Fantasy AU The Threads of Time and Fate (Kastellanos)

[FaeWhisperer]

Taking in a slow breath, you close your eyes as you lay out in the meadow, soaking up the sun’s warm rays. These days have been peaceful, but as of late you knew what fate soon would befell you— even if it was centuries away, it still rested in the back of your mind, that even your immortality had its limits. It was your purpose as the ‘successor’ to the forest guardian that protected your tribe. A being who’s alive for almost hundreds of years, yet when the time comes, you reincarnate.

Meaning you live in an endless loop, one day you’re on your deathbed, and then minutes after passing, you’re brought into the world once more, as a crying, helpless babe, yet you’re never a different person, you’re always the same whenever you’re born— at least, physically. You don’t remember any of your past lives, at least you don’t think you do.

And after you reincarnate, you had wondered; what happens to forest your previous self left behind as you are now helpless?

Some guardian.

But, one of your past lives had planned for this, especially after the first reincarnation.

You had created a select few other ‘immortals’ who stood by your side throughout many different years. These beings were of animalistic nature, just like you had been when entering your spirit form. And after your reincarnation, they patiently wait and guard the forest until your return.

This forest you guard is apart of a sacred realm, your tribe and others who live in worship the guardian spirit you have become, as they have also worshiped the lesser beings you have appointed.

Yet such a life was lived in mostly solitude, for all the years you have been the guardian- even you cannot remember why you became a guardian or who bestowed this fate upon you all those years ago… you just knew this realm needed protection.

And even in your solitude, you eventually come across one from your tribe who is intent on following, learning about you and even becoming your friend.

Even now, she laid beside you in the field, her presence was enough to calm your usual fears.

“I wonder what season you’ll be born into next..” she murmured out as she glanced up to the trees above her, her soft, golden hair mixing with that of the golden grass of the meadow. Her sun kissed skin glowed somewhat ethereally, and her hazel gaze caught the rays of the sun, practically shimmering when they rested upon your face. She knew it wasn’t for another few centuries for you to reincarnate, and for her, well, she was only 24 years old and she didn’t have that much longer. For a sickness was plaguing her, yet she didn’t look it and hid it well.

But once you discovered her illness, you began desperately trying to find a cure. You had only known her for such a short time- and in that two years- she had become so much to you. Always meeting you at the river, walking with you throughout the seasons- talking with you about tribal matters- her favorite things, and helping you protect the forest in her own way.

Penelope was her name, and she had become your closest friend. Yet as you looked into her gaze, you knew something more laid within you than just friendship. But how would she respond? For you, an immortal being.. she’d probably refuse, saying that it would never work out. Yet perhaps you could find a way for her to be with you in each life.. have her reincarnate like you did- with your fates intertwined by the red thread of fate— you could always be destined to meet.

And it was already so, but with your previous life memories lacking, you didn’t remember her from her last life, and she didn’t remember you.

But as for now, you would lie there with her, soaking up the rays of the warm sun. You would think about the next season you would be born in and eventually would come up with an answer for her to reply with.

 

[Kastellanos]

The meadow was quiet, bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun. Hart lay stretched out in the tall grass, his sharp, curved horns casting faint shadows across the earth and digging into the dirt despite how hard he tried to avoid it. The warmth of the day soaked into his skin, but it wasn’t the sun that anchored him in this moment, for it was Penelope who did. Her presence beside him, steady and unyielding, calmed the endless thoughts that churned in his mind.

For centuries, Hart had existed in an endless loop. He was the guardian of this sacred forest, a being who lived, died, and was reborn, carrying out the same duty through lifetimes he could never fully remember. He had walked this path alone, resigned to solitude. But Penelope had changed that, she had become something he never thought he could have a companion, a friend, and perhaps something more, though much to his regret he hadn't explored that option yet. He didn't want to risk anything, as he wasn't sure she felt the same.

Beside him, she gazed up at the trees, her golden hair blending with the meadow’s grasses, her eyes catching the sunlight and shimmering like they held the forest’s magic within them. Her voice was soft, almost wistful, her words were gentle, but they carried a weight Hart couldn’t ignore and wished he didn't know why it felt so. She spoke of his reincarnation with the ease of someone who accepted its inevitability, but she never mentioned her own mortality. Hart could feel it, though. The faint wrongness beneath her skin. She was sick, no matter how well she hid it. Her life was slipping away, faster than either wanted to admit.

“I wonder too,” he said, his voice low and steady. Hart turned his head to look at her gently, his horns digging up more dirt. His deep, thoughtful eyes studied her as if trying to commit every detail to memory. “Maybe spring. It feels fitting. A season of renewal, beginnings. Born with the flowers, the deerling, and butterflies. Seems like the perfect time for a child to enter the world.”

It didn’t matter what season he’d be reborn into. What mattered was here and now, this fleeting moment in a life that should have stretched far longer than it would. Hart studied her for a moment longer before looking away, his gaze fixed on the endless blue of the sky. He wanted to say something, the thought of telling her he knew, to ask her why she hadn’t told him herself. But the words stuck in his throat, a heaviness keeping them locked there, wondering why there was so much he wanted to say to her, and yet, he couldn't.

“Penelope…” he began, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he was scared of what he was about to say. He hesitated, unsure of what to say. Do you trust me? Why didn’t you tell me? I’ll find a way to help you. The thoughts swirled through his mind rapidly, before he settled on something simpler. “If there’s ever anything you need... you’ll tell me, won’t you?”

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope continued to blissfully look up at the trees and sky- the feeling of him beside her always brought a comfort she never knew she needed. Especially in times like this, where she could feel her condition becoming worse. And of course she had hid it well, she didn’t want him excessively worrying over her- nor did she want to trouble him with such mortal things.

But it was when he spoke of renewals and new beginnings she began to think of her own mortality. Even though she did her best to ignore it, she was human after all. Even without her current condition hastening her way to the afterlife— it was..only human of her to think of death.

Yet in this moment, she knew she had to figure out exactly how to tell him. For he deserved to know the truth, for she considered him to be one of her closest friends. And she did owe him, especially when he protected this forest with the other guardians, those seeing Hart as their leader in protecting nature and all that resided in it. So it would be natural of him to want to protect her life too, as much as he would be able to.

And so, like he had read her thoughts, she heard him ask if there was something to share with him, she would. And from this, Penelope turned her head and looked at his gentle eyes. Her own searching his face as she desperately tried to come up with an answer.

“Yes…I would,” she started, her own voice barely above a whisper herself. Had she had told him earlier, perhaps he would have distanced himself from her- or yet, tell her there was nothing in his power he could do to help. The guardian was a guardian, not a god- not the ones they worshiped and idolized to bring the rains, survive during the winter— even cure someone from their sickness. That’s why they had a healer in her tribe, who— was her father. But since she spent most of her days out here now with Hart- she..hadn’t been back to have him ‘help her condition’ in two years and it had only worsened since.

