>Oh god oh fuck
>How did it come to this?
>be me
>I just wanted to hike 
>Go out into the woods and get away for a day
>And relax
>The weather was supposed to be clear
>But now…
>now things are fucked
>The clear sky became dark about a few miles into the hike
>I thought the sky would clear up as the afternoon went on
>It didn't
>The clouds grew
>then the rain started
>First a few trickles and sprinkles
>And then it started in full
>Pouring
>So much that it made the day turn into night
>The trail became muddy and nearly impassable
>My pack weighing me down into the quickly softening ground
>Stumbling through the cold and dark weather
>I somehow ended up off the trail
>Into the brush
>Blindly forcing my way through the brush
>Barely able to see as I’m wiping rain from my eyes
>I take another step
>And theres nothing underfoot
>Just sheer angle
>And I tumble
>The world flips around as I roll down the embankment
>Tumbling for what feels like hours
>My pack slamming into my body repeatedly
>I finally land, my pack shoving my face into the mud
>I barely have the strength to push my battered and bruised body up off the ground
>I can feel the aches of something inside me being not right
>Ribs unattached and grinding against each other
>My leg is limp, and putting any weight on it causes it to immediately buckle
>I think I dislocated my hip or knee
>I can’t stand or move too much
>I feel some warm liquid going down my body
>Warm?
>Oh no
>oh no no no
>How did it come to this?
>I’m fucked
>My vision is blurring from pain and what I think is bloodloss
>The cold is getting to me
>A dark shadow falls over me
>I can’t see
>I barely look up at it
>I can only make out two piercing eyes, and a wicked smile
>”Oh my my, what have we here? Some lost prey?”
>Oh fuck
>I try to raise myself up to move but fail
>Numbness is coming over me
>I’m dead
>I’m so very VERY dead



>Wake up
>Where the hell am I?
>I feel warm, comfortable, soft
>There's a gentle weight over me and a cushion below me
>I manage to open my heavy eyelids
>I’m in a bed
>Not only that, but I’m in a room
>It looks and feels rustic, old, but oddly cozy
>some orange glow off to the side is illuminating the area
>I can see the source of the weight is a large quilt
>I try and sit up, pushing its weight off me
>I brace to feel a chill, but the room feels pleasantly warm
>It smells of fire, gentle smoke, and something else
>The sound of rain it pattering incessantly outside
>I move, and feel an achey discomfort in my chest and body
>I lay back down, feeling the pain subside
>I go over my body, doing a mental check of it
>My chest feels discomfortable, but not in agony
>My leg is stitched and clean
>And I can even move it without much pain, not sure about putting weight on it though
>Looking over my own body I realize something
>I am not in my hiking clothes
>I’m in a set of soft flannel pajamas 
>Old, a little worn, but still comfortable and soft
>...
>What the hell is going on here?
>I shouldn't be here
>I should be face down dead of hypothermia in the mud due to my retardation
>Perhaps this is all a hallucination?
>Maybe I am dead and this is heaven?
>If this is heaven, I’m glad it isn't bright and white
>The dim light is perfect for my tired eyes
>And the warmth makes me sleepy
>I feel myself dozing off
>A heavy sleep taking hold of me
>This isn't the feeling of exhaustion or of  tiredness
>It’s something else
>Like a powerful drug overcoming my senses
>If this is death taking me, I can't say I am unhappy
>At least it feels nice
>As my consciousness slips away, I swear I can hear a door open and footsteps
>And maybe I was hallucinating, or dreaming even
>But I swear I can hear a chuckle, and feel something touching my forehead
>I blackout, and there's only stillness, warmth, and rest


>I once again wake up
>My earlier lethargic feeling gone
>The room isnt as dark as before, nor is it nearly as warm
>I think I can see dim sunlight coming in
>The patter of rain is still there, but softer
>Not a storm, more a trickle
>The smell of fire is lingering in the air, but not as active or present
>I am able to sit up without any pain now
>I take stock of my situation and fully look around
>I’m in a cabin like room
>Rustic and comfy, made of wood
>Theres a single window off to the side over a dresser, and a closed door leading off to somewhere
>A stone fireplace is built into the corner, and a rocking chair sits nearby
>The bed I’m on is made of wood, but the softness of the quilt and mattress is other worldly
>Although not lethargic, I still feel weak
>And I’m not sure I want to take a chance on my leg
>While it seems better, I don't want to unset the bone if it is broken
>Although my curiosity implores me to check out what's on the other side of the door
>Not to mention
>I have no clue how I got here, what happened to me, or what is going on
>I can assume that maybe someone found me
>But whether that's a good thing or not remains to be seen
>A loud crashing draws my attention to the door
>A bang of something falling, and the cracking of glass shattering
>Oh no
>This cant be good
>Being taken to a strange room, only for someone to be breaking in
>Do I have the strength to face off with a burglar? 
