Welcome to Gaia! ::

Pressing a kiss to his temple, much as he'd done for her earlier that day, Elle let him sink back and relax. She rolled up a hand towel to fit behind his head, in the arch of the back of his neck, so it could recline more comfortably.

Once he was settled, she vanished just for a moment...draping his clothes outside to let the mud join the soil once again. When she returned, she carried a lit candle and a cup of tea...even though he professed not to need it.

"Not willow bark, my own blend with a splash of the lotus water. Try it if you'd like!" Setting it nearby with a clink, she made sure he knew where it was. "Also, I'm setting a candle up on the ledge, here."

It wasn't a very bright day anyway, with so many clouds in the sky, so Elle turned out the lights and let the candle suffice. Finally, she shut off the water and kneeled beside the tub...working her fingers gently into his wing to find a good feather to start with.

"We might have to make this a tradition..."

Lips curved into a content smile as she smoothed the sheen back into his bedraggled feathers, Elle gave a low chuckle. "Ah, but I don't have wings! However would you pass the time?"

Reaching up to smooth Lonan's hair away from his forehead after he took a sip, Elle leaned in a little closer...enjoying the warmth along the side of the tub, and being that much nearer. As her eyes traveled along his pale and scarred skin, an idea began to stir.

"Hmm. Have you heard of henna designs? The paste leaves a reddish stain upon skin for weeks. I may not have wings to offer, but I would willingly be your canvas." She'd reached the larger feathers now, and worked with unfading patience...enjoying the feel and scent of the oil.

Her hair was still damp with rain, but she leaned into his touch with a smile and gentle nod. Her hands kept moving, even though her eyes were closed, and the sound of falling rain reached them even here.

The tea, though she was sparse with the additions, would bring him sweet dreams and drive tomorrow's stiffness from him. Minutes passed in comfortable silence before she finished with that wing, and roused herself enough to shift toward the other.

As the steady rhythm of the rain increased and the wind pushed gently against the walls, Elle continued to smooth his ebony feathers...only lifting her eyes to the windows once. In a few long hours, the sun would find the end of its path, and the day would fade again...

But in the meantime, they would enjoy the twilight together.

Leaning to the side to see if there was something she could offer him, Elle ended up watching him smooth the silt from his legs. In her mind, sexuality was nothing to apologize for, and her gaze traveled up the lines of his body until he leaned forward to rest.

No need to apologize, but desire came second to concern. Cupping hot water and a few floating petals in one hand, Elle let the bathwater trickle down Lonan's bare back...finally smoothing her hand over his lined skin. "Love? Are you in pain?" She used the endearment without a second thought, and moved her hand in gentle circles across the center of his back.

She relaxed a bit at that, and continued the motion across his skin. "That's good to hear." Scooping up more water every minute or so, she kept the warmth moved up his body.

It occured to her then, as he leaned forward, that she had yet to change her own clothes. "I'll be right back, with more tea. Relax." With a final kiss upon his shoulder, she got to her feet.

As promised, Elle returned with tea...a refill for his cup, and one of her own. Her quiet steps paused in the door way, though, as she caught sight of him.

He seemed so peaceful, all vivid blacks and whites in perfect repose. Setting down the cups gently, she retreated once again. Once the bed had been made, and the lights dimmed, she finally knelt beside the tub.

Warming her hands for a few moments in the bathwater, Elle rubbed his shoulders gently...smiling as she remembered the way he'd carried her across the stream. She worked her way just as gently to his other wing, and finished the process she'd started.

Elle's brows furrowed as he coughed, and her hand slowed. He wasn't well? She was gentle till sleep claimed him again, and finally slid an arm under his shoulders as hot water turned to warm.

With a little cooperataion, but mainly strength and practice, Elle made sure he was warm and dry before he was tucked into bed. Half an hour later, she was sitting at his side with her fingers messed lightly in his hair...a cup of broth from the main house steaming on his bedstand. Her hair was wet again.

A few low words and a pat on the blankets hopefully convinced Sonata to lay at the foot of his bed, and lend her warmth to the efforts. Elle simply sat, the curve of her hips fitting nicely against the line of his waist, and sipped her own tea while she watched him.

She couldn't feel closer to him, but sometimes he seemed so far away...like something too exotic and precious to truly touch. Laying her hand across his forehead, checking for warmth, she shattered that distance and sent him sweet feelings of peace.

"Sleep well, love."