Lion Head Mesa matte iru gēmu

a spur of the moment decision brought satsu to the wellspring, which at the time of her arrival was unoccupied. she had tamar clear what little debris she could see and then dismissed the maiden, so that the pool could be enjoyed in solitude—or as close to true solitude as the queen ascendant could achieve.

somewhere among the many alcoves rested arsenio, she presumed. perhaps he took up guard outside the spring, or stole some glances inside. as satsu stepped within the cool water and felt the chill creep up her flank, touch upon her breastbone, then her neck as she went deeper, she sucked a quick breath.

her mind was busy, as it often was; but the shock cleared some of her worries away.

he didn't mean to intrude upon whatever solitude she sought, only exploring the territory upon which they'd taken residence. the cave reminded him of the mountain—ursus's true home—and so he entered, his agouti pelt falling into shadow. 

his eyes remained bright, though, twin beams of verdant light that signaled his arrival into the cave. some light came through, and there he saw her, bathing.

surya stood for a moment, jaw slightly agape, before snapping it shut and looking hastily away. ah, i am sorry, he said, growing warm with embarrassment—and, well, other emotions. she was beautiful, at least from the neck up, her pelt plush, gaze an enchanting blue.

can i—join you? he asked, slowly returning his eyes to the place where she waded.

with regard to the shifting and cooling weather in the overworld, one might expect the spring to be frigid to the point of unpleasantness. satsu can come to expect as much. during days of high wind when the weather did not permit her outside the palace, somehow the water was still warm enough to be inviting. nothing prevented the sun's rays from soaking in to the ground; the spring, therefore, was at a level temperature.
even so, satsu felt a tremble roll down her spine when a voice carried across the surface to where she soaked.
eyes deerlike at first, then softening—it was only a boy.
he was filled with apology.
the water is nice today, she mentions as a means of invitation, while smoothly moving over. there is ample space but she feels self conscious in the moment.