in no time at all the clear sky is transformed into a raging storm of darkness. wind tear themselves across the watering hole, scattering even the bisons from their place near the lake. genya, who so happens to be observing the herd, falls from her perch and lands light on her paws. her fur, which has shrunk a few inches from the winter tides, whips around her. a mess of wraith-like shadows and silvery gaze follows the trajectory of the clouds, realizing then that they're here to stay. the rain comes, heavy, but not dangerous enough for her to want to run. yet still genya never truly loved the rain as much as she loves all the other weathers. it soaks her pelt and limits her mobility. the stump in which her missing toe is suddenly lurches with pain - she grits her teeth and stomps it onto the softened earth, tail lashing behind. soon, the rain falls harder, pelting genya on the skull with thick droplets. she couldn't see clearly, except for the blurred edges of the trees beyond and the smudged shadow of what is supposed to be the lake. distantly, veiled by the sounds of rainfall, genya hears hooves frantically beating against the ground. she knows enough to find shelter now. the tree which she nested in is too slick to be of much use for her. everywhere, small puddles of water have accumulated. so much that this land almost feels swamp-like. genya moves with haste, claws extending to help grip onto the earth. water clings onto her pelt, slowing her movement, but she pushes onwards, nose twitching and heart pounding. eyes half-lidded, she comes across several young and lost antelopes. with no time to help, genya weaves through them, before acknowledging that the rain won't be subsiding any time soon. @amaroq +1 - Make a BWP-related post +2 - Study one of the natural phenomena occurring +2 - Analyze the changes being made to the land

image by amphispiza, code by koi

Do you really want me dead
or alive to torture for my sins

From tranqulity, to brutality, Amaroq would watch in silent awe as the once serene lands of Celosia were warpped into a seething rainstorm.

Amaroq would watch the clouds roll in, thick and heavy, the promise of rain and stormy onslaught woven ominiously across the skies; the heavens bloated with the grey, lulling display of both fevor and terror as thunder quakes the land and shakes kingdoms. Rainy deluge soon pelts the earth, harsh and tapping raindrops, the liquid slivers running down from the sky, and moisture would hug the atmosphere like a foggy drug.

The mist of the rains would rise and fall, tempting, hissing, a wild and savage thing that dripped with a silent hunger against the earth. It seemed absolutely ominious, how much rain had begun to fall, as though a flood ached to ravage the lands, ached to consume everything in its path. Will there be flooding? Amaroq only wonders, feeling an involuntary chill slip down his spine.

Violence unfolds along the earth, too, the chaos unfurling, as hooved beasts and startled creatures are thrown into the fray, spooked by all the rainy commotion, thunder and stormy promise. Amaroq observes it all from the edges of the cliffside, feeling the cold bullet-rain bite at his vermillion fur, the heavy droplets of water pelting hard against his skin, until his muscular body is dripping in its lanquid wetness. The cool settles along his hardened flesh, the sensation both weary, and exhilirating. Amaroq had always loved stormy weathers, but this felt something far more dangerous.

Thus, he would have opted for higher ground. He would observe everything above and below, keeping to the bushes along the cliffs, when the perfume of @Genya enters his nose and his curiosity is further peaked by the silken memory of their last encounter. Amaroq would watch the powerful female quietly, allowing his cold, blue eyes to run their chill along her voluptous figure. He would stalk her from behind the bushy undergrowth, curious of what she's up to, observing her reactions and movements.

She moved deftly across the earth, despite her currently miserable state, her inky physique wraith-like still against the harsh sheets of rain that hugged and swayed against her sable bodice. Amaroq would continue to follow the black lioness, until he finally descends the cliffs, and he'd approach her from behind, his voice dark, husky and low, as though to ease any worry she might have been feeling: "I'm sure it will all go away, soon."

Amaroq's shoulder would seek to brush at her hip as he moves forward in one, rippling movement, his taut muscles flexing beneath thick, long fur. The young antelopes scatter and bleat around them, but Amaroq pays no mind to the hooved beasts, his attention fixated on the dark-kissed woman.

+2 - Assess the impacts of the weather on herds and prey
+2 - Diffuse someone else's panic or worry
+2 - Spy on someone to gain information on the phenomena
+2 - Analyze the changes being made to the land
+1 - Make a BWP-related post


Art © Aurora

genya found herself unable to clearly see what was ahead, so she continued to walk, because that was instinct telling her to and not her. for a moment, she prayed to whoever was god here that they could save her. for a split second, genya believed in a god. but the one who answered her wasn't it; the one who answered was a familiar voice that stoked a sudden fire within her mind. the torrent of rain continued their assault, but genya stopped all of a sudden. her body grew still, muscles tensing at the feather-like touch that brushed against her. the sight of @amaroq was truly one for sore eyes. his red coat a beacon of clarity and his voice a good distraction. genya, who was at first made mildly inconvenienced despite the pounding of her heart, settled for a lazy grin when silver met red and blue. she hummed, ears cupping forward to assess the male. perhaps was her answer, before she started moving again, the inky tresses on her cheeks now stuck to her skin. she could've looked better, but in this weather being alive and safe was more important. you don't happen to know a shelter, do you? @amaroq

image by amphispiza, code by koi

Do you really want me dead
or alive to torture for my sins

The rain falls to the earth now, fierce and wild, the crawling sensations biting icily at his flesh, the howling wind a tumultous roar behind his back. Amaroq, too, could barely discern the figures moving around him, they were but shadowy blurs running in the background; let alone the swarthy-kissed woman as together they stood in the harsh, pittering rainfall.

