Completed [Sacred Arch Hotspring] Night's Game [Matthew]

[Amelia Cross]

[11th day of summer 509.a.v.]
[Cobalt Mountains]
[Sacred Arch Hotspring]
[Late Evening]

Her time spent in Syliras has been nothing less than torture for the young fortuneteller. She had been arguing with her mother, over how she wanted to stay in Ravok and how being a teacher is not for her. Tia had been hurt by the words Amelia spat out, of calling her a none-human above other things and she hadn’t seen the konti for days now. She didn’t mean it, it was her father’s voice lingering in her mind, the voice which helped sell none-humans as exotic slaves. She missed Sevris, even more when she realized it would be no less than a year that she would see him again. And even when she smiled, she couldn’t share the joy with others, as she knew that speaking of her connection with Ravok, would be the cause of the exile of her and her mother, if following the best case scenario. From where the girl stood, everything seemed to be crashing, her life falling apart and it felt that her father had told her the truth. Only Rhysol can protect her.

”Only Rhysol, can protect me from them” she thought with a tear finding its way across her face. She held her palm over her swelling cheek. Did she deserve the hits she had got? Probably, she had called her own mother names and accused her of many sins, regarding bout her and Dominic. The man who had actually been the cause of the argue, had left. It was her own mother, her dearest mother that lifted her hand on the daughter. Even as a child Amelia was never scolded, none the less threated like this. It was too much for her to handle.

As soon as her mother drifted off into another lecture, Amelia ran. She grabbed her backpack which still contained some of her unpacked belongings, and ran. Surely, a girl who refused to run as much as she could didn’t find the action pleasant, actually it was a matter of chimes that her side began to hurt, but she didn’t stop. She ran, and ran all the way to the cities stables where her only friend was, Fauna. Her whole body hurting from the little exercise.

The guard looked confused as she rushed to the leoparbreed and dropped her backpack on the ground. ”Come now, we are going for a stroll” the horse just gave out an approving neigh. She could guess, Fauna had been bored here, sitting around the stables day to day. Amelia asked the guard for help, to put the saddles on the horse, Amelia made sure they were strapped on tightly and put her backpack on. She used a mounting block to get on Fauna, ridding was a challenge as she didn’t ride like most did, she sat to the side and bout of her legs were on Fauna’s left. The best one could do when ridding in a dress, that’s how she reassured herself. Everything done, they left. Left to the only place she could think of, that could protect her and help her recover, the hotspring. The place she healed herself from all and any abuse, let it be the drunk squire or a hit from her own mother.

----

As she and Fauna approached, she could see the last people leave. They didn’t pay attention to Amelia. It made sense to her, here in Syliras she was nothing but a commoner and that was what hurt her once more. In Ravok, she was The Cross girl, she was a shadow of her father…but she was, at least to the people who knew her father. And it was also a reason she wished to go back, there she could be a somebody, without the need of being part of the knights, one way or the other.

Shaking the thought away, they found a nice spot to settle down. It wasn’t hard getting down from the horse, nor was it hard to take the saddles down. It was always easier to do than putting them on. Tomorrow, she will probably find a patrolling squire or knight to help her. But that didn’t matter now. She didn’t want to think of anything. The saddles set to the side, just as her backpack. She proceeded in removing her shoes, slowly unwrapping the ribbon that held the slippers tight on her foot, she threw the black shoes next to the saddles and came closer to the rocky shore. Taking her long, floral dress in her left hand to prevent it from getting wet as she checked the water’s temperature, Amelia carefully dipped her pale foot in. Her face instantly having a calm smile. This was exactly what she needed.

[Matthew]

