As they lay together, their limbs entwined, Io gently nibbled the underside of Belle's jaw. She quite liked that place and paid it attention often, teeth and tongue grazing the little valley between jaw and throat. As Belle made her equine declaration, Iolaire chortled darkly, giving a slightly harder nip than the rest. A warning that the Empress had better watch her words or she was getting taken right here in the middle of her court where all could come and watch.

Her next statement, however, soured all of those sexy thoughts. Io sighed and tugged Belle closer, if possible. She pressed her forehead against the larger woman's and spoke softly. "There is no end. Only a change of paths. No matter what course we choose in our lives, we'll always be fast friends." She knew that to be a fact. The only thing that could change it was if they somehow became enemies instead and that wasn't likely.

Again, Belle spoke of love and the tiny lady slid her muzzle along her lover's dark cheek. "I'll always hold love for you as well." The future would no doubt change things for them. Deathbelle would need to create more offspring for her empire. There might be a political alliance made. Hell, Iolaire might want to eventually settle down with a man some day, though that was the least likely scenario. One could never know the future, which was why the small dame tried to live in the moment as much as possible.

Iolaire had a talent of causing butterflies to swarm in Deathbelle’s slim stomach. The tiny woman’s teeth grazed lightly over her jaw, but a bit harder at her words. Belle grinned widely at the silent warning, Debating the consequences while continuing. Io held her tighter, a more comforting hug instead of the suggestive motions of a moment earlier. Belle didn’t lie when she told her about the horses, or how she would turn over the ends of the earth for Iolaire’s benefit. She closed her eyes and pressed against the comforting touch. Together, but on a different path. There was no telling how long their intimacy may last.

Words of love were whispered back, and they had to be enough for the heartbroken Queen. They faced an uncertain future in many ways, but no matter what Deathbelle was sure she would cherish deeply the memories made with the dark healer. The way it was so easy to be together, how easily she took hold and tried to mend her heart, the sublime way she could make Belle’s toes curl.

The Empress leaned forward and kissed her lover softly, aiming to bring her lilac star to her golden green orbs. ”Come with me,” She offered suggestively, but not making a move to bring herself to her feet. She wasn’t quite ready to let go. ”Let's enjoy the time we have together.” The thrill of doing the act here was almost tempting enough to remain in the open, but the last thing she needed was one of her children stumbling upon such a sight. ”Privately.” Belle giggled quietly into Io’s dark ear. Sometimes she wasn’t sure if she wasn’t still a love struck yearling with how Io made her feel.

The pair exchanged their embraces easily as they always had. All thoughts of Iolaire's assery were pushed aside by now, for which she was thankful. Hopefully they wouldn't have to deal with such a situation again, but she couldn't promise. The thought of losing her looks had honestly and truly terrified her. Aside from running from her hunting father, she hadn't experienced such terror.

Belle told Io to come with her and the small woman smirked, a silver brow raising. She wasted no time peeling herself from her lovers embrace. Privately, eh? With one foreleg, she gestured for Belle to lead the way. As the woman moved passed, Io fell into step beside her, but not before aiming a tap to the speckled woman's well formed rump with her own tail. "Lead the way, darling." They hadn't been together for a while due to her self enforced solitude. They had lots of making up to do.

Deathbelle easily forgave those she had come to adore, it was easy to forget the transgression especially when Io was so sweet. She didn’t completely understand the place she’d been after the coyote attack, but she wouldn’t hold it against the dark she wolf either.

Where Belle had hesitated Iolaire did not, she was quick to her paws at the Empress’s suggestion. She couldn’t help the amused laugh that fell from unhindered lips. Amethyst eyes sparkled with mirth at Io’s eagerness. They had been apart for too long. Still, Deathbelle took her time in getting to her delicate paws. Languid form shifted elegantly as Iolaire gestured for her to lead the way.