>Maybe they don’t realize I am here, the place seems empty enough for that
>I could surprise them, scare them off
>I muster a breath into my lugs and call out
>”H-hello? Is someone there?”
>My voice is hoarse and cracking
>definitely not intimidating, but surprising
>I didn't realize how dry my throat was until now
>Something stops on the other side
>I can hear rustling on the other side of the door
>Not the sound of a person moving around
>It sounds more like a curious animal
>Oh no
>Maybe it wasn't a burglar or a vagrant…
>The worst thing comes to my mind
>What if a bear got into the house? Such things have happened
>Curios animals smell something new and smash their way in
>I am barely in state to call out to someone, let alone face a bear
>The door handle begins to jiggle
>I feel sweat bead my brow
>Bears are smart
>They know how to open car doors even
>A simple door handle like this wouldn't keep it out
>And if it got mad enough, it could just smash the door in
>The handle goes all the way down
>And the door slowly swings open
>A kind looking face peaks its way in
>”Oh? Are you awake?” Coos a soft, melodious voice
>I’m taken aback
>This isnt a bear
>Or any animal
>This is a… person?
>A woman?
>I can only give a dumbfounded nod back
>Most of her body is hidden behind the door, and I can only make out her face, and the short, blonde, bobcut head of hair she has 
>She cracks into a very kind smile, very wide smile, as her deep blue eyes pierce into my soul
>My mind is taken back to what I saw before I passed out in the forest
>I can barely suppress a shudder
>”Wonderful.” is her response, and she closes the door
>....
>I am not alone here
>In a way, I feel relieved
>But at the same time, something is… off putting, about this woman


>I wait patiently, sitting up in the bed
>Waiting, watching the door
>Wondering what may happen
>The door handle jiggles again, and the door opens
>The woman enters to room, nudging the door away with her hips, a tray in her hands
>I try and sneak a peek to the room beyond her, but the door quickly closes behind her
>I pay no further matter to that, as the woman fully enters my field of vision
>She’s tall, easily my height, if not taller
>Short blonde hair, those blue piercing eyes, and a kind, knowing smile
>Closer I can tell by her face that she is older than me, most likely in her middle ages, but still looking very well for herself
>Her entire form is covered with a large, heavy robe
>Not like a bathrobe, not at all
>More like a dress like robe, almost like the material of the quilt I have on
>It hides most of her figure, obscuring it, no doubt keeping her warm in the cold weather
>Something seems off about her though…
>Her short hair is puffed up around the sides of her head, looking as if she almost has…
>The “hair” tuft flicks in the direction of the door as it clicks shut
>Twitching gently
>That isnt hair
>Those are ears
>FOX ears
>The mysterious fox eared woman pulls a stool to the side of the bed
>She sits on it, setting the tray on the bed between me and her
>My eyes go from her to the tray
>It looks… nice
>Theres a small kettle on the tray, as well as a tea cup, next to a wooden bowl that's filled with some sort of thick stew or runny mash, which has a large, dark colored piece of rye bread next to it
>I’m suddenly painfully aware that I am not only parched, but famished as well
>The fox eared woman takes the tea cup, and slowly fills it with the fragrant, dark colored brew inside the tea pot
>The air is filled with steam, and the scent of some rich herb
>She puts the tea cup in my general direction, offering it to me
>”Drink, please. Youre no doubt dehydrated.” She says comfortingly
>I shakily reach for the tea cup, taking it, feeling the warmth radiating from it into my cold fingers
>I open my mouth to speak, but she cuts me off
>”Drink.” She says again, this time an edge of authority sneaking into her voice
>I give a nod and sip at the tea, it being just warm enough to be comforting but not hot enough to harm me
>I can feel whatever the tea is made from warm and wet my throat, restoring a feeling of life to it
>The woman watches me with eager eyes, smiling as I drink the tea
>It tastes earthy and herbal, but not in the medicinal way
>It is no tea I have ever had before, and I cant liken it to any flavor I have tasted
>it is just… good
>Wholesome
>I finish with the tea, and she takes the cup back from me
>The fox woman refills it, and sets it back on the tray, which she then moves to my lap
>”Please, eat, you must be starving.”
