Closed A Dip and Splash

[Claudia Blackwood]

51st Day of Spring, 515 AV

The last couple of days had been really busy for Claudia. She was either busy spending time with her patron or involved in training with friends and other squires. There wasn't a lot of time to unwind, or even take a little break from the strenuous activity. She aimed to fix that today by arranging a de-stressing session, spending a whole afternoon relaxing in the Sacred Arch Hot Springs.

She hoped to loosen her tense muscles by have a relaxing time in the hot springs. She was told hot water worked wonders on tired and worn-out muscles. The place was only situated less than a quarter of a bell away from the main city of Syliras itself. It was a fairly popular location, and most of the locals frequent the place for a relaxing time in the springs.

Clad in a suit of chain mail she loaned from the Order's armoury, and equipped with her steel long sword, long bow and its accompanying arrows, she wasas armed as she could be and she hoped that the sight of the weapons would deter bandits would preying on her. Sure, she may look like a ripe target to the unsuspecting, but unless she was heavily outnumbered; she was more than capable of handling herself in a fight.

She was no master at her weapons, but neither would those bandits be. The path that led to the Sacred Arch was also part of the patrol route that the knights took, and so that should also reduce any significant chance of encountering any hostile characters. She heard that the place was also safe enough that teenagers and other young adults often frequent the attraction.

Although she had never been to the Sacred Arch, Claudia knew she had arrived at the right place, when her eyes laid upon its namesake. A formation of natural stone that had since long eroded, leaving only the arch, forming a bridge of sorts over the hot springs. She began walking around the springs, seeing several people enjoying their time in the springs, and hearing the excited fun-loving squeals and laughter of children, both boy and girl alike.

Adults of all ages came for a relaxing time in the spring, and some of them accompanied by their children. After a few chimes of walking around, she finally found a partly secluded area, from the rest of the people in the springs, and looking around for a noticeable clef in the rocks, she began stripping off her armour, first taking off her chainmail, before stripping over her tunic and pants, then her undergarments, wrapping them up in a cloth bundle before tucking it in between the rocks.

She wrapped a towel around herself, preserving a small amount of modesty left to her. She tipped a toe into the water, testing the temperature, before submerging herself into it. Claudia then began humming the melody of a catchy song she heard rather loudly without a care in the world. Her humming skills were practically non-existent but she still did whatever she could, remembering the melody of the song, and it was great to be worry-free at least for this short while.

[Holland Rolandus]

Smiling, happy and enthusiastic as per usual; Holland looked about. Under normal circumstances; Holland would've turned and walked away from this place swiftly. Yet, in this case being that he stumbled upon what seemed to have been a gathering of people; bathing and relaxing themselves in the springs. Holland decided upon joining; although he could've sworn he saw her out of the corner of his eye. He'd simply been wandering about and being spontaneous; before stumbling upon such an odd place. Where people simply enjoyed the warm water; despite the fact that majority of them were strangers to one another. The thought continued to prod away at the back of his mind; had he seen his significant other? In order to answer that question all he needed to do; would be to turn his head to the right. Although he simply began to think he was absolutely insane; after all he knew Claudia quite well. It wasn't very likely that she would even be anywhere near a place like this. Yet, upon looking to the right; Holland immediately discovers that he was wrong. As per usual he wore royal blue attire; with a pair of simplistic black boots. Providing his embodiment with protection from the elements; yet, now that he could confirm her beautiful visage amidst the crowd he takes action. Not even bothering to be very formal about it either; immediately he strips off his clothing.

