Summer was in full swing throughout the continent of Boreas. While in the South it would not be nearly as hot as the deserts in the west, it would be warm enough that the yearling male sought out a place to cool off. Welcoming the brisk saltwater feel against his thinning coat, he made the swim from the obsidian coast of Pirate packlands over to the archipelago otherwise known as Dove Island. Large flocks of the birds cooed and fluttered, taking flight quickly at the sight of the shadowed galaxy covered male. Not really concerned about the birds, Scald sprawled himself out on the sandy beach. Even though the soft grit of the sand pressed into his skin, he was determined to enjoy the warm sun overhead. Not a single cloud could be seen for miles as the expanse of the blue reached the afternoon horizon. A gentle ocean breeze ruffled the stuck pieces of his fur as he leaned his head against a rock. Not the softest pillow he could find but it would do to keep the granules out of his eyes. Half-dozing as he relaxed on the beach, he cared even less if anyone were to approach. S C A L D

Elysia had washed up on the shores of this island days ago, spitting and coughing up the salty water as she cursed whatever higher power had caused her to drift away from her parents after a dare gone wrong.

But that was what felt eons away now. Alone Elysia had spent her first few days scoping out the island she had found herself washed up on. The heat warmed her darker pelt and she loved it. She was a fan of the cold but the heat, the heat she loved. Maybe because it reminded her of being curled up with her family each night. Or the stinging heat after her mother bit her during a spar. Either way, she preferred it.

Today she planned to swim off the shores facing the black sanded beaches that she could see from her current residence. For now she was in no hurry to leave this little island. She had no family to return to, but she had warm beaches and water to swim in and her large welcoming bed made of another unfortunate wolf’s pelt. That had somehow made it safely with her. Her memory was quite fuzzy on how she’d managed to bring the only remnant of her former life with her but was glad to have it.

With the bed in her mouth she made her way to the beach sand. Looking up to the sky she closed her eyes soaking in the sun. Without clouds to shade the sky it was perfect for basking. So she sat her bed down on the sand after a few moments. The sun would warm it perfectly and when she returned from the water she’d have the best nap yet. With that in mind the young girl bolted towards the water.

The sun warmed some of the first steps into the water. But as she leapt into a deeper spot with a loud splash she cursed. “Well fuck!” As the refreshing yet cold water soaked her frame. Fur plastered itself to her frame as she continued to splash around, driving under and popping back up.

Maybe he was daydreaming. The scent of a female wafted over his nose with the ocean breeze. He wasn’t exactly looking or paying attention either as he dozed in and out of consciousness. There was what sounded like a far off noise of someone dragging something across the sand, but he paid it no mind for now. Basking his own salted fur beneath the sun, he enjoyed the summer heat. Happy and content, it wasn’t until he heard someone splash into the water and scream that he lifted his muzzle from his rock. Blinking his bleary eyes, he spies the plain looking girl swimming in the shallows. A brow tilts as he slowly stretches his legs and toes before rolling up onto his paws. Walking toward the calm and rolling waves as he watched her quietly, he let his tail hang between his ankles. Both of his ears flickered as he continued to examine and perhaps admire for a few more moments. “Not exactly the warmest waters to swim in,” Scald finally calls out as he takes a few more steps into the somewhat warm depths. It was when it got cold again that he stops, around chest deep, and continues to watch her. He wasn’t exactly sure if he was dreaming or if she were real… S C A L D

Elysia was swimming about, content as a pup wrapped in their mother’s embrace. The longer she was in the water the more acclimated to the temperature she became. She was about to dive under the waves when a male’s voice called out to her. Stopping mid movement she whipped her head at the intrusion, treading water she stared at the stranger. He was taller than her but the way the water was only at his chest where he stood.

She continued to tread the water as she turned to face him. ” Indeed. It was very shocking… though that’s to be expected” she called out to him. She didn’t move closer to him. She studied him from afar, she wasn’t afraid but she wasn’t thrilled to have him between her and the beach either. Ma always taught her to be wary and know just when you had the low end in every situation. And she was in the low end, eventually her legs would tire and she’d need to return to land. And he now stood between her and hard ground. And that meant she’d have to play nice. So with that in mind she gave him a dazzling smirk. ”Come on in pretty boy, or are you too scared to get a little wet” she called out, challenging and flirting.

His parents had never really been one for lessons. Manners? Out the window. Fighting? Only when necessary. They were more of a “figure it out for yourself” couple that ultimately led Scald to be very conflicted in this moment. From what he had experienced in his short life, he knew that she was probably harmless and only hesitated because he was the male in the situation. On the other hand, he understood himself and how he had never really… delved into that side of him. He had never let go and allowed himself to be intimidating. Would now be a good choice? He watched her tread water, calling back to him as he mulled over his options. She called him pretty and beckoned him into the depths. Mmm, he returned her offer with one of those “no I don’t think so” looks as his face scrunched up and gave a soft shake. “Already did that on the way over!” His scrunched expression turned into a coy smirk as his eyes squinted a little at the corners. Still standing chest deep, he waited. She couldn’t tread water forever. Feeling the pressure he was somewhat kind of unintentionally applying to her, he could feel the fire flitter out. Eh, gosh, it was a lot of work being the bad guy. He wasn’t sure how his dad did it… “C’mon out the water, honey, it’s more fun out on shore anyway,” Scald winked before turning to push back through the waves and onto the dry sand. Turning to see what she would do next, he stood with his head slightly tilted and bi—colored eyes always on her. Intimidating? Probably not. Cute? Definitely. S C A L D

