Iroh wasn’t sure exactly how to feel after the raid had ended. He felt accomplished for crushing both of his opponents, but humiliated at being defeated as a whole. What was more than that he hadn’t seen Banshee. He hadn’t seen her in a very long time. Iroh’s thoughts were often on the Warrioress and how dedicated she was to the Armada. He wished her well, as he wondered if he’d ever see her again.

With a heavy heart he wandered away from Aerie’s lands, he didn’t really want to be bothered by his family. The young man let Sarabi guide him as he carried some supplies for a little tea ceremony out in the wilderness. Out in the country that was not claimed or harnessed by wolves. somewhere quiet and dark.

It was night when he and the mandrill arrived at the grove, the full moon rose high in the sky when the mountain of a wolf loped into the berry meadow. Carefully he dug up the grass and arranged it around a bare patch to start a fire. Sarabi helped him carefully and with her dexterous paws flame sparked to life before the sun was completely set. Iroh placed his teapot close to the flame so it might begin to warm. The night was young, the crickets and frogs chirped their excitement as the stars flared to life in the sky.

Iroh made himself comfortable, in no hurry for the heat to be drawn into the water. This was his night to relax.

She hadn't actually been this far south much since she came back to Boreas, but pale, wandering paws led her wherever they pleased these days. She'd been across most of the eastern part of Boreas, even made a quick stint through the west and up through the north... but crossing the land bridge that led to the southern continent wasn't something she had done since the one time she had run into her sister here. She came this way mostly hoping she might be able to have a nice, long stretch of land to explore without running into pack borders or some sort of other obstacle that would prevent her progress. Again and again she found herself finding ways around pack borders and it had gotten a bit tiresome after a while. Now she just hoped that this adventure wouldn't lead her to being alone for the majority of the trip. Adventuring was only really fun if she got to run into wolves in the process. As she crossed into the grove where she had last seen her sister, she saw the glow of a fire up ahead. It had gotten pretty late so the light was easy to spot in the low light of sunset. She was drawn to it by her curiosity like a moth and soon found the fire she had spotted with a wolf and a primate sitting around it. With how dark the man's fur was she might have missed him in the darkness entirely if it hadn't been for the fire's glow. "Hello there," she greeted with a smile as she walked up to the pair, her tail swaying gently behind her with each step. She'd turn and leave if they weren't receptive to a bit of company, but she felt like this was the perfect opportunity to start out her trip into Auster with an intriguing stranger and his companion. It gave her a bit of hope that your tour of sorts wouldn't be as boring as she feared. She stopped a few feet from their fire once she could easily feel it's warmth. It was actually nice to have the extra heat source since Auster seemed to be cooling down while Boreas was heating up - especially now that the sun had set. "Do you mind if I join you?" she asked as she settled down onto her haunches, beginning to make herself at home before he could answer. "Talk" "You" Think

The peace of the night was interrupted by the sounds of pawsteps through the grass. Iroh looked up as her red features peeked through the grasses and she was drawn to his fire. Her voice was sweet as she greeted him, obviously comfortable in his presence already. Her confidence said much for her and the young man felt his interest piqued. Iroh nodded his head lightly, ”Good evening.” His deep voice returned as she stopped nearby the fire. It was a welcome relief in the chill of the night.

she asked to join him but seemed to make herself comfortable before a decision was come to. He shrugged lightly, the more the merrier. ”If you don’t mind tasting some of my tea.” He bargained lightly as Sarabi revealed the two bowls to pour the liquid into. By now the water was nearing hot enough and he’d have the mandrill make the addition of the leaves. ”I’m Iroh Abraxas,” he told her lightly, unashamed of his name though it seemed years since it renewed its vow to strike fear into the heart of Boreas. Iroh meant the woman no harm. ”What’s a pretty wolf like you gracing me with their presence?” He asked as he took the pot from the heat and started the little ceremony he performed with Sarabi to brew the leaves.