Holland figured that there was no shame in doing so; being that the others in the vicinity were just the same. Holland feels as if it is rather philosophical manner here; why bother wearing clothing? All clothing does is either improve or degrade ones physical appearance. Which only leads to the judgement of other individuals based upon clothing. Yet, without clothing a body is all that one possesses. Therefore judging shouldn't be done until one is completely exposed to the others. Riches and wealth mean nothing in this world; what counts is the individual which lies within the embodiment. Holland thought to himself as he steps forth; making his way into the spring. The now tanned skin complexion shone slightly; due to the natural oils in his skin. His foot finally collides with the warm, soothing, and foreign feeling of delightfully high tempered water. Enjoying each and every bit of his entry; Holland fully submerges himself. Making his way over toward Claudia immediately the very moment he entered. Moving past several of the others; entering the rather secluded area Claudia resided within. Only to further observe the woman and realize something.

Her beauty was only further amplified when she was more open like this. Although she managed to wedge herself within an area; so that majority of the others wouldn't be able to witness her beauty. Holland laid eyes upon her and immediately his facial expression shifts; from one of boredom to one of absolute joy. He doesn't wish to draw attention to himself; nor would he want anyone other then himself looking at Claudia while she was like this. Therefore he would simply make his way over before he bothers to speak. Practically sneaking up on her; moving in silently and slowly toward the woman. Before he finally arrives approximately seven feet away from her. Holland decides upon further submerging himself within the water; dipping his cranium within the shallow warm tempered liquid. Before slowly re-surfacing after having held his breath for a mere moment. Shaking his cranial structure about from left to right; allowing his hair to rid itself of some of the liquid. Closing his eyes for a mere moment; the eye lids clasp themselves tightly over his optic devices. Before he snaps them open; immediately revealing his brown hued irises. Setting them upon that of her own as he approached steadily now; wasting no time hesitating. Holland speaks to her as he approaches only a mere three feet away from her.

Holland outstretches his arms simultaneously; it was quite obvious he'd been working on his physical build. Slightly more bulky then he was before; with bulging core muscles. Pectorals that stuck out a slight bit more, and dripping wet hair. Now his lips part and he proceeds to speak to the woman; whilst maintaining the ever so wide smile. " Claudie, my dear! I've missed you so I am quite elated to see you again. My heart beats so rapidly that I feel as if it shall burst from my chest at any given moment now. As always you make it race as if it were a Horse." Holland feels his heart drumming away beneath his chest cavity. He was almost speechless for a moment following the small-talk; placing his digits upon either side of Her hips simultaneously. Although they were both in water; that didn't quite mean he wouldn't enjoy her touch anyway. Simply being in her company was a blessing in Hollands opinion; therefore he would make the most of it. Even if he'd gotten no more then a simplistic minute of time he would attempt to make it last an eternity. Surely being a part of the order must be incredibly hard. Therefore he wished to make her feel special this day; to show her the burning passion which lay within his heart.

[Claudia Blackwood]

Claudia was still humming away, with her eyes closed, as she relaxed in the pool of warm spring water. Bathing one's body in hot springs comes along with a lot of great benefits. For starters, it gradually increases the body temperature of the body, thus killing harmful germs and viruses. The warm water is also known to allow better flow of the within the blood, promoting better health.

Relaxing of tense joints and muscles was also another great benefit, and one she especially needed right now. All the training recently had put a toll of her body, and she could really use a good relaxation session for her to de-stress. With her eyes shut, all she could hear was the running water from the waterfall, and the sounds of talking and laughter in the background, as the rest of the springs visitors had their own idea of fun.

She spread out her limbs in the body, stretching them slowly to allow for better blood circulation in her arms and legs. She opened her eyes, before submerging her head into the warm mineral-rich water for several ticks.

She felt totally refreshed as she re-emerged from the water. With it's crystal clear turquoise waters, one could practically see from the surface to the bottom. She could see a figure swimming towards her, beneath the surface. Curious at who that might be, she kept both her green eyes trained on the figure. As it got closer, she got tell that it was a man, and one rather well-built at that.

Stopping a short distance away, the man stopped and rose from the water, before flipping his head from side-to-side, shaking himself dry like a dog. His eyes then focused on hers, and that was when she realised that it was Holland. What was he doing here? Did he follow her here? She wondered to herself. Claudia then saw Holland trudging through the water, closing the distance between the two of them. It was also then that she noticed that he was totally in the nude.