The Empress hesitated again, but this time to nibble teasingly at Io’s ear as she passed. With a smirk playing on her features Deathbelle led forth. She was brought back easily to the first time the two of them walked beside each other to the hidden cavern. Belle couldn’t help the grin that played on her lips. Lust or love the Klein goddess adored what Iolaire was able to turn her into. From broken monarch to twitterpated yearling.

A weight lifted off her shoulders as she passed through the cavern’s entrance and swiftly draped herself on the chilly furs. There would be no restless patrol tonight. Her ivory tail swayed happily at her hips and mismatched ears lay shyly on her head. A lavender gaze meant only for Iolaire offered invitingly as Belle sought to wrap her in her arms once again.

While Iolaire was eager for privacy, Deathbelle took her time. She moved teasingly slow, causing the smaller dame to roll her eyes playfully, head shaking in accompaniment. When Belle did finally begin to move, she nibbled upon one obsidian ear. Io gave a mock growl, but moved along beside the woman easily. They both knew where they were going.

Once within the cave, their cave, Belle settled onto the pile of furs. After placing her pack to the side, she settled down as well, resting her slender frame against her lover. She gave a soft groan, having just remembered something. "I made you a gift but I left it back with the Armada." She shook her head and then nosed into her pack to pull out a small oval wrapped in leaves. "I can give you your other gift though." She placed the small wrapped parcel before Deathbelle. One ear flicked and the lady's head tilted a bit. "I had to use the other one when Zee talked me into taking a bath." Inside the parcel would be a small bar of homemade soap that was lightly scented with herbs and hyacinth. She'd crafted the cleaner herself, of course. The other present that she'd left behind, she would just have to bring later.

Both ears flicked forward as she waited for the woman to open the gift. She did hope that Belle liked it. If she didn't enjoy the fragrance, she could always make something different.

Her nibble elicited a growl from Deathbelle and making Iolaire slow down was more fun than she would admit. Both she wolves knew their destination though. The travel wasn’t long, and Io took her time as she rid herself of her pack and settled in beside her sweetly. Deathbelle placed her cuffed arm over Io’s silver marked shoulders. ”Presents?” She asked sweetly as Io made herself comfortable again. At the beginning of the day she wasn’t sure she would ever see Iolaire again, but the two of them settled right back into their easy relationship.

”Zee made you take a bath?” She asked amusedly as the parcel was placed by her paws. Carefully she nosed at the leaf wrapped object and carefully revealed the handmade soap. The Empress smiled softly as she looked up towards her gift bearing lover. ”This is lovely,” she breathed in the subtle scent. The hyacinth would forever remind her of Io and their closeness. She wondered if the stream that flowed in the cavern was enough to wash by.

”Thank you, Io.” She whispered softly as she leaned against Iolaire’s dainty body. With her dark lips she sought a passionate kiss, the flare of emotion within her impossible to contain.

Zee had indeed talked her into taking a bath. In her state of depression, the normally pristine healer had taken to neglecting herself. She didn't really want to talk about it though and so she simply shrugged and moved along. Belle opened the leaf covered package and, of course, she liked the soap. Io imagined that the woman would like anything that she brought her. It seemed as though it was the sentiment that counted.

Belle thanked her and the small woman nodded. "You're quite welcome." When her lover leaned in for a kiss, Io slid easily into it. One foreleg extended to pull Belle close. The dark dame's tongue danced across that of her speckled love. She wished to do other things with that tongue, however. Pulling back a bit, Iolaire's gaze flashed darkly as she stared into lavender orbs. "I hope you're prepared. If not... too bad." There was a fire in the little woman and it could only be quenched by bringing pleasure to the woman beside her.

Rising from her place, Iolaire didn't begin with her normal foreplay of grooming and teasing. With one paw, she aimed to push the larger wolf onto her back. There was a ferocity in the minuscule wolf that she hadn't shown before. She supposed that it was all of their time apart. This session of lovemaking wouldn't just be about pleasure, but about claiming as well.

