Lament teased her in return, a soft chuckle at his lips as he told her his desire to stay asleep. Though their morning started with amusement Deathbelle wasn’t let off the hook in the morrow. She was forced to return to the previous evening, Sirius on the beach soaking wet with those big blue eyes and the gleam of light on his fangs… She shook her head lightly. Lament was here to help her forget, to help hold her and stave off the dark feelings brewing within. Thankfully the fire marked man didn’t press her too hard about details but offered his shoulder instead. He’d support her and she could tell him if she wanted to.

”Just treat me exactly as you did last night, I promise your offering is plenty.” She purred, smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she shoved all thoughts of Sirius and home away again. One more day before she had to focus on her mistakes. One more day that she could linger in Lament’s arms without care. ”Do you have somewhere to show me?” Deathbelle asked curiously, she would have been content staying here and exploring his body.

A shiver raced over her skin as she leaned more heavily against him. ”I want to know you, Lament.” She told him as lavender eyes looked up from beneath heavy lashes. Maybe she should have cleaned her wounds before they began to fester, but all she could handle was focusing wholley on the Ademre man.

Lament Pyre His paw moved in a subtle gesture of a smile, as another soft chuckle emerged from his chest. “As you wish” he agreed huskily in her ear. He would need little convincing for a repeat of last night. He knew she had a life and place outside of this island and him, but he was a wolf that could enjoy the moment. Take love where it was offered, and feel no regrets when the time passed. The only thing to regret was passing off a chance to experience. “I have a den not far from here, it’s more comfortable then the grass” he promised her, getting to his feet, and nuzzling her as he did so. Offering his shoulder for the Empress to lean on. He kissed her cheek, purring softly in his chest, her suggestive voice and words had already set him afire again. She reached his emotions so easily. A smile was already tugging at his lips, fighting the control of culture. He led her to his den, which was a small space dug against the side of an abandoned building. It was dry and warm, with a single coat inside. He would have to hunt for them today, he knew. “I’m a simple soldier, Imperial Majesty. I fight, and love, and leave regrets behind.” he gestured for her to take the rug, so he could position himself around her again. "Speech"|"Ademic"

She could feel the mood shift again, the fire that blossomed last night was easily reignited as a husky tone took over his voice. She didn’t have to be an Empress right now, she could relax and enjoy the man presented to her without regret. No one had to know what happened here, she didn’t have to tell even if asked. He could be her well kept secret. But was that what she really wanted? Deathbelle tried not to focus too heavily on the future. She didn’t know what was waiting for her at home but she was already trying to fit him into her life. Perhaps that wasn’t what he wanted.

An easy time together, a tryst to remember, but did she want just another bandage? Magnus had elicited emotions within her that she’d wanted to explore, but he’d been so quiet after he’d gotten hurt. She worried about him, but just like Sirius she wouldn’t focus on him. Lament was her whole world right now. There was a den not so far away, they didn’t have to linger in the grass with the bugs. He kissed her cheek and caused her to smile shyly as she made her way to her paws, taking his shoulder in support.

Deathbelle leaned over to kiss the corner of his mouth, the height difference between them much more obvious in the day and standing side by side. She was a powerful woman, but when it came to men she wanted someone who could wrap around her whole body. Archon, Sirius… she had a pretty obvious type. But Lament’s long beautiful fangs and his dark steamy features had captured her.

She followed along beside him, bumping into his shoulder playfully as they walked. He presented his home, a humble abode for a humble wolf. He said as much, Lament was a soldier. Mismatched ears perked curiously but she focused on loving without regret. Maybe that was how she should return to Ashen with that attitude. She loved Sirius, and she didn’t have to regret it. Maybe there were consequences, but she couldn’t deny the truth of what she felt. Except maybe she could ignore it to focus completely on Lament. Would loving him be so hard?

”Then I’ll do the same.” For now at least. ”I want to love without regret.” She told him suggestively, aiming to brush her lips against his once again. ”I want to love you.” Her words were breathed against his muzzle as her lidded gaze grew more suggestive.

