RP:Part I: Testing the Waters

Part of the Lunar Tides and Silver Linings Arc

Synopsis: Tiber finally gets the hint that Lanara wants to go to the Titan's of Winter ball in Frostmaw, and an igloo resort. The two buckle up for their "first date" after three years of dancing around each other in off-and-on lustful madness. The two arrive at the igloo resort and enjoy time together 'testing the waters' with: dog sledding, ice skating, and a fancy dinner.

Open Snowfield

Lanara (1 of 2):: It had been five days since the incident on the mountain pass and the time seemed to pass so slowly that boredom had truly set in at the Cenril apartment. The first day was spent mostly in bed, the lycan and the witch had wounds that needed to mend, both physical and psychological. On the morning of the second day, Lana insisted on serving Tiber breakfast in bed, and she had invited Meri over for lunch so the two could discuss personal matter. Lana had spent most of the third day cleaning the apartment and catering to the needs of their feline friends, only venturing out to the local market to replenish some household items and groceries. By the fourth day, the lycan and the witch were both feeling much better, so each had gone their own way to tend to whatever they needed. On that particular day, Lana had received a scrap of paper which had been torn from Belgemine’s diary, bearing the bucket list that she had promised to fulfill. Who had slipped it beneath the door? She had assumed it was yet another fine as the nightmares had returned the night following the attack in Xalious, but rather than a nasty note from the landlord, the torn page seemed to hold a much larger threat. Not wanting to dwell on the fact that the person that had broken into her previous apartment knew her secrets and now knows where she’s dwelling, the witch had downed a glamour potion and headed to the library to do some research. She returned with a few tomes on lycanthropy, a romance novel, a few travel brochures, and a flyer about an upcoming ball being held in Frostmaw. The woman had spent most of the evening poring over the pages of her books and making notes about things that held her interest, studying so intently that she skipped dinner and headed straight to bed around the midnight hour. Tiber would noticed that Lanara had been rather quiet and a little distant the past few days, perhaps still harboring guilt over ordering the lycan to kill her stalker, or maybe it had to do with the things she struggles to discuss regarding her homeland.

(2 of 2) Lanara lingers in bed until late morning, her chocolate hues staring at the ceiling, as a million thoughts run through her mind. How was she supposed to afford a trip to see the Northern Lights up in Frostmaw? Somehow, the time had slipped away and now that Sweetheart’s Day is rapidly approaching, the cost of a night in an igloo with beyond beautiful scenery had tripled in price. Ten thousand gold isn’t in her budget and she dares not mention this to Tiber, because he had already covered most of the hefty fines which stem from her nightmares. The Catalian has always been generous, and if he knew that Lanara is stressing over completing a bucket list, it’s probable that he would fund the adventure. Still, mentioning such a thing is dangerous, as there will be an interrogation attached and she isn’t ready to divulge the awful truth. The diary page is tucked away in one of her makeup bags, but she groans as she realizes that she had left the books, brochure, and flyer on the kitchen table. The lycan is probably rifling through her things as he’s having a cup of coffee, and Lana sighs and rises from the bed. The murder-mystery dinner is doable, but if they attend that event, then she definitely cannot attend the Titan’s Commencement Ball! How could she –not- go to one last ball, before she dies! Lanara is torn with what to do and at every corner she feels as though she’s failing Belgemine, which eats away at her a little more each day. Time is running out for the witch and she still has so much to achieve! Standing before the full-length mirror, she sighs in relief as most of the facial bruising and swelling had left, though an obvious bluish-gray tint remains in her left cheek. Clad in one of Tiber’s flannel shirts and sleep shorts, the witch heads barefoot into the kitchen and faintly smiles when she sees her handsome boyfriend. “Morning, Babe.” How does he always manage to look so sexy with such little effort?! Just seeing the man, first thing each day, is enough to brighten the woman’s mood and she closes the distance to press a kiss to his cheek before she pours herself some coffee. “What are your plans for today?” Lana holds the mug to her lips and takes a tentative sip as she awaits an answer.

Tiber (½):: After the showdown on the mountain pass in Xalious, there had been a hint of distant shame. Lanara’s guilty behavior only made it spiral into a toxic blooming mess in the lycan’s mind. Tiberius was taking her guilt a different way: that she may be uncomfortable on how things played out. The man was careful with his words; gentle in his own demeanor to show that he was not proud of what he did, only because he would have killed the slave trader in a different way. Which, in Tiber’s mind, was a one-up from his lycan form. Really, the two had been in this funk of tiptoeing around one another, but again, was anyone communicating? The witch’s tenderness towards taking care of the man in bed was appreciated. And when Meri came over, all the man could do was keep himself from eavesdropping--which was a fail, by the way. Sorry, girls. Tiberius -had- to listen to the tea-time due to his own insecurity. The days passed and the awkwardness began to dwindle, at least in his world because Lanara Banks was still within four walls. She had not left , and that was the only reassurance that he really needed even if she had been quiet which was so unlike the chatterbox witch. Though, he knew that what had happened may have put her in a darker place, but the only way he could really help, was to stay silent until she came around. That was normally how it worked between them lately, for she was still healing with her history with Kelvar.

Tiber (2/2):: Tiber sits presently in the morning of day five--or six. How many days passed? A clay coffee mug in hand and a Cenril daily newspaper in the other. He skims over crime reports, stock markets, job postings, and updates on cleaning tips in one’s household. It is mostly the same news from the day prior only amplified to make it more “interesting”. The man lifts the paper up to turn the page before noticing the books on lycanthrope. A brow quirks before folding the newspaper and placing it to the side. He skims over each book before almost rolling his eyes. “She’ll ask when she’s ready,” he grumbles before almost picking up the paper again before seeing multiple brochures about Frostmaw and then a flier about a ball. The blonde sips his coffee before squinting and scratching his stubble. Cue Lanara with her good mornings. “Do you want to live in a frostbite nation or something? Because I’m -not- moving there, if that’s what you think.” What a grump.

Lanara nearly spits out her coffee, not due to the fact that it’s scalding to the touch and burnt the tip of her tongue, but because the grumpy Catalian accuses her of wanting to move to a frozen tundra. So he –had- browsed through the papers and books she had left out the night before! “No. I don’t.” Her tone is equally as clipped as his, and she glares at him as she returns to brooding before the countertop with a mug to her lips. How had he come to the conclusion that she wanted to live in Frostmaw? Her sister, Talyara, lives happily up there in a cottage with Krice. But, it’s always cold, lips chap, skin chafes, and the fact that she had been buried there after her first death are all indicators that she would rather live –anywhere- else! “I’m insulted, Lowell. Sure, my tan isn’t as flawless as I would like, but I prefer to spend most days in a bikini. I used to live in Frostmaw, before… Before everything went haywire with the frost giants and elves.” Perhaps he would recall the war up north, and how most of the elves had fled to Sage for safety. “I love all four seasons, but I hail from a place where it’s forever autumn. Enchantment would have been my ideal ‘home’ area but seeing as the refugees are there and Queen Lunalesca is constantly asking me for favors, I am having second thoughts.” It’s not like it matters, she will be dead long before she decides on the perfect place to build a home. “That stuff was just research… Nothing more. I picked up some brochures at the library.” She’s trying to play it off like it means nothing, but she can’t meet his eyes, so obviously it means –something- to the witch. “The Northern Lights are up in Frostmaw and I thought it would be cool to visit, there’s ice skating, dog sledding, cuddling in igloos, all that jazz. But it’s also insanely expensive! And the flyer… There’s a ball. One that I’m actually not hosting, for once, I just thought-“ She wants to go to her –last- ball, an event where she can have fun and not have to worry about hosting, a party where she is on Tiber’s arm and shows the realm that she’s his lady. Yet, she also knows that the lycan isn’t fond of labels, and he had never asked her on an official date. Lana puts her walls up, “I know fancy balls aren’t your thing, plus, we don’t really have the time. We should be plotting about contacting Alastor…” Her coffee is finished, and she walks over to wash her mug, “Want more coffee? Something to eat? How are you feeling?”