He had been worn ragged, both by his first few nights selling himself in Syliras, and by his encounter on the actual journey to the walled fortress. His side throbbed as he recalled the shallow cut there, the wound already scabbed over, thin enough to not even leave a scar. It still ached a little though, even after he had dutifully wrapped it in a thin layer of medical bandages. Perhaps overkill for such a cut, but he had been raised to hand such wounds with the utmost care. It could get infected, and turn into something much worse than just a simple cut. He grimaced a little, fingertips dancing over his side as he lightly felt at the skin underneath. He was tender, but he was fine. The rest of his body ached, but he was perfectly fine. The hot springs outside the city walls would apparently help him with all of the aches, and he was looking forward to the soak. Part of him was happy simply to be back out in nature. Even simple trees and bushes caused his eyes to wander, the marvel of the outdoors something that had been lost upon him as a young child. He had always been contained within stone walls and paper books, all of which did not hold the same magic. A polite nod and a brief smile was passed to people who walked by him, who eyed him with a small smile on their lips, chuckling and whispering about some joke he was apparently unfamiliar with. He furrowed his brow, but gave up on the riddle before really diving into it, too tired and sore to want to think too hard. He just wanted to get to the springs and feel the water around his muscle. He would have time to find out if their snickers should concern him later on. He straightened his shoulders a bit, flexing lightly in his clothing, actually having dressed nicely for his walk out here. He always made a point to look sharp, clean, and professional. His thick hair was combed and fell in a natural wave, with crystal blue eyes alert and watchful. A thin blue jacket hung from his broad shoulders, open down the middle, showing off the buttoned shirt underneath. A pair of britches were held to his slim hips, belt keeping them clung tight. All in all, he looked quite posh, purposefully making sure this was so. His step was light and graceful, even though he could feel his body trembling the lightest bit with each slow step. He was so very tired. He was about to take a quick rest when he noticed a horse in the distance, his eyes brightening and genuine smile curling his lips. He must be close, with the horse hopefully parked by the springs. Breaking through the treeline, he took note of the girl. He had been hoping to have the pool all to himself, but she had probably come with the same idea. He politely cleared his throat, not wanting to sneak up on her, giving the horse a sidelong glance as he passed it. "Hello." His voice was soft, well-pronounced, perhaps reminding her of the scholars that she had likely encountered back in Zeltiva. "I am Matthew. I just came to rest. My muscles are sore." His explanation and introduction were both short and to the point, letting her know who he was and why he was here, and then continuing about his business. He was tired, and the sight of the shimmering hot springs caused his white teeth to sink into his lower lip with excitement. Yahal, it looked so good. His hands expertly and gracefully removed his shirt and jacket, shamelessly moving to his pants and boots next. While he didn't pay her any mind, his stripping was naturally a tad sensual, trained to be instinctual for him. His back arched as his tanned and slim definition was revealed, his hips rolling just a tad to tease a look at his hips. His entire body shivered and tensed a bit as his legs were exposed, the tall man soon left in nothing but his undershorts. Completely comfortable around the other human, he eased forward, gingerly dipping his foot into the water. The liquid coated his bare toes, and he let out a delighted noise, eyes flickering all over the surface of the water to search for the prime spot. Pausing, his gaze slowly slid to the girl, his eyes curious and his tone questioning. "Am I going to be in your way?" He had the common courtesy to make sure she was comfortable with his presence. She had made the journey just as him, and had gotten here first.

[Amelia Cross]

The girl seemed to be pleased with the temperature and was about to get undressed, when from the corner of her eye she saw her horse nervously looking around. Fauna was a gentle creature, she couldn’t really hurt someone or something, even if she wanted it, a reason why Amelia was good off with her. But she was usually calm, especially around here. But Amelia decided to shock it off, assuming she had just heard a squirrel or maybe an owl. ”you can be so silly at times” she thought with a slight chuckle, letting her eyes trail back to the hotspring, letting her mind wonder off to Ravok, as she remembered the mighty lake.

But her thoughts were forced back to where she stood, as she heard a voice greet her. In a flash she turned her look towards the sound. Amelia hadn’t expected anyone to be here at this time, she had actually hopped for it. Still, she was thought better than to be rude or to give out her own name to someone she had seen for the first time. Yet keeping note of his, the girl returned the greeting ”Hello” short and simple. Her voice coming off a bit less confident than it usually did, sounding even a bit shy.

She stopped her own actions, letting her eyes observe Matthew’s body and movement. She had no trouble with people seeing her stare at them. Even years of her getting into quite awkward situations and even noteworthy trouble hadn’t thought her better. Oh well, that was Amelia for you, she had a hard time learning from the past. Her mother went as far as comparing her to a wall. But she would just laugh it off.