Lament Pyre Her shy smile seemed at odds with the regal Empress, and his paw twitched in a flourish of emotion, from admiration to enticement. When she stood at his behest, he would fully see the differences in their size. He had never felt short before, but he supposed it made sense for an Empress to tower above him. He laughed softly, and kissed her nose. They reached the den, and her eyes glanced across the meager offering of a home. He felt no shame, he had not expected an Empress to grace his presence. He lived simply, but had everything he needed at his disposal. Her lips touched his, and he forgot the den entirely. He wrapped his paws about her in a hug, drawing her further into the kiss. When he came up for air he whispered. “I like the sound of this.” his lean muscles put to work as he pushed her suggestively onto the bedding. "Speech"|"Ademic"

He was bright and sweet, but most of all there was no judgement in his eyes. No long history or future to worry about. Just the two of them with each other for company. He made her feel alive and she welcomed the feeling of attraction. Deathbelle wasn’t through with him yet and his returned kiss on her nose proved he felt the same. Fire burned between them. She needed an outlet and Lament was a willing victim of her desires.

Their lips met as they slowed outside his den, and Lament was quick to close the distance between them as his passionate kiss left her dizzy. She grinned through her kiss and closed her eyes blissfully as he offered no resistance. She chuckled lightly as he answered her and he guided her towards the comfortable if not sparse den. Deathbelle felt him hint at taking control of her and she welcomed him. What was more thrilling to an Empress than finding someone to submit to?

Carefully she followed his movements and settled down in the cozy den, her heart beating fast in her chest. Ivory tail flicked lightly at her hips in anticipation as she welcomed him back into her embrace. This time she lay on her back, exposing the white fur of her underside and the soft pink skin of her belly.

Lament Pyre He did not know what haunted her dreams, and what had chased her here. He would burn away what unhappiness he could with love, and fire. Holding her in the warmth of his eyes. The allure of her was stark to the soldier. The cleverness in her eyes and the few words they had spoken captured him. He still did not know if she was truly an Empress, but her bearing held a regalty he could not deny. It would be beyond foolishness to fall for this Lilac-eyed Empress. Pure foolishness. He crawled teasingly onto her stomach as she lay upon his furs. He laughed easy and agreeable at her open invitation for him. As he crawled slowly up her body, he kissed her stomach, kneaded a paw into tender muscles, massaging and embracing every inch of her body until he found his way back to her slender muzzle. Kissing this, too, as he propped himself up his paws on either side of her. “Hello, there” he whispered, eyes dancing as he took her in. “Have I told you today that you are the most beautiful wolf on this entire Island?” he teased. "Speech"|"Ademic"

Lament was careful as he descended upon her and accepted her open invitation. His attention to every inch of her easily brought sounds of pleasure from her dark lips and she lay back to allow him access to every bit. His sweet laugh of eager amusement caused her to grin as she shifted her head slightly to look at him. Her delicate paws were pulled up to her chest and she relaxed in a position of utter trust with the man. His paws were deft and knowing as he massaged and touched in every perfect place.

This morning was much more controlled, so much less raw than their love the previous night. Deathbelle adored the change of pace, as her soft moans would make obvious. Lament didn’t take long to find her sweet lips and she returned his passionate kiss as she lay content beneath him. He found her gaze then, greeting her as if he hadn’t been familiarizing himself with her body. She grinned as her lilac gaze found his bright silver eyes as he presented her with another sweet compliment, though it had to be more teasing than anything. She chuckled lightly as she reached up to gently touch her nose to his own.

”No, I haven’t heard that today.” A smile played softly on her lips. ”There isn’t much competition around here though.” Belle aimed to lick his muzzle teasingly. ”There was one vagabond soldier…” She trailed off as she raised her arms to wrap them around his neck and pull him closer to her.

He used the soft sounds of encouragement as his guide, as he worked his way upwards. Finding his way to her lips again. Even as he kissed her, his paws gently massaged her soft underbelly. He knew that today would be one where they took things slow. Explored, and learned from each other. The previous day had been flames, burning hot and bright, and quick. Today smoldered, kindled, and simmered. He loved every moment of it.

His expression was naked for her eyes, his grin and dancing eyes easy to read. The intimacy of emotion freely shared with his love. She pressed her cool dark nose to his, and he side soft, leaning into the touch.

He laughed softly again when she acknowledged his teasing. “Alright, the most beautiful Empress I have ever met” he continued, teasing her with the compliments as much as he was with his soft, sure movements across her body with his paws. “And a Vagabond warrior has nothing on this Empress”

Deathbelle found her mind divided but still focusing on the man she held close. Her eyes, her lips and speech focused on his words, on his dancing eyes and his tantalizing lips. This was a much slower burn, a gentle whisper on hot coals as they slowly rekindled the fire between them. There wouldn’t need to be much effort, she could feel the burn of passion in her stomach as the rest of her attention was on the way his toes and paw brushed against her flesh and massaged her body. His suggestive motions teased and distracted her, causing her breath to hitch as he laughed lightly in answer.