Tiber looks flabbergasted with a wrinkle in his nose as if not being able to read her mind correctly was the most surprising thing in the world. Most times, he was wrong, so why was he so shocked at getting this hypothetical thought of her’s wrong? The man also squints as she calls him “Lowell”. He watches her crabby response and takes her clipped blows with ease. He does not bite back, for his next thought trails to… “You were in that war?” How many bad luck situations had this elf been through? “Look, I just thought since everything happened, you would want to be close to your sister. And then, the brochures, it was a guess, okay?” He looks like he is about to hold his hands up in surrender. She explains herself further and this time, he picks up his mug again and watches her closely. No, he was not an empath, but after her “convincing” that the brochures were “nothing”, he gives her a smile that is sleazy, boyish, and kind of obnoxious because he was about to go on a provoke-fest. “Nothing? Hm. Ice skating, dog sledding, a lit up sky and snuggling in an igloo? Pfft, yeah, no way,” he taunts. And then she mentions the ball, and he slowly slides out of his chair while her back is turned. Tiberius Lowell was not the most romantic guy, but he was not an idiot in this moment to agree with her denial of request. He sort of does a dopey twirl around the kitchen. “What? You don’t want to be swept away by -these- moves?” His hands then go out in an airplane motion and start to slowly do a wave like motion. “Girl, you would be so -fine- next to this hot thing on the dance floor,” and now the grump was in full dork-mode. Teasing mode. A mode that was rarely seen from the lycan, for serious was the pinnacle of his personality. Perhaps it was human Tiber coming out in full swing. What he was like as a kid. “Babe, Alastor can wait,” his tone is serious. “After what happened to you, I don’t know how well of an idea it is to attempt something like that right now. I think we should wait. Maybe just not worry about death and chaos for a few days? Sven knows, you need it.” And he did too. He was still nervous to attempt to try again with the whole Alastor thing. At least not with her. "You know what you could get me? A suit... maybe a sexy date? I don't know." He leans against the counter while she washes the mug with his arms folded. A smirk settled on his face.

Lanara is furiously scrubbing the mug, but she replies through her clenched jaw, “I wasn’t –in- the war, I was a medic on the sidelines, for both phases of the war.” She doesn’t mention the fact that she also made poisons to help tip the scales of the battle, but it had been nearly a decade ago and she has bigger things on her mind. The lycan is taunting her, and it’s a good thing that her back is to him, because the witch is rolling her eyes and wearing a ‘do not poke’ expression. They didn’t call her ‘crazy’ for nothing, as she tended to have mood swings at the flip of a coin and the male is dancing in dangerous territory. Was he considering taking a little trip to Frostmaw? “Wait. What?” The mug is set to rest in the drain board and as she turns around, she stares wide-eyed as Tiber is attempting to waltz through the little kitchen, showing a side to his personality that rarely came out to play. “Pfft.” Arms cross over her chest as she tries to maintain an uncaring façade, however the act quickly drops as he shows a few dance moves, and Lanara cannot help but laugh. “That twirl leaves a bit to be desired, but I can work with you, after all I used to be a dance instructor.” The witch takes a step closer to the male, and teasingly taps his shoulder with one hand, and takes his opposite hand in hers, “Maintain your posture, put your arm around my waist, and if you want to do some of those fancy kicks you will need to work on strengthening your ass muscles.” She winks, before she pinches his rear, and leans in close enough to whisper in his ear, “Are you asking me to be your date to the ball? You do know I don’t kiss on the first date, right?” There’s a fire in those chocolate hues as she places a soft kiss to Tiber’s lips, before she gently pushes him away, “Go get dressed, I will finish cleaning up here and then find some stuff to sell so we can afford new outfits and the weekend getaway.” Lana pauses, thinking that the punch line will come right about now. Did Tiber really want to go to Frostmaw –and- to the upcoming ball?!

(½) Tiber gapes his mouth at her insult to his twirl. “Rude, but I wouldn’t mind a lesson from you,” he places a hand on her hip before she takes it and places up more on her waist. He supports her hand that is on her shoulder with his arm. He knew a thing or two surprisingly. As she pinches his rear he smirks before leaning into her whisper. His lips sort of brush her neck before he pulls back and leans into that kiss of hers. “Well, you’re missing out.” It was true. The two had not been on a real date. All chaos constantly. They both deserved this. As she pushes him away, he pivots before smirking and disappearing to the bedroom.

Tiber (2/2) :: Time passes. Lanara cleans and Tiberius gets ready before waiting for the witch to follow behind in the same routine. The two move out and the lycan has to make sure Lanara does not actually grab anything expensive to sell, for Lanara’s sanity. The couple cruise the streets and look for outfits, and whether they have luck or not, well, they would have other towns to make pit stops if they needed to to do a little shopping. The Catalian graciously pays for a carriage to transport them from Cenril to Frostmaw because screw climbing up mountains, this boy is not walking in incline. He will ride incline--well, until the carriage breaks down and they need to walk to wave for another. Frustration does not break through the hopes and laughter that the two would finally enjoy together. A new adventure that the couple truly deserved. Through the frosty, winded swirl of mountains, the two finally break the gates to the land of thick snow. The man looks out the carriage window. “Why does your sister live here, again?”

Lanara (post 1 of 2) didn’t have to sell anything, surprisingly, because her boyfriend is generous and offered to fund their romantic getaway in Frostmaw. She silently vows to pay him back, which is why as they step into one of the fancier boutiques she splurges and buys a sexy dress that is sure to make Tiber’s jaw drop. The gown clings to her frame and accentuates her curves, and the side split reaches the middle of her thigh. As Lana wanders back and forth before the mirror in the dressing room, she practically squeals, because the fabric of the dress hugs her so tightly that it looks as though the gown and her body are one. The sparkling midnight blue evening gown is handed over to the seamstress, who will make the appropriate alterations and mail the gown to the witch before the ball. Lanara exits the boutique and steps into the carriage with a smirk, knowing that Tiberius will be –all- over her at the event, and that every woman in attendance will be so jealous! It’s the most confident she’s felt in over a year, and there is color in her cheeks as she turns to Tiber and happily begins to babble about horses. The witch goes on and on about riding, feeding, bathing, and working horses for the next several miles, and then she begins to discuss their anatomy, followed by their personality traits. It’s all fascinating to Lana, but Tiber is likely bored out of his mind from her endless prattling to the blistering cold once they pass through the gates. The carriage comes to an abrupt stop and the pair are escorted out, only to be ushered into a separate carriage which is better equipped to trek through deep snow. “I’m actually shocked that Taly lives all the way up here. Nothing grows, really, and us elves adore nature! I think she remains here because she loves Krice. They are so cute together, and I’m shocked that he hasn’t proposed yet.” Lana shakes her head, wondering if the warrior was incompetent because her sister is a catch! “Some men just don’t get the hint, I guess.” Was that just a hint?!