The downpour made it hard to speak without raising one's voice, as well, and Amaroq's ears would serve forward atop his elegant skull, catching the syllables flowing down her lips like wine.

"I know of a place," Amaroq would respond in turn, his voice loud and rumbling, his flashing ice-blue eyes peering at the wraith-like lioness as he would seek to make eye-contact with @Genya through all the sleets of rain. He would turn around then, his tail lashing behind his haunches, leading them both towards the cliff where a small cavern had been carved into the sides of the mountain.

"Follow me."

Art © Aurora

ah genya breathed, more to herself than to amaroq. but with the rain coming down so loud, she decided it would be best to let him hear her. finally, a knight in shining armor. because that was what he was, wasn't he? the man that came to rescue her in her moment of distress. it amused genya to think that of all lions - including her beloved husband - it was the one who escaped her that came. there was no bitterness about that, of course, for she was glad to be following amaroq instead of being drowned in the rainfall. as they walked, genya allowed the silence to veil itself around them. with a shelter in sight, the rain felt more like background noise. genya observed that it was still pouring heavily. the clouds loomed closer, as if trying to snuff out the land with its presence. by the time they reached the cave opening, the rain sounded like they were increasing in strength. any hope of rushing out of the land was dashed to dust - at least genya now had company and a roof upon her head. after stepping in, she shook herself of the water droplets that clung onto her fur. the ground was bare before them and the walls streaked with some sort of scarring. she could very well linger in the back to keep her from feeling the raindrops. horrible weather, i wonder if it'll last the night inky tresses swaying as she moved to the back of the cavern. there was nothing keeping her from settling down now that an opportunity have come. genya allowed herself to slide down onto her haunches, the long tuft of her tail then proceeded to curl around her paw. ...but i do like to spend it with company she said after a long pause, eyes turning over to amaroq, a self-satisfied grin etched onto her face. then, sinking down onto the ground fully, she added you have my thanks.

image by amphispiza, code by koi

Do you really want me dead
or alive to torture for my sins

"I'm no knight in shining armor," Amaroq whispers back, his voice barely audible above the slashing pitter-patter of rain. I'm just another soldier. He'd lead her then - up, up, up towards the cliffs; far away from the scourge of the now watery lands, the rain showering hot down upon their heels.

Amaroq is wordless in his trek up the steep, slippery path; his baritone low and rumbling, his muscles shuddering with a warmth beneath his crimson flesh. His whiskers would get fanned by the slivers of rain, the twisting drops of water falling down his rugged jawbone and tracing his great fangs, if only to pool beneath his chin.

His long fur appeared completely disheveled now, moist and wet as all that thick, vermillion fur would bristle along his spine; his mane drenched, saturated. Amaroq would enter the caves, its entrace black and looming; but first he'd allow @Genya to pass through, before following her within it. There he would watch her with cold, blue eyes, assessing her demeanour. She appeared calm, and he was fine with that.

Compared to the carnal intensity of their first meeting, there was a soberness to the feral heathen now; his masculine composure defined by a steely facade, his athletic body rippling as he shakes the water from his long coat. Still, he'd give the wraith woman her space, allowing her to flourish beneath the dusty shadows, the softness of her voice caught by his swiveling ears.

Amaroq would settle by the entrace of the cave quietly, allowing himself to recoil upon muscular haunches, his posture still alert as he looks out and watches the rain fall down, down, down.

"No problem."

Art © Aurora

it was unfortunate that amaroq wasn't the talkative sort. she'd like for something to drown out the rain and let her mind wander away. genya was good at the latter, but not when the rain was so eager to disrupt the peace she built within her. several seconds passed by and genya watched the entrance, along with the shape of amaroq's muscular body. leaves and debris swept across, hurtled by the howling wind. how awful it must be for those who were still caught within the storm. what are you thinking? genya inquired, wanting to start a conversation. she had the opinion that @amaroq much preferred the silence in-between them and the rain. but she disliked the notion of not getting to know him better. she carefully slid forward, lips curling into a teasing smile as she remembered his parting words. worried about that lover of yours? whether if her question would be the source of something vile or sad, or otherwise uncomfortable, was entirely up to amaroq's decision.

image by amphispiza, code by koi

Do you really want me dead
or alive to torture for my sins

A sentinel standing guard by the entrance, Amaroq's eyes did not once waver from the slashing of the rain; the heavy pitter-pater of the snarling deluge. Outside, the winds would rumble and howl, hissing and grating against earth and rock, and Amaroq would watch all the swirling violence unfold with his cold, grey-blue eyes.