She quite liked the polite formality of the man’s responses. He held himself with a quiet confidence which was a different experience for her compared to some of the other men she had spoken to who either weren’t able to speak well enough to respond to her flirtatious nature or some that fed into her more sexual side with flirting of their own. She wasn’t sure if she had a preference between the options, but she did know that it was a new one for her so she was pleased either way. She was also happy to see that her presence was easily agreed to so she went ahead and finished settling in next to the crackling fire. She sank down onto her stomach before shifting a bit to stretch out on her side, propping herself up on one elbow so she could still socialize and see what was going on easily. "I don’t think I’ve ever tried tea before, but I’d be happy to,” she replied with an easy smile, letting her front paws cross neatly over each other in front of her. She was pretty happy to try anything as long as she got to continue lingering here with this handsome man. "I’m Elise Adravendi... a pleasure to meet you, Iroh.” she replied in turn when he introduced himself. She admittedly didn’t know many families beyond her own. Perhaps if she had spent more time in Boreas in her first few years then she might be more familiar, but she also couldn’t really bring herself care. She was sure her father would have known - the politics of things were much more his speed... But he had also been gone quite a while now. His compliment didn’t go unnoticed and a small grin pulled across her lips. "Well, I was growing bored of wandering around Boreas so I decided to come give Auster a try. You just happened to be the first thing of interest I found since I got here.” She had truly found him by happenstance, but she was still pleased with her find all the same. Her sapphire gaze lingered on the teapot he and his primate friend seemed to be working with for a moment, curious to see how this “tea” he spoke of was made. "Talk" "You" Think

Iroh was surprised at how easily she made herself comfortable, slightly exposing the soft fur of her belly as she rolled back onto her elbow. She certainly didn’t seem built like a warrior, with the soft curves of her hips that he found himself unable to ignore or the lack of nicks and trivial scars on the exposed skin near mouth and nose. He managed not to stare too blatantly as blue and lavender eyes returned to his work with the tea and pot. He now had a name to go with a pretty face, and found himself trying not to grin as his name fell from her lips.

Her own surname was somewhat familiar but he couldn’t place anything in particular as Sarabi snapped her fingers at him and demanded his full attention. She made a few symbols with her hands and took his right paw before making the same symbols on his fur. Then carefully the pair added the chosen blend to each cup for the evening’s tea. It would be very jasmine forward, maybe not quite the tea for miss Elise but he hadn’t planned on a guest. ”This is one of my favorites, it’s Sarabi’s jasmine tea.” Iroh gestured lightly to the mandrill as he half introduced her.

”It’s a pleasure, Miss Elise.” He gave her a quick nod as the scent of the tea filled the air with its mixed notes Iroh breathed in deep as Sarabi added the heated water. He withheld the bowls of brewing tea for now, the wait would be worth it though and he could again turn his full attention to his new friend. ”So fate brought us together tonight.” He offered with raised brows before carefully sliding the second bowl of tea closer to her. With his nose close to the ground and pushing lightly his bright gaze looked up to meet hers, and he lingered maybe a little too long before returning to his own bowl.

Iroh lapped at the hot liquid after blowing lightly on the surface to cool it before enjoyment. He was excited for his tea, but even more so to see her reaction.

If it hadn't been for her admiring the unique coloring of his eyes she might have missed how they drifted down her form once she stretched out onto her side. It made a knowing smirk cross her lips and she was very tempted to call him out on it, but before she had the chance his companion snapped to pull his attention back toward the task at hand and it made Elise chuckle softly under her breath. She loved nothing more than to be admired and appreciated, even if it was just on a surface, physical level. She'd never stop someone's wandering eyes if they were so inclined. Her blue eyes drifted to watch the seemingly very particular ceremony that went along with making the tea that the primate was making - who she soon learned was named Sarabi. When Sarabi spoke to her, Elise offered the Mandrill a polite nod and a smile in return. She had no idea what jasmine tasted like, but she was certainly curious to find out now that she had seen everything that went into making it. It was incredibly fragrant if nothing else and she eyed the teapot with intrigue. It was a very aromatic, floral scent - very different form anything she had experienced before. She watched as it was poured into bowls for them before her gaze flicked up to Iroh's when he spoke. It pulled another grin to her lips as she answered, "Yes, I suppose it did." She had never really thought much about fate or how things tended to happen for a reason, instead just letting herself flow in whatever direction her desires took her, but she was happy to agree that they had stumbled upon each other in one way or another. When he nudged the bowl toward her till it was within reach, her clear blue gaze settling on the mixed hues of his blue and lavender gaze as well. "Thank you," she told him with a smirk, her gaze sparkling with an unspoken, daring invitation to linger in her personal space as long as he wished. There was something about the ceremony of it all and the way that he behaved far older than his years that made her intrigued by him. She was just as unabashed in watching him as he seemed to be with her and she watched him curiously as he blew on the surface of his tea before taking a drink of it. Elise followed his lead, letting her gaze dip down to the tea and blowing across the steaming liquid several times before lapping up a mouthful of the drink as well. Her head tipped to the side as she considered the unusual taste. The only way she knew how to describe the taste was the same way she would have described the scent - very herbal and floral, but not in an unpleasant way. She hummed softly and took a few more drinks before she glanced up at Iroh and Sarabi with a soft smile. "It's very good. Thank you for sharing with me." "Talk" "You" Think