Lanara (2 of 2) :: A few hours later, the couple arrives at their destination and a woman in a fur lined parka approaches them and collects the payment, “Alright. You are in Igloo 32, feel free to wander, be loud, whatever! Your neighbors are far away and won’t see or hear you between the wind and the snowfall. We do recommend that you come to the main lodge around seven for dinner, and know that breakfast is from daybreak to noon. Any snacks you want can be purchased at the lodge between those hours, there are his and her washrooms for showering and using the bathroom, and there is a heated indoor pool if the cold is too much for your bones. The sky show is from around nine at night, until dawn. Feel free to ice skate, fish, snowball fight, dog sled race, whatever else you two lovebirds want to do to occupy your time.” The woman’s cheeks are a fiery shade of red as she continues, and Lana isn’t sure if it’s frostbite or a blush as the woman continues, “We do recommended sleeping in as few clothes as possible, huddled up, however you will notice that the two cots aren’t attached. There is a mechanism that connects them, should you wish to forgo your individual beds.” Lanara blinks at this, wondering if Tiberius slipped the woman some coin before they arrived. She is supposed to sleep practically naked in some weird half bed hoping to keep warm? Suddenly, she’s eyeing the lodge with longing, but she knows that Belgemine would want her to have the ‘full’ experience. “Okay, sounds great!” Taking Tiber’s hand, they walk to their designated igloo and step inside to find that it’s rather roomy with a bear rug, two comfortable cots, an enchanted light source that gives off a little warmth, and a basket of fine wines, cheeses, grapes, and other edibles rests atop a small table. “This is so darn cute! It’s not –that- cold in here! Oh my gosh! I’m so excited we are doing it, Tiber!” Poor choice of words, but the sentiment is there! The witch lowers her bags and pulls the male in for a tender kiss, “Thank you… We definitely needed this!” You (½):: Considering Tiber is Mr. Procrastination, the man refrains from buying a suit. Lo and behold, Tiber will probably find something fast in Frostmaw because he is -that- type of personality to make a girl sweat. Either way, Lanara babbles about horses that Tiber’s ear almost, truly, falls off because horses? Bor-ing. The man says nothing but a lot of ‘mhms’ until there is a moment where Lanara asks if he is listening, and then he really has to seem engaged. The only true thought running through his head is if he is going to walk in to see a horse standing in his living room. That would be the day. It is a true nightmare of a thought. Then, the witch goes into a rant about her sister and how Krice cannot take a hint. Tiberius stares at Lanara with those amber eyes blinking. Was that a hint? Marriage. Marriage. “Some men are just… testing the waters. Or maybe he just doesn’t care about a piece of paper.” Wrong word choice there Tiber. But was he wrong for some men to think like that? He was on thin ice. Best just get to the destination which is a whole other scenario.

Tiber (2/2):: Tiber is cool and collected when the woman talks about the activities and the fact that few clothes are better to stay warm. It was just precaution, and well, even though he had not pulled a move due to Lanara’s current state, he figured the witch might be as collected as he was about the few clothes thing. Maybe. The redness on the woman’s face makes Tiberius smirk with charm. Mischief. Why? Well, he liked when people were nervous and sheepish. Perhaps it was a control thing. As Lanara grabs his hand, he lets her lead the way, and they find themselves inside the cozy interior. “It’s not nighttime, babe. It’ll cool down even more than when the sun is out. He makes his way over to the basket of goods before prowling through to see what kinds of snacks they had. “Wow, this place is… nice. I haven’t done something like this since--” do not say escort, Tiberius Lowell. Well, it was not in an igloo at least. “Since we got to stay in a fancier hotel for a business job,” he waves it off. Smooth catch. ‘I’m so excited we are doing it, Tiber’. He raises his brows with his back turned towards her. Doing -it-? Like thee -it-? Was it time? What happened to no kiss on the first date. Of course, that was a joke. He plays it cool. Mr. Cool. The man slowly pivots all suave before moving towards her. “We did. After last week? We could use a getaway. Besides,” he leans forward before kissing her neck with little trails up to her ear to whisper, “I get you all alone.” Meaning, no pesky animals, no missions, no landlords knocking on the door. “So… what’s first? A good dog sled to get the adrenaline pumping?”

Lanara quirks a brow as Tiber nearly lets it slip about the escort and then quickly covers it with business talk, though she were certain that there was a longer pause than was necessary. Well… Perhaps he –did- bring another female here in the past? It doesn’t surprise her after his earlier ‘testing the waters’ comment and she finds her mind constantly circling back to that single statement. Was that all –she- meant to Tiberius Lowell? Were they just going to test the waters until she takes her last breath, and then he will just move on to test the waters with another? The witch feels her positive vibes fluctuating and she testily retorts, “I know it’s not nighttime, I’m not a complete moron, Tiber. I can tell day from night, sun from moon, cat from dog.” Love from lust. Testing the waters from marriage. Naturally, it’s as she’s having those negative thoughts that they share a kiss, and he murmurs he is glad to have her all to himself. Lana’s smile doesn’t quite meet her eyes, because again she feels that they aren’t on the same page, but she gives a quick nod, “Dog sledding sounds like fun!” This time when they walk through the snow she doesn’t grab his hand, rather she lets him trudge through the knee-deep heavy snow on his own. She knows he is a lycan, but he’s not familiar with Frostmaw, whereas Lanara feels one when in the elements. The walk isn’t that far, and it does settle her mind a bit, especially when she sees a cage with four puppies yipping and wagging their tails. “Oh my gosh! That one has one blue eye!” Squealing, the witch forgets Tiber, forgets the fact that the puppies are caged and behind a partition, she merely heads straight for what she wants and literally shoulder checks the poor male that’s guarding the station. “Hey!” The man is fuming, but it’s his job, so he works out the details with Tiber as Lana fawns over each puppy, individually. “Oh my gosh, Tiber. They are so cute!” The door to the cage is opened and the witch currently holds a puppy in each arm, with one on her lap, and the fourth is too scared to exit the cage so he awkwardly whines and stays inside. The dog handler assures them that sledding is completely safe, and that he will hitch the sled dogs to their harnesses, before the pair can take them on a run. “It’s a circuit, they go around about three or four times, takes maybe twenty minutes. Then you both will be back, safe and sound, and you can have some hot cocoa. Sound good?” Once the pair gives their consent and signs a waiver that if they should get hurt they cannot hire legal counsel against the handler, he wanders off to get a sled ready. Lanara looks up at Tiber, in all her glory, as she snuggles the puppies, “I know you really want to ‘test’ the waters and go ice fishing. So… We can do that next.” Someone is on edge.

