every saint could be a sinner

using one of mine tickets (2 of 11 used)

Intrigue spurred her steps beneath cascading twilight, the barest glimmer of stars dancing amongst the sun’s fading rays. War times were presumably over with a majority of the soldiers returning home and yet tensions could still be cut with a knife. Guarded borders now in place between opposing kingdoms but just how well were they being enforced? A matter she would not doubt test in time for so much lay within those lands now out of reach but for now she would behave.

The upheaval of the college no doubt caused a stir amongst those who once dwelt within its walls, those in a rush likely left treasured belongings behind and with a bit of luck their loss would become her fortune. Items to add to shelves or into her own decorum, surely there was still something of use within those bloodied ruins yet as she grew near Tatiana found paces faltering. There was no telling just what lurked beyond walls which now fell to disrepair nor who may have taken residence within after wolves had fled.

And yet that was exactly why she was here on a self imposed mission of discovery. Nary a soul tended to the masonry nor the gardens which once decorated the courtyard, their fading blooms surely a tragic sight to behold. Perhaps they could still be plucked along with all else that still lay within but she would never know without traversing into shadows. With steadying breath she sought to delve into those familiar walls, however, as one turned to duck into once comforting halls she instead found limbs slipping.

Grip no longer held upon sturdy stone but rather those slickened by water leaving paws to scrabble hopelessly until with a rather graceless tumble she fell into the lagoon’s embrace. Its silken warmth daring to envelop her and soothe away even the most subtle ache which once plagued muscles. Though she found herself sputtering gasping lightly for air as she resurfaced, wild eyes flickering over unfamiliar surroundings. This was not the late college. There was no way it could change so drastically and even as a million questions ran through her mind she slowly felt a calm washing over her.

While this wasn’t exactly what she had been searching for it was hardly something one could find compliant with. Little else rising as she allowed a frame to sink deeper into the lagoon’s heated embrace all while that enchanting mist swirled in its gentle caress.

Lachlan drifted between the trees, enveloped in the warm mist that surrounded this beautiful place. It had beckoned him here once again, a yearning call he could not resist. His muscles tensed beneath his earthen coat as he spotted a figure in the water, slowly sinking within. He watched for a moment, no sense of urgency filling him. He was no hero, after all. The figure slowly came into focus as he neared the water, the mist hazy around them. He could see her feminine figure, her beautiful fur and her fiery eyes. His own gaze full of embers as he lowered it to her and a smile stretched out upon his scarred lips. “Enjoying yourself?" he asked curiously. He stood on the edge of the water, feeling its warmth lapping against his toes. He thought about joining her but he decided he wouldn't unless she extended the invitation. She might very well be startled by his presence, or his unsettling appearance, so he would play it safe this time... for as long as his patience held, anyway. He did not hide the way he looked at her and if she had any sense in her head she'd turn tail and run from him. Words danced upon his tongue but he remained silent for the time being, waiting for her reaction to him first. It would depend what mask he wore next. “You seemed to replace your brain with your heart."

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Oh the temptation to simply give in to the untold whims of the mist was near irresistible in how it crept up her spine. Naught but an inkling telling her to resist. Remove herself from the addictive haze which steadily pervaded all thought. This intoxication bidding her to remain within the lagoon’s embrace and allow all which once filled her mind to drift to the way side. Let nothing disrupt this new found sense of peace. Ignore the lyrical tones of wildlife; banish all desire to leave, to collect the enthralling plant life thought to produce such mists if only to concoct similar aromas back home.

Nothing could compare to the real thing. Embrace the moment and just relax.

Unheard whispers filled a mind all to keen to listen… at least until the probing of another’s voice echoed within her ears. Lyrics snapping her from this daze and bringing the sharp flicker of ember to meet an all consuming blaze. Yet this man’s eyes were not which held her focus as it trailed to the permanent snarl flashing beneath an absence of flesh. This unmasked threat of fangs as alarming as they were enthralling, how had such a thing happened? A wonderment she should not be worrying over and yet the way fangs shone in the light mirrored the unabashed spark so openly appraising her frame.

At first she did not answer him. Everything within screaming that this man was as dangerous as the glint in his eyes. That she should turn tail and run without ever thinking of looking back all while another worried thought warned against even that. His strides would be longer, his reach further… yet whoever this was made no further motion. Maybe it was all a misunderstanding? A notion which crept ever closer to the surface as calming breaths sucked in the very mist which so intrigued her. Yes, surely such alarm was mistaken for the only portions which dared dance were his ever roaming gaze.

