Winwolfa (A Roan x Female OC Fanfic)

Chapter 11

Roan woke Astrid at the break of dawn. This time, with a subtle knock on the door and some words she couldn't quite make out as she fought her sleepy state. He took her to fighting arena as always, like nothing happened. This time, they fought with daggers. A subtle gesture towards yesterday's activities. As if leaving her in a blizzard was just another 'training lesson.' Not even an apology for leaving her to die.

They fought until dark with seldom breaks. And when they did stop, he still gave an endless slew of critiques. His only positive comment: "At least you can keep a dagger in your hand this time, Asteroid." Same cocky jackass.

The next day Astrid trained with Echo. Except this time, Roan was at her side too. Having the two tag team about her form, weak arms, shitty aim, and whatever else they could devise was an endless parade of criticism. Regardless, Astrid was becoming a much better shot. She got the outer rim on the bullseye by the end of the day.

On the third day, Astrid was surprised to find Roan not waking her. Routinely, she donned her gear and wandered the halls. As she neared Roan's room, she caught the ending exchange between a half naked woman and a shirtless Roan. Astrid watched her every step until she rounded the corner, then finally turned to Roan with a disgusted frown tugging at her lips.

"Jealous?" He asked with a cocky grin.

"Disgusted." She snapped back.

"If you want a good time, all you have to do is ask." He continued to tease, which made Astrid roll her eyes.

"I'd rather gouge my eyes out with a spoon."

"Don't be so callous." He replied as he finally put on a shirt. Not before Astrid peaked at the rippling muscles along his torso and back. The tanned skin despite the sunless days, and each and every scar that littered his skin. "Perhaps we can find common ground between the sheets."

"If I'm looking for disappointment, I'll make to find you." She taunted him with a sarcastic grin, which quickly faltered. This time, it was Roan who rolled his eyes.

Once Roan was finally dressed appropriately, they walked towards the front entrance of the keep. "I hope you're prepared for a hike."

"Are you going to leave me in a blizzard again?"

"Unfortunately, no." Roan sighed under his breath, "There is a something my mother wanted me to show you."

"Why do I have a feeling this is going to end poorly?" Astrid said to herself as they marched through the snowy terrain. Luckily, this hike wasn't as long as she expected. Within a few short hours, they had arrived at a secluded location. One large pool, cerulean and bright with rolling steam, hidden between steep mountain cliffs.

"What..." Astrid tried to find the words to say, "What is this?"

"The Falo hot springs." Roan explained as he shrugged off his gear. Astrid remained cautious, side glancing him as he stripped nearly naked. Only his shorts remained. Once again, Astrid found her eyes lingering on his body, glistening with sweat, as he dipped into the waters.

"Isn't it... cold?" She asked, almost embarrassed to ask the obvious question. But Roan gave a cocky laugh, relaxing his arms against the stone walls of the pools.

"Why don't you get in and find out?"

With a slight hesitation, Astrid brought her frigid fingertips to the waters. They weren't warm, but borderline scolding hot. But with the biting wind against her neck, she was nearly dying to jump in.

Away from Roan's sight, Astrid stripped from her clothes, leaving her in her bra and shorts, facing the cold winds. She took slow steps against the cool rocks until she reached the pools. On the complete opposite end of Roan. First, she dipped her toe into the hot waters. Then, slowly lowered her body until the water reached her shoulders. A guttural groan escaped her lips with pleasure.