Closed [The Twin Lakes] You Can See The Ocean From Here (Euthisa)

[Kovac]

Timestamp: 10th Day of Summer, 513 AV

It had been too long since Kovac had really spent time with the tatooed violinist. Euthisa had made quite an impression on the Avora, tending to his wounds after a fight in the Pit, and after that, well, she made quite an impression indeed. Finally, A rare free afternoon, and a hard won favor from the librarian's boss, afforded Kovac the perfect opportunity to spend some time with the Chiet.

Kovac met up with the Inartan woman just outside the tunnel that lead from the inner warrens to open up just above the two lakes. Below, steps carved by reimancers lead down to a grassy stretch of land that gave way to a strip of sand along one side of the lower of the two lakes. The water from the upper lake, still sporting a few tendrils of steam, flowed over a rocky ridge of limestone to cool in the lower basin. Goats dotted the grassy knoll, and a few other residents sat in the sand, or swam in the lake, a safe distance from where the lake tapered near the edge of the crater, before careening over the cliff to become Katshika Falls.

Kovac wore only his typical black bryda and low boots, a towel tucked under his arm. Once Euthisa arrived, the Avora greeted her with a wide smile. "Thanks for coming along, its been too long, Isa." Taking the woman's hand in his, Kovac began to lead her down the stone stairway. "I guess I should have asked if you swim....do you?"

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[Euthisa]

What felt like years had flown by since the last time Euthisa had been graced with Kovac's presence. It was nearly impossible to steal the handsome Avora away from his busy schedule, and so today was a special and meaningful day for the librarian. She'd been given the day off of work at the Enclave, not something Euthisa made a habit of or was granted often, and she'd delighted in the nerves contorting her insides all day long. Something about the hunter brought Euthisa to life in ways she'd never known were possible before. He was reshaping her the more time they spent together, and instead of fearing the changes, the Chiet was anxious to see who she'd become. Kovac made her bold and daring, more outgoing and adventurous, and overall, much more extroverted than she'd ever been.

They'd agreed to meet outside the inner warrens, at the top of the staircase overlooking the Twin Lakes, sandbar, and grassy field nearby. Euthisa took her time getting ready for the get together, and today her hair was pulled back into a loose and messy ponytail, beaded string wound and tied around her hair to secure it in place. Her curls hung down between her shoulders, swaying and bouncing as she walked to meet Kovac. A toothy grin instantly spread across her face when the archer came into view, easily matching the one he greeted her with. "It's been far too long. I'm happy to be here." Nerves fluttered like bird wings in her stomach as he took her hand and began leading her down the stone steps. He proposed the question of swimming, and it was then that Euthisa noticed the towel beneath his arm. "Oh! I haven't in quite some time, but I loved to as a kid!"

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[Kovac]

Kovac watched the librarian voilinist emerge from the warren tunnel. A small hitch rippled in the Avora's stomach, and he tried to tell himself it was due to his lunch and not the appearance of the burgundy-maned Inartan. She had tied her hair back in a pony tail, the curls dancing around her as she strode up to him. It gave Euthisa a playful appearance, and the hunter hoped that it did indeed indicate the beautiful woman's mood for the day.

As they strolled down the steps, and Kovac revealed his plans, the mixed-blood realized that he should probably have told Euthisa what he was intending. She had no towel, and probably nothing to swim in. He cursed himself for the oversight. He would certainly give his friend the towel. What to swim in? That would be up to her.

The chill of Spring still lingered in the breeze that blew down into Mt. Skyinarta, but the volcanic heat made it tolerable. Besides, the heated water of the lower lake would stave off any cold breeze. There were indeed few visitors to the lakes that day, but it was Market Day, and many inhabitants were surely off shopping, or selling.

"What have they kept you up to Isa? I haven't seen you around." Kovac asked with a grin. He knew full well he himself had been busy at the ranges or out hunting for most of the Spring, or he certainly would have found a reason to visit the Enclave, if only to catch a glimpse of the tattooed Chiet.

They stepped off the steps onto the verdant stretch of grassy ground. A few Dek herded a group of unruly goats, the newly born kids bouncing about and head butting each other playfully. Kovac suddenly stopped. Releasing Euthisa's hand, he raised it to rest on her cheek, then stepped in and pressed a kiss to her full ruby lips. After a long moment, the Avora stepped back, grinned boyishly, and resumed walking towards the lake. He had waited too long for that as well.

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[Euthisa]

It was great to know, and to see, that Kovac was as excited to see Euthisa as she'd been to see him. The two hadn't seen much of each other at all for quite some time, though Euthisa knew it was due to busy schedules and duties that were important first. She'd often reminded herself over the space of time that Kovac was of a higher caste than her. He was responsible for more among their people than she was, his schedule demanded him more than hers did, and Euthisa knew well that this was the way of things. It'd always been this way with the Inartans, and they'd survived this long because of it. She knew in her heart that Kovac would make time for her when he could, and their rendezvous today proved that notion.