Tiber (½):: Tiber is ninety-nine point nine percent oblivious, but that point one percent is still hanging by a thread. Lanara’s first round of testiness is brushed away like a gnat. Maybe the witch was hangry? Should the two eat before dog sledding? No. She agrees they should go. Obliviousness was still there, people. Walking and making way to the waggy, puppy-breath palooza, Tiber is almost as giddy as his girlfriend. Unlike her, however, he can easily hide and contain his emotions--at least -those- happy kind. A holler is given, and the lycan rolls his eyes. He halts before the den of dogs before looking the man in charge up and down. “I’ll slip you coin if you just let her be. She needs this.” Considering her hangry temper, so he thought. The Catalian crosses his arms as he then stares at the Kelvarian. A pure moment of jubilation and glow. The witch really did have a glow. One that shined and kept people out of her content world to keep herself in the moment of bliss which, in this scenario, are dogs.

Tiber (2/2):: The dogs prance freely and Tiber bends down to look at the timid one who does not leave the crate. “Hey,” he squats down with an easy smile. Still oblivious to Lanara’s quietness. The whiney puppy begins to yip, but only from now deciding whether or not Tiber was trustworthy. “Come on, boy,” the Catalian pats his knees. With a bark, the faint-hearted dog does a nervous twirl before facing bravery to have Tiber pet him. Rules are spoken, and Tiber nods along while giving belly scratches. Then, the heat. The gentle, sarcastic, witchy heat. The kind that screamed that Tiberius Lowell was in trouble. The lycan, trying not to make a scene, plays her game with a gentler voice. He tries not to rile the puppies. ‘Testing the waters’... is that what was really up her--Tiberius Lowell! He picks up the puppy and starts to mimic the pup's paws as if the pup was feeling the heat. Like a puppet. “I think Ms. Banks is reading into things that don’t obtain to her.” Tiber looks at the dog as if the dog just said that. The man gasps at the dog. “Well, someone really got to her. She’s mad. Very mad. I don’t know if we -should- go ice fishing since it seems that I’m on very thin ice already.” The man then plays with the dog’s paws again. “I think you should really re-evaluate your thoughts! Tiberius, afterall did want to escort you to this wonderful place, have a wonderful time, -and- you two live together. I don’t think that is for, as one would say, ‘testing the waters’.” Tiber then looks bright-eyed at the dog’s ‘words of wisdom’ that are Tiber’s own. “Oh my gosh, I think we have come to a revelation!” Amber eyes then look at her; his face crinkling into a smirk that was one of a child’s before putting the dog back down and standing up. Time to get ready to sled.

Lanara’s mind and emotions are going into overdrive mode as she frantically tries to suffocate her anxiety with the trio of husky pups. The two in her arms are drenching her cheeks in kisses and she inhales their sweet puppy breath, as the one on her lap snuggles close and prepares to take a nap. This is bliss. She inhales and exhales, knowing that she need not overreact just because Tiber didn’t reciprocate her views on marriage. Plus, it’s not like she would be alive long enough to even convince the man to propose at some point in the future. They hadn’t crossed certain thresholds yet, and it seemed that the Catalian was pacing himself by not making a move or slipping the ‘L’ word. Perhaps her feelings of love were unrequited? Then what was she doing spending her last days with a man that didn’t want more than friendship? It’s an endless cycle of confusing and the lycan somehow –always- manages to get under her skin, even when she’s playing with the cutest animals this side of Frostmaw! Lana’s eyes dart from the caged puppy to Tiber’s waiting arms and she hopes that this doesn’t also backfire, as the male loathes most critters. Apprehensive about pretty much everything, her emotions pass into the two that she holds, and the little eight week olds have their first growl. It’s not intimidating in the slightest, but it puts Lanara in check, at least enough to lighten up and laugh at the way they are looking at Tiberius. Apparently the witch isn’t the only one that’s hangry! As Tiber plays puppet master with the shy one, the witch tries her very best to maintain a poker face, and utterly fails. That one blue eye looks back at her and with those gesticulating paws it’s impossible to be angry at a puppy, or at the man putting on the show. “I know, I know…” This time, her smile is genuine, as she returns the puppies to their cage so that they can go sled riding. “You’re lucky that I didn’t get angry during the ride… I mean, if I turned these guys against you, imagine what I could do with a team of adult wolf-life dogs!” A sweet grin is given to Tiber, as she takes his hand, and the two wander over to the prepared ride, “I’m sorry I was bitchy back there… It’s just a big deal to me. Love. Marriage. Belonging to someone. Soulmates. All that stuff. I guess it means more to me than a piece of paper… Think of it like finding your wolf mate, or the one person in the universe that was designed and handpicked by the Goddess, to be your partner for life!” Thankfully, the handler interrupts to show them how to control the reins and speed up, slow down, or come to a complete stop. Lana gets into the sleigh and glances at Tiber, hoping he had the instructions down pat because she had wandered off in the middle to greet the dogs that would be carting them around.

Tiber :: The way the puppies start growling at the Catalian makes him frown, but he cannot help but keep that frown because the growls are so small. He then smirks when the witch caves. Thank gosh that he finally surpassed that wave. “I think you’re forgetting that I’m an adult. And a wolf. So,” his brows furrow, but he grins all the same at her feisty remark. He trails behind her. As she talks about love, marriage, soulmates… he just looks at her with a blank gaze, but he watches her intently. Eyes skim her face. Soulmates. Wolf mate. Yes, the classic imprint. One that Tiber was well aware of, but has not given too much thought. Not until, Lanara, but then again, they had time. Did she want to be a wolf? Was that what she was getting at? Was that why she had the books on the table? Did she want him to turn her? “But I--” and then he is cut off by the handler who shows them the ropes. Easy. Peasy. Breezy, even. He then sits down and grabs a hold of the reins. Once the handler gives them the signal that it is okay to go and the way is clear, Tiber then inches the reins into the motion that led the pack of huskies off. Off the two went. Tiber liked the control of the pack of dogs. This was quite the fun sport. The trees pass by at a swift speed through the route and eventually the sled reaches a plethora of trees. It is clear that they were made for almost like a snowy, wintry wonderland tunnel, and so Tiber inches once for the pack to slow down, so the two could enjoy the moment of the smell of pine and thick snow on top of branches. Icicles hang down from some limbs, but they are out of harm's way due to the tunnel made. “So I saw your books on the table. Was that romance book about lycanthrope too?” He grins. “Are you charmed?” He wiggles his brows. “You know I’d tell you anything you want to know, right?” It was a step. A step of side he hated about himself, but a step to open up to her for once.