Truthfully, to her— those treatments hadn’t helped. If anything she had felt worse after them, and before she had met Hart, she had just accepted her fate. Although now things have changed. It’s different, especially when she has so much to look forward to each day with him.

Penelope took a soft breath before closing her eyes. “Yet I can tell by that look in your eyes that you already know, don’t you?” She asked, knowing it to be so. She reopened them and turned back to gazing up at the trees, focusing in on some birds, perched high above. “Before you say anything on, ‘why I didn’t tell you..’ I can say exactly why- it’s because my fate as a human is inevitable and I…know I don’t…reincarnate like you and…I didn’t want to trouble you with such a trivial matter..” she explained, although he could hear her voice trembling, worried she might have upset him.

 

[Kastellanos]

Hart sat frozen, her words washing over him like cold water from the stream during winter. For all the lifetimes he had seen come and go, nothing had prepared him for this. The truth of her condition hit him harder than he thought possible. An ache so deep it felt like it might crack him open from the inside like his heart had been slowly sliced into. She was mortal. She was slipping away. And no matter how much he wanted to, he didn’t know if he could stop it.

His fingers twitched against his knee, unsure whether to reach for her hand or keep his distance. He didn’t trust himself to speak yet. He had seen death before, too many times to count, but not like this, and not hers. Not Penelope. It wasn’t fair. His mind was spiraling as he had avoided these thoughts, yet in the moment seemed to rush in all at once.

“Penelope,” he said finally, his voice softer than he intended, more filled with worry and pain than he ever wanted her to hear. He looked down at the ground, his hands gripping his knees tightly to keep them steady, all these feelings felt so foreign to him, like uncharted territory.

“I… I wish you’d told me sooner. Not because I’m angry. I could never be angry with you. But because…” He swallowed hard, his words catching in his throat. “Because if there’s a way to help you… I need to know. I have to try.”

He lifted his eyes to hers, and for a moment, the calm, stoic guardian she knew was nowhere to be found. His gaze was vulnerable, almost pleading. “You say it’s inevitable, but… but maybe it doesn’t have to be. Maybe there’s something I can do. I don’t know what, but I can’t just sit here and accept it, Penelope. Not when it’s you. Not when…” He trailed off, his voice breaking slightly, and he shook his head as if trying to steady himself.

“I’m supposed to protect this forest, but you… you’re part of it now. You’re part of my world.” His voice trembled, his usual composure slipping away. “And I don’t know what to do, Penelope. I don’t know how to save you. I’ve lived so long, but I’ve never felt so helpless. If there isn't anything I can do, then I’ll stay with you, every step of the way. I’ll carry this with you. You won’t face it alone, Penelope. I promise you that.”

Hart’s bright eyes softened, though the pain in them remained. He gave her hand the faintest squeeze, his voice almost breaking again as he murmured, “You matter too much to me. You always have. I just… I wish I could do more.”

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope was not expecting that response and reaction from him at all. She had never seen him so vulnerable, so open to her. Where his voice broke, so did her heart. She hated that she was mortal, that her illness was consuming her— but..the very fact of he wanted to help her, did give her some hope.

Penelope felt his hand give her a soft squeeze, before she reached out and touched his with her other hand, her eyes searching his before she gave him a reply, “Thank you…I—I appreciate anything that you’re able to do for me because..” She paused and looked down, averting his gaze. “Because I’ve grown a fondness for you too, I cannot imagine a life, a…world without you either.” Her cheeks were stained pink ever so slightly, and the cool breeze that came through the meadow made her feel a bit chilled more so than before.

“Whatever you decide to do to help, I’ll do whatever I can to make things easier,” she promised. Hart would be able to tell that Penelope wasn’t giving up that easy now, the fact that Hart cared for her, made her illness feel like it could be cured somehow.. however.. It wouldn’t be that easy, she figured. But she was still willing to try. She couldn’t bear to see that look on his face any longer, and it pained her that she had made him so.

She wondered then what exactly he would do to help her, and her mind began to drift off to possible scenarios, but each one didn’t seem to work. Yet, not feeling disheartened just yet, she turned her attention back to Hart, her cheeks flushed ever so slightly still. She didn’t realized how much he cared for her. And in that moment she could feel something within her change. She wasn’t sure what it was, but she felt it whenever she looked at him.

 

[Kastellanos]

Hart’s chest felt heavy, the weight of Penelope’s words settling deep inside him. He had never expected to hear her say something so… honest, so vulnerable. The way she admitted her fondness for him and her cheeks flushed the faintest shade of pink sent a pang through his heart, causing him to turn his head away slightly to avoid her from seeing. It made him want to do everything in his power to help her, to take away the pain she had been carrying alone. But the truth was, he wasn’t sure he could, but he promised himself he would make sure he searched for every solution.

As her hand rested over his own, he felt his resolve waver, not because he didn’t want to try, but because the fear of failing her was unbearable. He looked down at her delicate hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles absentmindedly, his mind racing with possibilities.

"Penelope…" he began softly, his voice barely louder than a whisper. His eyes flicked up to meet hers, full of uncertainty, full of worry. “I… I’ll do whatever I can to help you. I promise.” He boldly spoke, his words catching in his throat. He looked away momentarily, his gaze falling to the grass beneath them as if he couldn’t bear to see the hope in her eyes falter. His brow furrowed, and he let out a shaky breath, his fingers curling slightly around hers as he held onto her hand like it was the only thing grounding him. “There might be a way to help you,” he said slowly, cautiously, as if the words themselves could crumble under the weight of his doubts. “The gods… they might have the power to heal you. They’ve done things beyond anything I’ve ever seen.”

He paused, his voice growing even quieter. “But… reaching them, asking for their help—it’s not simple. It’s dangerous. They aren’t like us, Penelope. They can be… cruel. And I don’t know what they would ask in return.”

He glanced at her, his eyes searching hers for a moment before quickly darting away again, his cheeks faintly pink with embarrassment. “I… I thought maybe I could go to them myself,” he admitted shyly, his voice trembling slightly. “You shouldn’t have to deal with that risk. You shouldn’t have to face them. If something happened to you…” His voice trailed off, his grip on her hand tightening ever so slightly.

He swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest as he forced himself to meet her gaze again. “But I don’t want to leave you, either,” he added softly, his voice laced with worry. “What if your condition gets worse while I’m gone? What if… what if I’m too late?” The thought of losing her, of failing her, made his stomach twist painfully. He looked down again, his thumb brushing lightly over her hand as if trying to soothe both her and himself.

He let out another shaky breath, his gaze flicking back to hers, and for the first time in a long while, he looked… small. Uncertain. Vulnerable. “I don’t want to put you in danger. But I also don’t want to leave you behind. I just…” He trailed off, his voice breaking slightly as he struggled to find the words. “I just don’t know what to do.”

