into the deep end

[Grace Harper]

It was still fairly cold, but with the sun rising and the long walk to the waterfall, the chill of the water was seeming more and more like a relief instead of something to fear.

Grace was nervous. She was finally beginning to see why people talked about having butterflies in their stomach: she felt like a whole flock of them was loose in her stomach, and maybe her lungs and heart too. She'd been up most of the night, staring at the ceiling, tossing and turning while those butterflies left their chrysalises in her stomach. So much had happened in such a short time, and she couldn't explain why she'd latched onto Inigo so quickly. Looking back on it, it sounded insane. If anyone else told her they'd spent all day alone with a stranger, she'd have asked if they had a death wish. If they then announced that they'd not only been alone with that person, but that they'd also been kissing and having a conversation about sex... Well. She'd probably insist they speak to one of their elders for advice, or take a few days to calm down because they weren't thinking clearly.

And yet...even after a few days, even after all those cruel thoughts, she was still dying to see him again.

But did he really feel the same? Time hadn't just affected her view of her own actions. It had made him seem even more like a daydream she'd only imagined. He was too good to be true.

She'd thought about not going--more than once, even--but every time she did, it sent a spike of pain through her chest that she couldn't ignore. She needed to go. If Inigo Westwood didn't show up, then well...she'd have her answer.

Grace reached the pool that gathered at the base of the waterfall just as the sun rose over the trees to sparkle across the water. She stood still for a few moments, listening...but all she heard was the birds singing in the trees as they too began their days. Cautiously, she toed off her boots, still glancing around and listening for any evidence of other people.

With her bare feet on the stony shore, she glanced around surreptitiously one more time, then, crossing her arms in front of her to take fistfuls of the fabric, she pulled her shift-dress over her head in one smooth movement and tossed it aside. She was still wearing a linen undershirt and a pair of underwear, but by any sensible standards, she was as good as naked. She took a moment to stretch her arms above her head and push way up onto her tiptoes as if she was being pulled up by an invisible string. She then dropped her arms loosely at her sides, rolled her shoulders, then took off at a run for a few steps before diving forward into the water.

She emerged with an involuntary shriek. The water was like ice! But the sound soon dissolved into giggles that she smothered with both hands.

[Inigo Westwood]

He hadn't realized just how closed his makeshift camp had been to the waterfall Grace had told him about. Somehow, it seemed that he was able to tune out the soft roar of the water, or maybe it was just that he didn't care enough to realize the distant crashing of the water was nearby until she'd said something. Either way, he'd come across the body of water the very same day she'd spoke of it. Of course, he'd been actively looking then.

He'd remembered she said mornings were the best time for her to go since no one else would be present, but Inigo had decided to give it a few days. Truthfully, part of him hoped the Wolf had come to her senses and realized just how mad she was for spending an entire day alone with a strange man in the forests. But another part of him did hope to see her again. It was like the good and bad inside of him waged a war on whether or not he should want to see her again. Of course, the part of him that wasn't any good at all won him over, and he found himself thinking about her more than he'd ever thought about any other woman. It was something he both liked and hated and he knew the smart decision on his part would be to leave the outskirts of Wynfrid territory, escape to the other side of the wild island and never come back. But, he couldn't bring himself to do it and he cursed himself for suddenly being so weak in his resolve. Nothing good would come of the two of them. He was sure of it. He would blacken any good in her, tainting her bright spirit with his darkness until she didn't recognize her own self. That's how it always happened. It's what he genuinely expected.

He rose early with the birds, their songs pulling him gently from his slumber. The sun would not begin to peek over the horizon for many moments more, but the non-native was already making quick work of his camp, smothering out the last of the red coals from the fire he'd built the night before to keep himself warm. Spring was just within the cusp of the island's grasp and he couldn't wait until the harsh cold had officially moved on.

He hadn't planned on going to the waterfall today, but he'd already snuffed his fire, which meant brewing tea from scratch was no longer an option. However, a cold drink of water sounded refreshing, so he'd made his way carefully to the water, choosing to climb atop the waterfall where the large stream cascaded over the edge into the clear pool below. It wasn't a very tall waterfall by any means, but it still provided him the advantage of a lookout point, something he was thankful for as he caught sight of movement below. Slinking back so that he wouldn't be seen crouched along the top as he drank handfuls of water, he could still just see the water's edge. However, any tension he may have felt was soon beginning to melt into relief. Those brunette curls were unmistakable, as were the careful mannerisms of his sudden company. So she hadn't wised up after all... Now he was at war with himself on whether he should join her at the shore, though she soon made that decision for him as he watched her remove her dress, unable to stop the sly smirk that pulled up one corner of his lips.

It looked as though she were backing away to leave and he felt a pang of disappointment before she was suddenly running a few steps forward and diving straight into the cold water. Curious eyes followed her movements, watching as she came up with a shriek and a fit of giggles that had him chuckling to himself. As he stoof to his full height, he thought again about not showing himself, simply disappearing into the forest - for her sake if nothing else. But before he hand time to make up his mind, he was already removing his long-sleeve, revealing his tattoo-covered torso and arms. Then he was bolting forward, jumping outward as arms curled around his knees, an excited 'woo-hoo' ringing across the quiet morning just before he hit the water. He immediately came up for air, a surprised sound escaping as the rush of cold hit him hard. Then he too, was laughing, understanding now why Grace had reacted the way she did.

