Exton

The sun dips below the buildings and Tori stretches. She knows she is alone in the sunroom without turning. Slipping off the pedestal she glides across the room to the far wall. Her features shift with each step, taking her from Viper visage to the sharp featured redhead who runs the Gallery down the street. her hands flatten against the glass as she leans her forehead against the cooling pane. A tear slips down her cheek as she thinks over what Tannr said before he left.

She looks at her reflection, seeking the beauty he sees. Her eyes are large, slightly almond in shape; cheekbones high, sharply defined; chin is pointed. Some women could carry it off as pixie, fey, even heart shaped, but Tori sees reptilian. Her smattering of freckles resemble the scales they become in her stone form, her body is spare with very little curves. Right now she envies Ike the generous form the Goddess gifted her.

Lost in thought, she turns from the wall of windows and walks straight into Tannr. His arms wrap around her, keeping her from knocking them both flat. One hand trails down her bare back as he cups her chin with the other. Kissing her hello, he tastes the salt of her tear.

Slipping from his arms, she opens the door. "I need a shower. Be back in a few." She glances at him, noting his puzzled expression. "I feel... gritty. I'll be right back. Then you can tell me what you said earlier. After all, I don't speak your native tongue."

Slipping through the door, she mutters to herself, not realizing Tannr is right behind her. "Grace always told me beauty isn't seen. It's felt... Goddess knows I wish she was here now. Maybe she could make this less confusing..."

His arms come around her waist, forcing her to stop moving. Tori stills, in the way of her reptilian brethren. His lips tease along her shoulder, up her neck, drawing a sigh from deep in her chest. Her posture eases ever so slightly.

Lips tugging at her lobe, Tannr asks, "Who is Grace? I gather you aren't speaking of the baby..."

"Grace was a friend, adopted grandmother to the young ones... and the only person who could ever make sense of my life." She leans back slightly, giving Tannr more of her weight. Closing her eyes, Tori feels another tear as it slips down her cheek. She licks her lips and whispers softly. "You can come wash my back, if you want."

His hands slide along her waist, calloused palms grazing over smooth skin until he cups her breasts. "Is that all I get to wash?"

Her breath catches in her throat, and she swallows hard. "We'll see."