Hart closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady himself, before opening them again and giving her a soft, almost hesitant look. “What do you want to do, Penelope?” he asked quietly. “If you want me to go to the gods, I will. If you want me to stay by your side, I will. I just…” He paused, his voice trembling. “I just want to do what’s best for you. But I need you to tell me… because I can’t bear the thought of putting you in harm’s way. Not after everything you’ve already been through.” His hand squeezed hers gently, his expression raw with worry.

 

[FaeWhisperer]

The way he spoke, it only brought more and more sadness upon her heart and she couldn’t help but avert his gaze when he would look towards her. But whatever she had, she knew this: her condition, although it had worsened in the last few years, hasn’t drastically changed all that much in the last few months. Which was a good sign, although she knew her illness was still inevitable and the thought of it weighed on her mind heavily. She then thought about the endless possibilities of what he could do for her to help ‘cure’ her and when he mentioned the gods, her head raised quickly and looked at Hart directly, a bit bewildered by his decision. He..really cared for her that much?

She squeezed his hand, before she decided to speak to him. “I’ve..had this illness ever since I was a child,” she confessed. “Our village shaman, my father—believed that my condition wouldn’t kill me until I was in my thirties and.. 10 years does not seem that far away for you but for me, it’s a whole lifetime..” she sighed softly, moving closer to him and going to rest her head on his shoulder. “You can’t go to the gods..” she told him firmly. “They would hurt you and I’d never forgive myself,” she explained and closed her eyes, “plus..what fun would the forest be without you here?” She asked, "but.. I promise you, I think we will have time to figure it out,” and she realized just how mortal she felt with him. To him, ten years could feel like tomorrow, so she understood his dire need to help her.

This illness often made her lethargic, feeling cold all the time, and often left resting more than adventuring. Not only that but it left her sick more days than she could count, always making her stomach upset and her body ache with pain. But these days she had spent with Hart, it was as if most of that didn’t matter. He..helped her in ways he didn’t realize. She had became more mobile because of him, as he gave her a strength she didn’t know she needed.

So she kept herself close and told him as her eyes were closed still. “We have time..I know you’re worried, as am I—“ she paused, and then said. “So let’s make the best of it, hm? And in the meantime if we find a cure, I’m willing to be a test subject for you,” he would hear Penelope half tease, wondering if he would find that funny. She then found that another cool breeze was blowing in her general direction and she could tell from the breeze alone that a storm would be heading their way soon.

“No matter what happens Hart, I want you to stay by my side through it all,” she whispered lowly, and he could tell she was getting sleepy again. She often took naps, and now it would make more sense. Her illness was the main cause of her being so drained all the time, even when she didn’t do much besides walking with him.

 

[Kastellanos]

Hart could feel her weight pressing into him, her warmth fragile against the growing chill. She was slipping closer to sleep, her body growing heavier, her breaths slow and steady. Too steady. Too quiet. It made his stomach twist uncomfortably. Another gust of wind rolled through the meadow, cutting through the grass with a restless whisper. The scent of rain was thick now, clinging to the air like an unspoken warning. He could feel it settling in his bones, the kind of storm that would come fast and hard, the kind that would make travel nearly impossible.

“Penelope…” His voice came softer than he intended, barely above the sound of the wind. He hesitated, his heart beating just a little faster. His mind seemed to focus on the sky above for a moment, eyes scanning the trees and watching the clouds covering the sky quickly, blocking the sun and darkening the land as if it were night. His fingers curled a little tighter around hers, his protective instincts surging to the surface. She can’t go home in this. The very thought of her struggling against the wind, the cold settling deep into her bones, made his throat tighten. He would not allow that to happen. “The storm’s coming too fast, and my home is closer than yours.”

He forced himself to meet her gaze, swallowing past the nervous lump in his throat. “The roads will turn to mud,” he added, almost fumbling over his words now. His fingers tensed against hers, the warmth of her hand grounding him in his anxious thoughts. What if she refuses? What if she insists on going back, despite how exhausted she is? What if she collapses before she even gets there? “The wind is too strong. You’re already cold. It's safer if you spend the night with me.”

He shifted beside her, his body rigid with uncertainty before he finally exhaled, his voice dropping to something almost shy. The words felt heavier now that they were spoken aloud, his nervousness creeping up his neck. He wasn’t used to asking for things like this, not for himself, not for someone else. But this wasn’t about him. This was about her. “Stay with me. Please.”

Hart swallowed again, shifting uneasily on his feet. “I-I’ll make you tea,” he added quickly as if trying to soften the weight of his request. “And there’s blankets. You can have my bed if you want, I don’t mind. I can find something else for myself.” He told her, inhaling sharply, his eyes darting away before he forced himself to look back at her. She’s sick. She’s always cold. She’s exhausted. And I can’t let her be alone right now.

“I just don’t want you to get sick,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper, as if scared that if he was any longer could cause injury. “Or hurt. Not because of this.”

“Please,” he murmured, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in slow, nervous circles. A stronger gust of wind blew through, and instinctively, he moved closer, as if that alone would shield her from the cold. He hesitated before reaching for her other hand, holding both now, gently but firmly. “Just this once. Let me take care of you.”

The vulnerability of his own words unsettled him, but not as much as the idea of letting her walk away into the storm. He had spent so long as a guardian, watching over creatures, protecting the forest, and standing as a quiet, steady presence in the world. But right now, none of that mattered. Right now, the only thing that mattered was her.

Hart took a steadying breath, then pushed himself to his feet, the cool wind immediately sweeping around him as if trying to pull him back down beside her. He hesitated only for a moment before reaching for her hand, gently but urgently.

“Come on,” he murmured, his voice soft but firm." He didn’t want to rush her, but the darkening sky, the scent of rain thick in the air, and the way the wind pressed against his back told him they didn’t have much time. The meadow was wide and open, if the rain started coming down hard, they’d have no shelter until they reached his cabin. “We need to go before the storm gets worse.”

“If you’re too weak, I’ll carry you,” he offered, his voice quieter now, almost shy. He didn’t know if she would accept his offer, but he needed to get her out of the open, away from the wind that would only make her colder, away from the rain that was just beginning to dot the earth in soft, scattered droplets. He hesitated before adding, “I don’t mind. I just… I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope opened her eyes when Hart called her name- his voice, although barely above a whisper- she could hear him, despite the sound of the oncoming gusts of wind. And what she heard was his concerns…for her? After listening for a few minutes, she eventually met his gaze with confusion laying in hers, and she remained silent for most of what he had to say. Why was he so concerned about her going through this weather?

Then realization hit, and she could tell he was trying to protect her, as a guardian should—with every life in the forest that he reigned over. She had explained to him her illness, and she knew that he could clearly see and know how she was feeling in this moment, which was uncertainty. She knew that if she did try to go home with the current weather, she would not make it.

With him trying to convince her to stay with him, that’s where her heart picked up a bit more than usual, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly but that could be blamed on the oncoming cold, and wouldn’t be easily noticed. Her lips parted to say something before another gust of wind hit her and she instinctively curled up, trying to shelter herself from the gusts, but was surprised when she found him sheltering her body with his own.