She watched his face scrunch up and his head shake at her proposal. But that didn’t deter her much. “Oh, but you didn’t do it with me, and I promise you that’ll be far more…Riveting for you” her voice dropped to a sensuous tone on the word Riveting. Before she swam in a little circle, making sure to throw him a hooded gaze over her shoulder.
They both knew she couldn’t stay out here forever. But she wasn’t about to give up and let him draw her in that easily.

She swam a little closer to the shore. Still far out of his reach and her comfort zone. But close enough that she didn’t have to speak nearly as loud. And he wouldn’t have to shout at her. “So you say, but I rather enjoy getting wet” she practically purred. “And I’ve only just begun my swim. So why should I come out now?” She tilted her head at him, and flashed him a cheeky grin.

“I’ll make it worth your while handsome, can you say the same if I come out?” She raised an eyebrow at him.

Though her voice is quiet over the lull of the tide, he can hear the sensuous drop in her tones. His expression twists into a mangled mess as his hormonal innards try to quickly sort themselves out. It was safe to say that Scald had not spent a lot of time around alluring females. He had yet to take his gaze off of her either so he definitely had seen that hooded look thrown to him over her shoulder as she swam in a small circle. The yearling still had yet to even see what she fully looked like either, but her face was enough to make his insides feel like they were boiling. As much as his crazed hormonal teenage boy insides wanted him to rush into the water and take her up on the offer, his Pirate brain told him otherwise. He needed to keep the upper hand in this situation. Whatever this situation was that he got himself into. So instead of wandering back into the deeper waters closer to her, he slumped himself down into the shallows so that the waves would gently roll over his slim frame. Sprawling out with legs stretched and toes digging into th sand, he shook his head once more. Even as she swam closer and purred those delicately seductive words to him, he resisted. The only thing keeping her out there now was him and that meant he still had the upper hand. “I quite enjoy watching you swim, actually,” he replied back as his own vocals dropped closer to a husky rumble. Scald wasn’t quite lying either. From what he could see from the shoreline, she wasn’t what someone would call ugly. No, far from it. “What I imagine us doing out here on the sand isn’t quite possible in the water,” his lips curve into a coy smirk as he continues to watch her swim. If she grew tired, that was on her. If she really wanted him to come swim, she would have to be a tad more convincing. Calling him handsome wouldn’t be quite enough to get him to go back in. “We could sunbathe beneath this beautiful summer sun. I might still have a stash of booze somewhere on the island,” he calls out to try and entice her himself to come onto the shore. Question was… Did he actually have a stash somewhere? S C A L D

She could see it, the way her tone and suggestive words were affecting him. His eyes told her that she was indeed getting the response she desired. And pride welled up inside of her. She just had to add a little more weight to her words. She could do it. She had to do it. Because now it was almost a game to her. She slowly ran her eyes over his tall sprawled frame, intentionally trying to let him see her roaming eyes. “There are other things you could enjoy watching…of me” she cooed at him. Before diving under the waves and popping back up slightly closer to him.

She laughed warmly. “And how do you know that darling? Care to give it a try?” She threw back at him. It was like a small battle. Move and counter moves between them. But who would end up on top? It thrilled her to think about that. She swam in a circle again. “Don’t make me beg, I’d hate to spoil what that sounds like for you so soon” she flashed him with a coy ‘come hither’ look.

“We can sunbathe after until you’re fully satisfied” she again let her voice drop into a sultry tone. And waited to see what he would do.

Her persistence in their game of cat and mouse was frustrating in the best way possible. Why would she not come out of the water? Did she not want to lounge around with a handsome fella like himself? Was that not tempting enough? Or did he simply not intrigue her enough? Because she was more than intriguing to him. He wasn't aware of it at first, but he was holding his breath as she cooed at him before dipping beneath the surface. The released breath that rushed from his lungs was surprising. That tickle of wanting to rush in after her was becoming an itch that he could not ignore. Even her laugh was adorable. A sweet, feminine laugh that tasted like honey on his tongue. Her tempting words called to him, drawing him in like a fish on a hook. Of course, he was the fish and this no longer was a game of cat and mouse. His toes dug into the sand as he resisted. Attempting to focus on the warmth of the sun and the grit of the sand beneath him, he let out his own sort of amused chuckle. Boy, she was good, wasn't she? His own lips parted slightly after that laugh as he tried to wrap his tiny pea brain around her words. Mm, yeah, he would like to hear her beg some more. Wouldn't he? Damn. Scald's spine bristled as he tried his best to keep a stoic expression, but he couldn't hide the twinkle in his eye. That small glint gave everything away. How his insides twirled and lit a flame so bright that his belly felt warm. He hadn't even had anything to drink today and yet he felt as if he had already started. Not wanting to give in just yet, he lets a few moments of silence fall between them as he continues to watch her and consider his next move. "You do give a very convincing argument," Scald speaks carefully in that lowered tone of his. "I'm not one for promises, but I will hold you to your word," he can't help but smile as his eyes still never leave her. Slowly he stands back up onto all four paws. His muscles flex as his shoulders roll back and he begins to walk slowly toward her. Water rushes up his legs as he wades into deeper waters. Not a single moment does his eyes leave her. As his paws leave the sandy bottom, he dips his head down beneath the surface to try and cool his body off because if he doesn't, he might explode. When he resurfaces, he is swimming toward her and eager to know what her next move is. S C A L D