Maybe Iroh was emboldened by her obvious interest in the ceremony performed that he kept catching his eyes wandering up to her form. Had his fur been lighter she might have seen the blush over his skin. He returned her grin as they spoke of fate and the forces that brought them together this night. Iroh grew up with a belief in the supernatural and gods, but when it came to his everyday life and the coincidences within he wasn’t sure. There had to be some kind of driving forth though, right?

Iroh’s mind didn’t delve too deeply into the unknown, his focus wasn’t easily divided. Tea, and how alluring his guest was. Elise really was a beautiful woman, she was so much different than Banshee. The thought of her brought a sharp pain to his heart. He was losing hope of seeing her again, or if he did, her wanting to see him again. So much time had passed since they’d met up, he was wondering now if she wanted him in her life like he’d thought. Even she was mentally shaken from his mind. He was here with Elise for a reason, he’d enjoy the present and present company.

”You’re welcome.” He grinned up at her as he presented her tea, but didn’t linger near as long as he wanted to. Iroh was a rather proper gentleman despite his warrior ways. He could identify his attraction to her, but it was only skin deep. She was beautiful and she appreciated his tea. Iroh smiled and bright blue and lavender eyes flashed as she offered her approval. ”I’m glad you like it,” he bowed his head slightly. Oddly humble for his lineage. ”It’s a pleasure to share with you.” Iroh told her as his features lifted and he aimed to find her gaze once more.

”What do you think you’ll find in Auster?” He asked her then, making an attempt at polite conversation as he tried to keep himself from staring. Sarabi had already picked up on his inabilities and tried to ignore him as she sipped from her own small mug. She eyed the two young wolves quietly as she guaged the electricity between them.

Even though she had very much given in to the fun and excitement of being a flirtatious tease for the better part of this last year, the manners and etiquette that her father had taught her still wove itself into her behavior - some times showing up more than others. She calmly drank her tea in small laps and mouth fulls. It certainly wasn't a taste that she could imagine drinking a lot of at a time the way she might drink fresh water from a steam, but it was still pleasant and calming in its own particular way. Occasionally she would steal glances toward him and her eyes would meet his unabashedly each time. Perhaps if she was truly following her father's decorum and politeness she wouldn't be as brash as she was, but there had to be some places in her life that she was allowed to bend the rules in... Although, if she was being honest, she felt like she often bent the rules more than she followed them. To his question of what she hoped to find here, she hummed thoughtfully and let her head tip gently to the side. The light from the fire caught the pale fur of her cheek as it cast a warm light over her features - some of the smoother hairs glistening softly in the low light. "Perhaps some swashbuckling pirates or some daring heroes," he told him, her sapphire eyes glistening with a bit of humor. "If I'm lucky I'll find a dancing bear and a singing fish too, but I'm not holding out hope." All a fanciful native at best of course, but it was enough to make her grin at her own joke. "Or, you know, maybe just a handsome man to share a bit of tea with. That's just as good in my opinion." Her front paws shifted, changing from her right paw laying across her left to the other way around as she smirked at the dark and attractive stranger to see what he would say in return. That was half of the fun of this playful banter, wasn't it? Getting to see how others reacted and how they might reply in response. "Talk" "You" Think

The young Abraxas didn’t feel very confident in his ability to flirt, he and Banshee had just kind of fallen into each other. This woman seemed so much different than the fanged warrior. The young man didn’t miss the not so subtle glances she offered, her long lashes blinking over beautiful blue eyes. He’d seen Pyrrhic and his own mate and children, and he knew what was expected of him as an Abraxas. The sudden thoughts of a future together made him blush beneath his dark fur and he put the foolish idea aside. She was just looking at him. Surely.