“Hart..” was all that she could muster for the moment, her eyes flicking to the storm clouds and her eyelashes fluttering once a few droplets of cold rain hit her face. She knew she had to make a decision and with Hart prompting her to stand and she did, steadying herself with his hands.

Her hair continuously whipped around her face and as she tried to contain it, Hart would start to sense another emotion in her.

Fear.

She had never been one to like storms, especially when they became this violent, and the destruction they usually brought was never a welcomed one. But she soon squeezed his hands in reply before saying this:

“Alright. I’ll stay with you,” she promised, her eyes looking back up at his. “But I’d say we gain more ground if you were in your spirit form, carrying me-“she mentioned now, and whatever he chose to do, she would willingly go with. But she knew they didn’t have much time, especially as the rain had started to increase, slowly but surely starting to get the garments that she wore wet, and most likely would have to warm up by a fire once inside shelter, less she became sick from the cold that was now beginning to penetrate her body, and make her hair stick against her forehead.

 

[Kastellanos]

Hart hesitated when Penelope suggested he take his spirit form. He knew she was right, it would be the fastest way to get them out of the storm, but shifting in front of someone, letting them see him like that, always made something in his chest tighten and his cheeks brighten with a soft blush across his face. He wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was the vulnerability of it, of revealing his true self. Maybe it was because his spirit form was silent, unable to speak, unable to explain the thoughts that ran through his mind.

Another gust of wind ripped through the clearing, and Penelope let out a sharp breath, shrinking against the cold. That was all it took. His own discomfort didn’t matter—not when she needed him. So, with only a small nod, Hart stepped back.

His body started to emit a glow, light trailing along the edges of his body as his frame elongated and mortified, limbs changing shape and body being formed like clay. The soft glow pulsed once before fading, revealing a great elk in his place. His fur, dark as the wet earth, rippled beneath the growing storm, and his towering antlers stretched toward the sky like ancient branches. His breath came out in quiet huffs, nostrils flaring as he adjusted to the shift, his ears flicking toward every distant sound.

He only looked at her, eyes gentle yet uncertain. Then, slowly, he lowered himself to the ground, folding his long legs beneath him so she could climb onto his back. He never did this, but he stilled completely, making sure she was steady before rising again.

The moment she gripped his thick mane of fur along his neck, he took off, his hooves pounding against the damp earth as he carried her through the trees, moving faster than any horse or animal could. Huffing loudly, but still seemed cautious, trying his best to slow when her grip loosened and only moving fast when he could feel her holding on tightly.

By the time they reached his cabin, the rain had worsened. It poured in heavy sheets, soaking the world in cold, making everything feel heavier. Hart slowed as they neared the small wooden structure, his breath coming out in warm huffs against the chill in the air.

As soon as they reached the cabin, he lowered himself carefully, waiting for her to slide off before stepping back. The moment her feet touched the ground, his form glowed again, shifting back into the familiar shape of a man faster than it took for his elf form, rushing to get to the woman. Hart’s shoulders rose and fell with his steady breaths, damp hair falling over his eyes as he hesitated, glancing at her before quickly looking away.

“…You’re soaked,” he murmured, barely above the sound of the rain. His voice was quiet like he wasn’t sure if he should speak at all. Gently moved to feel her skin, noting how wet she had gotten and a look of worry overtook his face, then motioned toward the door. “Come inside. It’s… it’s warm.”

He pushed open the wooden door. The inside of the cabin was small but welcoming. Dimly lit, the soft glow of embers still burning in the stone fireplace. A thick fur was draped over a wooden chair near the fire, and a few shelves lined the walls, holding dried herbs, books, and simple supplies. Hart moved quickly, as if unsure what to do with himself now that they were here. He grabbed a thick, dry blanket from a nearby bench and held it out to her without quite meeting her gaze.

“You should warm up, you’ll get sick if you are wet and cold for too long.” His fingers curled slightly against the fabric as if debating pulling back, but then he gently placed it in her hands instead. The fire crackled softly, the warmth already beginning to chase away the cold. He lingered for only a second before stepping back toward the fire, crouching near it as if the flames could distract him from how unfamiliar this felt, having someone else here, sharing his space, relying on him.

“…Are you okay?” His hands hovered near the fire, but his eyes flickered toward her, uncertain, worried, and watchful of the beautiful woman. His face was blushing again, he could feel butterflies in his chest and around his heart. He never had anyone within his cabin, it had always been his private hideaway, and much less did he think to bring Penelope here alone. “I-I can make you some tea to help warm you, I have um, well.”

 

[FaeWhisperer]

The moment Hart shifted before her, made Penelope watch in utter awe. Not even the cold of the rain could deter her from looking away as he transformed into an ethereal creature in front of her. She hadn’t seen him transform like this and it was truly special for her— but she had wished they wouldn’t have been under such circumstances for she truly wanted to appreciate the form he became. The tall, proud elk- the guardian of this forest.

And when he knelt down to let her onto his back, she didn’t hesitate at all in doing so. She went to grip his fur tightly and steady herself against his back and shoulders. The moment he began to pick up speed is when she sheltered her face against the wind, burying it into his warm fur, feeling the chill of the rain continue to pour down on them. She didn’t look up at all, only losing her grip here and there before she let go entirely once he stopped.

Once she was sure they were stopped, she opened her eyes and lifted her head as he knelt back down to let her off. And as she steadied herself back on her feet, she pushed the wet strands of her hair away from her face. At him shifting back and then realizing he was…mostly nude, save for a loincloth hiding what she could only assume…something impressive underneath. It didn’t help that his pectoral muscles were practically at her eye level, and she couldn’t deny on how strong they appeared. But her blush could easily be blamed on how cold she was in this moment. Not really listening to the words he had to tell her. But she didn’t argue when she was practically pushed inside of the cabin.

So this is where Hart lived… and this is where she had never been inside- his personal space. She felt like it had been quite sacred for her to intrude on, yet at this point she didn’t have much of a choice. And at his request, and the gentle giving of the dry blanket, she softly thanked him, noting he went over to stoke the fire. As she began to dry herself off, she took a good look around at her surroundings and felt it quite comfortable and inviting to be here, but she could tell that not a lot had been here. So that in itself made her more shy than she had to be.

“I-I think my clothes are soaked to the point where I should hang them to dry..” she says, practically telling him she would be undressing herself. Yet she did so in a way that he would not be able to peek at her, for any reason…not like he would want to. And once she was curled up in the blanket, it was basically up to his imagination to what her nude form would look like, even though her soaked clothes had given little to imagination beforehand. She went over by the edge of the bed and sat, letting her hair down and hoping the heat of the fire would help dry it out more as she sat there. Her cheeks were rosy, but the chill of the rain had left her body, and now that warmth had radiated over to her, she was feeling quite calm and relaxed.