>I do not argue with her, and gratefully take the food 
>I am not sure what to classify it as
>Perhaps a soup, or grits?
>the texture is liquid, but thick
>Small, soft bits of veggie and some bacon-ish meat in the stew like porridge
>It pairs well with the rye bread
>I try to stop eating and speak, but the woman holds up her hand to silence me each time
>I simply enjoy the meal, resigning myself to speak later
>She seems to take a particular enjoyment to me eating what I can assume is her cooking
>An odd smile playing on her face, as she intently stares at me
>Like a parent watching their small child eat by themselves for the first time
>I finish the meal, and she takes the tray
>I manage to get a word in, and thank her for the food
>She smiles kindly
>”You are most welcome.” She responds as she sets the tray aside
>I finally manage to get a word in
>I ask her who she is, where I am, and what happened.
>The fox lady smiles again, very widely
>”My my. Well, my name is Cyrene, and you are here in my cabin. I found you wondering my woods in the storm, and you had an awful accident. Youre lucky I found you and was able to take care of you, else you would have died.”
>Cyrene? That is a pretty name
>And that explains what happened to me
>”So you were walking around in that storm as well?”
>Cyrene giggles to herself, her motherly tone and face looking jovial and joyful
>”I can handle myself well enough, such a storm doesn't bother one of my type.”
>She snickers as my eyes go up to the ears on her head, but I quickly focus on anything else
>”Oh, of course I saw you notice them. No need to pretend you don’t pay attention.” She confirms in an authoritative tone
>I feel an odd blush come to my face
>”so, youre a…”
>”A Kitsune, my dear. These are my woods, and you have trespassed into them.”
>I feel the pit of my stomach drop
>”I-I-I’m terribly sorry about that Miss Cyrene, I-I took a wrong turn and got lost in the storm and-”
>She silences me with a wave and a chuckle
>”Oh, I do not mind. I could tell you had no ill intentions coming this way, and were simply lost. If I had any problems with it I would have… taken care of the issue.”
>Theres a glimmer to her eye that tells me all I need to know
>I nod again, trying to act respectfully
>”Well… I thank you, for saving me, and healing me.”
>She smiles again
>But this one is different
>Theres an odd edge to it
>Almost… malicious
>Her hand goes to my cheek, caressing it
>I can feel the tips of her gloved fingers are sharp and clawed
>”Oh, but of course. Strong prey is so much better than weak prey.”
>....
>Prey…
>Oh no
>I’ve heard stories of Kitsune
>And… to be ones prey…
>I’m not long for this world
>”Prey?” I ask, a lump forming in my throat
>”Why, yes. It would be a waste to just kill you or let you die. You're too good of a trophy for that. Your life force is strong and determined. I could smell it on the air even in the rain, not to mention how you kept going in that storm. Even when your mind was out, your body was still fighting to survive.”
>I try my best to stay composed as the fox closes her eyes and smiles, as if she is savoring something
>Something under her robe begins to move
>Not something, some things
>Multiple
>And then I see them
>Her tails…
>All golden and white, coming up excitedly, swaying like trees in the wind
>” I see it as an… what's the word… an investment, yes. I’ll make you strong again, and in return, you give me your life energy.”