Iroh looked to Sarabi who was politely sipping her tea and blatantly ignoring both of them. She was impressed Iroh had been learning from Benkos when it came to speaking to women but how much could he do on his own? The mandrill gave the young man a little look before turning over her mug, offering both wolves a quick bow, and made her retreat to the canopy above.

He looked back up to the beauty before him, her fur catching the light and making her sparkle in his presence. Iroh tried to keep his expression showing the interest he had in her every word, instead of taken off guard. He was amused by her answer, but the follow up might have made him choke on his tea. So he wasn’t immune to this feeling between them? They were alone now, the thought made him shift lightly in his place.

”Just as good as a dancing bear?” He asked for clarification as he found his senses once more. His features returned to their more natural place in an almost serious manner as he lifted blue and lavender gaze back up to hers. Iroh felt a sudden surge of daring intrigue as he asked, ”and after you’ve finished your tea?”

Elise glanced toward Sarabi when she turned to leave, giving his companion a small nod of her head in return, and let her eyes settle back on Iroh how that they were alone. Having the primate around certainly hadn't inhibited her at all when it came to her flirtatious nature, but she did feel like perhaps she would have the freedom to be a little more direct if the conversation led them that way. She quite liked Iroh so far and as long as he kept showing interest in her in return then she was more than happy to keep giving that back to him. It was all a fun game of banter and testing to see how far she could go. He was incredibly handsome, but his more reserved and proper nature was what really kept her attention. It felt like more of a challenge to fit her usual teasing into this tone of conversation. It was a puzzle and she loved it. The slightest touch of a sly grin pulled at her lips as she watched him listen to her answer and noticed how he reacted to her not so subtle compliment in comparing his presence to all of these fantastical things. She finally seemed to rock him a bit, but he recovered quickly and she appreciated that. "Even better than a dancing bear, I'd say," she replied to his clarification with a small smirk before dipping her head to take a few more small sips of the tea in front of her. There wasn't too much of it left at this point and she was pretty sure she'd finish the bowl of it, though if she was being honest then it was far less interesting in this current moment. When he asked about what she might do once the tea was finished, she lifted her eyes from the bowl of warm liquid in front of her and let her gaze settle on his intriguing eyes once again. They really were the most beautiful mix of colors she had ever seen and they stood out so perfectly from his dark fur. She chuckled softly and lifted her head to look at him fully again, her head tipping slightly to the side as a small grin tugged at her lips. Keeping a knowing grin or amused smirk away from her expression seemed to be impossible - especially when she was so entertained by her current company. Elise studied him for a moment and wondered how far this moment of being more daring would get him. "Well, I think that's something you'll have to decide," she told him, her sapphire eyes challenging him. "I'd be happy to linger with you if you'd like and see if maybe there's something a bit more entertaining than tea to be had here... or I can keep moving and start looking for that dancing bear. Up to you." "Talk" "You" Think

Iroh was a patient man and he was wise beyond his years, but this encounter wasn’t much like anything he’d been through before. He tried not to get frustrated with himself for not keeping a quicker wit, or how restless he felt. Iroh remained still though, he tried to look relax as he lounged with her by the light of the dying fire. Her pretty features were clear to see in the low light and the way her bright eyes caught the flame made his heart skip a beat.

He could see her amusement as she answered him and dipped her head to finish the tea he spoke of. His gaze was more bold now, and his eyes didn’t much leave her as the darkness fell over them. Iroh was met with clear blue water eyes as she considered her question. The way she tilted her head and kept his attention so easily both thrilled and worried him. He wanted more of her though, there was something he couldn’t deny. She was charming, beautiful, and she’d enjoyed his tea. He’d be lying to deny his attraction.