She was too, but at least she had a towel wrapped around herself, preserving a modicum of modesty. He spoke as he approached her, reducing the gap until he was directly in front of her. "Claudie, my dear! I've missed you so I am quite elated to see you again. My heart beats so rapidly that I feel as if it shall burst from my chest at any given moment now. As always you make it race as if it were a Horse."

Claudia exclaimed with a look on shock on her face, her mouth agape. She had never seen him topless before, and his chest looked better than she had imagined. He clearly had been working out a lot recently. She had no idea that he had that much...muscles.

The loose blue shirt that he wore had actually concealed all that. "Holland! You're naked! What are you doing here? How did you know I was here?" Flicking some of the wet locks of hair to the back of her head, she continued with a smile "Exaggerating as always, I see. It's really nice to see you too Hollie." as she ended with a wink.

[Holland Rolandus]

Holland was absolutely elated to have seen her. The beautiful hair of hers; she spoke of the fact that he was naked. Of course he was naked; the question was why wasn't she? Why did she even bother wearing a towel when she shouldn't be wearing clothing at all. After all they were in a rather secluded area in comparison to the rest of the vicinity. Although other people were around Holland was certain no one could see them. He wouldn't bother even attempting to answer that question she asked. Holland would've much rather answered her question with a question. After all; He found it odd that she wasn't completely and totally naked. Although he did somewhat know that Claudia tended to be very shy about her body. Yet, it was incredibly gorgeous; Holland thought about something. If he were a female and as beautiful as she was he wouldn't want anyone seeing that either. For now; Holland would proceed to answer her question.

"The question is, why aren't you naked? Of course I am naked and I have no problem showing myself to you. I won't even attempt to bother being shy around you anymore. I've got absolutely nothing to hide; I believe you shouldn't hide yourself this way either." Spoke Holland

Holland simply looked the woman in the eyes. Admiring her absolutely gorgeous visage for a moment. Before he would lean forth; prompting to kiss her lips. Without even a bit of hesitation he completes the swift motion. By delivering a singular peck upon her lips; the tender warmth of his lips meshes with her own. Drawing out the length of time a few more ticks before releasing. Looking her in the eyes, and coming even closer to her; coiling his arms about her waist immediately. Not even bothering to hold back all of the affection he wished to give her for now. At the moment she was all that mattered to him. He practically forgot about all of the others who were out and about within the vicinity. Not even wanting to bother thinking about the fact that they even existed at the current moment.

Holland simply couldn't wait any more. He enjoyed her company regardless of what situation they were in. Holland could've just as easily left the moment he saw her; yet he wished to be with her. In Hollands mind the meaning of being together or being in a relationship; is to be there for one another through everything. Rather or not "Everything" means troubled times or good romantic lovely times. All Holland wished to do was prove to her that he cared; she was all that he ever thought about. If Holland wasn't spending his time out in combat; He spent time with her as much as he possibly could. Training did of course become quite a large part of his life as of recent; He felt as if he'd been neglecting her of affection. Therefore today he would attempt to make up for it.

[Claudia Blackwood]

After that wink she gave him, the two of them were just stuck staring at each other. He hadn't made an effort to answer her question, nor bothered to say anything at all. His warm brown eyes were fixed on her hazel-green ones, as she stared back at him inquisitively. After several chimes of continuous eye contact, she was the first one to break off from the engagement.

Claudia took in his nude form once more, as he stood in front of her, stark naked in all his glory. She felt a blush creeping up, and was starting to feel a tad embarrassed, but she didn't want to be. She wanted very much to get rid of that shy streak that she had in her. Steeling her resolve, she dared her eyes to look below, and her eyes slowly drifted down, before shooting back up as she took a quick glance of what was there.

Clearly this was going to be more difficult that she anticipated, she thought to herself as her face began to redden. She thanked her foresight for choosing a more secluded spot, as she could never have imagined what it would be like if they were in a more public area instead, together with the rest of the people in the hot springs.

