Izogie had to wait a little longer. when they finally wrapped up, they headed to the Queen’s quarters to get the silk. as they reached the entrance, they both heard the warning drums. the village was under attack and some of the enemies were already in the palace grounds.”
Amenza sighed as she continued.
“in that moment, the only person on Izogie’s mind was your sister. so, she locked the Queen inside her cupboard as a way to protect her and ran out. as she was figuring out which route would be the fastest to Nossa, she ran into Nanisca.”
a slight chuckle bubbled from Amenza.
“Izogie was so adamant about leaving and that was how the miganon found out. Nanisca was angry that Izogie hid something like that from her but she understood nonetheless. as she was telling Izogie of a secret route, Ghezo appeared in front of them. there was nothing they could do. as part of the agojie, one of our duties is to protect the royal family. so, they stayed and fought.”
Nanare looked at Amenza, utter shock on her face. because she was always so angry at Izogie, her mind never once considered the possibility that maybe, just maybe, Izogie really did try her best to reach Nossa.
the younger’s jaw quickly clenched in anger.
“if that was the case, why did Izogie not come to see my sister after the fighting stopped? why did she wait a whole week to come see the woman she said she loved?”
a sorrowful look formed on Amenza’s face.
“Nanare,” she said. “think back to the times you’ve seen Izogie. have you ever noticed a long, jagged scar on the right side of her neck?”
Nanare thought about it for a bit before nodding.
“yes, i have seen it. all the trainees always wondered how someone ever got close enough to cut the Izogie that deeply.”
Amenza gave her a sad smile.
“that scar was why she came a week later.”
“what?”
Amenza began, a look of pain forming on her face.
“while the fighting was still happening, I remembered looking across the palace and seeing how Izogie fought. it was as though her body was there but her mind was not. I do not say this as an insult but it was the worst she had ever been in battle. and then, it happened.”
Amenza casted her eyes down as she spoke.
“because Izogie was not focused, one of the enemies managed to slice her neck with a dagger.”
she exhaled shakily.
“I saw my friend fall to the ground, her own blood staining her fingers as she clutched her wound. I couldn’t help her in that moment and it pained me. if it wasn’t for Esi who managed to kill the man and drag Izogie to safety, she would’ve died there.”
Nanare’s eyes went wide, guilt engulfing her heart.
“Izogie came a week later because that day was the first day she could move since her injury. even in all of her pain, the first person she looked for was Nossa.”
tears pooled in the younger’s eyes as Amenza swallowed hard.
“the Izogie I know would’ve died for your sister a thousand times over if she could. please, do not blame my friend for the death of her first love.”
Nanare’s lips trembled as she bursted out crying. Amenza held her tightly, allowing her own tears to flow freely.
“i’m sorry, Nanare,” she said. “i’m sorry that in that moment, you had no one to help your sister. no matter what ends up becoming of you, i pray that the ancestors know you did the best you could.”
Nanare cried even harder, her throat trying to grasp air. Amenza gently rocked the both of them, encouraging her to let it all out. they both stayed in that position for the rest of the night, hearts heavy.
the next day, Amenza spoke to the King about letting Nanare visit her sister’s grave for what could possibly be the last time.
the likelihood of you waking up by tomorrow night looked quite slim so now was the best time.
Ghezo had been hesitant at first, not being too fond of granting prisoners any wishes. Amenza quickly assured him that she would escort Nanare to and from the burial ground safely. after much debate, he agreed.
late in the afternoon, the pair set out.
Nossa was buried atop a hill and when they arrived at the foot of it, Amenza held Nanare’s hands softly.
“i’ll wait down here while you’re up there,” she said. “do not feel rushed. spend as much time as you need.”
Nanare thanked her as she walked up the pathway. when she arrived at the top, she took in the view.
birds flew freely in the sky as luscious green grass swayed in the wind. over the horizon, mountains stood tall, clouds nestled on their tops. the air was cool and crisp, giving the space a sense of peace.
as she looked around, she noticed someone was already there. next to her sister’s grave, Izogie sat, watching the landscape.