Lanara giggles as the snow and wind tickles her cheeks and she snuggles closer to Tiber, resting her head against his shoulder. It’s their first official date, and even though they almost had two fights leading up to this moment, it’s obvious that there is nowhere else she would rather be than on a sleigh ride in the middle of a wintry wonderland, at the Catalian’s side. The dogs release high pitched yips and seem to thoroughly enjoy racing around bends and over mounds of packed snow, though they obediently pause and glance back at Tiber when he pulls on the reins. Lana points, “Awwww, they are too cute! Look at how they are checking to see if we are okay!” The lead husky lies in the snow, and soon enough the eight to his rear follow suit, and the couple is give the utmost privacy as there isn’t anyone around for miles. The witch senses that a heavy topic is coming up, so she braces herself and intently looks at Tiber’s face, “It’s really beautiful here…Thank you again, for everything.” Lana’s long locks are damp and blow faintly in the breeze, her cheeks are a rosy hue from the chill in the air, and her dark chocolate eyes really ‘pop’ against the stark white landscape. It’s the most ‘free’ she had felt in some time and her worries about dying and a potential stalker are gone from her mind as she lifts Tiber’s hand and trails tender kisses along his wrist. The comment about lycans is offered and she thinks about it for a moment, wondering if Tiber wanted a wolf mate as his life partner. The thought had never struck her until now, but seeing as it directly followed a comment about marriage, she wonders if he wishes to turn her into one of his kind. Would it even work? If her body rejected the turn, she would perish. Either way, in a little over two weeks she’s destined to meet her maker, but it has her mental gears churning with wonder. Lana assumed vampirism would be her only way out, and she would –never- be one of those! “I have those books for a few reasons, actually! The lycan literature is because we need to really study what we are up against, and if I’m to work for Alastor, I can’t just wing it like I do everything else. I have to look and sound professional and if I’m convincing enough, then I’ll know that I haven’t failed you.” She pauses and drops her gaze to her lap, “I also needed the book to help me make sure the spell is perfect, so that no one can detect your true nature.” There is a third reason and it’s like pulling teeth, but she finally sighs and admits, “And I was wondering about the wolf mate bond… Imprinting.” Could he imprint with another she-wolf, if Lanara is his proven soulmate? Did Sharna get everything wrong with her prediction? “So… I’m not a wolf, Tiber. Doesn’t that bother you? I mean… Would it bother you long term?” Lanara smirks as the ‘romance’ book is mentioned, “The smutty book is just for me, because I’m all sappy about romance and I suppose it’s also a form of research.” Did she really have to punch him in the face to show she was attracted to him?

Tiber flashes Lanara a grin as the huskies make sure the two in the sleigh are in one piece. As the husky comes to a slow, golden eyes look at chocolate hues. His cheeks are not as rosy, for his body radiated heat on an everyday basis. Survival. Animalistic traits. “Of course, babe. I just wanted this to be special because… I care about you.” Should he say that he loved her? They had just had a fight, and well, this was their first date. Did this matter? Would it be too much? Perhaps he should just enjoy the moment instead of making everything so whirlwind-y. His fingers brush damp strands from her face. His warm touch against cold mocha skin. Her skin. Her lips brush against his wrist and he looks at her with a soft gaze. The man had been relaxed finally. No chaos. No fights. No work. Just her. He cants his head at her explanation about the tomes on the table back at their apartment. It made sense now. Great sense. There was a mild wash of relief that crashed through his back because turning her was one thing he would be hesitant about the most in their relationship if she wanted to turn. To live with the pain of transitioning. The anguish. The heightened abilities. Tiber was a beast, and he would not wish that upon anyone. “You wouldn’t fail me. You couldn’t ever make me feel that way.” Pause. “Let’s really take our time with this plan… And… well, I don’t want to pressure you into it either. Lanara, just say the word, and you don’t have to face him for me. You don’t.” The man shifts in the fur-lined parka he was in as she talks about imprinting. The topic that he mentally wanted to trail away from. “Imprinting… uh,” he scratches the back of his head. “Look, Lana. It’s true that… a bond is stronger with imprinting. Only because the animalistic instincts are there. A desire for kids--err, we say pups,” he looks at the line of huskies ahead of them. “I don’t see myself with pups. I’ve been sort of a lone wolf for a long time. I’m not really dad-material.” The thought of a baby? Holy guacamole. “It doesn’t bother me because that’s not who I want you to be. Or will never ask you to be. I wouldn’t wish that on you, Lana. I’m perfectly happy with you and who you are, and you give me what I already need. You give me what I never… expected,” he looks forward at the pack of huskies. “Just know, I’m not leaving.” The man then grins. “Form of research? Well, you better study up,” he then instantly pulls on the reins for the huskies to rise up again and pull them quickly through the powdered route to continue on their laps.

Lanara instinctively tilts her head so that her cheek rests in Tiber’s palm, her gaze glued upon his eyes and lips as he reassures her that it’s her safety that comes first in going against Alastor. Honestly, that man is the least of her worries. She would die for Tiberius Lowell, gladly, because she loves the man with every last shard of her badly battered heart. Lanara’s future may be coming to an end, but if that meant that Tiber could sleep easy knowing his past had been rectified, that’s all that matters to the witch. He says he cares for her and she smiles, feeling it’s a little short, but she would rather him be honest than drop the ‘L’ word because he thinks it’s what she wants to hear. Lana hopes she hears it before her last breath, but it’s such a bittersweet thought, and suddenly her eyes brim with tears. It’s at this moment that Tiber grows nervous and she’s thinking it’s due to her moment of vulnerability and those unshed tears, so she leans back from the embrace and listens to his explanation. Tiber doesn’t want to turn her into a lycan. Ever. The man is practically adamant about it and all she can do is nod and respect his decision. It may not save her life, anyway, and she wouldn’t ask him to do that because it would mess with him emotionally. “I understand.” However, if she is to miraculously survive and remain an elf, and if Tiber were to imprint with another wolf… That bond would be stronger than theirs, and he would surely leave, regardless of what he’s saying in this moment. The matter about kids is a moot point, as she cannot have children, plus the woman had imagined herself as a mother figure. “Thank you for explaining… I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I didn’t mean anything by it, I just was curious.” Live in the moment, damn it! The witch is scolding herself, because they promised each other to just –be- and here she was poking the man about what-if scenarios and the last thing she wants to do is push him away. It took a strong man to love Lanara Banks, and she never made anything easy. “You mean a lot to me, Tiber... I know that at times I can be a lot to handle with my past, the nightmares, my emotions, all that stuff, so I, uh, thank you for putting up with me. And we can go as slow as you want with our relationship and with the Alastor plan.” The witch can be patient, even if time is running out, because they are team and Tiber matters more to her than she put into words. She doesn’t tell him she loves him again, as she already said it three times and doesn’t want him to feel forced to reciprocate. Instead, Lana laughs at his comment about her research and enjoys the ride back to their igloo. “So! Dinner is in a few hours… Do you want to go fishing or skating? Or do you just want to hang out a bit? We can do stuff tomorrow, too, if you are tired.” As they step from the sled and say their goodbyes to the dogs, the witch wraps her arms around the lycan and huskily whispers, “I should have brought that romance book along… We could have studied together.”

