Absolution

Everything slid back into place between them. Their affections were given to one another freely. Since they were on Deathbelle's home base, Io imagined that she might be a bit more reserved, lest their affair be discovered. If the speckled woman didn't care though, then neither did she. Iolaire was never ashamed of the things that she did. Well... Most of the time.

"More than just a little healer, indeed. I feel like some strange sideshow attraction as of late." With more and more wolves coming to see who she was and what she was about, Io was beginning to think about charging admission. One herb or shiny thing to catch a glimpse of the elusive Ashen Ambassador. Pfft.

As Belle pulled her closer, Iolaire practically sank into her lover's body. They could get as close as she liked. The small woman didn't mind one bit. Deathbelle informed her that she could tell Hannibal no and Io snorted aloud. "Of course I can." If he had been anyone other than family to Belle, she probably wouldn't have. She hadn't been with a man in quite some time and, frankly, she missed it. When Belle spoke about Hannibal being in trouble after the volcano, she sensed the irritation in the statement. And was that jealousy that she heard? Both dark ears flicked forward. "Ever think of settling down with him or is he too loose to trust?" Yep, she came right out and said it. No use in beating around the bush. It would do them both good to see where the woman's future intentions lay.