Having told him that she would hold him to his word, she was not disappointed by the stream of kisses teasing her skin throughout the night; they were agreeable ushers into Dream. Though even in the arms of one loved, though perhaps not yet a lover, sweet sleep was disturbed. Yet, she was coaxed back into the domain of the Sand Man each time by a familiar voice whispering an endearment and reassurances in her ear. So reassuring were these words, his very presence, that when dawn?s light stirred her from nighttime?s usual pursuit she could only remember the lingering presence of sleep and dream fully enjoyed.

Stretching languidly, her eyes remained closed against the dim light filtering in while her little nose worked to pick up the scent of the sea. She gave a quiet, ?Mmm? as answer to his question, the faint salty breeze unmistakable even in her sleep-befuddled mind. She was a daughter of the sea, after all, and her room at home was positioned so she could awaken to the sea breeze every morning when the weather permitted. Also unmistakable was Stephen?s return to bed as she watched him through her lashes. With a smile, she scooted over and wrapped an arm about him when he joined her again. She tilted her chin up to place a series of kisses along his jaw line before settling her head on his chest, blue hair spilling out over him. She could easily pass the day away in this manner. She felt at peace once more.