Io didn't wait any longer, interruptions forgotten as their lips met and Deathbelle was pulled closer. She didn't miss the dark glimmer in Iolaire's eye as she pulled back from her affections. Her approach completely different from the first time together, Deathbelle only grinned in reply. Her heart raced inside her chest and her skin prickled excitedly as she submitted to her lover's touch. There were not many the Empress allowed such a potion over her but she enjoyed the release of control. Her whole life and empire built on her word, allowing Iolaire to lead her instead brought total relaxation.

Deathbelle rolled back easily, exposing the ivory fur and pink skin of her belly. Dainty paws were pulled to her chest and alabaster tail swayed slowly over the soft furs. With Io's one motion the Klein goddess gave herself freely to the silver marked healer. A soft whine fell over dark lips as she reached up to nip lightly at the underside of Iolaire's jaw. Excitement raced through her, eager for this change in her mistress.

As Io stepped over Deathbelle's prone body, the woman reached up to nip at her jaw. Obsidian ears flicked forward and Io pulled her head away. "Ah, ah... No touching. You don't get to touch." The smaller woman pulled her tongue slowly up the length of Belle's cheek before whispering in her ear. "You get to hold still and not make a sound until I tell you otherwise." Teeth nibbled down the length of the woman's throat and ribcage. She moved leisurely along. "The more you squirm, the longer it'll take." Iolaire was in control and she was making sure that the Empress knew it.

Onyx lips, complete with crescent scar, met the soft, pink skin of Belle's stomach. Everything was all south from there. Io would tease and torture her lover, bringing her to heights of ecstasy and leaving her stranded on the cusp. She would deny release again and again. Eventually she would give in, but it would take a long, long time.

And Io loved every minute of it.

Io dodged her teeth with a little warning as she stood over Deathbelle’s vulnerable form. ”No?” Belle half questioned as she was barred from touching the dainty she wolf. She wasn’t sure what to think of the consequences as Iolaire pressed her tongue against her further and further down her body. ”These are very unfair rules.” She teased back, both of them well aware the Empress was anything but silent and still as Io made love to her. Iolaire didn’t hide how much she was enjoying herself either.

Deathbelle was toyed with and teased while Io gave little mercy as she played with the Empress. Though she begged and whimpered the Klein goddess lost herself in bliss at Iolaire’s practiced touch. This would be the night Belle wished she could go on forever. She didn’t want to see the morning, only these intimate moments with Iolaire. No matter the events to come on the morrow, the Empress’s night continued long after the sun went down. Io could take her time and Deathbelle would revel in it.

The rules may have seemed unfair, but Iolaire didn't care. She was in control. She was dominating the woman beneath her. A woman who wasn't used to being dominated. Why was Iolaire doing this? Because this could very well be their last time together and she wanted to make Deathbelle remember it. Denying that which was desired was a very memorable act. She denied the woman pleasure on and off for hours, bringing her to the highest peaks of ecstasy. If that wasn't memorable, she didn't know what was.

Hours later and well into the night, Iolaire stood next to the pool, wetting her throat with the cool water. Her jaws were a little tired, but she would live. She would be surprised if Deathbelle's legs didn't feel like stalks of grass when she tried to rise. Iolaire was in no hurry to return to her lovers side and continued to drink her fill. She was deep in thought. She was thinking of Hannibal. Deathbelle too, of course, but she hoped that the man had picked up on her hints. She practically told him that he needed to open up to Belle. Perhaps he was just what she needed. He definitely needed her. She just had a feeling. They could trust one another. They knew one another. The man had said that she was his ultimate desire. As long as he was faithful, thing between them could be damn near perfect. A long, low sigh was released before the tiny dame turned and made her way back to the furs. Sprawling upon her stomach, hind legs splayed out behind her, Iolaire began to clean her dainty paws.

Iolaire took all authority over the Empress, but Belle found being rebellious as enjoyable as submissive and in their many hours together she took on both roles. Io took her to places she never knew existed, and Deathbelle treasured every moment as she felt the finality in the act. Iolaire easily carved her place in Belle’s misshapen heart, and her passion and love would never be forgotten.