Tiber blinks. “Don’t apologize. With something like that, you need to know,” lycanthrope. A lycan was what he was. She was signing up for his behaviors. His instincts. The mention of taking things slow makes Tiber secure. They had time. They had time for the big ‘I love you’ and the Alastor plan. They can, in fact, just be. Well, in his mind. Perhaps Lanara better step on the gas with the whole telling Tiber the death thing before he takes advantage of their time together. The ride back was full of laughter, powder in the face, and swooshing huskies. The two get out of the sleigh. Tiber helped Lanara out before holding her in an embrace. The touch of her. His body radiates heat, but also there was the help of the winter parka he had. “Dinner in a few hours. I can race you around the ice?” He challenges with a wicked grin. Truth was, Tiber was a horrible ice skater. Snow was not his thing, but she was his thing, so he would make do for now. As she leans in flirtatiously, he looks over her head for any passer-bys before leaning in. “Study? I mean… I have everything for anatomy right here,” his hands slide down the sides of her to her rear. What a lame science flirt. “Then again, you really did say you don’t kiss on the first date, so maybe I can just skid around you on the ice instead and view from afar.” He then pulls away from her teasingly and tauntingly before making his way through the snow to their next destination. Tiberius Lowell loved the chase. Games were his favorite thing.

Lanara rolls her eyes, “Race me on the ice?! Okay, we both know that my powers aren’t where they should be, so I can’t even manipulate the wind or anything. You are like a foot taller and you have enhanced speed! How the heck can I even keep up?” Nipping her lower lip, she teasingly butts in before he speaks again, as his hands are moving tantalizingly down her sides, “Maybe you just like easy prey?” The scientific flirtation attempt has the woman chuckling, but she gives in, because she hasn’t been ice skating in years. “The last time I went skating was with my sister and this foolish instructor got too close to my blade as I was doing a fancy spin… He nearly ended up decapitated!” Lana had laughed hysterically and continued skating, while poor Taly hadn’t been amused and had to stop and heal the poor nearly headless man. As they arrive at the frozen lake and lace up their skates, the witch continues with their playful banter, “Oh, I wasn’t referring to any kissing, Babe! Haven’t you ever played ‘Copycat’? You find a picture or read a line in a book and then you reenact it. It’s lots of fun… Exploring.” Lanara’s smirks smugly, as she stands up and balances on the ice, getting a feel for the skates, “Looks like you need to study a little more… Take a more hands on approach?” She bends a bit to lean against the male, though rather than kiss him on the mouth, she nibbles on the length of his jaw towards his ear, “Want to show me some of those dance skills from this morning? The ice can be our kitchen floor… I promise not to let you fall.” He totally would fall, because she’s petite and he carries a much larger frame. “You can totally fall –for- me, just don’t fall on me.” The witch doesn’t wait, as she twirls towards the center of the lake, breezing past another couple that is holding hands as they stomp on the ice and worry about falling. Save for that pair, the two have the lake to themselves, which is a good thing. The last time kids were around they ended up bullying the poor lycan! Lana is imagining the wolf punching a hole in the ice and drowning any children that may get in his way, and she laughs to herself, “Good thing this place is for couples only…”

Tiber, walking to the frozen lake, looks at her. “You’d be surprised. You have an advantage. You will learn why.” The two lace up their skates. Skates. Can you walk on blades? He had been before, but he could not remember what it felt like. “You better not decapitate me. This is such a gorgeous face. It’d truly be a shame.” The man ties the knot tight before standing. Okay. This was easy. It was just like walking only a little more pigeon-toed. He carefully watches the witch and follows suit before making his way to the ice. Her words make him wobbly, or was it just the ice? Copycat. What kind of things could they be copying from that book? Exploring… he would love to explore. He would join that adventure in a heartbeat. The lycan then carefully steps a skate onto the ice before moving the other. He slides forward cautiously before taking tiny movements. It was clear he was bluffing about the race. As Lanara begins to lean against him, he wants to say no for the safety of not falling, but the kisses feel nice and he is able to lean into her lips for the whisper. He can do this. Muscles, baby. “Uh, I don’t think dancing right now is a great thing,” he refrains from being moody because he cannot quite move yet. Though her pun makes him grin and pushes the brooding thoughts completely away. Eyes keep track of her movement. Glide. That is it. The man then begins to skid forward carefully before following behind her. “Wow, my babe has got moves.” He looks at the other couple who are clearly disturbed by Lanara’s breeze-through. “Tough to compete,” he smirks at the other couple before confidently striding forward before not being able to stop. “How the hell do you stop?” Tiberius keeps going across the lake. He cannot stop, but luckily he is not going too fast. “Look, I’m winning the race,” he keeps sliding forward. Clearly he is an absolute ice-skating moron.

Lanara twirls and slides around the frozen lake with the finesse of a professional skater, gently digging her blades into the ice and gliding over the surface with some fancy footwork. The other couple takes their sweet time undoing their laces, as they are preparing to head to dinner, but both remain with their gazes glued upon the elf. Lana smirks at Tiber’s comment, but she gives her audience a wave, before she leaps into the air and spins, her toes pointing at the ice as she’s momentarily suspended, before she gracefully lands and strikes a poised pose. The woman’s eyes widen as she points to her husband, “That was a triple axle! I bet she’s one of those professionals! Do you think she will give us her autograph?!” Meanwhile, Lanara has stopped skating altogether, and stares wide eyed at Tiberius, her expression a mixture of amused and sympathetic. Where did he learn to walk, let alone skate?! She can only imagine his skills on the dance floor! Lana keeps a close watch on the lycan and studies his form from afar, offering little tips here and there, naturally she forgets to tell him how to brake. “Oh! Um.” Thankfully, he can’t go too far, and should Tiber be unable to stop in time, he would merely fall into one of the three foot snow banks that line the lake. “Babe! Make a ‘T’ with your feet! Like the letter!” She points her toes to come to a complete stop, but she’s also familiar with the ice, whereas Tiber is a beginner. The witch gives her love a chance to come to a complete stop, but if he’s unable, she will skate on over and take his hand to help him baby step across the ice. “You looking amazing, Babe! You’re getting the hand of it!” She’s trying to be reassuring and supportive, even if she has to glance away from time to time to stifle her laughter. Lana swiftly circles Tiber’s place on the ice, each circling bringing her nearer to the male, until she’s in his arms, at long last. She’s a little breathless as she laughs and snuggles close, “You never cease to amazing me, Ty...” In truth, she didn’t think he’d even put the skates on, let alone attempt to ice skate.

Tiber hears the witch in time, thankfully, and makes a quick ‘T’ with his feet, but the stop is abrupt, so he slips and lands on his behind. The couple that were so in awe of Lanara, are now staring at Tiber with amused eyes and hidden cackles. He stands up to brush off the snow before grabbing her hand. “-So- amazing. Y’all want -my- autograph?” The wolf had a thick sense, so he gave a wicked smirk at the couple from afar before his golden gaze landed on the Kelvarian who was skating in circles before wrapping herself around him. The hold keeps him steady as another benefit, at least. Although Tiber was brooding at times, he knew that this trip would be important to the elf. They did not need a humbug Lowell to really take the cake. “Don’t want to ruin the first date. Trying to earn a kiss, remember?” He smirked before taking one of her arms before his hand slid down to her own for her to help lead him around the ice, so they can enjoy their time together more before dinner.