Nanare froze for a couple of seconds, unsure of what to do. she had figured the next time they would meet again would be at her execution. now that Izogie was here in the flesh, she was at a loss.
what was she even supposed to say to her?
the younger wanted to spend time with her sister but she couldn’t just ignore the other woman. not after learning the truth.
as Nanare pondered what to do, a gentle breeze blew at her back, almost as if urging her to walk forward.
before she knew it, she was putting one foot in front of the other, walking.
within a couple steps, her feet arrived at Nossa’s grave. she knelt down and said a prayer, paying her respects. as she did this, Izogie did not move an inch.
when Nanare was done, she stood up and walked in her direction. she sat down next to her, the both of them gazing at the scenery.
in that moment, so much could’ve been said, explained, unpacked, divulged and even more.
instead, Izogie spoke, words sincere.
“I’m sorry.”
Nanare took in a deep breath, her tone earnest.
“I’m sorry, too.”
for the remainder of the afternoon, they both sat there without exchanging any words. each of them now had an understanding of why the other did the things they did and said the things they said. the innermost parts of their souls had been revealed and atop that hill, they could just be.
as the sun set, the pair walked back down the path and spotted Amenza. she had been waiting for hours and her face looked tired. nevertheless, she greeted them with a warm smile as they headed back to the palace.
along the way, the trio was silent. not in an awkward way though. more so calm. they watched villagers pass by and small children chase chickens, their laughter filling the air.
as they continued on, an agojie soldier saw them from afar. she began running towards the three at full speed. upon taking a closer look, they saw it was Esi.
a collective feeling of fear ran through the women.
when she finally arrived in front of them, she spoke rapidly, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
“exactly where have you all been? i’ve been looking for the hill Ghezo said you were at for almost half an hour. you know i’m bad with directions.”
Amenza looked at the others and dared to ask the question that was on their minds.
“has something happened?”
Esi gave them the biggest smile in the world.
“she’s awake,” she said. “y/n is awake.”
upon hearing those words, Izogie’s eyes widened as her heartbeat quickened. it felt as though new life had been breathed into her lungs.
Amenza loudly uttered a praise to the ancestors as she squeezed Nanare tightly, the younger smiling from ear to ear.
now, the only thing on Izogie’s mind was you. she needed to see your eyes on hers. she needed to hear your voice. she needed to hold you. she needed to breath the same air as you.
she needed you.
before Izogie could do anything though, she turned her gaze to Nanare. the younger was already looking at her with a smile.
“go,” she said. “it’s what Nossa would want for you.”
Izogie thanked her with her eyes and immediately took off. as she ran, her feet felt light as the wind whooshed past her ears. her heartbeat thumped with anticipation as she neared her destination.
a second chance, Izogie thought.
that was what she was getting with love. this time, she would not close herself off to it.
at the infirmary, you laid in bed, eyes still adjusting to your surroundings. you had woken up an hour ago but so many things were still a blur.
the last thing you remembered was speaking to Nanare in the courtyard. nothing else.
as you tried to sit up, your mind quickly reminded you of your injuries. everywhere ached and you winced painfully as the physician helped you lay back down. your could feel that your muscles had grown weak as a result of not moving for so long.
“some of the wounds are not fully healed yet,” he said. “try not to push yourself too much.”
he gave you some medicine to help with the pain. afterwards, you stared up at the ceiling, trying to organize your thoughts. soon, Nanisca entered.
“miganon,” you said.
she greeted you with a smile and sat by your side. the physician went to another corner of the room, working on his herbal remedies.
Nanisca held your hand gently and it took you by surprise. ever since you joined the king’s guard, you’d never had a conversation with her. it didn’t bother you though. she was a busy woman after all.
“how are you feeling?” the elder asked.
a crestfallen look found its way onto your features.
“i’m not really sure,” you said. “it just feels like i’m behind on everything.”
Nanisca nodded thoughtfully as you sighed.
this was truly how you felt. ever since you woke up, all you could do was wonder about all sorts of things.
what happened between you and Nanare?
how many trainings did you miss?
would you be healed in time to take the final test?
where was Izo—.
you were snapped back to reality as she squeezed your hand firmly.
“do not feel pressured to learn everything today. allow yourself to be in the present. when you are back of your feet, we will all be here to guide you.”
warmth spread through your body as you listened to her words. you never wanted to do any of this alone.
“thank you,” you replied, tone sincere.
Nanisca laughed. “no, I should be thanking you.”
you gave her a confused look.