Elise was suggestive in her return, she had little control on how their story played out, Iroh would be the one to decide. The thought excited him, but he remained stoic besides the half grin that played on his dark features. ”I’m not sure there’s much that is more riveting than tea..” Iroh teased, his heart beating like rapid fire in his chest as he made himself speak without thinking. ”Except getting to know you better, Elise.” His grin flashed as blue and lavender eyes danced down the curve of her body unabashedly.

”Unless you have a better idea?” As he spoke the Aerie warrior lifted himself to his paws, surprised his voice hadn’t stuttered. He held himself with a heavy confidence, but inwardly his limbs were shaking and he could barely move. Taking on the Armada two to one and been easier than crossing those few steps to close the distance between them. He grinned down at her softly as he sought silent permission before aiming to brush his nose against her cheek with a light affection as he pressed back against her boundaries.

She quirked an eye brow at the man when he began to tell her that there was nothing more riveting than tea, but an amused, pleased grin pulled back onto her features when he clarified that getting to know her better would top it. Good, they were on the same page then. She adored the way his eyes wandered down her body and she shifted her form a bit under his wandering gaze, letting that same glow of the fire dance along the curves of her side as well. It wasn't difficult to get on her good side. All you needed to do was appreciate her and show her that you thought she was pretty and witty. As long as you did those things then she had no problem showing off and letting him enjoy her and Iroh had done a good job at doing those things thus far. She gave him a curious glance when he got to his paws and began to pad closer, easily closing the distance between them. Elise let him come into her personal space more than willingly and as she looked up at him with a small smirk playing on her lips she admired how much more lovely his eyes were up close. The fire cast shadows across his handsome features in the low light of the evening, but his eyes with their mixed hues of blue and lavender really stole the show. "Nothing is coming to mind," she replied softly, the quiet breathiness to her voice giving away how her heart was fluttering with excitement in her chest. What little boundaries she had easily fell away for him as he leaned closer. His eyes escaped her view and then she felt his nose press to her cheek. Elise leaned into the touch and brushed her nose against his cheek as well before leaning up a bit toward him so that she could brush her cheek against his as well. Her muzzle tipped up toward his ear and she placed a small, playful lick across it before she pulled back again, her sapphire eyes burning with a certain desire and amusement. This was what she lived for - reeling others into her and letting them reel her in right back. The back and forth, the flirting, the banter was all part of the game. If she did it right then they both got to enjoy her favorite prize at the end. Iroh made her feel even more daring than usual, though she wasn't sure why. She didn't question it, instead leaning into that feeling and letting herself fall into this spark between them. Elise rolled herself onto her back so that her view became his face framed by the star filled sky above them and it made this handsome man even more breath taking. His fur blended in with the darkness of the sky, but his eyes stood out like stars. She stretched out her form comfortably on the grass and grinned up at him with a playful expectation and a silent invitation for him to enjoy her to his hearts content, daring his eyes to drift over her again. "Now I guess the only question is... how well do you want to get to know me, Iroh?" "Talk" "You" Think

Her breathy words excited him more than he ever expected, the fluttering sound of it echoing that of his heart as they touched for the first time. Iroh held his breath lest he lose it. Dark lips pulled back into a grin as she accepted and returned his affection. The world around them disappeared and narrowed in on the radius of the fire’s light. He closed his eyes and enjoyed her touch, but they sprang open as her tongue caressed the soft fur of his ear suggestively. If there was any doubt where she was willing to let him go any and all if it was gone now. Iroh tried to slow his heart rate and the pulsing of electricity that raced over his skin.

She pulled away to catch his gaze, her alluring smile bringing a grin over his features as she rolled back to give him access to her pale ivory belly. She looked up to him and Iroh was transfixed by her bright eyes and the curve of her smile. He was pretty sure his heart was going to beat out of his chest, but there were also other parts of him needing attention. Elise silently invited him closer with her inviting expression and offhand comment. Iroh’s pearly teeth flashed in the firelight as his eyes did the same. They trailed up her body, examining every curve as he shifted his huge form around her so he didn’t block the firelight from her fur.