The Empress was settled in a euphoric daze when Io took to the stream. The Klein goddess embraced her exhaustion and craved the closeness of the one responsible for her state. Her breath was quick and her heart hammered in her chest. Dainty paws were curled on her chest as her head fell to the side and lilac gaze watched her dainty lover. She hated to invoke thoughts of the future, but she couldn’t help but wonder if this was the last night to be spent in the hallowed halls.

Her breathing steadied as she watched Iolaire quietly, her own thoughts deep and convoluted. Still, she rolled herself to her side so she would be closer to Io as she lay herself onto the fur bed. Silently Belle leaned over to join Io in grooming her ivory tipped paws. Deathbelle was humbled before Io many times, being vulnerable with her had become easy. Pink tongue slid over tiny paws carefully as she dwelled in the memories made here instead of the uncertain future they faced.

Deathbelle immediately responded to her presence as Iolaire sprawled upon the furs. The speckled woman began helping to clean her paws so Iolaire abandoned the task. Instead, she began to nibble upon the woman's mismatched ears, grooming them and straightening any fur that may have been mussed during their exploits. After a time, however, she simply draped her neck over the back of Belle's and held her close.

Iolaire stilled, laying there silently, curled around her lover. This very well could be their last time together. All sexual tension had been spent and all that was left within the little healer was emotion. She would mourn the loss of Deathbelle, but she would be happy for what she believed was to come. What she hoped was to come.

Eventually, Iolaire broke the silence, her tones soft, barely above a whisper due to their close proximity. "Things are going to change soon. I have a feeling." She didn't want to tell the woman too much about her conversation with Hannibal. Their melding needed to be natural and not coerced. Io gave the woman beside her a squeeze. "Good changes."

Deathbelle half expected Io to make her stop her gentle grooming. The Empress reversed her role completely, she wasn’t the one to wash feet she had her paws washed for her. Licking Io’s tiny toes was relaxing though, and she was brought a great peace as the she wolf shifted to groom her dual toned ears. The silence was welcome as Belle focused herself entirely on Iolaire. Her subtle floral scent, her warmth, the softness of her fur, Deathbelle memorized every bit.

She finished cleaning her dainty paws and sighed softly against her as the two held each other close. Belle stilled her heart as the truth was easier to see without the fog of ecstasy. She had to hold onto her silver marked love while she was able. The end of the night was beautiful, the moon managed to peek through the ash and it filtered lightly into their cavern as the stream gurgled gently in the background. Deathbelle felt her exhaustion, but fought the feeling to stay awake with Io.

The Empress shifted so she might hold Iolaire closer to her chest. As the woman ended the silence Belle leaned forward to kiss her nose lovingly. She trailed those kisses up to Io’s onyx ear and nuzzled her as she held her close. She promised good change, which was a welcome difference to the catastrophic change Io helped heal her from. This bliss would not last.

”You are my good change.” Deathbelle whispered, her thoughts far from Hannibal. ”I hope you’re right. Ashen needs some fortune.” She moved from Io’s ear to nuzzling into her silver furred neck. She took in a deep breath of Io’s sweet scent and held her closer she was reminded of their finite time together. She didn’t want to see the sun in the morning.

Gentle touches and caresses would fill the remainder of their night. A night that neither woman wished to end. The end was necessity though. Only with an end could a beginning take hold. Though she loved Deathbelle, Iolaire was not what the woman needed or deserved. The small healer was simply a step to mending a broken heart so that that heart might fill with love once more. That was her highest hope for Belle. She was a woman crafted for love and a life without it wouldn't be a happy life.

Curled around one another, the pair had shifted so that Belle could hold Io against her chest. The dainty fae pressed herself gladly against her love, nestling into the thick ruff. Dual-toned eyes closed as she worked to memorize this moment as it could very well be their last. Oddly enough, it didn't bother Iolaire as much as it should. From the beginning, she knew that she was a stepping stone. She was not Deathbelle's end game. Their affair had begun as a promise to help the woman and had ended up being much more. She would always love the Empress and she had no doubt that the woman would always have affection for her. Io was glad though that Deathbelle might finally get what she needed. And, if Hannibal fell through, she would be there to catch her.