“Thank you,” she tells Hart now, after a period of silence. “I.. appreciate your help, a lot..” she murmured out softly. And she shifted in her bundled up form, the blanket keeping her nice and warm. But something Hart might notice was that Penelope had been letting off quite a peculiar scent in the last couple of minutes. It was very sweet and little bit tangy, almost mimicking a female in heat. But…that wasn’t possible, right? She wasn’t like him and that wouldn’t happen unless…her monthly cycle had started, but even that was a rarity for Penelope, because as sick as she had been, she never really usually had a monthly cycle, she was lucky to even get one.

 

[Kastellanos]

Hart watched as Penelope settled into the cabin's warmth, a profound sense of relief washing over him. She was safe. That was all that mattered, or at least, that’s what he kept telling himself. But as he took in the sight of her wrapped in a dry blanket, her hair cascading down her back like a shimmering waterfall, something unfamiliar stirred within him. It was a sensation he hadn’t expected, a feeling both fascinating and terrifying, leaving his heart racing and his thoughts tangled in knots.

Hart tried to focus on stoking the fire, pretending it required his full attention, but his eyes betrayed him, drifting back to her over and over. The way she curled up on the edge of the bed, her cheeks aglow with a soft, rosy hue from the cold and the growing warmth of the flames, caused his heart to skip a beat before thundering so loudly in his chest he was sure she could hear it. Hart's face burned almost as hot as the fire, and yet a different kind of heat coiled deep within him, unfamiliar and impossible to ignore.

And then there was the scent... oh, gods, it wafted from her like some invisible thread, sweet and tangy, reminiscent of ripe fruit basking under the summer sun. His senses reeled, going into overdrive, his thoughts a chaotic mess as he struggled to comprehend what it meant. As a virgin, Hart had no idea how to navigate this sudden storm of emotions. Hart's primal instincts screamed at him to do something. Claim her, protect her, make her yours, but his rational mind raised frantic, desperate flags of caution. Be respectful. Don’t scare her. Don’t be an idiot. Torn between conflicting desires, the silence grew unbearable, pressing down on him like a weight. Words fumbled out in a nervous rush.

“It’s, uh… it’s no trouble at all. Really.” Hart's voice cracked slightly, and he winced, clearing his throat like that would somehow smooth over the awkwardness. He forced a laugh and it only made things worse. “I mean, n-not that it was trouble, exactly. I just.... uh... I’m glad I could help. That’s all. Yeah.”

Say something else, Hart's mind urged, but his thoughts were an unhelpful blur. Desperation kicked in.

“I-I-I’ll find somewhere else to sleep. You can have the bed. It’s fine. I don’t mind. Really. I-I-I’ve slept on worse. Like rocks. Literal rocks.” Another strained laugh. Hart rubbed the back of his neck as if that might wring out whatever dignity he had left. His face burned hotter, the heat creeping down his neck. Why can’t I shut up? “Or, uh, I can get more furs if you want. To, you know, make it more… comfortable. Not that it’s uncomfortable! I mean, maybe it is. I don’t know. I haven’t.... uh... tested it or anything.”

“I-I can find you some spare clothes too,” Hart blurted, his voice rising a pitch. His eyes darted anywhere but at her, walls, floor, fire, literally anywhere as he tried to adjust the very unwelcome problem forming in his pants discreetly. Why now? He shifted his weight, attempting to casually reposition himself, all while praying that Penelope wouldn’t notice. Please don’t notice. Please. “Mine. Not that they’ll fit-well, maybe they will-I mean, they’re just clothes, right? For wearing. On your body. Which is… uh… normal. Because people wear clothes.”

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope was…well, all sorts of confused at Hart’s sudden influx of words and phrases she couldn’t quite follow. To which, she could follow, but in this moment of his sudden awkwardness, she titled her head and did not know exactly how to respond. She then realized what he was telling her about clothes and the heat on her own cheeks rose ever so slightly than it did before.

That’s right, she was currently nude underneath an animal hide skin and it made her flush even more so, was…was he thinking about that? Why would he think about such things..? To her knowledge it didn’t make sense for him to do so for she thought he hadn’t such interests in those things, let alone herself.

But she definitely couldn’t deny the words that left her mouth next.. “you..you can sleep next to me,” she paused, looking down shyly, “If you want, I’d..rather not have you leave my side, if that’s alright..” gods what was she saying?! The storm wailed on outside and a loud clap of thunder could be heard after some lightning flashed in the window and it made her jump.

She always hated storms like this.

But her attention was drawn back to Hart, and Penelope realized he was trying to hide something, considering the way he shifted there on the floor, and she didn’t quite know exactly what to say but she decided to tell him this, “Oh..about the clothes.. well, um..I would very much appreciate them, even if they do not fit all that well,” she says with a small bite of her lip. She then could feel a small pain in her abdomen, it almost felt like cramping.

That….wasn’t possible, she hadn’t had her monthly cycle in a while, why would it come all of a sudden now? She squeezed her legs together, worried that she may soil the bedsheets she was on, but how would she explain to him that she would need some spare rags to use? That in itself made things much more embarrassing for her, and yet she felt as if Hart wouldn’t mind.

Shifting again on the bed, the blanket around her slipped off of her shoulders, showcasing her collarbone to him. And the way the firelight danced across her skin— let’s just say she didn’t exactly know what she would be causing Hart to feel, as she didn’t think too much on it. But when she did notice, she gave a nervous swallow. Would…he be even thinking of her in that way? Surely not… she never even had saw herself that attractive and figured she was quite plain to look at. If anything she figured she wouldn’t even be on Hart’s radar..not like…she wanted to.

Maybe she wanted to..

 

[Kastellanos]

Hart’s eyes darted around the dimly lit cabin, desperately searching for something anything to anchor his spiraling thoughts, something in his mind seemed to be short-circuiting with Penelope’s mere presence. His face burned, hotter than the crackling fire nearby, a blush creeping from his neck to his ears, painting his face in the colors of the setting sun. “I... I mean, yeah, clothes are great,” he stammered, his voice thin and shaky, as if the words themselves betrayed just how not casual he felt. His fingers fidgeted restlessly, tugging at the hem of his shirt, unsure what to do with hands that suddenly felt too big as well as something else, which he was still trying to hide from the woman.

He risked a glance at Penelope, a mistake. The firelight danced across her features, casting soft shadows that traced the delicate curve of her cheekbone, the faint gleam in her eyes. His heart thudded painfully against his ribs. He snapped his gaze away, swallowing hard, his throat dry like he’d swallowed sand. Gods, get it together.

“I’ll just... uh, stay over here,” he blurted, edging backward, only to find his traitorous legs carrying him a step closer instead before abruptly stopping. His breath hitched. What are you doing? Move back! He yelled at himself within his mind, knowing that his behaviors were completely unrespectful for the fine, beautiful lady in front of him. If he was to be feeling anything, it should be shame. He tried to compose himself as he moved away, finding an old shirt of his that he was sure she would fit in for the time being.