As a whole, the man didn’t come off as anything new. Good clothing and manners, not something she got to see around Syliras that much, as for some reasons they were a bit more…casual and simple around here, they had different priorities that the girl didn’t get. Still, she had seen enough chic while in Ravok and when back in Zeltiva, so it didn’t cause any reaction from her. His body, well even the young girl with the little awareness of a man’s body… had to note his as quite attractive, just as the few facial features she had managed to pick up, but all in all…still nothing out of the ordinary. So why was she examining him with so much interest? It was the way he undressed, how every article of clothing he dropped seemed to be more than just the simple action everyone performs. To Amelia it looked more like art, and she had an eye for art, but the pleasant to the eye show had been drawn to an end. The way he moved when already undressed didn’t seem to be as graceful or attractive to the girl. Thus, she turned away and intending to mind her own business.

Still, the time she hopped for was reduced to barely a chime, as she heard his voice once more. The words were reasonable, after all, she was there first and at a time like this…people come here only to be by themselves, well, so she thought. But would he be in her way? Did she actually mind his presence? She was uncertain and so, without even turning to face him as she spoke ”oh no, don’t worry…” much more interested in properly undoing the corset of her dress than the man. She had seen enough for him to not be that interesting, for now.

The setting was getting awkward, two people all alone and not a single word in the air…the Cross could appreciate silence, but this was not the pleasant kind, but she didn’t break it. Assuming the man wasn’t interested in chatter. ”Finally!” her mind cheering, as she finally won the battle with her clothing and let it drop to the ground, leaving her in nothing but her undergarments, though most of her body was hidden by the black sheet of her hair that reached down to her middle hip.

Still in silence she walked to the edge of the spring and sat down on the warm rocks, the light steam reaching her chest while her feet were covered by the water all the way up to her knees. This was bliss for the girl, letting her think and relax, she didn't even have to get completely in for it, though it would be part of her nearest actions.

But as her mind cleared of all the obscure misunderstandings she had been going though the past days and even her mother's breakdown, she began feeling uncomfortable with the silence ”aren’t you afraid to be here alone? There are wicked things in these woods...” not the best opening line, but the best she could come up with while staying highly reserved and casual. Not even wanting to speak of any personal topics, even city of origin and job seemed too personal.

[Matthew]

He was perfectly fine with her stare, blue eyes meeting hers once before he returned to his task of slipping off his clothes. While she was fine with staring, he was fine with being stared at. It was common, for he was handsome by most standards. She didn't stare at him like most of the rest though, which he did find slightly interesting. He didn't bother wondering why, knowing that all sorts of things attracted all sorts of different people. It was just something to note. He briefly wondered if such a subtle difference from the basic instincts of most women was something that signaled a deeper difference, but he didn't linger on it very long. The study of mortal minds was a vast one, and he didn't want to get sucked into it when he was about to enjoy himself. Still, he could feel her gaze, and for some reason it was intense. Was she studying him? Pushing the feeling off to the side, he nodded at her permission to use the pool. Noticing she had turned away, he took a moment to take a second glance. The first thing he noticed was her hair, a personal favorite of his. Not as much the color, but the length of it; the shine. He had always appreciated beautiful hair, and perhaps that was the reason he kept his own so nice. Matthew was a rather well-kept man in all, with attention to all the little details. She might catch the scent of pine wafting from him like a perfume, or notice how his hair had been styled. Perhaps she would see how his skin seemed to be flawless, or his nails perfectly kept. All in all, he took extremely good care of his body. It was the tool of his trade. However, multiple nights with multiple customers was a really good way to destroy his body. That was why he was here. He regarded her a few more moments before turning back to the pool. He had considered offering to help with her corset, never having envied a woman for wearing one. He had thought it best left alone though, and soon stepped forward into the water. The sigh that he let out was definitely erotic, though not on purpose. It was practically a moan, with a pleasured tone that rumbled up from his throat and slowly tumbled over his full lips. Relaxing, his gait became more natural, the harlot moving slowly through the warm water, gracefully and confidently. He was handsome, but in a way, it was more of a feminine sort of handsome. Now that he didn't have that professional mood about him, it was easy to see him slink through the water instead of stride. Eventually he reached a depth that he was sure would be the best, and sat down, the water soaking up to his toned stomach. He leaned back just enough for it to trace up his chest just a bit, blue eyes hazy as the water warmed through his tired muscle. He returned his gaze to the girl, just as unashamed to stare as she was. Her hair was interesting, providing a shroud for her pale body in a way. He was slightly envious, though he knew he wouldn't look near as good. Most men would find the long hair covering the undergarments to be sensual and teasing, but in a very natural way. He wish he had some more assets that could do that. Maybe he would learn one day. Still so much to learn. Soft words broke his thoughts, and he lifted his eyes, staring into her own. Tilting his head, he opened his mouth, words about to spill forth in a slightly husky tone. Perhaps I am one of those wicked things you shouldn't be alone with? He caught himself just before he said it, mouth closing, brow furrowing. That wasn't what he had wanted to come out. Why had he almost said that? Too much time on the job. He tried again, words honest. "I am afraid. But, I was convinced that it would be a good trip for my body, and that it was totally safe. I did pass a lot of children on the way here, so I suppose that should comfort me." He offered a polite smile, tilting his head. "And yourself?"