”I want to know all of you, Elise.” He told her as he brought his lips close to hers, placing on black paw on either side of her shoulders as he stood over her. Iroh breathed her in, catching her gaze one more time before closing his eyes and pressing his lips to hers. Tasting her and letting himself be overwhelmed by her beauty and allure, her invitation was clear and the dark man accepted eagerly.

She wasn’t entirely new to letting wolves go this far with her, but she was certainly more well versed in everything that led up to this than she was the act itself. While only being this way with whoever became your mate wasn’t something she was really taught growing up, her parents had taught her a certain responsibility and respect when it came to herself and their family. There was something so delightfully risqué and taboo about giving all of herself to someone she had just met. She knew little about him other than his name and his affinity for tea, but he was incredibly handsome and had a mysterious air about him that drew her in. For a woman like her that was craving affection and attention that was about as much reason as she needed to give in to the temptation he provided. She could practically feel his intriguing eyes roaming over her body and exposed belly and it sent little expectant tingles dancing across her skin. His suggestive words told her everything she needed to know about what he wanted even before he moved to stand over her prone form. Her heart beat faster with her excitement and desire and the ever so slight twinge of nervousness that she always felt when she was with someone new. Her eyes met the swirled colors of his own, feeling completely entranced by him in this moment and she let herself get lost in him. When his lips met with hers she let her eyes close as well and her front paws came up to rest on his chest, letting that touch confirm to her that he was actually real. Half of her expected to wake up in the middle of the Wildberry Grove tomorrow with no trace or sign of him to be found and just to find out that this had all been a very pleasant dream. Her lips lingered on his for as long as she was allowed to do so and when their lips did finally part her eyes fluttered open to look up at him again with a slight grin pulling at her lips. Without another word she slipped her pale paws up around the back of his neck to pull him down to her for another kiss, this one even deeper and more insistent than the last. She lost herself in Iroh and decided the rest of the world around them could be damned. As far as she was concerned nothing existed outside of the slowly fading glow of the fire and the thrilling feeling of his body resting on hers. -fade?- "Talk" "You" Think

Iroh hadn’t been with a woman before, he’d gotten far with Banshee but they’d never… The thought of the fanged warrior was as far from his mind as could be as Elise consumed him. The thrill of it all sent traces of adrenaline through his veins and his heart beat impossibly fast in his chest. Sleeping with a stranger upon their first meeting wasn’t the young man’s style, but he felt the pain of missing Banshee and his own loneliness too keenly. The red marked woman was sweet and witty, she had his attention and he’d give her his heart for the night. Surely there could be no lasting harm in enjoying her company.

Elise was an alluring temptress that he was unable to escape, he didn’t want to. Iroh wanted to know every perfect inch of her that night. Maybe the morning sun would never come, and it would be only the pair of them in the firelight for eternity. He enjoyed holding her gaze as much as the anticipation of holding her. He pressed himself lightly upon her as she put her paws to his chest. He took in another drink of her bright eyes before their lips met and she pulled him down over top of her.

She was kissing him back now and everything was gone but her. The warmth of her against his stomach, the taste of her lips on his tongue. Iroh wrapped his arms around her as he pushed between her spotted legs and rid them of any distance left between their bodies. A playful grin pulled at his dark features as he focused on her passionate kiss and lost himself inside the bliss of her.

-fade-

After their dream-like night of spontaneous debauchery, Elise fully expected to open her eyes the next morning and find him gone or even to find that he had never existed in the first place. That would have been okay with her if that had been the case. She would still have the pleasant memories and they felt real enough in her mind whether they were actually real or not. They had lost themselves in each other for the rest of the evening and at some point had drifted off to sleep in a pleasant, hazy fog that lingered when they were done. It had been the best possible scenario for a chance meeting with a handsome stranger that she could possibly think of and it made her exceedingly happy that she happened to wander into the Wildberry Grove the night before. The morning sun pulled her from her sleep and she blinked open her sapphire eyes, squinting a bit as she adjusted to the change in light. She was a bit reluctant to actually get up since she didn't really care for mornings in general, but the smell of the fire and she subtle scent that she now associated with the tea she had been served the night before made her reconsider going back to sleep. Grogily, she lifted her head and saw that the tall, dark, and handsome man from her memories was indeed real and it seemed there would be more tea to be had. A smile pulled across her lips as she looked at him with half-opened, sleep heavy eyes. "Well, you weren't just a pleasant dream after all," she commented with a soft chuckle. Elise pulled herself first onto her stomach and then onto her paws to give her fur a quick shake before settling back onto her haunches. Her eyes trailed over him and a small smirk crossed her muzzle. Yep, still just as handsome in the morning light. If anything he was actually more interesting and handsome now that she had enough light to see his subtle and delicate markings. They weren't nearly as ostentatious as hers, but she kind of liked that about them. "I'm glad you're still here," she mentioned in a rare bit of sincerity, her eyes shifting away from him to watch the teapot curiously just so she wouldn't have to actually face him to see how he might react to such a statement. She didn't want him to think too deeply about it, but at the same time she did mean it. She liked his presence a lot and the night before had been one of the best she'd had in a very long time. "Talk" "You" Think