As for their plans today, Euthisa wished Kovac would've mentioned what they were up to so she could prepare, but she'd improvise regardless. She'd just swim in her clothes, ring them out as dry as possible, and get into dry clothing once she went home. A cool breeze licked at the air as they walked, but Mt.Skyinarta was almost always tolerable weather from the presence of the volcano. The lake was relatively quiet, everyone busy with Market plans instead of swimming past times. As Kovac posed the question of what's kept Euthisa busy all this time, the pair reached the grassy bottom of the steps, Euthisa giggling at the unruly baby goats nearby.

Before she could respond, Kovac stopped suddenly to plant a loving kiss on Euthisa's lips, lingering for a moment, before pulling away. She'd missed the feeling of his plush soft lips, the sweet but salty taste of them, and the intense feelings they stirred within her. The most adorable and heart-melting grin adorned his face as he pulled away from her and kept walking, causing Euthisa to shake her head at him. Quickening her pace, Euthisa caught up to the hunter and playfully shoved him before reaching an arm around his waist to pull herself to his side. "What's kept me busy... Hmmm... You know, the usual. Working at the Enclave and doing my own thing in the mean time. Admittedly, always on the lookout for you, but I know you're schedule is always hectic. I worry about you from time to time, just hoping you've been okay, and praying you always come home safe. Typical woman stuff, haha. How have you been my dear?"

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[Kovac]

Kovac burst out in laughter as Euthisa gave him a playful shove, weaving his arm around her waist as the Chiet wrapped her arm around his. They fell into sync as they walked along. The Avora nodded at Isa's plausible explanation. He too had kept an eye out for the tattooed Inartan as the busy days wore on, every stolen glimpse reminding him of the sweet time they spent together after the fight in the Pit.

When the woman mentioned her concern for his safety, Kovac's head cantered towards her, a look of mild disbelief in his emerald eyes. She worried about him? The thought was a pleasant one, Kovac could not recall anyone actually saying that they prayed for his safety while out on hunts. He wondered if she had heard of the hunts that had gone wrong over the past season, the swarm of Zith that had attacked he and Arandolya, or the Rashkari that attacked him and left several scars across his chest.

"Oh, well..." The pair had fallen into a familiarity, even after being apart for so long. Kovac's hand rested firmly on Euthisa's hip as they walked towards the stretch of sand by the lake. "I have been just doing my thing." Kovac flashed a broad grin at Euthisa.

Once at the narrow beach, Kovac kicked off his boots and reached down to pick them up. He steered his friend towards the narrower end of the lower lake, away from the few citizens enjoying the water. After some distance was reached, but not so close to the edge where, at the narrowest end of the lake, the water plummeted over a cliff to become Katshika Falls. Ironically, it was at the foot of those falls that Euthisa and Kovac first met.

Kovac dropped his boots and the towel, slipped his arm from around Euthisa and pulled off his knife belt. With a practiced motion he slid off his bryda, leaving him in nothing more than a short, dark undergarment. Then, with a wry grin, Kovac crossed his arms and eyed Euthisa with raised brows, waiting to see what she was going to do about swimwear.

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[Euthisa]

Her arm warm against his flesh, Euthisa's hand rested gently on Kovac's side, nimble fingers delicately toying with the edge of his bryda and caressing the soft skin just above it. They walked in sync, naturally catering to each other as they progressed towards the lake. She caught his look of disbelief at her mention of worry for him, her cheeks flushing a shade of red not distant from the color of her hair. Normally she'd tuck her head, letting her hair frame her face to conceal the portrayal, but today she was unable to do so. Her hair bounced behind her shoulders and stayed there, firmly tied in place. So instead, Euthisa smiled at the hunter, choosing to portray the emotion she felt most around him. His reply was simple and vague, as she should've expected it would be when they were attempting to enjoy themselves. Now was not the time for serious matters, and he did well in avoiding the conversation. Euthisa was no fool though. She'd noticed the new scars on his chest, and she did intend to inquire about them later.

Once they reached the sand, Kovac's boots were already off as he directed them further down away from everyone else. They stopped reasonably close to the narrow ending, where the lake careened over the cliff to become the falls. The spot was both public and private, recreational and romantic, as well as spontaneous and sentimental, all in the same instance. Euthisa had to hand it to the Avora, he was just as clever as he was handsome. Slipping from her arm, Kovac set his things down, removing his bryda to expose taught muscular legs, and awaited to find out her decision on swimwear for the day. The sly grin on his face, and the mischief in his eyes, showed what he hoped she'd choose. Euthisa briefly wondered if he'd actually meant to not tell her their plans for the day. She could never tell with the hunter. He was harder to read sometimes than most for her.