[Amelia Cross]

Amelia enjoyed looking at others a bit more than having an eye on her, that was true. None the less, she enjoyed eyes on her. She was not exceptionally toned and had little muscle. Overall her body appeared to be fragile, what was true. Bout her bones and flesh were easy to break, cut and bruise and she wouldn’t even get going on how easily she would bleed. If she had gotten hit by someone else, not her mother, who just like Amelia couldn’t hurt someone even if they wanted to….her white skin would be trailed with bruises, not glowing in the soft, cool light that was Leth’s domain. Despite her not being aware of the deity, she had to admit her love of this time day....night.

She used a long and graceful gesture, much like a dance of a single hand, to pull all of her hair over to her other side, so casually. Now her skin was not hidden by the silk like curtain, leaving most of it for the exploration of his gaze. The young girl laid backwards, resting herself on her elbows, her back arched just enough to make her body appear more feminine and accent her curves. She knew her body was average by most standards. But her confidence in her own well-kept body, was what invited others, the fact she didn’t get intimidated by the beauty of others was of much help in her act. But wait now, was she trying to seduce the man? No, at least not yet. She was just being natural. As much as Amelia hatted cats, she was a lot like one. She was confident, playful, curios, graceful and attention loving.

The girl lifted her leg out of the water, slightly in the air. Drops finding their way to her inner thigh, it felt so warm against her naturally cool skin, forcing a similar shiver like the one just chimes behind. The one she felt when Matthew moaned, at least it sounded like that. Yet, it didn’t cause any long lasting excitement or reaction, just like the water drop that had teasingly ran over her skin.

Not a thought out of the ordinary, she just closed her eyes whilst listening to the man’s answer. Needless to say, she felt disappointed. The answer was so generic and boring. Amelia wanted to keep her distance, distance as a person. Yet, she hopped he would have given a better answer, could it be that he was also trying to be reserved? If he did, it meant that they wouldn’t have much to speak of. She decided to do the first step towards him, and speak a bit more openly…or playfully? Hard to determine as she thought over her answer, eyes closed as she spoke”You should be afraid, as nothing is really what it seems…not in Syliras…I might be the enemy, a wicked monster…” her voice casual enough to appear frightening, if one would ignore the smile on her face and the light hearted intonation towards the end, topped off with a light chuckle. ”then again, I might be the one in danger, after all, I know your name not your trade” another short giggle as she looked at the man, meeting his eyes just for a brief moment.

Before she answered the question directed back at her, she finally got inside the water. From the place where she sat down the water reached up to her ribs. For the relatively short girl it was not a pleasant depth and she walked around, slowly as if she was directed by an unseen stream of water, searching for a shallow and seemingly comfortable location. As she thought of the question, she wondered if it was even worth answering. But she was the one wishing to step towards him, word wise, so she had little choice ”I travel, and I grew up here…I know the woods like my five fingers and Fauna has a keen sense of danger…” passive, a bit dry…but honest.And with that, they would be left with the same silence.