>She snaps out of her near trance like state, and runs her fingers through my hair
>”Now, you need to rest… regain your strength… I’ll be nearby if you need anything.”
>She pats my head gently, and gets up from the stool, sauntering towards the door
>As she passes by the fireplace she stops, and snaps her fingers
>A gold flame immediately fills the stone alcove, gently warming the cold room
>She opens the door and steps into the next room, giving me one last glance, flashing a grin, before leaving me alone
>The door closes, and I’m left alone
>The only sound being my breathing, and the snapping of the fire
>...
>I’m dead


>I just lay In the bed
>completely in shock
>feeling dread
>this is very much not what I was hoping for
>my life saved
>just to have it stolen away
>what sick, twisted fate is this?
>I can’t escape
>not at all
>the ease she lit that fire with…
>the same would happen to me if I tried anything she didn’t approve of
>I’m stuck here with her
>and besides, it’s not like I can wander off into the woods 
>I have no idea where I am
>that would be certain death as well, even if I wasn’t weak already or recovering from nearly dying
>I try to find the strength to get out of bed, but it isn’t there
>if anything, eating made me feel more tired
>I lay back down into the bed
>although it’s against my better judgment, I’ll sleep some more
>not like I could do anything to keep her from devouring me if she wanted to
>and if I die in my sleep, in a comfortable room, after a very nice meal….
>well
>there are worse ways to go


>I’m running
>and running
>barefoot, naked, panicked
>the forest whipping by me
>my heart pounding in my chest
>the mud squishing under my feet
>I can hear the howling and growling behind me
>I risk a look back
>and there it is chasing me
>a monstrous, demonic fox
>eyes aflame, tails whipping like a furious storm
>it’s chasing me down 
>gaining on me
>only seconds before it has me in its jaws
>I feel myself fall
>my foot snagged on something
>I turn over to face my pursuer
>and it lunged at me, jaw open, roaring as it-
>I bolt awake with a start and a yell
>soaked through with sweat
>heart pounding in my chest 
>I take several breaths of the warm air in the room
>willing myself to calm down
>the door opens
>Cyrene steps in, a look of concern on her face
>”Are you alright dear?”
>I just shake my head
>”j-just a bad dream… that’s all.”
>she nods acceptingly
>”Well, if you feel up to it, join me in the living room for some tea, just to help ease your nerves.”
>I give her a thankful nod and she leaves
>I sit up in the bed, unsure what to do
>on one hand, I probably could just stay in here
>but on the other…
>she did offer…
>and it would be rude to reject that
>besides, it may improve my chances of living
>I prepare myself then finally get out of bed
>my legs are a little weak  but otherwise fine
>I take a few steps towards the door and notice I’m walking with a limp
>not good 
>there goes any chance for a real escape
>for now at least
>I limp to the door and open it
>the rest of the house is revealed to me as I do so
>A large, open, living room like area is before me
>It’s as rustic as the inside of the bedroom, as just as comfortable
>I can see couches and chairs made similarly to the bed I was sleeping in, with cushion and quilts of the same style covering them
>Theres a rocking chair, Cyrene sitting in it, humming to herself as she rocks gently back and forth
>She’s reading some odd leather bound book, which she looks up from as she realizes Ive emerged from the room
>She takes off the reading glasses nestled on her nose, and gives me a smile
>”I am so very pleased that you would come out and join me. Come, sit, have a seat.”
>She motions me over to one of the couches, which I limp over to and sit down on
>The cushion is much softer and more comforting than I would have guessed it to be at a glance
>Cyrene closes up her book as I sit down, and stands , dusting off her robe
>”Please, prop your feet up if you'd like, I will get the tea.”