One which traced every dip and curve sodden fur provided to him as she pushed herself higher, away from the water’s touch. Droplets falling in a way she found so unappealing and yet focus lingered upon the savaged unknown, “Are you?” Was he enjoying whatever games he played here with his presence? “Surely hot spring are better enjoyed in the water, not out of it.” That was were she would have found her sole pleasures if it weren’t for the peculiarities all which encircled exposed limbs and seemed to float upon the shorelines in a gentle haze.

As she pushed out of the water, he caught a glimpse of her body. He didn't bother to hide the hunger in his eyes and if he were a cartoon he might've grown heart-eyes and drooled a bit. But this was real life and so he looked much more like a predator than something so ridiculous. The haze around him kept him calm, much to him not knowing it, and he felt aloft as he drifted closer to her. Her question rang in his ears and he pulled back his lips in what could have been a smile were it not a savaged, permanent, grimace. “Oh, I'm enjoyed myself alright," he said darkly, his tone thick with desire as he eyed her. The waters lapped at his paws as she sunk into the banks edge and he glanced down momentarily. It was so warm, much warmer than it should be this time of year. A comforting embrace, though she had mentioned it being a hot spring so that made sense. “Do you mind if I join you?" he asked, turning his head back towards her and allowing his gaze to linger on her dripping frame as she nestled within the soft shoreline. “You seemed to replace your brain with your heart."

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Perched against the embankment her own eyes dared not to drift from this unknown. Silently taking him in as she awaited an answer. Watchful of every move he made with each emboldened stride toward the lagoon’s steaming waters. Did they call to him? While the florist had not been searching for a place such as this, now that she lay within it’s embrace, she could not help but to succumb to the imaginary whispers upon the breeze. Those which coaxed and calmed with the sweetness of a swirling mix.

Dampened the senses far beyond their usual means - restricted her from fully accessing the recesses of her mind as it hoped to bid her away from this place. Away from this nameless man and the hunger which echoed from his very core. The warnings of a mind unheard as instead Tatiana allowed her own gaze to wander now, besides, it was only fair with how his roved so freely over a sodden frame. One she should have hid from him in a ploy for modesty, falsely shied back into liquid concealment no matter how crystalline these waters remained. It would have at least brought fur to billow rather than remain plastered to every curve.

But she didn’t, the only motion made came in the slow turn of her crown as ears swiveled upon the dark tones rumbling from deep within his chest. Confirmation of the thrills found in these mere moments before it lay chased by a simple askance. Did she mind? A tail swayed lazily beneath the surface, searing amber locked upon him now before dark lips parted with a gentled sigh. “I suppose not. Just watch your step, the rocks are a bit slippery.” Not just a bit but very though if he took a tumble there was uncertainty on if she would find humor in it or worry for this man.

He was mildly surprised by her acceptance and it was in that moment he found himself second-guessing. He recalled a particular woman he'd met on the beach, fur draped upon her sodden frame much like the one before him now. There had been a promise in her eyes and then she'd turned on him with a viciousness he'd not been prepared for. Would the same thing happen here? He shifted his paws, noting the rocks that clattered at his feet that she'd mentioned. Those eyes did not glint with malice, nor desire, and he found himself wanting to pluck them from her skull. His own eyes darkened as the tight skin around his muzzle twitched. He slipped into the waters then, nearing her left side slowly. He waded through the warmth, his eyes narrowing slightly at the feel of the water on his fur and skin. It felt nice, relaxing, in a way he hadn't had in a long time. It seeped into his bones and warmed him from the inside out. He let out a small sigh as he settled beside her, only about a foot away. He angled his head in her direction, ears tilting and gaze glowering. Redness seeped into his vision, but was that the bloodlust or the haze that permeated this area? He could not honestly tell. He extended his front legs before him and stretched out his toes, lowering his head and shaking it a bit as he got as comfortable as he could. “You know... this isn't so bad." he said, his tone a little hushed. The redness slowly faded from his vision and he drew a calming breath, glad to be rid of it. He often battled different desires in his head and it was not exactly something he enjoyed. He'd much rather let them loose, but perhaps right now he did not have the energy. The water had sapped his strength, it seemed. “You seemed to replace your brain with your heart."

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