Holland's eyes still seemed to be focused on her, although they were no longer fixed onto her eyes. They now seemed to roam around her shapely figure, from head to toe. His continued gaze seemed to penetrate her towel for all the good it was worth. He most probably thought that the reason she was wearing a towel when everyone was naked in the springs was because she was shy about her body. He was only partly correct. Yes, she was still somewhat shy about revealing any part of her body in public, but she was still working on overcoming that slowly. It was a work in progress. But It was something she wanted, and she was willing to work for it.

She knew what he must be thinking about, and couldn't help but tease him about it. So she then broke the silence "Not sure if its what you fancy, but like what you see there sweets?"before flashing him with a mischievous smile. He then finally spoke "The question is, why aren't you naked? Of course I am naked and I have no problem showing myself to you. I won't even attempt to bother being shy around you anymore. I've got absolutely nothing to hide; I believe you shouldn't hide yourself this way either."Her face reddened as she digested what he had said, but she refused to show that she was still shy about it. Claudia looked at him defiantly as she answered "Of course you are. It was a silly question. I have uhhhh....ummm..no problem showing myself to you as well."Despite saying that, she did nothing to reinforce her words, and the towel continued to stay on. At least for now.

Then it was back to gazing at each other in the eyes again. They seemed to do that alot today.Despite looking at his eyes so often, she hadn't realised how brown his eyes were, today. Was she high? she sure didn't think she was. He was probably admiring her again like he usually did.He tend to do that alot.Just staring at her. It made her feel awkward, and she couldn't help but let out a giggle. Getting stared at by him, in the way he did tend to did that to her.

He then did it again. He leaned forward, planting a quick one on her lips. She had gotten caught unaware yet again. From the number of times he had done it, you'll think that she would be able to tell when he was doing it. But she didn't. The kiss was brief , but the after-effect lingered on her lips, sending a burst of warmth through throughout her body.

She looked back at him, eyes briefly softening in warmness before turning defiant, annoyed at being bested once more. With her attention focused on his face, she didn't notice as he began to coil his arms around her waist. His arms rested on her towel, and it shifted flimsily, threatening to fall off. But it held for now. Only just. The surroundings began to fade as she was able to focus on was him. Even though Holland tended to be rather fierce to others and clingy at most times, she really enjoyed his company.

She had no idea what or why she was attracted to him in the first place, but it just did. Most people tended to find Holland a bit crazy with his will to challenge everyone, but she wasn't in the least intimidated by it nor was she affected by it. He also seemed to have this magical ability of being where she was at that point of time. Either that or he was stalking her. Anyway she really didn't care. She didn't exactly have alot of friends, and she was glad for his company. Claudia proceeded to give him a warm hug, at the thought of that, before resting her head on his shoulders.

[Holland Rolandus]

Following having been embraced by Claudia suddenly; Holland felt even more elated. Her physical contact practically stunned him momentarily. He couldn’t help feeling absolutely ecstatic. Obviously the reason he was constantly fierce when it came to protecting her was simple. She meant quite a bit to him, and he wasn’t willing to let go of her for anything in the world. Therefore he would’ve willingly gone out of his way to protect her. Even at the cost of his own life he would protect that which is most precious to him. She at the given time was the most precious thing in his life, and he would guard her until the day he dies. Holland was smitten with her and he wouldn’t bother fighting his impulses. Under normal circumstances he’d have backed away and or pushed away from the hug. Yet, in this case he couldn’t do much more then smile and return a kiss upon her lips. Holland felt as if affection wouldn’t have ever been something he got interested in. Yet, in this case quite the opposite was shown and he enjoyed every moment of her company. Holland found being in a relationship with this woman to be amazing.