“I mean, if you want m-me to,” he added quickly, his voice cracking as he spoke, he cleared his throat, trying to summon even a shred of composure, but it came out rough, like gravely now instead. Bringing the shirt with him, he gently handed it to her, his eyes unable to look at her out of respect, though, if he did, he was sure his heart would break through his chest with how hard it was already beating. “I’ll just sit here and... uh, keep you company.”

His gaze betrayed him again, drawn to her like gravity itself had shifted, pulling at the edges of his restraint. His heart skipped as their eyes met. There was something electric in that brief connection, something raw and unspoken. Heat surged through him, settling low in his abdomen. Hart looked away sharply, pretending to scratch his neck, muttering some incoherent string of words that even he couldn’t understand.

“So... yeah,” he mumbled, trying to break the suffocating silence, his voice hollow with forced nonchalance. “Clothes are great.”

Gods above, just stop talking. He screamed into the void of his mind once again.

Hart shifted uncomfortably as he tried and utterly failed to disguise the growing ache beneath his trousers. The unwanted tension pulsed with every stolen glance, every accidental brush of air between them. He shifted his weight, hoping it would help, but it only made things worse. Please don’t notice. Please, please don’t—

“I’ll just... uh, try to get some rest,” he mumbled, lying to himself more than her, because sleep was impossible with his thoughts tangled in the shape of her. His heart pounded in his ears, louder than the fire’s crackle, drowning out reason.

But his fragile resolve shattered completely when he stole one last glance at Penelope. He didn’t want distance. He didn’t want space. He wanted… gods, he wanted her close, her warmth pressed against him, his arms around her, shielding her from more than just the cold. The thought alone sent another surge of heat coursing through him.

His lips parted, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. “I’m just... glad I can stay with you.” His voice was softer now, heavy with everything he wasn’t saying. His gaze lingered a heartbeat too long, the tension between them coiling tighter, thick enough to choke on. “Is t-there anything you need? Are y-you hungry?”

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Poor Penelope didn’t understand what was happening and why Hart was acting this way. She hitched her breath lightly as he seemed to not want to be close to her, but then all of sudden wanted to be close to her. When he got up to get the shirt, she thanked him with a soft murmur once he handed it to her, and her eyes examined it briefly before they glanced up to him when he glanced away, making her chest ache with something she couldn’t explain.

The moment he sat on the bed, she couldn’t help but feel her cheeks burning at the thought of him being so close. Usually, this closeness was normal for them, second nature even. They had spent so much time together that their boundaries have already been crossed, hands had already been touched— but that was more platonic than anything else, and Penelope didn’t know what to make of the situation. So she sat there with her hands holding his shirt still, the blanket still wrapped around her and it was falling off of her shoulders bit by bit.

Hearing his next words she gave a soft glance towards him, her eyes catching the light of the fire before she turned her head back down, trying to hide the flush on her cheeks, but it would be hard to do so. At his question she didn’t exactly know what to say, but she would feel an ache burning between her legs- it was cramping tightly, almost as if it required something to…….relax it, but of course she wouldn’t know what that would be. Then again she was pretty sure she had started her monthly cycle, and was still quite embarrassed about that, let alone explaining that to him..?

“Hart…I-“ she pauses ever so briefly, “are you alright?” She asked worriedly, her eyes looking at his face now. “I’m glad I can stay with you too, it’s just…you’ve been acting strangely.. is it something I’ve done?” She instinctively moved her hands to pull the blanket up over her shoulders, readjusting it, yet as she did so she let more of that sweet tangy scent out to him, unknowingly so. “If.. you turn away I can put the shirt on.. I—“ she hesitated in what she would say next. “I feel as if, me being like this is causing you to..” she looked down at her hands, figuring the opposite of what he was thinking. She could tell he was nervous, but was it really because of how she looked? She figured he was nervous because he didn’t want to see her body like that, and she suddenly felt very self conscious on how she looked— even more so than earlier.

“Do you find my looks to be unappealing?” She asked next, Penelope didn’t know why she said that, but Hart would be able to sense how she was feeling, she too was nervous, but for a different reason. She had wanted him to want to see her like this, even if she hadn’t verbally or mentally acknowledged it herself yet. But, would that be a good idea?

 

[Kastellanos]

“W-What? No!” The words stumbled out, sharp and clumsy, his voice cracking slightly at the end. His head had snapped up so quickly he almost startled himself, his eyes wide, brows furrowed in disbelief. His face grew hot instantly, the heat creeping up from his neck, flooding his cheeks, even burning the tips of his ears. Hart felt like the air had thickened around him, pressing against his chest with every shallow breath he took. His heart was a wild, frantic thing, thudding painfully loud as Penelope’s words settled between them. Unappealing? The thought alone was enough to send a jolt of panic through him, which was the complete opposite of what he was feeling, and the fact that she felt like this made his stomach sink to the floor.

Hart quickly averted his gaze, staring hard at his own hands like they held the answers he was struggling to find. His fingers fidgeted nervously, picking at an invisible thread on his pants before stopping as he needed not to draw attention to the tightening tent. He swallowed, his throat dry and scratchy. “I—I mean… it’s not that. It’s really not that at all,” he mumbled as if saying it too loud would make it worse somehow, hoping that he would be seen as a creep if he did confess to how he was truly feeling.

His foot tapped anxiously against the wooden floor, and he dared a quick glance at her, just for a second, before his eyes darted away again, landing on the nearest wall like it suddenly needed his full attention. His chest felt tight, his heart beating so fast he was sure she could hear it.

“I just…” he trailed off, his hands now rubbing together as if that could somehow ground him. He cleared his throat softly, trying to find the words, but they tangled up in his mind, messy and overwhelming. “I’ve been acting weird because.... uh, well...I was trying not to act weird, which clearly didn’t work.” He let out a small, breathless laugh, mostly at himself, shaking his head.

“It’s not you. It’s me. I’m just… really bad at this,” he admitted, voice tight with embarrassment. He peeked at her again, his heart squeezing painfully when he met her eyes, so he looked away just as quickly. Hart’s shoulders hunched slightly as if he could physically make himself smaller, less noticeable, trying to seem not threatening and wish perhaps that he disappeared altogether.

“I think you’re…” He swallowed hard, his fingers now gripping the edge of the blanket beside him. “You’re beautiful. Truly beautiful. And it’s… hard. To... uh... not notice that. Especially when you’re…” His hand flailed awkwardly in her direction before he gave up, pressing his palm over his face with a groan.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered through his fingers, his voice muffled. “I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. I just... didn’t know how to not feel like this. And apparently, I also don’t know how to not say it out loud.”

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope watched and listened to him as he responded to her, her eyes then moved to be glued down to the floor for the time being as he explained himself to her. Her eyes betrayed her though because the further he explained the further her eyes looked up and met his as his darted away from her face.

