16 16 Halfway there

Gold's hunger sensation kicked in with vengeance. She pondered what she needed for sustenance in this plane of existence. She had already developed a mixed affinity towards water. I t did not seem to be of necessity to her stasis. Moreover, she had little to no interest in the animals Joon consumed. Nothing really peaked her appetite as she thought through the possibilities.

Around the same time, Joon worried she may need substance soon. She was showing signs of fatigue and it was growing. He explained to her, "You should rest, I'll go off and try to find you something to eat." He set Gold in the forest, amongst the sun breaking through tree tops and shade of the leaves.

While Joon was gone, Gold sat in the warmth of the light thinking about her new cravings. A scent entered her noses. It smelled sweet and earthy. She focused in on what was enticing her stomach. Her mouth water and stomach turned. She followed the scent with her nose. Small brownish white sponges grew from the ground near the base of the trees. They smelled earthy, yet appetizing. Gold's pulps dilated and her mouth salivated. She quickly uproot the mushrooms. She swiftly popped them into her mouth without a second thought. The sensation was an experience. The flavors swirled on her tongue and she ate with delight and satisfaction.

Joon returned to Gold with his hands full. He carried a few simple foods; berries, nuts and shellfish. She was digging around under the bases of the trees as he landed near her digging site. He called this type of food 'starter food', because it reminded him of what he ate as a baby. She did not even notice his return. He looked down at her curiously.

"Gold are you alright? What are you looking for?", Joon inquired.

Gold stood up quickly, startled by his silent return. "I found something! It's so good.", She exclaimed excitedly.

Once again she was making him laugh. He found her naiveness charming and refreshing at times. "What did you find?", he asked amused.

She opened her hands and exposed the small dirt covered mushrooms. Joon's face went blank, he was dumbfounded by her discovery. His smile quickly faded into a memory. He was alarmed now with more questions, he asked, "How many did you eat?"

Before Gold could answer, Joon grabbed her arm and lead her towards the water, "We need to get you water, now."

Absent mindedly, the items all dropped from his hands as he reached for her. He lifted Gold into his arms with speed and little effort. He flew with speed to the nearest fresh water source. Joon commanded Gold, "Drink as much as possible to dilute the effects of the mushrooms."

He continued, "Not all of them are good for you, and you had a good mix of the two in your hands. I'm not sure what effect they will have on you." Gold listened, but did not fully understand the sudden cause for concern. Then it started. First in her head the frequency changed and lost density. She felt light and airy like flying on Joon's back.

Joon watched Gold with concerned. He could see the change in her eyes. Her demeanor began to shift down through her posture. He watched her eyes. They seemed to look through him, then oscillate back and forth to focus. She went to stand in the low tided water, but it had become a challenge. Joon caught her arm in mid-step as the mushroom took effect. She stabilized as her body connect to his form.

Gold felt euphoric and a little lightheaded. "Drink more.", Joon encouraged. He cupped the water in his hands and brought it to her lips. In that moment Joon seemed even more lovely than usual. His caring nature was showing through his cool exterior. She hesitated only a half second before she kissed him. She kissed him with such passion he lost balance. they fell into the sallow water.

His mind zoomed in on the sensation of her lips, it was divine. Joon embraced Gold deeper. their heads lingered above the water as they embraced. He sat up straighter and leaned in more. Joon's arms wrapped around her waste, as she straddled over top of his lap. Her hands ran through his hair only intensify the moment. As she pressed hard against him, chest to chest, she felt their energies multiply.

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It was originally intended to be an extended hibernation for Joon, in that carver. That was before Gold interrupted his slumber. He was slightly grateful she did, because it had been a while since Joon's had chose to travel. Even longer since he had traveled with anyone.