In the center of the Southern Warren, the marketplace was alive with a constant hum of activity. Despite the early winter chill, it served as a hub for commerce and cooperation. The cavern was spacious and well-lit by torches, providing a stark contrast to the frigid world beyond its walls. Wolves from all walks of life intermingled as they engaged in the delicate art of trading, their breath visible in the cold air.

Aresenn walked through the stalls with purposeful, although preoccupied, strides. His bright red coat contrasted against the golden hues of the cavern and caught the attention of some onlookers. Despite the bustling activity around him, his thoughts were elsewhere, consumed by a growing dissatisfaction. The new Warlord's orders had confined him to this neutral zone, a decision he followed but still struggled against. It was hard to allow himself to be walked back from the progress he had made with Sirius. But for the sake of continuing to see her, he would bear it.

Pausing at a booth laden with various armaments, Aresenn ran a paw over the hilt of a finely crafted dagger, the cold metal grounding him momentarily. He had no real interest in the wares; it was a distraction, a way to pass the time as he waited for Andromeda. The thought of their impending meeting giving him a feeling of restlessness. His gaze flicked around the cavern, taking in the sight of other wolves engaging in trade, their voices blending into a low murmur that filled the space. Fighters demonstrated weapons, healers explained the uses of various herbs, and hunters haggled over the value of their catches. It was a picture of unity and cooperation, yet Aresenn couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place.

"Aresenn"

Snow has become a regular fixature in the Armada lands and Andy simply loves the feel of it beneath her paws. The subtle creak and crackle of it delights her to no end and she likes to take walks around the Col just to hear it pop with her passing. Today however, she is running security in the market place where there is a distinct lack of the beautiful white blanket so that visitors might more about the market more freely.

Pale blue eyes scan the stalls as she slowly patrols the area, checking in with vendors and offering directions to others when needed. As she is talking to a young girl, pointing her toward where there are some sweet treats for sell, a familiar fiery coat catches her attention. With a wink and a nod, she sends the girl on her way and slowly stalks after Aresenn, watching the way he moves about the market place. Andy’s lavender coat is not difficult to spy but she does her best to stay hidden from his eyes for the moment.

A playful grin tugs at her lips as she watches him touch the hilt of dagger, an idea taking form in her mind. Gracefully, she leaves her hiding spot, confidently approaching the young man rapidly as she says, “Excuse me, sir. I think I saw you take something from that last stall. I will need you to follow me.” At first her voice is serious but a mischievous tint soon colors her tone only to end in a gentle purr. While she talks, she moves up to him, circling around the man and allowing their coats to brush gently against each other.

As she finishes her pass in front of Aresenn, she inclines her head and flicks her tail toward the caves in the area before leading the man who has her heart toward one. Only when they enter one of the private areas, away from the prying eyes of market goers does she round on him, gently pulling him into the empty space while also pulling him toward her so she can plant a deep, passionate kiss on his dark red lips. For a long moment she just revels in the touch of him, having missed him more than words can describe.

Only when she needs to come up for air does the young woman release him, pale eyes opening to search his face as Andy softly asks, “Where have you been?”


"Andromeda Fatalis"

Aresenn turned swiftly at the voice behind him, a sharp retort already on the tip of his tongue. His scowl softened into a smirk upon seeing the familiar lavender coat and playful grin. Denying her would be as futile as denying the winter's snow, he thought with a roll of his eyes. But of course, he couldn’t if he wanted to. "Is that so?" Aresenn grumbled in response, a hint of amusement mingling with his usual gruffness- the same humor sparkling in his amber gaze as he watched her circle him, their coats brushing ever so slightly in passing. He couldn’t resist the urge to reach out and pinch her with his teeth as she set off to walk away from him. “You’re excused.”

Following her lead, he allowed himself to be led into one of the private spaces, his eyes never straying from the swaying curve of her tail. The sudden shift in Andromeda's demeanor caught him off guard as she pulled him into the secluded cave. Before he could formulate a suitable snarky comment, she closed the distance between them, and her lips found his. Aresenn couldn't help but return the fervor, pulling her closer against him and deepening the kiss. Time seemed to stretch and warp around them as they dove into their shared passion, the world outside the cave slowly dissolving into insignificance. Aresenn’s senses were flooded with Andromeda, her intoxicating scent swirling around him, her soft form pressed against his. For the first time in a while, he allowed his defenses to slip, allowing himself to get lost in the enveloping warmth of their embrace.

