Topic: Scent of Temptation

Ariane Tenach

Date: 2007-09-17 16:25 EST
The Red Dragon Inn was such an attraction. Emotions brewed so strongly there, were felt so passionately. To Ariane, it was like walking into a restaurant, mingled delightful scents drawing her, this way and that. Here, flare of anger all curry and peppers, with regret and guilt adding subtle notes of anise and almonds. There, joy and laughter filled with citrus and green apples, bubbling champagne.

She usually came to the Inn sated already, and reveled in the tang the different flavors added to her own experience " when she filled herself with the heat of anger, the soothing sweet cream of Tucker's gentle politeness was a balm. When the dark chocolate and whiskey-smoke of lust was overwhelming, crisp apple laughter cut the richness.

There were a few who drew her attention as still pools of clean water " observers, just a step back, it wasn't that they didn't feel, only that nothing in the room touched them deeply. Paxton was one such. They were refreshing in their own way, but she didn't crave that stillness. It was too close to her emptiness.

And in every restaurant, there must be dessert. Sweet-spice and honey, cinnamon and vanilla of love without pain or fear, guilt or anger. Rare beyond counting, in this world where most relationships began or ended in betrayal. The lute-player, Sianna, and her man Johnny ? so sweet they were almost cloying, she already knew she wanted a taste.

Sometimes she misjudged, her prey too weak or their emotion too subtle, and her enjoyment was cut short as the sensations drained from her like water emptying from a sink. The Inn was seduction, then, a hunting ground. Sometimes she stayed, stalking, watching those whose scents were most alluring. Sometimes she left for an easier meal.

Either way, the Inn drew her back, filled with the scent of temptation.