>She gestures, and a coffee table of solid wood slides over to me, being just the right distance away
>I watch Cyrene as she walks away, her tails shifting under her robe as she saunters away
>I see her go to the kitchen, which is nearby
>Taking a brass or copper kettle from the stove, and pouring the tea from the large kettle into the smaller tea pot from earlier
>As she prepares the tray of tea I take in ym surroundings more
>Theres a fireplace with the same, brilliant glow in it that the fire in my room had
>Large, round windows, which show off the dark and gloomy forest outside
>And a few doors, one of which seems to lead outside, the others…
>Possibly other rooms?
>And the area is much more lit up than my own room
>And the lights….
>Theres odd, floating lanterns above my head
>Paper, seeming to float and meander 
>Moving like drunken bumblebees
>”So, how are you feeling?”
>The question brings me from my musings as Cyrene sets the tea tray down on the table infront of me
>She motions to sit on nothing, seeming like she may fall
>When the rocking chair gently slides over to great her as she completes the motion
>She gently rocks her chair back and forth before leaning forward 
>She pours two small cups of the tea, handing one to me, and taking the other in her hand
>I nervously sip at the brew, unsure how to answer 
>Health wise, I’m not doing bad…
>Knowing she most likely be feeding on my blood and body later?
>not as good 
>”...Lost in thought?” She asks in her low, husky voice, a sense of playfulness to it
>I shake off my hesitation 
>”As fine as I can be, given the situation.”
>I hear Cyrene chuckle deeply, leaning back in her chair in a relaxed manner
>”Ah yes, of course. That is… understandable, in your situation.”
>As she leans back she fishes for something in her pocket
>She produces a long, odd looking tube with a cup at the end of it
>It looks almost like a thin copper flute
>I see her hold it in one hand, and take something else out of her pocket
>A small bundle of dull, blueish gray looking leafs
>She crumbles them up, and stuffs them into the cup part, before a fire springs from her thumb
>She puts the end of the tube to her mouth and takes a long, hard pull on it
>The smell of fragrant smoke fills the air, as gentle wisps of grey come from the tube and her mouth
>She breathes out a large cloud, it traveling towards the roof
>The smell of it is odd
>Not quite tobacco, and definitely not unpleasant
>It smells fresh, earthy, and clean
>Almost like the smell of fresh rain, herbs, and something else I cant quite tell or understand
>She looks to me, and takes another pull from her pipe, smiling wirily 
>”I hope you don’t mind, but an old lady has her vices…” 
>I nearly laugh at the idea of her calling herself old, choking on my tea
>Cyrene giggles at my reaction
>”...And before you say anything, I am. I have been living here before even the roads were put down, before the trails came, and before even ones decided to walk this side of the lands. That is old, human, even for my kind.”
>There is a sense of longing to her voice
>Of a different time and place
>Her eyes looking off and distant as she slowly sucks on the pipe
>Puffing out small bits of smoke as she does it
>The smell fills me with calmness, and ease
>A pleasant stresslessness 
>As the tea warms my body
>”Well, you don't seem old, or look it, even if you are.” I manage to say
>A gentle bit of truthful flattery
>And it isnt a lie
>Sure, her face has the gentlest showings of age
>But she definitely is not… unattractive?
>Enough for the corner of her mouth to curve upwards
>”Truly, you just say it to be polite.” She mutters with a chuckle
>I shake my head
>”Ah, nonsense. If it was anyone else, maybe, but you do not look aged. If youre old, then time has forgotten you, which is sad indeed, because I don’t think I’d be able to forget you.”
>My head suddenly feels dizzy 
>Like a weight out of me
>LIke the feeling when you finally cough out a ball of the most awful flemgh
>I…
>I don’t know where any of that came from
>But Cyrene is smiling
>She leans backwards in her chair, assuming a more relaxed position
>Seeming like an empress in her chair
>”Well, tell me, young smooth talker, about yourself. Surely you didn't wander and get lost in the forest with the intention of flattering an old fox.”
>I feel myself laugh, and fall further at ease
>”Well, funny story…”
>I explain to her about my trip
>Which makes her smile, sipping her tea, puffing her pipe
>I finally get to the part where I fell
>”Ah, yes, I was very aware of your presence at that point, when you were screaming and tumbling down the hill.”