She looked outstanding, and her very presence brought Holland comfort. Impulsively Holland loosed the towel from around her waist. Having exposed her body; he gives her a simplistic and yet seductive look in the eye. Not even bothering to move slowly as he’d done it. Holland tilted his cranial structure to the right; forty-five degrees, and leaned forth gracing her lips with a kiss. Holland wasn’t the type for being indirect during majority of situations. Nor would he ever have been, and he wasn’t quite prepared to do this. Yet, he attempted to seduce her anyway; despite the fact that she might not have been willing. He went forth anyway and carried on having delivered more kisses to her lips. The second of the series of kisses; was much more drawn out and lasted a slightly longer number of ticks then the first. Holland felt a warm sensation coarse throughout his embodiment. What in the world could that sensation be; he felt almost as if the kiss was still going on. Like it’d lasted quite a long time, and like it was still going on. Obviously it was something he hadn’t experienced before. Yet, in due time he would indeed have found out.

Holland had been caught in the moment, and couldn’t stop himself. He moved forward only to press his pectorals up against her chest. Only further increasing the amount of bodily contact. Never had Holland felt like this; he felt the soft subtle sensation of her skin coming in contact with his own. Moisture bestowed itself upon him. The more she touched him; the more he felt nervous. Yet, this was no time to be nervous it was a time for courage. Holland could be the most daring individual in majority of cases; except in this one. For some reason when he got around her; Holland became much more kind-hearted and soft-spoken. She made him quite nerve-racked when she was present; simply because he loved her. His sheer infatuation with her burned within his heart; like the heat of ten thousand dancing flames.

Holland figured the situation had gotten too far for him to stop. No longer would he have allowed himself to hesitate. Passion and intensity were the two things on his mind; he would follow through with them. Stopping was pointless, and he couldn’t bring himself to do so. He couldn’t even attempt to give a solidified thought and for now his instincts over-took him. Having been overwhelmed with thoughts of affection; Holland sets sight upon her lips. Before uplifting his right hand, and running each and every one of his ten fingers through her hair. Looking Claudia in the eyes once more; having kissed her again. The burning-tingling sensation remained upon his lips for now. He attempted to combine two kisses; rather then simply using one. Combining them was even odder then delivering a single kiss. Yet, Holland didn’t mind that in the least bit; so long as he gave her affection. In a wild attempt to show her how much his affection could only grow from here. Hopefully she would believe him when he told her this, but he made a simplistic statement.



“Claudia, I hope that you and I shall last an eternity. I cannot ever be certain that it shall occur, but I shall have faith in it. I shall have faith in us and only hope that the future holds for us better things. I eventually want events to come to pass and for us to be wed. I vow to protect you with my life. I vow to hold your heart near to me, and I vow to attempt to remain strong for you. Shall my legs fail me then I beg of you my dear. Show me no mercy.

Holland spoke in an incredibly serious tone; never does he typically speak in this fashion. Therefore even if she didn’t quite know him all that well she should know he wasn’t simply saying that. The speech lacked the typical “flowery” speak that he usually used. Hollands words held quite a bit of truth in them, and hopefully she understood the message he relayed. Hopefully she wouldn’t simply brush it aside and not take him seriously. Holland meant each and every word that he’d spoken, and he meant it whole-heartedly. Regardless of how much he attempted to tell her he loved her; she seemed to have never believed him. Eventually he wanted to prove to her that he did. The day that he does; shall be the day that he feels accomplished. After all; Holland did eventually want her to be his bride. He would stop at nothing to have convinced her to do so, and he wanted to prove it to her now. Yet, in the back of his mind he continued to think she wouldn’t believe him.

[Claudia Blackwood]

Apart from their first encounter together, Claudia had never really hugged Holland. This was her real hug between the two of them. She wondered who he felt about it, but was unable to see his reaction, due to her head's resting position on his broad shoulders. She knows that he likes her, but she wondered if he would just normally shrug off or reject her hugs. What if he rejected her hugs? Just the thought of rejection made her shiver, and she shook the thought from her mind. Best not think of that now.