”Promise?” She teased back, knowing full well she was the only wolf in Boreas to hold that title. For now. She couldn’t think about what Venom would think when the message arrived to her. Thoughts of home were drowned out as Lament touched a more sensitive place on her belly and she gasped lightly in surprise, her lips parted as lilac eyes were captured in his gaze. Her skin burned as she reveled in this slow deliberate teasing.

She pressed herself closer to him, the feel of the space between their bodies creating electricity. ”What will you do with the most beautiful Empress on the island?” She teased him darkly, her lips aiming to kiss him again. She couldn’t stop herself, she desired him with reckless abandon.

“Promise.” he agreed easily, eyes flashing at her soft sound of pleasure. He concentrated his efforts on that area, searching for another such delightful sound to leave her lips. He let her lips fall onto his again, and he welcomed the passion, cupping a paw around her, holding her close.

“I’ll show you, shall I?” he whispered, and would proceed to do exactly that, teasing her a little more, and moving on to the act with slow, gentle grace, gaining in speed as he did so, but still taking it slow. Enjoying her, pleasing her. His efforts wholly centered on capturing her mind and chasing away whatever thoughts occasionally put the small, sad, lines of worry between her brows.

- fade -

Her smile widened as he promised her, but her mind was quickly losing its logic. Lament’s concentration didn’t go unnoticed as she squirmed and moaned beneath him. The fire seemed to reignite quickly, the pair of them feeling every strand of electricity as it built between their bodies. Friction grew and he told her that he’d show her exactly what he would do without any hesitation. She grinned and bright eyes flashed beneath her lidded gaze as she accepted every well placed touch. Deathbelle eagerly gave herself up to him again, wanting nothing more than to clear her mind of all else. To reset and unwind, to feel like she was really loved.

Lament had no trouble doing just that, Belle’s eyes rolled back in bliss. She couldn’t focus on anything but the man above her as he pleased her so well. Like he’d known her for years instead of the night they’d had together. The Empress clung to him desperately, ”Lament..” She breathed his name as he joined with her. He consumed her and her world and she held no complaint.

-fade-

Though beyond satisfied and more sore than she anticipated, Deathbelle felt herself grow restless instead of tired when she’d finally caught her breath. Still holding tightly to Lament as she heaved a content sigh and kissed his cheek. ”Be careful, my Vagabond. I might start falling in love with you.” She warned as she pressed herself closer to him and held on tight as if to prove her point. Her body still tingling and her heart dancing as she cuddled the fire marked warrior and wondered in awe ta their time together.

He lay on the thin bedding, holding tightly to the woman beside him. Her own grip on him could not be ignored, and no matter the temperature outside, no cold seemed able to find them here. The warmth of their exercise and bodies kept them comfortable. The athletic warrior had, however, neglected much of his other type of exercise in favour of pleasing the Empress.

Her words surprised him, the type of love he gave freely was open, inviting, and for any he wished to share it with. He had no doubt that the love she spoke of was more restricting, but perhaps also stronger, more intense. He ran a paw down her lip, considering her for a moment. “Do you know aught of the Ademre?” he asked her. In his mind's eye, he saw the sword tree, dancing in the wind. He couldn’t not remember exactly where home was, or who he had shared it with, but somehow the cultures of his people had stayed with him,

He held just as tightly to her, unwilling to let her forget how well he loved her. Deathbelle lay in bliss, the small den was warm and cozy. As long as he held her there was nothing that could draw her from this paradise. She had none of her usual royal comforts, but she was happier in this place than she had been for a long time. Care-free was a good look on the Klein goddess.

Lament didn’t say anything to her words, but he didn’t hide the surprise in his features as he trailed his gentle toes over her dark lips. Her vibrant violet gaze met his tarnished silver eyes as he returned to her with a question. She felt an odd thrill go down her spine at his words, but couldn’t truthfully say she knew what he was talking about. She shook her head softly. ”No, Lament.” She told him truthfully, her ivory tail curled around his hip, their bodies still comfortably entangled. Her heart beat excitedly in her chest as her focus lingered on his beautiful eyes.

He did not expect her to know, he suspected his people were not far reaching in this place. “I am of the Ademre, and my culture is different from yours. We consider sex to be a delightful excercise and need of the bodies. Love, such as what you speak of, is something else entirely.” He began to slowly explain it to her. With his words came his own remembrance. He could not fall faces, but he could recall the terrain of home.