>I feel my cheeks become red and flustered with embarrassment 
>My body feels… odd
>Like drunk, without the head change
>A gentle, pleasant warmth 
>At some point, the rain begins to start up again
>But we don’t mind
>We continue our conversation
>And it continues longer, and longer, and longer
>Our tea cups draining and refilling, the room filling with the aroma of pleasantly burned herbs
>I learn more about Cyrene
>She has lived out here a long while
>She wandered into the area “When the bridges remained above the large rivers, and those who would hunger were still satiated, and when the old ways were known as the new ways.”
>She mentions learning “herbagery”, magics, and all sorts of tricks in her time
>And how those who used to live here long ago would come to her for cures, medicine, and anything their hearts desired
>”But of course, theyre all gone now. They have been gone for ages. Still, it is nice to discuss these things with another person.”
>Soon it becomes evening, and we still are talking 
>The topic sliding over to me
>As she asks me questions about myself and where I am from, and what Ive done
>Which i happily answer
>”And I’m sure, do you have some worried folks at home? I’m certain that one like yourself has many who are worried sick about you being gone.”
>Ah…
>well… 
>”Funny you say that…”
>Cyrene looks at me curiously as I explain
>”Oh really? Well, isn't that interesting. And for sure, I was wondering if there was a little missus out there, laying worriedly in bed, missing your warmth and companionship…”
>Her smile crooks up even more, as she steps up from her rocking chair
>She saunters over to the couch, and sits right next to me, crossing her legs
>While theres still a hands worth of room between us, I can feel Cyrenes presence invading my space
>”So… if you were to… be lost in the woods forever, nobody would notice? Nobody would come looking?”
>I feel a shudder of fear go up my spine
>An odd sensation, considering that I feel so relaxed and warm
>I’m unsure how to answer
>”I.. Well, I’m… I think… maybe?”
>She flashes me a wide, wicked grin, showing her teeth
>her very, very, pointy teeth
>”Well, That is… better, for my sake.” She says 
>She blows a long, glistening stream of the smoke from her pipe into my face
>I take in a lungful of it in surprise
>I feel a different shiver go through my body
>A very… different feeling
>Not fear, no
>A shiver of… attraction?
>Cyrene gets up from her seat, and heads over to the kitchen
>”I’m going to begin making dinner, be sure to freshen up in the washroom.” She says in a nearly sing song, expectant voice
>I nod my head, my thoughts still swimming from the smoke
>I….
>I don’t know what is going on here
>I….
>I need to shower 



>I unsteadily rise from my seat
>Stumble to where Cyrene said the washroom is
>I open the door and go inside
>”Your clothing is already laid out for you.” I hear her call from the other room
>”T-thank you!” I call back as I close the door
>I enter into what looks like a small mudroom
>My clothing is off to the side on a stool, next to a basket of fresh, fluffy towels
>It is the clothing from my hike, cleaned and fresh
>I remove my pajamas and take a towel with me as I push open the second door
>The washroom looks luxurious
>Part open bath, and part spa
>All wood all around
>The floor is comfortable with warm wood duckboards
>The Bath itself takes up most of the room
>It easily could fit half a dozen people in it
>It appears to look as if it is a hot spring that the room was built around 
>A wooden aperture connected to it works in the place of a shower head
>And oddly enough, there bench seating nearby 
>As well as a pile of rocks which seem to be giving off plenty of heat
>I grab a nearby ladle and curiously pour water onto them
>The room is quickly filled with steam
>So it IS a sauna, as well as a washroom
>Wonderful
>I waste no more time
>I add another scoop of water to the rocks, more relaxing steam going into the air
>I slide into the bath, stepping over the smooth rocks 
>The flooring of the bathtub is smooth, which I am grateful for
>Much better than stepping on hard rocks
>I lean back and feel the warmth creep into my core
>My muscles instantly feeling better
>I find a few glass jars off to the side
>I open them and sniff the contents
>Smells to be bath salts and soaps of some sort
>Add some to the water, it immediately becoming sudsy and aromatic
>I soak for a few minutes, enjoying the pleasant sensation
>At least I can enjoy this before I die
>Shame that she wants to kill me, it really is
>She is a very sweet woman, Kitsune magic in all
>Right, she’s also making dinner
>I can’t keep her waiting
>I stand up, and fiddle with the “shower”
>A wooden lever that goes up or down controls whether or not the water comes out
>I soak myself down with the water coming out of the bamboo head before taking one of the jars of soap
>I experiment with each of them, using a little to see which one I like the best
>Each with their own scent and feeling
>I try my best to soap myself down
>When I feel a cool draft blow in, accompanied with the sound of a door opening
>”I figure you learned to work the shower?” I hear Cyrenes melodious voice ask
>I freeze up
>She is in here with me
>While I am showering
>Naked
>I turn my head to look at her
>Luckily, the steam is so heavy, I can’t see much of her, and she can’t see much of me
>I take solace in that
>She seems to have switched from her day robe and switched to a 
>Well, bath robe
>It clings to her figure better, showing it off more
>Accenting her….