Flashing a grin to match his, the librarian took off her boots, setting them in the sand next to his, and with a sense of fearlessness clouding her eyes and her judgement, slipped out of her own bryda. Deep-rooted Inartan pride took hold as she stood there in her vinati and undergarment. Each step bold and profound, Euthisa made her way past Kovac, fingers trailing the scars on his chest as she walked by. Toes enjoyed the sand as she reached the edge of the lake and began walking in, the warm water leaving goosebumps on her skin. Submerging herself to her shoulders, feet firmly on the lake bottom, Euthisa shot Kovac a come and get me look as a delicate finger beckoned him to join her. The Chiet would enjoy herself today. That much was certain.

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[Kovac]

Kovac quirked a brow at the typically reserved librarian as she boldy shed her byrda as well. The Avora's gaze ran along the revealed ivory flesh, especially the flora design inked up one calf, and the matching ribbons tattooed onto the upper end of her well contoured thighs. No, this was not the quiet violinist he had first met at the falls. This was more the passionate woman who used more than bandages to heal his post-brawl wounds. Euthisa stood with unusual confidence, certainly an Inarta aware of the beauty of her skin.

Still, the sultry swagger the petite Chiet employed surprised Kovac, and as Euthisa strolled by and ran the pads of her small fingers over the rashkari claw scars across his chest, the hunter was more than pleased by the sudden change. Even as the beautiful Inartan descended into the warm water, Kovac was heading that way, her beckoning finger, and the alluring set of her features, more than incentive enough for the mixed blood to follow her.

Wading up next to Euthisa, Kovac's grin was wide, with an ornery twist, his hands tracing over the surface of the water, each finger leaving a small wake behind. The Avora was in a playful mood, stoked by his companion's seductive demeanor. He began to speak, idly. "Isa, I was thinking of getting a tattoo, what do you think would look good on me?" As he spoke, Kovac circled around her, leaning in to press a kiss to the soft skin at the side of her neck, near her shoulder. "And where?" The woman knew how much he liked her ink.

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[Euthisa]

Watching his hormones take control of him, Kovac's eagerness to comply with her wishes was thrilling. It wasn't that Euthisa wished to control or manipulate the handsome hunter, she never was nor would ever be that person, but it felt good to be the one in charge of a situation. Normally the follower, or at least not the one calling the shots, Euthisa felt empowered to direct the scenario how she saw fit. Malicious intent was farthest from her mind with her new-found abilities, intentions settling more for curious exploration. The liberation of the persona she'd so easily established for herself over the years was a welcomed feeling, the fluttering wings of change tickling her senses.

Even more attractive wet than dry, Euthisa flashed a cunning smirk at the Avora in front of her, matching his playfully intrigued demeanor. Ever so casually asking her opinion of a tattoo design for him, and a seductive kiss planted at the base of her neck followed by the inquiry as to where, Kovac put Euthisa's nerves on edge. She both enjoyed and loathed that he was capable of such a feat, and hated thinking she was that vulnerable to anyone. Outside of personal failure, the librarian was unable to deny that the consequences of his triumphs ended pleasurably. The concept only made her like him more.

As for tattoo ideas for him, Euthisa couldn't figure out where to begin. So many ideas popped into her head. Full sleeves, half sleeves, rib pieces, chest pieces, shoulders, legs; too many places to choose! Images of a bow and arrows, a hunting scene, archery, and a nature riddled landscape flashed through her mind. Whatever he decided upon, whatever she suggested, it had to have meaning. That was the most important part. It was a permanent body modification and would have to always be worth it.

Turning to face him directly, hands once again on his chest, Euthisa thought for a moment before giving him any answer. "Ooo, catching that 'Inked Fever' I see. Any tattoo would look absolutely divine on you, but you want something worth it, that will look good on your body, and adds to you and your appeal. From what I know of you, for the rest has yet to come, you care a lot about archery, hunting, and your environment. For those concepts, you could get a bow and arrow on your arm, a hunting scene on your rib cage, something archery related on your chest, or even a beautiful landscape, perhaps of Mt.Skyinarta, across those thick shoulders of yours. You could put a Wind Eagle anywhere on your body, or go more stylish than meaningful and get tribal work done on any location. The possibilities are endless."

Euthisa paused to look him square in the eyes, portraying both her feelings and how truly she meant her next words. The most important part when even considering a tattoo, no matter who you are, the circumstances, or what it is you're thinking of getting, it should always have deep personal meaning. It's a permanent decision, and you want to be able to live with that decision for the rest of your life. What are your ideas? And I get to be there don't I? Haha." The Chiet giggled, the water around her body rippling from the movements. The lake was soothing and relaxing, and the company at her side made everything more than worth it.