Even though she had wished to initially stay away from the topics of origin, she realized she had little choice as simple, short and dry question & answer could get you only so far, and it didn’t seem like either of them were in a rush to leave”do you travel? You don’t seem to be a native of this city, or am I wrong?” Not to mention, she secretly hopped the man would be a traveler, maybe from the city of Riverfall she had heard so much about, Avanthal…or Ravok, she'd forget about being distant, and would happily ask questions till the sun came up. Amelia knew that a Ravokian wouldn’t speak of his origin openly, not in Syliras, but hope dies last? No? Oh well…

[Matthew]

Funnily enough, Matthew took her own seductive movements in his own odd little way. Even if she wasn't specifically trying to seduce, he could see the moves for what they could be. The slow revealing of her body, the arching of her back, the lift of her long leg. Furrowing his brow a little bit, he glanced down at his own figure. Wiggling to the side a little so his defined stomach was more revealed, he slowly arched in the same way that she had. The muscle taunted and stretched out, better showing the seperation of each individual one, water spiderwebbing across his frame as it slowly slipped from his body. He approved of the little show, and noted that this could easy just be stretching. He twisted his hips left and right, and very nearly let out a pained groan at the way his hips popped and cracked. He would have to make this place a weekly destination, if he could manage it. What he did was going to ruin his body, and that simply wouldn't do at all. Grimacing at the thought, he slowly relaxed, letting his hips sink back into the water. He even lifted his leg the way she did, bending it so the knee broke above water and the foot remained submerged. A few fingers worked at the tight and sore muscle that could be found in his calf and thighs, trying to massage away the aches and pains. After a few moments he slowly let his leg sink back in, knowing that his prying fingers weren't quite skilled enough to work out all the kinks yet. She once again drew his attention, soft and playful words spilling out. He was nearly worried until he heard the playful tone, and then his mind kicked into business mode. While he was not full-time yet, he felt like it was best to act like he was. He wasn't planning on just being a harlot when in closed doors. He was planning on being an escort, someone who attracted those around him on a regular basis. Someone who required those around them to give him a second glance, a curious and intrigued glance. He answered back, words soft, the bland and professional tone edged by a bit of a husky breath. "A wicked creature? That seems much more likely than someone in danger. I suppose it all depends. Does the creature like to hunt an interesting prey, or does the wicked one like to be hunted by an even more wicked beast?" If she had wanted some sort of interesting response, there it was, equally playful and just a little bit more dangerous. He smiled lightly at her next statement, blue eyes burning against hers, and nodded with actual interest at her simple explanation of being out here. He wished he knew the woods like his fingers... he knew his way around a library, but beautiful trees such as these? Absentmindedly, his blue eyes glancing up to the darkened treetops, he replied to her final questions. "You are not. I am a student of medicine, of mortal mind and body. I come from Zeltiva, and attend the university there. I am the son of a well-known family, but am likely going to shame them by soon moving to Syliras and becoming a harlot." It almost sounded like a joke, but one glance at him would prove otherwise. "I think a certificate of medicine would come in handy for such a thing. Does that make it more likely that I am the wicked monster? The wicked shameful monster." He smiled a light smile, eyes burning again before he rested his head back. The water shifted around him, and he grunted a bit, thinking he would never be able to get enough of the way it felt around his skin. Why in the world did it feel so good? Had he just abused his body to this point? Glancing around, he slowly stood, water dripping down his taunt form in tiny little streams that carved the lines of his body. Now that he had been in there for a bit, the effect it was having on his muscles was obvious, certain points and places of his body twitching and shivering as the night air slowly hit their tired and exposed forms. Finding a spot that appeared to be a bit deeper, he shifted over to it gracefully. He moved much like her, almost like a woman. It was perfect. It was like a little indention in the floor, a seat that he could sink into. He lowered himself again, sinking into the throne, the water slowly seeping up to his shoulders. Another grunt, a few wiggles to settle himself, and he was satisfied. Blue eyes found the girl once again, and he offered another small smile. "Might I ask your name, Miss?"

[Amelia Cross]

The way Matthew seemed to be mirroring Amelia, showing his body in the best light, if one could really use that as a proper reference. The young girl didn’t pay that much attention to his body, not anymore, she had examined what she found worthwhile and studied his movement. Now, he seemed like a peacock. Yet, she acknowledged it, by letting her eyes drop onto his skin occasionally. Though her face didn’t seem to show much emotion, keeping still like a face of a doll, a mask that had a red smile but no emotions.