Her words had sparked light conversation between them. Belle's admission bringing a gentle smile to Io's maw. She then spoke of Ashen needing good fortune. Iolaire gave a soft nod. "Good fortune comes from the paths we take and the risks we make." Pulling back slightly, the small dame stared hard into her lovers lavender eyes. "Give Hannibal a chance. That's all I'll say on the matter." She had a feeling and her feelings were usually right. There had been no lie in the man when he spoke of his love towards Belle. Io believed him. If he meant what he said, then perhaps the pair could heal one another. If he turned out to be a liar and hurt the woman in question, well... Then Iolaire would castrate him with her dullest knife and leave the rest to Sirius.

Deathbelle couldn’t yet see the new beginning Iolaire sought to create through the bittersweet end of their affair. She wished desperately for the continuation of their time together, of three freedom that loving Io brought her and the healing that had been done. Belle fell into their embrace lovingly, and cuddled closely to her temporary love. Though she knew very well that her adoration for the tiny healer would never really end, and through whatever change faced them she would forever have a place in her heart.

Iolaire held just as tightly to her, and Deathbelle felt her unconditional love through every touch and nuzzle. Knowing this wouldn’t last forever made it more special, but more painful as well. She didn’t want to let go, she’d been captured from the moment Io first sat beside her and offered her warmth. A warmth that filled the Empress completely and bandaged her broken heart. Io would never be fully taken from her, their friendship would last a lifetime no matter the change in their intimacy.

Iolaire assured the Empress of Ashen’s future prosperity through the decisions they would make, but her seriousness after was enough for Deathbelle to pause. Bright lilac eyes dove deep into Io’s gold green gaze. Surprised flashed over her features as Iolaire mentioned Hannibal once more. Mismatched ears fell to her skull as her eyes fell away from her lover’s features. There had always been a spark between the two Kleins and intermarrying in the family was a practice going back generations.

The words brought about an interesting glimpse into the future. One where Hannibal stood strongly at her side as an equal while their children played at their feet. It was a beautiful scene, and one that she hadn’t given much time to think about since Hannibal’s disappearance. Deathbelle looked back up into Io’s gemstone eyes and though she felt herself crave the future offered to her Iolaire was the one in her arms. ”I haven’t gone against a healers wishes yet.” Deathbelle whispered in acceptance of Io’s request knowing if Hannibal took her paw that things would never be the same between the two women.

This might really be their final night together like this, and despite the tears of mourning for the relationship that wished to fall from lilac eyes Deathbelle felt peace and happiness within her as she held tightly to her love. Iolaire was special beyond words, and would forever be a part of the Empress. She pressed her muzzle against Io’s ear again closing her eyes and holding the dainty woman tight. ”I love you, Iolaire. Don’t ever forget.”

A war of emotions danced across Deathbelle's lovely face. Iolaire would miss that face. She would miss seeing that face in the throes of ecstasy. She would miss that sweet mouth telling her that she loved her. She would miss the woman; the lover. They wouldn't really lose one another, but a wall would be built between them regardless. A wall barring such acts and emotions. Iolaire had faith that they would both be able to do so.

Belle spoke of having never gone against a healers wishes yet and the small dame grinned. "Such an easy patient." Their whole relationship had been easy, save the backlash that she'd received from Sirius. He still wasn't happy with her when it came to Deathbelle, but he had asked her to help the woman in the first place. She believed he'd get over it eventually. Had she not sworn her loyalty to him again and again? What more could he want?

Her lover's sweet voice pulled her from thought and she closed her eyes as Belle pulled her close. Another declaration of love. The little healer melted against the Empress, wrapping arms around her to pull her into a tight embrace. "And I love you, Deathbelle." She pulled back to search the woman's face. "Remember that we aren't losing one another. When and if the time comes, we're just taking the next path in our journeys." She offered a reassuring smile. This wasn't a sad time. This was a time of joy. They had formed an everlasting friendship. A bond that would stand the test of time. She was sure of that. Iolaire would watch her friend enter the next chapter in her life as a whole, healed being. She was proud of their time together and was proud of the progress that her lover had made. She would be proud too when Deathbelle walked away from her. Sad, but proud.