>....Her hips and curves
>....Which her day robe seems to hide very well…
>I’m momentarily taken aback by this 
>She sits on the bench, and adds more water to the pile of rocks
>”Don’t mind me much, it’s just that I’m always looking for an excuse for… getting steamy…” She says with a chuckle
>I nod as I wash myself, feeling more self conscious than I was moments earlier
>”Did you find out which soap you like best? I can smell the mixture… although…”
>I hear her footsteps coming up to the tub
>”You didn't use the best one… what a shame… hmmm” 
>She trails off as I hear her hum
>”Here. Sit. Now.” I hear her command
>I look back and shes pointing to a spot on the rocks
>I shuffle over and sit, waist deep in the water
>I watch as she produces a small, porcelain pot from somewhere, and opens it
>She wets her hands from the water near me and dips them into the pot, revealing a greyish blue slime
>”Lean back, and close your eyes.” She says gently
>I do as she says
>I feel something cool, then slowly warmer go through my hair
>And then
>Fingers
>I immediately shiver at the sensation
>Her delicate fingers running through my hair, gently scrubbing in the shampoo
>Then the smell hits me
>A waft of the scent…
>It is…
>It is much like the smell of the tea, and even more like the smell of the pipe she was smoking
>it is clearer and crisper than both, much more refreshing
>Feeling it rub onto me brings a sensation like warming sparks
>I feel shivers going up and down my spine
>Its as if Cyrene has her fingers directly hooked into my nerves, and is playing them like a piano 
>I can feel the softness of her fingertips, and the delicate tips of her sharp, hard, claw like nails
>....
>She has… 
>Claws….
>....
>The gloves make sense now 
>Her hands flex and tighten as they rub against my scalp, her fingers running through my hair
>I shiver again at the touch, my brain losing track of all thoughts
>Her hands are soft, gentle, delicate with me…
>And yet, I can tell
>It is all self control
>There is the threat of restrained strength behind her hands
>Like the thrumbing power of a high voltage line, only held back by the thin layer of insulation around it
>Despite how kind she looks, how sweet her tone, how delicate her touch…
>I know Cyrene could split split my skull open right now
>Popping it like water balloon in her bare hands
>I am completely at her mercy
>If she so much as gave in to half an intrusive thought for a single moment…
>I know those claws on her hand would peirce into my brain like a branding iron through butter
>I shudder again at the thought, feeling like a rabbit caught in the mouth of-
>...
>....the mouth of a fox
>how apt for the situation 
>Cyrene’s hands travel to the sides of my head, stroking my ears
>Then they shift to my neck, her fingers slowly stroking the tendons 
>Tickling them, gently applying pressure 
>I can feel them tracing my arteries on my neck, ever so gently pressing on them
>Cyrene giggles
>”My my, your pulse… so strong, so quick… are you nervous?”