Finally, his words were worthy of her attention and drew her in. Amelia loved a skilled speaker, someone who could phrase the simplest things in a way they would make her focus her attention on them. Matthew didn’t seem like someone who could skillfully make her sink in his words, follow the move of his lips to hear every words, the slightest bit of change his voice might have, no, he didn’t come off like that. But he had managed to attract her attention, and that meant a lot as the young girl could be highly picky. ”A game of cat and mouse, would be the choice of the wicked” she said with a bit more playfulness tan she probably should ”what’s the pleasure in playing the same role, over and over? Doesn’t’ the prey desire to torture and doesn’t the torturer, wish to feel torture on his own skin?” Her voice changing from the playful and light tone she started off, to a lower and much more seductive. Strangely, it wasn’t aimed to actually pull him in, she was just enjoying the way they spoke of the roles, a hunter and its prey…nothing really said, but still said so much about the roles we play from day to day.

Her brow rising at the mention of the port city, the city that was rules by ships. A city that lover Laviku and Amelia believed, the god loved Zeltiva’s children. Yet most saw it only as one big university, what sometimes made her sad when she remembered her own time in the city. ”Beautiful city, I was born there” casual, but with a smile on her lips. She chose to not really pay much notice to the mention of his…job? Being a harlot, it all just didn’t seem to come off as a good topic. Not to mention, she had always had an open mind towards most jobs, she didn’t find anything disrespectful or foul, event taking someone’s life didn’t come off wrong to her if it was done by a good intent. And after she had been in Ravok, she realized that any job was worth respect, as long as it was done by someone who enjoyed the job. If Matthew liked this, she was nobody to judge him.

Still, the idea of a man with medical knowledge choosing such a job came off odd, at least to Amelia. But again, not weird enough to make her speak of it ”If you really are such a beast, such a sinful monster with a wicked mind, if you’re so dangerous…you’re doing an awfully bad job at showing it, making me believe it…or an amazing job at hiding it” Her voice initially coming off as more of a purr. But as she turned around to face him, she pulled her hand up to her face, her lips, like a frightened girl. As frightened and innocent she could really appear. She was really beginning to feel it, feel the game she had set up without much intent, and the game he answered.

Casually she continued to walk around the water, in strange patterns she walked closer and closer to the student visiting from Zeltiva. She pretended to not hear his question, not at first. Making it appear as if she had forgotten her own name. ”do names matter, to two strangers who meet at night? Would you remember me and my name in years, and call upon it in your dreams?” she knew the answer, it was a no, a steady no, she expected the answer as her pattern of walking had lead her close enough to him, for her to touch the man if she would desire. ”If I told you, my name is Elizabeth…Tia…or let’s say…Ophelia, would that change anything?””nope”

Pulling up on the rocky edge once more, she sat there. Amelia had given up finding a place to sit down at this end of the hot spring. Everything was either too deep for her to enjoy, or too far to enjoy a discussion. At the end, she would much rather chose the company of this man and his voice, over the water. ”If I would chose to call you Dominick, would that change how I think of you? No, because I have nothing to think of a stranger…so why do you seek out my name?” She continued on with her monologue, not exactly giving the man an opportunity to speak up ” Or do you want to know the breed of a monster occupying these lands? to know what name is it that you would be bound to scream as your skin would be peeled of your bones by its nails?” was she pushing it? No, she was playing "or the name of a wicked pet, asking for trouble?" now she was pushing it, but her eyes shined like a cat's, making it so clear she was not serious about the words she was throwing out.

[Matthew]