Lanara squints and looks at Tiber’s face for a long moment, as if considering if she would give him a ‘kiss’ to end their first date. “I’d say the odds are in your favor, BUT, we still have quite a ways to go before the clock strikes midnight.” She’s jesting, of course, but she tries to keep a poker face and keep the male guessing. They both enjoy the chase, it seems. And, apparently Lana had given them both a curfew to abide! Igloo at midnight! Would there be repercussions if Tiber gets home late? Is there a chance the two will parts way at some point in their weekend date? The couple that was mesmerized by the witch and amused by the wolf, take their leave, offering a parting way to them. “They totally are bummed they didn’t get your autograph.” Lana tugs Tiber’s hand and it doesn’t take much effort as the male is on skates, and so they glide in near perfect unison. “Want to sign -our- name in the ice? We can do a few repetitions so it’s really embedded and others that skate can see!” Somewhat nervous, she glances at him to see just how much they aren’t ‘testing the waters’ as she boldly forces herself to ask, “Tibara? Does that sound good to you?”

Tiber has his chin pretty steady and a very-knowing smirk on his face. “Oh, I’ll be getting a kiss, alright.” Or was he? He keeps the question in his head with the confident smirk written on his face. His own poker face. Was there a chance to screw up this date? With Tiber, of course there was. The two skate on and Tiber rolls her eyes at her sarcastic comment about autographs before he starts catching onto the skating rhythm. It is becoming easier. Just glide. Be light and smooth, and do not second-guess movements. The man then practices that ‘T’ movement to come to a halt before side-eyeing her. “Skate our name in the ice? Like teenie boppers? Tibara?” His face is scrunched in thought, and laced with distance before his face sort of melts into a straight line. He looks around the ice. He really takes his time with ‘testing the waters’. The wave that is thrown at him. “Well, I’m a territorial guy, so… making a place ours? With a woman that is mine? Why the hell not,” he shrugs before taking her hand with a small, wicked look in his eyes. “Our rink now, I guess.” He then begins to pull her forward so they can begin the engraving. ‘Tibara on Ice’ it is.

Lanara visibly pales as Tiber takes his sweet time giving her an answer, and she thinks of a way to make her words hold less weight. Did he just say her idea is stupid?! Were they not on the same page in this relationship? Should she laugh it off and say she was just kidding? Run away and cry in a far off mound of snow? Lana blinks fast, praying to the Goddess that she doesn’t shed a single tear over the cruel lycan’s hesitation, and thankfully salvation arrives. The wind picks up speed and brings tears to the eyes of individuals in a thousand foot radius, and Tiberius states that he will mark his territory. After breathing out a sigh that she had been holding in for a few moments, she gives him a knowing grin, and takes the lead in signing their name on the ice. “I think this is better than having you pee on my leg or something… I know all about wolves and marking their territory.” Lana laughs and shouts each letter before they swirl and slide over the ice, as though the man can’t spell and needs her guidance. After quite some time, the woman is freezing and can barely feel her hands or feet, but she still presses on until that last squiggly line of the ‘A’ is engraved for the heavens to shine down upon. ‘Tibara On Ice’ is truly a beautiful thing, she thinks, as she gives Tiber’s hand a squeeze, “I’m freezing.” It -is- Frostmaw, but she also cannot use her magic to cast a spell of warmth. “Want to get ready for dinner?”

Tiber cannot feel her tension in the slightest at his long pause. So they are off on a engraving spree on ice! Her comment about him peeing on her leg makes him cast a glare of daggers at her. “Ha. Ha.” He then scrunches his face. “Why the hell are you talking about me peeing on your leg?” Was that some sort of… never mind. “You’re something else.” He cannot help it now, but laughter escapes him because the thought of wolves was a ridiculous thing to him. That somehow, he was one. Strange. He had forced normalcy on himself for so long, and she was the one talking about the curse ordinarily. The man follows suit and he is basically dragged along so he does not biff it on ice. Eventually the two are done, and the name is indented within the thick ice and Tiber smirks at the job well accomplished. Her cold hand is enveloped in his own, and once he is able to, he cups her other hand as well to bring up to his face. He gently blows his breath against her cold skin for warmth and rubs his warm hands against her cold ones to get some friction and heat in her hands. He was curious why she was not using her magic as much. Had she not recovered from her long journey from Kelvar yet? “I’m starving. Let’s go get a bite.” The man then takes her hands, and after the practice of being on the ice, he is able to lead her for once off the ice. “That was… fun.” Fun? Did Tiber say… F. U. N.? His tone of fun was not enthusiastic, but at least he said the word. As the two get off the ice, they take off their skates and the ground feels… strange to him. He feels like he might wobble, but he is able to control it before leading them on through the snow back to the main igloo resort. All the while, talking, clinging to each other, and just overall content with the world. Finally Lanara and Tiber might have been actually aligned for once. The main building comes up for them to meet up the others for the main dinner.

Lanara blinks as Tiber laughs hysterically over the dominance comment, and she joins in on the giggles. “It’s true! I work with animals, don’t forget! The males, so assert their dominance, or to mark their territory, they, uh, give into their urges… Genitals rubbed against a tree or couch… Urinating. That, uh, sort of thing.” How did this become so awkward?! Thankfully, the male focuses on spelling, and Lana is mentally squealing when Tiber takes her hands in his and tries his best to warm them, the action literally making the witch swoon. As if she hadn’t been head over heels for this man for a long while! “It was… Fun!” She agrees, her smile meeting her eyes, as they cuddle up and hobble to the main building. Once there, a man comes to retrieve their outer garments and hangs them in a coat room to dry off, before escorting them to the dining area. Lanara had thought this was just a resort, but it obviously caters to couples, as each table for two is in the shape of a heart and has a lone candle resting in the middle. Tugging her lower lip between her teeth, she bites back a grin at the intimacy of it all, “Thank you, Sir.” A smile is given to the waiter as he supplies them with menus and rattles off all the specials of the evening. The witch orders lobster, because it’s their -first- official date in three years, so she figures go big or go home. “I’m going to freshen up, I’ll be right back.” Excusing herself, she heads to the ladies room where she will finger comb her long hair, apply some lip gloss, and chat with the other herd of women that always seems to be in a restroom. A few moments later Lana returns and takes her seat beside Tiber, “This place truly is beautiful… I cannot wait to see the light show tonight! I hear that you are supposed to make a wish and that it may come true if you do three tasks before the sun rises…” Lana smiles sweetly, almost -too- candylike, but any suspicion would be whisked away as the waiter returns with their first course and offers them some wine. “So… Are you game?”