He hadn't landed far from her, likely only just far enough that she wasn't quite in the splash zone. He shook his head as his wet hair clung to his face and he quickly pushed it back with both hands, grinning at Grace with that usual wolfish grin. "I didn't think you'd come." He said calmly, as if he hadn't probably just scared the absolute shit out of her.

[Grace Harper]

Grace gasped as someone else plunged through the air towards her with a whoop. They were moving too fast for her to see who it was before they hit the water, lightly spraying her with mist. Cautiously she swam closer, only to light up with pure delight when the newcomer pushed his hair out of his face and she saw who it was.

"Inigo!" she exclaimed, gleefully tossing her arms in the air for a moment before she had to go back to treading water. She shook her head at his greeting, although her smile didn't fade for a second. "It was my idea in the first place! What kind of girl do you think I am, huh?"

The chill of the water wore off even faster than usual as her heart rate picked up just from having Inigo around. All those butterflies that had been in her stomach were fluttering around in her chest, making her feel like she couldn't catch her breath.

She swam closer, circling him once before she looked back toward the waterfall. "Did you jump from all the way up there?" she asked, eyes wide. "It's so high!"

[Inigo Westwood]

Damn, he loved the way his name sounded when it rang from her voice, even when intermingled with excitement. He was chuckling lightly at her inquiry, shaking his head much as she had. "It was your idea, but who knows? Perhaps you came to your senses and decided spending time with a strange man was too dangerous." The teasing edge to his tone was obvious as he spoke.

As she circled him, he watched her, following her gaze to the top of the waterfall as he listened to her speak, nodding with a smirk. "It's not as high as you think. You should try it." He lifted a brow, that devious look he'd shown her before shining in his eyes, lighting his expression. He didn't expect her to want to, of course. But watching her get all flustered and nervous was far too easy and fun. Then he was remembering the way they'd parted and he breathed a laugh.

"How much trouble did I get you into last time we spoke?" He asked her with an expression of mock seriousness. Then, with a bit more playfulness, "Clearly not enough." He gave her wink.

[Grace Harper]

Try it? She traced the water's trail back up to the top of the falls and shivered. Obviously, it was safe, since Inigo had done it and he was just fine, but…

"Mmm maybe next time," she answered, grinning back at him. If they did this again, she really would, but he'd have to come to visit her again to make it happen.

His question surprised her, and she winced, although she was still smiling. "Not too much, I told Malcolm most of the truth--that I went to get some space and clear my head, and I lost track of time. He had worries of his own, so I don't think his full attention was really on me." She shrugged, then caught that he was just teasing her about it.

"I'm a grown-up woman, you know, I can technically do what I want." Grace gave him a look of challenge as she swam slowly backward, drifting closer and closer to the waterfall. "What, you think he should have locked me in the house to make sure I wasn't running around with ruffians?" she asked, raising her brows at him.

[Inigo Westwood]

Jumping from the waterfall had been a great risk. Inigo hadn't known what waited for him below the water; sharp rocks, a shallow bottom? He really hadn't had a clue, but his entire life had been one giant risk. What was one more? He wouldn't hold the comment of 'maybe next time' against her. He was sure she'd stepped out of her comfort zone enough already.

He was chuckling then as she began to explain the "trouble" she'd been in, smirking as he watched her shrug. But she was soon challenging him and he lifted an eyebrow at her, swimming towards her as she began to move closer to the waterfall. "I'd hope you were a grown woman." He joked, offering a flirtatious grin before her next words. Then he was laughing a genuine laugh, all his worries seemingly forgotten in these moments with Grace. "Locked you away? No. But he should certainly keep you away from any ruffians - except for me, of course." He winked again. "Unless you prefer the other ruffians." He shrugged, feigning nonchalance though the thought, playful and joking as it was, nearly left a bad taste in his mouth. Who'd have thought he'd already begun to feel so selfish with her?

[Grace Harper]

Grace gasped. "What? You think after making you give up your four other wives that I'd be going around with other ruffians?" She fake sniffled. "I'm hurt."

She was teasing, but she did mean it. She wouldn't be sharing this sunrise with just anyone, and even back in the camp, she didn't have any designs on anyone else. If Inigo wanted her to himself, then he'd have her, no hesitations.

She beamed at him again soon after, just delighted that he'd appeared. He was a hard man to find, after all. None of her favorite grandmothers knew of anyone named Inigo. They didn't know everyone of course, but they did know a lot of people. When they'd all been perplexed by her questions, then tried to interrogate her about her mystery man, she'd been a little worried that maybe she really had just dreamed him up.

"I promise, you're the only ruffian for me."

She stopped just out of reach of the heavy portion of the waterfall, and the spray rained over her, little rainbows shining here and there among the mist.