He was an odd one, jealous of certain features that women had and wondering if they would be remotely attractive on a male. He knew some of his own features were a bit feminine, but were far outnumbered by the masculine features. He couldn't tell if he actually envied the women because it was something he personally found beautiful, or if he actually thought that it would improve his appearance. It was easy to convince himself that he needed it for the business, and then write it off as a valid and logical choice. He would need to watch that. There was a fine and important line between personal desires and the desires of his business, and they should never overlap. Chewing his lower lip, he turned his attention back to her, noting the tone to her voice and the danger in her words. His blue eyes shimmered again, and thoughts ran rampant behind the shifting aqua. She wasn't a customer by any means, but he was curious if she was something that he could encounter in the future. He was going to travel to Ravok at some point to explore this very sort of thing, but for now, what better form of practice with her type would he get? Tilting his head in thought, he kept his eyes focused on hers, never once glancing away. He studied her, still looking as boring as he had before, no emotion and all plain business. He was like a blank slate, so very elegant and proper, much like a Zeltiva scholar should be. That, with the way that he copied her own natural attempts at showing off her body... he was quite boring to most people when he was like this. He didn't realize it though, nor did he really care. It was only when he saw an opportunity for potential business that he shifted, much like the Raven girl had found out. As her words came out, cunning and clever, he saw opportunity. She was teasing him as if he was her prey, even though she sometimes referred to herself as the hunted. This was simply not true. He tilted his head even further, blue eyes sharp, and then a sudden smile rolled across his full lips. "I simply wish to know the name I should pin to the trophy of my hunt that will hang above my fireplace." The change was sudden and overwhelming, the blank slate getting a seductive picture painted in bright and erotic colors. "You are so young. Could you even discern a beast in disguise if it was right in front of you? Have you seen enough actual beasts outside of your own mirror to know what one truly is?" His body rippled, not a show to impress, but a threat of what such a body could do to one as frail as her own. His smile was wide and hungry, showing the whites of his teeth, and his normally calm and professional eyes were now hot with blue fire. He licked his full lips, tongue running gingerly over the upper one, the sign of a predator who had just found a delicious meal and was licking his lips in anticipation of it. While he was no good at acting, he was good at seduction and the roles that came along with it. With that dangerous smile and glittering eyes assaulting her, he kept an eye out for subtle reactions, ready to read what her body had enjoyed. "What about prey? Do you even know how to tell what prey is worth the chase? Would you like to find out?" He mocked her actions of before, raising a hand to his lips in mock horror, his body recoiling backwards. He looked afraid, but his eyes looked enticed, his teeth scraping along his lower lip in a mild sign of desire for the hunter that was about to take him. All of the changes were tiny and subtle, but they all combined together to create two very different methods of seduction. One that was aggressive, and one that was horribly submissive. He paused for a minute, then smiled lightly, slipping into a more generic form. He now just seemed playful and relaxed, body shivering a bit in the warm water, eyes dancing as they stared at her own dark gaze. There was a moment of silence, and then he scooted up a bit, the water now revealing his chest as he found a new perch to sit upon. With a teasing and slightly challenging tone, he rose and gestured towards his discarded trousers. "This is somewhat out of the blue and perhaps a bit more forward, but I can't help and notice your beautiful hair. Would you need any help combing it? I am sure you have trouble handling it sometimes. I would be quite honored. It would certainly make the time pass a bit more quickly." His own hair was quite nicely styled and taken care of, giving some truth to his words. "I have a comb in my britches I can fetch." If she accepted his invite, he would indeed do that before having her over to him. She could sit in his lap or find a place before him, it was up to her. It was more of a challenge, to see if the girl's sharp words could actually be backed up. Was she brave enough to come within reach of the slippery man, who apparently was good at masking some aspects of himself? It was dangerous enough for Matthew as well. She was quite skilled at hiding things as well. Still, he sat there, blue eyes watching patiently and alluringly, his seductive side showing inch by inch in sudden and surprising flares. Every woman was different, and every customer was a puzzle. How would this puzzle be solved, if it could be?

[Amelia Cross]

The way he answered didn’t seem to surprise Amelia, at least not as much as one would assume from the setting. She was in no rush to find her death, but if she’d been silly enough to walk in the lair of a monster, she would be guilty of her own stupidity. But this wasn’t a matter of life and death, this was something else. A game of ownership, that was how she saw it. One didn’t have to be aggressive to be the one following the lead, just as it didn’t mean that the prey was to be passive. And the girl was competitive for the lead, she was about to throw back her own comment upon the matter…until her stated her being young…

Amelia wouldn’t argue, she was young and if it wasn’t for her father, she’d probably be much more of a calm and innocent girl, the type that was found on the streets of Syliras. But to Amelia’s ears it came as a mock, of her being either too young to be like this…or too young to be any good. ”The monster that dances in the rays of a black sun…I’ve seen my fair share of monsters boy, and you are not one of them…” cold, but not aggressive. Her voice was strong, like a queens that claimed ownership, but her eyes submissive. Her red lips parted and as much as her mind denying it, wishing to taste lips of the hunter.