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[Kovac]

The warmth of her silky skin against his lips, even in the brush of a brief kiss to her neck, was sufficient to ignite all kinds of fire within the Avora, a reaction that typically accompanied any encounter with Euthisa. A hand trailed across the small of the woman's back beneath the warm water, a finger barely tucking into the waistband of her undergarment as it slid around the orbit of her hip when she turned to face him. Kovac looked down into her smiling emerald eyes, seeing them sparked by the subject of tattoos, a topic he knew would pique his inked friend's interest. She also knew that the half-vanthan found the artwork etched into the her flesh to be very attractive, it made the beautiful woman stand out even more among the gingers of Wind Reach.

As the pony-tailed Chiet pressed her hands against his chest, heated by the lower lake's warmth, Kovac's hands again moved beneath the surface to rest on the Euthisa's waist, pulling her just a bit closer. Euthisa offered several ideas for tattoos, obviously intrigued with the concept of her hunter friend getting inked. "Those are all good ideas, there a lot of options isn't there?!" He declared, one hand trailing up her left arm, emerging from the water to trace the dark design of the tattoo sleeve around the curve of her shoulder. "But I think I like the stylized idea, something tribal, simple and raw." He offered with a grin. "And yes, I insist you come with me when I get it."

The tips of Kovac's fingers ran from Euthisa's shoulder across the ridge of her collarbone until his hand was below her chin, his thumb extending to brush across her plump ruby lips. In the light of the violinist's ivory features, the Avora was finding it harder to focus on tattoos or swimming. They had been apart too long, and Kovac compelled himself to be patient in making up that time with the exquisite Isa. Still, he leaned in to press his mouth against hers, a longer, more intense kiss than the one stolen earlier. Well, he would be as patient as he could manage.

"Do you happen to have any talent in design? If a tattoo is to have some significant meaning, it would mean a lot if my tattoo was designed by someone special." A wry grin and a wink was flashed to the girl before Kovac suddenly dove into the water. Coming up a few ticks later just a short way off, running his hands through his raven hair, the Avora smiled again. "What do you think?"

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[Euthisa]

He pulled her closer as she tossed ideas his way, fingers toying with her skin and undergarment, lighting her aflame, though she chose to conceal it for now. Although Kovac's mere presence caused a rippling tide of emotions and reactions through her body, Euthisa wasn't focused on such things as they stood together in the warmth of the lake. Calloused fingers emerged from the water to trace along the delicate lines of her inked sleeve, Euthisa delighting in his enjoyment of it. She wore her tattoos with pride, having gotten them for no one but herself, but she was always scorched with happiness when someone else loved them as much as she did.

The hunter liked the simplistic idea of abstract designs, and even Euthisa had to agree with him. She'd realized after explaining her ideas, that many of them were more on the artistic side. Euthisa possessed no doubt in her mind that Kovac had the mind to appreciate art, but wearing it on his body was a different story. It made sense for him to decide on a tribal design instead. Every tribal design is entirely unique, and easy to make so, and interesting yet simple. The concept fit the Avora perfectly.

Leaving the ink on her shoulder, Kovac's fingers trailed to her chin, sensually dragging along her collarbone and face, before another wonderful kiss was pressed to her lips. More deliberate and serious than the one they shared before, Euthisa leaned into the handsome hunter. She delighted in everything about Kovac. His way of life, his unique personality and traits, his touch, his kiss, and most of all, the way he looked at her. She was endeared to him, not just another ginger of Mt.Skyinarta. She stood apart from the rest on her own, but she always felt like to him, she stood out even further. The idea excited her.

He posed the question of design, explaining that he wanted his tattoo to come from someone special. Euthisa'd never toyed with drawing in her life, but she wanted to fulfill his wish for him. Before she could answer though, the ever-playful man ducked under the water, swimming just a short distance away. Popping up out of the water, Euthisa's breath caught in her throat. It was no secret that Kovac was quite the attractive sight, regardless of circumstance or attire, but seeing him emerge from the water, droplets cascading down the well defined contours of his muscles and dripping from his thick hair, controlling herself instantly became difficult for the librarian.

Willing to play his game however, the Chiet smiled and rolled her eyes, ducking under the water herself. She swam below the surface, as close to the bottom as she could manage, arms and kicking legs propelling her forward. Delicate hands reached in front of her to grab Kovac's ankles, pulling herself between his legs to emerge from the water behind him. Ivory arms reached around his waist, pulling the hunter against her chest, a sweet kiss planted between his shoulders. Rising to her tippy toes to reach his ear, she answered his question. "I've never designed a tattoo before, but I'd be honored to try my hand at designing yours." Her tongue seductively toying with his ear lobe, Euthisa wrapped her ankle around his below the water, quickly backing away as she pulled his leg out from underneath him, causing Kovac to tower over into the water in front of him. He wanted to be playful, she could be too.

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