Her resting position on his shoulder came to an end, as his hands took her head in them, before smiling and returning a kiss upon her lips. It was as warm and as sweet as it was short. As he withdrew, he continued gazing at her with such affection, it made her cheeks flush. She found his eyes wandering all over her figure before settling permanently on the knot securing her towel together. She had an inkling of what was about to happen next.

Without any form of hesitation, his arm reached forward and undid the knot securing her last piece of modesty together. Her towel slipped free of her figure, sliding down, revealing her naked body as it fell into the water. Although she was expecting this, when it came, she was still taken aback. No one other than her parents had seen her in the nude before this. Holland would be the first man to do so. Subconsciously, she stretched out her arms shyly to cover her private areas.

Her hands soon lost their positions and fell limply at her sides, as he leaned forward, gracing her lips with yet another kiss. That was another quick one, but when she thought that was all, she was faced with an onslaught of kisses. Her body grew weak at how passionate the kisses were, and she could feel herself quivering, but she then steeled herself, getting rid of the momentary feeling of weakness within her. The second waves lasted longer than the ones she had received before, and she widened her eyes in shock. As the last wave of kisses ended, she could only stare at him, confusion clearly shown on her face.

"What are those for? What are you up to?"

With the kisses over, at least for now, she would think, he moved even closer, leaning his chest onto hers, effectively giving her a hug. The skinship she was experiencing was totally new to her, as Holland was her first love and romantic relationship. The steam rising from the hot springs seemed to give off a calming effect, somewhat slightly helping to calm her emotions. She couldn't say whether it was helping her or not, as she could tell it either. She placed her arms onto his shoulders, firmly gripping him.

She had no idea why she did what she did, but it was felt instinctual. Holland seemed to be a different person when he was around her. He seemed to be kinder, and more soft-spoken. His violent tendencies were forgotten as well, and she hoped that she could eventually coax him into a less violent and hostile behaviour towards others. Being hostile towards enemies or mean people was fine, but towards the rest or innocent, there really was no need.

Claudia saw her sights resting on her lips again. Her lips quivered in anticipation of yet another kiss. She wondered how many has it been by now? She mouthed the words to him "Again?" Her shoulders sunk in despair, it was looking like her lips would be sore by the end of the day. He then stretched out his arms, raking each of his fingers through her hair that was flowing loose, out of its usual ponytail. She let him carry on unhindered, as his fingers continued to run through her luscious locks of chestnut brown hair. He finally broke the silence and spoke,

“Claudia, I hope that you and I shall last an eternity. I cannot ever be certain that it shall occur, but I shall have faith in it. I shall have faith in us and only hope that the future holds for us better things. I eventually want events to come to pass and for us to be wed. I vow to protect you with my life. I vow to hold your heart near to me, and I vow to attempt to remain strong for you. Shall my legs fail me then I beg of you my dear. Show me no mercy."

"I do too, Holland. I do too. I have never been with anyone before you, and I hope that I do not disappoint you with what you may be looking for. I know that I may not be the ideal woman you have in mind, but I do try. What do you mean by do not show you mercy? If your legs fail you?" She could tell that he was serious, from the tone he spoke in.

Gone were the flowery language he used to spoke to her in. Good riddance, she might have added. She didn't like those one bit. But she still needed to know what he meant by that, and now she had not a clue.

[Holland Rolandus]

Holland was surprised by Claudia giving him such a sudden spontaneous embrace. Yet, he couldn’t help but love her contact. Her skin felt silken against the surface of his, and he didn’t want it to stop. For the first time in his life Holland felt special, and like he was valuable to someone. Being valuable to someone was everything he wanted in his life. Perhaps she would be the person to change his personality as a whole. Yet, Holland wasn’t well aware of the fact that she could be. Hopefully he could change in order to be everything she wants him to be.

Holland wanted to become the “man of her dreams” He would do everything in his power in order to do so. He heard Claudia say something, and although it was brief he listened closely. Everything she said, every word of it was always important to him. Holland wanted the physical contact to last an eternity. He could clearly hear her lovely voice speak. "What are those for? What are you up to?"