“why?”
“well firstly, you woke up. secondly, it was just in time. you have made four people very happy.”
before you could ask her what she meant by that, the wooden doors swung open.
standing in front was Izogie.
her face, shoulders and biceps were covered in sweat. her lips were slightly parted, displaying some of her white teeth. through her uniform, her chest heaved up and down and her eyes frantically searched the room.
when her gaze landed on yours, butterflies erupted in your stomach as your heart raced.
then, you remembered.
on that hot afternoon day, as you were being beaten into the ground, Izogie was the last person your subconscious thought about before you blacked out.
you thought you would never see her again.
you quickly tried to sit up, eager to greet her. instantly, a hot sharp pain ran down your spine. your entire body trembled as a whimper escaped your lips. Nanisca gently laid you back down, tears forming around your eyes. Izogie looked at you, anguish engulfing her face.
“take it easy,” Nanisca said. “you are all right. you just have some bruising around your back. you should feel better in a couple of weeks.”
as the miganon stood up to leave, you tried to keep your composure. Nanisca squeezed Izogie’s shoulders as she motioned the physician over. they both headed out, leaving the two of you alone.
in that moment, you felt so angry with yourself. your own body was betraying you and there was nothing you could do about it. you quickly turned your head in the opposite direction.
why must i always look weak in front of her? you thought to yourself as footsteps approached you.
teardrops cascaded down the side of your face and before you could wipe it, Izogie’s palm gently cupped your cheek, slowly tilting your head back towards her.
you refused to make eye contact as you swallowed hard. then, for the first time in a long time, you heard her voice again.
“do you really not miss me that much?”
your eyes quickly shot up to meet her gaze. your lips parted slightly as you noticed how much she towered over you. her broad shoulders and defined muscles always had an effect on your entire body.
she had a small smirk on her face but it wasn’t boastful like her typical ones. there was a hint of something else underneath. you had other things to worry about though. you softly pushed her hand.
“i’m not in the mood,” you said, voice cracking.
Izogie watched as you wiped your tears angrily.
“would you like for me to leave?” she asked.
instantly, you were at an internal crossroad. a part of you just wanted to be left alone with your thoughts. you already hated how vulnerable you looked. her being here would only add to your anxiety.
but at the same time, your eyes never wanted to lose sight of Izogie ever again. even in this moment, your body yearned for her touch. you missed her antics, her scolding, her confidence, everything.
you winced as you felt a dull ache in your head. all this thinking was doing you no good. you knew so much about what you wanted and yet, you knew so little.
“do whatever you want, Izogie.” you said weakly, voice filled with pain. “i just woke up from a coma, my body is not functioning and i feel the weakest i have ever felt. i fear that at this rate, i may never become a part of the agojie.”
your throat tightened as tears fell from your eyes.
“it’s so overwhelming to wake up to all these thoughts. i know that i have you all to help me but i’m still so scared.”
Izogie’s jaw clenched as she quickly averted her gaze. she hated seeing you cry. not because crying was a bad thing, but because she never knew how to comfort you.
for a while, she listened as your sobs filled the room. then, she spoke.
“would you really like me to do whatever I want?”
you sniffled as you looked up at her, taken aback by the question.
“what?”
she looked down on you.
“i don’t want you to cry anymore so there’s something I want to do.”
now, you were even more confused. why was she saying something like that to you? your palms suddenly felt sweaty as your heartbeat picked up. with all the strength you could muster, you asked.
“what do you want to do?”
“i want to kiss you.”
your thoughts came to a crashing halt. your eyes widened as you stared at her, a dumbfounded look on your face. you blinked rapidly, unsure of what you just heard.
“what?”
Izogie kissed her teeth slightly. she lowered her muscular frame down to yours, a silver glint residing behind her eyes. your breath hitched in your throat as her face was mere inches away from yours.
“i want to kiss you,” she said again.
“is this supposed to be some sort of a joke?” you asked, voice coming out more shaky that you intended.
Izogie’s eyes flickered down to your lips.
“i don’t make jokes like this.”
she looked back up at you, sincerity swirling in her brown eyes.
“i will only do it if you want me to.”
you lips parted slightly. Izogie always seemed so far away from you. so unattainable. never in your wildest dreams did you imagine her saying these words.