Dream like was correct, Iroh felt like he fumbled awkwardly over her graceful form but it hadn’t taken long to find a rhythm. The both of them let go completely and that fact was obvious in the way that the pair had enjoyed each other completely. Smiles, giggles, sweet nothings as the two of them became one and spent the night in each other’s arms. Iroh wasn’t sure he could remember a better night in his life. Banshee was becoming a dull ache as Elise took over his mind and body, and Iroh didn’t stop her.

He wasn’t sure when sleep took him, but as dawn crept towards the horizon the massive Abraxas man blinked open his eyes slowly. His body sore in places he hadn’t expected but better than that he still held the beautiful Elise in his arms. Iroh smiled shyly despite her still being asleep and for a moment he held her tight, feeling the way their breathing matched. The peaceful look on her features endeared her further to him, and he had to force himself to let her go. He wanted to make sure she had some tea to wake up to.

Sarabi had already reappeared, preparing the still warm coals for another fire as Iroh shook himself and began to work with her. The mandrill gave him a look, her brows raised curiously but she didn’t ask any further. Iroh couldn’t decide if she was proud or disappointed in him.

He just began to pour the hot water as he heard his amore shifting and waking up slowly. Her sweet words caressed his ear and he turned his features to gaze upon her once more. Though the fire had added a magical allure to her the night before he was sure the morning light made her more beautiful. ”No, I’m no dream. You might be though.” He told her with a grin and a wink as he prepared her bowl of tea and pushed it towards her in offering. ”One I hope not to wake up from.”

Iroh shifted himself again, aiming to set his own bowl close to hers as he want to sit beside her. Close enough their fur would touch and he could feel the warmth of her as he enjoyed his tea. ”Well, I couldn’t let you go without a morning cup of tea.” Iroh returned gently, wondering if he had any right to offer her a good morning kiss. Perhaps that would be a bit too much commitment. They’d only shared each other for a night, perhaps getting too close was a mistake he didn’t want to make.

His quip about her being the dream brought a grin to her muzzle and reminded her why she had been so drawn to him in the first place. Of course his good looks had played a large part in the decision, but the flirtatious banter and clever remarks had been the final straw so to speak. She'd slowly been learning some things about herself through all of her different interactions with various wolves, but one thing that was becoming more and more apparent was the fact that she was more attracted to personality than she was looks. The attractiveness played a factor of course, but if someone was maybe let interesting in looks and turned out to be the most witty and amusing wolf she had come across then that would be just as good in her eyes. The good looks pulled her in and the flattering, funny, smart words kept her there. She happily accepted the bowl of tea he offered her, letting it rest between her front paws while the steam left the surface of the liquid in thin whips. She glanced toward him as he settled in beside her, bringing another smile to her lips. It was hard to not imagine waking up like this again and again, sharing a peaceful bowl of morning tea at his side while they made little, sweet comments to each other. She was quick to push the thought away since she knew she was pushing her luck with having him still here in the morning as it was, but it was a nice thought to have either way. She shifted a bit closer to him as well while she waited for her tea to cool, letting her shoulder and side gently brush against hers. Their pale and dark fur mingled together nicely and made her think of their antics the night before. "How very kind of you," she replied softly with a little grin when he mentioned the fact that he had to make sure she got a morning cup of tea even though her attention had strayed away from the drink in front of her. Perhaps it was the fact that he already knew all of her so she had nothing left to hide, but she was feeling even more daring than she typically was. Lifting her muzzle to his, she placed a gentle kiss there, feeling her stomach flutter and flip flop at the feeling. She gave Iroh another quick grin before turning her head to dip her muzzle down to her drink, feeling her cheeks warm with a blush. She was incredibly grateful that her deep red-hued fur would be able to hide any blush that might have peeked through otherwise. "Talk" "You" Think

