The Evanescent

Chapter Twenty

Mae led him down several winding halls.

He followed, looking around at the carved stone as the air grew a bit humid.

Deitonin watched her, a smile forming, "So you wanted to bring me to a hot spring...?"

Mae nodded, "Yeah..."

He chuckled as he hugged her from behind, "I love hot springs..."

Mae giggled. "Good!"

He grinned.

She looked up to him. "Can I change into a swimsuit so I can get in?"

He let go, "Oh, sure."

Mae smiled and headed off into a small part of the tunnel, hidden from view. Deitonin was momentarily tempted to follow, but stayed where he was.

He undressed, placing his clothes and harness in his satchel and pulled out a pair of black swim shorts, changing into them. Deitonin had his satchel hanging from one shoulder as he stood there, fiddling with his tail. He was fanning out and retracting the glittering fins.

Mae soon came out in a brown and light blue striped bikini top and a matching skirt. She had on a long, dark brown cardigan that reached to her knees.

The Dæmon looked over at her and his tail started to wag, "You look nice..."

She blushed. "Thanks..."

He smiled and extended a hand to her, "Shall we...?"

She took his hand, smiling.

He started walking, "You know...I really like this place...It's so quiet."

"Yeah...I love it here..."

He soon stopped before some carved stone doors with steam trickling between the small gap between them, "You know...after Grivectous is well...we could stay here."

Mae smiled. "I'd like that..."

Deitonin placed his hands against the doors and pushed them open, looking into the dark room before them. He extended a hand, "Fïrin Isidar."

Fiery stars burst around the room, lighting torches on the walls with pale blue flames.

"There's the spring..." he said smiling.

Mae chuckled. "Always the one to charm the girl, huh?"

"I try..."

She giggled, then stepped into the water, but instantly got back out, "It's hot!"

Deitonin stifled a laugh, "What'd you expect from a hot spring?"

Mae playfully stuck out her tongue.

He smoothed his hair back, putting it up in a ponytail as he stepped into the water. The heat hurt at first, but lessened as he eased himself into the water.

She slowly stepped in, taking in a sharp breath between her teeth as she did. Deitonin frowned and placed his arms around her, letting the cold of his body lessen the heat, "You're not very good with heat, huh?"

She shook her head. "Not really...I like the cold."

He pulled her into his lap, "I spend more bodily energy when in extreme temperatures...but the cold is nice in small doses."

She felt a tiny blush warm her cheeks. "Ah...I like the cold, but not too cold."

"Understandable..." he said laying back against the edge of the pool with a sigh.

She smiled. "I like being here with you...now I'm not so lonely..."

He gingerly ran a hand up her back, "I'm glad to hear that...You chased away the loneliness in me too..."