She is alone, freezing and afraid. Hunched, seated, at the base of the World Tree with her back resting against the rough, dank bark, she has drawn her knees to her chest. Her arms, toned and scratched, hug them ever closer so as to cover her pert breasts. She shivers uncontrollably but not due to being naked, and she is not embarrassed. Her animalistic brain doesn't spare her any blushes when it has more pressing matters at hand, like failing her Keeper as she awaits her punishment. She sits on a lonely mound surrounded by the thick, glutinous marsh that bubbles around her as tears stain her fur. She looks up to the muck around her. He is close, she can feel him. She trembles and it has nothing to do with her state of undress. Terror and revulsion rolled over her. She screams and the Wyrm swallows it whole......


Terri sat up as her mouth formed a silent scream that stuck in her throat, her chest heaving and heart racing. She was shivering still as the nightmare slinked away but realization dawned as she recognised where she was. Rick, the self-assured and handsome Elemental lay next to her and stirred in his sleep at the movement. Gently stroking his hair, Terri quelled his own slumber 'til he rolled over. Bleary eyes clearing and with a glance at the night stand, Terri looks at her clock, which blinks ominously at her.


04:58 AM


Two minutes before her usual wake up time and Terri was already anxious. She had been slack of late but looking to Rick as she slipped out of bed, she couldn't really blame him for her tardiness. As quiet as a mouse, Terri slipped on her training clothes (a pair of shorts and a tee, covered by a zipped hoody) and grabs her orange backpack before heading out for her morning run. She didn't bother with a note, fully intending to slip back into bed real soon.


Far warmer there at any rate.