The brute smiled. The curve of his jaw was completely genuine as it became more apparent. She had accepted his invitation and so his jaw ached from the grin that he tried so desperately to hide. It was too difficult to conceal his pleasure of the fact that she had not rejected the offer. Needless to say, her company so far had left sweet contentment dancing through his body – exiling the sour moods that had once resided in him. Terrel couldn’t deny the effect that she seemed to place upon him, but he no longer found it unusual that she was able to drain away his sorrows and replace them with thoughts of joy. What Terrel did find unusual was that she didn’t even have to try. And for that, he adored her.

He watched her. His tawny gaze falling upon her elegant stance with a regard of enchantment whilst she turned to the ledges in the opposite direction; she was so close to him now… a muddle of grey and motley fur intertwining with each, scents wrapping around and almost merging into one. His legs awkwardly twisted, fidgeting obviously as he sat – he was restless and though he tried to remain still and collected, his heart beat feverishly. The beast inhaled sharply as Mae ducked her head beneath his chin. He had seen only affectionate mates display this behaviour… so why was she acting this way with him? In momentary confusion, his body felt numb and his senses tingled by being so close to her. But his eyes were drawn up as Mae’s grey tail tickled gently at his cheek. Terrel wrinkled his nose at the fine hairs. ‘Lead on, kind sir.’ Her voice delicately seeped into his ears, causing feverish warmth to flutter upon his face. He grinned. “Very well, my dear,” he replied, moving close to her side. And then he winked. It was slight, tempting, playful but quick. And then it was gone – almost as if he had never done such a thing.

Terrel’s stargazers searched the area, seeking the areas that could potentially hold the strongest and the most intriguing of adventures. He wanted something that dripped with danger, something he could appear strong and gallant – thrilling. He wanted something enthralling.

He stepped up, deciding to just climb upwards when he was unable to find any other intriguing areas. Terrel tested each ledge with a calculated attentiveness before allowing the whole of his body weight to rest upon it. And though he was cautious with his steps, the motley boy was certainly not slow. He managed to be quick and swift, having not the bulky muscles built for war that many brutes strived to have. The male had only average strength, enhanced by his nimbleness. Every now and again, he would glance down – face burning with heat – to check that Mae was still close. Her beauty burnt as radiant as ever…

“I have no idea where I’m taking us by the way.” He commented gently, before pulling himself up to a larger ledge. With a few glances, he noticed a small but reasonable gap within the cliff. “Up for a tight squeeze?”


I keep climbing but it never seems to stop