Their relationship would change, but Deathbelle hoped their friendship would remain as easy as their love affair. They wouldn’t be far, and they wouldn’t really be losing each other. There would be a barrier though, and Deathbelle knew she would miss holding her dainty lover. Her sweet kisses and practiced touch. She smiled through the melancholy, for now she’d hold her tightly.

Iolaire held her just as close and the moments of perfection settled softly over the pair. There was no hesitation as Io returned the sentiments with just as much sincerity. Belle dove into the woman’s golden green gaze as she was reminded this wasn’t final. She wasn’t losing Io like she lost her husband. She would be here to lean on and care for. Deathbelle let her lips pull back in a peaceful grin.

They spoke of Belle’s future but she couldn’t help but wonder where that might leave Iolaire. She didn’t want to see her alone. Of course Io had Sirius and her loyalty to the Armada, but knowing she wouldn’t have another to hold her at night.. Belle tried to put the thought from her mind. The Empress would be certain her dearheart was taken care of. Despite the distance that would be placed between them. She would cherish her memories forever while she looked forward to developing the next leg of their relationship no matter how different.

”You’re more than I ever could have hoped for. Though our paths are different I know they’ll remain close.” She reached forward to kiss the dark she wolf softly, allowing her heart to beat only for her while she could. ”You’ll always have a place beside me, no matter our relationship.” Deathbelle would hold true to her promise, she would do anything for Io all she need do was ask.

They would spend the night together. Iolaire would not be gone in the morning. She would stay til the very last minute. They could stay here all day if Deathbelle wished it, but it would only make things harder for them. Plus they both had responsibilities. Things that they needed to attend to. Just because they didn't want to be parted didn't mean that the world stopped spinning.

Deathbelle spoke, uttering sweet words to the smaller woman. Iolaire smiled and gave a nod, eyes closing momentarily. A moment later, they were engaged in yet another deep kiss. Iolaire would miss this. With Deathbelle, she was who she was. She hid less with the woman beside her than she did with all others. No one would ever see who Iolaire truly was, and for that they should be thankful, but Deathbelle came very, very close.

Lifting one paw, Iolaire brought it to her lovers cheek, smoothing the dark fur gently. "And should you ever have need of me, you've but to call. I'll always be there for you." And she would be. Should the speckled woman need a shoulder to cry on, advice of any sort or even just a girls night out, Iolaire would be there.

Pulling the woman close, Iolaire pressed her body against hers. Reaching behind them, she pulled one of the soft furs over top. "Come. Let's sleep and see what wonders tomorrow brings." Placing one last, gentle kiss upon the dark lips of the woman beside her, Iolaire curled into Belle. Arms wrapped around her love and she would hold her until the morning light.

-Exit-

Deathbelle started to have difficulty keeping her lavender gaze opened. Exhaustion still gripped hold of her tightly and she wouldn’t be able to fight it forever no matter how long she wanted the night to last. Kissing Iolaire felt good, and knowing they could be sharing one of their last Belle didn’t hold her emotions back. Io changed her, and would forever be deeply cared for.

She pressed against Io’s snow tipped paw as she placed it on her cheek, she smiled but couldn’t hide the tiredness of her features. ”Good. I won't hesitate to bother you.” She teased lightly as she was pulled closer, and the Empress clung back tightly to her love. A tired but content sigh left her as the large fur was pulled over her thin frame and Io led the way to sleep. She kissed the sweet woman in her arms as she brushed her lips against Belle’s dark muzzle.

”Good night, dearest. Sweet dreams.” She whispered back as Iolaire curled against her chest. Deathbelle wrapped her neck over the woman’s head and settled herself comfortably. Her eyes slipped closed and moments later blissful sleep took hold.