[private] take a look in the mirror

[Altissima]

Altissima does not resist when his wing curls, pressing her back into his side, their bodies flush with one another once again. She thinks of the winter, of how she could spend it like this - protected by his body from the chill she can no longer stand. She begins to imagine staying in Loess for the season, not as a member of the kingdom but as someone Tarian could find after he was done whatever business for the day. Where she could soak in the hot springs while was gone and when he was near… She stops herself from getting too carried away, though it’s difficult to forget those thoughts when Tarian whispers in her ear and another shiver runs through her body at his laugh. It is a welcome, pleasant sound - one she wants to hear more of. If she knew his worries she might share reassurances, the same ones she is giving herself. That this mutual interest in having each other around does not need to disrupt anything else about their lives. Perhaps a naive thought, coming from the one who’s only obligations are to herself and her wandering spirit. How her heart races at his confession and she is lost for a response, unable to put into words how she is breaking a rule with him she said she didn’t even have. As she presses close, she finds other words. “It’s a shame you’re crippled at the moment.” It is familiar territory to tease him, and Altissima enjoys bringing this new dimension into it. Wondering if it is possible to make the warrior blush, or if it will be her that does so first. He’d come close to making it happen, whispering in her ear like that. So perhaps this is a new challenge, a new competition, and one that heats her entire body. Now that she’s leapt off the cliff, she’s enjoying the exhilaration and has forgotten her fear. Tarian’s words ring in her mind as she continues in a low voice. “Do you remember the noise I made when I slipped into the water in Loess?” It had been embarrassing then but it makes her smile now as she traces what she can reach of his skin - light, ghosting touches that do not match the reference she is making. She’d thought about it, in the days between then and now, how he might coax similar noises from her. “Another night, I’ll remind you.” A promise both filled with heat and sweetness, confirming again that she does not want this to be the last night. That there will be more, as many as they both want.

artwork by cal

@Tarian