Holland knew very well what he was up to, and that was to attempt seducing her. Holland observed her body language, and noticed that her lips quivered a bit. She mouthed a word to him, and yet he could hardly decipher it. Perhaps her lips quivered because of the fact that she might’ve wanted another kiss? Maybe affection was something she was desperately in need of. Holland had no trouble providing it, and he immediately bombarded her lips with kisses again. Combining them and delivering multiple sets of kisses all at once. Although he wasn’t quite adept with kissing he still attempted to make her feel the passion.

Intensity only rose between the two, and he felt his heart as it hammered away at his chest cavity. He continued to gaze upon her absolutely astonishing facial features following the kiss. Holland went on and asked a question, one that later became vital to their sharing of affection. Temptation filled his mind and he couldn’t very well help himself when he asked the question. Holland was over-whelmed by instinct, and he could only ask just to see what she would say. Finally Holland asked the question and surprised himself. He typically lacked the courage to do such things, and hopefully she would accept it.

“Claudia, would you be willing to go to the camp-site with me? I heard that there is one near-by after all our skin might wrinkle after being in here for too long. It might be relaxing but I would like to spend time with you outside of the water as well, Love. By the way the answer to your question is simple, darling. It means that if I cannot ever be everything that you want me to be. Also everything that you expect of me, and if I cannot meet your expectations then I want you to be merciless. I want you to leave me behind. I want to be everything you deserve, and everything that you’ll need in a man, Claudia.”

Holland barely managed to let out the speech. He was scared to have even said such words, or mention her leaving him. He hated the very thought of it and it made him sick to his stomach to even think about the fact that it was possible. The sheer thought of her leaving him scared him and shook him to the core. He didn’t ever want her to go anywhere. He wanted her to be in his life until the day that she dropped dead. Holland wouldn’t want to have it any other way.

[Claudia Blackwood]

Claudia could feel the warmth of welcome in Holland's arms as she embraced him. She could also feel the slight shock in his body language by her sudden hug. But that was who she was, and spontaneity was a big part of her personality. She does what she wants when she wants, without any form of planning most of the time. The moisture and the hot steam given out by the springs gave out a calming aura, which was supposed to help one relax, but it didn't seem to work for her. She wasn't feeling particularly relaxed right now. Her heart was beating really fast, and she wondered if Holland could feel it. She felt embarrassed and blushed slightly at the thought of him finding that out. He was her first love and also her first romantic relationship. She really hoped it would work out well between them. He can rather angry and hostile towards other people, but she was hoping to eventually mellow him down a little. Being hostile and angry towards everyone was not a good way to live one's life.

He had yet to answer the question she posed to him earlier on, but she very well knew that he obviously knew the answer and was not answering her on purpose. Probably more teasing. He loved to do that, teasing her. Her lips continued to quiver, not knowing if it was the warm spring water, or the close contact with Holland's skin. Perhaps it was a combination of both. She had mouthed a word to him earlier, but she doubt he had caught it. It was "steamy". An apt description of both the environment and situation they were in at the moment. He probably thought the lip quivering meant that she wanted another kiss, as he leaned his head forward, bombarding her with another barrage of kisses. Oh god she thought to herself, another round of them. She knew he loved kissing, but he just wouldn't stop, and the thought of that with the continued passion in his kisses, she could help but laugh. And laughing during kissing was not a good idea. Her lips locked with his, laughter started to erupt within her, and the first shakes of laughter brought itself known.

Holland's eyes seemed to grow wide in shock at her sudden shaking, but she could not hold it back any longer, breaking the kiss and letting out a peal of laughter. Staring at his confused face, she said "Oh, don't mind me." Eventually, she managed to compose herself, and saw him staring at her facial features. She gave him a cheeky smile followed by a wink of an eye. He then spoke asking her something he must have been dying to ask, from the tone and abruptness in his voice. Claudia wondered what that could be.