She smiled softly at his words. His compliments only fueled her pushing need to lure him into the water. To give his “power” to her. She let her tone tickle her ears and send a shiver through her body. “Good. Promises tend to get broken” she called out to him.
Elysia could taste the victory on her tongue. It was rich and sweet, a taste she rather enjoyed and she eagerly swallowed it down as he stood up and began to walk toward her. She never removed her eyes from him, but allowed them to roam his farme some more.

Taking in more details that she’d let slip past her, she noticed just how beautiful his coloring was. It was very unique and complimented his lean figure well. She stopped looking over him when he dipped below the waves. And when he resurfaced she whistled. ”About time Darling, I was beginning to think you didn’t want to play with me” she teased. Swimming towards him, the battle for high ground was over. And now the new game would begin.

She swam closer to him, swimming in a circle around him. Letting her tail brush against him until she was in front of him again. ” see it’s not so bad out here with me is it” she swam a little closer closing the gap between them. Giving him a hooded gaze, she smiled at him. Before she pulled away and splashed him with some water. A warm laugh emitted from her as she swam away.

It was as if she were a spider luring her prey to her web. Entranced by her roving gaze as she swam closer to him, Scald’s insides grew warmer. The way her sultry tones flowed over the surface of the calm waters made his ears tingle and his brain grow fuzzy. This was his first ever encounter with another female that wasn’t a fight or a family member. It was a whole new terrain for him to experience. “Of course I want to play. Just a matter of where was the question,” he replied as his voice cracked for a split second. Swallowing harshly against his suddenly dry throat, he continued to watch her. To hold her gaze and resist the urge to break their game. He enjoyed their game. He wanted to see what she would do, what choices she would make, how she would razzle and dazzle him. Oh razzle dazzle she did. Watching her swim around him as she drew ever closer, close enough that her tail slid along his frame, he grew almost speechless. Focusing harder on keeping himself afloat, Scald wondered what good deed he had done to deserve such treatment. The boy was awestruck as she cooed at him. With the water the only thing separating them, he would have swam closer to close the distance. Before he could get any words out, water was splashing in his direction. When it washed over his face and he heard that girlish giggle, he sputtered. Reality drawing him back down to earth as he shot her playful scowl. “Not s’bad huh?” He croons back as he lifts a paw and smacks it against the surface to spray water in her direction. His own laughter fills the space as he dips beneath the surface for a moment. When he reappears, he has a smirk on his lips, ready and waiting for her next move. S C A L D

She watched the water snap him back to earth. It’s like a factory resetting had taken place for the young male. But she barely had time to enjoy that before he was smacking water right back in her direction. She threw her head back and laughed as he dipped below the surface. Swimming to meet him she stopped when they were face to face. “ Not so bad at all” She smirked.

She dipped below the surface aiming to swim below him, brushing her tail against his belly before she resurfaced behind him. “Keep up, Pretty boy” she teased. Before she sent water flying his way.  Throwing him a ‘come get me’ look over her shoulder, she began to swim towards the shore. Her legs ached with the pleasure reminder that she was growing stronger. Even from a small swim like that.

When her small paws could finally reach the ground beneath her. She stopped moving. Letting the gentle waves crash into her. Looking back at him. “I promised we could sunbathe” she nodded her head at the shore. “I keep my word” she shook her fur out as she waited for him to draw closer before she’d fully leave the water.

The way she appeared to flow through the water as if she were water herself impressed Scald. Being one who lived on a beach, he had been a strong swimmer since he was a pup. How she could appear so fluid though was mind boggling. And with her face so close to his, he could nearly feel her breath wash over him as she spoke. That smirk of her’s dazzling him once again. There really was no way for him to keep up. It would have been easy to see him struggle as she dipped down and he felt her tail brush against his belly. Fire lit within him once more as she called out for him to keep up. Not wanting to seem like a loser, he splashed water back in her direction right after her splash washed over his face. “I was jut takin’ a moment to admire the scenery,” he calls out as he smirks with a wink in her direction. He begins to paddle back toward the shore, trailing slowly behind her. He watched her breach the waves and look back at him. Her promise of sunbathing enticed him to swim just a tad faster. His own paws would soon touch the solid sand as he too began wading through the waves up to the shore. Shaking out his own pelt, he let his eyes wander over her feminine features. Picking up his step, he reached out to give her tail a gentle tug. “Where would you like to go sunbathe?” Scald tries his best to sound suave but his teenage vocals reduce his voice to a boyish rasp. S C A L D