As he spoke, he let his continue to burn a soft path across Death’s muzzle and face. “Are you saying you want more sex, my Empress, or to keep me for yourself?” he asked for clarification at her warning.

She listened quietly as he held her and spoke about the wolf he was outside of the den and their little sphere of love where nothing mattered but the soft sighs between them. Deathbelle learned why he’d played her with such talent, but also why he had offered himself to her so easily. How many other women, or men, had he said the same thing to? How many had she? Deathbelle grew quiet for a moment, her mismatched ears lowering to her skull thoughtfully.

He was upfront in his beliefs as well as his need for clarification. Deathbelle buried her features into his dark flame kissed neck. ”Yes.” She answered, knowing she wasn’t through with his love making yet and unresigned to how long she wished to keep him. If she weren’t an Empress.. What she wanted and what she needed to do were as always two very different things. She wanted to forget about what she left behind, she had a glimpse of some bright and happy future.

”I’m afraid to want all of you.” Belle confessed to him shyly. ”Something always happens. I always lose…” She sobbed softly, realizing she couldn’t just forget the past. Couldn’t let go of those moments leading up to this. To them. But the uncertainty of the future scared her. She’d loved and lost so many times. Her heart ached.

He chuckled softly, the resulting motion causing his paw to skatter a little further along her cheek. Her answer encompassed both things that he had asked, that she was his body and his heart. It seemed the Empress was greedy to possess him.

When she spoke next about being afraid to want him, her composure broke. She began to sob, and he pulled her head down to rest on his chest, leaning his chin over her. “Shh, I’ve got you” he whispered softly, holding her close.

“If you will have me, my Empress, I would be honoured for the chance to court you. he promised her.

She knew the feelings growing inside of her were only from the intimate moments shared together, but the way he took care of her made her heart flutter. There didn’t seem anything else in the world that could rock him, and for a moment Deathbelle was able to feel stable. Like she’d come aground from years at sea and she was struggling to find her paws. The Empress sobbed quietly and he pulled her more tightly to him. She didn’t resist and melted against his dark form.

Too many times had she loved and lost, each one of her lovers taking a piece of her heart with them. She would never be whole, but perhaps Lament really would be content in loving what was left. Belle wasn’t sure what she would do if something happened to him, not after this. Not after his sweet words and protective affection. She struggled between the desire to protect herself and her desire to open up and let Lament have what was left.

”I think I’d like that.” She whispered as she tried to push those old emotions aside. She wasn’t ready to face them again. Maybe tomorrow. Or maybe when she got tired of loving Lament. As he held her the woman knew that would be a long long while. ”Don’t break my heart, Lament.” She told him bluntly, the woman couldn’t take another heartbreak.

“I’ll treat it with all the care I'm able” he promised her softly. He was a lost warrior, wandering through the world with no drive. This tempress had brushed through his life like a hurricane, but he did not regret it for even a moment. She was a powerful woman, who deserved to be wooed, and treasured.

It hurt to see her wounds, but he was treasured she felt comfortable enough to show them. Her tears and her words spoke of a desire for a balm to her wounds. “Will you tell me about yourself, my Temptress? Of your life, your world?”

Her heart beat heavily in her chest as she let him hold her tight, she could feel his love and adoration in the warmth of him. In the way he held her close. She curled more tightly against him, never wanting him to let her go. He promised to care for the heart she offered him and it was enough to pull a smile to her lips as he asked about her life. Who this woman was that was falling for him so quickly.

”I don’t know if I’m ready to visit home,” even in her mind. She buried her features deeper into the fur of his neck, unable to tease him about calling her a temptress. ”My life is no quick story. I’ve loved and lost, I’m a mother, auntie, dear friend..” Belle sighed softly and wrapped her arms around him as best she could as she pressed herself against him again. Her heart ached in her chest. ”I was a wife.” Archon’s death still stung the worst.

He kept a paw gently about her, offering her silent support as he listened to him. She was not prepared to revisit her home, her past. What he asked, she could not yet give him. Still, her words told him much. She meant much to many people. Yet here she would have been alone, if he had not found her. What had driven her here, to this? He wanted to know every part of her. Her body, heart, and soul. But he could do things slow, work his way slowly upwards. Like making love, but over days to months, a slow and steady build of trust instead of climax.

“Then I am sorry for that which you’ve lost, and thank you for sharing what you can” he kissed her gently, but on the cheek this time. As a compassionate friend.