(Predominantly I'm exposed to the influence of music on my soul and my writings... while Ariahn may not be singing in these pretty threads... a song can still inspire. Here's my inspiration for this piece
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHhhcKxflMY )

Awakening in the morning burn of sunlight on her striped flesh seemed something new. A basking in the warm sands, arching back into the stroking kiss of sun caress. No risk of burning the Huntress languidly greeted the sensation. Indian ink stripes rolled, spilled their design on her flesh. Moved sensual and restless.

How long had it been? Long it had been since she last had felt his touch. Had known the temptation of frost touch, frozen kiss. Marble bliss. Thoughts prowled to those final moments on the rooftop of the Crymson Tryst.

He wanted to take her from that place. Bring her to know a new life that would be theirs to begin. Ariahn had not run, she was very much here. Hunting.

Theodore had been busy with work. Body stretched, sinew enraptured sinuous muscles. There was no question why the woman was chosen as bodyguard for that group of close knit friends. Huntress. Killer.

Now her hunger moved in the matters of heart. Betrayed her. Absinthe moved along the horizon, traced where sunlight mated its burning touch of reflection against the chilled mirror of the ocean.

Swiftly to dress, assuring the last bit of blood had been washed away from her body. The blade was cleaned. Found its home at spine.

Huntress once more. You could take the singer from the fetish club but never the Huntress from the hunt.

She would seek him out again, perhaps it was time she found a road that held a more permanent presence of her mate.

Theodore was nonplussed by the little details of the wedding, but he was whistling as he neared the inn. He had caught her scent a while back, wafting in her wake, and he was following as if in a trance; a child looking for sweet addiction.

Yes, the Inn did enter his memory like a habit; but it was a good one. Memories of friends and.. Her. His Huntress. Shoes thudded noisily and she might hear him, or smell him, before she saw him.. There was no mistaking his lanky form as he moved up against the porch railing, hooking his arms around and resting his chin in his palms as he studied her briefly.

Honey gaze did a brief one-over of her, undressing her with his eyes and mind. Forget the dress, he'd take care of that with ease. A wolfish grin was on display as he whistled at her.

"Hello, dearest. Got something on your mind?"

Cultured, uncultured... it didn't matter either way. All that mattered was here and now.. and Ariahn.

Theodore was watchful of her moves, amusement read across marble features and a hint of something lustful burned amongst topaz at her feral movement. Then his face was in her hands and her lips crushed against his. A soft moan on his behalf, but it was pleased. Hunger momentarily satisfied as heat bit back the cold.

"Hello to you, too, love," a passing murmur against burning lips.

Honey gazed up at her patiently, curiously. Hungrily. He saw the heat in her eyes; her wild flame. It was her answer that caused the need to repress a chuckle. No intentions to offend.

"Oh honey, of course you need a dress. You are to be my... date." He almost said 'mate', but caught himself last second. "We could go... shopping together, if you'd like" Theodore then suggested. He purred at the idea of watching her try on and show off her goods in a variety of gowns. "I hear only good things about the 'Heavenly Boutique'. We could have one custom made to your tastes, too."

A Cheshire grin cracked along hs wicked facade and he leaned in to steal another kiss, another burning desire.

It could have been a growl of disappointment mistaken for a pout as she withdrew from the smoldering kiss, but you know... she probably needed to breathe.

Theo laughed at her inquiry. "It might, but I wouldn't think that is all it has. Most of Anya's dresses are Koy originals, you don't think those are frilly, do you?"

He couldn't picture her in frills, despite. She wasn't for those. No, Ariahn was made for things that stuck and hugged, sleek and form-fitting. Sex reincarnate.

A smirk played his lips. "I am pleased you approve."

Naughty children. His mind was running along the same gutter about what dressing rooms do and provide. Another wicked look was cast along his visage.

"So you are game, then?"

He should give her a tour of Duci's closet, then. He's heard she never wears anything twice, so she must have a large selection to choose from.

"Mm, that is settled then. We'll pick a day to go.. the wedding is still ages away. But for now.. let's enjoy us." Chiseled features had never looked so good the way they warped with sinful delight.

Hungry for more warmth, Theodore easily vaulted himself over the porch railing and collapsed into the porch swing in the blink of an eye. Wayward fingertips caught Ariahn's arm and pulled her into his lap and in for another breathtaking kiss. Hot meet cold, cold, this is hot. Together they made for a steamy kiss.

It was for several moments that he lost himself in her; embracing her burning touch and pulling her closer to warming his ice cold heart. Oh yes, he was hers indefinitely. For always and forever, for all he knew. She enraptured him, and he fell head over heels.

However, others needed to breathe, so he withdrew painstakingly slow, unwillingly as his eyes would show. It was never enough, was it? Addicted, adoring. Always in need for more.

"Yes, us," his voice was low and breathy against her face, and smelled strongly of spices and sandalwood.

"Do you, now? Well, good. You better get used to it." Theodore winked roguishly, lifting a hand to entwine with hers that curled against his chest. Topaz studied poisons, a soft growl of pleasure as she tugged on tousled tresses. His own unoccupied hand was tracing intricate designs along her back absently.

As she licked her lips, honey dripped lower to watch as if transfixed. His own parted and he subconsciously wetted them.

A small inhalation before she spoke; a noisy exhale after words tumbled out. Soft, relieved chuckle. "Mm, and I, you. Oh, how I love you Ariahn.." he whispered, voice caressing her face that was so near his.

No, not a vulnerability... a strength.

"I think I can live with that," he murmurs, smirking playfully up at her.

For all he knew, his mother and father were still together in his bordello of multiple wives so he could have as many children as possible. A mental eyeroll at the thought.

He eyed her tempered smile with serene affection. She had to know his words were truth. Gods, the things she did to him. His mind went blissfully blank as she went in for another steaming kiss. A soft sigh escaped, blissfully content.

Yes, shared affection. And he could keep doing this for eons to come.