Now when he brought up the role of a prey, she was not as impressed or affected by it. Matthew didn’t come off as good prey, and not because he was not a worthy trophy to gain. Amelia just didn’t seem to believe that it would be honest or true. When she was prey, she saw prey to a true hunter, and when she was a hunter…her prey was fun and desired to be brought down. Matthew just seemed to have ‘hunter’ written over his face, even when he tried to look frightened, he still looked aggressive. The passion in his eyes, it didn’t speak as the passion a slave feels, Ravok thought her what passion a slave and a pet feels. It looks different, that passion looked begging, like begging to be touched and owned. His was ordering. ”I can tell you one…you are not really a prey worth catching…too boring” still teasing, stretching out as a cat, while she rolled upon the warm rocks, removing her legs from the water. While she stretched her hair fell into the water, stretching upon the surface like black ink on wet paper.

Was that a challenge? She couldn’t figure it out, until Matthew pointed about the comb he had. Amelia was usually good with her hair, having it reach down to her middle thing or knees for most of her life, she had already managed to have a routine of combing it repeatedly and taking good care of her black mane. But she would like to have someone else do it, for a change. Not to mention, she loved to be pampered, and if the pampering would also mean she is taking on a challenge, it’s a win-win situation. ”I’d love to” short and sweet, her voice sounding even a bit innocent. Not because she acted it out, but because she just wasn’t putting enough thought in the sentence. The innocent and sweet, soft voice…that was her true voice.

”go on now, I do a lot of things, but don’t dig around other people things” she said with a giggle, letting her fingers lazily play around the glass surface of the water, while her eyes carefully looked at his reaction.

[Matthew]

Oh, a chord. He had meant it to mock, and mock her it did. He kept that little smile on his face the entire time, curious if it would enrage or entice. Even with the ice in her voice, he seemed uneffected, the heat in his eyes keeping it from really reaching him. Instead, he merely kept his body leaned back and relaxed, his gaze shining as if to tease her about what had just happened. Losing control already? Can't deal with words that hit too close to home? His full lips did not speak, for his raised eyebrow and playful smile spoke for him. He let this drive home before actually speaking, still having something to say on the manner. "You mistake me, Ophelia." He slipped in the name, the corner of his mouth twitching lightly. "You speak of monsters that hide under the bed, looking to tear your throat out. I am not one of those. I am a monster in other places... A monster of a different sort. A fun monster, perhaps. Surely you can find some fun in a certain sort of creature, miss?" Her reaction to his version of a prey was noted, and the concept was put back on the shelf for someone else entirely. She was quite right about his skills as a prey. While it was just as constructed as everything else, it was not a construct that very many people desired. He did make a note to work on it. If their relationship somehow allowed, he would have to ask her to think back on this moment and tell him what he had left to be desired. He was interested in being able to seduce as all sorts of things, not just one single role. Meanwhile, each of her actions were very openly noticed. He was not shy about admiring what she exposed. No matter if it was the way her underclothing clung to her pale curves, or how she lifted a leg or even displayed her entire dripping body. Everything was very openly gazed upon, but with a gaze that was anything but perverted. Or, perhaps perverted, but horribly and skillfully so? His blue gaze ran down every fine detail of every slight curve, eagerly followed the length of her hair, delightfully matched her dark gaze and hungrily scanned her red lips. His own teeth repeatedly dug into his lower lip, and his body curled and tensed a bit, even his fists clenching one or two times underneath the water. He gave off the feeling of a caged animal, something that was just barely holding itself back from attacking a feast that would be absolutely delicious. And he wanted her to see him look. "It would be my pleasure." He nodded as she accepted his offer, his slightly shivering body raising from the water. It rose slowly, giving her ample time to soak in the tensed muscle, shown off by the waterfalls of warm water that drizzled down it in thin little streams. His clenching fists would be obvious now. When he moved, he still moved with a grace, but now it was slightly crouched and cat-like. He was on the prowl almost, or at least that is what the look would give off. His slow walk would lead him to his pants, his current attire only consisting of undershorts that clung to him much too tightly. Extracting the plain comb from his discarded britches, he once more returned close to her in the hot springs. Sitting down at a location that would only cover him to the waist, therefor hopefully giving her plenty of room above the water, he motioned with a single finger to come towards him. "Back facing me, if you don't mind." His words were soft, his legs spreading just enough for her to either sit on them or between. Whichever she was daring enough to do. His smile was still almost a warning. It was now the full smile of a predator.