[table][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/tbIvwoy.png[/img][/cell][cell][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/240504/7ea89157aa7490b85c1faa2a61df7e74.png[/img][/cell][/row]
[row][cell][sub]Location: Hot Springs[/sub][/cell][/row][/table]From her place in the hot springs, Kira watched Orion and Tia with a keen gaze, her eyes half-lidded as she slowly sank deeper into the steaming water, leaving only her glowing orange eyes visible just above the surface. Like a crocodile lurking just beneath the surface, she observed them intently, listening to their exchange with her enhanced hearing—eavesdropping was unavoidable when every word reached her so clearly. 

When Orion’s eyes locked with hers, there was a moment of silent acknowledgment between them. His nod to her was subtle, but she understood it well enough—it was a gesture that communicated understanding, recognition, and perhaps a hint of respect. Kira held his gaze, not shying away from the eye contact and even continuing to watch him even as he pulled away to address Tia. 

The familiarity between the two intrigued her, sparking a hint of curiosity. She wondered if Tia had taken a piece of Orion in the same way she seemed to have with Gadez. The thought of that meek little priestess entwined with someone like Orion entertained her in a way she hadn’t expected, a small smirk forming on her lips beneath the water.

As she shifted in the water, Kira’s attention drifted briefly to the moon, its pale light cutting through the sky. She leaned against the smooth stone edge of the hot spring, her thoughts turning inward. What was Orion doing here, she wondered—seeking respite, just as she was? Or perhaps he had come for Tia. 

Despite being no stranger to others viewing her body, a sudden pang of vulnerability washed over her. It had been a long time since anyone had seen her like this, laid bare and exposed in such an intimate way. Supposedly, this was more natural to an Aurelian, but she had not been an Aurelian for a long time. She could hardly even recall it. 

With a shake of her head, Kira pushed those thoughts aside. She took a deep breath and then dunked herself fully into the water, holding herself beneath the surface. The warmth enveloped her face, and for a moment, everything was blissfully muffled—the distant noises, the echo of conversations, all silenced in the comforting embrace of the hot springs. It was a rare moment of peace, where the outside world ceased to exist. If only she could stay here forever…

When she resurfaced, Kira slicked her fiery hair back from her face and wiped the water from her eyes. Her senses returned in a rush—the rustling of leaves, the subtle movements of animals in the forest, the distant hoot of an owl, and most importantly, Orion and Tia’s conversation drifting back into focus. She caught the priestess’s question about another Priestess in Dawnhaven, her interest piqued once more. Kira wasn’t aware of another, but it wouldn’t surprise her if the Prince had brought in reinforcements for Tia. The temples usually required more than one person to tend to that cursed eternal flame, after all.

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[sub][b]Interactions:[/b] Tia [@c3p-0h], Orion [@Qia][/sub]