“why?” you asked, trying to shrink into the bed as heat spread through you. “do you like me or something?”
a small smile formed on her lips.
“congratulations. you’re officially slower than Nawi.”
instinctively, you slapped her shoulder. Izogie quickly took hold of your hand and held it gently. she stared at the bracelet, a somber look appearing on her face.
“i can’t bear the thought of losing you.”
your eyes widened.
she lowered her lips down to your inner wrist, pressing a tender kiss to it.
your mouth hung open in disbelief as your heart pounded in your chest.
after setting your hand down, her eyes met yours.
“i need you by my side,” she said softly. “if i lose you, i lose myself.”
“Izogie,” you muttered softly.
her hand came up to the side of your face, gently caressing your cheek. she rested her forehead on top of your own, her eyes closed.
you didn’t move as you felt her breath on your lips.
“i thought you said love makes you weak.”
“you do make me weak,” she whispered. “but i will not give my power away to fear. i want to train with you, eat with you, fight with you, laugh with you—.”
she took a pause, lifting her head slightly to look at you fondly.
“i want to love you.”
you instantly leaned forward, placing a quick kiss on her lips.
for a split second, she looked taken by surprise.
“me too,” you said, eyes eager and twinkling with joy. “i want to love you too.”
as you said those words, Izogie dipped her head low, capturing your lips in hers. she kissed you softly, her hands cradling your face gently. her lips were warm, sending shivers throughout your body. you let out a small gasp as your hands clutched the collar of her uniform. her tongue slipped inside your mouth, sucking on your tongue languidly. you moaned softly, quickly pulling away when you realized.
Izogie’s lips chased yours, love and lust heavy in her eyes. in that moment, your entire existence felt as light as air. you pinched her nose softly, giving her a small smile.
“close your mouth,” you said, voice below a whisper. “you look like a fish.”
Izogie scoffed, her infamous smirk appearing on her face. before you knew what has happening, she gave you a quick peck on the lips.
the thumping of your heart filled your ears as she looked at you in pure adoration.
“you have nothing to be afraid of,” she said. “i will always be here with you. in our line of work, i cannot guarantee you safety but i can promise you this. i will always do everything in my power to protect you.”
you quickly wrapped your arms around Izogie, hugging her tightly. she buried her face in your neck, chuckling deeply as she placed kisses on you.
tears welled in your eyes because for the first time in a long time, you felt like you could finally breathe. the romantic feelings were mutual and you now had a companion who would really help you every step of the way. it was as if a huge weight had been lifted from your shoulders.
as night fell, you both sat there, simply taking in each other. going forward, you knew that you had much to catch up on. there was still conversations that needed to be had and lessons that needed to be learned.
but for tonight, you thanked the ancestors for bringing you and Izogie together.
🫀, the end.
[🫀] / heart to heart — extended scene.
today was the anniversary of Nossa’s death.
six months had passed since everything happened and you’d gained a newfound understanding on love, life, pain and family.
after hearing the entire story, King Ghezo and Queen Shante decided to pardon Nanare and her friends. they even allowed them to stay as part of the agojie.
at dawn, you woke up and headed to the palace garden. Izogie, you and Nanare were going to Nossa’s burial site to watch the sunrise. you wanted to bring some flowers.
as the three of you walked up the hill, there was a comfortable silence. at the top, the sky was a golden shade of orange and the birds chirped excitedly. a light breeze blew around you and your feet relished in the softness of the grass.
each of you took turns praying and paying your respects. after setting the flowers down, you stood up and took Nanare’s hands in yours. you gave her a soft smile as you squeezed her hands. the younger smiled warmly back at you.
soon, the three of you turned your attention to the rising sun and basked in its beauty. Izogie rested her arms around you and Nanare’s shoulders, a peaceful expression on her face.
in that moment, you felt that Nossa’s spirit was with you all. you never knew her personally but her presence was always there. in the wind, in the trees, and in the hearts of her sister and your lover.
as a gentle wind passed by, you could say with certainty that Nossa was looking down on the three of you, her face beaming with pride.
🫀, the end.
358 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
brie-annwyl
My Safe Haven
moonlitpoems
we’re all quite mad here
ciroc313
消したり足したり
the-colourful-witch
The Colourful Witch