He thought of her to be..beautiful?

Penelope couldn’t fight the pounding in her chest, or the butterflies in her stomach as he tells her she was beautiful to him. Then, her already flushed cheeks darkened further, to which there wasn’t much left than to make her whole face to a shade of red.

As he told her it was increasingly difficult for him to not notice her beauty when she was practically nude sent her heart skipping a few beats. She looked at the shirt in her hands and then kept her gaze locked on the design for a bit longer than she should have. After a moment of silence and a bit more tension between them, she decided to forgo to shirt and settled in the blanket before moving closer to him, the tips of her ears and her cheeks burned hotter when she finally looked up at his own blushing, red face.

“Hart…” she trailed off, the sound of thunder breaking the silence and rattling the windows to his cabin- causing the poor girl to jump slightly from it once more. “You know..I hate storms…” she started again, biting her lip ever so slightly. “I…would like it if you were to distract me from it…” she tells him now, her eyes looking up at his once more. She focused in on his handsome features, and the way his antlers curved upwards made him appear very regal. She…desperately wanted to touch them now, for some reason. The soft velvet appearance of them made her want to feel them underneath her fingertips.

Here she was, asking him to distract her. How would he do so?

He would notice that Penelope lingered awfully close to the tent in his pants, and thank the gods that she hadn’t noticed yet. Or had she and just out of being courteous didn’t tell or mention it to him so he wouldn’t be more embarrassed than he already was..? It would be difficult to tell, but Penelope had caught a glimpse of it and that made the butterflies in her stomach stir up even more, for she realized that she had been the cause of it…and she didn’t know too much of these things, but had a general idea, given the teachings her mother had taught her when she was younger. But she wasn’t so sure if that would help her now.

 

[Kastellanos]

Hart's face grew even redder as he leaned in closer, his eyes darting around the room before finally settling on the space in front of him. He swallowed hard, as he tried to process what he was doing. Hart tried to be careful as he leaned down toward the woman, making sure he didn’t accidentally graze the woman with his antler, as he was sure that would completely ruin this moment between them.

He reached out with trembling hands to gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers feeling her skin and sending sparks through his body. "I...is this okay?" he whispered nervously, his voice barely audible. He paused, waiting for some confirmation, before leaning in closer.

"I...I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible, their lips almost touching as he spoke. "I don't know what I'm doing. I've never...I've never done this before."

His lips brushed against hers in a soft, gentle kiss. Hart's entire body seemed to tense up as their lips touched, his senses overwhelmed by the sensation. He pulled back slightly, his eyes flying open as he asked again, "Am I...am I doing this right? Am I hurting you?" His voice was laced with uncertainty and nervousness.

He took a deep breath and leaned in again, deepening the kiss as he tried to push things further. His hands slid around her waist, pulling her closer as he lost himself in the sensation of their lips moving together. But his nerves got the better of him again, and he pulled back once more to ask, "Is this...is this okay? Should I stop?"

Everything about this moment was new to Hart, the feel of being so close physically like this which made every fiber within him want nothing but explore every inch of Penelope’s body. His lack of experience showed in every hesitant movement, each time they kissed it felt almost like lighting a flame within himself, pushing the nerves aside as Hart continued to navigate this uncharted territory, he couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty and nervousness.

He leaned in closer again, his lips brushing against hers once more. This time Hart let one hand wander lower, touching along her hips and waist, feeling at her soft skin and flesh. A question seemed to be in the air as his hands halted, waiting for some sign from Penelope that he was doing ok or at least she wasn't uncomfortable with his hands exploration. Hart's mind raced ahead wondering about the next step, how far was this going to go or before Penelope stopped him? What if she didn't stop him? Was she enjoying this as much as he was?

He pulled back once more, his eyes locked on hers as he asked again, "Am I...am I being too rough? Should I slow down? Oh god, please tell me if I'm doing something wrong." His voice cracked with emotion as he struggled to come to terms with his desires and insecurities. "I'm so sorry," he whispered again. "I don't know what I'm doing. I feel like I'm going to mess everything up."

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope watched as he leaned down towards her, his trembling hands making her heart ache ever so slightly- his hands on her cheeks were surprisingly warm. At his question of if this was okay, she gave him a small nod, her heart all a flutter. When he then apologized, her brow furrowed ever so slightly, before she realized he had kissed her…!

She had closed her eyes and reciprocated his advances, moving her soft lips against his own for the time being, even if it was for a mere moment. When he moved back and asked if he was hurting her, she gave him a soft, murmur of a reply, her voice was laced with desire. “I believe you are doing it right, at least it…fells natural to me...and—you’re not hurting me, I promise—it’s making me.. want more,” she tells him next, her eyes briefly searching his.

When he leaned in to kiss her again, she made a small noise of pleasure, closing her eyes and losing herself in the sensation, the feeling of him pulling her close and touching her waist were sending pleasured tingles up her spine. everything he was doing was new to her as well, and she didn’t want him to stop. She couldn’t remember when the blanket had fallen off of her shoulders, but now her top half was exposed to him fully. She only blushed when he pulled away and looked at her, asking if he should stop.

“Please don’t,” she begged of him softly, wanting more of this to continue. Ever fiber in her being wanted to connect with Hart this way, go further past the boundaries of their current relationship as friends. Gods above, poor Penelope knew she was just as nervous as he was. And when he kissed her again, and started to explore her body, she could feel the excitement tensing even further in between her legs, and she knew right then and there she would be more than willing to let his hands explore everywhere on her body.

But the minute he let her go again she gave a soft sigh, her eyes looking at his face, before she reached for his hands with hers and squeezed them gently. She then moved them up to his face, forcing him to look at her. “Do not apologize to me,” he would hear her say, “if anything what you do need to apologize for is stopping so suddenly” she teased him lightly, her thumb rubbing against his cheek gently. Her fingertips curled lightly against his skin, her eyes moving to look at where her hand was before looking back at Hart.

“Hart…I want to give you everything that I am..I want you to have me wholeheartedly, and I want you to give to me yourself— at least, if you want to,” she tells him a bit shyly this time, her cheeks still tinged with pink. “I don’t know what I’m doing either but with you, everything feels like it’s falling into place.” She hoped she could offer Hart words of encouragement, as she nervously held her breath up until his response.

 

[Kastellanos]

Hart's eyes locked onto Penelope's, his face still flushed; he swallowed hard, his throat dry, as he processed her words. His hands, still cradled in hers, felt a gentle squeeze, and he couldn't help the smile on his face.

"I...I don't want to stop," He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling slowly, as he leaned in closer to Penelope. His lips brushed against her ear, sending shivers down his own spine, carefully balancing as he took extra precautions of where his antlers were.