>She chuckles knowingly, extending her fingers, massaging my neck
>It takes me a second to consider the question
>And another second to realize her long fingers are completely wrapped around my neck
>ever so lightly pressing, rhythmically moving, massaging the shampoo into my skin
>I freeze, unable to speak, unable to move
>She could strangle me right now
>Actually, no
>That is an understatement
>Realistically, she wouldnt even need to strangle
>She could crush my windpipe, no, my spine itself into dust
>All it would take is a single squeeze
>Perhaps that is what she is about to do?
>I feel her grip tighten
>A disapproving hum comes to her voice
>”My, how… tense.”
>She clicks her tongue, sliding her hands to the base of my neck where my shoulders meet
>Her hands rhythmically grip and tense, massaging the muscles
>I feel a loud gasp escape my mouth, Cyrene giggling at the sound
>”So many knots… too many. Life have you stressed, I’ll take it?”
>I can only nod in response, words unable to leave my mouth
>”Well well, just lean back then, let all of your… your tension release… yes, let me give you release.” She chuckles
>My brain goes numb as her hands work the muscles of my shoulders
>It is a drunken feeling, a constant buzz and release
>Pain suddenly compounded into relaxing pleasure
>I can only sigh at every touch, every firm grasp, Cyrene chuckling at my obvious enjoyment 
>She is working my body like putty in her grasp
>I am melting into her hands, being only an instrument for her to play
>I feel a warmth at my ear, a hot wind blowing on it
>The wind gives way to an energetic buzz, some form of wild animal panting at the nape of my neck
>I feel the rising need to scream, to bolt, to run
>The rush of suddenly being turned into a victim of a monster
>To get away from a beast about to ravage me
>But I can’t
>I feel numb in Cyrenes grasp
>Like a small pet in their owners grip
>About to be squeezed of all life for nothing other than sick enjoyment
>The panting on my neck grows harder, hotter, damp
>Pinpricks of teeth nip at the skin, gently resting right where my jugular would be 
>Theres  he wet lick of a tongue, then a chuckle
>I feel the beast's maw move away, the lingering memory of pinprick teeth white hot in my mind
>Like the scalding coals left after a burning fires flame dies away
>A coolness follows
>I feel Cyrenes hands move away
>Theres the feeling of nothing
>Then I jolt
>Panic courses through my body
>My entire body spasms and flinches, moving away from the bite
>A comically slow reaction, my survival instincts being suppressed until many seconds later
>I’m left panting, sweaty, terrified…
>And yet…
>I feel… amazing
>Better than I have ever felt in my life
>My body still shivers regardless, and I turn back to Cyrene
>Her sitting there on her knees, bathrobe barely concealing her body
>She’s smiling at me
>And…
>Her smile
>It is vicious, feral, beastly 
>Her teeth
>Her fucking teeth
>Spiked like a monsters
>Sharp, dagger like, beastly fangs
>God
>I have seen them before
>Looked looked spikey, sharp
>But not like this
>These are the teeth of a monster
>She stops smiling, looking at me curiously 
>Cocking her head, an ear going up
>”Oh? What is wrong? I hope you are alright. Did I harm you?”
>I feel my head shake no
>She lets out a relieved sigh, smiling again
>I look at her teeth again
>They look… normal
>Oddly shaped, but passably human
>Not monstrous
>I shiver again, my hand going to the spot where I had felt those teeth
>”Ah, poor thing. I apologize. You must be freezing. Keeping you out of the warm water like that” She chuckles
>She stands up and turns, her many thick, fluffy tails swaying behind her
>”I’ll let you dress. Stay warm, it is good for your recovery. I need you…. VERY healthy, very vital, all for later…”
>Her tone lingers in my ears as i watch her leave the bath
>The way she walks, her hips gently swaying with her tails, all barely covered by that robe
>She opens the door to the mudroom between the bath and her house, and looks back at me
>”Dinner will be ready soon, I hope you won’t make me wait too long. It has been many a years since I’ve… had the privilege to enjoy a guest for dinner.”
>She flashes a smile again, and closes the door
>The steam of the bathing room suddenly feels very VERY cold