Tiber shrugs off the parka before leading the witch to the table for two. Before Lanara settles, Tiber does the whole ‘pull-out-the-chair-for-the-lady-thing’ and sits across from her. The man leans back steadily in his chair while looking at the menu. He goes for a shrimp scampi because why not? And as Lanara excuses herself, the man scopes the room. Should he attempt any mischief while she is gone? Perhaps it was best to keep this date sort of normal for once. Lanara at least deserved that. He waits patiently before nodding to a few lone men at their tables. The jealousy was easier to tame knowing that each man had some sort of other-half with them. As the witch returns, he smiles cooly at her. “Three tasks before the sun rises? I’m guessing you can’t say your wish, or it won’t come true?” He treads lightly, but he is curious to know. Dying inside, most likely. Her grin throws him for a whirlwind, and now the thoughts want to pour in, but her expression was too quick to catch. Tiberius does the lead to say that they want wine and to do a taste test before the waiter nods and pours a bit in their glasses. The man swirls the contents in his glass before tasting it. “Good to me, good to you?” He asks Lanara before straightening his silverware. Gold eyes then look on her. “Wishes. Three tasks. Seems like a lot of work for a wish,” he drags out. Then, he catches her hopeful expression before contemplating her request. “I suppose wishes could be on the itinerary.” The man then takes a heaping fork of pasta before stuffing it in his mouth. He may look like he is class, but the lycan eats like… an animal.

Lanara rests the cloth napkin on her lap and folds her hands upon the edge of the table, waiting patiently as Tiber and the waiter discuss the different types of liquor, and when it’s time to taste the wines, she daintily sips a few before she nods in agreement, “That is perfect!” Their food is delivered and she eats as though she were raised by royals, whereas Tiber eats as though he were raised in a barn. Yet, Lanara doesn’t comment or chastise the male, because she loves him and just hopes that when the time comes he…Oh dear. She can’t think like this, as her cheeks begin to flood with color, and so she takes a sip of the wine and swirls it in her glass, “I do not get a wish! Witches believe in karma, and I know you know what that is, so I won’t bore you with details.” A hand reaches across the table to gently squeeze Tiber’s, her heartbreak eyes are filled with love, and even her voice softens as she declares, “My wish already came true, Babe… I was able to return to you and we are on this -amazing- getaway, and…” She doesn’t need to finish her sentence, for he knows the next three words that would have followed. A few tables to their right shatters the romantic moment, as it seems as though a couple is on the verge of a break up. A tall blonde hurls her glass of wine across the table, showering her date in splashes of crimson, and the male calls her a few nasty names, before they both are escorted from the dining room. Lana focuses on her lobster now, gently peeling the meat from the shell and dipping it into some melted butter, before she takes a bite. “Wow. This is amazing.” Everything about this place is amazing, it seems, and for the next few moments the witch is gorging on delicious lobster. She nearly forgets about the little prank she’s hatching, but as she dabs her mouth with the napkin, that grin returns, “They aren’t difficult tasks, though they are a tad odd. I overheard a few of the women in the ladies room discussing it… One said that her husband got -extremely- lucky last night!” Lana peers into Tiber’s eyes as she twirls a lock of hair around her finger, “So… Mister Lowell. Are you feeling lucky?” She isn’t even aware of the colorful ideas that her words are likely insinuating in the mind of the male. What would he wish for, if he could wish for anything? Is it something she can grant? What wicked little tasks would she have him complete? The waiter returns a few moments later with the dessert menu, and Lana takes her sweet time poring over each item, “It all looks so good! But I don’t want to eat a ton, because we are going to make s’mores later and have cocoa when we watch the sky… Want to share a dessert?” Looking up at the lycan, she grins, “Dessert is the only thing I will share when it comes to a relationship, just so you know…”

Tiber is so wrapped up in his plate, he does not notice Lanara’s shaded hue of her mocha skin. The man indulges himself and there -is- a part of him that wants to try the lobster Lanara is munching on. Unlike Lanara, Tiber is one that will take food off of plates. Nothing territorial about food for food. The man then slows himself down as she reaches across to touch his hand in the sincerity of the moment. Lord, this image. The blonde drops his fork before chewing the rest of the noodles that were bunched in the side of his cheek. He chews slowly before swallowing. A small furrow comes to his brows about her only wish about coming back to him. That could not be all that she wanted, was it? “All I wanted was for you to come back to me too,” he said slowly before nodding his head with her talk of karma. He understood the witch-lore, for she told him before, and not-to-mention his studies. Tiberius was somehow full of knowledge in that thick skull of his even if it did not seem like it some days. Tiber’s mind trails at the thought of wishes. Lanara was here. Was she not enough? His mind, however, trails to Lanara’s past questions about… Augustus. His brother. The one he lost in Catal. Not knowing whether his sibling made it or not would be one piece of closure to his world other than Lanara. Or Alastor. “I know,” he concludes that he knows that she loves him, and the man feels this pang to speak to her gentle, romantic ways, but… splash! Well, a break-up -really- set the tone there. The blonde raises a brow at the man calling the woman nasty names. Tiberius shakes his head. “Must’ve been a loser,” the Catalian was very black and white. He continues and then nods along with Lanara mentioning the notion of the place being ‘amazing’. The man finishes his plate, and sips on the wine in his glass before almost choking on liquor at the thought of being ‘lucky’. Did Lanara want…? The man clears his throat quickly before drinking the rest of his glass of wine. Was tonight the night? “Uh,” so Lanara was coming to, even if the nightmares were still relevant, “Yeah, yeah, I’m feeling lucky,” there was a charming grin. A confident one in that moment. If the witch wanted tonight to be the night, so be it. The thoughts, however, disperse when the dessert menu comes. He could think of other ways for dessert, and he keeps a content gaze with a straight line on his face. A poker face in a sense. “Oh, well, I’m glad we are sharing dessert. Because, Miss Banks, I -do- enjoy dessert. Sometimes I -am- a little greedy when it comes to it,” he checks her up and down with a small smile before it vanishes away in a flash. Hot and cold in a blink. “Something with chocolate? What about… chocolate lava cake? Or whatever you feel. I’m not too picky. I inhale just about anything.” It was true.

Lanara doesn’t think that confident smile is all that odd, nor does it even register that Tiber is thinking along the lines of something sexual. For all the sultry stares, pouty lips, and seductive poses, one would think that the witch knew all there is to know about the opposite gender. Yet, she’s never been the one to make that first move, for either fear of rejection or because she didn’t want to come across as a loose woman. Lifting her glass of wine, she finds her own mind running in circles, and of course witches can make wishes, but she had to blame karma otherwise Tiber would know she’s up to something. What would she wish for, given that she has such little time left in this world? Him. Always, Him. She wishes that he will be happy and loved, and begrudgingly she hopes he finds that with another, in case she can’t figure out a way to stick around. She hopes for a cure. She hopes that the lycan one days asks her those four everlasting words. The time slips by and Tiber is looking at her and speaking about lava, and she blinks, “No, Tiber. It’s ice.” How did he confuse Frostmaw with the Wildlands in Venturil? “It’s a snowy place, there isn’t any volcanic activity here…” The waiter is at the ready and writes down an order, combining their desires, and a few minutes later he brings out a triple chocolate brownie with a heaping scoop of ice cream. After dessert, the couple walks hand in hand back to the igloo, where they will cuddle and play ‘Would You Rather’ until the sun completely sets and the light show starts. A fun night lies ahead for the couple, filled with pranks, romance, and a few ‘testing the waters’ type situations. (Stay tuned for more ‘Tibara On Ice’ as the curtain will lift in a few days and Part Two will be posted!)