370 Tickle Monster

Name:The Tiger Within Author:Valinteena
The sunlight gently, but rudely caressed Clovis' face easing him awake. The warmth deceptive to the true temperatures of the climate. His eyes opened and instead of sunlight he saw a pale wrist in front of his eyes. Following that dainty wrist up to the soft and fur cloaked shoulders. The face connected to this hand was a sweet smile, his wife was the warmth rousing him from his sleep.

"Morning sunshine." he whispered stretching his tired muscles. She went to pull back but he caught her wrist and placed a gentle kiss to her hand, sending warmth and tingles through her. He was rewarded with a smile to light up the world.

"Great Grandmother sent you a jacket to go over your warm gear. She is apparently concerned we will freeze after being in the more neutral climate of home." Kyera teased as she slid off the bed running her hand down the white fur coat that covered her from neck to knees. A purple sash tied around the waist, dressing up the simple coat. It looked like a solid piece, perhaps frost bear?

"Oh? She's probably right. It is Fridgid here." he agreed pulling the warm blankets back to his neck, closing his eyes stubbornly. Kyera sighed and untied the sash and unbuttoning the coat, laying it over a table. She climbs up onto the bed.

"Last warning, time to get up, Mr Wind." Kyera warned him raising an eyebrow. There was a certain sense of foreboding but then there was a bright laugh as he ignored her warning. A smirk on his lips.

"Oh. What are you going to do if I don't little Kitty kitty?" Clovis teased and Kyera laughed slipping under the covers. He smiled expectantly. That expectation turned to shock in seconds as Kyera's expert fingers sought and teases his weaknesses. Clovis then learned something new. He was ticklish and his wife was a tickling predator waiting for an excuse to use her skills.

He couldn't contain his laughter as he squirmed trying to catch her hands half heartedly. As much as he wanted her to stop the glee and pure happiness on her face was enough to convince him to miss her hands a few times. Finally, he caught both wrists and flipped his wife onto her back in the pillows. Stealing a deep kiss, he left her breathless as he slid off the bed.

"I admit Kitty has claws." Clovis chuckled as he pulled on a clean set of clothes from his bag. Kyera stood up as well, pulling her coat back on and tying the sash again so it fell neatly down from her waist. Then she tossed Clovis the warm white coat he had been provided as well as the deep blue sash. His however, was not delicately embroidered as the purple was.

"Kitty has more than claws, Mr Wind." she replied chuckling as he got dressed. She yelped suddenly as clovis gripped her buttocks.

"I am well aware." he purred before kissing her cheek.

They were almost to the dining hall when Clovis noticed the temperature change in the hall. Kyera's eyes were fierce and dilated as she stared at the three women ahead of them. He had to admit all three women were like stunning snow fairies, porcelain skin, rosey cheeks, and billows of snow white hair streaked with delicate black wisps. They were dressed in flowing frost blue fur that stood out in the white interior. One delicate fairy looked his way, blue eyes pale as the sky met his as she winked at him with a certain flirtatious air.

"Who are they?" Clovis asked curiously to no one and anyone in particular. Kyera looked over at him, seeing how he was looking at these women. There was a prickle in her heart.

"My my, if it isn't little Neice  Kyera." greeted one of the fairies he had been watching moments before.  She was the elder of the three with a voice like winter rain.

"Aunt Lilith, Cousin Rylee and Cousin Dedra." Kyera greeted but she did not bow. There was cold respect and a reserved tension in her voice like he had never heard. "This is my husband…" Kyera began but the youngest cut it.

"No wonder Kyera is dressed as such, she's married mother. She must look more distinguished and restrained. She's not a little girl anymore." The twin called Dedra offered with a charming smile, well aware of the barbs in her words.

"Yes, Kyera has always been a sensible child. Pity her childhood was so lacking, she deserved better." Rylee offered, just as sharp tongued as her sister.

"Girls, Kyera was speaking. I do apologize,  the twins are just so excited to see you back. You have been gone so long and we do miss you and the boys." Lilith tried to smooth things over.