When they finally need to catch their breath, the intoxication receded to a mild buzz. As he opened his eyes, he met Andromeda’s curious gaze. There was an unspoken question in her blue eyes that made him blink, scrambling to find his footing on the slippery ice of intimacy again. “The new warlord has made it clear he’d prefer I keep my distance for the moment. He said I’m allowed in the marketplace, but that is it.” Aresenn murmured, searching her expression for any recognition.

"Aresenn"

Her voice is teasing, playful as she lures him away, earning a grumbled reply as she circles him. Andy moves around him, toying with their coats as she presses against him slightly before her touch disappears and she is turning to leave when a bite lands on her rump and he excuses her. Purple tail whips toward his face in a soft ‘slap’… if it could even be called that and a snort is all she offers his antics. They wind through the crowd, moving easily past the bustling stalls and numerous wolves that are hawking their wares.

The private quarters that line the Col’s range beckon them and Andy is swift to pull him toward the waiting space where she eagerly rounds on Aresenn as soon as his paws cross the threshold. Andy’s wants are made plain to the fiery man as she plants a deep, passionate kiss on those wonderful lips that she has sorely missed. Latching onto him as if she is drowning, Aresenn’s hot breath hits her throat as they tangle and dance their tongues around each other’s mouth while the world slowly melts away.

Sounds of the market that is not far off, fade as the does the cave walls themselves until it is only them and the stars. He is what reminds her of the galaxies and nebulas that swirl in the darkness of space; their secrets hidden away from prying eyes until such a time as they choose to divulge them. While they may not have her observatory, they still have the universe. His scent fills Andy’s nose and the musk of earth laden, leather and heavy with the smoke of campfires envelopes her senses, rolling over her and lifting her spirit heavenward.

Only when her lungs burn for air, does she pull back, curious pale blue eyes searching his face as she questions where he has been. Murmured words are offered and a frown pulls Andromeda’s lips down and she cannot stop the hurt the fills her features. Was she not worth visiting in the marketplace or were they only meant to together in the observatory? “Oh.” The word is laden with her disappointment and she detaches herself to moves back slightly as she softly says, “I just thought….”

Slim shoulders lift and shrug, showing her sorrow at the realization that Basilisk’s edict is what has kept them apart and says, “You do know that just because restrictions have been placed in Armada lands doesn’t mean we have to meet here. The stars shine just as brightly outside the borders of this pack.” A warm smile chases away the sadness that had etched itself into the soft lines of her face and she pulls him toward the back of the room where a pile of thick furs had been arranged by her very paws.

With a sigh, she sinks down onto the plush bed, eyes still on the red form of Aresenn, wondering if he will follow her or turn and leave since she can no longer take him to up to the observatory. A breath hitches unnoticed in Andy’s throat as the moment stretches before her and she waits to see what his choice will be.


"Andromeda Fatalis"

Aresenn's fiery gaze flickers over Andromeda as she settles into the plush bed of furs; her lavender coat a stark contrast against the rich brown and black tones. His chest tightens at her words, her disappointment. He had known telling her about the restrictions would be a difficult truth, but seeing the sorrow etched onto her face is harder than he had anticipated. "I know," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that echoes softly in the cavernous room. He strides toward her, raw determination lining his features. “But I don’t want to give him any reason to tighten the restrictions further, Andromeda.” His flame-red coat all but glows in the dim light as he makes his way to her. In stark defiance, he settles next to her on the plush bed, amber eyes meeting her pale blue ones. “And if something happened to you on the way to meet me somewhere …” His words trails off, swallowed by an unwanted thought. He shakes his head to erase the image it evokes, the thought of her in danger stirring a rage within him that's hotter than any flame.

"I won't let that happen," he states firmly, eyes searching hers for understanding. He reaches out, enclosing one of her paws within his larger one. His touch is gentle, cautious, as if she were something fragile and precious. A silence hangs between them, filled only with the soft crackling of the torchlight and their shared breaths. “But is there any place … near Armada’s border that you could think of?” He asked lightly, looking into her eyes with a hopeful glint. His tone is softer now, a calculated attempt to lighten the mood.

"Aresenn"