“Claudia, would you be willing to go to the campsite with me? I heard that there is one near-by after all our skin might wrinkle after being in here for too long. It might be relaxing but I would like to spend time with you outside of the water as well, Love. By the way the answer to your question is simple, darling. It means that if I cannot ever be everything that you want me to be. Also everything that you expect of me, and if I cannot meet your expectations then I want you to be merciless. I want you to leave me behind. I want to be everything you deserve, and everything that you’ll need in a man, Claudia.”

She simply stared at him with her arms crossed. Her eyes roamed across his face as she narrowed them studying his expression and pondering over what he had just said. He had asked her to leave him if he could not meet her expectations. He probably wanted her to say nice sweet things to him, but she had something else in mind. She replied him with a nod of her head. "Alright, I'll leave you behind if you do not meet my expectations. I'll be merciless as you have requested." But what he didn't know was that she couldn't possibly do that. It was not in her nature to abandon someone just like that. She was only teasing him, just like what he used to do so often to her. A mischievous grin spread across her face as she continued “And aye, I will definitely be willing to join you in the campsite. As much as I love staying in the hot springs, it is getting a little too long now, and wrinkly skin is no good. Nope."

Claudia gave a quick clap of her hands, as she stood up naked, before grabbing her towel and tying it around herself, preserving her modesty from any prying eyes. She started to gather her clothes before moving towards the exit of the springs. She then turned around glancing towards Holland still standing in the same spot in the water looking at her. She then remarked "Well, aren't we going to the campsite? Changed your mind?" before giving him a playful wink.

[Holland Rolandus]

Hollands’ skin grew to become slightly wrinkled due to the length of time he remained in the water. He simply continued to gaze upon her eyes before she spoke in return to his aforementioned statement. Distracted by the sheer curvature of her figure, Holland was awe-stricken. For a moment he believed that he rested within his own utopia, but now she began exiting the water. Holland simply followed her to the camp-site, and didn’t bother to hesitate. Having scooped up his clothing and tossed a few articles of it back on. For now the most important article of clothing was his trousers. Those would be the first thing he’d throw back on.

He decided upon going to the camp-site for various reasons. Not only due to the fact that he wanted to get out of the water, but because he wanted to spend more time with her. Holland had a bad habit of missing her while she was away. As he paced toward the camp-site he continued to think about the future. Holland was glad that she wouldn’t show him mercy if he didn’t meet her expectations. He always feared that he wasn’t going to be what she wanted. Holland couldn’t even begin to describe what sort of man she deserves.

Interestingly enough Holland did wish to tell Claudia of his plans at the end of the spring. The question was should he tell her, or should he not tell her? Perhaps he should tell her that he planned to take her hand in marriage. Holland often second guessed himself as a result of his lack of confidence. There was truly no point in not being confident at this point, and he knew for sure that they’d been together a short-while now. Rather then ponder and become lost in his myriad of thoughts, Holland grasped Claudias’ right hand. He interlocked his fingers with hers, and glanced at her only to deliver a smile to her.

Holland was focused on her and only her. His attention span typically wasn’t all that good, but in her presence even he noticed the change. Oddly enough he figured that it was simply in his nature. Perhaps Claudia truly was some sort of odd beacon which bestowed courage upon him. No, she couldn’t be, Holland thought immediately as he continued to ponder. The feeling of absolutely overwhelming emotion practically possessed him, and the sensation made him think. Was she truly the one he wanted to be with until he died? Holland was practically being bombarded by the massive amount of thoughts he took on all at once.

For now he simply attempted to remain calm. After all being anxious in a “romantic” situation wasn’t the best idea. Honestly being nervous at all was a horrid idea in any social situation. Holland just wanted to get to the camp-site and spend the remainder of the night there at her side. He focused on that single thought, and he was indeed driven by it. Holland spoke not a single word as he continued to smile at Claudia and walk along-side her toward the camp-site.