The young man’s heart fluttered pleasantly as he made her grin. Elise was naturally beautiful, but the way she lit up for him surpassed that. Being with her was a whole new experience, but he enjoyed their playful banter, and getting to know her in all of the best ways. Iroh was polite and gracious, she had appeared in his camp and gave them both a night to remember. There was one certainty after everything, he would never forget Elise.

Iroh hadn’t thought much past their first bowl of tea together, he supposed she might go on her way and he would return to Aerie. It was a small world, if they found each other once they could again. He wasn’t ready to settle down, especially after discovering a whole new world with her. Thinking of a future with a woman he’d been with all of a night was foolish as well. Iroh would accept the label as he focused on her presence beside him. She leaned against him lightly, her bright eyes finding him as she spoke. Iroh grinned and as she leaned forward her met her in the middle.

Though he’d kissed her all over, this innocent peck seemed the most special of all. As she thanked her red fur he blessed his own charcoal blue coat for blocking the blush he felt all over. Blue and lavender eyes lingered on her features for a moment longer before he turned his own attention to the tea at his paws. His mind again touching on what happened when the tea was gone? He turned his gaze back towards her pretty face, ”I know you have singing fish and dancing bears to find.” Iroh started humorously, but felt a real loss at only having her a single night. He knew her body, but he didn’t know the woman.

She was bright and smart, someone he could truly get to know. Maybe she was like this with all of the men she met though, he couldn’t know. Was the connection he felt even reciprocated? ”But if you’re in the West of Boreas, I..” Oh what was he doing? ”You’ll have to come see me to try my other teas.” He smiled genuinely before saying even more quietly, ”I think there’s a lot more of you that I’d like to get to know.” Iroh didn’t mean physically either. (Okay mostly…) He was surprised at his own confidence, but there wasn’t much use being shy about each other now.

She knew that at some point they would need to part ways, but she couldn't say it was something she was entirely looking forward to. That was a strange feeling for her since she usually had no issue with saying a fond fair well and a see you again soon to the wolves she stayed the night with, but something about Iroh made that more difficult to do than usual. Elise went back to drinking the tea that had been prepared for her and after a few moments he spoke again, bringing her gaze easily back to his. She smirked and chuckled at his call back to last night's joke about dancing bears. His humor was more subtle than some, but she felt like that made the moments of clever jokes even more effective. Her smile lingered on his muzzle as he not so indirectly invited her to see him again. The way he stumbled a bit in his invitation was truly adorable and it made a more genuine, less humor driven smile come to her lips while the suggestion in his comment about getting to know her even better brought a sly glint to her eyes. She did truly want to get to know him better outside of the physical aspect... though she certainly wouldn't turn away the chance to be with him like that again as well. She had thoroughly enjoyed their evening together and certainly made her want to come back for more. "I think that can definitely be arranged," she replied with a soft giggle, giving him a grin before turning back to her tea. She finished her drink in a pleasant silence with her side leaned into his. It wasn't that often that she let herself enjoy these simple moments of just being with someone, but she had to admit that it was a really nice change of pace. Once she was done she lifted her head and brought her muzzle to his cheek, leaving a gentle kiss there. It was exceedingly hard to leave him, but she knew she would have to and it seemed easier to just go than let herself linger any longer. Wasn't there a saying about absence making the heart grow fonder? She wondered if that would be the case this time. She recognized the scent of his pack from her wandering and exploring so it wasn't like she didn't know where to find him again. Now only time would tell how long she made herself wait before they crossed paths again. "Thank you for the tea... and everything else," she told him with a smirk as she got to her paws, reluctantly stepping away from his side. "I hope our paths cross again soon once I'm done chasing down those dancing bears." "Talk" "You" Think