[Inigo Westwood]

Inigo shrugged playfully as he chuckled at her words, clearly enjoying the playfulness, even if they sometimes unintentionally pushed his 'buttons'. Like the way she smiled at him now.. His gaze fell to her lips before meeting her eyes again, a gesture he didn't try to hide. "I can make it up to you." He bargained, a sly smirk spreading across his bearded face.

As they continued to inch towards the waterfall, Grace spoke again, stopping just shy of the cascading water. This time Inigo moved closer to her, hooking an arm around her waist, pulling her against him if she did not protest. With his nose inches from hers, he stared right into her eyes. "Are you so sure that I am the only ruffian for you?" He asked, a hint of sarcasm in his otherwise serious tone. "This is only our second time meeting and you have no idea who I am." He leaned slowly closer until their lips barely touched. "You certainly shouldn't be sneaking off to meet me." He growled before chuckling and pulling away, a devious grin across his face as he released her from his hold and swam through the waterfall.

He couldn't seem to talk sense into himself, so he opted for trying to talk sense into her - in a playful, flirtatious kind of way. Inigo didn't want her to hate him, but he also knew what the outcome would be. He wondered, for a moment, if she'd even realized he wasn't part of her clan. Yet, he still couldn't will himself to tell her. He didn't want her to walk away for good, but he knew that she needed to. He would do nothing but hurt her, even if he didn't want to. He justified that if she realized for herself just who he was, then maybe it the inevitable downfall wouldn't be so bad for either of them.

[Grace Harper]

Grace watched with playful suspicion as Inigo tried to bargain with her, but she didn't stop him from hooking her closer to him, their legs brushing as they continued to tread water. He was warm, compared to the chill of the water, and she glanced down to where she'd automatically caught herself against his chest. Oh… the tattoos, she could see them now. She started to move her hand to one, but he drew his face close to hers, demanding her attention.

She listened earnestly to his question, trying not to get distracted by the colors in his eyes or the way she could feel his breath brushing her lips. And then, before she could answer, he was gone, swimming to the other side of the waterfall.

"I probably shouldn't, if you asked any reasonable person," she called after him before ducking under the water to swim beneath the heavier flow of the waterfall. The dull rumble of the falls seemed to dance across her back as she passed underneath, and then she surfaced into the little cavern, where a surprisingly placid pool led up onto a small, smooth cave. She pushed her hair back out of her face and looked around for Inigo, headed straight for him as soon as she spotted him.

"If I've got no idea who you are, then tell me," she countered defiantly. "But all I'm hearing is that I get to learn more about the man who makes me laugh and takes me on adventures. Doesn't sound like a bad thing."

She moved close enough to poke him in the nose, then darted away to the edge, hoisting herself out of the water and onto the floor of the cave. Her shift clung to her in wet wrinkles, and she leaned her head forward so she could gather up her hair and wring out some of the water. "You don't 'know' me either, Inigo. That's the point of our game, remember? You can ask me anything you want, and I'll tell you the truth."

[Inigo Westwood]

"I probably shouldn't, if you asked any reasonable person,"

He huffed a laugh at her words, barely hearing them over the rumble of the crashing water. He was turned with both elbows propped on the edge of the cave floor as she made her approach. Inigo raised a single brow at her defiance before resisting the urge to roll his eyes and laugh at the statement that had followed. He turned his body to face her, opening his mouth to speak when her finger found the tip of nose, effectively silencing him.

Then he was forgetting whatever it was he’d intended to say as she hoisted herself from the water. While she was not able to see, he took a moment to.. appreciate her. When his name passed her lips, his eyes slowly met her face as he moved in front of her. Placing a hand on either side of her legs, he tilted his head, as if mulling around her words. "Has anyone ever called you naive?" He grinned as he looked up at her. "And if I tell you who I am, what if you don’t like me anymore?" Inigo pretended to pout, giving her his best impression of 'puppy-dog eyes.'

Whatever it was that made him want her, it had wasted no time in consuming him. With her right here in front of him and the way her clothes clung to her body, it was taking all of his willpower just to keep his hands to himself. So, he backed away just enough to hoist himself up next to her. He pulled his hair up, securing it with one hand before twisting it with the other to wring the water from it before letting it fall to his shoulders.

[Grace Harper]

Grace was almost distracted from what he was saying, the way he grinned up at her with his hands on either side of her knees. His second question, though, was a little too pointed to ignore. He may have sounded playful, but a nagging feeling in the back of her mind told her he was actually worried about it, or he wouldn't keep saying things like that.

"I guess, technically, that's possible…" she answered slowly, although she didn't like that thought. "I dunno, I just don't feel like that's going to happen. But if it did, the worst I'd do is go home, right? We'd go our separate ways." The words came out sadder than she'd intended, leaving an ache in her chest. She let herself lean sideways onto his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his skin against her cheek in spite of the icy water that still dripped from the two of them.

"Do you really think that's what will happen? That I won't like you?" she asked softly, almost afraid of the answer.