"I want you too," he whispered, his words laced with nervousness. "I want to give you everything, to be with you like this…"

"Can I...can I touch you more?" he asked softly, his voice cracking with vulnerability. His eyes searched hers, seeking reassurance and permission. Hart's hands trembled slightly as he gently pulled them out of Penelope's grasp. He brought them up to her face, mirroring her earlier gesture, and stroked her cheeks with his thumbs.

Hart's lips continued to dance across Penelope's skin, leaving a trail of gentle kisses in their wake as they traveled along her neck, which was not an easy task with his antlers. His hands, now more confident, explored her body with a sense of reverence. One hand slid down from her shoulder, his fingers brushing against the outer curve of her breast. The touch sent shivers down his spine as he felt her nipple harden beneath his fingertips.

With a deep breath, Hart's hand closed around her breast, his palm cradling its gentle weight. His thumb stroked the nipple, listening to her breaths, waiting for noises a cues as he was being incredibly diligent about the woman's reaction to his actions

Hart's mouth watered at the sight of her when he leaned back, eyes glued to the woman and the state she was in, fascinated with Penelope’s beauty and body in this tender moment His hand continued to explore her breast, his fingers tracing the curves and contours with a sense of wonder.

From there, his fingers slid around to the front of her body, brushing against the soft fabric that covered her inner thighs. Hart's heart skipped a beat as he felt Penelope's legs part slightly beneath his hand.

His fingers delved deeper, sliding along the edge of her underwear until they reached the sensitive skin just beyond. Hart's breath caught in his throat as he was torn between exploring further and ensuring that she was still comfortable with their intimacy.

"Penelope?" he whispered softly, his voice husky with desire. Searching Penelope's face for any sign of distress or uncertainty as he looked down with eyes full of concern. "Are you still okay? We can stop if you want."

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope shivered with anticipation, the moment Hart began to trail kisses down her body, she loved that he was being mindful of his antlers. But she didn’t think too much of that when his hand brushed the outermost part of her breast. The moment he pressed his hand around her breast and when his fingers began to play with her nipple there— it made Penelope give out a soft, pleasured moan from the new sensation.

When Hart leaned back he would see Penelope pressing up into his hand, her cheeks dusted a rosy red and her perfect lips rounded out in an ‘o’ shape as more of her sweet moans could be heard, her eyes were half lidded but her pupils were dilated when she gazed upon Hart. Penelope didn’t even have to think twice when his hands began to brush up and down her other curves, especially when they trailed over her thighs, causing them to open up for him. She wanted this. He was right there— and she would let him.

When he stopped at her underwear she gave a small noise of disappointment- she wasn’t really expecting him to ask, as the growing urge she felt in between her legs grew stronger the closer he had reached…although the lighting was dim, Hart would be able to notice a small trail of red staining the white panties Penelope had on- and she flushed more once she realized that he would now know. Yet she didn’t stop him. “Yes..I’m okay,” she assured him her hands moving to touch his face next, her finger tips trailing on the curve of his jawline, down to the nape of his neck and to his strong chest. Placing her hand there she took in a soft breath before looking at his eyes. “Isn’t this what your kind would call us females being in ‘heat’?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“If it is so, then I want you to claim me..to…mate with me,” she begged of him, that sweet scent from before was only growing, the desire in her voice was thicker than it had been before as well. Not only would her purity be shed, so would a soul tie be formed. As it was rumored that having intimate relationships while one was on their monthly cycle could potentially make a soul tie with their intimate partner. Did..was Hart aware of this? That if having sex while she was like this.. but Penelope wanted him, wanted this. It would become increasingly difficult for him to deny her past this point.

 

[Kastellanos]

Penelope spoke the words that changed everything: she wanted to be his mate. Hart's heart swelled with emotion as he heard the words, his mind reeling with the implications. He had never imagined that she would feel this way, that she would want to bind herself to him for all eternity. Hart knew that he could never let her go. He wanted to claim her as his own, to mark her with his scent and make her mine. His fingers moved with renewed purpose, tracing patterns on her skin that were both possessive and reverent.

"I want you," Hart whispered against her lips. "I want you now and forever." His voice was low and husky with desire but also filled with a deep sense of commitment. He knew what it meant to take a mate, it meant surrendering himself completely to this woman and he was willing to do whatever it took to make their bond strong

His eyes locked onto hers burning and filled with passion love adoration ready to do whatever takes claim what rightfully belongs. His heart skipped a beat as he realized that she truly wanted him, just as much as he wanted her. With a newfound sense of confidence, Hart whispered again, "I'll be gentle...I promise."

Hart's fingers slipped beneath the edge of her panties, his touch gentle and soothing as he explored her sensitive flesh. He traced delicate patterns with his fingertips, coaxing forth a slow-burning fire that threatened to consume him. As he touched her, Hart felt his desire grow, his passion igniting like a flame. He whispered against her lips, his breath warm and sweet, and his eyes never left hers as he drank in the sight of her pleasure.

Hart's fingers danced across her skin, sending shivers down her spine as he teased and tantalized her. He was determined to savor this moment, to make it last for as long as possible, and so he held back, restraining himself from giving in to his own desires.

With each subtle movement, Hart felt himself becoming increasingly entranced by the sensation of her skin beneath his fingers. He was lost in the intimacy of the moment, the world around him melting away as he focused on the gentle curves of her body. As he touched her, Hart felt a sense of reverence wash over him. He was awed by the beauty of her body, by the delicate folds of her skin, and the softness of her flesh. He wanted to explore every inch of her, to learn every secret and every pleasure point.

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope listened to him, her heart rate began to increase with every passing moment, every passing word he spoke to her— she could feel her heart wanting to leap out of her chest. And yet it calmed down the moment he told her he would be gentle. The fact that his lips were brushing right against hers made her want to kiss him, and she wasn’t even sure if that was okay at first.

She didn’t worry on that thought too long when his hands began to explore her curves more and shivers were sent down her spine once more, but she loved the sensation his hands were bringing to her body. Penelope couldn’t help the soft moans that were leaving her mouth as his teasing continued, yet she didn’t mind. Each teasing moment drew out further waves of pleasure across her body, and the tightness she felt in between her legs only increased with each passing moment.

The feeling of him being so close— the way his eyes locked with hers— made her cheeks warm up even further- which she didn’t think was possible. Despite her still feeling shy, she soon started to slowly lay back against the pillows of the bed as his fingers pushed aside the delicate fabric of her underwear. She bit her lip gently as his fingers touched and prodded her delicate folds, and he would feel how soft everything was down there, even her pubic area would feel soft to the touch. It would be shorter than expected, but obviously she had trimmed it a few times. But Hart wouldn’t find much resistance from that at all.

When his fingers entered her for the first time, she let out another soft moan, her eyes widening a little as the feeling was so different than she had anticipated. Hart would be able to feel her warm arousal, and how her depths gently squeezed around his fingers as he began to manipulate them more. She leaned her head back as she became more pleasured by the passing moment, slightly shifting her hips up and rolling them back and forth to show Hart that his efforts were welcomed.