*It'd been three days. I'd almost think Landon's aunt was keeping us separated out of spite, at this point. I didn't know anyone here, and I've been so afraid of my heritage being exposed that I've spent most of the last few days either in my bedroom or out in the trees past the wall. I'd lay on the springy moss, letting the greenery soothe and recharge me. Keeping my fire genes sated was safe to do at the settlement, this...this was not. I'd also peeked from the small window above my feather filled mattress, watching as the others went about their days. The settlement was large, and there were always people skittering about, parents yelling at the children who were learning their powers. The sales people bartering for what they needed in exchange for the wares they had lining their tables. If I was a true Fire elemental, I'd have enjoyed going to look around, to soak in the atmosphere of the first real settlement I'd entered in a long time. With Landon at my side, I might have enjoyed it. I'd seen him a few times walking past. Always a few females following after him trying to get his attention, no matter how exasperated he looked.*
*Strange, how we'd just met, yet I felt a pull to him. He made me feel safe, which was such a foreign feeling in this mortal world that it left a ache as I climbed over the back wall again, waving to one of the gate people that had just shrugged at me preferring disappearing this way instead of walking through the front. Less people to possibly run into, less chances of being discovered. Making my way through the worn path in the dirt for the third time, I carefully scanned the area in front of me, making sure that I wandered far past where the other elementals would go. Once I couldn't feel them anymore, I felt the tension relaxing from my shoulders, stress beginning to leave me. Approaching the small spring I'd discovered, I cast another furtive look around before tugging off my shirt. Folding it carefully, I set it against a nearby rock, the rest of my clothes soon following. Next to them, I sat a small piece of soap that I had put into my pocket before leaving the camp. Because I was a half-blood, I could tolerate some water. I actually enjoyed baths occasionally, it just took a bit of pre-planning. It was certainly not something I could ever do in an elemental communal shower. Bending, I pressed my fingers into the soft dirt at the edge of the stream. Breathing out, I focused all my attention on discharging all of the fire energy I had swirling within me. Once I was "empty", I drew on the earth, letting it fill me. Earth tended to play nicer with water.*
*Stepping past the short, rocky bank, I smiled as the water towards the middle rose up nearly to my knees. The water was lukewarm, far better than that of the reservoir the other day. It was perfect. Sinking into a sitting position on one of the smooth stones that lined the bottom, I stretched out, letting the water wash over me. While leaning back to wash my hair, I kept my toes dug into the mud between the rocks. That connection to some of my nature kept me safe. The reservoir had been too deep, and I hadn't been able to draw on Earth to give me strength. Sighing happily, I dug my toes deeper as I took a breath, dipping my entire body underwater for a few moments. The small bars of soap I used were formulated to be safe for the earth and animals within it, so I tended to have it drop shipped to wherever I was whenever I needed a new stash. Lathering it up in my hands, I took care to scrub every inch of myself. Camping had done me no real favors, and a good bath always made me feel refreshed.*
*Once done, I headed towards the largest stone that lay at a slight angle where the edge dipped into the water. Scrambling onto it, I lay flat, intending to let the heat of the sun dry me as well as recharging my Fire energies. With my skin damp, the slight wind had taken on a bit of a chill, making goosebumps rise on my arms and legs. Nipples tightened, and, Danu help me, I let out a soft moan. Never had I imagined what a water elemental's touch would feel like, until now. The feeling caused heat to sweep through me, instantly leaving tiny wisps of steam arcing over me as the water droplets evaporated, the wonder of whether his touch would be cooler than mine making its way through my thoughts. Cursing, I stood to jump from the rock to the ground, hurriedly making my way back to my clothes to re-dress.* Iris, you have got to stop this. He's so far out of your league as to be untouchable, and besides that, you're a mutt! Plus, you barely even know him. get a grip! *Muttering in annoyance at myself, I slipped my sandals back on my feet, tucking the still damp soap bar back into my pocket. Even the light herbal scent that I usually enjoyed barely earned my notice now. I needed to get back and pack, because staying here would end up causing me to do something stupid, like try to spend more time with him. That would be dangerous to my senses... hell, it already was. I'd overstayed my personal welcome, and it was definitely time to go.*
*Stepping past the short, rocky bank, I smiled as the water towards the middle rose up nearly to my knees. The water was lukewarm, far better than that of the reservoir the other day. It was perfect. Sinking into a sitting position on one of the smooth stones that lined the bottom, I stretched out, letting the water wash over me. While leaning back to wash my hair, I kept my toes dug into the mud between the rocks. That connection to some of my nature kept me safe. The reservoir had been too deep, and I hadn't been able to draw on Earth to give me strength. Sighing happily, I dug my toes deeper as I took a breath, dipping my entire body underwater for a few moments. The small bars of soap I used were formulated to be safe for the earth and animals within it, so I tended to have it drop shipped to wherever I was whenever I needed a new stash. Lathering it up in my hands, I took care to scrub every inch of myself. Camping had done me no real favors, and a good bath always made me feel refreshed.*
*Once done, I headed towards the largest stone that lay at a slight angle where the edge dipped into the water. Scrambling onto it, I lay flat, intending to let the heat of the sun dry me as well as recharging my Fire energies. With my skin damp, the slight wind had taken on a bit of a chill, making goosebumps rise on my arms and legs. Nipples tightened, and, Danu help me, I let out a soft moan. Never had I imagined what a water elemental's touch would feel like, until now. The feeling caused heat to sweep through me, instantly leaving tiny wisps of steam arcing over me as the water droplets evaporated, the wonder of whether his touch would be cooler than mine making its way through my thoughts. Cursing, I stood to jump from the rock to the ground, hurriedly making my way back to my clothes to re-dress.* Iris, you have got to stop this. He's so far out of your league as to be untouchable, and besides that, you're a mutt! Plus, you barely even know him. get a grip! *Muttering in annoyance at myself, I slipped my sandals back on my feet, tucking the still damp soap bar back into my pocket. Even the light herbal scent that I usually enjoyed barely earned my notice now. I needed to get back and pack, because staying here would end up causing me to do something stupid, like try to spend more time with him. That would be dangerous to my senses... hell, it already was. I'd overstayed my personal welcome, and it was definitely time to go.*