His attention were focused upon the rain, his eyes gazing forward, and his posture steely, although a single ear will twist backward to catch the gentle lull of Genya's voice. What was he thinking of? Many things, many seething things, many emotions. Perhaps, he thinks of Avaneira, and the ghosts of his past. Amaroq did not outwardly show it, but he was an emotional man, a passionate man, a soldier that kept his secrets tightly guarded to his chest.

Still, he allows Genya to slink towards him, anticipating the warmth of her flesh, and when he turns his head to face her, he will catch the subtle hint of her teasing smile. Amaroq does not return the smile, his whiskers fanning against his sharp fangs, his jaw clenched.

"She doesn't know," Is all that is offered, his voice husky, cold and tinged with no emotion. True, he had no idea if his love was truly reciprocated. Even so, his heart had sworn to love Avaneira and only Avaneira.

"Who do you love?"


Art © Aurora

how pitiful genya said as she crossed one paw over the other, expression calm and cool. she didn't have any feelings for the situation that amaroq and his lover was in. genya had no experience being stricken with love nor did she want to feel it. for a long time, genya thought she was devoid of romantic feelings, that she was simply in love with nothing. and upon meeting seneca, she realized that that was true. she never truly loved the man - she only desired him. and genya wouldn't be upset if seneca told her the same thing. all she truly cared about was being given peace and doing what she pleased. no, i haven't genya told him without hesitation. a half-smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. she was at peace with herself, but amaroq may not be. he was young, still yet to experience the intricacies of romance. if he was a better man, he would not have desired her while loving another. that, however, was something genya wouldn't let him know right away. she cared little for dallying with men in love and men wedded to another. but i was, and perhaps still am, wedded to someone she added after a momentary silence. she wanted to hear amaroq's reaction. would he regret what he felt back then? would it make him desire her less or desire her more?

image by amphispiza, code by koi

Do you really want me dead
or alive to torture for my sins

By constrast, unlike @Genya, Amaroq has only bedded a female once, although with an alluring man like Amaroq, the opportunities had been numerously present in his young lifetime. Yet so rarely did he seek out carnal pleasure, so rarely did he gave in to the sensual temptations of the flesh, preferring work and duty before pleasure. Beautiful women would come and go - his bed left untouched - yet still, he yearned to find his other half, his soulmate.

His twin flame.

For his eternal lover, he would not cease, he would not rest. He would imagine their love would touch beyond the stars, their passions running down hot, gasping beneath the ethereal moonlight. He'd ravage his soulmate, he'd worship her - taking her again and again and again. For her - for the one - he would be everything. He would search in secrecy, looking for the one woman to complete him, to save him from himself.

He'd dream of a having a wife, of having children, of a life full of love and tenderness and gentle memories. And then he'd found her. The woman on the mountains. Avaneira. She called to his soul, pulled for his heart, made him feel both hot and wild and desperately wanting. At first he thought it was the flames of lust, but the hidden language between them had been too heartfelt, too intimate, too primitive. Too feral. With Avaneira, it felt like Amaroq had been gazing into a mirror, looking into the eyes of his other half - his better half.

The she-wolf to his wolf.

It was in his steely nature, it was a testament to his iron resolve, his intense loyalty. In truth, Amaroq mated for life, he'd seek out his soulmate until the end of time. Still, there were moments where he had been nearly tempted, nearly succumbing to the carnal bliss of hunger and passion and lust. Such as with Genya. It wasn't that he wasn't capable of performing, he simply didn't care to indulge in another's whims, even if it meant he too would be satisfied. For all his emotions, for all his passion, Amaroq was also a selfish man, not sharing of his body.

Amaroq thought that love had been beyond his reach. He thought he'd forever be devoid of all emotion, empty, without joy. That it was his curse to live life alone with an apathetic face shown to the world. But there is hope yet, there is salvation. And yet even that, too, would be complicated. Here he dreams of his woman, while they were a hundred miles apart. Suddenly, his heart ached. A subtle misery sweeping to touch his rugged features. He says nothing still, allowing the howling of the wind to fill the silence between him and Genya.

"Does he treat you well? Your husband?" Amaroq would finally ask Genya solemnly, not revealing more than a cold flicker of his icy-blue eyes as they roved along her form with their male curiosity. It is true, that he had nearly buckled under the weight of desire, very nearly succumed and ravaged Genya, but at the end of the day, Amaroq will always be a man of control, a man of secrecy.


Art © Aurora